A Look Back at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver

The games in Vancouver were a great spectacle. It did start a little shaky with the death of an athlete and a malfunction in the lighting of the torch. It soon got over it, though, and started to hand out some medals.

Short Track was the fun one to watch for me. Apolo Anton Ohno won a Silver and two Bronze medals in these games with a total of 8 medals in his career which is the most by any US Winter Olympian. It also seemed liked the Koreans owned the sport for the most part. They seemed to be in everything and took 8 total medals in the sport, 2 of which were gold. No gold in short track for the USA.

There were some touching stories like Joannie Rochette winning bronze in the Ladies Free Skate for Canada after the death of her mom. It was a great story of perseverance through tragedy. There was also Lindsey Vonn who won a Gold Medal and a Bronze after the media questioned that she wouldn't be able to compete because of an injury. Then of Course the 'Night Train' getting gold for the USA in Four man Bobsleigh, their first gold in Bobsleigh in 62 years.

Canada went into these games with the mindset of "owning the podium." Though the USA had the most Medals with 37, Canada had the most gold Medals with 14 and was third in the overall medal count with 26. The USA was tied for third in the gold medal count with Norway at 9 Gold Medals. To me Canada owned this Olympiad. It's not about the most medals but the most GOLD Medals.

So now we look ahead to the next Olympic Games in London. Who here thinks they should light the torches on top of the London Bridge? They could so do it.

P.S. Yes. I would rather have the most gold medals than the most medals overall. It means your country won more events. Runner up means nothing to me really. That's right, Colts, it means nothing.

Canada Wins Rematch and Gold

Perhaps the biggest game in US Hockey since the Miracle on Ice had finally come. The USA would face Canada one more time but now for Gold. The USA won the first battle last Sunday leaving Canada embarrassed on their home ice. Team Canada now had their chance for gold and a little vengeance.

Canada came prepared and seemed to own most of this game. They scored the first two goals and seem to be on their way to a blow out. But the US managed to fight their way back. They scored a goal in the second period and then scored the tying goal with just under 25 seconds left in regulation. However Canada came on the offensive in OT and Sid the Kid Crosby managed to score the game winner 7:40 into OT. Canada Wins 3-2.

Canada had won gold in their national pastime and had went crazy as if all of Canada had won the Stanley Cup. Though the USA lost, I'm not that disappointed. Both sides played a great game and Canada got to see their team win in Vancouver. That's one gold they will not forget.

P.S. Great game now get back to work (I.E. the NHL).

'Night Train' Makes a Stop on the Podium

It was the the Four Man Bobsleigh final yesterday and Steven Holcomb (USA) and his teammates had an advantage established from the two heats the day before. Their bobsled, known as the "Night Train," was said to be one of the best bobsleds in the world. The result was a gold medal for Holcomb and the US. It would be the USA's first Bobsled gold in 62 years. What a drought. For the US to beat teams like Germany and Switzerland was really impressive. Congrats to them for the gold and ending the losing streak. Do you think they're ready for the Matterhorn?

It's Apolo Anton... OH NO!!!!

What could be Apolo Anton Ohno's last Olympic races, he began in the Men's 500 M. He would manage his way to the finals with some dominating performances. However in the final he would fall behind early and never really recover. He would try to pass Francois-Louis Tremblay of Canada but Tremblay would fall because of a push from Apolo. Apolo would be disqualified as a result and Tremblay would take the Bronze instead. Meanwhile Charles Hamelin of Canada took gold and Si-Bak Sung of Korea took silver.

Apolo would then participate in the Men's 5000 M relay. Team USA was in fourth for most of the race until near the end Apolo made his move and managed to get the USA Bronze. Korea would grab Silver and Canada would take Gold.

This might be the end of Apolo's Olympic career. He'll almost be 32 by the time the Winter games come back and he has had a good career both Olympic and regular anyway. He has a total of 8 Medals, two of which are gold. If this is it, I will miss Apolo. He has given me a reason to care for the Winter Olympics.

P.S. My interest for Curling only goes so far.

Canada Beats USA and Canada to Face USA?

Well hockey night in Canada has been buzzing lately. Last night had the Women's Hockey Final with Canada beating the US for Gold 2-0. The ladies celebrated their medal and even took it back to the ice with liquor and cigars. They came under some scrutiny for that celebration but I say let them have fun. At least they didn't get in the other team's grill like that Trinity player last week. Calm down man, it's just Squash.

