-Some amendments on my final thoughts on the Olympics.
1) I stayed up to watch the gold-medal game between the USA and Spain in men’s basketball. Props to the US for getting the win and bringing the gold home. Kobe, that was a man performance. He’s the best player on the planet and there’s no doubt about it.
Spain is legit and could have won that game. Missing Calderon was a major deal for them. However, the point guard Rubio is going to be a major player in the future, especially considering that he’s only 17. Furthermore, Rudy Fernandez is going to ball hard for Portland. One more thing, how is Navarro not on an NBA roster? He’s a solid guard.
I’m calling it right now, the top four for MVP this season will include Kobe, LeBron, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade, in some order. Wade is going to have a monster, monster season for the Heat this year.
International basketball is back in the mainstream and that’s a good thing. I’m going to post on this more this week.
2) Congrats to the USA men’s volleyball team for their thrilling win over Brazil for the gold medal. Tremendous match and effort throughout the games considering the tragedy that took place with the family of the head coach.
3) My brother and I are making serious plans to go to the London Olympics in 2012. any one of you is down with the plan, just shoot me a holler. I’m looking at you Mr. McMahon, People’s Champion and icon of the masses, Sean Sawyer, Sager and Meggie. Let’s make it happen.
Just remember that we’re going to have to attend handball, table tennis, tons of judo, avoid diving and gymnastics and probably check out rhythmic gymnastics and women’s volleyball for my “research.”
-This weekend was solid overall. Saw some soccer action, washed the clothes and got some relaxing in.
-The undergraduates have returned to Belmont and I’m hyped. I love school and am looking so forward to going back to classes myself. I’ve missed learning, seeing my friends consistently and many other things. I’ll have a post on this topic tomorrow after orientation with the new sports administration graduate students.
-While washing my clothes, I went to Harris Teeter and flipped through some magazines. I came across a Cosmo I think with Blake Lively from Gossip Girl on the cover. I rarely look at this magazine but had some time to kill and checked it out. Wow, interesting stuff. There’s content on woman issues like breast cancer, but then the next article will be on sexual positions and how to spice up your love life. Just odd. Decent read though.
-This week, I’ve taken my nephew’s advise and ignored the ladies, which was kinda odd. I’m a social guy and I like to know what going on with people but I don’t want to be overbearing. To be honest with you, I really didn’t think about any of the women that I discuss and detail here this week at all. I’ve really just moved on and just living my life.
I did put my nephew’s ideals to the test when I saw Amber at the gym Saturday after not seeing her for about two weeks. Usually, when I see her, I stop and speak with her for a few minutes. However, when I entered the gym, I gave her a hello and walked right past her and did my workout. When I finished my lift, I was leaving and Amber said what’s up to me and we chatted some. I let her initiate the conversation and lead things.
We finished and I just said goodbye and left. I wanted to tell Amber later how it was great to see her, how great it was to see her smile and wanted to talk with her some more because I can spend everyday with her, but I haven’t spoken or called her or text messaged her since I saw her.
I’m not saying that this is the right approach or something that I would normally do, but it’s definitely different. I’ll give you an update if something happens.
-The two most poitntless things that go on during this time of year for me. Little League Baseball World Series and Preseason football. I’ve watched none of the first one and maybe 10 minutes of the second one.
-I’ve just joined a fantasy football league and I’m geeked about that.
-That’s all for Reflections. Here’s a tentative schedule of the posts schedule this week:
Monday: Why I’m hyped about returning to school Tuesday: Why I still represent for the NYC contrary to popular beliefs Wednesday: Why I’m feeling international basketball again and why its 40% possible that Kobe Bryant ends his career in Italy and Lebron James in Greece Thursday: Wildcard Friday: A proper MMA Review Saturday: Whatever I damn well please Sunday: Reflections
-I was bumping some Depeche Mode hard this weekend. Here’s some music.
As the Olympics wrap up within the next day or two, I reflect on the entire events with positive thoughts. I used to joke with my mother that if you put any game on the TV, I’ll watch it and be an expert on it within a few viewings. I’m not an expert, but I’ll give any sport a chance. The Olympics is the ultimate test of this.
Everyone can watch basketball, but try watching Judo at 2 a.m. online! Fun times. However, good things must come to an end. Here’s my review of the events, along with some attractive Olympians in them.
I was not going to include the hotties, but that’s not how I roll. I am what I am. I appreciate the athletic skills of the women, however if I find them attractive, is that a problem?
To be fair, here's something for the ladies:
Let’s keep it moving.
Archery: I didn’t really check this out as much as I wanted to. South Korea and China won the most medals, just like I predicted.
Badminton: I couldn’t get into it like I thought I would. It looks cool to watch for five minutes, but to commit to an entire match is not the most enjoyable thing, to me anyway.
Baseball: It’s the final time that we’re going to see it in the Olympics and that’s a shame. There were some good games, including the testy game between China and the US. The Americans got bronze and South Korea shocked the world by getting a gold medal over Cuba.
Basketball: The US women took care of business and got another gold. Congrats to Lisa Leslie, who is probably the most underrated American basketball player ever, men or woman. Look at her resume. She has won at every level and changed the game. Candice Parker did well, but I won’t post her picture here again because she gets enough love from me. Never, ever trust a Tennessee Volunteer.
The US men face Spain for the gold and by the time you read this, they probably took care of business. I’ll elaborate more later this week with a post specifically on this team.
Beach Volleyball: This sport is an example of what I call the “lack of uniqueness” quality. I like watching it, but I can check out NBC on a weekend evening and watch it. This limits my desire to check it out in the Olympics.
Put it this way. I’ll make more of an effort to watch handball or table tennis in the Olympics than tennis, baseball or basketball.
It was good to see both American teams take care of business, especially after the eventual men’s team winners lost the first match to Latvia. Freakin Latvia! Do they have beaches in Eastern Europe?
It was good to see Keri Walsh, aka Six Feet of Sunshine and my girl, Misty May-Treanor bring home the gold.
This has become a solid debate among guys the past few years. Misty or Keri? Do you want the tall, thin blonde or the shorter and let’s keep it PG, “curvier” brunette. The picture should tell you who I would take, even though neither one would get kicked out of bed, if you know what I’m saying! I’ll see myself out.
