Staring at a maple leaf, leaning on the mother tree; I said to myself we all lost touch

I read something that scared me today: the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is holding national championships for 7-13 year-olds. As if parents here in the USA weren't obsessed enough about their (young) children trying to be hyper good....

In sadder news: one of my former coaches, Flip Darr, passed away earlier this month.

Oh, and swimming at the 2009 World Championships in Rome, Italy begins tomorrow....


Oh chariot, your golden waves
Are walking down, upon this face
Oh chariot, I'm singing out loud
To guide me, give me your strength