In late September the Coast Guard issued a press release noting the fact that the number of Cuban migrant interdictions had dropped in comparison to the previous fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The statement said that from Oct. 1, 2007 to late September this year the Coast Guard had interdicted 2,140 Cuban migrants or about 25 percent less than the previous fiscal year. Left unsaid was that far more Cuban migrants reached U.S. soil during the fiscal year than were interdicted. Figures recently released by the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection show the disparity in the number of Cuban migrants intercepted at sea and those who make it to land or arrive by land.
According to those figures, at least 7,640 Cuban migrants arrived in the United States between Oct. 1, 2007 and early September this year. The majority of Cuban migrants who arrived, 5,784, came through the Mexican border. The balance, 1,856, landed on South Florida beaches.
The figures suggest that Cuban migrants have switched to the Mexican route as the preferred way to reach the United States given more effective interdiction methods in the Florida Straits. The photo shows a group of Cuban migrants in the custody of Mexican soldiers in Cancun last June. Cuban migrants arrive in the Cancun area by boat from their homeland and then travel to the U.S. border by bus or plane.
Under the U.S. wet-foot/dry-foot policy, Cuban migrants interdicted at sea are generally repatriated while those who reach U.S. soil are allowed to stay.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 11, 2008) -The U.S. Men's National Team clinched a berth in the final round of qualifying after a 6-1 victory over Cuba at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. DaMarcus Beasley scored two goals, and Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu added tallies as the U.S. took full advantage of playing at home. With the win, the U.S. has increased their record of seven qualifying wins, and fourth consecutive in the semifinal round.
MORE: Click here to get all the latest news, audio, video and much more surrounding today's game.

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TO: ALL RYLE LADY RAIDER PARENTS AND PLAYERS

I wanted to send an update on some of the upcoming events:

* Homecoming Parade - The parade is scheduled for October 17th. We are in need of trailers to transport the teams along the parade route. If you have a trailer that we can borrow, please let me or Anita Call know ASAP. We'd like to secure one trailer per team, if possible. The trailer(s) will be decorated a day or two prior to the parade. ALL girls from ALL teams should plan to participate. We ask that each player bring two bags of wrapped candy to throw to the crowd. Anita Call will be organizing the group... more information to follow.

* Banquet - The invitations for the team banquet will be distributed by the end of the week, if you've not already received one. Please help us celebrate the Lady Raiders 2008 Soccer Season at Receptions Banquet Center, 1379 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, KY on November 13 @ 6:00 PM. The banquet cost for parents, siblings, friends and guests is $15/person. There will be NO cost to the players or coaches. Please make all checks payable to RHS Girls Soccer. Payment should be given or sent to Pat Alleman, 1307 Fireside Court, Union, KY 41091 NO LATER THAN November 3, 2008.

* District Tournament - The Varsity team will play in the District Tournament beginning on Monday, October 13th. The girls' team is responsible to cover ALL girls' games scheduled to play. I have 5 slots left to fill... one opening for Wednesday, October 15 @ 7:30 and four openings for the Championship Game on Thursday, October 16 @ 5:30 PM. At this time, only two freshman parents have volunteered so any assistance from the Freshman parents would be very helpful. Any parent from any team can assist in the concession stand. Please consider getting involved and helping.

* District Tournament - Coach Echeverria sent out the ball girl assignments for the district tournament earlier today. Please make sure you/your player(s) look at the schedule for the assigned games. As noted in Coach's email, players are required to be present on assigned dates and time. If the player cannot be at the field as assigned, it is the responsibility of the player and parent to make substitution arrangements.

* JV Tournament - The JV tournament is scheduled for the weekend of October 9-11. The Ryle Lady Raiders will play their first game at Tower Park beginning at 5:30 PM. Please make plans to go out and support the team.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I appreciate everyone's assistance, flexibility and patience. GO RAIDERS!.

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I got my Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker off Ebay and Holy Cow what a deal! I simply love my Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker. Ebay houses the best deals and the best merchants you can find. Shipping was fast and the price was on time! Check out the pics, info and auctions I listed below.
Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker BLACK HANDY STEAMER AND RICE COOKER
Designed for easy steaming! External water-fill inlet is ideal for easily adding water anytime and handy water window lets you see water level at any time. Large-capacity steam basket and a 5-cup rice bowl give you flexibility and versatility to cook a wide selection of foods
Steaming meats and vegetables to perfection is usually easier said than done, unless, of course, you have a Black Decker rice cooker food steamer. Our Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer series does all of the jobs of a vegetable steamer and rice cooker combined, all in one food steamer!
This food steamer gives you a healthy and convenient way to prepare vegetables, rice, seafood, and more. Just 1) fill the reservoir with water, white wine, lemon juice, or broth 2) place herbs or spices into the Flavor Scenter screen 3) add food to the bowl and 4) set the timer. When the bell rings, your deliciously steamed food is ready. Add basil, dill, or your favorite herbs or spices to the built-in Flavor Scenter screen and enhance the flavor of fish, chicken, or vegetables.
With Black Decker products like a food steamer, rice cooker, or vegetable steamer, you can enjoy the tastes and aromas of your favorite foods with ease.
Highlights:
Healthy and Nutritious Meals in Minutes : Fast steam for cooking all your favorite foods to perfection from fish, chicken and eggs to vegetables and rice
Always on Time : Easy-to-set 75-minute countdown timer with auto shutoff signals when cooking is done
Refill Water Reservoir Anytime : External water-fill inlet is ideal for easily adding water while unit is running
Easy to Use : Easy-view water level indicator makes it a breeze to add additional water when needed
4 qt.

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I got my Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker off Ebay and Holy Cow what a deal! I simply love my Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker. Ebay houses the best deals and the best merchants you can find. Shipping was fast and the price was on time! Check out the pics, info and auctions I listed below.
Black Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer Food Rice Cooker BLACK HANDY STEAMER AND RICE COOKER
Designed for easy steaming! External water-fill inlet is ideal for easily adding water anytime and handy water window lets you see water level at any time. Large-capacity steam basket and a 5-cup rice bowl give you flexibility and versatility to cook a wide selection of foods
Steaming meats and vegetables to perfection is usually easier said than done, unless, of course, you have a Black Decker rice cooker food steamer. Our Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer series does all of the jobs of a vegetable steamer and rice cooker combined, all in one food steamer!
This food steamer gives you a healthy and convenient way to prepare vegetables, rice, seafood, and more. Just 1) fill the reservoir with water, white wine, lemon juice, or broth 2) place herbs or spices into the Flavor Scenter screen 3) add food to the bowl and 4) set the timer. When the bell rings, your deliciously steamed food is ready. Add basil, dill, or your favorite herbs or spices to the built-in Flavor Scenter screen and enhance the flavor of fish, chicken, or vegetables.
With Black Decker products like a food steamer, rice cooker, or vegetable steamer, you can enjoy the tastes and aromas of your favorite foods with ease.
Highlights:
Healthy and Nutritious Meals in Minutes : Fast steam for cooking all your favorite foods to perfection from fish, chicken and eggs to vegetables and rice
Always on Time : Easy-to-set 75-minute countdown timer with auto shutoff signals when cooking is done
Refill Water Reservoir Anytime : External water-fill inlet is ideal for easily adding water while unit is running
Easy to Use : Easy-view water level indicator makes it a breeze to add additional water when needed
4 qt.

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Hey Soccer Moms, Remember us? Before we had a name, we gave the 1992 Presidential election to Clinton-Gore. About seven million more women voted that year than men. Seven million. For that, they called 1992 the Year of the Woman.

By the '96 election, we got a name. Pollsters discovered that the women who would decide the election weren’t just women, but us “soccer moms” – middle class suburban women who spent a lot of time chauffeuring kids to soccer matches and music lessons and the like. At least, that’s the official definition. We were also well-educated and fed-up with the way the world was being run. There were lots of us looking for change in our lives and in the way our country was being run. We got out and unified and made a difference.

We can do it again! Here it is, 2008, and some Hockey Mom from Alaska is telling the country that she’s one of us because she’s a mom, too.

Not! For starters, we soccer moms are educated – and we’re not talking about six years at five universities to earn one communications/ journalism degree. (Okay, that was a bit snipey, I admit.) We’re organized. We helped deliver the ’92 and ’96 elections. In other words, when we’re not having nervous breakdowns related to our station in life, we’re a powerful political force.

That's right. This election will come down to the Soccer Moms. It’s not us against Hockey Moms, whom we respect for their ability to lace up those skates, among other things. It’s us against that self-described pitbull wearing lipstick. We care about education, healthcare and family issues, just like we always have. Sra. Pitbull says she does, too, but her record shows otherwise.

Top Ten Reasons Why This Mother On the Brink Doesn’t Like the Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (in no particular order – all seem to bother me!):

No. 10: She supports abstinence-only programs! (And we know how well those work….)

No. 9: She supported Pat Buchanan for president in 2000 (Really, Pat Buchanan???!!?? Think where our country would be now if he won! This Mother would be over the brink and into the drink!)

No. 8: She supports creationism.

No: 7: She slashed funding for teen moms.

No. 6: She opposes same-sex marriages. Read: she wants less government, but she wants government to decide who you can wake up next to for the rest of your life.