Boxing: As I’ve mentioned here in the past, I’m not a big fan of Olympic boxing because of the scoring system. I’ve seen guys get clean shots to the head yet not receive a point. It’s terrible.
You know what else is terrible? The United States only having one medal so far and a bronze at that. There was a time when the USA was the premier country in boxing, but how times have changed.
Canoe/Kayak: Didn’t see a moment of it, but congrats to Togo for earning it’s first ever Olympic medal.
Cycling: Congrats to the USA for getting some medals in BMX, which I’m not sure if I’m down with it being an Olympic sport. X-Games, yes. Olympics, not so sure.
Diving: Same as boxing. That lady who does the announcing annoys the heck out of me. Someone will do a nice dive, but she’ll say something like their legs were spread or they arched their back on the second rotation, small stuff like that. To her credit though, she thinks like a judge and her predictions are usually correct. I just don’t like judges.
Yes, I know that I love mixed martial arts and there are judges in that, but it’s different.
Four horses getting kicked out for drugs!?! This sport just got more interesting. I may have to give it more of a chance in 2012 in London.
Fencing: Finally, a sport that the USA represented in well. Six medals overall for our Yanks, including silver from my man, Keeth Smart of my hometown, Brooklyn, N.Y.
The NYC is taking it global!
Field Hockey: I checked out the male competition, because I didn’t think that they competed in the sport until I did my preview post about a week or two ago. My bad on that one, especially since I pride myself on knowing the Olympics pretty well and this is one of the oldest sports in the games. Congrats to Germany beating Spain on the men’s side.
Props to the Dutch as well for getting the gold on the women’s side.
Gymnastics: Ah, a biggie. I actually gave this one a chance, more than normal.
First, those Chinese women aren’t 16, I’m sorry.
Second, good job by the US men and women overall. Oh, Alicia, she had a rough go at it in the team competition. Falling on the balance beam, on the floor exercise and most likely costing your team a gold medal is not so good. However, getting a silver medal is nothing to be ashamed of.
However, the one who got screwed out of some golds is Nastia Liukin. She lost a tiebreaker for the gold medal TWICE. I don’t understand how she can have the same final score as the winner and not get a gold medal of her own. Even the commentators were unsure of the tiebreaker system.
Congrats to the US men for getting a bronze medal in the team competition without the Hamm brothers competing.
Rhythmic Gymnastics: This deserves a separate category. I watched some of this as well and I find this more entertaining than normal gymnastics. It involves ribbons, ropes, balls, rings and other props. I love props.
You know what else I love…
Yeah, when you have beautiful women like that (above is Alexandra Orlando of Canada) doing jumps in the air and having the sickest flexibility (look up some routines on You Tube if you want an idea), yeah, I’m a fan.
Handball: Such a darn cool sport. I’ve loved checking it out online.
I asked out loud in my preview why this sport wasn’t more popular in the US. It’s fast paced, includes elements of basketball, hockey, soccer and other sports that people recognize. Why no love?
I compare it to lacrosse in some way. When I was in eighth grade, our baseball team would practice on fields next to lacrosse games. My coach exclaimed to me one day, “How can someone like that sport, no defense is being played!”
Handball looks like some guys just running up and down the court throwing the ball into the net with no defense. Furthermore, when the save percentage of a good goalie is around 35%, this looks like lack of effort with the scores of games being 28-26.
We Americans like our sports to have scoring, but only to a certain point. We also don’t like too much defense. Like in football, we don’t like a 6-3 game, but don’t want a 45-42 game every time. Baseball is the same. We like the occasional 1-0 pitcher’s duel, but don’t want a 16-13 home run fest. Balance is the key.
There isn’t as much of this balance in handball.
Judo: Let me tell you how much I loved staying up till 2 a.m. every night the first week of the Olympics to watch this.
It’s convinced me to seriously consider joining a dojo and practicing it myself.
Actually, I was going to try to learn Jiu-Jitsu before the Olympics, but watching the Judo convinced me even more to explore these sports.
I like the balance of speed, strength and strategy. It’s very much a mental contest just as much as the physical. However, as someone I heard speak about it on one of the MMA internet radio shows that I listen to, the Olympic Judo is less action-packed because everyone is a black belt and so good.
Since there are no mismatches, the defense is so, so good. Many of the matches would end in a draw before extra time was needed. I’m still a fan though.
Japan got the most medals, as usual. However, congrats to Ronda Rousey for getting the USA’s lone medal, a bronze in the 70 kg.
Modern Pentathlon: Didn’t watch it, sorry.
Rowing, Sailing, Shooting: Pass, Pass, Pass
Actually, I did watch some of the rowing but didn’t dig it.
Soccer: I did check some of this out.
Congrats to the USA women, especially my girl Hope for getting gold. I wasn’t mad at her when she called out the coaches during the last World Cup. She should have played in that game and now she has redemption.
That’s Natasha Kai, my favorite player on the team. Hawaiian and rocking tats, gotta be down with that.
The USA men didn’t do badly but not great. I would have liked to see them at least make it to the medal round. Hopefully this got the guys some good experience to prepare for the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.
Props to Argentina for getting the gold. Brazil, issues. How do you lose 3-0 to Argentina in the semifinals? Shouldn’t happen. The Nigerians made a nice run at it and hopefully this gives them momentum.
I’ve been on the Kaka train and then the Ronaldo train as being the best players in the world. However, Lionel Messi? If he was this consistent in club play with Barcelona, the debate wouldn’t be as clear. I’m still saying when all three are healthy, I’m taking Ronaldo, but Messi is making it really, really, really close.
Softball: We lost to Japan in the Gold medal game? How does this happen?
People like to throw out some hot softball athletes out there like Jennie Fitch or Taryne Mowatt, but how about this one…
Cat should get just as much love. Let’s see. She’s 6-2, dark hair, a lefty, a Texan and I’m two years older than her. She threw a no-hitter in the Olympics as well. I might have to make a trip to Houston.
Swimming: Michael Phelps, you reek of America. Everyone has spoken about him so you know about him.
