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Sunday - 8/31/08 It's On Like Donkey Kong - Pound-for-pound King Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya will fight this December 6th for one of the biggest purses in boxing history. The stage is set at the MGM, Las Vegas and will show case the most popular American pugilist in La Hoya against the best in his class southpaw in Pacquiao. While this will be the biggest payday in his career, I'm worried for Manny to take this match. Oscar is around 5 foot 11 and he carries that weight well. Manny is about 5 foot 6 and naturally much smaller than Oscar and this will be a definite challenge for him I think. Still there is a big difference in age too and that is in the favor of the 29 year old Pacquiao who is 6 years younger than the 35 yr old De La Hoya. Manny for his part seems quite confident in his chances for victory. "I think I can beat De La Hoya in this bout. I saw his last performance, and I think I'm faster and stronger than him, and I'm younger," Pacquiao said. Pretty confident words from the Pac-man, but he still better watch out for Oscar's devastating left-hook. More on this story as it develops. Kei Nishikori Makes Tennis History - Japanese tennis sensation Kei Nishikori defeated No.4 seed David Ferrer of Spain on Saturday in spectacular fashion. The 18 year old showed real heart in out lasting the crafty veteran Ferrer 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, in a long 3 hours 32 minute match. In doing so, Nishikori became the first Japanese man to reach the 4th round of the US Open in the open era. Those who know tennis will understand what it takes to beat David Ferrer who is a speed demon and backboard who runs down every ball and makes you hit another shot. The victory took a toll on Kei who admitted that his legs and back were totally wasted and spent from the victory. “I was tired, but I tried to think, ‘I am playing David.’ He’s No. 4 in the world, and playing five sets with him I felt kind of happy and think more positive,” Nishikori said. “That’s why I think I could fight through everything.” For his impressive victory, Nishikori gets to face fellow teenager 19 year old Juan Martin del Potro. The big 6 ft 6 tall Argentinean is the hottest player on the tour right now and is carrying a 22 game victory streak into his match with Kei on Monday. Poor Nishikori better have a great masseuse, and I'm talking about the Pat Morita, Karate Kid wax-on, wax-off type of treatment if he wants to take down this big Goliath. I'm hoping that "Project 45" (Kei's nickname in Japan), recovers in time to take it to Potro and advance to the next round making even more history. Why is Kei know as Project 45? It's because the highest ranked Japanese male player in history was Shuzo Matsuoka who was ranked No.46 in the world. His countrymen are hoping he can do 1 better. If he beats del Potro tomorrow, I'm gonna start calling him "Project Top 5" from then on.
Friday - 8/29/08 China's Olympic Ceremony Facade Revisted - Okay everyone knows it wasn't nice for the Chinese Olympic organizers to hide the little fat girl who sang the 'Ode to Motherland' song during the opening ceremonies. This was clearly a case of lookism and an example of trying too hard to put on a good face. It was not genuine and was not received well by most observers. Then I watched the Democratic National Convention this week and remembered that keeping up with appearances, whether real or fabricated is just as important in the United States. It was not so long ago when we found out that the Hillary Clinton camp was potentially involved in setting up individuals into the crowd with prepared, scripted questions for her to call upon. How about the time when those Muslim-Americans were asked to move from their spot because Barack Obama's people didn't want them showing up on TV standing behind Obama. I'm sure they do this all the time, shuffling people around based on age, sex and race. It's all about which demographic groups will work best smiling in the background, and is based on what image they wanted to portray on that week. What about the magnificent speeches they give at the conventions. I mean those things are analyzed, studied and edited down to the word, under a microscope. We all know that the candidates don't write them, that they have speech-writing down to a science and it's really only about the delivery. Of course these tactics are used just as much by John McCain and the Republicans too. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just that it is a part of modern life. The truth is, the majority of what we see on TV has been meticulously prepared and scripted for us to have a certain reaction. I have no problem accepting this reality from my next President, which is probably why the little girl switcheroo didn't bother me too much either. Yang Peiyi's alleged ugliness, chubby face or uneven teeth was actually a Western media description, not the Chinese who never specifically mentioned Yang's looks at all. Sources say that China did want a girl with a "flawless" image. Unfortunately the media folks were just too happy to point out all of Yang Peiyi's flaws to the world in an attempt to discredit the Olympic host nation. Pretty sad on all fronts if you ask me.