No. 5: She cut funding for the Alaska Special Olympics despite her proclaimed support for special needs parents.

No. 4: She thought it was a good idea to allow wolf hunting from helicopters.

No. 3: She is a lifetime member of the NRA. And I used to carry a gun.

No. 2: She tried to ban books from her local library. (Book banning? What is this, the Dark Ages?)

No. 1: She opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

OK, so this post isn’t funny, but it’s how I feel. This election does affect each and every one of us and our families. It scares me to think that some people want her one McCainian hearbeat away from the presidency. Argh!!.

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Resurgent Rapids focus on consistency
It will be a busy weekend for scoreboard watching as the MLS playoff hunt hits overdrive. No fewer than 13 teams are within immediate striking distance of either the top three slots in their division or the top eight places overall, and the Colorado Rapids are squarely in the hunt as they prepare for a key road match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.It will be a busy weekend for scoreboard watching as the MLS playoff hunt hits overdrive. No fewer than 13 teams are within immediate striking distance of either the top three slots in their division or the top eight places overall, and the Colorado Rapids are squarely in the hunt as they prepare for a key road match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.

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Last night I went to a Stake training meeting. Even though getting out the door to go to one more meeting is becoming a drudgery, once I'm there I'm glad I've gone and learn something worthwhile.

After the meeting was over I had this conversation with President Payne:

President Payne shaking my hand: "Make sure and tell Joey thank you for babysitting."
Me thinking: Why would Joey babysit for the Paynes?
Me: "Babysit? When did Joey babysit?"
President Payne: "You know, tonight so that you could come to our meeting."

Ah ha! I get it. When I'm home alone with the kids I'm parenting, mothering if you will. When Joey is home alone with the kids he is babysitting and there for deserves to be praised. I didn't hear him tell Jerry to go home and thank Jenn. Very interesting. It might work that way in some homes, but thankfully not in mine.

Joey is wonderful about keeping the kids. It doesn't matter if I go out with the girls several weekends in a row or if my calling takes me away from home more often than I'd like. Joey has NEVER complained about keeping the kids. I am so thankful for his support in anything I want to do. Hopefully I express that appreciation enough to him. I love the fact that he does it because he loves to be with the kids and not just because he knows I need a break. Often times he has plans to hang out with a friend and before I know it he loads all the kids up to go with him. What a blessing it is to see my husband (who never wanted to have kids) enjoy our family.

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My Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens is of the best quality and I got it at Ebay prices! Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens is simply the best of its kind. You wont regret getting one yourself. Below I listed some pics, product info and Ebay listings for you to check out, Amazon too. Ebay and Amazon has the best prices and sellers you can find!
Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens The Mountain Hardwear Womens Convertible Pack Pant features zip-off legs, tons of pockets, and a quick-drying micro chamois lining. The Mountain Hardwear Womens Convertible Pack Pants zip-off legs leave a six inch inseam short for river crossings and hot afternoons. Made of durable Hardwear Cloth, the Pack Pants offer UPF 50 sun protection. The micro chamois-lined seamless conical waist prevents waist belt abrasion and quickly dries keeping you cool and comfortable. The Convertible Pack pant has plenty of pocket space, including two front cargos, a rear zip pocket, and a front zip security pocket. Additional features include a side ankle zip, mesh draining panels in the pockets, and a pocket knife snap hook. Mountain Hardwear reinforced the knees and seat to prolong the life of The Pack Pant.

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On Friday the grade 3 students  celebrated their writing success! Over the past few weeks, our children have been working on personal narrative stories, and Fridaywas a culmination of that process.  During the personal narrative unit students learned ways to generate seed ideas; learned ways to organize and plan their writing; practiced using colorful language; learned how to begin the story with a catchy lead and endings; learned how to edit work for spelling and punctuation errors; and learned how to write about important details.
During the celebration, the children had their published story on their desks and next to it a compliment sheet for other readers to leave comments. Beforehand we discussed as a class ‘good compliments’ and compliments that showed ‘next steps’ for the writer. Each child was then expected to walk around to the other classes, read four to five stories in each class, and leave a comment for the writer.