The gold medals are cool, but this is even better
That’s Stephanie Rice of Australia and she won three gold medals. She also had a public breakup with her boyfriend before the Olympics. How does she celebrate after winning the medals?
By making out with our boy Phelps in the Olympic Village.
Well played, Michael, well played.
Seriously, Jason Lezak’s final leg of the 4x100 relay was one of the most thrilling sports moments I’ve ever witnessed live.
Also, let’s give props to another one of my favorites and legend of the cooking segment on the Today show, Natalie Coughlin.
She is a fantastic swimmer, as evidence in her six total medals in Beijing. However, in all of the stories about her, you see her swimming and cooking. I like sports and love food, so she’s a winner in my book.
Synchronized Swimming: Creeps me out.
Table Tennis: So awesome that this is an Olympic sport. I dig how the Asian countries take this so seriously. China dominated and South Korea notched some medals as well.
Taekwondo: Congrats to the Lopez family for getting three medals in the same Olympics, tremendous stuff.
I was kinda disappointed in it overall. It was the first time that I sat down and watched it and just couldn’t get into it. Not every sport can be a home run.
Tennis: Rafa continues his epic year. If he wins the US Open, where does that place him in the best individual tennis seasons ever?
Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams for the fellas.
Track and Field: This can be its own post, but I’ll hit you with bullet-points.
-The Jamaicans are fast and the Africans can run distance races. That’s all.
-How long before an NFL team makes a play at Usain Bolt? You have to at least give him a tryout. I know I would in a second. Even if it doesn’t work out, you get some free international pub for it.
-Bad moment for potential bench player in my top-five, LoLo Jones. She was two hurdles away from winning the 110 hurdles and then she fell. LoLo handled it like a pro in the interview but you can see how tough she took it when she was alone and crying. I felt terrible for her.
-I felt just as bad for Sonya Richards. She had the 400 meters wrapped up and then gassed to finish third. She got some redemption in the 4x400 relay and got gold. BTW, not only is she amazingly hot (her eyes are amazing), she’s engaged to Aaron Ross of the SUPER BOWL WINNING CHAMPIONS, THE NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS!
Well played, Aaron, well played.
-Congrats to Allyson for getting gold in that same relay.
-What happened to Bernard Lagat? He didn’t even medal in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, races he has won world championships in. For his sake, I hope he’s injured. That sound cruel but at least it’s a legit excuse.
-Congrats to Priscilla Lopes-Schliep of our friendly neighbor to the north, Canada for placing third in the same hurdles race LoLo raced in. The only reason she’s mentioned in this post is what you already know.
Not well played, Carmelo, LeBron, Kobe and Jason Kidd. Let’s see, Carmelo and LeBron are in long-term relationships with their girlfriends who have children with them. Kobe, married but we know how much that means to him. That leaves Jason. He’s not married but was engaged to a model but I think they broke up. She’s married fellas.
Trampoline: No interest.
Triathlon: Didn’t check this one out.
Volleyball: Before the Games started, I was hoping that each US team could get a medal. Both teams exceeded expectations. It’s also been cool watching the live matches late, late at night. After watching a men’s match that lasted until 2 a.m., I went to work later that morning and the People’s Champion Sean Sawyer said I sounded tired. I was beat, but got my cup of coffee and grinded it out. Loved it all.
Congrats to the women for getting the silver and introducing me to my future wife, Kimberly Glass.
She’s also a model. I’m now a fan.
The men are facing Brazil at this moment and if they can pull off the win that would be sick. Great effort by those guys. If you have the chance, check out the semifinal match between the US and Russia. Thrilling match.
Water Polo: My expectations were similar to volleyball, a little higher for the women.
The ladies got silver, which is great, but the story of the men’s team is even more incredible. They came into the Games the ninth-ranked team in the world and are now in the gold medal game against two-time defending Olympic champs Hungary. The USA dismantling of Serbia in the semifinals was amazing to watch.
Congrats to both teams.
Weightlifting: I found myself watching this a lot. I love the focus that the lifters have when they approach their weights and the intensity of the coaches. They look like they are in a mental zone people rarely approach. Those men and women are strong beyond comprehension.
Wrestling: Congrats to Henry Cejudo of the USA for his gold. His reaction of tears and pure joy after winning the final match was great to see.
That’s the review kids. I’m going to get comfortable and hopefully see the USA kick the crap out of Spain for that gold medal in basketball. Good fight, good night.
What’s going on everyone, its time for Sunday Reflections!
-This weekend has been interesting. I saw my friend Joel get his diploma from my graduate school on Friday night and that was a good experience. I’ll be in his position in May getting my degree and I’m looking forward to that opportunity.
It made me thinking about the fact that I’ll be done with school in less than a year. I’m happy with my progress and I’ve learned some things. However, there are things that I want to improve on and learn about that I haven’t done yet. This is the opportunity for me to take advantage of and I need to do that more.
Most importantly, the graduation food was outstanding! Feed me and I'm a happy boy.
-I opened up my blog for other writers to contribute and have gotten one or two responses. Hopefully some of those posts will start appearing on the blog. Joan is one of them. I’m looking forward to that. Speaking of Joan…
-Just kidding! There will hopefully be no more over-analytical posts about Joan like some of my past ones, which were interesting to say the least.
We interacted with each other this week and hopefully I helped her through some stuff she’s dealing with. She's been documented on this blog way more than I expected, the last post is here: http://pourtoutpancakes.blogspot.com/2008/07/sunday-reflections-sunday-reflections.html
It’s an odd feeling to really care about a woman as a friend and naturally want to take it to another level because that seems right but you know that there are reasons that it can’t go there yet you’re not mad because she needs you as a friend more than as a boyfriend.
Ok, I’ve been typing and retyping for 20 minutes how to discuss this without boring all of you. I’ll just say that at first I was into her for the physical reasons, because she is beautiful, especially this week when I saw her. I was speechless when she entered the room. It was the same when I first met her, which I still remember. God, that’s lame. Sorry about that.
Anyway, I’ve developed more then just mere feelings for her, I actually care about her very much on an emotional level after this week, which I wasn’t planning on. I thought I was completely over her romantically, but I guess not.
I’m not going to screw up our friendship by doing something stupid, because I care about that too much. I’m still interested in other women without a doubt because I’m not in a relationship with her and she's in a relationship. I’ll work it out.
-I’ve been all over the Olympics! I was up until 2 a.m. Friday night watching Judo online. I’ve also been watching team handball, field hockey (underrated by the way) fencing and weightlifting. I’ve been watching the swimming and rowing and liking it on NBC. Surprisingly, I love soccer but haven’t been checking it out that much.
Sports like basketball, tennis and other secular sports can be checked out later on. When am I going to check out team handball again?
Right now, I’m trying to watch gymnastics and I’m not feeling it.
If you read my preview, you notice that I don’t like any of the sports that consists of a judge, accept for maybe judo, which doesn’t consist of a judge but a referee to interpret some rules.
I just can’t accept someone judging another person and determining the score.
And I know some of you are reading this and saying, Etienne Marcel, you like mixed martial arts and there are judges in that. True, but that’s only if the fight makes the maximum rounds. There are plenty of chances for the fight to end in ways controlled by the fighters like knockouts and submissions. Divers and gymnasts don’t have this chance.
I respect the athletes, I just don’t dig the operation of their sports. It’s good seeing Bela Karoli on the TV though. I thought he still coached the women gymnasts. I want his mustache.
-Speaking of martial arts, I saw UFC 87 on Saturday and like what I saw. Georges St. Pierre is a beast. You will get more analysis on Friday in MMA Review.
-That’s all from me this week. I’m not going to have a big post schedule this week because I may have to head to Georgia to take care of some family stuff.
Tomorrow, I’ll have my baseball predictions review for August. Tuesday, I’ll clean out some links. After that, I don’t know. Have a good week everybody.
I’ll leave you with some tips on self-defense from my main man, MMA legend, El Guapo Bas Rutten. If you think he’s acting odd in the clip for theatrics, he isn’t. Guapo always acts like that. Funny stuff.
The Olympics start tomorrow (or today if you’re reading this on Friday) and I’m excited about it. I love the whole Olympic experience from the opening ceremonies to watching obscure sports and everything in between. I remember my first Olympics in 1988 and seeing Carl Lewis dominate and I truly became a fan.
However, I learned to appreciate every sport from water polo to team handball.
I was talking with the People’s Champion, Sean Sawyer, today and I just started going off about all of the beefs that I have with the Americans who view the Olympics. Let me break it down…
There seems to be this general disinterest among Americans to follow sports that the US doesn’t dominate. We’ll follow swimming and gymnastics but heaven forbid if we don’t place well in archery. I really don’t care if the USA wins a competition or not, accept for basketball, which I’ll get into later.
Don’t get it twisted, I will cheer for the American athletes. However, if one of the US athletes comes in fifth place, I’m not going to get mad at them. Which brings me to point #2…
It annoys me when people put these ridiculous expectations on American athletes. I learned this directly in the 2004 Olympics when Michael Phelps “only” won six gold medals and eight overall. I actually heard people say they were disappointed in his effort.
YOU GET YOUR BUTT IN A POOL AND TRY TO WIN A GOLD MEDAL!!!!!!!!
He busted his ass and was the best swimmer in the world in six events in one short period.
That’s the other beauty/bad part of the Olympics. Its one every four years. Its not like professional sports where if you lose one year, you can just pick try again the next year. You have to train hard and hope that you can peak at this one moment unless its four more years of waiting.
I love seeing the athletes from smaller countries participating because they understand the greatness of representing your country. This is starting to sound like an anti-American article, whatever, let it be.
I understand why people are turned off by the Olympics. It’s become too corporate. The concept of an “amateur” is completely different now then its inception. Athletes are taking performance enhancing drugs, destroying the concept of fair competition. There are many others.
However, give the Olympics a fair chance.
BTW, I usually don’t try to get political on this blog, but some of you may have beef with the Olympics even being in China. I’m with you on that front, but I’m going to temper my issues with the country and just enjoy the athletics.
OK, lets have some fun. I’m going to give you a reason or two to check out each sport below with a prediction or two and maybe a video from some of the lesser acknowledged sports:
Archery: I’ve always enjoyed seeing archery or “bow and arrows” as we called it back in Brooklyn. The Americans don’t usually do well in this event. The Asian countries will dominate, especially South Korea, who will try to win the men’s individual title, men’s team, women’s individual and women’s team. Here’s some Korean archers in action:
Badminton: If you want an underrated, yet fun and actually active sport to try, give this one a chance. I’ve tried it several times and had a blast doing it. The Asian countries dominate this as well, even though the entire men’s team for the US is from Asia. There’s also a nice rivalry between China, Indonesia and South Korea. The host nation will look to win all of the events. Here’s some top rallies:
Baseball: This is the last time that this one will be in the Olympics, which is a shame. Some are saying that this and softball are being eliminated because of American domination, but that isn’t the case. The US will be lucky to medal in this event. Cuba and Japan supposedly have better team this time around. The games have been a springboard for US guys in the past like Jim Abbott and Ben Sheets to productive professional careers. The roster usually consists of minor leaguers because college kids are in school and pro ballplayers are doing their day jobs.
This time, look out for new Milwaukee Brewers farmhand Matt LaPorta who was involved in the big CC Sabathia trade earlier this year to make his presence felt. If the US gets a medal, I’m happy with that.
Basketball: This is a biggie. This is the only sport in the entire Olympics that I put on my USA hat and really, really care about getting the result.
The women’s side is actually really competitive, at least between Australia and the US. The American ladies have won the last three gold medals and nothing should change. Look out for my top-five bench player Candice Parker to do her thing.
The men’s side is a little more complicated. Team USA has made a new commitment to international basketball after some embarrassing showings in the 2004 Olympics and the last to FIBA World Championships. I like what I’m seeing, especially from the defensive end.
The US team isn’t a wrap to win this. Spain is legit with their guard play from guys like Rudy Fernandez and the Gasol brothers, especially Pau who suddenly turns into Wilt Chamberlin on the international stage. Argentina can cause major, major problems especially with Manu Ginoboli. Germany isn’t going to win a medal but Dirk can go off in any game and carry his team to a victory. Greece is ok and Russia will be decent with AK-47 and Holden at point.
