Each month, Jenn and Chitha have the task of figuring out what goes in the paper and how they want to present it.  Usually they agree, but occasionally, they need to battle ti out.  In this new segment of the Windermere Word, the two editors will go head to head trying to figure out the whole story behind controversial issues.  They would like to proudly present to you…

EDITOR VS. EDITOR
Topic of the Month: The 2008 Beijing Olympics

J: So Chitha, did you watch the Olympics?
C: No, it’s not my thing.
J: Really? Me neither - never have time to follow it. Why don’t you watch it?
C: I just don’t see the purpose of it. It’s just a huge thing that’s lost its meaning.
J: Well, I think the Olympics are great because they give countries a chance to show off their athletes. Some athletes train all their lives just to get five minutes of fame. But look at Michael Phelps - holy smokes.

C: That’s true but some countries just have more money to train their athletes. For example the US invests hundreds of millions of dollars in their athletes each year. Other countries like Canada don’t spend nearly as much. That’s why you see such a different in the overall rankings. And Michael Phelps got more coverage than anything else, and now it’s all about who’s going to get to be his sponsor. It’s all about making money.
J: Okay, so what do you think about China spending $43 billion on their opening and closing ceremonies?
C: What?! They spent $43 billion!?
J: Yup! Like it was nothing.
C: Well I’d have to say that it was pretty ostentatious. But now the bar’s been raised way up high and BC has the pressure to compete.
J: That’s the problem. We shouldn’t be focusing on who can spend the most money. Think about what we could do with $43 billion. That’s forty-three thousand millions! There is so much we could do with that amount of money. So many issues we could tackle.
C: I agree with you completely. What do you have in mind?
J: Take our biggest visible problem - the homeless. There’s been a lot of media coverage lately over the fact that we have so many homeless people sleeping on the streets, and that it won’t look good in 2010. Isn’t it kind of funny that we only pay attentio to it now because people are going to be come and see it? I say we take $43 billion maybe even a few measly million, and put it towards housing for those people.
C: I couldn’t have said that better. How can countries spend so much on two different ceremonies when there’s so many other better ways tos pend it? Most of the debts in the world could be paid off simply by that $43 billion. But remember that the $43 billion was just on the ceremonies. Who knows how much more was spent on the whole Summer Games? And the thing is that the host country doesn’t usually stick to the promises they make to fix local issues.
J: What else is new? You know there was a story in the news that the Chinese government found a way to keep back crimals who were meant to be released during and before the Summer Olympics? They also found a way to kill off most of the stray cats on the streets to make it look cleaner. They claimed that they were diseased. Well, if this is the case, then i wouldn’t be surprised if the homeless started dying because of some disease or if they got put in homes as far away as possible.
C: It’s crazy what countries do to cover up their blemishes. We should be the one to show others that we’re not going to turn our backs on our problems and try to hide it from the word. The other thing that China did is that they banned media sources like BBC, Amnesty International, and different pro-human rights organizations.
J: What? Why? Why the media censorship? That’s not allowed!
C: Exactly. Very close to the beginning of the Olympics, it was all over the news that this was happening, but as soon as the opening ceremony took place and blew everyone away, people forgot about it. Then most of the bans lifted, because they didn’t have to keep up their perfect image anymore. The Olympics were over.
J: That’s not right.
C: And that’s not the only thing - in accepting the responsibility of hosting the Olympics, China stated that they would go after improving their standards of human rights. But instead of improving, they just got worse.
J: Can you give me an example?
C: Ye Guozhu was sentenced to four years imprisonment for speaking out against the Chinese government who was going ahead and seizing houses to demolish so that they could make way to build new buildings for the Summer Games. Instead of being released on time (July 26), he was held until at least October.
J: All for the Olympics.
C: All for the Olympics.
J: Oh and you know what really irks me, Chitha? The fact taht the media spent so much attention on the games, the sponsorship, the money involved, the fancy stuff, but they forgot all about those poor people in Tibet. I mean honestly. They hire cute little innocent looking girls to represent the face of China, but the impression they’re giving me is tha they don’t care at all about the minority.
C: Jenn, I think we’re going to run out of space if you don’t stop right now.
J: I don’t care, this has to be said. Anyway, as I was saying - I’m not trying to be anti-Chinese, as most people are labeling it these days. For goodness sakes, I AM Chinese. But amidst all this fuss over the Olympics - China hasn’t set a very good example on how to deal with their problems. I say Canada can do better. I just hop ethat by the time 2010 rolls along, I won’t be taking these words back.
C: I hope so too. Well folks, that’s all we have for this edition. If you have anything you would like to comment on or have a suggestion for next month’s “Editor VS. Editor” segment, please let us know at WHS_WORD@YAHOO.CA as soon as possible. Or comment us here.

blog.myspace.com/chivalrous_maverick_x

Just in case, you can see how crappy the blogs show up in myspace. WORDPRESS is way better bloggers!!! Stay with WordPress. Myspace limits the creativity of bloggers!!! WordPress ROCKS!!!

Michael “The Fish” Phelps is surely the biggest star of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

And we are so delighted to get to talk with Michael this coming Tuesday… in person!

Yes yes! We are attending the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Bowlmor Lanes and we couln’t be more thrilled.

Keep your eyes peeled to MICAHJESSE.COM!

During the month of August I wrote a series of posts covering and questioning the controversy that shrouded the Olympic Sport of Taekwondo.

I, as a good amateur writer and self-proclaimed journalist, have tried to remain as objective as possible in my writings.

The sport of Taekwondo has been embedded in controversy for decades, but as this world modernizes and as the internet revolutionizes communication, it is very hard to keep the skeletons of politics and misdeeds kept hidden in the closet.

Very few athletes have had the courage to go up against injustices. My husband and former team member for the Peruvian National Taekwondo team, Jean Carlos Gamarra, once a Top 20 World Ranked Athlete in Taekwondo’s Fin weight category, was one of those who went against the grain and even his own masters to speak out against corruption that was occurring inside the Federation. It wasn’t easy, maybe it was even dangerous back at the time, but in the end he still remains a respected athlete (although maybe forgotten by his country) in the national Taekwondo circles.

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It’s not rare to see high profile athletes take up their grievences with their respective NGBs (National Governing Bodies.) Two USA Taekwondo athletes did just that leading up to the Beijing Olympics, both of them female.

I’ve posted previously about Nia Abdallah being discarded from contigency for a spot on the Olympic Team, in what seems to have been a politically and commercially motivated qualifying match. Nia and her family spoke out against what they felt was unfair, even posting home video of the match which was removed several times from the internet for “copyright infringement.” (This is a favorite of the NGB)

Another athlete, who seems to have had much worse public treatment, was long time USA Taekwondo team member Mandy Meloon. If you’ve been practicing Taekwondo for a while, then Mandy Meloon is a household name in U.S. and even in International Taekwondo. Mandy, frustrated, brought her grievence before USA Taekwondo to resolve claims of misconduct by the Senior National Team Coach, Jean Lopez.