Meanwhile the Men's Hockey Final is this Sunday with Canada getting their rematch with the USA. The USA beat Finland 6-1 as the US just cleaned house. Canada had a tougher time holding a lead against Slovakia and winning 3-2. Canada will be the favorite again as they can't lose to the US twice... right?

P.S. WHAT THE HELL IS SQUASH ANYWAY? AND HOW COME TRINITY AND YALE WERE THE FINALISTS?

Possible Rematch in Olympic Hockey?

Last Sunday in men's hockey, the US upset Canada 5-3 in a great game. Canada was embarrassed in their national sport and now would do anything for redemption. They might get it as they beat Russia 7-3 and they go on to the Semifinal round to play against Slovakia. What makes things even better is that the US will play Finland in their Semifinal game. If both teams win out, it will be a USA vs. Canada rematch for Gold. Seems like a hard scenario to overcome for the US.

Pre-Recorded Olympics? Really NBC?

NBC has done a good job presenting the Olympic Games. However that's all they do: Present it. They never said when. The West coast feed is always at least three hours behind the actual live event. It's never live and always prerecorded. The East coast, however, gets it live over us.

DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE? I live on the west coast which is the same time zone as Vancouver. Why shouldn't I be seeing this live or at least on 7 second tape delay? I feel like I can't check the Olympic website anytime because they report on events that I haven't seen yet. Yesterday was the USA vs. Canada Hockey game and I couldn't see it until later that night when the outcome was already decided.

Of course there is a reason to this: Ratings. People are more likely to see the games on a prime time slot than at 5 PM. NBC wants to cash in on the games so much that they delay showing them to certain areas to get a better rating. But this is sports. Sports have always been live no matter where you are. You don't see the Super Bowl being shown three hours later on the West coast. Sports should always be live, period.

P.S. I know I should've commented on this earlier but I was waiting for a proper post time to get the most views. GET IT NBC!!!

LT Released From Chargers, Tebow Makes Some Changes, and Some Baseball News

Monday came and so did some big stories. Ladanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers was released today after nine seasons with the team. LT had his worst year last year with only 730 yards rushing at about 3.3 yards a carry. LT will now have to find a new team but don't expect this guy to be in a one back system (if that truly exists anymore).

Tim Tebow has been hearing the criticism around him as he is working on changing his mechanics. His delivery seems to be a lot shorter, which is a must for the NFL, and he is working on his drop back abilities. Teams will still look at him with some skepticism though as he has to still prove he can use these mechanics in a game. But at least he is trying to change so there is hope for him.

Since baseball is around the corner, here is some news on it. Johnny Damon finally signs with another team and therefore not going back to the Yankees (Yeah). He has signed with the Detroit Tigers for a one year deal worth 8 Million Dollars. He will have a positive impact on the team but Damon is losing his edge so watch out for a possible drop off in stats. Manny Ramirez, meanwhile, says he will not return as a Dodger in 2011. Apparently 2010 will be his last year with them for some reason. Maybe it's the Drug Scandal or some hostility looming from last year's resigning. Or it could just be Manny being Manny.

Apolo Gets Bronze, Germans Take Two-Man Bobsled Gold, and the Latest Medal Count

We have about a week to go in the Olympics and the stories have been good. One has been Apolo Anton Ohno who has just gotten another medal. Apolo Won the Bronze in the men's 1000 M in short track speed skating. He had a hard time earning this one however as a couple of Canadians almost knocked him off the podium alltogether. Instead, Apolo came back at the last lap and past them both for Bronze. Two Koreans would claim Gold and Silver. Apolo is now the most decorated US Winter Athlete ever with 7 Medals in his career.

Bobsleding started this last week and a it's first gold has been given out. The Men's Two Man Bobsled was won by German pair Andre Lange and Kevin Kuske. In fact the silver was also taken by another German Pair. If this is the way it's going to go, Germany may be the favorite in the Men's Four Man Bobsled. Sucks to be anyone else.

As of the end of the first week, the US actually has the lead in the Overall Medal count with 24 and even the Gold Medal Count with seven. Germany is second, however in both categories with 18 medals and 6 Gold. Can the US Hold their lead for another Week?

P.S. Not answering the question. Just something to end on.

USA Strikes Gold Three Times

Today was a great day for the USA in Vancouver. They would take home three gold medals today alone. Shani Davis would take the gold in the Men's 1000 M in Speed Skating. Davis had previously won the gold in the same event four years ago at Torino. The great Shaun White would get gold in the men's half pipe. He also won this event at Torino. Last there was Lindsey Vonn who won her first Gold Medal ever as she dominated the downhill in Alpine Skiing. It was even more impressive considering her shin injury.