Furthermore, I will be rooting some for Australia with A.J. Ogilvy (War Vanderbilt!)
But you have to imaging a team with LeBron, Carmelo, Kobe, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade and others will take it home. If not, I’m not a happy fellow.
US wins gold, Spain gets silver and Argentina beats Lithuania for the Bronze.
Crap, I almost forgot China with Yao Ming. Yau is legit and will be geeked to play in his home country and Yi is solid. The problem with China is that their guard play is poor and that’s a nice description. First US game is against China in arguably the biggest sporting event EVER in that country. Looking forward to that. Check out this Nike Ad to get hyped: http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikebasketball/2008/08/04/marvin-gaye-brings-soul-to-the-american-game
Boxing: Too many divisions to break down here, but looking at medal predictions, this looks like a weak team for the US. I think this is a commentary on US boxing in general.
Besides, I find Olympic style boxing boring with the few rounds and the whole punch scoring system. If this was mixed martial arts, then we’re in business. I guess I have to wait 16 years for this (oh, MMA will be an Olympic sport)
Canoe/Kayak: I’ve never done either one of these things and feel bad about that. No predictions here, but I do like viewing the sport. Here’s how it looks:
Cycling: Most of you think this consists of only the road course style of it like the Tour De France. Not so my friend. There are races on a small sprint track which is thrilling to watch. Look for France, Great Britain and Germany to do well in the team competions. Some highlights:
Diving: The only type of diving I know about is cannonball style. They are so graceful in the air, it’s a beauty to see. Synchronized diving is pretty recent and a sight to see.
Equestrian: I really can’t give you much here, sorry.
Fencing: I love combat sports and fencing qualifies. It’s old school fighting that would take place in a castle or something. I’m in.
Brooklyn’s own Keeth Smart is going for a medal in the individual sabre and it would be nice to see the men get a medal in the team sabre.
On the women’s side, gold is predicted for the individual and team sabre for the US. Here’s some fencing for you to enjoy:
Field Hockey: Interesting sport. Some of my Wake Forest fans out there can explain the intricacies of this sport for you. To be honest with you, I didn’t even know men played this sport until doing research for this post. I’m used to seeing American women in colleges play this sport. Watch the men give it a try, I know that I will.
Gymnastics: This is the only “mainstream” Olympic sport that I can’t cosign on. I respect the skills on display but I just don’t get too excited about it. Maybe my mother constant viewing of it when I was a kid scarred me or something, I wish I had an answer.
I do know that the Chinese take this stuff seriously and there’s a nice rivalry between the US and China on both the men’s and women’s side. So, the event being in Beijing should bring the element of drama to it with the Americans trying to win gold on enemy turf.
Its like Rocky IV, accept with flips and turns instead of punches.
Still with me folks, I hope you are…
Judo: I love Judo! If you love mixed martial arts, judo is it for you. Its all about the throws and submissions. I can watch a Judo tournament all day and love it.
It was founded in Japan by the great Kano Jigoro.
The beauty of Olympic judo is that you start seeing some countries making appearances that you wouldn’t expect. Experts are predicting people from the following countries to earn a medal: Netherlands, Mongolia (are you kidding me, Mongolia!), Cuba, Iran (cue up the Iron Sheik jokes), Hungary, Cuba, Brazil, Georgia (the country, not the state), Greece, Japan of course, Israel, France, North Korea, Portugal, and my two favorites, which I have to highlight below:
Azerbaijan and Tajikistan
You can’t make that stuff up.
Here’s a video below to show the awesomeness of this sport (can you tell I’m excited about this one?)
Rowing: I’ve never rowed a real boat, but I’ve been on a row machine or two and that’s no joke. I like seeing the team competitions.
Sailing: Not much here for me. However, the oldest Olympian, John Dane III is a young 58 and making his first Olympics after 40 years of sailing.
Shooting: We have some military officers on the US team, so that’s a good story during this “time of war” (save us Obama! Sorry, can’t get political here).
Plus, its guns! Who doesn’t love guns?
Soccer: This is always a dicey situation on the men’s side for the US. You would think that since the event is U-23, the playing field would be even for everybody. That’s not the case. The youth development of other countries is better then the US. The Americans have never won a medal in men’s soccer and it ain’t happening now. Not when you have guys like Ronaldinio playing for Brazil and Lionel Messi playing for Argentina.
The good part of it on the men’s side is that it’s two years before the World Cup so you get to see the youth in action before they step up to the senior squad. I usually go for the African nations in the Olympics because it brings flavor to the events. You get tired of seeing Brazil, Argentina and the European countries dominating. Go Ivory Coast and Nigeria!
The women’s side is always good for a storyline or two. I always go for the USA. Its going to be rough on them this time, especially without Wambach.
Softball: The USA takes care of business in this event. The team is loaded. With Jennie Fitch, Monica Abbott (boo Tennessee!), Cat Osterman and a host of others, the US should cruise to this. Keep softball in the Olympics!!!!
War Lisa Fernandez! I met her at UCLA a few years ago and it was an awesome experience.
Swimming: I really like the swimming events and there will be a ton of hype on Phelps and Dara Torres, so I’ll keep it short here. This post is to bring attention to the other sports that don’t get the attention. I do like Natalie Coughlin and Cullen Jones (NYC Represent!)
Synchronized Swimming: Same as swimming, even though all of those people in the water doing the same thing is a little creepy, and not in a good way. Its like a cult learned how to swim together, not appealing.
Table Tennis: or ping-pong as some of you call it. The Asian nations continue the dominance in these events. All of the US members are from China so it’s a homecoming for them. Here are some highlights, set to Eye of the Tiger! (Two Rocky references in one post, new record!)
Taekwondo: Same thing as Judo. Watch out for that spinning heel kick! The story of the Lopez family is worth checking it out.
Here are some sick knockouts:
Team Handball: All over this! There are no US teams in this one, which is a bummer. It looks like something that you would play in gym class. The video below has some more details about the sport. European countries do damage in this one, especially Denmark, Norway and Germany.
