Monday, June 22, 2009

Iran Coverage

I've been glued to CNN Newsroom lately following coverage of the election protests in Tehran, Iran. Just a big picture comment -- the past 12 months or so have been so historically significant. For the first time in my 22 years I started to realize I was witnessing history, and I never really felt that way about much in my lifetime. Domestically we see an African-American President; abroad, we see protests in Iran that are comparable to the draft-card burning that happened during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Muslim women are in the streets voicing an opinion that's contrary to the official government stance. They're being beaten and abused, but they're still out there. I'm not entirely sure how this will end up, although I have my suspicions. Still, with the thorough coverage on Newsroom, it's been historic to see such expression in a conservative area.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Cups, Sox on a Tear

Big news week, big sports week. Stanley Cup & Calder Cup decided on one night. The Hershey Bears have won their 10th Calder Cup title. How does ANY minor league team take home that many titles? Normally the turnover is so quick in the minors that no team can maintain that level of success. It's an impressive accomplishment.

It was obvious that the Penguins were going to win a Stanley Cup at some point - but this year!? I'm sorry, city of Detroit. Maybe Mayor Dave Bing can put on a one man show, b/c that city needs a shot in the arm and I thought the Wings would deliver.

Marian Hossa went to the Wings so he could have a better shot at winning the Cup. It was a one year contract but I hope he gets another deal in Detroit. They can win it next year - rubber match anyone?

With the Lakers well in control of Orlando, this was a welcome diversion that offered some real competition.




So these guys have been on an absolute tear lately. Eight wins against the Yankees this eyar, get the brooms. But this meek-looking millionaire had better cool it with ripping Mark Texeira. He's 'Tweeted' about Tex. Since his start-up years with Texas Texeira has been a class act. No need going after him because you didn't want to offer him more $$ than another team. Besides, the number one reason why John Henry needs to ease off the trash talking is that it isn't like the Yankees ever had a verbose, obnoxious, overly opinionated owner who uses his mouth to get himself in hot water. I can't think of-a one. Look at the Yankees recent steward and take a lesson, Henry. When it comes to trash talking, less is more.

BSOTD: What else? John Henry

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Cup

Well, welcome to June. Stanley Cup and NBA Finals on the same night. I'm sure the NBA smoked hockey tonight. They're on a network (ABC) for one, whereas hockey is on cable (Versus). That and the NBA is boasting Kobe and the sweet 'Amazing Happens' ad campaign. Hockey's got...Osgood and Octopi? The latter I can get at Legal Sea Foods and the former let up 4 goals tonight. As much as the Cup can't compete with the NBA for most American sports fans, there's still something about it I find really compelling.
<------- That guy right there? Still the coolest trophy in sports. And the match-up is great. Second year in a row that Pittsburgh takes on Detroit, it's become an almost historic match -- especially if the Pens even the series this year with a Stanley Cup win. But in the meanwhile it's fun to see the home team win each of the first two wins. It feels like a torch passing type of series this year if the Pens take it. Even if Zetterberg's only 28 and Marian Hossa 30, the energy feels like it's with the Pens. If Malkin and Crosby win it this year it most certainly won't be their last.

BSOTD: Lost in the Flood