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My Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens is of the best quality and I got it at Ebay prices! Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens is simply the best of its kind. You wont regret getting one yourself. Below I listed some pics, product info and Ebay listings for you to check out, Amazon too. Ebay and Amazon has the best prices and sellers you can find!
Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pack Pant Womens The Mountain Hardwear Womens Convertible Pack Pant features zip-off legs, tons of pockets, and a quick-drying micro chamois lining. The Mountain Hardwear Womens Convertible Pack Pants zip-off legs leave a six inch inseam short for river crossings and hot afternoons. Made of durable Hardwear Cloth, the Pack Pants offer UPF 50 sun protection. The micro chamois-lined seamless conical waist prevents waist belt abrasion and quickly dries keeping you cool and comfortable. The Convertible Pack pant has plenty of pocket space, including two front cargos, a rear zip pocket, and a front zip security pocket. Additional features include a side ankle zip, mesh draining panels in the pockets, and a pocket knife snap hook. Mountain Hardwear reinforced the knees and seat to prolong the life of The Pack Pant.

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By Cecily Harwitt, USLEAP
Like in many other major cities of the developing world, informal activity accounts for a big part of the economy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Whether that means shining shoes on a street corner or living in a house built on occupied land, residents of these cities have chosen to live slightly outside the law rather than comply with cumbersome regulations that would make it nearly impossible for them to do the same thing legally. In Buenos Aires specifically, the subway makes for a fascinating case study of this phenomenon, since on any given ride passengers can expect to see a number of vendors peddling goods from stickers to bootleg DVDs to ankle and wrist braces. This forced collision brings together the public, many of whom live and work entirely within the “formal” sector, the informal workers, and the privately-owned space of the subway system. This summer, I studied and interviewed these itinerant subway vendors in an effort to understand why they came to do this kind of work. While I heard a range of personal histories from the 18 vendors I interviewed, one thing common to each story was the terrible labor conditions that sent them running from the formal world.

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Resurgent Rapids focus on consistency
It will be a busy weekend for scoreboard watching as the MLS playoff hunt hits overdrive. No fewer than 13 teams are within immediate striking distance of either the top three slots in their division or the top eight places overall, and the Colorado Rapids are squarely in the hunt as they prepare for a key road match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.It will be a busy weekend for scoreboard watching as the MLS playoff hunt hits overdrive. No fewer than 13 teams are within immediate striking distance of either the top three slots in their division or the top eight places overall, and the Colorado Rapids are squarely in the hunt as they prepare for a key road match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.

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http://ftslive.rbm.tv. Bless those folks; I'd never have thought I'd enjoy amateur camera-work so much. Chantico's Army, the recently (and finally) christened Aztex supporter's group, will be gathering as usual at Mother Egan's. I will unfortunately not be able to make it tonight, but the hookup from laptop to TV works amazingly well, and the atmosphere with all the fans is great. Highly recommended, and they're always happy to see new faces, so don't be shy.

Best of luck, guys, against our southern Texan rivals tonight in Orlando!

UPDATE, 7/26 3:30 PM Much to the dismay of Aztex fans the world over (and with the Stoke City partnership that isn't just a figure of speech), the video has been canned. Apparently there was some kind of pissing match between the Fasttrack Scouting people and the USL people over whether the video page had to stay branded with the Central Florida Kraze banner. I can see both sides, I guess, but what really sucks is that it ended up with no video, and everyone's a loser.

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I was out of town Sunday morning when the US kicked off their all important Olympic match against Holland. Why do I say 'all important'? Going into the match the US was the only team in the group with three points. Nigeria and Holland had one point based on their draw while Japan had none. Furthermore, this is The Netherlands....the best of the best when it comes to youth national teams. As I clicked on the DVR sunday afternoon I was thinking, "if the US can get a point in this game, they have a chance of qualifying for the next round."

If they can get a point, did you hear me? They almost waltzed out of there with all three points! After the first half I thought to myself, "ok, not too bad. Down one goal. They can tie it up." Freddy Adu was looking more dangerous then he did in the opening match. The Dutch weren't dominating and in fact the US held some decent possession. Meanwhile, the field conditions weren't helping anyone.

As I fast forwarded to the second half I was hoping to see some magic, and I did. In case you missed it, Sacha Kljestan scored one of the nicest goals I've seen from a young Yank. If you catch the highlights, watch where the play starts for Kljestan. Somewhere near midfield if my mind serves. He combines well with Stuart Holden and then again with Freddy Adu when all of a sudden he gets a perfect return pass from Adu and is through to the 18 yard box beating two Dutch defenders. Just when you think the orange shirts will strip the ball from him, Sacha makes a great move and puts a beautiful shot past the helpless Dutch keeper, Kenneth Vermeer.

"Wow!" I'm thinking. That was something not often seen from the Red, White Blue...that was more on par with the Dutch themselves. At this point it is the 65th minute and I'm on the edge of my couch despite being tired from a weekend camping trip.