Unfortunately, in Mandy’s case, things went very sour and name calling and accusations were traded between the sides. In her own reflection, she admits that she could have dealt with it differently, but imagine what state of mind you would have been in if you felt betrayed by an institution that you grew up in? To Mandy’s credit it must have felt like her whole world had been taken from under her feet by an NGB that she dedicated her life and Taekwondo career to.

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I always believe that there are two sides to every story, but the evidence doesn’t lie. Evidence may be misconstrued to fit one’s interpretation of it, but the court of popular opinion is what counts in the end, like it or not.

While it was very hard for me to find information previously to support Mandy’s case, I’ve been fortunate enough to have become Internet and I’d like to think Taekwondo buddies with Mandy Meloon. Mandy has a blog with more supporting information. Hopefully it won’t be removed before you, the reader, get a chance to evaluate it for yourself, but it speaks a ton about what happened behind closed doors.

So, while I have been publicly critical of the Lopez Clan (related & unrelated), I won’t stop questioning the evidence and the circumstances, and in the spirit of writing objectively, I welcome open debate and I invite the opposition to make their case.

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Sports in general is always going to be mired in politics and scandal. Heck, if you work in an office or have worked in an office before then you know that politics and scandal exist in any institution!

I can say that I was certainly dissillusioned with USA Taekwondo’s make-over. Having married an athlete who dealt with his own NGB’s dirty politics, we were ethused at the idea of USA Taekwondo opening up its doors to more U.S. Athletes and even paving the way to create a broader pool of talent.

My husband, who is very well qualified and certified expressed his interest in participating by applying to USA Taekwondo’s open bid calls, but we quickly learned that inner circles remained inner circles and only the superficies of USA Taekwondo had really changed. As the French saying goes “C’est la vie,” (Such is life.)

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Personally, I think the lasting impression is a consistent theme of inequality, especially towards female athletes in the case of USA Taekwondo. Who was the fourth team member and female athlete to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics? She seems to have been overshadowed.

I am also very disappointed to see the Lopez family and USA TKD further making a negative impression by disputing the WTF’s Olympic decision. As much as anybody may not like to hear this, Steven did play a better game this time around, his technique was cleaned up, but he has forgotten that it is a GAME. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and when you lose take it like a true sport!

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I am very grateful and flattered to have met the acquaintance of Mandy Meloon, and even though she has been banished from the face of USA Taekwondo (It seems that any hints of her presence have been erased; there is no longer an athlete profile for her) I’d like to say that an athlete of her calibre is welcome any time here in Peru. I hope that one day she’ll make a trip down here and continue to inspire female athletes; we could all use a little global “girl power” every now and then.

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Update: September 24, 2008

Adding Fuel to the Fire of Poor Sportsmanship & a Deteriorating Public Image?

It’s a double standard when it comes to words, accusations & complaints:

From: www.mysanantonio.com

Excerpt: “I (Steven Lopez) think I would have made a statement with the judges here (by refusing to fight again). But, in hindsight, I believe the people back home deserved a bronze medal, if anything. Not winning anything would have been worse.”

(I believe somebody else was accused and ultimately kicked off the team for allegedly threatening to forfeit her match.)

Excerpt: “Once the protest was filed, Perez said the WTF violated its own procedures by not granting a proper hearing and by not considering video evidence from the match. He also said it reflects the degree to which change is needed in the Korean-controlled WTF.”

(Look who’s talking.)

Excerpt: “If this is truly what taekwondo is about, maybe taekwondo shouldn’t be an Olympic sport. Maybe they should fix it and then let it come back.”

(Well, now we all know that the Cuban is definitely NOT to blame for its demise then.)

Excerpt: “However, he added, “We were manhandled. We were threatened. We participated in good faith. We would expect the organization to provide us a level playing field, and we don’t think we were given a level playing field.“I’m not angry. I am disappointed beyond belief.”

(Nice choice of words, I believe we’ve heard these words expressed by other U.S. team members before.)

Excerpt: It was the first loss since at least 2002 for Lopez, who along with his younger siblings have spent the last six months doing commercials for several national advertisers and, during the Olympics, missing training to do promotional appearances across the Olympic Green.

(a. A commercially motivated phantom point in “the infamous match” seems more and more plausible; b. They can miss practice, but the others can’t?)

Excerpt: Perez said USA Taekwondo officials also believe Mark Lopez, who fought much of the day with a fractured left hand, was judged improperly in his matches Thursday. In one case, he said, Lopez’s South Korean opponent, Son Taejin, was awarded two of what he described as phantom points.

( a. Amazing he didn’t get “replaced” for the fracture!; b. Phantom points seem to be a specialty.)

Excerpt: “The only thing that we can figure is that three of the referees sneezed at the same time or that they pushed their buttons (to register a point) on instinct,” Perez said.

He said the federation had a responsibility to its young members in the United States to protest what he described as a “tainted” Olympic event.

( Just like the Nia vs. Diana match, right?; “tainted” is an understatement, but where it’s “tainted” is left to interpretation.)

Excerpt: Steven Lopez was a prohibitive favorite to win a gold medal, and the two younger siblings were seen as gold medal contenders as well. Jean Lopez, however, said the standings were irrelevant when compared to the benefits of publicity and goodwill that his family has brought to taekwondo.

( What would the world of U.S. Taekwondo be like without the Lopez family (monopoly)? And if that’s what you consider “goodwill,” well then give it to the thrift store, we don’t need it.)

Excerpt: “If anyone perceives this as a disappointment, they miss the big picture,” Jean Lopez said. “They’re nearsighted and shallow in seeing things as gold, silver and bronze and instead of the hard work, the dedication, the sacrifice, the miracle of what just transpired.

“Sometimes we miss the little miracles, and those of the big miracles of life.”

( a. Disappointment? No. Maybe if it were Gold then, yes it would be. b. “Nearsighted, shallow?” Freudian slip, perhaps? c. “Sacrifice?” Who did you guys happen to sacrifice? d. Yes, a loss to someone better IS a miracle! )

Well, the 2008 Beijing Olympics are over. I say, who cares? The spectacle that these countries make over these games; they make such a big hoopla over them. From gaudy opening ceremonies to the supposed guilt you are made to feel because they end and maybe you did not catch that table tennis match. I swear, for these countries it is about being bad and showing off. And you know that once these games end these nations will be at each other’s throats and breathing down each other’s necks with the threat of war.

Don’t get me wrong, I think of myself as a hardcore sports fan, especially when it comes to the American past time of baseball. I shed a little tear for the stupid destruction of Yankee Stadium. I mean, come on, I laughed and I cried, I was angry and I dies a little when the Yankees blew a 3-0 lead on the Red Sox, and not only blew the series lead in the ALCS, but were one out away from that baseball paradise, the World Series. But in the end, I realized the truth. These guys are overpaid, overpriced, and overrated. I mean 200 mil to hit a ball with a stick.

