Sense of Humor Can Be a Powerful Tool
Last weekend I was in Seattle visiting family. The kids went to
Managing the Pressure Cooker of the World Cup
Every minute wasted, every missed tackle means a lost opportunity in the World Cup – a chance to make a difference for your national team and to make a difference in your homeland's national pride. Germany 2006 has reached the stage where the steam is now seeping out of the pressure cooker. A single decision or play could make the difference in whether a team advances to the knockout portion on Germany's world stage.
A Plea for Offense – U.S. Open a Defensive Bore
Imagine how boring the Super Bowl would be if it ended 3–0. No touchdowns, no great catches and no spectacular runs from scrimmage. Just one measly field goal. Not my cup of tea. That's what happened last week at the U.S. Open.
Red, White & Blue Not Seeing Stars
After a dreadful and uninspired performance in its 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic last week, the U.S. national team was counted out, left for dead. The Americans were still searching for their first World Cup victory on European soil. Moreover, the U.S. was up against Italy – and its 0-8 all-time record versus the Azzurri. But after a 90-minute battle and two red cards, the Red, White and Blue were not seeing 'stars' as everyone had projected. Rather, in a defining moment for soccer in this country, the Yanks avoided the potential knockout punch from world-power Italy. Not only did Team USA keep the stars from spinning in front of its eyes with the 1-1 final, but the Americans kept their hopes alive of advancing to the next round of the tournament.
NBA Sets Good Example Despite Bad Timing
The NBA issued a stern statement last week when it suspended the Dallas Mavericks' Jerry Stackhouse for Game 5 of the NBA Finals after he delivered a hard flagrant foul to Miami's Shaquille O'Neal in Game 4.