Tennis: Very similar to what you see in a major. Moving on…
Track and Field: Track is massive of course. Here are the following things that I’m looking forward to:
1) The men’s 100 Meter Dash. The trio of American Tyson Gay and Jamacians Usian Bolt and Asafa Powell will make this the premier event in the Olympics event to check out.
2) Men’s 400 Meter Dash. Jeremy Wariner going for his second consecutive gold medal in the Olympics for the US.
3) Men’s 1500 Meter Run. Bernard Lagut representing the US for the first time going for his first gold. He won the silver medal for Kenya in 2004.
4) All of the relay races.
5) Men’s Shot Put. My man Reese Hoffa goes for gold and the US team goes for a podium sweep.
6) Women's 200 Meter Dash. My crush and top-five bench player Allyson Felix is going for gold in this one.
7) Women's 110 Meter Hurdles: Another crush and potential top-five bench player Lolo Jones (what’s up with me crushing on female track athletes?) is the favorite to win gold for the US.
Volleyball: Beach volleyball is a good time, especially on the women’s side (I’m a dude, the women are hot, sue me). The glamour team is Misty May-Treanor and Keri Walsh and will look to repeat and get another gold medal.
However, I’m old school and like to see the indoor game. I really, really want to see the US men get a medal. Brazil, Russia and Poland are too strong though.
Water Polo: I really don’t get into this one.
Weightlifting: Similar to Judo, some unique countries make appearances like Armenia, Belarus, Latvia, Hong Kong (gotta love independence!), and wait for it Borat fans…
Kazakhstan!
Here’s a video of arguably the greatest lifter ever, Pyrros Dimas of Greece getting a bronze medal in the 2004 games in Athens. He had won the three previous gold medals in his weight class and was lifting in his home country. He missed his final lift and then took off his shoes, indicating his retirement. During the awards ceremony, he got a 15 minute standing ovation. You heard that right, a 15 minute standing ovation.
I cried when I saw that because it represented everything right about the Olympics.
And finally, Wrestling: This is the original Olympic event. Similar to Judo in my love for it. Some highlights below:
That’s my preview. Here’s some more analysis of some interesting US athletes.
Hopefully that was useful in some way. Enjoy the Games. I will after taking a nap from writing this post.
The article has some good points and the comments section also provided some good advice that can relate to life in general.
I know that I’m five years removed from graduating from college and I still can use as much knowledge as I can. So, I’m going to list all of the advice points/messages from the article and give my thoughts on them.
Graduation commencement speeches are pointless: I’ve detailed my memories of my college graduation in a past post here: http://pourtoutpancakes.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-graduation.html. At my school, we don’t have guest speakers. Instead our current Chancellor gives a message of hope. I really didn’t care too much for it and was just concerned with staying cool on a hot afternoon.
Watch all of the sports you can now: Luckily for me, I work in sports. I get paid to follow sports, to a certain degree. I have to know about the athletics of the school I work for and the conference, but everything else is just gravy. I’m not married, single and have no children, so I have a lot of free time to enjoy the ball game. However, you can get burnt out on sports. I like being the smartest sports person that I know, I mean that seriously. I haven’t met anyone that can touch me with knowing so much about every sport, even ones that I don’t care much for like golf. It’s a tough balance, but for now, I get my fill.
But to go into this point further, it seems like there’s this perception among men that once you get married, you have to give up all of your interests, sports included, and become a wimp who enjoys none of your hobbies anymore. If you’re a sports fan and your wife gets mad at you every time that you want to watch a ballgame or hang out with you buddies, reevaluate your wife situation. I’m not saying that you should hit the bars every night. Spend time with your wife. However, if she isn’t willing to allow you to follow your interests, that’s a problem. Also, get into her interests as well, make it balanced. If your wife gives you grief, that’s a shame on you moment, I’m just saying.
What, you got a job already: The point of this one is that you will move back home after you graduate college. I did and lived with family for three years before I moved out on my own. Take advantage of this opportunity as much as you can, because once you reach a certain age, you can’t live home again unless it’s an extreme circumstance.
On this same front, be prepared to have misunderstanding parents who don’t get your career. My mother will never understand why I’m in graduate school barely making money to live and taking loans out when I have a college degree from one of the best schools in the nation. She thinks that I should be making big bucks right now, but the reality is that in sports, it’s a grind to get to where you want to go. She even joked that when I graduate from grad school next year, I should be getting a salary around $40,000-$50,000. Maybe in two or three years. She doesn’t get it, but she loves me and supports me. Just be prepared for people to not get that you won’t make money when you first get out of school, which brings me to my next point…
Your first job will suck and you will not work for a cool company: My first job after college actually wasn’t bad. I was an intern for a fashion magazine and made no money. I learned a lot though. My first real job was working at a financial public relations firm in Atlanta about a year after I graduated. The pay was good and it helped me establish myself as an individual. In the end, I found my calling volunteering on the game day staff at Georgia Tech athletic events, which I didn’t get paid for at first.
I’ve lived in three different cities in three years. I’m technically a graduate assistant and get school paid for and get a stipend, which compared to other situations, is amazing. However, when your friends from college are making high five-figures and owning homes while you struggle in your small apartment and living check to check, it’s going to be rough. But if you find out what you like to do with your career, it will all work out in the end, you have to believe that.
Furthermore, work can’t be about money. Make sure that you’re fairly compensated for your work however. If your job pays you say $20,000 but you know that someone else will pay you more, treat you better and help your career more, take the new job. However, if you’re doing your work purely for money, your interest will end soon. You may make some cash and be good financially, but you will most likely be unhappy.
Don’t go to law school: If you want to be a lawyer, that’s cool. Just make sure that you are cut out for the lifestyle and actually want a legal career. I worked in the law school library of my school and people would be in school to do some other things then law. Why spend all of that money for three years? Go to business school. Its only two years, the skills you pick up translate to any profession and it’s more laid back. Or you can go to graduate school in your chosen profession field. Just make sure that’s what you want to do. I can’t do all of this stuff for sports management and decide to be a doctor. However, I want to work in sports, so it’s all good for me.