When I was depressed fool, a week or so after the loss, crying as I worked and sweated in my minimum wage job, I bet ARod was throwing bricks of money at women, trying to get them in his hotel room and Jeter was making the Hollywood rounds, and the others, well they swam in their guaranteed contracts and money. I’m of the school that no one, and I mean no one, is worth getting paid 200 plus mil no matter what they do. Especially if you throw a ball, hit a ball, push a ball, and chase a ball. That’s just me. But I would think that this is an indictment of our society as a whole and speaks volumes of what people really value in life. But that’s just me.

I watched a little bit of the games myself, out of boredom, and it is funny to hear some of those in the crowds chanting, “USA, USA,” as if there is still anything called national pride left. That my friends, has been squeezed dry. Picking your media publication is like picking your poison. I picked up one of the publications and I was laughing in my head and at the same time horrified at this so called piece of reasonable reporting. This particular article went on and on about Phelps and his breaking of records and medals and this and that. They were fawning and literally falling over themselves like little tween girls at a Disney concert. One article was about the endorsements lining up at his door and another was about the cash that was lining up at his door as well. And another article was asking the all important question of whether he is dating that model from the U.K or that actress from the U.S.

This is your media, ladies and gentlemen. These are the true Olympics. Like any and every sport, it’s all about bragging rights for the countries involved. So next time all the representatives from all corners of the globe meet up in a U.N meeting, one can say to the other, “We got gold and you don’t. Ha! See, our people are superior to yours.” Most people I’ve come across do not seem too concerned or even care about the great games. It is because we all lead lives that are not affected one way or another by the medals that hang around the neck of Phelps or by the Redeem Team’s mission to redeem itself.

Our lives are filled to the brim with anxieties, worries, uncertainty, and anger. Yes, the anger. The suffering in the lives screaming for a way out; the race of those caught in the cycle of consumerism. We are the victims of the big lie. The world games are supposed to relieve this? A week or so of peace for a lifetime of hell. The Olympics of consumerism, this is what they should be called. The many advertisements to purchase products now, going hand in hand with the lie that is sold from the screen giving your heart hope that maybe, just maybe, you will be that star athlete , that celebrity, that somebody, adored by millions across the country. But this has not come
true, you realize, as you come home and before you lays a mountain of bills and debt, your phone rings and it is your landlord asking for back rent that you can no longer afford because it keeps rising. All this takes place as some American gymnast wins another gold medal and as the arrogance of the medal tally is on full display on your local newscast.

Ask yourself, why would the parents of a child with his brains blown out in Palestine by imperialists concern themselves with which country has the most gold accumulated? Why would some kid in Iraq who just lost his whole family to a bomb of democracy care about his so called “heroes” in the triathlons, swim finals, indoor volleyball semi finals, and it goes on and on. Do you think the poor across the ghettos of the United States, who are struggling on a shoestring to get by, and do not know where their next meal will come from, spend their time thinking about out national Olympic glory? How about the peasant in Latin America? Do you get my drift? This is what
the Olympics do for me and you. We really believe that we are in the bodies of those who play, run, swim, and jump. We are the one really standing on that podium, humbly accepting our reward, our medals, before the eyes of the whole world. And you are so proud of yourself. You feel good. You see, it is about the trip, the transport to another world. It’s a mind thing, it is all vicarious.

I leave you with this. The Olympics cannot save or set you free. McDonald’s can’t. Home Depot can’t. United Airway can’t. Bendigo Bank can’t. GM can’t. Disney can’t. AT&T can’t. Visa can’t. Coca-Cola can’t. Bank of America can’t. Nissan can’t. Kraft Foods can’t. Johnson and Johnson can’t. General Electric can’t. Clorox can’t. Samsung can’t. Nike can’t. Geico can’t. Panasonic can’t. Rupublicans and Democrats can’t. The 08’ Olympics are finally dead and buried. Finally.

The Princess would say ‘G’day’ to all except she is still scraping herself off the floor… it is more than possible Fashion Week is becoming too long for someone at her advanced age. It’s just too many collections and pieces and people and places to keep track of…d-e-e-p breath. And she’s not even there you realize, this is all online exertion we are talking about.

So let’s just start with a new item here in the Land ‘O the Preppy Princess, from some of TP’s favorite people: the good folks at Boatman Geller. Has everyone heard about the newest of the BG creations? The always-on, never-resting and ever-vigilant preppy antennae many of you possess may have already alerted you to the new and fabulous Carrie & Tuck Notetote from Boatman Geller.

Boatman Geller Carrie & Tuck Notetote at PreppyPrincess.com

If you have heard about the Notetotes it is probably because they are receiving incredibly positive press, and with good reason. Everything you need for your own portable correspondence center is included in this eye-catching set. For example, here is what you find inside the bright pink cotton canvas Notetote:

• 6″ x 9” clipboard
• writing pen
• 5 awning stripe orange foldovers
• 5 pink/orange flat cards
• 25 padded letter sheets
• 15 envelopes
• address sheet

We are all so frenzied-busy these days, being able to just grab and go is a huge plus for the Princess. It’s great while waiting at the doctor, after soccer or ballet, when you are picking up after school, when you are early for the League meeting…you name it! Using that time to dash off a quick ‘Hello,’ or ‘Thank You’ makes the time simply fly by! Besides, we feel so much more constructive with this than when we merely sit… and sit… and sit some more, fidgeting and fretting about the clock ticking, morphing into a massive stressball. Our Notetote is also good for our mental health.

The Carrie & Tuck colors are just outstanding: pink, green chocolate and navy.

The Notetotes are an outstanding value at just $39, something you can be proud to carry in public and a first-class investment you will have for years. We also think they are the perfect gift for just about anyone on any occasion, they are that versatile. Starting to teach a youngster the importance of handwritten personal correspondence? Or perhaps you’re to be a houseguest at Penny & Preston’s cottage in the Port next weekend? Searching for the ideal way to say ‘Great Job!’ to someone? The Notetote is just what you need.

And the really nice thing about the Notetotes? The fabulous refill sets you can choose from, like the oh-so-preppy Alligators, or the snappy Blue Whale set!

Or something completely new for TP, a refill set featuring a “rocker-chic skull and crossbones” design for the preppy rebel in your Palace. If that doesn’t work, then an utterly fabulous Wellies & Madras motif is a must-see.

And there are lots more, just pop in and take a peek at the refill sets to see what’s available; we are adding more as fast as our little fingers can type! (Frankly, we have considered some of the refills on their own merits as they give you a nice cross-section of items in one easy grouping and at only $18 each they are a superb value.)

Now because we know you are taking an early look at your Christmas and Hanukkah gift-giving needs, we are here to help with an offer that helps keep things within budget: free shipping on all of the Boatman Geller goodies at the Preppy Princess! As you are checking out, just type in BGDEAL when asked for any coupon codes, and you’re all set.

Since we’re already thinking about good values, let us consider the Ralph Lauren Last Chance sale, offering some remarkable values if you are in a position to ‘buy ahead’ as we say, or stock up on some basics. And of course that dreary “M-Word” rears its head, but what else is one to do when looking at Clearance merchandise? Many things are an additional 25% off the sale price, so you may want to glance at the website if a retail store isn’t geographically desirable.

So here we are, despite our extreme case of Logophobia, we simply had to show these little Infant shoes in the navy and green - how cute are they? And the Girls Toddler Snowboots are ideal with winter headed this way.

The Toddler Girl’s Hi-top Sneakers in pink oxford cloth are very cute, and the Kilcoy Satin Trim Polo in Ralph Lauren Women sizes 1x-3x has an elegant appeal.

If you are interested in US Open apparel, we show a Boys 2-7 US Open Graphic Tee, or perhaps the White Multi-Stripe Polo, now an additional 25% off its $16.99 price (it was originally $35), quite the fabulous deal *if* it can be used.

The Boys 8-20 Multi-Stripe Polo comes in two colorways and is less than $13 with all the wacky discounts. In Girls 2T-6x the Long Sleeved Polo is available in several colors.

Moving on to ‘grown-up clothes’ there are scads of bargains, especially in the Ralph Lauren Collection category, like the Erica Striped Shirt. In the Black Label group the Classic-Fit Cashmere Crewneck is at a fabulous price point and in loads of colors!

Shoes, handbags and other sale accessories abound. We have always been fond of the Darby Bag, and at the current price it is almost impossible to resist. There is also plenty of Golf and Tennis merchandise on hand, like the Westchester Tech Skort, always ideal on the court and perfect for those already planning some of the wardrobe for Florida and other parts south.

Of course, the men aren’t short-changed in the sale, with everything available from Big and Tall to Golf, and the Purple & Black Labels as well. For example the Long-sleeved rugby is on hand in a a number of colors and a broad range of sizes.And the NYC Weathered Fleece Crew has a very snuggly look to it, almost something TP would consider for wear around the Prepatorium.

This is only an itty-bitty sampling of what is available online and in the stores; now is a superb time for gathering some of the basics at rock-bottom prices, especially those that are not tied to any one season. BTW, there is a substantial selection of merchandise available across all sizes in both the US Open and Official Summer Olympic Games Collections, in Men’s, Women’s, Boy’s and Girl’s, if that holds any appeal.

There you have it - happy hunting!

For those of you who aren’t aware, there is not a single television station broadcasting the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. The only coverage is coming from two seperate websites; www.universalsports.com and www.paralympicsport.tv. If you haven’t checked out either of these websites, DON’T. They are plain horrible. I thought that since there was not going to be any television coverage that maybe the online coverage would be ok, but it plain sucks. Once again this proves my point that Disabled Sports and the Paralympics still don’t have any respect and are treated like shit.

Leander Paes wins US Open mixed doubles crown

Indian tennis ace Leander Paes stayed on course for a grand double at the US Open when he and Zimbabwe’s Cara Black won the mixed doubles crown at the season-ending Grand Slam on Thursday.

The fifth seeded Indo-Zimbabwean pair beat the American-British pairing of Liezel Huber and Jamie Murray 7-6, 6-4 in the final.

The triumph increased Paes’s tally of Grand Slam crowns to eight.

Games went with serve in the first set, which went to the tie-breaker, where Paes and Black fought back from 4-6 down to take the set at 8-6.

In the second set, Paes and Black got the crucial break in the fifth game, breaking Murray. They held serve comfortable thereafter to take the set and match.

Paes will also figure in the men’s doubles final on Friday, when he and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy take on the Bryan twins Mike and Bob of the United States.

Michael Phelps is a very gifted young man on many levels. If you watched the 2008 Beijing Olympics, you saw his remarkable story, along with scores of other Olympians from all over the world. My wife and I watched numbers of events and were impressed by how our talented athletes competed against others who had similar hopes and dreams.

I read a story about Michael’s appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday. Apparently, Michael was an honored guest as Oprah hosted 175 Olympic athletes at Millennium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Phelps, the eight-time gold medalist, and the rest of the swimming team were interviewed by Oprah.

Phelps wasn’t the whole show, as other great Olympians were featured, too. Our outstanding gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson, and swimmer Dara Torres were also featured during the grand event. Kobe Bryant and the men’s basketball team and both men’s and women’s volleyball teams also took featured roles during the show. What an event!

We should be proud of our athletes, and thankful they competed against the best in the world. Many did exceptionally well, and others suffered some embarrassing failures, but that is just what life is about. None of us win all the time; sometimes we fall down, but it is important we pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and go on again.

The Apostle Paul knew what failure was about. He knew the pain of defeat and had many scars due to countless battles he had fought. Just like our athletes, Paul never gave up and never quit. Read his story in II Corinthians 4:7-10:

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

The Apostle Paul also understood how wonderful heaven would be, and his desire was to make it to that heavenly city at all cost. During the interview with Oprah, Michael said, “I need to get back home.” That’s exactly what Paul said in Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

This is one we simply couldn’t resist when we saw it online at the Boutique’s website. The Princess wasn’t looking for a chair, let alone a flaming fuchsia chair, but we somehow stumbled onto it whilst searching for a new Isaac Mizrahi Collection at Target.

The Pod chair in Hot Pink is available online; TP doesn’t know if one can purchase it in stores or not. Target is suggesting this zany lamp as a coordinating piece, but we don’t believe it works well in the Palace, so we shall have to pass on its unique design.

Have a tiny prep in the household who might enjoy this delightful little pink chair? This pint-sized piece of pink puffery is only $19.99 as of this writing, and it looks ever-so-cute. (”When all else fails, alliterate…”, from the film ‘Network’.)

If you are still looking for pink furniture, Target also offers the pink Cloud Chair & Ottoman. (Ouch.) Of course, there is always the Bungie Low-Back Chair in pink and black. A side note here: The Princess really feels compelled to share her impressions of the Cloud Chair. From our limited online perspective it looks like faux fur that may prove…ah…that may prove…um, may prove…yes, it could be difficult for the household staff to keep clean. What with the dog’s hair and all. We’re just looking out for your staff.

We take a moment now to revisit noted designer Thom Browne. (Regular readers have been subjected to enjoyed TP’s thoughts on Mr. Brown’s ‘look’ in previous posts.) It would seem his standalone menswear store has enjoyed a visit from the Times’ “Critical Shopper” columnist Mike Albo. Perhaps enjoyed isn’t the appropriate adjective; we’ll say ‘experienced a visit,’ that might be better.

Photo: Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times

Mr. Albo has also done Critical Shopper columns on the new Rogan store (click here for more) and the Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue (click here for more of that column) at 44th. The photo above is from the February 2007 Brooks Brothers column.

How did Mr. Albo find his visit to Mr. Browne’s emporium, or more accurately Mr. Browne’s designs?

