The Loons wise up! - So in all the trash releases of trash 2020 MLS kits, did you happen to spot the return of an old favorite? It’s a throwback to the NASL Loons kit, with the black wing on gray top. It’s spectacular and wonderful and it might even get me to buy an MLS kit, which I haven’t done in at least 3 years.
Speaking of Kits - Anyone see that USNT kit? The one “inspired by maps?” Ugliest kit I have seen in forever. Hate it. And I buy USA kits, not this one. On that note, which USNT kit stands out as your favorite. Bomb Pop kit was solid. The Centennial was always a favorite, though I’d never wear it because white kits attract my food way more effectively than my mouth. While a lot of people hated the last USMNT kit (the wifi bars), I liked it. The USWNT WC kit was solid last year. My wife bought me one and I promptly ruined it with grease. I’m telling you, white kits are the devil. But yeah, this new kit is trash, especially when you compare it to the new Nigeria kit. Oooooh, that’s fire.
eMLS - I’ve ranted about this before, but I just stumbled on a whole series of social media posts with “eMLS stars” wearing the new MLS kits. So, my opinion on the new kits is pretty obvious, but watching a bunch of video game players wearing them isn’t helping anything. In fact, the opposite is true. Do I care what kit Ninja is wearing? Seriously? The league’s dedication to the stupidest ideas saddens me.
UPSL Playoffs - The UPSL playoffs are about to wrap up and it’s exciting, if you’re paying attention. So much of what’s going on in the UPSL is under the radar because coverage is sparse. The size of the league is massive so coverage, for a group like Protagonist, is complicated and spotty to say the least. We try to get to what we can, but we often miss the stories that aren’t headlines. I’m really pulling for Maryland Bobcats (formerly World Class Premier) to win the title. Such a great club! Of course, me picking them is the kiss of death, better luck next year, kids!
Michael Douglass died - So I have zero appreciation or connection to Douglass so I’m not bothered either way, I only want to say that when someone like this dies, people always, literally ALWAYS, say “Gone too soon.” Say that about Douglass, I dare you. Dude died at 103. That’s a full life. Checked out on top.
Democratic Primary - If you aren’t Democrat, a post about the DEM primary isn’t worth reading so move on to the next point. Obviously, you have your candidate and good luck with that. On this side, however, there’s chaos in the race with 5 viable candidates and a ton of confusion about where this goes in the end. What I cannot stand is the people who say your vote is a waste of time, doesn’t count, is pointless. Screw those people, nah, go vote. Too important not to.
Upcoming Vacation - I’m headed to Europe tomorrow, and I’m pumped. 2 weeks of walking the streets of multiple cities 3 and 4 times older than our country. It’s wild. I’ll still be posting, trust me.
Cigar Smoke and Rush Limbaugh - I’m not beating up on Rush, regardless of our political differences. I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, it’s a terrible, evil disease, and no matter how terrible a person you are, you don’t deserve that. On the other hand, is no one going to point out that Rush, aside from his radio show, was known for smoking cigars all his life. Like, to the point that he was on the cover of cigar magazines and stuff, it was part of his identity. I know that smoking a cigar isn’t the same as a cigarette, but if you do it all your life? Do cigars come with a warning? Something to think about.
Reader Mail - Grant asks “It's still winter but late winter. The Groundhog announced an early spring and with that there is knowledge that the Great Plains Premier league is going to make an announcement soon. Where is it? All the newer leagues that are taking shape for the 2020 season have made their final announcements. Why hasn't the GPPL?” - Well Grant, that’s a great question. We’ve been in touch with a contact in the league and they basically gave us the same response that they gave everyone else. They’re working on it and they’ll get to it when they get to it. We agree, we’d love to know more about what this league looks like and how many clubs they’ve managed to stitch together to make traveling manageable. But contrary to public opinion, we’re at the mercy of the same people as everyone else. And so we wait… (if you want to send in a subject: oldpeopleoftheworldunite@gmail.com)
Music Recommendation - Mount Eerie - “Ravens” - If you don’t know about this guy and his heartbreak. Wow. I know it’s dark, but it’s also sort of beautiful. How do we deal with loss? What happens to those that are left here when we are gone? What does death mean? Serious stuff. Depressing stuff. Real Stuff.