Live and work in New York City for a year: I totally agree with this. I’m biased because it’s my hometown, but it does make you a stronger person. Furthermore, the NYC allows you to see different cultures in action and makes you realize that you’re just one person among millions. It humbles you and that’s good for you.
Unless you work in the fashion industry, never wear a polo shirt with your company’s emblem in it: Me turn down free clothes, please. I work in a college athletic department. Our school’s logo is on everything, so this doesn’t apply to me.
In relation to this however, people tell you that you should dress for the job that you want. That’s true and not true. If you work in a corporate office where everyone wears a tie, wear a tie. However, if you work in a business casual office, don’t wear suits everyday. You may think that you’re dressing great, but believe it or not, a coworker or two will resent you inside because you look like you’re trying to prove that you’re above them. I know that sounds crazy, but I’ve been told this multiple times. If you like to wear suits in that type of environment, only do it a few times a week. On Fridays, wear a polo and some nice slacks and you will blend in with everybody. For the ladies, be careful of what you wear, because men are men. If your skirt is too tight or high, we’re going to notice. If your blouse is too low cut that we can see cleavage, we’re going to talk about it. Even that male boss that you have who is married with kids and seems so respectful will talk about how you dress with the male co-workers because he’s a man. It happens.
Also, every place I’ve worked has always had a ranking of the cutest women in our office, bosses and married people included. It doesn’t mean that we’re going to act unprofessional and practice sexual harassment; it’s just that guys do that stuff. It stays between us and we move on.
So ladies, just be careful.
Never do your taxes by hand: I always do my taxes by hand and no problems there.
The only pick-up line you should ever use at any time is “Hi, my name is (whatever your name is, likely Tyler or Taylor or something like that).”: I agree with that. Just introduce yourself to someone that you’re interested in. If he or she just rejects you coldly, then screw that bitch or bastard.
If everyone else is dancing, you should dance too: I don’t like to dance at all. However, I think you can take from this statement that you should be open to things in life. If your co-workers are watching a ballgame at the bar even though you can’t tell the difference between a touchdown and home run, go anyway. If you’re talking with someone and they start discussing a topic you have no idea about, just ask them kindly to repeat what they said and explain it in more detail. You may learn something.
People are frickin idiots: The article uses another F word, but I try to keep it clean here. I don’t think that people are idiots per se, but that they aren’t as intelligent as you think. Never look at someone and say, wow, they’re so much smarter than me I don’t compare to them. Screw that attitude.
It also helps to be a little selfish and let people live in their own way. If someone wants to drink every night, do drugs, have sex with anything that moves and kick puppies, let them do it and don’t stick your nose in their lifestyle. If you don’t like gay people yet someone you know declares himself a homosexual, let them be. Not everyone has your beliefs in life and they shouldn’t either. Do you want to live a society where everyone shares the same opinion and beliefs as you do? That’s what cults and organized religion are for and neither one has the best history in society.
If a girl playfully punches you in a conversation, you can hook up with her: I don’t know if that’s totally true, even though I’ve heard that if she touches you, that’s a good sign. Just be careful with that one.
Don’t smoke Crack: Don’t do drugs in general. That leads to some bad stuff.
I’m not an angel and will tell you that I haven’t experimented in the past. However, just get that phase out of our system. As cool as it sounds to be a stoner when you’re 40, you’re still a stoner at 40. Let it go.
Here are things you should go name brand on:
-Cereal -Oatmeal (most important one) -Toilet paper -Peanut Butter and Jelly
Be extra nice to the people who handle your food: I can’t say this clearer. They handle your food. They can mess up your night real fast, if you know what I mean. If your waiter is being rude, don’t act like an ass because they can do stuff to your food. Just be polite with your complaints.
Be nice to people who work in retail: I worked in retail for a year and it’s a thankless job. Also, be nice to the clerk when you’re returning an item, because that’s the biggest pain in the ass to do. Furthermore, try to return stuff where you got it from. It may seem easy to leave those socks in the pants section, but the clerk has to return that stuff and that’s extra work. If you don’t want to return it in the original section, drop it off at the front counter. Your future clerk will thank you.
Also, tip well; especially at places you go to often. It matters.
Avoid STD’s: If you’re inclined to have sexual activities, please protect yourself. It’s so simple. There are so many forms of protection, it’s not funny. Wear that condom, use that lube or cream, take that pill. Be safe out there, for real.
Don’t be married under 30: There’s no rush. If he/she is cool when you’re 25, they will be the same at 30 if that person is right for you. Marriage compromises you so much in relation to where you live, what job you have, how often you see family and friends. Why rush into that, because once you get married, you can look forward to 30-40 years of sitting in the house watching the news together.
Furthermore, communicate with your future wife/husband. Make sure that each of you shares the same opinion on things like home ownership, kids, sexual activity, education and everything else. If you want four kids and she wants none, that’s a problem. If you want to live in Seattle in five years while she wants to go to school in Miami, work that out. Go to therapy or marriage counseling BEFORE you get married.
Go home and get stoned at least once a quarter during lunch: I don’t condone drug usage so I can’t co-sign on that one.
I will say this, take advantage of your vacation time. I know that you want to impress your boss and work every hour possible and take no time off, but that will burn you out quickly. You will start to resent that job and perform poorly. If you finish work early on a day, just ask your boss if you can go home early. They will most likely say yes. Live your life and don’t get obsessed with work. You have to have balance.
Learn to say “screw it”: Things in your life are going to happen that are outside of your control. Just accept it and you will be a lot happier.
Learn the art of networking: Become friends with other people in your job industry in your city and nationally. Join organizations like PRSA for public relations people. They know about job openings before they’re published officially.
Also, network your friends. They may know of someone that you could date.
Never trust your bank balance online: Just keep track of your money and make sure that your checks clear before you start spending.
Never eat your roommate’s food: Its all about respect.
Don’t mix wine/liquor and beer: Amen to that. It’s a bad combination that you will pay for later in the night. Also, blacking out because you drank too much may seem cute when you’re at that keg party at name frat house here, but when you’re in your late 20’s that gets old. The reason is that your friends now have to drag/carry your drunken butt home and no one wants to be a babysitter to someone drunk when you’re out. Turn down that shot.