Thursday - 8/28/08 Jamaican gold medalist Usain "Lightning" Bolt donated 50,000 U.S. dollars to the children of earthquake stricken Sichuan province in China. Bolt really appreciated his experience in China and the warmth and welcome of the Chinese people. He was moved to tears after winning the 200m race in the Bird's Nest but it wasn't from breaking the world record. It was from the fact that 90,000 spectators sang "happy birthday" to him for a belated birthday. Frankly I think IOC president Jacques Rogge owes Bolt an apology for calling him immature for celebrating after winning the 100m race. Bolt's chest pounding was just a sign of the man's big heart bursting out in joy and showing the world what he is all about. Thanks Mr. Bolt for your generosity and your motivating performances in Beijing! Bolt with a young victim of China earthquake and beautiful Miss World Zhang Zilin.
Wednesday - 8/27/08 The Sun will Rise in LA - Sun Yue is the next big thing coming from China to the NBA. Well actually at only 6 feet 9 tall, he will be the smallest Chinese player ever to play in the league. The 23 year old point guard was originally drafted by the Lakers as the 40th pick in the 2007 draft, but now he has officially signed and is ready to join Kobe and gang come training camp. Sun averaged 8.1 points and 2.3 assists in the Beijing Olympics and has already impressed some veterans. "I think he's very talented, actually," said Bryant. "I was very impressed by him. I think he has great size, great length, good shooting touch, good ball handler, good vision, good pace. I was surprised at his size right off the top. He was able to handle the ball. I tried to test him a little bit, see if he could go left, go right, that sort of thing. So I like him." Chris Paul was also impressed saying, "He is very quick, very athletic, very talented. He can shoot, and I think he can really play." While I have no doubt that Sun Yue should get along well with Kobe, I do hope that Paul Gasol will hold back his enthusiasm and not welcome Sun with his infamous 2 finger salute, if you know what I mean.
Yao has Mid-life Crisis - It seems that Yao Ming is dealing with some post-olympic blues as he comes to the realization that the most glorious period of his career is over. “I look at these Games, now that they are over, and I wonder what is the next thing for myself, for my country, for all of us?” Yao said just a few hours before he took part in the Closing Ceremony. “We have spent so many years preparing for this event and now it is over. I have just played in the most important competition of my career. Is my life over?" I got two words for ya big fella, NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. And with the addition of Ron Artest to the line-up, you got a much better chance at achieving this dream than you did at winning a medal in the Olympics. You think winning a bronze medal in the Olympics will make your country proud. Just wait until you see how they react on the day you hoist up the NBA Championship trophy. Don't ever stop dreaming big and then bigger! Oh and if you start feeling old just remember that at least you still got good mojo with the ladies, the really big 6 feet 5 inch ladies. Australian basketball star Lauren Jackson's friendly hug/grope of Yao Ming may very well cost him a week on the sofa when his wifey finds out about it.
Tuesday - 8/26/08 Top Asian Olympians in Beijing - Here is a list of the most memorable Asian Olympic performances over the past two weeks, in my personal opinion. Under incredible pressure, 28 year-old Chinese gymnast Yang Wei wins two golds and one silver in men's gymnastics, including the individual all-around. He led his Chinese version of the "Redeem Team" to gold in the team competition after a very disappointing 5th place finish in 2004 Athens.
South Korean swimmer Park Tae Hwan wins gold in the 400m freestyle and then follows that up with the silver in the 200m swim. The 19 year old should be a favorite in both events come London.
Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima wins double gold in 100m (world record) and 200m breaststroke to match his double gold in Athens in 2004. No one has ever repeated as Olympic champion in these events making Kitajima the greatest breaststroker ever. LOL, now that is a fine title indeed.
Chinese swimmers Liu Zige & Jiao Liuyang wins the gold and silver for China in the women's 200m butterfly. Liu set the world record in her historic win.
South Korea wins baseball gold by beating the mighty Cuban team 3-2. The Koreans were a perfect 7-0 in these Olympics and beat the Cubans twice along the way to baseball history.
Yukiko Ueno pitches Japan to a gold medal by defeating the nearly unbeatable American softball team. Definitely one of the biggest upsets in these games.
