Yesterday President Barack Obama repealed the Mexico City Policy - the infamous gag rule that pulled funding from health care providers who offered (or even just talked about) certain health care options for women.  Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.  Obama's Day Three ... was a mixed bag, reminding me that change is a process [.

Man oh man oh man - here's Glenn Beck making fun of Obama's Aunt - and a bunch of other people, too. This is why I've been staying away from the news in favor of b-ball and soccer. What a hateful, useless tool! Isn't this the dude who was recently weeping about how much he loves [...]

The stars are out. Kelly Smith scored a goal and set up several more chances, and Marta had two goals. And the clock is being turned back -- Tiffeny Milbrett scored a game-winner, with Brandi Chastain playing a role in the build-up.
Home teams listed first
Sky Blue 0, Los Angeles 2: Marta knocks in two goals before halftime.

The Men's bracket is up and some folks (you know who you are) have already made their picks.  The women's bracket will be finalized this evening.  Then we have a couple of days to get everything set before the games are off and running.  I'm using the NYTimes Brackets this year - we'll see how [..

EXT - DAY
The Soccer Gods are storyboarding Saturday's MLS games. They are, as usual, way behind and desperate for ideas.
"Okay, the defender gets stripped in the penalty area, and the Rapids go the other way and get the winning goal."
"Hey, I know. What if he gets stripped in the opponent's side of the field?

A few items to get caught up on today:

*Midfielder Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jr.; San Pedro) was today named to the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team that will compete in the 2009 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship that begins Tuesday in Tijuana.

The U.S. opens against Cuba Tuesday, plays Canada on April 23 and Honduras April 25.

Ok folks, I know Soccer is a gentlemen's game, but I really need you to follow my logic here.

Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor was charged with improper conduct after celebrating a goal during a defeat of his old club Arsenal last week. I know, I know, taunting and excessive celebration are a problem in sports, but I'm not understanding this at all.

Via Beau, USA Today asks, "What are your memories of the 1999 Women's World Cup?"
And I say:
It sucked.
It was too damned hot, China attacked more, Sun Wen was the best player on the field, and we had to go to penalties in order to win the tournament at home. We probably should have lost.