{ coffee sips... Atlanta United and SweetWater merch }

All of our thoughts about non-soccer things

When I started doing the podcast about 10 years ago, I would sometimes get tired of talking, so I would take a sip of coffee — announcing it as such — during the middle of an episode to give myself a small break.

It was never meant to be a thing, but it became a thing.

You would send emails and include “coffee sip” between paragraphs. You would send texts and include “coffee sip” between thoughts.

I had to figure out a way to include “coffee sips” in this new venture.

So, "coffee sips” is for all of us to share random thoughts about non-soccer, non-political, non-religious things. You can either include yours in the comments or you can email me at soccerwithdoug@gmail.com, and I’ll add them to this file, along with your name, unless you’d prefer to remain anonymous.

April 21

Atlanta United and Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing launched a merchandise line on Monday that includes hoodies, T-shirts, muscle shirts, scarves and trucker hats.

Items were put on sale on Monday at the team store at Atlantic Station and can be purchased at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday ahead of Atlanta United’s match against New England.

March 26

When I learned I was being laid off in early February, it was anxiety-inducing, to say the least.

And then many of you reached out to offer sympathies, compliments, advice, tips, your money for subscriptions when I started the website on March 7, and even equipment (Riley) to help me or advice on starting a business and marketing (Rob).

The site is flourishing. My anxiety is (mostly) gone.

The latest bits of kindness came on Wednesday when I went to Atlanta United’s training ground for availability for the team and the U.S. men’s national team.

So many of my friends and colleagues came up to compliment me on the site and to offer their kind words about what happened and for the future.

So, thank you to everyone.

It means so much.

And, as always, hug your loved ones. Communicate with your loved ones. Let’s take care of each other.

March 21

Do you have an Atlanta United tattoo? Or a tattoo of your other favorite club or national team?

Most importantly, is it PG? And in a photographable place?

I’d love to talk to you about your ink for a story.

Please email me at soccerwithdoug@gmail.com

March 20

I would like to volunteer as a writer to help non-profits and/or charities. If you work or are affiliated with one, and need someone who can tell stories that further your mission, please reach out to me at soccerwithdoug@gmail.com.

March 16

Sorry that it’s been a bit since I posted.

I hope everyone got through the storms OK.

This very silly skit on Saturday Night Live almost made me pee my pants.

March 10

If you’re bored on a Tuesday, there is trivia at Pour on the Beltline. I’m part of a team that plays there. We’d love to have you. Adam does a great job as Trivia Master.

March 9

Two things: First, my girlfriend makes the best vegan Chocolate Chip cookies. If you’re vegan, share some of your favorite recipes.

Second, I met a college friend for lunch today. He works at Coca-Cola. If you haven’t visited its campus, my goodness is it beautiful. It makes my office (my condo) seem uninspiring.

March 8

The day Daylight Savings Times begins is one of my favorite days. I enjoy going for walks, particularly at night. Doing so reminds of me when I used to work at Six Flags Over Georgia when I was a teenager a few years ago, as far as you know. You could walk the park at night, smell all the smells of fried food cooked hours ago, the dolphin tank (yes, I know it was bad to have dolphins in a small tank), asphalt, concrete…all the things.

March 7

Doug: A core group of friends suggested I order some Soccer with Doug merchandise, featuring the excellent button logo that my friend Michael Sean Walsh designed. It could include things like t-shirts, hats and stickers. Is that something that you would be interested in?

March 6

Doug: I love listening to 99X. I was so glad when it returned to the terrestrial airwaves. Acoustic Sundays are amazing. Steve Craig’s knowledge of music and bands is inspiring. The humor of the morning show is my bull’s eye. The only thing I don’t enjoy is that it seems during every one of my 20-minute commutes, I have to hear Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I think the other members of the band are incredible musicians. I think his lyrics are nonsensical.

Doug: We celebrated the birthday of my girlfriend’s son last night. Her daughter made the best Tres Leches cake. It was like eating a very tasty cotton ball. What restaurants in Atlanta have the best Tres Leches? Hit me up with your recommendations.

Doug: A band my friend and former co-worker Gabe hipped me up to is Red Clay Strays, out of Alabama. If you haven’t heard them, they have a Johnny Cash meets Black Crowes meets low-key gospel groove. They are becoming, along with Tyler Childers and Pearl Jam, among others, among my favorites.

It’s a sad song, but it’s really good.

Tell me some of your favorite, perhaps not-yet-mainstream, musicians.