Monday - 8/25/08 Zai Jian (Goodbye) BEIJING The Olympics are officially over and without a doubt China has put on one of the most spectacular events in human history. But more importantly than that, the Chinese people have shown the world that they are friendly, open and modern. While their government system may still have many problems, China has been changing for the better for many years now, and I know that these Olympics will be a great catalyst for even greater change in the years ahead. I just hope that more people will try to see it as the glass is half-full and not half-empty when it comes to China's development. Beijing, you just spent 40 billion dollars and threw the most extravagant party in the world, what are you going to do now? - Take some 100,000 volunteers to Disney Land!
Clay is World's Greatest Athlete - Congratulations to Bryan Clay for winning the decathlon and earning the title of greatest athlete alive. The half-Black, half-Japanese Clay is only 5'11 tall and competed against a field that towered over him, but when it came to athletic ability Clay stood tallest. To give you an idea of his great feat, Michael Phelps won 8 medals in 8 swimming events over a spread of many days. Bryan Clay won just 1 medal but he completed 10 events that covered 2 short grueling days. Not exactly fair is it? No, but that is the nature of their sports and that 1 medal is all the more satisfying considering the work put in. Phelps is a great athlete and person and deserves the title of greatest Olympian of all time. Bryan Clay will just have to settle for the title of greatest athlete in the world, which he can carry proudly for 4 years into London where he may contest for his third medal in as many Olympics. Not too shabby at all.
Sunday - 8/24/08 China is Golden - From Sick Man of Asia to Gold Man of Asia!
China easily won the gold medal race with an impressive 51 gold medals, 15 more than the USA. The total medal count goes to America with 110 total medals compared to 100 medals for the host nation. This is a good medal standings compromise as both nations can claim they WON the Olympics. The IOC is more diplomatic as they do not recognize medal count as a measure of national success but focuses on the individual achievement and the human spirit. Kinda like the GO WORLD, Visa commercials if you take out the Nastia Liukin and Kerry Shrug store lines. I kinda agree with the IOC. The Olympics should be more about the individual and not about the "My country is better than your country" mentality. It's great to see the events where some underdog guy from some obscure country wins the first medal for their homeland. Still it is also rewarding to see China finally get to the top-dog position considering the Chinese were once considered the "Sick Man of Asia". The term was actually used extensively by the Japanese as well as the many Western nations that took advantage of a weak China in the early 20th century. So it must be with some satisfaction that China ends these Olympics with 100 medals, far more than any of their former tormentors. The formerly unmotivated, lazy, fat-boy of Asia has finally made good on his potential and no one can ever call him "The Sick Man of Asia" again. Below is the breakdown of Olympic medals by Asian countries.
Saturday - 8/23/08 Media Witch Hunt Continues & Grows! - The continued obsession the US media has over the the Chinese gymnasts ages just will not go away. You can find it on the front pages, all over the news and the internet but you can't find any information on the money laundering scandal that is happening in Taiwan over their ex-president Chen Shui-bian. I mean you can't even find it under the WORLD section for CNN or Foxnews. Believe me, I tried. Guess it shouldn't surprise me when you consider Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie are bigger news items than developing conflicts in foreign countries. Now it seems that the witch-hunt has extended to the Jamaican track and field athletes including the awesome world-record champion sprinter, Usain Bolt. The media is once again showing what poor sports they are as they speculate whether doping was involved in the recent success of Bolt and the Jamaican team. They have no proof whatsoever but question the performance based on the amount of world records that were broken, citing it as unusual. HELLO? Michael Phelps anyone? I think Phelps broke more records (7) in these Olympics than Usain Bolt and no one is questioning his performance. I mean just look at Bolt the dude is tall, lean and awesome. He won because he is taller and more talented, an unique physique specimen. Truth is, most of the other 100m/200m dash competitors looked more like they were doping with their thick muscles than the streamlined Bolt. If the American track stars had won these events, would there be any questions of doping. I don't remember any when Marion Jones dominated in 2004. All this finger pointing is just sad and unwarranted and makes all Americans look like poor sports in my opinion. Liu Xiang Will Rise Again - Like a phoenix from the ashes, or so hope his numerous fans. Officials for the Chinese national track and field team definitely think so saying that Liu Xiang's injuries are healable and will not affect his career. They even mentioned that he was only 25 years of age and should compete at the London Games in four years. Guess the pressure is back on again. His sponsor Nike was also working hard to minimize the fallout by pushing out the following ad.