“Across from the gray-hued garments, for example, was a selection of jaunty sweaters. A $3,500 thick cardigan was striped in navy blue and red, and a V-neck tennis sweater for $2,875 looked as if it had been ripped off Jay Gatsby’s dead body.”

(Mr. Browne is seen in his own design above left.)

Mr. Albo is not without humor. In describing a brightly hued overcoat he says,

“Past the three-way mirror was a rack of hilarious outerwear, including an overcoat in a queasily cheery yellow plaid for $4,500 that no one should buy unless he is an exhibitionist looking for a more eye-catching cover-up before exposing himself on the subway platform.”

The entire column is not all pokes and jabs at Mr. Browne’s design aesthetic, who also designs the Black Fleece line for Brooks Brothers. It also makes numerous complimentary points, at one point describing the suits as “light and good-natured, not dogmatic and snobby.” Mr. Albo refers to formalwear as “…beautiful…successfully blended Mr. Browne’s traditional and experimental sides.”

Here at the Prepatorium we simply adore the Critical Shopper; previous columns covered Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Steven Alan. (Note: these links are to the individual designer pages, not the Times columns.)

it is always fun to read another individual’s perceptions of the brand and/or the physical stores selling that designer’s apparel and accessories. Stop by the Times and read this Critical Shopper column, or better yet, peruse some of the back columns, including the previously mentioned Steven Alan review.

Many a preppy is familiar with Steven Alan; we were nudged to pop into the online shop when reminded by the Shopper’s column on the store. We feel compelled to let you know they have several of their men’s “basics” on sale, including the Hidden Button shirt, a classic.

Additionally, many of the Reverse Seam shirts are marked down along with other styles. On the Women’s side, TP is ecstatic to see the Dieppa Restropo Black Patent Lace-ups, although these treasures are not on sale. Of course not.

And while not for us, we do find the Hope Shirt to be absolutely adorable, perfect for someone perhaps a tad younger than TP.

Many of the Kids’ styles are on sale, and while adorable, they are also out of season, to be expected at this time of year. Below, the Girls Camisole Dress.

And ladies, after seeing a quick peek of the Spring 2009 line, we think you will find it more than appealing.

An update now on über-athlete Michael Phelps that many of you are likely to have already heard: he is donating his $1,000,000 bonus from Speedo to his charitable program. (You know, that little check promised if he won all eight Gold Medals.) You can see him below, receiving the symbolic check from the head of Warnaco, owners of the Speedo brand.

Photo: Getty Images/Warnaco

The Michael Phelps Foundation’s “Dream, Plan, Reach” program is going to focus on teaching more children to swim as well as instilling self-confidence in them. Phelps phans can see their hero on Oprah’s season-opener next Monday, along with 149 other Olympic athletes. The 8-time Olympic Gold Medalist was mobbed in Chicago when he arrived to tape the Oprah show.

AP/M. Spencer Green

Below you see Phelps helping a girl learn to swim at a Visa Grant for Early Swimming Program discussion at the McBurney YMCA in New York on Aug. 28th

REUTERS/Joshua Lott

Mr. Phelps has been a busy man. In addition to the many public appearances he is called upon to make, he has also purchased a 4000+ square foot apartment on Baltimore’s rejuvenated and renovated waterfront. The apartment has a stunning view, a Jacuzzi and many other accoutrements.

Good for him, he certainly has worked hard enough.

And one more update related to the Phelps family, with news that Debbie Phelps has actually signed a formal one-year agreement with Chico’s clothing. The deal calls for Ms. Phelps, who is a school principal in Baltimore (among many, many other responsibilities that can only have multiplied recently), to promote the company’s merchandise. In exchange Chico’s provides apparel, accessories, as they reportedly did for her appearance on that same Oprah Winfrey show. (You may want to take a glance at the Debbie Phelps Collection, recently supplemented with far more items than previously contained in the group.)

Is it really the start of the -ber months?! Geez, next thing we know it’s already Christmas time! Just few months ahead! But before that, of course I need to do a usual monthly recap. This time, for the month of August. I’d have to say that it was a pretty busy month for me, in it’s most extreme definition. Crazy, I might add! It has been one helluva month. Here’s how I spent it, a detailed approach on who and what shaped the thirtyone days of my August.

Too much work! Well, I should’ve included this one on my Too Much entry but this particular detail speaks well of how I spent my entire work month.  An unforeseen change prompted our department to make overtime mandatory. Announced the last week of July gearing up, we started the month doing an hour and forty five minutes of overtime everyday, either before or after our shift. At first it was kind of ok, but when it started to sink in that we’ll do OT until next month, it immediately became our favorite subject of loathe. Yes we receive more pay come suweldo time, but as most of us say, I think it would be more appropriate if I’ll quote this in Tagalog, “hindi mababayaran ang maayos na tulog!” Even if it’s just a couple of hours, still it makes one hell of a big difference. It’s exhausting and draining, I tell you. Yeah, we understand that they only meant business, but still, the damage has been done. But we are surviving! On the other hand, if rendering OT everyday would make me look good like this guy on the picture, I would willingly abide!

Mom in province. My ever hyper and beautiful mom went over to her birthplace in Calbayog City, Samar around the second week of August, to attend with some business matter. She should’ve went back home after 7 days, but they waited for harvest instead until the end of the month. Having said that, I was in a way back to doing some major house chores like when she was in China last year. But thank God my stepdad is here, he’s always the one doing the cooking and the laundry. Yey!

No movies?! Yes. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Wala. Because of doing too much work and mom not present here at home, I got so busy and tired everyday that I haven’t found time to watch any movies. I even bought some dvds few weeks back, but really can’t watch it because either I’m so sleepy after work or got loads of house stuff to do. It’s just a proven fact when I mentioned that last month can probably hold a record of most movies watched. And now, not even one! Which makes me think that I should try to watch one later. Hmmm..

