Author Archives: Tim Howerton

Prodigal Penguin Is Prodigal (and a Penguin)

So, it’s been a minute… Hello again.  I know it’s been a while since my last post, video, or podcast of any sort.  Those that know me have seen me around on the artist formerly known as Twitter, but I haven’t produced much more than the limited characters allowed on most social media.  There areContinue reading “Prodigal Penguin Is Prodigal (and a Penguin)”

Supporter Conversation: The Mecklenburg Reserves

As soon as I read about the probability of San Diego becoming the next MLS team (and the corresponding response from San Diego Loyal’s Front Office), I knew there was going to be a supporter angle that I wanted to explore. What is it like when a team you’ve built up, supported, and loved fromContinue reading “Supporter Conversation: The Mecklenburg Reserves”

Back Into The Abyss

I’m going to start this post out by saying…I’m not a fan of Elon Musk. I’m not a complete hater–the man has done some great things. He’s also done some very questionable things. He’s erratic, arrogant, occasionally (read: often) childish, and simultaneously brilliant, visionary, and unapologetic. These are all things to which I can relateContinue reading “Back Into The Abyss”

Philosophy and Supportership: When the one you love isn’t perfect

My first love, at least as far as sports go, was baseball.  My Dad played all through high school and had a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals at one point (he was way too short to play, or so he would tell me), and he taught me from an early age.  I collected baseballContinue reading “Philosophy and Supportership: When the one you love isn’t perfect”

Player Perspective: Ep. 1 – Pedro Dolabella

Joy and gratitude.  If I had to sum up my experience chatting with Pedro, that would be it.  We sometimes forget that in its simplest form, soccer is a game.  It’s a diversion, not just for the players, but for the supporters that watch the game.  He spoke about how everything goes away for 90Continue reading “Player Perspective: Ep. 1 – Pedro Dolabella”

Exciting Announcement!

Happy Friday, all! Today marks an exciting day for me on my journey through supporter philosophy and exploration. The Ranting Blue Penguin is now on YouTube! You can find my channel here (or by using the social media buttons at the bottom of the page). In addition to the YouTube channel, all content will beContinue reading “Exciting Announcement!”

Supporters vs. Fans

Words mean things.  This is a constant phrase thrown around my day job and speaks to me on a personal level, as I have a special connection with English and foreign languages.  The right words add emotion and nuance to a conversation, but equally as important is adding context to what’s being said.  Words facilitateContinue reading “Supporters vs. Fans”

Support as an Emotional Investment

I can’t stand Nebraska fans.  You might think that would be a problem, considering I’ve lived in Omaha for a total of 15 years of my life, but I’ve managed to maintain my disdain for the Big Red faithful.  In fact, Nebraska fans (specifically, the football fans) are why I don’t particularly care for theContinue reading “Support as an Emotional Investment”

Welcome to My Project

I want to explore why it is that sports affects us the way it does.  The passion, the camaraderie, and, yes, the toxicity that can come from declaring allegiance to a club, team, crest, or player.  What does it mean to support?  Why do we choose the teams we do?  When is it appropriate to stop supporting?  I want to dig into the philosophy behind all of this and look at how we can use this to unite rather than divide.