Olympics - US Women's All Around

The US women are getting hosed. I couldn't agree more with the Michael Wilbon sentiment that he doesn't follow subjective sports which are judged (gymanstics, figure skating). Smells like home cooking for China, the type normally reserved for UNC basketball.

Watching the women on the beam reminds me of Deiter (Mike Myers) from Sprockets.

Bittersweet / Olympics

The day after the PGA is always bittersweet, another eight months of winter before a Major.



Last night's 4x100 men's freestyle relay was A+ television. An unbelievable event and great start to the competition. Two days in and we've seen;

USA v. China
Phelps with two WR, both shattering the prior benchmark.

Wow.

Speaking of USA basketball, I've bought into their teamwork and excitement/engagement in the Olympics. A far cry from previous teams, who stayed at off-site hotels and only showed up for the tournament. Kobe and Kidd at beach volleyball would not have happened in the past.

For me to buy into Team USA, it means two things:

1.) I am endorsing/supporting the attitude Mike Krzyzewski has instilled in the team.
2.) I am letting the excitement and joy of Kobe/others override the thought the effort is entirely PR-driven, to establish a Chinese bulkhead.

Elsewhere, Padraig Harrington is Player of the Year. Tiger judges himself by Major wins, and the tally on the year was 2-1 with an equal winning percentage.

Again

2007 Open
2008 PGA

For every fist clench, snarl, and flippant post-round handshake he delivers, it is really enjoyable to watch Sergio Garcia lose to Padraig Harrington. Post round interview is more gracious than the norm, but he still is bemoaning the lie PH got on 18.

Harrington is such a good guy, a great win, a great PGA champion.

Post script: my picks were atrocious, I need a stint in the minors before the Mercedes rolls around. Nationwide and Skins Game picks coming soon!

Post post script: JB goes Art Monk!

Come On...

Will one of the 20somethings on the PGA Tour please sack up and put themselves in contention at a Major? Of the young guns at the top of the leaderboard halfway through Friday, the two with the best chance are Baddeley and Rose, with Casey as a dark horse.

PGA

My picks for the PGA, mixed up by picking a favorite (gold), a middling pick (silver), and a longshot (bronze). Please enjoy the Olympic theme.

Gold - Jim Furyk, Oakland Hills has tight fairways, overgrown rough, and diabolical greens. Check, check, check.

Silver - Angel Cabrera, the OH setup reminds me of 2007 Oakmont.

Bronze - Nick Dougherty

Olympics

Sally Jenkins of the WP has been spot on in her assessment(s) of the Olympics in Beijing.

Today she writes about the revocation of Joey Cheek's visa.

Write on, Sally.

The Washington Nationals

Aside from sports, does any other industry exist where the quality of the product can decrease, yet the price increases? After attending last night's game, I can safely assess the state of the Nats franchise as atrocious. The team has no talent, and doesn't attempt to overcome the talent deficit by playing fundamental baseball. On separate occasions mental breakdowns led to runs for the Phillies; breakdowns a 13 year old wouldn't make.

The 2B or P not covering 1st on a bunt to the right side of the infield.

The 1B calling for a throw from the C on a dribbled ball in foul territory.

The P getting out of the way of a popup, so it can be fielded by the 3B, with the result being an unnecessary collision.

There is no way I'll be paying for Nats tickets until I see an improved product on the field. The stadium 'perks' (i.e. 'the homage to drinking', with a massive bar behind CF) don't overcome the shortfalls.

Last night's game should lead to the firing of Manny Acta, I'd be shocked if it didn't.

The Death of 980

The British Open can't be summed up any better than Steve Czaban's synopsis. Sadly, I won't be able to hear the recap on the morning commute any longer, as SportsTalk 980 became ESPN980 today. Instead I got the worthless, self-aggrandizing diatribe of Mike & Mike. I don't know of one person who enjoys M&M. In addtion, Doc Walker was moved to 12-2 and paired with Kevin Sheehan (???). DC sports radio now sucks.

Enjoy the Ride

Really enjoying watching Greg Norman remain in contention at the British Open. Somewhat bittersweet to realize it (likely) will never happen again. I'm enjoying each hole like a chapter in a book, relishing each simply, for what it is.

Happy 60th, Dad

I just got off the phone with my Father, who, in the midst of a golf trip, was finishing his 36th hole of the day.

The perfect way to celebrate your 60th birthday.

Funny, I clearly remember the party for his 40th.

The 2008 Open

The most enjoyable tournament of the year. The non-Tiger low-key lead up to the tournament has been refreshing.

Picks:

Honorable Mention - Paul Casey (he's got a mid-60s round in him)
3 - Geoff Ogilvy
2 - Justin Leonard
1 - Lee Westwood

Don't Bother

Recently sampled the 'Southern Style' chicken sandwich at McDonalds. I would have guessed, in an effort to compete against Chik-Fil-A, they would create something which differed significantly from what CFA has nailed down. Sadly, they went for a replica, which falls woefully short. The chicken is neither plump or juicy, rather, it is a thin patty with as much crust as chicken. Missing is the CFA chicken 'shape irregularities', which hint the food came from a real animal. The McD version is uniform and bland, in addition to being over-fried. The biscuit is an attempted carbon copy of CFA, which does nothing to enhance the chicken.

I'm sticking to the old standby of bacon, egg, and cheese.

4th and more

Had a great weekend for the 4th, split between DC, Charlottesville, and the golf course. Finally saw the Black Crowes (in Charlottesville) and it exceeded expectations, 'Seeing Things' live is amazing.

One of my few thoughts regarding the NBA was Chicago was stupid to pass on Beasley, and after the first summer game I am 1-for-(exhibition)1.

AK at Congressional a good tune-up for Birkdale? May not be a bad thought.

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2008
CHARLOTTESVILLE PAVILION

MOVE IT ON DOWN THE LINE
GOODBYE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION
HOTEL ILLNESS
THICK N THIN
WALK BELIEVER WALK
YOUNG MAN OLD MAN
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM HILLS
BOOMER’S STORY
SEEING THINGS
WELCOME TO THE GOODTIMES
QUINN THE ESKIMO
WISER TIME
JAM -> THORN ON MY PRIDE
WOUNDED BIRD
- encore -
SHE
THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLE DIXIE DOWN

Randoms

- The Shaq freestyle (Kobe call out) makes me smile.

- Barry Melrose as the Tampa Bay Lightening coach? I would have guessed he'd be more likely to cameo in a Will Ferrell movie. I may pay (minimal) attention to hockey.

- Yes, I watch Nashville Star.

The 2008 US Open - Torrey Pines

- Love the opening 9 (back) from Justin Hicks, zero pars! Turns in 33.

- Good to see Owen Wilson has recovered from his suicide attempt, -2 thru 11.

- BIG fan of US Open in prime time. Something with meaning, rather than the 'Shootout at Sherwood'.

Little late for picks, but sources can verify I predicted Steve Stricker.

RIP Jim McKay and George Garrett

While Jim McKay hasn't broadcast sporting events recently, his passing is very sad, as his voice (along with a few others, notable Keith Jackson and Ken Venturi) was a voice I distinctly remember while watching sports growing up. Wide World of Sports was always an enjoyable break from morning sports and a late afternoon spent at the pool.

On a more personal note, the passing of George Garrett was especially sad. I had the pleasure of taking multiple Garrett classes at UVA, which were one day a week, and consisted of Mr. Garrett delivering an extended monologue about time spent with the likes of Martin Landau and other contemporaries. Class normally fell on a Wednesday afternoon, and we'd pick up large Cokes and split a fifth three ways to enjoy the class, which he absolutely loved. I made a few trips to his faculty office, and the case of Scotch next to his desk always brought a wry smile to my face. Easily my favorite (and one of the few remembered) professors at UVA, he will be missed.

Also - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/books/30garrett.html

Did the final 3 count?

The SV 3 at the buzzer in the Lakers game pushes the final score to 8 in a game with a 7.5 point spread.

Wow.

English Language Additions

Two additional words for the English language:

Divershit - n. - To excuse oneself from work to discreetly partake in an enjoyable activity (reading a newspaper article, playing a game on the phone, etc.).

Villainteer - n. - 1. The act of participating in an event/activity due to peer pressure. 2. Being forced to participate in an event/activity because for which you signed up in advance, forgot about, and had to be reminded.

$hit Cup 2008

Last weekend seven friends from college and I converged on Williamsburg for the playing of the 2008 $hit Cup. What is it? A match-play style format (five rounds) awarding a ca$h prize for the best overall match record (rotation of partners/opponents), and the $hit Cup for last. I strongly suggest Williamsburg for a golf trip, as we were able to play two courses at Kingsmill, two at the Golden Horseshoe, and Stonehouse on Sunday. Stayed a few miles from the courses and had easy access to Colonial Williamsburg for post-round festivities.

Scores? Friday 78 (w/front 9 35)-82
Saturday 83-87
Sunday 87, easily the worst putting round of my life

Overall match record 1-2-2, missing being a $hit Cup recipient by 1/2 point. Was able to gut our a Sunday half and propel my partner to the title (while avoiding the $C). Hard to believe of 10 matches, 4 were halved. Very close competition. Shoot me an email if anyone wants the complete spreadsheet, which is impressive.

Redskins

So, the Redskins just took 2WR and a TE (who can't wake up to an alarm)in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. Assuming all three make the team (later Reche Caldwell and Keen McCardell), three of the top six targets on offense are going to be rookies, who will be on the receiving end of passes from a QB coming off injury, behind a suspect OL. Meanwhile, a team thinning and aging at LB and OL does little to bolster the respective corps.

I have my fingers crossed for a 'Fun Bunch' type resurrection, but put the chances in 2008 at 10%. Isn't inserting three R on offense a signal of a franchise in the stages of rebuilding?