Away Game Tonight

 The Empire Strykers have an away game tonight vs. Tacoma Stars. The game starts at 7:05pm. You can watch via Twitch.tv's MASL_soccer. Follow MASL_soccer to be a part of the chat. Chat responsibly. 

Pregame Tips by Chat GPT

 "Hydration is Key: Start hydrating well before the game. Proper hydration is crucial for performance and recovery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to the game.

1. Nutrition Matters: Fuel your body with the right foods. Aim for a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair, and healthy fats for sustained energy.

2. 
   

   Rest Up: Get a good night's sleep before the game. Rest is essential for optimal performance and mental sharpness.

3. 
   

   Warm-Up Properly: Arrive early to the game venue and engage in a thorough warm-up routine. This helps prevent injuries and prepares your body for the physical demands of the game.

4. 
   

   Visualize Success: Spend some time visualizing yourself performing well during the game. Visualization can help enhance confidence and focus.

5. 
   

   Set Goals: Set achievable goals for the game. Whether it's improving your performance in a particular skill or contributing to the team's success, having clear goals can keep you motivated and focused.

6. 
   

   Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset. Focus on what you can control and approach the game with confidence and determination.

7. 
   

   Review Tactics: Familiarize yourself with the game plan and tactics that your team will employ. Understanding your role and responsibilities will help you execute effectively on the field.

8. 
   

   Stay Loose: Avoid unnecessary stress or tension before the game. Listen to music, chat with teammates, or engage in light activities to stay relaxed and loose.

9. 
   

   Pack Essentials: Double-check that you have all the necessary gear and equipment for the game, including your uniform, shoes, protective gear, and any personal items you might need.

10. 
    

    Stay Hygienic: Maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs and minimize the risk of illness. This includes washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items with others.

11. 
    

    Stay Focused: Limit distractions in the hours leading up to the game. Minimize screen time and avoid activities that may drain your energy or focus." - Chat GPT 3.5

AI and Soccer

 The future of artificial intelligence and soccer are exciting to me. I watch my son play with his cousins a game of tag with his virtual goggles on. Are there places you can play soccer in there? I ask. "You can shoot against a robot." He answers. I wonder when the leagues will start. I want to play. 

What will make the difference when we get to that point? Why will we still want to go out and play on a regular field when the virtual fields will be perfectly maintained? The human connection makes all the difference but the virtual world is making its way. 

The scents would be lacking in a virtual world. The pre game and post game routines. The meals. The movement. There is nothing that can replace the actual grass getting stuck in your cleats, or the pebbles that empty out of your cleats after indoor. 

It's exciting to be a part of the new technologies that are available to us, even though the human connection and "earthing" are what make such a big difference.

The Nostalgia

 Soccer. For some reason, I wanted to play again. It's been a while and I went back and forth about how I should have played in Italy when I had the opportunity.

I started playing again recreationally (prior to my ankle injury). First, at the park with my sons. We practiced practiced practiced. After a while, they got to watch me play. 

My friend put me on one of the best teams and I hadn't played in a long time. I didn't know there was a difference in teams at the time but being a part of that team pushed me to want to improve immediately. 

I felt the joy of playing again. I remembered the scents I would wear, the pre game and post game routines, the meals surrounding the games, the barley green in the water. The nostalgia. 

The amount of focus it takes and how incredible the teamwork is. This level of play was different than I've ever experienced. I headed the ball and it was a little bit too hard. I started seeing the game in slow motion. I loved learning about the game like that. It was fascinating. The next game was normal. How did that happen? I wondered. Thank you God. I thought. I want to see the game like that again. 

My parents helped me watch my kids. My sister helped me watch my kids. My nieces helped me watch my kids. I wanted to play every day. 

I still want to play but I can't even run yet. So I watch watch watch. 

And my kids play play play. 

Soccer makes me smile from ear to ear. 

Latest and Greatest Post

 The Empire Strykers had a game on Tuesday night that I missed because my parents had dinner for us at their house to celebrate the Persian New Year. I was so happy about not having to cook dinner that I put all of my focus into being there. 

I just looked today to see how the Strykers played and found out that the score was Strykers 1, Chihuahuas  10. Why was the score so uneven? 

It's so disheartening to lose 2 players to other teams due to before the end of the season trades and such (just for this season at least), and even more so to just lose game after game, then with such an unbalanced score. Gee wiz. When will there be a breakthrough? 

The Strykers are playing the Tacoma Stars this Saturday in Washington and then for the last Strykers home game of the season on March 31st at the Toyota Arena. The Tacoma Stars is where 2 of the Strykers are playing for the end of this season and during playoffs.  So, 2 Strykers will be playing against the Strykers.  

CBSsports.com is covering the Strykers games now and they did a fabulous job but I miss chatting with fellow Twitch.tv MASL_soccer people as the environment was similar to live games with comments and dialogue. The people's voices (via writing) were gone as I watched the last home game I wondered if there was a specific reason for us all being silenced. Maybe CBSsports.com and some other networks should have chats alongside the games. It was as fun as actually attending the games, for me, as a writer, maybe even more fun. 

I've read recently a little bit about Cuba's food shortages and protests. I hope the food supply becomes abundant and the power is peacefully restored. 

Blessings and Good Fortune

 "The Persian rhyme "Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man" is recited during the Chaharshanbe Suri festival while people jump over bonfires. It is a traditional saying that carries symbolic meaning:

1. "Zardi-ye man az to" translates to "May my yellow paleness be yours." Yellow (zard) here symbolizes sickness, negativity, or any impurities that one wishes to rid themselves of. By saying "May my yellow paleness be yours," one is expressing a desire to pass on their troubles or negative aspects to the fire and cleanse themselves.

2. "Sorkhi-ye to az man" translates to "and your red glow be mine." Red (sorkh) symbolizes vitality, energy, and warmth. By saying "and your red glow be mine," one is expressing a desire to absorb the positive energy, vitality, and good fortune from the fire and carry it into the new year.

In essence, this rhyme reflects the spirit of purification and renewal associated with jumping over the fire during Chaharshanbe Suri. It encapsulates the idea of exchanging negative qualities for positive ones, cleansing oneself of past troubles, and welcoming blessings and good fortune for the future." - Chat GPT 3.5

Persian New Year

 We've just started to celebrate the Persian New Year in my family and I love this time of year. 

Last Week:

"Chaharshanbe Suri festivities typically involve the following customs and rituals:

1. Lighting Bonfires: People gather in open spaces, such as parks or streets, where bonfires are lit. These fires are often fueled by wood, brushwood, or other combustible materials.

2. 
   

   Jumping Over Fire: Participants take turns leaping over the flames while chanting a traditional Persian rhyme: "Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man" (translated as "May my yellow paleness be yours, and your red glow be mine"). This ritual is performed with joy and excitement, with friends and family cheering each other on.

3. 
   

   Music and Dance: Festivities often include music, drumming, and dancing around the bonfires. People come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the impending New Year with joyous expressions of unity and solidarity.

4. 
   

   Food and Refreshments: Traditional Persian snacks, sweets, and beverages are shared among participants, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

5. 
   

   Fireworks and Sparklers: In addition to bonfires, fireworks and sparklers are often used to add to the festive atmosphere, illuminating the night sky with bursts of color and light.

6. 
   

   Wishes and Prayers: Many people make wishes or offer prayers as they jump over the fire, expressing their hopes and aspirations for the future. It is considered a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the coming year.

Overall, Chaharshanbe Suri is a joyous and spirited celebration that brings communities together to welcome the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The tradition of jumping over fire serves as a powerful symbol of purification, transformation, and the triumph of light over darkness." - Chat GPT 3.5