Heading into 2008, Bolivia is fundamentally polarized such that no resolution seems possible. Granted, it has been like this for almost four years now, but with both sides unwillingly to concede or even talk, you have to wonder how much longer lines on a map will continue to hold it together. The LA times summarizes the situation saying Bolivia's Morales faces divided nation.

Many Bolivians openly despair of a meaningful national dialogue, something everyone from the president to his bitterest enemies professes to support. Factions have dug into their positions, blunting the opportunity for compromise.

For any American soccer player, playing abroad is always a career goal.  I never though that the Bolivian professional circuit would be such a destination. I'd have to figure it ranks way, way down there in leagues to play in, not only is the level of play not as high, but the pay is low and sporadic - just ask the players from Bolivar. Still, a perplexing bit of news is La Paz FC's signing of Keli Zenoni(sic), a 23 year old from the Minnesota Thunder to reinforce their squad ahead of the Copa Libertadores.. The Thunder's 2007 Roster lists no such player, but there is a profile of a Kyle Zenoni and more info about him in Wikipedia.  He's travelled a bit, having played in Sweden and Ireland previously.

Another reason the aforementioned facebook ad resonated with me (usually I can tune them out) is that we're expecting! I apologize if this is a surprise to you, it just means I haven't seen you in person to share the news.