Pleasure and Business

Later today: Preview for New England, and the First in the DC Dogma Examinations. But first, the news...

PARTY-TIME: Normally, MLS players have their birthdays celebrated on a few websites devoted to the team, or perhaps with a few messages on Big Soccer. Or, in some cases, the party arragnements are discussed in the Washington Post. In the Style pages. In the Gossip Column. Headlining the gossip column. Perhaps Roxanne Roberts feels guilty about her comments regarding soccer on last week's "Wait, Wait! Don't Tell Me!".

INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE INNER CITY: This is great:

"They teach you how to do new stuff like keep the ball up in the air with your knees and feet," the third-grader said. "I want to be a soccer player when I grow up and play for D.C. United."

Great article, which hopefully stays with these kids. I remember some of my sporting events as a child, so I hope this stays with these kids.