by Ethan Johnson
February 12, 2008

This was a made-for-TV special about the USWNT, and may not be widely available for viewing. If it is airing locally, by all means, watch it. If you have children, watch it with them. The special covers the history of the USWNT from the first Womens World Cup in 1991, to the 2004 Olympics. The Hope Solo/2007 WWC controversy is not covered.

In short, this is an incredibly inspirational program. The USWNT overcame incredible hardships and setbacks (relatively speaking, in the sporting world) to rise to becoming the greatest team nobody has ever heard of. As I have reasoned in a much earlier article, narrative is an essential ingredient for compelling sporting events, and this program provides it in spades.

Here is what I learned from this show. If you don't think you'll ever get to see the program, read through the highlights:

by Ethan Johnson
October 18, 2007

Like the title of this article says, the following is an unsolicited testimonial for the Big Ten Network. I was not paid for this, I was not commissioned in any way to write this, and I have zero affiliation with the Big Ten Network other than to disclose that my parents are Michigan State alums, although that doesn't exactly affiliate them with the network either. Are we properly disclaimed and disclosed? Good.

by Ethan Johnson
July 26, 2007

Quick notes from Big D:

by Ethan Johnson
April 15, 2007

Unlike my coverage of Copa Mundial 2006, I will post occasional updates regarding Major League Soccer (MLS). Ironically, I was re-reading those heady World Cup articles and recaps from yesteryear and they really re-lit the fire for me to check out soccer (football, futbol) once more. I watched Mexican League soccer on Univision, and was surprised that San Luis (whoever they are) spent the first half of the game acting like they couldn't pat their ass with both hands, only to score the one and only goal early in the second half. That's why they play the games.

by Ethan Johnson
April 2, 2007

Our tried and true Sony Trinitron™ TV was giving out, so we finally took the plunge last month and upgraded to HDTV. In short, there's no living with me anymore. What DLP did for cinema, HD is doing for TV. It's just not even fair. And like the old saying about a mind that has been expanded to accept a new idea doesn't snap back, so too is the case for eyes that have (permanently) adjusted to HD.

by Ethan Johnson
March 2, 2007

We're inching closer to the day when we buy our first High Definition television (HDTV). The process thus far has been maddening, as there is great disagreement in various circles as to which set represents the best value for the money. I had a random thought this morning: What if we could choose our bodies "off the rack" the way people argue about HDTV?

SFX: Harp music

by Ethan Johnson
February 12, 2007

If anyone has the cure for insomnia, I could use it pronto. Here are some random thoughts as I toss and turn waiting for the darkness:

by Ethan Johnson
January 29, 2007

I watch waaaaay too much TV. I have been trying to cut back, but boy howdy, there's some really compelling stuff on these days, and even with the magic of Tivo&0153; it's hard to keep up. Rather than prattle on about the shows I watch regularly, here are some off-the-wall shows I've seen recently: