Saturday, August 25, 2007

How to watch soccer I'm watching DC United at Toronto FC on Fox Soccer Channel. What an enjoyable experience. The sound feed from the announcers is off. I can just watch the match without the inane chatter and weird observations. When I first tuned in, I noticed the assistant referee mechanics were different than I've been taught. On balls to the goal line, we are required to sprint to the goal line to make the signal (goal kick or corner kick). I noticed one instance where the AR just stopped on a ball about 10 yards from the line and turned to go back into position. I'd have almost failed an assessment for doing that. I think these are Canadian referees, though, so they must have different instructions. Not a stellar match, though. Hardly what I'd call "major league." 8:46:04 PM    comment []

Strength through diversity Jim Pinto's latest e-newsletter includes a discussion of whether America is in decline and possible solutions. He includes this paragraph: But we CAN make a difference. America's strength comes from its eclectic population. Its citizens from many different countries recognize problems and develop solutions that strengthen the country as a whole. In this third American century, our country will thrive through its dynamic diversity. This is the vision of the Web and blogging pioneers such as Dave Winer--that the Web can foster diversity and conversations. It allows everyone to contribute to the conversations that foster new ideas and uncovers nefarious activities that sometimes go uncovered in other media. You can make a difference by contributing to the national conversation. 7:51:47 PM    comment []