It's a question that's often refreshed every year: what's the next positive step for American soccer? more ›

Of the numerous romantic notions surrounding the writing life, perhaps none dies harder than that of the solitary, ink-stained wretch plugging away at his or her latest work in some dilapidated garret, alone and unnoticed and oblivious to what's going on around him or her. Writing may be a solitary act, but as any intellectually honest writer can tell you, writers need communities: first, because the realities of today's writing life necessitate that one be... more ›

This week ended with the launch of the seventh and final Harry Potter installation. But while the world was consumed with Pottermania, it's important to remember that there were more serious things going on in the world, too – two of them in -Ist cities. Sampaist was shocked when a passenger jet crashed into the center of Sao Paulo, killing at least 200 people. The airplane, an Airbus A320, skidded off the runway at the... more ›

>>The story of Bobby Boswell's ill-fated Nickelodeon GUTS appearance is well documented, thanks to some tremendous coverage from Dan Steinberg at The Sports Bog. It wasn't until yesterday, however, that we received indisputable video evidence of the incident. BobbyBoswell.com has the goods. The key quote from the clip: "I'll be honest with you. I scored a goal against Chelsea, was an MLS All Star. I was the defender of the year and just recently named... more ›

After the final whistle of Saturday's game against the Colorado Rapids, DC United walked off the field frustrated. Settling for a 1-1 tie, United failed to get a win for the fourth game in a row in league play. Amidst unequivocally their worst stretch of the season, the Black-and-Red have seemed punchless, lethargic, and disjointed. In these dark days, pessimism tends to take root. Looking ahead to Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against Red... more ›

We've discussed neighborhood naming on this site in the past; hokey sounding appelations are fine if they have some historical roots, it seems, but blatant attempts to ape famous hoods in other towns are to be scorned. Mercilessly. more ›

In November 2004, Marshall Thompson was struck with an idea while watching a Chelsea soccer match on TV in his hotel room on a business trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His vision was to open a British clothing store in the District, stocking all the brands that he knew from his own shopping experience looking for English clothing labels were nearly impossible to find anywhere in the U.S. between New York and L.A. "It hit me across the head," he recalls. "I thought it would be perfect for D.C. There was no store like it." Upon his return stateside, Thompson immediately contacted several sales reps and found a warm reception for his concept to market their products in D.C. Eight months and a few credit cards later, Thompson took a leap of faith and became his own boss, opening The District Line in June of 2005. more ›

A funny thing happened during our lunch break. After perusing the Post and reading about how Freddy Adu is gearing up for the upcoming D.C. United season (and how his play with the club team will affect his status on the US National Team, which is preparing for this summer's World Cup), we headed over to Deadspin where they linked to an article in The Times Online reporting that "agreements are imminent with the player... more ›

Going into last night’s match against Chelsea FC, there were few, outside of the diehards, who thought much of DC United’s chances. Chelsea had, after all, blown through the Premiership the year before, allowing only 15 goals and winning all but one match, proving themselves to be the class of their league. DC came in with the equivalent MLS bragging rights, but as they were mired in the middle of the standings and without last... more ›

D.C. United fans celebrated a come-from-behind win this week and have been rewarded with a high profile exhibition game as a midsummer treat. Chelsea FC, who posted a 29-1-8 record this past season as they soared to win the Premiereship, will be coming to these shores to take on the United here in the DC area, as well as playing a pair of dates with Champions’ League runners-up AC Milan. AC Milan is similarly scheduled... more ›

It's been a busy day for crime and justice news. A quick roundup ... The Post notes that a charter bus was stolen from South Capitol Street, but was found later in Prince George's County. Also three Colorado teenagers have been arrested on drug, weapons and illegal possession of fireworks charges when they drove their recreational vehicle into a restricted traffic zone near the White House. When security officials stopped the vehicle at 17th and... more ›