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Hey, everyone!
There are not enough hours in the day, so a free write on a random topic I just thought of will have to do.
Ramble of the Day
I made my way to a live sporting event for the first time in 15 months the other day, catching NJ/NY Gotham FC’s 1-0 victory over OL Reign at Red Bull Arena. It was actually the first time I crossed a state border since pandemic-related shutdowns; the last time I was there was the weekend before sports shut down in the States and Europe.
The trip there reinforced a comment I’d made days earlier, and probably not for the first time: probably every angle of the New York skyline is a good one, by road or by train. I’ve developed new fondness for seeing the skyline, and an actual excitement for seeing it in a movie or on television. It’s all part of what feels like a new appreciation for the city itself. I honestly think I missed it.
It’s a weird thing to say, because I was limited to the area for the last 15 months and found a way to explore it while maintaining the level of safety required during a pandemic. I saw a lot of empty New York, and managed to adjust to the necessary emptiness. Over the course of the last several weeks, I have started to remember what a regular New York looks and feels like. It’s not that New York is regular; the crowd sizes aren’t there, and the city wears its scars openly.
New York is unquestionably different from the place it was a few months ago, though, and there is a positive energy that is infectious. I imagine other places are like that, too. I can’t wait for others to get there.
tl;dr: Reflections on seeing New York get a little bit crowded again.
Stay informed, read this: tennis player Taylor Townsend on the combination of body shaming and racism she’s faced during her career for The Players’ Tribune
Links of the Day
Spain’s Diego Llorente and Sweden’s Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg tested positive for COVID-19.
The US’ Mark McKenzie was racially abused on social media after the team’s 3-2 win over Mexico.
San Diego will join the NWSL in 2022.
Debbie Hewitt will become the FA’s first chairwoman in January.
Stuttgart’s Silas Katompa Mvumpa revealed he was forced to use a false name and age by his former agent.
Juventus women hired Joe Montemurro as the team’s new manager.
The Netherlands’ Donny van de Beek will miss the Euros with a groin injury.
A longer read: David Goldblatt on how the squads for this year’s Euros represents the diversity of their countries for the Guardian