Well, it is official. MetroNation is one year old!!!! Looking back it is hard to believe . . . seriously. If last night’s conversations over cake and coffee . . . erh . . . make that Guiness . . . ranging from borrowed jumper cables last year to salary cap implications for a possible Senior International “mega-deal” this year; is any indication of our excitement, looking ahead . . .

** We interrupt this news article to bring you this important message **

. . . seems harder to believe! Frankly, we can barely keep up with the MLS/MetroStars rumor mill. Of the many updates on MetroStars.com, there was a nice interview of MoJo by Babbling Brooks recently. Regardless, we are looking forward to traveling with ESC down to RFK for the first game of the season on April 2, then following that up with a spectacular “Opening Kick MetroGate” at home on April 8!!

Getting back to matters related to the title of this article, I want to personally thank and apologize to Ronnie Huber, a friend of mine who put a lot of effort into creating a MetroNation cake from scratch. Unfortunately, it did not survive the ride from her house to mine very well, and we improvised. Nevertheless, since it is in the freezer, we will have cake for at least the first couple of MetroGates . . . I think. Thanks, Ronnie! You are the best!!

The cake we did end up having apparently suited us fine. Furthermore, the waitstaff at O’Neill’s was very friendly and accommodating. Have you ever been to an Irish pub where they have not been friendly and accommodating? Anyway, Tom/Thomas/The Binks/Binks/Binksta/Binkley and Melissa/The M-ster represented ESC at the table. Lastly, we had a surprise guest crash the party . . . uh . . . you will have to speak with me personally about that one . . . hehe. Overall, a good time was had by all who came! Thanks!

HAPPY [FIRST] BIRTHDAY, METRONATION . . . MANY MORE TO COME!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
As much as I cannot stand to give the enemy any credit, I must give in to this one . . . it is pretty cool!

PPS
Do not forget about the Pride & Passion Pub “open house” this Saturday from 2-6 PM! See you there!

PPPS
For those who are wondering where the “Sights and Sounds” section is, it is temporarily disabled as we transition to our new web site. However, if you missed the content in this section, we have a special surprise for you this season . . . . STAY TUNED!

Although we have been relatively silent, we have been VERY busy behind the scenes revamping our Web site, which will offer some enhancements over our previous site, which served us VERY well. Thanks, “Hacker Metro!” The whole cast of characters will be back, including Johnny Metro, Angry Metro, Donny Metro, Chief Metro . . . . yadda . . . yadda. I must admit, it hardly seemed like a break with all the draft news, and especially a seemingly very nice improvement over the Red and Black Lounge concept. Speaking of draft (player draft, that is), it seems we will be losing some, but gaining more, according to MFO. This remains to be seen. Honestly, what can we do about it, anyway? We had just better be ready in 9 weeks for Opening Kickoff!

However, before Opening Kickoff, February 21 will mark 1 year since MetroNation went “live” on the web, which we have unofficially dubbed our birthday. It is hard to believe that we are gearing up for season #2, and perhaps the last full season in Giants Stadium!!! We are all looking forward to Harrison! Not to rush things, but despite the gradual rise in the stress level for some of us, we are all eager to don our red and black apparel, haul out our MetroNation and Citizen’s Corner banners, and MetroGate apparatus and begin building up for a 2006 MLS Cup campaign. With some of the trades and draft pickups, we are confident that this year (the final full year in East Rutherford) will offer something special for all.

Looking back, our inaugural season was so special for so many reasons. MetroNation is truly fortunate to have the Citizenship it has, some of whom travel from afar. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, and we are planning a little surprise for our Opening Kickoff MetroGate on April 16. I just hope Mother Nature does not plan to repeat her performance from last year’s Opening Kickoff!! SHEESH!

By the way, if you have not purchased season tickets yet, you really ought to check out the Passport deals we offer. They are second to none! Now, I guess we should get back to our tax returns . . . YUCK!!!!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation