Sid The Kid

I am puzzled by Sidney Crosby's recent refusal to go on to the Tonight Show with David  Letterman.  NHL is suffering in the ratings, hockey just had a tremendous increase in interest, and Crosby is the NHL's most popular player, yet he refuses to promote the sport or the NHL.  Either Crosby cares neither about money or the NHL, or has no understanding of business.  This is the second time he has refused to go onto the Tonight Show.  Maybe he prefers Leno.  The NHL has momentum from the Olympics, but how long will it last?  I am left pondering whether Crosby will save the NHL or whether his media shy personality will destroy any hopes it has of returning as one of the big four.

Penguin Fans Pay Patriotic Tribute

The Pittsburgh Penguin fans did the classy thing last night welcoming home their hockey team as the NHL returned to play last night.  The loudest cheer,however was not for Sydney Crosby the Penguins star, who scored the gold medal goal in overtime Sunday.  No, the loudest cheer was for a player from the other team.  The Buffalo Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller was given a deafening ovation for his work as goalie for team USA.  Miller was sensational at the Olympics and almost single handedly put the U.S. in the gold medal game.  Miller had the night off for some much needed post-Olympic rest, but the fans still paid a patriotic tribute.  The ovation was described as playoff loud and overwhelming. 

Penguin fans proved that although NHL allegiances are strong, nothing besides blood can bonds us as well as being fellow Americans.  There is something about being American that can take all of our differences and set them aside.  The commonalities of being American are great from enjoying the freedoms we have and from being willing to fight and die to protect it. 

There is nothing Pittsburgh has against Crosby he is their guy and they will cheer him on to what they hope to be another Stanley Cup.  Penguin fans love Crosby they just love America more.  

What day is it?

I appreciate Cache filling in for me yesterday, it was yesterday right? I was out of commission with my latest illness. No it was not another bout of Post Super Bowl Syndrome, but something more severe.

I am irritable, drowsy, and sensitive to any light brighter than the glow of the TV. I am having difficulty concentrating, neck pain, headaches, and not sure of the current date and time. No, I did not fall down my stairs or get in a car accident both of those would have required leaving my house the last two weeks. I have come down with DVRITIS a very severe case. I blame Bob Costas and Al Michaels mostly. DVRITIS shares a lot of symptoms with major head trauma. Thanks to the modern miracle that is the DVR/TIVO I was able to watch every single match, lap, shot, jump, turn, spin, and slap-shot of the Winter Games from qualifiers to medals. It changed my life.

I now am aware of what good lap times are in a women's 3000 meter speed skating. I am also aware of all of the rules for disqualification and advancement in short-track. I know how many medals each country won and which athlete won them. I know about Gander, Newfoundland and their kindness to all during a time of peril for our country, 9/11. I know about the Mounties, sled dogs, and maple leafs. My knowledge has truly expanded. The unfortunate part is I can't remember which bag of chips I ate last or which can of soda might have something left in it. I don't know what day it is, what time it is except Vancouver time of the last event I watched.

The closing ceremonies ended a few minutes ago, which should tell me it is Sunday night, but I didn't watch it live. Thus, I am lost in my own home. I still remember where the fridge is thankfully, but I can't remember the age of my daughter or my own age for that matter. The age of my daughter is difficult without knowing generally what day it is because it changes constantly. My own age, well often times after DVRITIS and head injuries, traumatic experiences are forgotten.

Let this be a warning, please use your DVR with care or you to may suffer my fate. Who am I talking to? Oh no here I go again.

If you or a loved one is suffering from DVRITIS and would like to a part of class action law suit please contact a DVR Attorney near you.*
*No, there is not a real class action for this disease, yet.

Then There Were Two!

Two days left in the Olympics and a few things are still up for grabs.  The main prize, especially as far as the Canadians are concerned, Men's Hockey will come down to two. The U.S. and Canadians will play tomorrow in what will be the most watched television event in Canadian history.  This game is important for American hockey fans; the game is life or death for Canadians. 

Canada, despite losing to the Americans, will be the clear favorites.  The Americans will again need an unbelievable performance out of goalie Ryan Miller.  It should be exciting, patriotic, and well played. Even non-hockey fans should find this a compelling event.   

