Hello, readers! May I suggest grabbing a cup of your favorite beverage: this one's a little extensive. : )

Precisely a week ago, the world went into hybernation again: The Games of the XXIX Olympiad, celebrated to evident success in the metropolis of Beijing, capital of the People's Republic of China, were declared over. It will take the passing of four complete cycles for human civilization to reunite, once again, in amicable ways; to celebrate humanity in its highest form. People tend to associate that statement with wondrous athletic achievements and the tying of global bonds, and they're sorta' right. But there's always one element people seem to forget, or at least take for granted: the artistic facet of the Olympics, which I'm glad to say this time, was not the case. 

It's easy to understand why: the ceremony was one of the most breathtaking live events my eyes have ever witnessed, using easy-to-interpret symbology which was at the same time profoundly deep, beautifully designed costuming and sublime music, all of this performed on a massive (repeat after me: massive) scale. The scenes came to life like moving dioramas exploding in color and grandeur while the influence of the rich history of this, the world's most populated country, was visible throughout all the presentation. I'm sure most of you heard the name "Zhang Yimou" being mentioned repeatedly during the broadcast as the man in charge of that amazing spectacle.

But who is this "Zhang Yimou" anyway? Well, you may have seen this little film from him...

...have you? How about this one?

I know, I know: "incredible". Well, it is. To have the director of such fine pieces seat in the creator's chair of the Opening Ceremony for the XXIV Olympiad was, simply put, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Looking at the results, I couldn't be as satisfied as I am with that brilliant decision. Haven't watched 'Hero' or 'House of Flying Daggers'? Do yourself a favor and experience them. They're amongst the elite group of most visually stunning films in the history of filmmaking, and both present incredibly strong ideals and themes, making for very satisfying films in terms of depth as well.

I gave a small mention earlier to the fantastic music, arranged by the equally relevant Chinese composer Tan Dun. Well, you can hear some of his previous work on Yimou's 'Hero', or in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. His compositions on these films are easily some of the best in the industry, and they're worth a listen even as standalone pieces.

Now, considering I've written enough for a "pictorial", I'll stop with my artistic gushing and let you enjoy some of the pictures I've collected of that amazing Opening Ceremony. They are testament of the astonishing artistry and creativity of Chinese artists, and their strive for perfection.

The use of the parchment motif throughout all the ceremony was definitely one of the highest points of the presentation.

These became my favorite costumes of the piece.

This image looks straight out of 'House of Flying Daggers'.

Spectacularly epic in every sense of the word.

This opening ceremony was unquestionably fantastic. I love that since it's one of the most-watched events, if not the most-watched around the world, it gets to communicate a high level of sensitibility to billions of people at the same time, and you cannot ask for better than that (Ed. note: Idealist in me talking). I really hope you've enjoyed this humble collection of images capturing one of the most awe-inspiring moments in Olympic history, and the history of mankind for that matter. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading. : )

PD. I know NBC is selling this as a DVD set on their website, but you know what would be even better? A Blu-ray release! It'd look spectacular on an HD set, no doubt. Make it happen, NBC!

Olympic Boxing Results
Well for the first time in who knows how long the Cubans didn't win a Boxing Gold Medal in an Olympics they competed in. The Chinese and Russians topped the Boxing Medal Tally with two gold medals each. The United States continued their fall in Amateur Boxing by securing only one Bronze Medal this Olympics.
Here's the full results of the Gold Medal fights:

Junior Flyweight
Gold: Shiming Zou (China)
Silver: Serdamba Puredjorj (Mongolia)
Bronze: Paddy Barnes (Ireland), Yampier Hernandez (Cuba)

Flyweight
Gold: Somjit Jongjohor (Thailand)
Silver: Laffita Hernandez (Cuba)
Bronze: Georgy Balakshin (Russia), Vincenzo Picardi (Italy)

