jamie_trecker

There seems to be quite a few people who can't articulate what they want to say in many contexts, but it seems sports and politics are the two key topics in which people can get so wound up they can't write properly or spell out their points.

My friend's theory is that sports give men especially an outlet for something else to talk about that is less personal (although not always) than politics which can be vicious and vitriolic. It's a common ground on which most can relate and do so with things like soccer on a worldwide basis. Soccer was my wingman in Europe, not only because I met up with friends I had met through the sport on a forum I'm an admin at, but because I met so many interesting people on my travels who were fans of the game. It's an instant conversation starter.

However, with anything...not everyone is diplomatic, fair, or even smart in their demeanor, logic and opinions.

If this is in terms of US soccer fans (which I presume it is) from what I have experienced as a fan who has traveled around the country following the team as well as actively following it in the media, the knowledge of the game isn't as widespread here as it is everywhere else. It's still a very cult phenomena. You will have people who follow the team like diehards, and then there are people who will never have heard of Tim Howard.

You have most Americans not even rooting for our own national team. My friend Pete was almost crying with anger when we were at the Ingerlund/USA game in Chicago because of all the American "English" fans. You also have the noveau EPL types ( a new breed here) that really lack the knowledge of their club and talk about things that they have no clue about.

As a sportswriter or really any public commentator you'll get plenty of these goof balls sending that crap, but I wouldn't bother with it.

Just remember you do a great service for the real people who care about the sport, and perhaps you'll get these goofs sending stupid emails to the point where they understand what you speak of, and can debate like an actual adult with you over the various topics of the world game.

As for the education system, being a former education major I must say its not a rosy picture in public schools, but many of the things that can be done to fix it come across political lines and the kids aren't always first...when they should be.

I shouldn't have a junior in a history class that has a 4th grade reading level. How many people failed him to get to that point?

Look at your writing sometimes as being a teacher, because at this stage that's what the sport needs in this country. Education is the key to unlocking most things.

On another note isn't Chi-Town going with an Olympic bid? You're screwed if you have bad public transport for that.

Oh, and for the Books. I can just send that money to the addy you gave me through paypal? That will work? If so I'll do it on Monday. I'll be gone this weekend.

Between you, me, Troy, and the wall, I think a certain team member needs to get over himself.


For realz, I find it ironic that the guy (U know who), a fervent supporter of unions (even sez so right in his Newsarama sig! ) is, in my opinion, a lousy team player.
He gets way too "me first" when it comes to the way he fights for his right to get into long-winded disputes on the message boards.

I feel bad for Troy because it's a recurring waste of his time playing den mother to this "same shit, different topic" from the same guy.

That is so very kind. I look forward to reading your book! Have a great weekend, puss / Sevvy

I'm quite sure I did the same thing myself when this books was first previewed!

I think we're just conditioned when we see "Titans" and see W-O-L-F-- to just move on to the next thing!

Happy New Year, bud!
Hope you and the Missus are doing well.
Let's work on meeting up sometime soon!

i have yet to see Lair of the Minotaur - i might have to join Joe that evening. all the guys in Yakuza are very cool - nicest dudes in Chicago metal.

i really enjoyed Snow Crash. i've been tempted by Cryptonomicon, but always backed away at the last minute.

I actually just went on a book shopping spree myself...Trainspotting, a book on Gene Tunney and....YOUR BOOK!

They finally got copies of it in at the Borders here.

I remember you saying something about autographed copies. If I wanted to get a few for friends how would I go about doing that? I can pay for whatever shipping and things of that nature.

There you go, big time. Congrats and I'm very eager to read it.

Not sure, when it's done. Spring time is my guess...

By the way, Arsenal won again yesterday!!!!

I just found out about what happened to youe wife, I am so happy that she is okay... If your book produces those kind of reactions it must not be half bad...I cannot wait to read it!!! Did Li told you that I listened to an interview you gave to an internet site, where you kept secret your love for Arsenal??? anyway, I am happy about your sucess, and I hope the responses are as good or better in the rest of the trip!! take care!

Are you not going to New York City??? Also, if for some reason, we are not able to meet here in the Island, then I will send you a copy so you can sing it, that would rock!!!! And I am glad you got such good reviews!!! Congratulations


PS to which sports authors they refer to when I write about brothels as being a "sportswriting cliche"? I will ask around to my friends, maybe they have come about one, but I doubt it...

PS I hope the book has plenty of soccer!!!!! if it doesn's have enough soccer...

I love you --you were totally the funeral MVP, man of the match,stupid cliche, etc....

Congrats, Mr "Number 3 on Amazon's best selling sports book list!"

My friend, I am frightfully sorry about your family's loss.
As always, you guys are in my heart, just a little extra this time around.
God bless.

I'm sorry.