Love Competition
I would say those sentiments are equally appropriate for Yao and the Chinese basketball team. They finished only in the top eight to match their Athens results, but they played with heart and passion. Hold your head up guys, you made us proud. Sunday - 8/17/08 1 Billion+ Broken Hearts - Add me to that list. Liu Xiang withdraws from the 110 hurdles with a ankle injury. He is done, finished for this Olympics. The Chinese fans in the Bird's Nest never even got to see him compete in one race. This has got to be the biggest Olympics disappointment for them in a very long time. I don't know what happened as there were no warnings from his handlers that he was injured and this was a total shock to everyone. I feel very bad for Liu cause the pressure on him in recent days must have made him feel like Atlas with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Still the pressure is far from gone. Once the Chinese people get over their initial shock they will want answers from Liu and his team. I hope they can be generous and understanding cause hurdles is a dangerous event and injuries are frequent. Liu is a great Olympian, and I'm sure he would not have quit unless he was under extreme pain.
Thursday - 8/14/08 Age Guessing Game/Witch Hunt - Well it has officially turned into the nit-pick'n crying games for the American media in China. First it was the story about the lip-syncing little girl during the opening ceremonies and now it's the questioning of the ages of the Chinese women gymnasts. The switcheroo of the singers was bad, but it's not nearly as big a deal as the ridiculous media is making it out to be. I mean what isn't fake these days? Fake bleached blonde hair, fake breasts and colored contact lens dominate the entertainment landscape in America. Magazines photos are Photoshop'd to perfection and the movies and music are all altered and edited for our amusement. It's all staged entertainment people, get over it. I mean you don't get any more fake in this world than Hollywood and those celebs are worshiped like deities. With the Chinese gymnasts, I will admit they do look awfully young. However you can't make assumptions on looks alone. Otherwise the Chinese people could play the same game and say that American athletes must be doping because they look so much more muscular than their Chinese counterparts. Plus while there are some advantages to being younger in gymnastics, there are also advantages in being older too. Two primary benefits are more experience and superior strength. To complain that small, in-experienced Chinese girls beat the stronger, more experienced American women is just pretty pathetic and poor sportsmanship, especially without hardcore proof. The US media tried to do the same to Yi Jianlian last year too, except they said he was older than he claimed too be. They said this because they wanted to lower the value associated with Yi's draft pick, most likely because he was Chinese and they were playa-hating on the yellow man. Whole bunch of racists! See I can make assumptions too! UPDATE: American women Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson won 1-2 (gold-silver) in the all-around in gymnastics. They fully took advantage of the little, weak and in-experienced Chinese gymnast Yang Yilin. It's not fair, they cheated! LOL. How does this outcome make all the taking/typing heads look now, with their constant complaining about the advantages of being a little 85 lb girl in gymnastics. Can they just drop it already? I think they can now that they have the outcome that they wanted. Congrats to the American women on their deserved victory. US Media to Chinese Olympians: "You are too young, small & weak to win the gold, you bunch of cheaters! And when you do grow up you need to bleach your hair blonde and get breast implants if you want to look like real women."
Tuesday - 8/12/08 SHAME ON SPAIN! - Yao and Co. gave Spain a run for her money pushing their game to overtime before losing 85-75. Team China had led by as much as 14 points but they got tired and with Yao fouled out they couldn't seize a prime opportunity for an upset. They are now 0-2 with their backs to the wall. But that isn't even the real story. To add insult to injury, a major Spanish newspaper ran an ad with the entire team pulling there eyes back in mocking fashion. You know the good ole "Chinese, Japanese" song and dance. Thought that was only done in the USA but guess I was wrong. Pretty pathetic and immature people, it's 2008 and they still do this crap?!?
They said it was a sign of fun and affection? Oh hell no! I guess next they will be calling us Chinky as a term of endearment. I hope Kobe and LeBron crush these fools! But it is the Olympics so I'd prefer to focus on the positives. Like the Chinese gymnastics team winning the gold in the team competition. These guys were simply amazing but they are far from done yet! Congrats to Team China and Team USA on getting the bronze.