Friday Farewells

This weeks Friday Farewells are brought to by (insert your name, company, disgruntled spouse here for a nominal fee*).
I am being serious, for once, about these (at least most of them).

Farewell to:

Robbie Hummel - Purdue's star forward and leader out for the year with a torn ACL. Sadly Purdue's Final Four hopes I must also bid farewell without Hummel the Sweet 16 is as far as they get. Heart breaks for the guy and team.

Brotherly Love. Mark McGwire discussed his disappointment and dismay at his brother Jay's upcoming book about Mark's steroid use. Family get-togethers should be fun. I think signed copies for Mark for Christmas might be a nice gesture. Sad stuff brothers should always have your back not stab it.

The Gold Medal Chance for the U.S. Women's Hockey Team. It was always gold or silver for the U.S. and when that is the case silver seems to taste slightly sour. Disappointing for sure.

Canadian Women's Hockey team's Class.  This departed last night when they partied like drunken hooligans and brought their drunken party back on to the ice.  Not all members of the team are legally able to drink. Talk about not being able to handle success.  Stupidity now has names on the back of hockey jerseys to go with its many faces.  Attention a sense of class has left the building.

No U.S. Nordic Gold Medals. Billy Demong won the first nordic gold medal for the U.S. Teammate Spillane added the silver giving him 3 silvers for the games. Pretty Happy.

Plastic Straws. Chewing plastic straws during games is now banned by the NBA.  Caron Butler for the Mavericks chews about 12 a game or should we say chewed.  Doesn't the NBA have bigger problems like the New Jersey Nets?  My heart says no, but my teeth say yes. 

Respect for NBC Olympic Hockey analyst Mike Milbury. Milbury after calling the German's fire hydrants that were getting peed on by the Canadians, the next day he called the Russians, Eurotrash. The king of class Mike is famous as a player for going into the stands and beating a fan with the guys own shoe. We think youro'trash Mike. Hard to feel bad about losing something you really never had.

Lastly to what I am labeling as SUPER SAD SUNDAY. The Winter Games will come to a close this Sunday and my DVR will breathe a big sigh of relief.  The culmination of the games very well could be a US Canada rematch for the Gold Medal in Men's Hockey.  Those of you not interested in international competition, patriotism, love for mankind and basketball will be thrilled that I will get back to work. Until then USA USA USA... Blow your nose in your hanky crying sad.

*Friday Farewells will be sponsored by the highest bidder.  It is not that we are selling out it is just that we are well.... selling up.

Podium Pandemonium

The Drama continues in short-track speed skating in the Women’s Relay.

The Koreans made a controversial pass bumping into the Chinese skater and were after review of the video disqualified. The Koreans would have taken the gold, but for the disqualification. I have several
problems with this ruling:

1. I am under the belief that rubbing is racing this was a minor
infraction especially when compared to the contact that I will gripe about in #3.

2. China would likely have not passed Korea and certainly Canada and
the U.S. would not have. In fact the Americans were still skating to
finish after the Chinese were back at the Olympic Village. They
almost disqualified the official for interfering with the U.S. team
while he was making his way to the replay booth. The U.S. finished
almost 10 seconds behind the Koreans. In short-track that is almost a
full lap. If they wanted to knock the Koreans down for the bump give
the gold to the Chinese okay, but for them not to medal when they
could have skated an extra lap and still beat the U.S. is ridiculous.

3 Okay before the hate mail starts from the American fans, the U.S. without the Korean disqualification should have gotten the bronze regardless and with the DQ should have gotten silver. A Canadian Skater who had just finished her lap while making her way off the track completely ran into the active American Skater. This is a violation of the Short-Track Code for International Affairs and Relays Article 4 §3.15(D)(i)(b)(2) states: THOU SHALT NOT RUN INTO RACERS SKATING IN THE RACE WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER RACING—The Penalty is described in subsection (c) as death and/or automatic disqualification.
 
My solution is simple those with the most knowledge and expertise select the winners.  Based on fan votes from their couches and friends of mine who never saw the actual race here are the results.
 