One World, One Dream. That’s the Olympics catch phrase, but it seems that our Olympic dream has not come true yet. Well, there’s always next time but is four years not enough time for our government/commission to produce Olympic caliber athletes? I mean, we sure have a lot out there, but aren’t getting the right support. So we’ll just probably wait a little more and hang in there for our much awaited Gold. I actually chanced on a list of medals the Philippines had since it started. And mind you, we only had 9 since 1924! Imagine that. The last was Onyok’s Silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Here’s a complete list:

Medal	Name	Games	Sport	Event
3 Bronze	Yldefonso, TeofiloTeofilo Yldefonso	1928 Amsterdam	Swimming	Men’s 400 metre breaststroke
3 Bronze	Toribio, SimeonSimeon Toribio	1932 Los Angeles	Athletics	Men’s high jump
3 Bronze	Villanueva, JoséJosé Villanueva	1932 Los Angeles	Boxing	Men’s bantamweight
3 Bronze	Yldefonso, TeofiloTeofilo Yldefonso	1932 Los Angeles	Swimming	Men’s 200 metre breaststroke
3 Bronze	White, MiguelMiguel White	1936 Berlin	Athletics	Men’s 400 metre hurdles
2 Silver	Villanueva, AnthonyAnthony Villanueva	1964 Tokyo	Boxing	Men’s featherweight
3 Bronze	Serantes, LeopoldoLeopoldo Serantes	1988 Seoul	Boxing	Men’s light flyweight
3 Bronze	Velasco, RoelRoel Velasco	1992 Barcelona	Boxing	Men’s light flyweight
2 Silver	Velasco, MansuetoMansueto Velasco	1996 Atlanta	Boxing	Men’s light flyweight

Anyway, the Beijing Olympics is probably the most watched in the history (thanks to the worldwideweb), had the most interesting personalities and also the most controversy filled I think. From the opening ceremony, the one who sang in it up until the closing ceremony, Michael Phelps being the greatest Olympian ever, the openly gay Australian diver who won a gold, and probably a lot more. So, I guess we’ll see yah in the next 4 years in London!

The Twilight Fever. I’ve been bitten! Even though I got a bit busy, I still managed to read a book. In three days, I finished reading Twilight, the international best seller debut novel of Stephenie Meyer. I have heard so much about this book it that’s why I checked it out. And after reading it, there I finally learned what the fuss was about. I liked it, quite an interesting read. A Filipino type of vampire was actually mentioned in the book. The one that’s called a Danag, I wasn’t aware of it actually until I got to read this novel. Now I am so excited to see the movie version! It was supposed to be released on December 12 but I heard it was moved to November. I am actually reading the sequel New Moon, but failed to finish it before the month ends, I’m only halfway through. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

Birthdays and Parties! I have attended several birthday parties the whole month. First was a double celebration of my Pop and my Tita Joy. And then a surprise birthday get together for my cousin Wheng, which I planned and was really appreciated. I actually didn’t know that I’ll be good in surprises hehe! Just last week, I was at Buddy’s in Ortigas for an officemate/then schoolmate Aden’s birthday bash. And oh, I also attended RX 93.1’s Anniversary Party dubbed as Too Hot To Handle over at White Avenue in Tomas Morato. Thank goodness for these events and occasions, because I really needed to let loose and somehow forget about the OT thing which is killing me haha! It’s not all work, you know.

Pop’s and Tita Joy’s celebration

Cousin Wheng’s birthday surprise

Aden’s birthday at Buddy’s Ortigas

and the RX anniv party, w/my pareng Nhinzky

E on 8.30.08! What better way to wrap the month up than being part of the biggest concert event of the year, the Eraserheads Reunion Concert! The moment I heard about the news, I was nearly freaking out. That’s why I right away registered to The Red List, but felt like the world shattered when the sponsor backed out. Thank God for our dear friend LT, she included us on the VIP list of Raymund Marasigan! Come Eheads night, we’re all so excited! And the excitement turned into elation as THE legends started to rock The Fort. The opening alone gave me goosebumps! Iba talaga ang Eheads! Malupet! We had a super blast listening to their songs, never fails to bring back good old memories. Too bad it was cut short, but still it’s worth it. I am actually having a hangover, I’ve been downloading their songs online and listening to them all day haha! Rock on!

Master Ely Buendia

the Eraserheaders haha!

So, that’s how I spent my August! Pretty exhausting, isn’t it? Hope you had a blast, too!

*** You can view the rest of the pictures on my Multiply account.

By Apryl DeLancey

Did you watch the 2008 Olympic Games?  Did you see any of the swimming contests?  It has been difficult to escape the news of the remarkable Michael Phelps of the USA Swimming Team.  If you haven’t heard about him and his amazing swimming then you have probably been on vacation somewhere in the middle of nowhere.  Not since Mark Spitz back in 1972 has anyone dominated the sport of swimming the way Phelps has.  Spitz won seven gold medals back then in just one installment of Olympic Games.  Phelps has now won eight in Beijing.  Talk of his dominance and if he is the best Olympian ever are now everywhere.  Is he the most dominant Olympian? The most dominant athlete ever?

Over the span of the Games, we’ve learned much about this 23-year-old super human.  We know that he eats a lot of food.  In fact, we know he pretty much eats as many carbohydrates and sugar as he can possibly shovel in throughout a day.  Regardless of how much he eats, we can see just about every muscle in his body.  In fact, we can see muscles that I bet not everyone even knew existed!  In addition, we have found out that he listens to hip hop and rap in his music player.  We know that he’s really good at the butterfly stroke.  News outlets are giving us every detail of this young man’s existence.

So I hereby ask - why doesn’t he get a Fathead?  I think it’s time.  There could be one of him in the water from the side.  This could be done with or without water.  Without would be fun since then it would look like he’s swimming in your wall.  Sort of.  Better yet, how about with that celebratory look on his face that makes him look like a monster?  Nothing says you’re a champ like having your emotional moment captured and duplicated all over the place.  I’m sure he doesn’t mind!  I know I wouldn’t…

Bring on the Phelps Fathead!

Si Manny Pacquiao nangunguna sa hanay ng mga pambato natin sa
Olympics na katatapos lamang sa Beijing, China

Si Mike Enriquez nagbabalita tungkol sa pagsisikap ng mga
atleta natin sa kasalukuyang Olympics sa Beijing

Si Harry Tanamor, gusto niya gayahin ang idolo niya na si Pacman

Habang nagdadatingan ang kapanahunan ng pagsasabak ng mga atleta natin sa Olympics, o ayun, palaging sila umuuwi na butata pagdating sa medalya.

Sawi.

Bokya.

Di lang mga maliliit na kapitbahay natin sa Asya inuunahan tayo, eh pati nga mga bansa sa Aprika na madalas natin tinuturing magulo’t patay-gutom nakaani pa sila ng medalya. Eh tayo, kahit ilang mga coaches na dayuhan ipina-import natin para pabutihin ang pagsasanay ng mga atleta natin sa mga iba’t ibang paligsahan sinasali nila, lahat ng natutunan nila di makaangat sa pandaigdigang arena ng Olympics.

Ilan mga posts sa PinoyExchange ay nagsasabi raw na mayroong disposisyong mahinain mga Pinoy sa larangan ng isport. Eh kahit pa sa sinehan natin, ila’t-ilan mga pinalabas rito mga sports movies? Wala. Mabuti pa nga mga pa-super hero super hero ek-ek, mga pa-cute na love stories na hanggang kilig o mga pa-horror horror eklavu kuno pa.

Ila’t ilan mga rason na binabato ay ang “showbiz mentality” natin, masyadong tayo nawiwili sa mga paligsahang kantahan’t sayawan at ang maling-mali nga daw ang pagfofocus ng mga national sports programs natin sa basketball at boksing. Sabi na nga, masyadong napadaanan sa kahinhinan lalo na nga mga babaeng atleta natin…naalala ko nga nga si Lydia de Vega, mistula ang tatay niya nanakikialam pa siya sa mga kung sinu’t sinong coach at pati na nga si Michael Keon, isa sa mga pamangkin ni dating Pangulong Marcos na pinaluklok bilang head ng Philippine Sports Commission.