The second half saw an improvement from the young Americans and it seemed the Dutch, one of the pre-tournament favorites based on their two recent European U-21 championships, were losing ground and didn't know what to do with the Americans. Within eight minutes I was off the couch as Jozy Altidore put home a Michael Orozco cross for the go ahead goal. Never in my wildest dreams did I think the US would be beating the Dutch 2-1. As the second half dragged on the US kept putting on pressure, forcing the Dutch keeper into some fine saves. By the end of the match the US had put eight shots on goal compared to Holland's four. The US outclassed The Netherlands!

The win wasn't to be as an ugly foul and free kick let the Dutch back into the match, in the 92nd minute....what a truly heart wrenching moment, seeing the ball skip past Brad Guzan on a free kick that went under the wall. The Dutch got lucky and came back to tie it. Had they lost, they would have been embarased beyond belief and facing almost certain elimination from the Olympics as the Americans moved into the Quarterfinals. However, games end when the whistle goes and aren't won on paper. Take pride American soccer fans. The U-23 team fought hard and well in this game, up against one of the top countries in the footballing world. This also shows what the senior national team will grow to expect once these youngsters mature to the full team...and I can't wait.

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Time: 6.15pm
Venue: My Room

Dear diary..

Why is it that God is so unfair to me?! Why is it that I am born like this?! Why can't I just be like my other friends?! Why can't I look or behave like the rest? Why? Why? I am such a useless person. A hopeless human being. Everywhere I go, people would stare at me. Do you think I like them gazing at me? I hate it when their eyes zoom into me. Some of them even chortled at me.

I feel so wretched. I am a failure to my family. I am a burden to my friends who have to take care of me every time. Why am I born to make them suffer like this? My life is like a heavy load which is tiresome to carry. I am a burden. A huge burden! An enormous burden! A sickening burden!

Every time when I lick a small portion of an ice-cream, I can't feel the sweetness. I feel nothing. Everything is tasteless to me. Two hours ago, I bought an ice-cream from 7 eleven. It looked appetizing. A chocolate ice-cream with almond toppings. I wanted to taste it. I yearned for a bite.

But I was disappointed again. I couldn't taste anything. Not even the cone of the ice-cream. Nothing! My taste buds have failed me. Not once, twice but many times. I envy the other kids. They smile whenever they are enjoying their ice-creams. But me? Everything is the same. Vegetables, rice, chocolates, peanuts, bread, beans, fish, chicken and ice-cream. All plain and bland.

I asked my mum when I reached home. Why am I different from everyone else? Why can't I taste anything? Or maybe why does everything taste the same? Mum said I was special. She said I would be OK soon. She said whatever happens, I am still a gift from God.

She lied to me! She always do! I had this 'thing' since I was 14 years old. I am 17 now. My taste buds have malfunctioned for the past 3 years. I am terrified. What is happening to me? Or why is this happening to me? Why does God choose me? Why not him or her? Or anyone else?! Those questions were bombarding my brain. I am depressed.

I am sorry I made some of your pages wet now, diary. I just couldn't hold back my tears. I am very jealous. Jealous with everyone around me. I can't hold a pen longer than 3 minutes. I am so weak. I am a weakling. Me and only me. And I get tired easily.

Pardon me if I smudge some of the ink on u. This pen I am using was given to me by Adam. He is my classmate. He gave it to me during birthday. I have to rest every 3 minutes of using it. It is a Pilot pen. Adam is really nice. He is my best friend. He is always there to protect me from the bullies.

Oh, you were also bought by Adam as a gift during my birthday. You came with the Pilot pen. He wrapped you in a newspaper. You look great and brand new. I love your green skin. My favourite colour is green.

Our class is 07S06. My form teacher is Mrs Lim. She teaches me Maths. She's a really nice teacher. She always gave me extra time to complete my test papers. So kind of her.

And one more thing - I am studying in Tampines Junior College. It's an old school. I will bring you to my school one day OK, diary?

OK..I have some homework to do now..I will update you tomorrow aites. Sleep tight.

Time now: 6.35pm

[to be continued..

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Josh: Up here in Seattle, I'd love to see Portland get one of the teams -- although it's probably a bit of a long shot. It'd continue a long-lived and emotional rivalry between the two cities up here in the Pacific Northwest.

Portland calls itself Soccer Town U.S.A. and I'm sure the people there would embrace the team. The Timbers of the USL are a great draw. The city has only one other professional franchise, the Trailblazers of the NBA, and the league schedules are complete opposites. Not to mention no big colleges. So I'm confident the stands would be full and it would be a great fit.

Even if they need some public money, I believe they'd get it. Plus, MLS teams could go two-for-one on flights up here.

For the second team I'd say either St. Louis or Montreal. I could say Vancouver, but that's just getting greedy for the Northwest.

