From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fox, Ashley; Fitzpatrick, Frank
Subject: World Cup final
For the last few weeks, I did a World Cup edition of Talkin' with Fagan and some other notables. I'm sure you two futbol fanatics were distraught.
Today is your chance to get in on the action. The final game of the monthlong international soccer tournament is Sunday. Who ya got: the Netherlands or Spain?
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John
Subject: World Cup final
Having spent considerable time with the orange-clad Dutch hordes at various Olympics, I fear for the future of Europe should the Netherlands lose. Those people go crazy over speedskating medals. Imagine if they win the world's most prestigious event? Man the dikes. And should they win, there won't be enough Heineken in the world for that nation's celebration.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fox, Ashley; Fitzpatrick, Frank
Subject: World Cup final
Will they play that "Chelsea Dagger"/Amstel Light song if the Dutch win?
I picked Spain to win before the WC started and I'm sticking with it. Which means Holland can plan the parade. I never get these things right.
From: Fox, Ashley
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John
Subject: World Cup final
I know you don't read the paper, but if you did, you would have seen that I, too, have been "Talkin' " about the World Cup. And before the quarterfinals I predicted an all-Europe final. OK, Jensen predicted it, but I typed the words. He wouldn't pick a winner, though, so neither did I.
With you taking Spain, I'll take the Netherlands. Loser buys.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fox, Ashley; Fitzpatrick, Frank
Subject: World Cup final
Oh yeah, that's right. In fact, I think you and I did a Talkin' on soccer together at one point. These things are hard to remember, Ashley. I have only so much brain RAM to work with.
Deal on the bet, but what does the loser buy? Beer? Dinner? A one-way ticket out of Talkin' Town?
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John
Subject: World Cup final
Winner doesn't get his/her salary cut.
From: Fox, Ashley
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John
Subject: World Cup final
Frank is the contrarian curmudgeon. I love that.
And loser buys beer. What, you think I want to have a meal with you?