Bantamweight
Gold: Badar-Uugan Enkhbat (Mongolia)
Silver: Yankiel Leon Alarcon (Cuba)
Bronze: Bruno Julie (Mauritius), Veaceslav Gojan (Moldova)

Featherweight
Gold: Vasyl Lomachenko (Ukraine)
Silver: Khedafi Djelkhir (France)
Bronze: Shahin Imranov (Ajerbaijan), Yakup Kilic (Turkey)

Lightweight
Gold: Alexey Tishchenko (Russia)
Silver: Daouda Sow (France)
Bronze: Yordenis Ugas (Cuba), Hrachik Javakhyan (Armenia)

Junior Welterweight
Gold: Felix Diaz (Dominican Republic)
Silver: Manus Boomjumnong (Thailand)
Bronze: Alexis Vastine (France), Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo (Cuba)

Welterweight
Gold: Bakhyt Sarsekbayhev (Kazakhstan)
Silver: Carlos Banteaux Suarez (Cuba)
Bronze: Silamu Hinati (China), Jungjoo Kim (South Korea)

Middleweight
Gold: James Deagle (Great Britain)
Silver: Emilio Correa Bayeaux (Cuba)
Bronze: Vijender Kumar (India), John Sutherland (Ireland)

Light Heavyweight
Gold: Xiaoping Zhang (China)
Silver: Kenny Egan (Ireland)
Bronze: Yerkebulan Shynaliev (Kazakhstan), Tony Jeffries (Great Britain)

Heavyweight
Gold: Rakhiem Chakhkiev (Russia)
Silver: Clemente Russo (Italy)
Bronze: Deontay Wilder (United States), Osmai Acosta Duarte (Cuba)

Super Heavyweight
Gold: Roberto Cammarelle (Italy)
Silver: Zhieli Zhang (China)
Bronze: Vyacheslav Glazkov (Ukraine), David Price (Great Britain)

Medal Tally
Countey (Gold-Silver-Bronze)
1. China (2-1-1)
2. Russia (2-0-1)
3. Italy (1-1-1)
4. Mongolia (1-1-0)
5. Thailand (1-1-0)
6. Great Britain (1-0-2)
7. Kazakhstan (1-0-1)
8. Ukraine (1-0-1)
9. Dominican Republic (1-0-0)
10. Cuba (0-4-4)
11. France (0-2-1)
12. Ireland (0-1-2)
13. Armenia (0-0-1)
14. Ajerbaijan (0-0-1)
15. India (0-0-1)
16. Mauritius (0-0-1)
17. Moldova (0-0-1)
18. South Korea (0-0-1)
19. Turkey (0-0-1)
20. United States (0-0-1)

Cazares-Calderson II, Mijares returns this weekend
The big rematch between the top two Junior Flyweights (108lbs) in the World takes place this weekend. Ivan Calderson puts his undefeated record and WBO 108lb title on the line against former champion Hugo Cazares in Puerto Rico. I think Calderon will be much more adjusted to the weight (for guys this small that extra kilo makes a difference) and I also think Cazares is struggling to make weight. Calderon should win the rematch more comfortably.
Also in action this weekend is the top Junior Bantamweight (115lbs) in the World Cristian Mijares. Mijares is one of the few titlists who is willing to fight other guys with titles and fight top fighters on a consistant basis. This is one of the reasons I think he deserves a spot in the top ten Pound for Pound best fighters in the World. Recently he's beaten Jorge Arce, Katsushige Kawashima and Alexander Munoz and not only that, he fights every few months so he can stay sharp. Other champions could learn a lot from this guy! Mijares takes on former WBC flyweight titlist Chatchai Sasakul (64-3).

