If true, it's one more reason to be excited about the NFL Finale:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08112008/gossip/pagesix/the_boss_bowl_123968.htm
Monday, August 11, 2008
Oh, Canada!
Why do I love Canada so much? Everytime I visit I am reminded how I just love this place!Maybe its the air?
It might be all the good Chinese and other Asian foods.
Perhaps its the fact that I think Canadian girls are very pretty.
Is it the fact that this is the world's second largest country but not even in the top ten in population?
Or that I have not been to a place in Canada that I have not liked. Prince Edward Island... gorgeous. Calgary... one of my favorite cities. Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise... stunning!
I do know one thing that I definitely like. Canadians don't take themselves near as serious as Americans do. They are mostly chill; as Americans we sometimes get so wound in our own complexes. We always have to be superior and always have to let everyone around us know we are great too. It happens at a national and individual level all around. I think Canadians know that America could blow them off the map and they really don't care. It's a good place.
I read a T-shirt in Calgary two years ago (paraphrased):
What's the difference between an American and a Canadian? Nothing, except that one is not carrying a gun and has health care.
If you were in my world history class last semester, I revealed to my students my secret plan to take over the world. It involves three steps:1) Move to Canada (no one would expect it)
2) Take over Canada (Canadians would never see it coming)
3) Take over America (Americans would never see it coming) then rest of the world.
Here's to world domination....
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Carless in Olympic
I incorrectly assumed that I could see Olympic National Park and most of the Olympic Peninsula without a car. The bus systems of Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam Counties seem efficient enough and connect to each other, if you time it right. Or if you are not traveling on a Sunday.
Spent last night in a nice hostel (Olympic Hostel... yeah, go Olympics) at Fort Worden in the wonderful town of Port Townsend. Really wanted to get to Port Angeles today, but found out yesterday that the buses don't run to Sequim to connect to Port Angeles on Sundays. I really would have been fine staying another day in Port Townsend but wanted to get to Victoria soon.
But honestly, it was a good travel day. Here were some highlights:
11:00 - Stop by Visitor's Center. Call Olympic Shuttle, who were really nice but tell me that their contract states they can only transport to and from the airport, not between towns since it would be competing with local transit. I asked, "even on Sundays, when they don'r run?" Sorry, he says.
11:30 - Nice couple working the visitor's center, feeling bad for me and learning that I was gonna hitchhike, offer to take me to the junction of HWY 20 and US 101.
11:45 - Dropped off by Pauline and her dog at US 101.
About 12:15 - Picked up by Laurie and Jeff and their new kitten. I've waited two and half hours for a ride before, so 30 minutes was a godsend.
12:30 - Dropped off at casino near Sequim. I inquire about their shuttle to Port Angeles, the casino people want no part of me.
12:45 - Wait up the road from casino.
12:50 - Picked up by Paul, who was on his way from his job of growing algae to feed oysters. Shortest wait ever for a ride. Paul likes my idea of going to Victoria and then Vancouver. He tells me I'll like Vancouver because, "they have the best pot in the world". Personally, I was hoping he would say something like tapas, mountain biking, or sea lion pups but oh well. He drops me off right at the ferry terminal.
1:30 - ticket purchased.
1:45 - lunch and blogging at Rick's Cafe.
Regrettably, I won't be visiting Oympic National Park. That will have to be the next trip.
Next stop: Canada!
Spent last night in a nice hostel (Olympic Hostel... yeah, go Olympics) at Fort Worden in the wonderful town of Port Townsend. Really wanted to get to Port Angeles today, but found out yesterday that the buses don't run to Sequim to connect to Port Angeles on Sundays. I really would have been fine staying another day in Port Townsend but wanted to get to Victoria soon.
But honestly, it was a good travel day. Here were some highlights:
11:00 - Stop by Visitor's Center. Call Olympic Shuttle, who were really nice but tell me that their contract states they can only transport to and from the airport, not between towns since it would be competing with local transit. I asked, "even on Sundays, when they don'r run?" Sorry, he says.
11:30 - Nice couple working the visitor's center, feeling bad for me and learning that I was gonna hitchhike, offer to take me to the junction of HWY 20 and US 101.
11:45 - Dropped off by Pauline and her dog at US 101.
About 12:15 - Picked up by Laurie and Jeff and their new kitten. I've waited two and half hours for a ride before, so 30 minutes was a godsend.
12:30 - Dropped off at casino near Sequim. I inquire about their shuttle to Port Angeles, the casino people want no part of me.
12:45 - Wait up the road from casino.
12:50 - Picked up by Paul, who was on his way from his job of growing algae to feed oysters. Shortest wait ever for a ride. Paul likes my idea of going to Victoria and then Vancouver. He tells me I'll like Vancouver because, "they have the best pot in the world". Personally, I was hoping he would say something like tapas, mountain biking, or sea lion pups but oh well. He drops me off right at the ferry terminal.
1:30 - ticket purchased.