Sa totoo lang, kahit ang pagwagi ni Willy Wang sa wushu demonstration event ay pumasok bilang consuelo de bobo para sa delegasyon natin dahil di pala counted iyan sa over-all medal tally.

Di mo masasabi na kulang na kulang ang government support para sa mga atleta natin, eh palaging lumalaki ang makukuha ng bawat sa kanila kung makakamit sila ng medalya lalo nga paglapit na ang Olympics. Puwera nga, karamihang mga sports officials, mga feeling pulitiko, mahilig sumawsaw lalo na nga kung me nakaginto pa.  Sila pa nga, kadalasan, sasabit pa rin sa paglalakbay ng mga kalahok natin sa mga pandaigdigang paligsahan…napakakapal ang mga mukha nila!!  Sinong di madidismaya sa pagpapapila ng kamag-anak, nagpakunwari’y kamag-anak at kung sinu’t sinong alipores para humingi ng balato.

Marami ako masasabi rito mga dapat ipataguyod ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) o kung sinu’t sino may karapatan mag-alaga sa mga talento natin sa larangan ng paligsahan. Kailangan na nga rito isang malawak na vision di lang sa pagdating ng Olympics pero kahit sa kung saan tayo magkakalahok sa turnamentong pandaigdig. Sa katagalan ang palaging finofocus ng mga ipinagturiang “sports programs” natin mga katulad ng basketball, boxing, badminton, billiards at bowling…mga “five B’s” eh ang billiards at bowling, di naman Olympic sports e. Paminsan-minsan, pasalihin natin mga alaga natin sa mga international competitions para lalong hahasa ang husay nila…puwera nga, matatakot tayo na baka ma-poach sila ng mga dayuhang coach o backer.

Sa totoo lang, nakabasa ako ng ila’t ilang inirekomenda ng mga nagpop-post sa PEx, masasabi ko nga medyo exag ang bintang nila na “weakling” mga Noypi. Pero nahahalata na nga ang kahiligan ng mga Pinoy sa “instant gratification” at ang palaging maghahanap ng “short cut” o palusot, wala sa kanila ang pasensya para mageensayo.  Minsan, pinapabaya pa natin ang lahat sa Diyos lalo na nga pampalapit na ang araw ng  pagtutunay - aba, halata na napakulang sa pagsasanay at ensayo ang mga pambato natin, kaya nga dinaan na lang sa dasal.   Uy, ‘di tanga ang Panginoon, kung gusto mo na pahimalain mga atleta natin, tara na sa sinehan!!!  Pag natalo tayo, mangingiyak sa tabi at babanat na “dinadaya” tayo kundi umamin na kulang sa ensayo o pagsasanay. O ayun, mahilig tayo sa pagiging feeling “api” daw, akala mo mareremedyohan na kadalian katulad ng isang tele-drama.

Nandoon rin ang suporta ng pamilya…oo nga, masasabi naman na magaling ang support system ng pamilyang Pinoy, pero paminsan-minsan, sila rin ang naging sagabal sa pag-uunlad ng kagalingan.  Kadalasan, maraming mga atletang Pinoy, mas gusto nila sumabak sa mga ligang propesyonal dahil inaatupagan nila ang mga pamilya nila…sa totoo lang, di maaring mabubuhay ang atleta sa allowance galing sa pondo ng gobyerno.   Kailangan rin ng corporate sponsorship para alagaan ang diyeta at pag-eensayo nila…pati rin ang pagkukuha ng mga dayuhang coaches na de-kalidad.

Aba, sa susunod, sasabak na naman tayo sa London sa Inglaterra para sa 2012 Olympics.

London Olympics 2012 logo

Ngayon lamang magsimula na tayo maghanda…

Pinoy culture

It came, it ran and it went. The 2008 Beijing Olympics in China finally came to a close. What will it hold for China in a post Olympics fever that showcases one of the most ancient civilisation to the world? Opening the ancient doors that reveals the mysterious inside to the world so curious to know. An economical powerhouse sure it is. A superpower, probably to be. A mammoth rising nation with pride and vigor. But if you look deeper, it is a nation that is hungry. Hungry for the lost time and are chasing it back, all running in different directions. Its people are getting more freedom and the benefits of economics, but it is a nation that has largely forgotten what it means to know a God.

Visitors from the ancient land

I have written about the Birth Pains of China and The Fire Through China. Apparently, I felt both posts have an impactable relationship. Now that the event is over, what will hold for the Christians in China? I was disappointed when I was there where I could not access my blog. I could not access most Christian sites as well. There is such a thing called The Great Firewall of China or Internet Censorship.

However, I started to notice that there are small blips of people reading my blog. I am quite glad. No, this is not an ego trip. I really hope that one day the gospel of Jesus Christ can find its way into a quarter of the world’s population freely and powerfully. For them to know a God they have previously not known. A God that cares for them and died for them. For them to know they are not just a number in the millions but everyone is precious in His sight. Let’s all remember China in our prayers that God will work mightily and the Good News of Jesus Christ will be flooding the ancient land. Our brothers and sisters in China will be free to worship and His name will be glorified in all the earth!

And that day will come…

Excerpt: In contrast to the so called ‘healing revivals’ we sometimes hear about in the West, the Church in China has and is experiencing genuine revival on a Biblical, Apostolic scale. Today alone approximately 30,000 people will get saved in China to add to their 100 million plus church. Why?

The house church believers display a passion unequaled in the church worldwide mainly due to their circumstances of intense persecution from the Communist government. Many believers spend years in prison for their faith. Brokenness, repentance, humility and a willingness to trust, obey and lay it all down for the Lord has turned China into one of the most remarkable stories in Church history. Must see video that will challenge your faith and who you are in Jesus, to the core. In China there are miracles and even people are raised from the dead, but that is never the emphasis of the house church Christians, the Cross always remains at the center of their faith. In our comfortable Western Christianity, we would do well to learn from China.

Jennifer Lopez has been training extensively with the hope of running her first Triathlon by the end of 2008.Some sources suggest that J-Lo was overheard dissing Michael Phelps one of the greatest Olympians of all time. What Phelps achieved at the Beijing Olympics is something you don”t even dream of even in your worst incubus!8 gold medals& 14 in total you can’t earn them or win them even if ya shake that famous booty all night long, yeah and we also know that love don’t cost a thing cos you are still the same old Jenny from the block from Bronx.

C’mon J-Lo i guess you were pretending you didn’t know who Michael Phelps was!Jealousy is something which sets certain individuals apart & lust too!