Team Captain Yang Wei led the troops to the promised land in dominant fashion. Next up, personal glory is calling in the all around competition. Sunday - 8/10/08 Olympics Medal Count - After two days of competition, the USA leads overall in medal count with 11 total. China has won the most gold with 6, but surprisingly the South Koreans are in third place with 3 gold medals and 5 medals overall. I expect to see Russia making a run in the coming week as it has traditionally been a three-horse race between USA, China and Russia for Olympic supremacy. Can China finally claim the top spot for the very first time this year? We'll have to wait and see.
Redeem Team Downs Team China - The much anticipated Olympic basketball opener between the US Dream Team (aka Redeem Team) and Team China ended in a lopsided affair as Kobe, LeBron and company rain away with an easy 101-70 victory. The Chinese team did give it a good effort and matched the NBA all-stars for the first 15 minutes before the quality of the American team started to pull away. But even when they kept it close it was only through 3 pointers. Once those stopped dropping in, Team China showed her problems which included erratic guards and an inability to protect the ball leading to countless turnovers. One thing I noticed from the game that was particularing disturbing was Yao's poor conditioning. I know that he had just come back from an injury layoff about a month ago, but I was hoping he would be closer to NBA form than this. He was leaning over most of the match and wasn't much of an factor on the offensive end. The announcer said he was only 60-70% back and he looked it. If he doesn't play himself into better form soon, I fear China will not make it into the final 8. What about Yi Jianlian? He was 0-6 in the first half and looked totally out of it. He was so bad that even Yao was pissed at him. Yi redeemed himself somewhat in the 2nd half ending the game with 9 points and 3 rebounds, but he too better pick up his game soon before it's too late. Still it was great to see these two teams play a historic game that meant so much to people on both sides of the world. Despite his lackluster play, Yao tried really hard and cheered his teammates for the entire game even when they were down 30+ points in the fourth quarter. Kobe and co. showed their superior above-the-rims highlight dunks and skills, but it was Yao Ming and his heart that stood out the most for me in this game.
8/8/08 Beijing Olympic Ceremony a Great Success! - Only one word can describe the opening ceremony. Breathtaking! I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.
Wednesday - 8/6/08 Olympics are Just 2 days Away! - Wow, can you believe it is finally here? With the world watching and 100,000+ security personnel on hand, China is going to put on the granddaddy of all opening ceremonies. I can't wait to see what kind of outrageous theatrics and entertainment they have in store for us, as I'm sure it will be over the top and extravagant as most Olympics usually are. But come on, this will be on a totally different level as it's a coming-out party for the Dragonness, and she's sure to do it with style. The million yuan question, who will light the Olympic cauldron? Since Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang and NBA superstar Yao Ming will both have already held the torch during the final three-day Olympic relay starting today, neither of them are eligible to light the flame at the National Stadium on Friday night, if you hold to Olympics tradition. Still while their own traditions are mucho importante, I'm not sure how much China cares about Olympic tradition. I'm hoping that Yao still lights the cauldron but there are some rumors that it may be China's first astronaut Yang Liwei. I don't really know what the organizers are doing, but I hope they don't ruin it by putting someone who is not internationally known to light the cauldron. It's a no-brainer in my book. Pick Yao Ming you fools!! Yao was the right choice then, and he is still the right choice now. Pass it to the big man and let him slam dunk the flame into the freak'n cauldron already!
Saturday - 8/2/08 Yao Ming's New Solider/Pitbull - That's right, the Rockets finally got themselves a attack dawg that has some real bite. Ron Artest is going to Houston and already there is controversy. Yao had initially voiced some concerns over the infamous brawl in 2004 where Artest threw down with players and a fan. Said Yao, "Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands." Granted you have to take Yao's statement in context because he was just answering a reporter's direct question regarding Artest in that specific incident. Still Ron had said he felt like he was hit in a soft spot when he heard Yao's criticism. But now it looks like they have spoken personally and have come to an understanding which is a very good thing for Rocket fans. If they can all be on the same page they will have a trinity that could rival Boston's Big Three and we saw what they did this year. Artest says he is ready to be a solider in Yao's army and may even show up in Beijing to cheer for Yao. Frankly I can't wait to see what Yao, McGrady and Artest can do when they hook up and work as an unit next season! Hey, no more ghetto or kung-fu fighting guys! Will Class + Crass = Brass?
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