DC United takes an early season break at the Anschutz ranch. Coming off a disappointing stretch of games, this bit of R&R ought to help them clear their minds and renew their focus for the rest of the season.

Awaiting the traveling party, nestled in a leafy oasis of cottonwoods and aspens near the meandering South Platte River, was the 45,000-acre Eagles Nest Ranch, owned by the league's primary investor, billionaire Phil Anschutz.

Some interesting trends in a Harris Poll on sports American's follow. Here are the relevant numbers regarding soccer:

• The percentage of adults who say soccer is ther favorite sport is pretty much unchanged since 1985 at 3%
• The percentage of adults who follow soccer is at 15% for 2003 after hitting 18% in 2002 although the drop is not statistically significant.
• There was a dip in adults who follow soccer in the early 90s, hitting a low of 8% in 1992.

At DC United games in seasons past, I've filled out a number of similar surveys. Does anyone know if those results are available anywhere?

Eric Idle has put his thoughts on the FCC and Bush Administration into song form (mp3). Lisa Rein has transcribed the lyrics, go check em out and listen to the song.