THE NEW PODIUM
Chinese - Gold
USA - Silver
Korea - Bronze
Canada -A Pizza Box

WOW Canada!

There was a tremendous hockey game last night, but someone forget to invite the Russian goaltenders. The other Russian players received the invite, but decided they had better things to do like watch Apolo Ohno in the 500m. Consequently the Canadians, upset the Americans had already spoiled their party, they went to the Russians hotel pulled them out of bed, dragged them to the ice, pulled their shirt of their heads, and then beat them to a bloody pulp. Even Alex the great was MIA.  It was one of the biggest flops in recent memory.  What was thought to be an epic battle turned out to be an epic beat down. After Canada scored an early touchdown Russia tried to get close, but was only able to kick a field goal and lost 7 to 3.  ОЙ or OUCH it hurts no matter how you say it! Russia was sent packing without the hardware everyone expected them to take home, but there were some nice parting gifts syrup, bacon used as a pizza topping and a few leafs. Welcome to Canada, now go home. ПОКА and have a nice trip.
Canada will face the winner of Sweden and Slovakia, which will took place at Midnight ET last night. I love Olympic hockey, but that is why the DVR was invented.
Team USA got past the Swiss by a score of 2-0 in a tough fought game. The U.S. will face either Czech or Finland who were still tied at my bedtime. Ryan Miller was again fantastic, the only question is whether Miller will have enough in the tank to win two more games and take the gold.
Friday the Final Four begins at 3:00 PM ET. Today buckle up for women’s hockey, as the two best teams by far will play in the Gold Medal game at 6:30 PM ET. Did I mention it is the U.S. vs. Canada? Yeah you might want to check it out.

Hockey H-Eh-Day

There is nothing quite like international hockey. Make it the Olympics and throw in the fact that the six best teams were all playing their rivals on the same day and you have a Hockey H-Eh-Day. The day began with Russia vs. Czech and ended with Finland vs. Sweden. Oh yeah the U.S. vs. Canada was sandwiched in between.


The U.S. beat Canada in the Olympics for the first time since 1960. It took retro jerseys, which I am a huge fan of, and a 42 save effort by U.S. Goalie Ryan Miller to take out the Canadians. The 5-3 win secured the group A victory for the U.S. and gave them a first round bye. More importantly, the win gives the team a much-needed extra day off and either the first or the second seed going into the elimination round.

Russia secured first place in group B with a bone crushing win over the Czech team. The turning point in the game was an Ovechkin hit on former NHL star Jaromir Jagr (see it here). The hit lead to a turnover and two passes later a Russian goal. From that point on the score and the momentum was in the Russians favor. It would end in a 4-2 win for Russia and guaranteeing that Russia would join the U.S. in the quarterfinals.

All matchups have yet to be determined, but the elimination rounds begin Tuesday with 8 of the 12 teams in action. The U.S. & Russia will be joined by the winner out of the late game between Finland and Sweden for the top 4 seeds and byes. It will get complicated after that for the 4th seed.
Overall the day was full of excitement and it should only get better as now it is lose and go home. Hopefully, the tournament will lead to more memorable matchups and incredible hockey.

Vladimir Putin is RIGHT!

Well if I had a million bucks (or bucksov as the Russians would say) for every time I said this I probably would have just made my first million. Then again if they gave out millions to agree with Putin there might be a lot more agreement in the International community. So what do I agree with Putin on? His opinion on the Olympic Figure Skating.

Why is a Prime Minister of a country jumping into a figure skating controversy? Because to Russia it matters, especially after Slutskaya lost in 2002.

Putin told Plushenko, "I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the wonderful Olympic performance -- your silver is worth gold. You were able to overcome all the obstacles in your brave comeback and performed the most accomplished programme on the Vancouver ice. All Russian figure skating fans admire your brilliance, true fighting spirit, courage and the will to win. Well done!"

Lysacek was terrific and skated a beautiful program. The question is a matter of what the judges and figure skating want to reward. The judges rewarded the skaters the same on the artistic potion, but gave the nod to Lysacek in technical difficulty. This seems a bit backwards. If this is how skating is scored why was Johnny Weir so far back? He skated a wonderfully artistic program and did so very clean. As Weir stated in a late night interview, “It is political.”