1:45 - lunch and blogging at Rick's Cafe.
Regrettably, I won't be visiting Oympic National Park. That will have to be the next trip.
Next stop: Canada!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Olympics Storylines
With the Game's Opening Ceremonies just over a day away, here are some of the best storylines heading into the Olympics:
100m Showdown:
Who will be the world’s fastest man in the showcase event in track and field? Jamaican Usain Bolt is the world record holder and most experts believe that the 200m is his best event. American Tyson Gay has run the fastest 100 ever (the time was not a record because of the wind), but is he recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered in the US Trials? Asafa Powell, also of Jamaica, is a former world record holder and not even considered a favorite. The finals, if they all make it through preliminary qualifying, could be one of the best ever.
Fun in the Pool:
Michael Phelp’s quest for 8 medals, 41 year old Dana Torres making a quest for history and bonafide stars Katie Hoff and Natalie Coughlin give the United States one of the best swimming squads ever. Combine that with the new, ultrafast (and ultra-controversial) suits and a hyper cool and crazy fast facility called the Water Cube, this could be a very record setting Olympics in the swims.
What will blow up in China’s face:
Whether it is Tibet, individual freedoms, the air in Beijing, political boycotts, energy issues, environmental problems or the threats of terrorist acts, China has a lot going against it. The People’s Republic’s ability to match the hospitality of Australia or the tradition of Athens faces many obstacles that previous hosts have not encountered. Athletic achievements will not be an issue, because some of the best ever are going to show. It is planning, organizing and hosting that will truly test China. Already, China has made some things off limits to foreign media. The International Olympic Committee has a lot riding on the Beijing Games; it could be another Sydney or be viewed as a modern Berlin.
Others to consider:
USA Basketball: Can we improve on bronze in Athens?
Last Olympics for Baseball: Will it be popular enough to get it reinstated?
Ping Pong: Will people outside of China care about its national obsession?
Doping: How clean are the Games this year? Every winner will have questions hanging over them regarding doping.
100m Showdown:
Who will be the world’s fastest man in the showcase event in track and field? Jamaican Usain Bolt is the world record holder and most experts believe that the 200m is his best event. American Tyson Gay has run the fastest 100 ever (the time was not a record because of the wind), but is he recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered in the US Trials? Asafa Powell, also of Jamaica, is a former world record holder and not even considered a favorite. The finals, if they all make it through preliminary qualifying, could be one of the best ever.Fun in the Pool:
Michael Phelp’s quest for 8 medals, 41 year old Dana Torres making a quest for history and bonafide stars Katie Hoff and Natalie Coughlin give the United States one of the best swimming squads ever. Combine that with the new, ultrafast (and ultra-controversial) suits and a hyper cool and crazy fast facility called the Water Cube, this could be a very record setting Olympics in the swims.What will blow up in China’s face:
Whether it is Tibet, individual freedoms, the air in Beijing, political boycotts, energy issues, environmental problems or the threats of terrorist acts, China has a lot going against it. The People’s Republic’s ability to match the hospitality of Australia or the tradition of Athens faces many obstacles that previous hosts have not encountered. Athletic achievements will not be an issue, because some of the best ever are going to show. It is planning, organizing and hosting that will truly test China. Already, China has made some things off limits to foreign media. The International Olympic Committee has a lot riding on the Beijing Games; it could be another Sydney or be viewed as a modern Berlin.Others to consider:
USA Basketball: Can we improve on bronze in Athens?
Last Olympics for Baseball: Will it be popular enough to get it reinstated?
Ping Pong: Will people outside of China care about its national obsession?
Doping: How clean are the Games this year? Every winner will have questions hanging over them regarding doping.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Ping Pong
In anticipation of the Beijing Games, watch the video below of China's pastime. It's pretty dang amazing:
Monday, August 4, 2008
Olympics- Athletes to watch
Here are some athletes to watch in the coming Beijing Games. Everyone knows Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming so I am throwing out five other that I will be keeping an eye on:
Allyson Felix (United States, Track and Field) – Can she help save Track and Field? Daughter of a preacher, she teaches Sunday School in the offseason. With Marion Jones in jail because of doping and lying, Felix has all the tools to be the face of American women’s track and field for a long time. She’s only 22, but has already won a World Championship in the 200m, is articulate, well managed and has the face, body and legs that could help her explode into a megastar if she can pull off victories in the 200m and on the 4x400.
Taylor Phinney (United States, Cycling) – Son of a not just one, but two Olympic medalists (Dad won bronze in time trial in 1984, mom took gold in road race), Phinney might be the future of US Cycling. He's obviously blessed with good genes but only recently took up competive cycling. Then, surprise, found out he's good at it. Probably not a medal favorite, but don't count him out. Oh, and he's only 18 years old.
