I opened up MSNBC this morning and saw the news that Obama has picked Biden. Probably a smart move ... experience and gravitas and whiteness and all. I was kinda hoping for something more interesting - but would rather win. So Biden seems good. Biden I can live with. (But wouldn't [...]SHARETHIS.

On the USWNT front, Lindsey Dolich has posted a nice preview on ESPNsoccernet about this post-Abby team. Abby's injury "forces the issue" as far as the USWNT's transformation goes. And I have my suspicions that the "liberating" aspects of the change may be quite strong for this team that has played laborious and [.

I didn't stay up late enough to actually see Michael Phelps and his relay teammates get the gold - but what a stunner as Jason Lezak anchored an amazing race! (I was aiming to watch past 9PM, but when Bob Costas started interviewing a smirking GW Bush I had to call it a night.) [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Inspirational Finish .

First (from The Writer's Almanac), a wonderful poem by Marge Piercy to start your day with something introspective - before diving into the usual sports-centric deluge! This poem runs along the thought-path I was pursuing last night just before sleep. Guess it may be time to get reacquainted with myself .

The news wires are now full of player profiles, match reports, you name it, as the US women's soccer team gears up for its gold medal match versus Brazil on Thursday morning. This team is living up to the Nike Women's World Cup hype of several months ago ... the greatest team you've never [...]SHARETHIS.

Michael Phelps broke Mark Spitz' gold medal record last night -an amazing feat, indeed. I don't know about you, but I find such milestones diminished by the hype ... the marketing ... the hoopla ... the commentary. The events and the raw footage about the events is enough. The look on Michael [..

... but first, congratulations to Usain Bolt on his phenomenal victory in the 200! He is just amazing to watch ... how beautifully effortless and strong. Can't wait to see it tonight! On the USWNT front, we've got Lindsey Dolich with her pre-game report and Jeff Carlisle on the USWNT mindset heading into the [.

The USWNT kicks off against Japan tomorrow morning at 5AM ET and will (hopefully) field a team with its heads screwed on more securely than on Wednesday! I like to think that Wednesday's game was a collective test, to see whether "Boom Ball" really doesn't work. Lesson learned, guys? Gayle Bryan has written about [.

Lindsey Dolich (of ESPNsoccernet) has posted her analysis of the USWNT 18-woman Olympic Roster. I love the "battle cry" that she cites, as Pia continues her transformation of this team. Embrace change. Be brave. A profile of Pia went up on the NBC Olympic Site yesterday and I was interested to note that she debuted for [.

It sounds like Lindsey Dolich likes the USWNT's chances - but is NOT taking Canada lightly (nor are we). There were major doubts that Swede Pia Sundhage would pull the strings for a team left reeling after the loss of superlative striker Abby Wambach. But, somehow, Sundhage delicately guided a vulnerable U.