Some feel I am tainted by the fact I served a mission in Russia. This is true, I love Russia and the Russian people, but I have always cheered for my homeland first. However, Plushenko’s ability to do things others cannot, had me watching a sport I normally leave for my wife. Lysacek made me say that was beautiful and very graceful. Plushenko made me say, OH WOW, did he just do that!

The winter sports gaining popularity are things like snowboard halfpipe, because the tricks are progressive and pushing the envelope. If you want to win you have to do things that have never been done before. If figure skating wants to grow and increase popularity it should follow suit. In the sports world if you are not progressing you are dying.

American’s that follow this event have been outraged by Plushenko’s and Putin’s comments. However, let’s flip the script. An American just got silver despite doing things on skates the gold medal winner can only dream of doing. How outraged would we all be? VERY! We don’t handleb default that graciously and so we shouldn’t expect others to.

As for Lysacek he has been a gold medal person throughout the whole ordeal. He has tried to diffuse the situation by stating that the comments of Plushenko have been taken out of context etc. He has been a true champion in this regard. Normally you are not rewarded in life for being a great person in this case maybe Lysacek was.

As for you Mr. Prime Minister you are correct and so is your skater.

 

Golden Night for the U.S.

Last night was a golden one for the U.S. as Shaun White, Shani Davis, and Lindsey Vonn all took gold in their respective events.  Shaun White was phenomnal in the Men's Halfpipe soaring well above the competition.  Shani Davis used his tremendous form to have a tremendous last lap winning the 1000m. Lindsey Vonn won downhill with a dominating performance.  On men's skis Vonn pushed through her injury willing herself down the dangerous course.  Others got involved too, winning two silvers and a bronze, bringing the U.S. medal count to a total of 14 (5 gold, 3 silver, & 6 bronze).  Chad Hedrick speed skated to a bronze in the 1000m, while Scott Lago rode the half pipe to one as well.  Julia Mancuso may have been the suprise of the night challenging Lindsey Vonn on the Downhill and coming away with the silver for her efforts.  It looks to be a close battle though with the Germans who have 10 medals and still have several strong events.  The U.S. will look to add to their lead though and hear the Star Spangled Banner again tonight in both Men's Figure Skating & Ladie's Halfpipe.  Both which will be decided tonight in primetime on NBC.

Roller Derby on Ice

If you like compelling edge of your seat action where anything can happen at any time buckle up I have the show for you. Full of twists and turns, just when you have resolved yourself that it is over, a shocking accident changes the fortunes of countless individuals.Throw in high speeds, danger of bodily harm, and compelling personalstories and you have yourself a hit TV drama.

This is not 24 or Lost or even a reality show like Survivor. This is actual reality and it is short-track speed skating. It is a combination of everything we love and hate from the world of sports, reality shows, and action thriller. There is pushing, bumping, grabbing, shoving, and even hitting with no clear line of what is afoul and what is not. There are wild wipeouts into walls that can take out four or five competitors at a time. Something so wild and unpredictable can only determine a winner by who crosses the linefirst unless there is a disqualification. This adds to the drama as we all watch the possible infraction over and over. Throw in instant replay and sharp blades and this is about as good as it gets. Theonly thing missing is a chance to phone in and vote.

It gets better-- the super stud of this sport is a former dancing king. Seriously, Apollo Ohno won the hit sensation Dancing with the Stars, not after he retired from his sport like former NFL stars, but while he is in the middle of his career. Other skaters might want to heed former Baltimore Ravens coach, Brian Billick’s advice never to trust a man that likes to dance.

In the first event finals for the men three Koreans looked to sweep the medals when inexplicably the third-place skater crashes taking out the second-place skater on his spill into the wall. This allowed the two Americans, Ohno included, to take the silver and bronze.The US women’s relay team qualified for the finals thanks to an Italian skaters tumble.