With these three Gold Medals, the USA now has the most Gold in Vancouver so far with 5. They also have the most total medals with 14.

Germany Owns Luge and More Gold For Canada

Luge has definitely gotten more attention lately so a little follow up. It's been all Germany. They have taken both the gold medals for Men's and Women's Luge in this first week. The only Luge event left is doubles. I don't know if they have a team but if they do and win, they will have swept the entire sport. The Germans also a Bronze and Silver for the Luge.

Meanwhile Canada liked winning Gold so much, they did it again with another Gold this time in Women's Snowboard Cross. Maelle Ricker took the gold in the event getting Canada's Second Gold Medal. Meanwhile, the woman who had a preemptive celebration a few years, Lindsey Jacobellis, would finish 5th. So much for redemption.

MJ Wants To Be the Majority... Owner

Michael Jordan has been a part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats for a while now but it seems like that is not enough for him. Larry Brown has said that Jordan wants to own most of the team and have controlling interest. While the Bobcats are not one of the best NBA Teams, it has quite a bit of potential. However Jordan may face some competition from some other potential buyers. This may not be good for Jordan as he is rich but maybe not rich enough to fight off some big billionaire.

P.S. If you would like to donate to MJ's Charity Cause, just buy some Haynes.

DAMN YOU TNT!!!!

You know what I like about TNT? Law & Order Reruns. I was looking forward to a good Friday of Law & Order when I see that most of the time is taken up by the NBA All Star Weekend. What happened to All Star games on the major networks like ABC or Fox. LEAVE TNT ALONE!!!

Anyway I should comment on some of the activities of the All Star Weekend. Not all but some. For the H-O-R-S-E competition, Kevin Durant repeated as champion again being so far the only winner of the competition in it's two years. Nate Robinson, meanwhile, won the NBA Dunk Contest becoming the NBA's First Three Time Dunk Champion. Steve Nash came down from Canada fast enough to win the Skills Challenge for a second time. And the Rookies beat the Sophomore's in the Rookie Challenge this year. For the rest of the events, look them up.

As for the All Star Game itself... GET OFF TNT!!!

Oh Canada, Finally

Until now, Canada had never won a gold medal on their home turf. They had hosted the games two times before and they had no golden glory to speak of. Today however that streak ended as Alexandre Bilodeau of Canada (duh) ended the streak winning a gold medal earlier today. He won in Men's Moguls which is a freestyle skiing event. It was just yesterday that fellow Canadian Jennifer Heil missed gold in the women's moguls. The drought that Canada wanted to end is over. I'm sure he is the most popular Athlete in all of Canada now, Eh?

P.S. Okay second most. Can't forget the Great One.

Number 1 Wins Daytona

In the first race of the year, the #1 car prevails. But How? Well after two long delays involving the same pothole and then a few key car crashes at the end, driver of the #1 car, Jamie McMurray, holds off the other cars, including Earnhardt Jr., to win the Daytona 500. This was a crazy race with 22 different lead changes which is a Daytona 500 highest. It was also embarrassing that a pothole was on the track and that it caused so much trouble. Jamie McMurray though managed a win at the end which is his first Daytona 500 Victory. A very wild way to begin the season.

P.S. Come on Nascar? Leave the Pothole out there. It was a lot more exciting hearing about that on ESPN.

Danica's Debut Gets Crashed and The Big Race

Yesterday had the first race of the Nationwide series at Daytona. Among the drivers was Danica Patrick making her Nascar debut. It could've gone a lot better though as she was involved with a crash involving 12 cars. She would have to make an early exit because of this. Tony Stewert would go on and win the race. I'm sure that this will teach her something. However I don't know much when it comes to racing strategy, just that turning left is often involved.

I do know something else though and that is the Daytona 500 is today. This is the best race Nascar has to offer which seems weird for putting it at the beginning of the season. I don't know who is the favorite but big names like Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewert, and Jeff Gordon are always in the front of everyone's mind.

P.S. Also Speed Racer, Rickey Bobby, and Anakin Skywalker. Wait I forgot, this isn't a podrace.

Swiss Strike First, Kearney Gets Gold, Apolo Barely Gets Silver and More

The Game started today and a few medals were awarded. The first gold medal was won by Switzerland's Simon Ammann in the Normal Hill, Individual Ski Jump. Silver and Bronze winners were Adam Malysz of Poland and Gregor Schlierenzauer from Austria.

The First gold for the USA was won today with Hannah Kearney for Freestyle Skiing in Ladies Moguls. She would beat out Canada's Jennifer Heil who was hoping to win Canada's first gold medal ever on home turf. She would settle for silver. Bronze was taken by another American named Shannon Bahrke.

