Well, apparently we earned Time Magazine’s “[People] of the Year” award! While we are proud of our achievements to date among the growing legions of New York Red Bull fans, there was no way we could have even fantasized about being included in such a prestigious and elite group. Ironically, we did not even make the “People Who Mattered” category???? Well, we will take what we can get, and not bite the hand that feeds us, right?!! The Bull’s Eye View goes on!!

Seriously, as the holiday season wreaks havoc among retail and online shopping gurus, I urge everyone to pause at some point during this season and cherish the deeper meaning of this special season; whatever it might be to you . . . one of hope, relationships, spirituality, or new beginnings. The holiday season can also be emotinally challenging for some. Such is the case for some of our Nationals and friends, US Soccer, and MLS. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during these difficult times.

Speaking of new beginnings, the 2007 New York Red Bulls season schedule is trickling out into cyberspace. Review the consolidated version in our Calendar!

WHAT?!! You missed the December 15 DISCOUNTED season-ticket renewal deadline?!! Looks like Santa will be leaving COAL in your stocking, then! HMMFF! If Santa does not forgive you, we will (sort of). You can still buy our season tickets, but you will have to pay the the new 2007 price, which is still a good deal!

With two Designated Player slots currently open, how the roster will shape up is anyone’s guess. You can bet all eyes will be on The Brucester and the Bulls from now until the beginning of the 2007 home season on April 15; with the “Battle of the Bovines!” You had better get your tax returns done by then, because you will NOT want to miss this match!

Without rambling, the main purpose of this installment of the Chief’s BULLog is to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! We have got more news brewing for you in 2007, so do not forget us after you recover from your New Year’s hangover!

YIRB,

CT

After the fervor of the regular and playoff seasons subside, most MLS fans (I think) look forward to the off-season drama to quench our collective insatiable thirst for insight into how the next season of our favorite team will “play out.” There is no question that RBN’s team of choice is the New York Red Bulls, and there is also no doubt that this franchise has been the center of attention and speculation as of late. I cannot begin to enumerate the changes and clutter this BULLog with a GAZILLION hyperlinks. So, just hit www.nyredbulls.com, and see for yourself . . .

Indeed, it appears that the New York Red Bulls are making every effort to put forth a world-class side for 2007 and beyond. How it will all shake out is beyond me, but the blogs and boards provide ample food for thought and amusement. This BULLog installment is not necessarily meant to augment the amusement, but to say “HEY!” to all the RagingBullNation enthusiasts out there, and let you all know that our work does not stop with the final Red Bull match. Oh, no! IT JUST BEGINS . . .

For this off-season, we are taking steps to ensure our Nation’s longevity, all of which will take considerable effort and time. Nevertheless, we are committed to bringing an unprecedented fan base to Giants Stadium in 2007 and Red Bull Park in 2008 and beyond. Speaking of Red Bull Park, our transition as an organization from The Meadowlands to The Ironbound presents some exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Rest assured that the interests of current and prospective Nationals (Red Bull fans) are of paramount priority.

OK, now I step down from the podium . . .

If you were an active National this past season, you were treated to a special “end-of-the-season” gift . . . in true “Chief” style. My good friend Wendy at Always An Occasion hooked me up with a one-of-a-kind limited edition RagingBullNation gift basket, which featured this incredible photo of us and the 2006 RagingBullNation Heart of the Bull winner, Marvell Wynne II!! I think most of the recipients of this gift will tell you that it could very well be classified as a “perk” of membership, for which the discount pricing window ends December 15. Regardless, you all earned this modest gesture of my appreciation, especially my Trustee colleagues Keli (Mama Bull) and Tim (TNT). Now, we must keep our momentum going!

Well, that is really all I have for you at the moment, except for one last plug about our new RBN Sticker merchandise item! I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with family and/or friends. Similarly, I hope you will look forward to the holiday season and the new year with me. It promises to be a doozy on and off the pitch . . .

. . . STARTING WITH THE FACT THAT OUR VERY OWN JOHNNY TORO IS NOW PLAYING GOLF . . . SERIOUSLY . . .??!?!?!?!?!?!? This should be great fodder for the blogs and boards . . . “JTR Softens in Off-Season!” . . . LOL!!!

YIRB,

CT