 Relays can only be described as synchronized chaos. There are four teams of four skaters on a surface the size of a pee-wee hockey rink. Instead of a baton being passed the skater shoves the next skater to propel him or her forward. It is as fun to watch as a yo-yo in a blender or cds in a microwave (kids do not try these at home).*

Two new sports compare, snowcross and skiercross are similarly rollerderbies on snow, but there is something about the drama of the ice. Maybe, it is the shiny reflective surface or the fact that the skaters go around and around the oval taking the turns with their bodies almost parallel to the ice. Whatever it is it is fantastic.

*The Four6Three takes zero, zilch, absolutely no responsibility forthe idiotic things kids, single men, or married men when their wivesare out of town do regardless of where they got the idea. The ideas, thoughts if any, opinions, prejudice, or stupidity is that of theauthor alone and does not represent the views of the blog itself. TheFour6Three does not promote or endorse the destruction of yo-yos or compact discs and believe equal rights should be extended to all musical discs or string operated toys. No yo-yos or cds were harmed in the making of this article.

Georgian Nodar Kumaritashvili

Photo by: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/EPA

I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and countrymen of Olympic luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I have had the opportunity to associate with a few Georgians. These experiences have all been positive. They are a warm and hospitable people known for their cuisine. Though often quitet and reserved they are also feisty, courageous, and competitive. Located in the tumultuous caucus region south of Russia conflict is something with which Georgians are well acquainted.

Nodar was twenty-one years old born in Georgia, which was then part of the Soviet Union. The son of a luger, Nodar’s first season of competitive luge was in 2008. Still very young in the sport he was ranked 44th out of 65 lugers. His death was a tragedy for everyone.

Questions remain surrounding the accident. Was the track to dangerous? Should the wall have been erected sooner? What could the IOC and Luge Federation have done to prevent this? The answer, I don’t know. What I do know is that something should have been done.

I am not trying to point blame, but even more than medals at Olympic Games, we want everyone to return home. The Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili may have stated it best when he said, “One thing I know for sure is that no sports mistake is supposed to lead to a death. No sports mistake is supposed to be fatal.”

Hopefully, the IOC and the world can reevaluate our priorities because this is not about a luger dying in a very dangerous sport. This is about a son not returning to his father’s arms.

Winter Olympic Fortune Forecast*

This is Steve McThunder with your Olympic Forecast. There is a recordsetting front moving into the Vancouver area from the South. It could provide for an unbelievable (literally) Olympics for the U.S. Team.

Apollo Ohno will win his 6th medal in short track speed skating. BodeMiller finally gets an Olympic gold. The Men's figure skating sweepsthe medal stand taking gold, silver, and bronze. Lindsey Vonn comesback from her injured shin to win three gold medals and a bronze. TheMen's hockey team shocks the favorites, Canada and Russian, to winGold. The U.S. wins gold in the four-man bobsled for the first timesince the 1940's. And then somehow, the U.S. steals (again this maybe literal) a bronze medal in women's figure skating. There will bezero possibility of scoring scandals and only a slight chance ofperformance enhancing drug use. These are all slighly possible with achance of rain on the celebration parade. Likely? No, but possible.However there is a 90% chance of a Shaun White will win gold & if hedoes, a 100% chance he will make a boat load of money on endorsementsafter the games.

This is why the Olympics are the best reality television. Anything can happen and just when you think it is certain that something won’thappen it does. So bundle up or pop some corn, but whatever you dowatch the Olympics it is not only patriotic to support the U.S. but itis part of the human spirit to cheer for Robel Zeimichael Teklemariamthe lone athlete from Ethiopia, who will be Cross-Country Skiing. GoU.S. & Go Ethiopia!

*U.S. Olympic Committee can make checks payable to the Four6ThreeScholarship Fund. These funds will be used for only the essentials(popcorn, pizza, and cable television).

SUCCESS!

With the Olympics coming up there will be great achievements in winter sports, records broken, great performances, and medals won. Nevertheless, how will the Olympians know if their trip to Vancouver was successful? I think the incomparable John Wooden’s definition of success will provide a great point of reference. Coach Wooden is not only one of the best coaches to ever walk up and down a court he is one of the greatest human beings to walk up and down the street.

         

          "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." John Wooden