Another team in the Midwest seems a bit redundant, so I'll settle for Montreal. Some of the same arguments for Portland apply. It's a large market without a lot of competition from other professional sports teams. The NHL schedule is also opposite to MLS.

Plus, besides crazy hooligans, the other Canadian franchise is doing pretty well for itself.

Dave: As a USL club supporter, I'd like to see Vancouver and Portland get in next, because that would save my Carolina Railhawks a whole lot of money in travel costs. In fact, if USL clubs on the East Coast never have to travel further west than St. Paul and Austin, that has the potential to make USL even more competitive with MLS.

I'm wondering how much the success of USL clubs the CONCACAF Champions League will affect some cities' interest in moving up to MLS. Look at Montreal, for example. The Impact already have a 13,000-seat stadium that fills up regularly. They only have to outplay Vancouver and
Toronto a couple of times a year to get to the CONCACAF Champions League, and they look like a favorite to get through to the CCL knockout stage this year on current form. Would they trade that for a salary cap, a smaller roster and a visit from David Beckham once a year? Would that even make sense from an economic standpoint?

For U.S. cities, it probably would. Imagine for a moment, though, if a few millionaires with money to burn decided to buy into USL instead of MLS. After all, you could build a USL-1 club and a decent stadium from the ground up for far less than the $30M that MLS is asking for an
expansion fee, and you'd probably have enough left over to build a side quite capable of winning the U.S Open Cup and getting to the Champions League -- again, without the salary and roster constraints of MLS, where teams aren't deep enough to handle success.

You'd have to think that MLS has no choice but to increase its salary cap and roster size limit just to prevent something like that from happening.

ü75: If the MLS remains at it is set up now, I'll say that Portland and St. Louis deserve their shot. But I'll give myself some wiggle room in possibly adding a third to my argument.

First of all, I just want to posit that I think MLS will not become a top tier league unless it decides to regionalize. The US is a vast country, and too much of any potential profit goes to travel. That money could instead be used to lure CONCACAF's top players away from their national leagues, and to keep the American second-choice, those who currently go to, say, Denmark, within MLS. Without going too far down the road, I'll just say that the American big four --the leagues that can afford nationwide travel--started in that way. NBA in the Midwest, NFL the same as well as east coast, MLB was mostly an east coast enterprise, while NHL (in here for the sake of argument), had their Original Six all in close proximity to the Canadian-American border. When one considers that one matchup considered to be a regional rivalry--Chicago-Columbus--involves greater travel than the EPL's longest roadtrip--Portsmouth-Sunderland--you can see how the breadth of our country makes it hard for real rivalries to develop.

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I am hoping you were able to tune in to the Fire against LA last night on ESPN 2. If you did that means in Houston you have electricity back. As for those of you in our hurricane stricken city and around the country what did you think? Here are my thoughts:
What we needed to know heading into this gamw was that Chicago was a team with serious issues coming into last nights game.
There proud defense had been getting riddled with goals and they had lost 3 out of 4 and the question of even making the playoffs has come up.
In Houston they were emotionless a few weeks ago and last Sunday were embarrassed by FC Dallas to the point that they were booed. (Which by the way, we need more booing of home teams if you dont think your team is putting in the EFFORT).
The
IAN MC
IDE trade has turned into a new coaching challenge for DENIS HAMLETT that needs to be figured out quickly. More on that in a minute.
Back to HAMLETT he made some interesting moves last night that could reap benefits. The GALAXY may not be the team to judge these moves on just yetCUAUHTEMOC BLANCO is fatigued from the long season and was moved into a deeper role behind MC
IDElimit his running and hope to get plays out of him. They did, he had less influence in the game overall and you sometimes wondered if he was there yet in the end he produced a goal and a beautiful flick that unbalanced the LA defense and led to a CHRIS ROLFE goal. Two plays, two goals, economical running and HAMLETT looks like a genius. Overall Chicago defending better but one wondered if LANDON DONOVAN was even at TOYOTA PARK last night? GALAXY attack for the most part tame and you have to credit the FIRE yet the GALAXY have not been the best of road teams.
The goals CHICAGO scored clearly all came off poor defending from LA. The first CHICAGO goal ROLFE was allowed to move his away to the top of the box. A feeble ANTE JAZIC, hesitant defenders who clearly did not look confident or protective of this area of the field and Rolfe is allowed to shoot. 1-0 FIRE
The second FIRE goal gets created because of the poor communication between JOSH WICKS and LA defenders BLANCO sticks it in and empty net. Gifted goal 2-1
The third goal is a BLANCO backheel with a sucked in center back taken out of the play and ROLFE is found and scores his second 3-1
The overall night was exciting with a packed house at TOYOTA PARK and the place rocked. Tremendous atmosphere thanks to the arrival of BECKHAM, the playoffs looming and the FIRE fans lived up to it in a big way.
MC
IDE TRADE REMAINS AN ISSUE
Here is why..As a target player
IAN MC
IDE last night was wandering around aimlessly almost disconnected from his team. He got a little service from JUSTIN MAPP who remains in my humble opinion the key to McBrides (run of the play) future in Chicago. He has had only a handful of balls in front of him to attack since his arrival in Chicago. This is his lifeblood and you can sense his frustration
To beat the better MLS teams the FIRE are going to need to get something out of the legendary US striker. The Dynamo, Revolution and Crew will not present and gift opportunities to the Fire like they got last night if they encounter them upon getting into the playoffs .
DENIS HAMLETT has to pray that MAPP can find some of the best soccer of his career or MC
IDE and his impact will not include goal scoring.
This is a trade that is still being worked out but credit Hamlett for coming up with something different last night pushing BLANCO higher up the field. Mapp and Rolfe as wide players in midfield must bring it in the attack from wide areas in order to get the best out of McBride. In short the team needs more width in their attack. Playing both Mapp and Rolfe wide brings some questions with the balance of defending and attacking in midfield which teams have identified.
A simplified version of what I think are the FIRE issues.
Its all getting interesting. As for LA the win at home against DC was a nice moment of hope, maybe a tease. Cant see this team making the playoffs even with Donovan and Beckham.
Has McBride been effective in your eyes and is he getting the correct support.

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FINAL - USA 1 - 6 Italy. That's it from the Maracanãzinho. We'll be back later with a bigger wrap up. The U.S. put in a good effort today but eventually the quality of the Italians told. The U.S. goes searching for a win against Thailand on Oct. 4, so not much time to rest.

40 min - Another foul on the U.S. and Assis lines this one up. He side foots it past Richey who is caught going the wrong way.

39 min - Stewart with some more good running but he just can't get passed the tough Italian defense.

38 min - Stewart earns a corner but it deflects out of bounce of Jacobson. Just a minute to go now...

37 min - U.S. needs a goal from somewhre here, and soon...And just like that Bertoni extends the lead for the Italians. His left food drive goes into the top near post corner over Richey.

37 min - Grana puts it in from the spot kick. An unfortunate bounce for Richey there. He got a foot to it but it wasn't enough.

36 min - Chile is fouled and the U.S. with a freekick in a dangerous area. He just puts his shot wide of the goal though...There's the sixth foul on the U.S.

36 min - Jacobson backs down his man to earn the U.S. a corner.

35 min - Time out to somebody. 5:50 left on the clock.

35 min - That last goal really took a lot out of the U.S. Tozer is trying to rally his team.

34 min - Yellow card for Apple and that's five fouls for the U.S.

34 min - Hammes now with a yellow card.

33 min - Goal by Nora. He absolutely crushes a pass from a short corner by Bertoni. The ball takes an unfortunate deflection off of Wiesner and wrongfoots Richey.

32 min - Jacobsen to Stewart who sqaures the ball for Hammes. Blocked by Grana. And Italy goes up to the other end. Outrageous flick by Morgado to set up Assis but the U.S. gets back well.

31 min - 10 minutes to go and this game isn't over by any stretch...

30 min - A clever pick by Italy's Jubanski doesn't escape the Referee... And a deep ball from Naumoski finds Morris! Great save by Feller again. He's been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament so far...

30 min - Lovely combo from Chile and Myers but Myers can't get the shot away. Yellow cards to both Chile and Jacobson, not sure what for. Well, Jacobson's was for a foul...

28 min - Richey with another save as Italy work a nice wall pass down the right flank.

27 min - Hammes now with a shot and it's deflected away by the Italian fullback. Soon after Naumoski blazes over. The U.S. is getting some looks here in the 2nd half.

26 min - U.S. doing well here and they earn another kick in deep in Italy's half. Shocking entry pass though and Italy counters, Richey with a good save.

26 min - Good play by the U.S. and Stewart finds Wiesner in the area. Glorious chance for the U.S.! Feller with a huge save for Italy though.

24 min - U.S. pressing Italy higher this half...

23 min - Off the line by Apple! A well worked freekick freed up an opportunity but Apple was there to hit the ball away. Corner to the U.S.

23 min - Italy with good possession but the U.S. is hanging tough. The game is getting more phsyical too as both Jacobson and Stewart go in tough on challenges. Richey now mixes it up with Morgado and a free kick to Italy in a dangerous spot.

22 min - Chile with a good tackl to get back for defensive cover. Italy with a corner.

