this post was meant to be the first post of 2009, but it has been started many times and has taken a number of twists and turns. i’ve written some of it while angry, some of it while frustrated, some of it while hopeful, some of it while happy, some of it in one of my many other moods. i’m going to attempt to make all the pieces flow but it might seem a bit disjointed and it’s definitely as polished or coherent as i’d like it to be. i’m tired of working on it though, so here it is. ariel wrote

From an outside perspective, running could easily be defined as putting one foot in front of the other forcing forward motion. However, for individuals who dedicate hours, weeks and months to improve in a sport for literally zero recognition, running is simply something more. For these runners, it’s about overcoming adversity and obstacles, setting goals and accomplishing them. And finally, it’s about love and passion. Running is a way of life that teaches individuals discipline, focus and acc

The x-ray reveals no broken jaw Jake was beaten up at school today. Over four and a half years, he’s been able to talk his way out of pretty much every scrape going - but this time, the whole thing was premeditated in a ‘Let’s get him!’ kind of way. He and his friends Omer and Mohammed were having a bit of a snowball fight on the school field at lunchtime, when he was approached by a group of kids, shouting abuse at him. Around fifteen or so 14 and 15 year olds set upon him. Half a dozen of

Briefly You know, I’ve been sitting here in my home, sometimes by choice, others by force of nature in the form of unending snow, and it’s really been challenging to come up with things to discuss. Janie and I don’t even talk anymore unless it’s about that former teen idol show we just watched or what that stink is or hey, here’s an idea Janie, how’s about you get off me, already? It’s been pretty clear that I’ve not had much to say about anything if you’re basing it solely on the recent c

Camp opened today at Home Depot Center with 22 of the 25 players on the roster taking part in a two-hour training session designed to work off those holiday meals. Striker Brian Ching was scheduled to arrive later today, while defender Clarence Goodson has not sufficiently recovered from ankle surgery to participate. Defender Cory Gibbs is also out with an injury and Coach Bob Bradley said he is looking to bring in reinforcements in central defense. A busy year looms - U.S. Soccer officials e