Get good car insurance, including AAA: When you’re broken down in the middle of the highway, you’ll be thankful you followed this advice.
Never tell someone that “I’ll make more money in a week then you will in a month:” That’s just an asshole thing to do, number one. Secondly, life is cyclical. You may be flying high right now, but something can happen in a second that brings you down.
Karma: Believe in that.
Don’t become good friends with your neighbor: Be respectful and open, but keep a distance.
Don’t crap where you eat or eat where you crap: I can never get this statement right. However, here are a group of people that you should never date if possible:
1) Coworkers 2) Neighbors 3) Student-Athletes (if you work in an athletic department) 4) Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend of a good friend of yours or sibling 5) Sibling of a good friend
That’s a partial list. I’m sure that I’m forgetting some
Buy good alcohol: You graduated college or are close to it. Enough with the Natty Light, cheap wine, Milwaukee Beast and others. However, don’t hate on box wine, that stuff is the truth.
Never trust a big butt and a smile: Bell Biv Devoe told us this, but there is some meaning to this. Be careful who you hook up with. Have fun, but just beware. Stay away from those dirty girls.
Go to your high school’s graduation five years after you graduated: I haven’t done this yet, but would like to.
Separate home and work: If you’re having problems at home, don’t bring that into work. Your co-workers will hate you. If you’re having problems at work, leave it at work. Your spouse, kids or roommates don’t want that crap.
Never go to bed hungry: My uncle Greg believes in this and I agree. I know that healthy people tell you not to eat before you go to sleep, but you don’t want to be lying there in your bed with your stomach grumbling. Have a banana or a bowl of oatmeal and call it a night.
Have one really good suit: Goes without explanation
Save your MP3 collection/old albums: I liked Limp Bizkit at a point in my life. I once bought an NSYNC album. Those weren’t good choices, even though I love Justin Timberlake now. However, I look at those music purchases and can think back to those times fondly.
Fly your freak flag with pride: I like soap operas, especially General Hospital. I cry over movies all the time. I like mixed martial arts. I love the Mars Volta and Minus the Bear even though I’m a big black guy from the NYC. I love Maury and court shows, especially People’s Court and Divorce Court. Don’t play the macho card and act all tough. Accept your diverse interests and if someone gives you shit about it, they suck.
Go to at least one music act in every music genre: Hit up a rap show if you’re a big alternative music fan. Go to a dive bar and see a punk rock show if you dig hip-hop. Hit up some classical music. See a jazz band. Diversify your musical taste and it will make you a better person. Never date a woman with more than one cat: Pets are cool, but if she digs the cats more than you, move on.
Don’t get drunk at an office outing: I know that open bar looks enticing, but if you get drunk off your ass, you will be remembered as an ass and that’s not good.
If you have kids, be careful how often you mention them at work: Yes it’s cool that your son got his first base hit in little league or your daughter danced well at the recital, just don’t bore us with that info.
Learn a musical instrument: Even if you suck at it, like I do with bass, at least you’re trying. Don’t be a pussy and start playing Guitar Hero.
Don’t kiss up to your boss too much: Have some dignity.
Know the syndication TV schedule: When you’re having a rough day, there’s nothing better then watching an old Seinfeld, Scrubs, Simpsons, Family Guy, Everybody Loves Raymond, Two and a Half Men or Frasier episode to make you laugh and bring your spirits up. Find out when your favorite old show is on and you’ll have something to look forward to at night.
You have two ears and one mouth…you know the rest: It’s an old saying, but listen more than you speak. I have to work on this skill myself.
You’re only as young/old as you feel: Age is just a number used to determine if you can drive, get drunk, rent a car, enter a sports draft, be elected a politician or collect social security. Don’t let that shit determine what you do in life.
Don’t trust anybody: Sounds harsh, but you have to keep your guard up. By default, you will trust the people that need to be trusted and the ones you shouldn’t trust will be shut out because you didn’t trust them in the beginning. It works out.
Don’t take politics too seriously: We all agree that we have problems in our society, just different ways to solve them. Also, don’t label yourself a Democrat or Republican. Think for yourself and vote for whom you think is right for the job and not just based on the party that he or she is representing.
If you find a girlfriend/boyfriend who is willing to wake up early, pack your lunch, start a pot of coffee, and then go back to bed all while you shower, keep him/her at all costs: So true.
Some quick hitters before I go:
-If you can, spend a little extra and get your own place (I wish I could do this).
-Learn how to cook. Eating out is expensive and the ladies like a man that can cook.
-Get involved with an older man/woman once in your life. You’ll learn something.
-Learn how to iron.
-Beware of moonshine or homemade beer. Worst drunken experience was in sophomore year of college when I didn’t do this.
-All women have dad issues and all men have mother issues. The sooner you realize that, the better.
-Have a professional e-mail address. You can still have a fun one, but when you start applying for jobs and you give your boss the one with goofy nickname@hotmail.com, not good.
-Learn how to swim.
-Watch your bathroom habits at work.
-Eat a good breakfast.
-Know a good lawyer, just in case.
-Don’t lie as much as possible. Telling the truth is much easier.
-Travel as much as you can. America is a great country, see it.
Finally, this is the most important one of all:
Just be decent to people.
Many of these advice items come down to one thing. Treat others as you would like to be treated. I know that some people are going to respond negatively and be an asshole to you. Don’t be a pussy and take someone treating you like crap. Stand up for yourself. However, if you’re good to people, good things will happen to you.
And I’m a nice guy, but I get screwed out of things at times. However, I can look at myself in the mirror and be happy with that guy. If you can do that in your life, well done. If not, there’s time.
I would love to hear your tips because this was the most fun post that I’ve ever written and I know I’ve missed some stuff.
For your viewing pleasure, here’s some Limp Bizkit. First concert I ever saw in Nashville was the Limp Bizkit/Method Man/Redman/System of a Down tour back in 1999 during freshman year. Ah, the memories.
Another Sunday, another time to reflect…
That’s Natasha Kai, my favorite player on the team. Hawaiian and rocking tats, gotta be down with that.
Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams for the fellas.