Jake Deitcher (United States, Greco Roman Wrestling) – At 18, he just graduated high school. He’s the youngest Olympic wrestler for the United States since 1976. Not really a medal favorite, but he’s a great story and a kid with huge potential. In the trials, he showed that he is a fighter and you cannot count him out, even against more seasoned competition. He's heading to national power University of Minnesota next year and will be a favorite to contend for a NCAA championship as a freshman.
Ben Askren (United States, Freestyle Wrestling) – The "Funk"! Askren made a career at the University of Missouri with his crazy wrestling style (Funk), crazy hair, and outlandish personality (and two NCAA titles). He has guaranteed a gold in Beijing, so now let's see if the kid can back his word against some great competition.
Liu Xiang (China, Track and Field) - Surpised the field by winning the 110 Hurdles in Athens, the first Chinese athlete to win gold in men's track and field. China has made a huge push to compete with the United States in the medal count and no one is under more pressure than Xiang. Just imagine having the hopes and expectations of 1.3 billion people on your shoulders. That's what Liu Xiang has. Anything less than gold will be a disappointment for an entire nation of believers.
Allyson Felix (United States, Track and Field) – Can she help save Track and Field? Daughter of a preacher, she teaches Sunday School in the offseason. With Marion Jones in jail because of doping and lying, Felix has all the tools to be the face of American women’s track and field for a long time. She’s only 22, but has already won a World Championship in the 200m, is articulate, well managed and has the face, body and legs that could help her explode into a megastar if she can pull off victories in the 200m and on the 4x400.
Taylor Phinney (United States, Cycling) – Son of a not just one, but two Olympic medalists (Dad won bronze in time trial in 1984, mom took gold in road race), Phinney might be the future of US Cycling. He's obviously blessed with good genes but only recently took up competive cycling. Then, surprise, found out he's good at it. Probably not a medal favorite, but don't count him out. Oh, and he's only 18 years old.
Jake Deitcher (United States, Greco Roman Wrestling) – At 18, he just graduated high school. He’s the youngest Olympic wrestler for the United States since 1976. Not really a medal favorite, but he’s a great story and a kid with huge potential. In the trials, he showed that he is a fighter and you cannot count him out, even against more seasoned competition. He's heading to national power University of Minnesota next year and will be a favorite to contend for a NCAA championship as a freshman.
Ben Askren (United States, Freestyle Wrestling) – The "Funk"! Askren made a career at the University of Missouri with his crazy wrestling style (Funk), crazy hair, and outlandish personality (and two NCAA titles). He has guaranteed a gold in Beijing, so now let's see if the kid can back his word against some great competition.
Liu Xiang (China, Track and Field) - Surpised the field by winning the 110 Hurdles in Athens, the first Chinese athlete to win gold in men's track and field. China has made a huge push to compete with the United States in the medal count and no one is under more pressure than Xiang. Just imagine having the hopes and expectations of 1.3 billion people on your shoulders. That's what Liu Xiang has. Anything less than gold will be a disappointment for an entire nation of believers.
Humbled
I like to pretend that I know what's up and I have things in control. Then I get humbled in the revelation that not only am I in not in charge, but the one who is really is pretty good at what He does. Actually, very good and nothing I can conjure really compares. Take for example this pass week:
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon:
I had a "Wow!" moment. Crater Lake truly inspires awe. I pulled into the first overlook on the north rim and was completely stunned by the view, about 1200 feet below me, of a 6 mile wide, perfectly blue lake lying in the middle of a caldera that formed 7,700 years ago when the summit of Mount Mazama collapsed. As you drive around the rim and stop at differnt overlooks, the walls of the caldera literally change colors before you as the sun moves across the sky. No wonder the Natives believed the lake to be sacred.
Redwoods National Park/Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
So I am standing next to this tree who's trunk is bigger than my living room and who's top is towering almost 300 feet overhead and I am again humbled. Even as humbling is the beginnings of this tree, at least 700 years old, if not older. This tree has withstood earthquakes, snowstorms, fires, and the encroachment of man. Europe was suffering through the Black Death in its infant stages and it was a mere adolescent when Columbus sailed west. I cannot recall ever being amazed, much less humbled, by a tree until now.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon:
I had a "Wow!" moment. Crater Lake truly inspires awe. I pulled into the first overlook on the north rim and was completely stunned by the view, about 1200 feet below me, of a 6 mile wide, perfectly blue lake lying in the middle of a caldera that formed 7,700 years ago when the summit of Mount Mazama collapsed. As you drive around the rim and stop at differnt overlooks, the walls of the caldera literally change colors before you as the sun moves across the sky. No wonder the Natives believed the lake to be sacred.Redwoods National Park/Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
So I am standing next to this tree who's trunk is bigger than my living room and who's top is towering almost 300 feet overhead and I am again humbled. Even as humbling is the beginnings of this tree, at least 700 years old, if not older. This tree has withstood earthquakes, snowstorms, fires, and the encroachment of man. Europe was suffering through the Black Death in its infant stages and it was a mere adolescent when Columbus sailed west. I cannot recall ever being amazed, much less humbled, by a tree until now.
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