21 min - And we're underway for the second half! Italy flashes a shot wide from a set piece.

2nd Half is about to start here and both teams are out.

HALFTIME - Well the U.S. took the lead but Italy fought back through two well worked goals. U.S. with it all to do in the second half. The halftime soundtrack features an Usher remix and some songs by The Ting Tings.

17 min - Wonderful cross field ball from Foglia to Morgado but his shot goes wide.

16 min - Some good play from Jacobson and Stewart and Jacobson flashes a shot just wide of the Italy goal.

15 min - The U.S. with 3 fouls to Italy's one... and the italians are knocking he ball around nicely in their half at the moment.

14 min - Italy is increasing their pressure on the U.S. here, those two goals have really energized them. The U.S. needs to get something going.

13 min - Well our internet is going in and out here, but right now it's 2-1 Italy.

7 min - Yellow card to roenband for an overzealous tackle on Fabiano.

6 min - Foglia with some fancy dribbling and he cracks a shot. The ball goes through the hands of Richey but Apple is back to clear. Corner for Italy but it comes to nothing. Frantic stuff from the Maracanãzinho!

5 min - U.S. needs to keep things close here, the Italians are looking for a quick response.

4 min - Good combo from Italy between Morgado and Zanetti, but Richey is there. He releases it quickly to Myers who is on the break and he's cynically pushed from behind by Bertoni. No card? Nonetheless the U.S. with a good opportunity. Chile to take it and his shot bounces off the wall to Rosenband at the far post! He taps it in - 1-0 U.S.!

3 min - Italy with the possession here early on but they lose it out of play and the U.S. gets a chance to regroup.

2 min - Italy hit the post and ball bounces away. Clever attempt from Morgado as he goes five-hole on Richey, but the post was on its best behavior for the U.S.

2 min - Italy with the first chance of the game as Richey is forced into a save.

1 min - And we're underway! The U.S. going from left to right...

12:28 pm - The national anthems are done and the players are ready. It's a battle of the away jerseys! The Azzuri's historic white vs. the traditional anthracite of the U.S!

12:23 pm - Here come the flags! And the FIFA Anthem! Our players are walking out now!

12:17 pm - The lineups are being announced the sweepers are sweeping and mopping the floor. The players are lining up in the tunnel as the Blog writes this, and out comes coach Tozer...

12:12 pm - Are you watching or following the game out there? The blog could use a little support, it's feeling a bit nervous, you see. Anyhow, leave a comment ask us a question, we'd love to hear from you!

12:10 pm - A few minutes until game time now, and if the U.S. can manage a victory, everybody in the group would be tied. Meanwhile the crowd loves Parangole. He's walkng around on the field to cheers.

12:03 pm Portugal has just defeated Paraguay, 3-2, in a thrilling game here at the Maracanãzinho. The stadium is jumping and lets hope some of the energy carries over to our game...just about a half hour to go.

11:55 am - Here are the starters for the U.S. vs. Italy - 12-Jeff Richey (GK), 6-Andy Rosenband, 7-Ptah Myers, 13-Pat Morris (capt.), 14-Brett Wiesner.

Denison Cabral and Jamar Beasley are unavailable for the U.S., while Pat Morris is the only active player carrying a booking.


-Well, The Blog is online...for now. It's been a bit hectic in the stadium and the game on the field is equally dramatic - it's 2-2 right now between Portugal and Paraguay.

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Well, if you've seen Sydney's LONG hair, you will know how gorgeous it is!!!! and has grown really long lately.. But has also been alot of work for mom to do too. I don't mind putting it up, and braids, and all that fun girlie stuff, but the tangles have been alot to deal with lately. So we have been talking about when she would cut it that she would donate it to Locks of Love. She knows that her hair will go to kids, who don't have hair and it will make wigs for them. Well, lately will all the tangles, we talked about doing it sooner than later. This week I was going to be getting my hair done, along with my sis, Katelin too. So I asked her earlier in the week if she wanted her hair cut for locks of love and she said yes. Just to make sure, I asked her SEVERAL times the next few days and she insisted yes, and was soo excited. So Friday, we went to the hair appointment, and she took the big plunge. She had more than enough and plenty to spare for a cute haircut, I was worried about that too, we didn't want TOO short. She loved the special chair to get your hair washed, then got ready for the big cut. Shelli was great and explained it all to her. After the big cut and styling, Shelli started blow drying her hair, and Sydney got VERY serious and I was really nervous that she would freak out.. But she didn't she smiled soo big when she saw her new haircut!!!She got a super cute a-line bob cut, and she looks not only soo stinkin cute, but sooo grown up. I am soo proud of her and so happy for her choice to donate her hair also. What a big day.

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