Jennifer’s Comment

“Jenny couldn’t understand why everyone is talking about that swimmer.” “She couldn’t come up with (eight-time gold-medal winner Michael) Phelps’ name, and then she yammered on about how she was the one training for a triathlon just six months after giving birth, and how that was the big story right now, not ‘the swimmer.’

This might be a rumour or it might be the truth only time will tell.Who do you think is better & greater, who deserves more attention right now? Phelps or J-lo your pick!!!!

Photo:Getty Images Via Yahoo sport

J-lo bio & pics: Wikipedia & yahoo movies

With only 10 days left until the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and there is still no media coverage. Whats worse is that in the last two weeks, the Little League World Series has had more coverage than the upcoming Paralympic Games. Now I understand that maybe there would be a Sports Network or two that wouldn’t cover any of the Paralympic Games, but the fact that there is not a single media outlet in the World that is not going to cover the Paralympic’s absolutely blows my mind. This also goes for the Olympic and Paralympic Commitee as well, whom of which should be standing up and fighting for the equality of all Olympic Sports, Disabled or not. Just a Damn Shame.

Well, I’ve got to start somewhere, and 5 comments were more than I expected.  Every week, I will respond to most of the comments left on each post I write.  And now, for the first edition.

“I agree 100 percent. Michael Phelps is the most dominant athlete in sports. He exceeds in every stroke better than those who specialized in those particular sports. Im a little iffy to agree that he is the most dominant of all time, but he still sits on the same pedestal as MJ and others. In my mind I think that Michael Phelps is greater than Tiger Woods, though many disagree.”

-Jacob Kitchens

“Micheal Phelps for president…… his performance in the 100 meter Breaststroke never ceases to amaze me. He has inspired me to swim, i never will swim of coarse but he inspires me to want to”

-ballin13

Well, I’m glad I was able to have some people agree.  Hopefully it will soon become a growing trend.

“I agree with most of this post - but gosh Gretzky was good. Maybe we should wait and see what happens over the next four years. Can he sustain it?”

-ToughMoneyLove

Well, it is EXTREMELEY hard to compare a player in a team sport to an individual athlete.  Gretzky would be up there with Jordan, Ruth, and Jim Brown as the best team sport athletes of all-time.  However, I cannot view them on the level of an individual athlete.  Why?  Because players in those sports are viewed higher and lower based on what their team accomplished.  Someone like Dan Marino is always criticized for never winning the Super Bowl.  But why should that take away anything from what he did as an individual?  Same with Barry Sanders or any other great player who didn’t win a Super Bowl.  Why should they be punished for never having a great team around them?  And because of this, let’s say that Gretzky didn’t have those great teams to play on, would he still be considered the best without his rings?  No.

I hold individual athletes to a higher standard because they don’t have to rely on others if they are having an off night.  Someone like Phelps has no room for error when he is finally in the spotlight.  If he has an off night (I don’t think he knows what that is), it’s viewed as a disappointment because he only gets to show what he can do once every four years.  Very few people seem to care about what he does in the years between the Olympics.

“I agree that Michael Phelps is the most dominant swimmer of all time, but I am not sold on the fact that he is the most dominant athlete of all time. As much as I hate Tiger Woods I would have to say he would have just as much right to the title “most dominant athlete of all time” as Michael Phelps.”

-Ryan Evans

Well, as Roger Federer has shown us, it is too early to call someone the greatest ever when someone still has more victories than said player.  Once considered a guarantee for Federer to break the record for most majors won in tennis, it now seems that he will struggle mightily to even tie Pete Sampras’ record.  And because of this, I can’t call Tiger the greatest golfer of all-time until he actually passes Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories.  Will a newcomer come along, like Rafael Nadal in tennis, to keep him from reaching the record?  Will his knee injury affect how he plays for the rest of his career?  Who knows?  No one, but as of now, he is still not even the clear-cut greatest golfer of all-time.  And until that happens, he shouldn’t be in the discussion for greatest athlete of all-time.

As for comparing either of them to Phelps, they don’t measure up.  They have 4 chances each year to win a major.  Phelps, with his 14 gold medals, has done that at two Olympics.  That’s a total of 5 years, the same time frame of 20 major tournaments.  Phelps won 14 out of a total of 16 medals in his 5 years.  The best 5 year streak Tiger Woods has ever had is winning 7 out of 20 majors between 1999 and 2002 (No majors won in either 1998 or 2003).  The best 5 year streak Nicklaus had was winning 6 out of 20 majors between 1963 and 1967.  Nowhere close to as dominant.  Is that a completely fair comparison?  Not really, but no one can refute it the other way. 

“Phelps is not the most dominant athlete of all time, probably in swimming, but definably not all time. Chad Johnson could beat him… But the only reason he won 8 gold medals is because swimming is the only sport where that is possible. Your not going to see Kobe Bryant or James win 8 golds because they only play 1 sport, they only have 1 chance at 1 gold, even though they are probably better athletes that Phelps. As we all know, swimming has like 4 different types of race at like 5 different distances. If there were that many different types of running events, no doubt Bolt would have dominated Phelps’ gold medal record. 1 word, ridiculous.”

-ridiculous!

Ah, my favorite response.  Where to begin?  First, I’m going to assume you were joking when you mentioned Chad Johnson beating Phelps based on his recent interview.

And on to his gold medals.  Are you going to punish Phelps because he pushes his body to the limit?  Is it his fault that no one else tries as much as he does?  You mention Usain Bolt, yet it seems like you didn’t even read what I wrote about him in my post.  Phelps swam at three different distances, using four different strokes.  He was able to beat swimmers who have trained for ONE stroke at ONE distance for their entire lives.  Phelps MASTERED four different swims because he wanted to, he felt that he could and he did.  Don’t sit there and act like Bolt doesn’t have the opportunity to win more medals.  Phelps swam distances of 100m, 200m, and 400m.  Unless I’m mistaken, there is a 400m dash and 4×400m relay event in track and field at the Olympics.  There you go, Bolt had an easy opportunity to win two more medals while still not doing anything out of the ordinary for Phelps.  Bolt also only runs one way.  Phelps, like I said, swims four different strokes.  To show the versatility of Phelps, Bolt would need to master three other events.  So, let’s throw in the 110m hurdles (a sprint), and the long jump (an event needing a lot of speed and explosion), bringing his total to seven gold medals.  I’ll give it to you, that’s about the most Bolt could win without going completely out of his comfort zone.  If Bolt were able to win those seven gold medals, he would match what Phelps was able to do.  Running at basically three distances (I’m throwing the 100m dash and 110m hurdles together), with a fourth event thrown in with the long jump.  That would be like Phelps swimming four different strokes at three different distances like he did.  Bolt is a great athlete, but you can’t just sit there and act like he doesn’t have enough opportunities to at least come close to matching Phelps’ medal count.

As for Kobe and LeBron, look above to see why I don’t hold team athletes to as high of a standard as individual athletes.

Well, that does it for this week’s comment response post.  I will be posting a new topic tomorrow and look forward to the readers’ responses.