The Speed Skater Apolo Anton Ohno made his Vancouver debut today as he was in the Men's Short Track 1500 M. He would get in the finals and thanks to a blunder by a couple of the Koreans ahead of him, he and JR Celski (American) would take Silver and Bronze in that order. Jung-Su Lee (Korean) would take gold in this event. With this medal, Apolo ties for the most Winter medals ever won with 6.

Despite what happened yesterday, the Luge events would continue as the Men's Singles started their competition today. The crew did put in a higher wall were Nodar died and start places were changed to slow down the speeds. The men would start at the ladies original place and the ladies will go to the junior start place later on.

There is no country so far with more than one Gold medal after day one. The USA leads the Medal Count, however, with 4.

Tragedy in Vancouver

The Olympics start tonight but the joyous mood may already have gone. During a training session today, a Luger from the country of Georgia named Nodar Kumaritashvili died. While going through the course, he lost control of his sled and went over a wall then crashing into a unpadded, steel pole. He would die later in a hospital. An investigation for the incident is already under way and there is specualtion whether the course is safe for Luge. I hope that the IOC and Vancouver pay respects to Nodar and Georgia in tonight's ceremony.

Let The Games Begin

It is time for the return of the Winter Olympics. It has been four years since Torino and I must say I'm very excited to see the Winter Games back. To me, the Winter Games seems fresher and more extreme. Now many may not be that but the fact that they involve freezing temperatures that no Ancient Olympian wouldn't have thought of is really intriguing.

What sports specifically am I wanting to see? Believe it or not, I'd actually like to see curling. Yes it is very boring but seeing it once every four years makes it exciting. Hockey is of course one of the sports that is most watched and I will try to pay attention to that as well even though Team USA is far from the favorite.

But the sport I want to see the most is Speed Skating. I'm looking forward to seeing already 2 time Gold Medalist Apolo Anton Ohno. He is the draw for me in the sport and quite frankly it is fun to just see one of the races anyway. Not only that but Steven Colbert will be involved with the speed skating team however minor.

Of course we must remember the true meaning of the games: Unity. That means countries putting aside their differences and coming together for some international competition and showing of true sportsmanship. And also beating the hell out of Canada.

P.S. By the way, Canada, WHERE'S THE SNOW?!?!

2009 NFL Season in Review

The NFL season is over and there is nothing left to do but look back at the great season of 2009. I've enjoyed this season very much and I'm sure that Roger Goodell has too what with the high ratings especially with the Super Bowl that even beat the MASH record. Here are my top ten stories of the year.

10. Micheal Vick's Return. Though he didn't do much on the field, I think that he still garnished enough attention that he will get a job somewhere else. I don't know if he will be a team's top dog ever again though.

9. Collapse of the Steelers. Even though the Steelers started 6-2, they finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. Tough for the defending champs just rusting out like that.

8. Tom Cable Throws a Punch. Another Raiders incident is just fun to watch.

7. Jay Cutler and the Bears. Jay Cutler had a lot of attention until the end of the year. It was rough for him but he has shown he can still throw a good game at times, especially for the other team.

6. Chris Johnson's 2000 Yards. While Adrian Peterson's spotlight dropped, Johnson came in and showed he was the dominant runner. The way he ran, you'd think he was playing against the Wile E Coyotes.

5. Cowboys Turn it Around Late. Cowboys actually had a good December and won a playoff game for the first time since 1996. Media can shut up now.

4. Cowboy's New Stadium and TV. Nothing like a lot of seats and a Big TV to watch in front of them. Now where's the Chips?

3. Failure of Perfection. Colts and Saints were close to perfection but the Saints just lost it and the Colts just let it go because it was nap time. How did that work out, Colts?

2. Brett Favre's Comeback Season, Again. Him going to the Vikings, beating the Packers, and falling short again in the NFC Title Game. Favre by far got the most attention for one person. Hey Favre, you done yet and is that your final answer?

1. Saints win Super Bowl. Of Course this is the top story what with the story of New Orleans in recent history and what it means for the city. Saints will go marching into New Orleans on Tuesday Night with the Lombardi Trophy as the city will start Mardi Gras early.

Overall I give this season a A-. A great season but the 49ers fell way short.

SAINTS!!! WHO DAT!?!? THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!

