Yeah, He Could Get It

Underneath the Misletoe

Even though a friend of mine describes him as "something from Middle Earth," I still think Tom is a little cute. Just a little. Loving this pic though..

Happy Games!!!

What a cutie! Happy for Cullen Jones. I'm bummed swimming is over in the Olympics now. The second week is usually the boring sports... well, except for Track & Field.

Saturday Till Today...

Bernie Mac. Isaac Hayes. Obama in Hawaii. McCain in the Mid-State. Black Olympian Cullen Jones winning a gold medal...been more than a few events happening the last few days, each deserving their own blog post, but alas, I've been a bit MIA.

I was shocked and dismayed at both of the deaths of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes. I still can't believe it. I caught part of Larry King Live tonight and watched DL Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, and Steve Harvey recount their thoughts on Bernie Mac. Yesterday I listened to Tom Joyner's tribute to both men oh his Morning Show program. Wow! I can't believe they're gone. Life is short.

John McCain is in Central PA. Local media latched on to a quote he gave recently citing "It's hard to do the Lord's work in the Devil's city," referring to Washington. I thought to myself, "Gee, that's so kind of you, John McCain." The part of me that still counts Washington, DC as a second home takes offense to that. DC is far from the devil's city but some of his minions certainly are on Capitol Hill, that's for damn sure.

Obama's in Hawaii. Get yo' rest brother, get your rest. You're gonna needed. More and more negative Obama ads have been running during the Olympic broadcasting lately and some of the misguided actually are falling for it. Ugh. Doesn't help matters former governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has been escorting Senator McOldhead around PA either.

Fox News was criticizing Barack for taking time off from the campaigning. Brother! If the man's tired and wants to rest, let him. Besides, last time I checked, both he and McCain are still Senators. Doesn't Congress take 200th vacation during the month of August?!?! Congress works maybe 2 months of the year! LOL.

The Olympics. I've had my fill of the gymnastics, diving, swimming, and volleyball events. I'm ready for the track and wrestling competitions. Nothing against Michael Phelps, he's my boy and all, but I'm soooo sick of seeing his face er'rywhere! Did Cullen get any coverage on being one of the few Blacks to receive an Olympic medal in swimming? Here, coverage was more of an "oh and by the way" deal. Phtt! I digress from further comment.

Overall for me, life has been a little challenging, but I'm muddling through. I'll save my recent activities for a post tomorrow. Until then, keep the faith....

"One World, One Dream"

Say what you will about the controversy over this year's Olympic Games, but the Chinese pulled off the Opening Ceremonies to the XXIX Olympiad with panache, zest, style, and grace. All I can say is "Wow!"

It was a sheer spectacular display full of pageantry. So far, this has to be the best Opening Ceremonies in my memory. Dramatic elegance, well choreographed, and creatively touching on themes central to the culture and history of China, it did the job! There was symbolism everywhere! With the exception to the goosestepping soldiers, one could almost forget China is Communist. Almost.

Most touching was when the Chinese Athletes strolled into the arena with Yao Ming at the helm. Alongside Yao and company was a survivor from the devastating Earthquake which rocked China back in May, killing over 70,000. Bob Costas and Matt Lauer described the boy's bravery and courage. Well done!

Thankfully, one concern of mine didn't pan out.

I was convinced all evening the United States athletes were gonna get a poor reception entering the stadium (remarkably called the "Bird's Nest" cuz that's sure what it looks like), but I was pleasantly wrong.

US athletes received rousing cheers and applause! Despite people's viewpoints with American involvement in world events, We were accepted as a part of the World family with open arms. I, too, was impressed when the Iraqi delegation received a positive reception. Contrary to the boos and jeering Iran got afterwards, the Iraqi athletes were showered with warmth.

Bush looked bored out of his gourd all evening. With exception to the USA athletes entrance, he sat looking miserable and uncomfortable, occasionally leaning over to whisper something to First Lady Laura. And someone please teach Dubya how to sit more Presidential. Hester pointed out early in the evening Georgie-boy sits with a "wide-eagle" posture, showing everyone his "package." Ick! How undignified! How trite for the Leader of the Free World not to suck it up one night and show a little enthusiasm. Jeez!

My most captivating event of the evening was the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, which my poor words cannot give adequate description. If you missed it, definitely catch it on YouTube. I was blown away. And the fireworks!!!! Again...."WOW!"

No matter your position on the Chinese, their politics, or the Olympic Games, one must admit this was one of their finer moments. A proud achievement for them and the world! Kudos!

Chicago 2016!

I am a self-professed Olympics junkie, I confess it! With the exception to the 1980 Moscow Games, I've consistently watched each Summer Olympic Games since 1976 and plan on watching part of the Beijing Games, despite the controversy.

The Olympics' heyday may've passed, given all the scandals involving doping and such, but I have to admit I find myself always enamored with the Summer Olympics!

My goal is to make it to the 2012 Games, Lord willing. Doubtful the Olympics will hit the States in time soon again, but I'm praying Chicago gets the 2016 Games. I'd settle for Rio though. Two reasons.

First, the Olympics have never been held in an African or South American country (Mexico's 1968 venue doesn't count because it's still North America despite certain attempts to divorce it from our continent. Shame on you if you think otherwise!) Second, I'd give me an excuse to visit my buddy who recently moved back home to his native Brazil.

New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC definitely should put a bid in for the 2020 Games if Chicago loses out for 2016. The IOC makes their decision next year. Maybe if Obama wins the Presidency, Chicago might stand a decent chance.

Beijing 2008

"There's an old Vulcan proverb...Only Nixon could go to China."
-Leonard Nimoy as Ambassador Spock
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

For weeks now, there's been much scuttlebutt about President Bush attending the Opening Ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics. It's been a controversial issue with many people reasoning against him going because of China's track record with human rights violations. The issue seems rather moot since the Games are tomorrow evening and Bush has been in China a few days now.

I question why the International Olympic Committee chose Beijing for the 2008 Olympic venue. Given China's policies, it seems to be the antithesis of what the Olympic Games represent. Surprisingly, I support Bush's decision to attend the Games. I can't explain it, I just think it was the right thing to do. If he (Georgie-Porgie) is sincere about making inroads with the Chinese Government, perhaps it'll do some good and have a positive effect. Then again, Bush's diplomatic policies have been suspect themselves, his entire term in Office.

What's your position? Whether you watch the Olympics or not, do you think it was wrong for Bush to attend the games? Should the US have protested and boycotted the Beijing Games like we did the Moscow Games in 1980? Does the Olympics hold any real weight to true world issues anymore, if it ever did?