The Super Bowl was played today (DUH!!!) and it had the two number one seed teams in the NFC and AFC: the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts took an early lead advantage of 10-0 but the Saints managed to fight back for 6 points in the second quarter to end the half at 10-6 in favor of the Colts. The Saints regrouped more at half time and came out with an onside kick right away to get the ball back. The Saints would drive down the field to set up a 16 yard screen pass to Pierre Thomas for the score.

The Colts though can never be counted out as they drove down the field on the next drive and scored a TD of their own with a 4 Yard Rushing TD by Joseph Addai. After that, The Saints would score a field goal now being behind 17-16 and Matt Stover would miss one for the Colts. The Saints would score on the next drive with a short TD pass to Jeremy Shockey and then barely scored a two point conversion with a great pass to Lance Moore.

What practically ended the game for the Colts was the Interception by Tracy Porter for a TD. They finally picked off Manning. The Colts wouldn't score on the next drive and it was all over with the Saints winning the Super Bowl: 31-17.

This is the Saints First Super Bowl Title. This was much needed for the city of New Orleans after what they have gone through in the last few years. Drew Brees threw 32/39 for 288 yards and 2 TD passes and was the Super Bowl MVP. Tracy Porter May be the most loved man on Bourbon Street, however, what with solidifying the victory with that INT for a TD. Congrats to the Saints and the City: MARDI GRAS HAS COME A LITTLE EARLY THIS YEAR!!!

P.S. It was Super Bowl Sunday. What do you think I'm going to talk about?

Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice Get Into the Hall of Fame

Yesterday was the announcement of the Pro Hall of Fame class of 2010. 7 Players were chosen and two individuals stood above the rest: Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice.

Emmitt Smith played for the Cowboys for most of his career. During that time he has won 3 Superbowls in which he was named MVP once in Superbowl 28. He even won NFL MVP in 1993. He would finish his career with the Cardinals playing his last season in 2004. He has the all time career records in rushing yards (18,355 Yards), rushing TDs (164), and Rushing Attempts (4,409). He is definitely the most accomplished running back of all time and might be the best.

There is no argument though for the next Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice. He mainly played the 49ers and was the best compliment for Joe Montana and Steve Young. Jerry would win 3 Superbowls himself and was also a MVP in Superbowl 23. Jerry would also end up with several NFL Career Records including most Receiving Yards (22,895), Most Receiving TDs (197), Most Receptions (1,549), Most TDs Period (208), and Most Yards from Scrimmage (23,540). Jerry Rice could be the best offensive player outside of a QB and is by far the best Wide Receiver of All Time.

The other inductees are Ben Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, and John Randle. Congrats to them as well but of course when the ceremony comes, Jerry and Emmitt will be the main attraction.

Danica Finishes 6th in Stock Car Debut

In something called the Arca Re/max Series, Danica Patrick made her stock car racing debut at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona. Apparently it is separate from Nascar but is still considered minor compared to the Nationwide Series. Danica would race and finish 6th. She would struggle with parts of the race and even lost control at one point but she fought back from the back and finished okay. She still has to learn how to handle a stock car a bit more especially for the Nationwide Series. It is still not known whether she will race in the Nationwide Race at Daytona next weekend. Nascar would love to see her in that race in order to help kick off the Nascar season in the right direction: Ratings Up!!!

The Great Lakers

This last week has been a historical week for the LA Lakers. First Kobe Bryant passes Jerry West to become the all time scoring leader for the Lakers. After that, Phil Jackson passes Pat Riley for the most Coaching Wins for a Lakers' Head Coach. Even though they are team records, this is the Lakers we're talking about which are without a doubt one of the best organizations in Basketball. But now the arbitrary question: Which one is more important?

P.S. Better Question: WHY SHOULD I CARE?

AFC Wins Pro Bowl in Miami

For the first time ever, the Pro Bowl was played before the Super Bowl. It didn't have any of the starters of the Super Bowl but it seem to have a new feel to it anyway what with the schedule change and it being in Miami and not Hawaii. The game was played and the AFC won 41-34. Matt Schaub would be named the Pro Bowl MVP going13/17 for 189 yards and 2 TD passes.

The game also had... Okay I didn't watch it. To be honest with everyone, I don't like the Pro Bowl very much. I like the concept, I just don't like to watch it. That may go for any All Star Game. The one I watch the most, if at all, is the MLB All Star Game and I'm boycotting that one. And even then I just watch the Home Run Derby. I just don't see any real meaning behind it and there seems to be no competitive edge with any of the games.

P.S. I'm boycotting the MLB All Star Game because of the whole World Series Home Field Advantage thing. That thing needs to be decided by record of the two teams in the World Series and nothing else.