Big two weeks of Lightweights starts next weekend
All of the top lightweight contenders (bar Manny Pacquiao) will do battle over a period of eight days starting next weekend when Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis fight to try and get back in the title picture. This is then followed by a fight for the Linear Lightweight title between Champion Joel Casamayor and two weight titlist and top pound for pound fighter Juan Manuel Marquez. Also on the same day, multi alphabet belt holder Nate Campbell gives Joan Guzman a chance to win his third world title. Two of the junior welterweight titles go up for grabs on the same day with Timothy Bradley and Andreas Kotelnik defending their respective belts. Despite the few weeks without a big fight, September 13 is doing its best to make up for lost time!

Je gravirai des montagnes, des volcans, des falaises... et j'atteindrai le ciel !

Mini

Beide Sender haben sich leider darauf beschränkt die deutschen
Medaillenaspiranten und deren Bewerbe im Bild zu zeigen, und falls gerade
niemand einen Wettkampf absolvierte wurden die bereits erfolgreichen
Athleten ins Studio geladen.

Außerdem zeigte sich während der Live-Übertragungen, dass die öffentlich
rechtlichen Zuschauer fast nur über die Deutschen informiert wurden und die
anderen als fast nicht erwähnenswert angesehen wurden. Beim Rudern war das
besonders gut erkennbar. Bei schwachen Leistungen der deutschen Teilnehmer
wurde dann schon während der Wettkämpfe bilanziert, die Entscheidung
verfolgte man nebenbei. Diese sehr einfältige Übertragungsweise fand ihren
Höhepunkt in den Studiomoderationen von Lierhaus/ Antwerpes und Cerne/
Steinbrecher. Keiner der 4 hatte wirklich Ahnung von den Sportarten, die sie
im Vorhinein oft erklärten, dafür waren alle 4 absolut medaillenfixiert und
jeder Wettkampf ohne eine solche für das deutsche Olympiateam wurde als
Enttäuschung angesehen.

Einige wenige Sportjournalisten aus dem öffentlich rechtlichen Bereich
schafften es dennoch sich vom biederen Durchschnitt abzusetzen. Herrmann
Valkyser und Peter Grube beispielsweise kommentierten die Turmspringen mit
einer Begeisterung und Präzision wie man sie von ARD/ZDF Reportern gar
nicht gewöhnt ist. Auch Roman Bonnaire, der Tischtennisexperte der ARD hat
durch Fairness, Kompetenz und Begeisterung für den Sport überzeugt.

Einer der Lichtblicke waren sicherlich auch die Übertragungen auf den
digitalen Kanälen. Dort konnte man die Bewerbe als Ganzes verfolgen und
bekam nicht immer nur einige Sequenzen geboten. Man konnte sich ein Bild vom
Wettkampf und dem Verlauf machen, sodass man das Resultat am Ende auch
besser einzuschätzen wusste. Außerdem fielen die Studiomoderationen aus,
sodass man wirklich "Sport pur" genießen konnte. Die Reporter wirkten dort
auch oft lockerer und nicht so deutlich auf die Deutschen fixiert.

Wem diese Übertragungen nicht zusagten, konnte noch auf Eurosport
zurückgreifen. Die Werbung, die der europäische Spartenkanal bereits im
Vorfeld machte lies einiges erwarten. Einige Magazine, Berichte und viele
Live-Entscheidungen wurden angekündigt. Vor allem aber Letzteres war nicht
wirklich zufrieden stellend. Eurosport hat sich auf 5 - 10 Sportarten
spezialisiert die man während der Olympiade sehr ausführlich zeigte und hat
die anderen Disziplinen in kurzen Einspielern zusammengefasst. Dort wurden
dann in 20-30 Sekunden langen Beiträgen die entscheidenden Bilder gezeigt
und die Sieger vorgestellt.

Trotz der einseitigen Übertragungen schaffte es Eurosport großartige
Übertragungen auszustrahlen, vor allem bei den Schwimmwettkämpfen konnte
sich Matthias Stach durch Emotion und gute Recherche auszeichnen

Das waren sie also, die olympischen Sommerspiele von Peking. Hoffen wir auf
eine Besserung der übertragenden Kanäle bei den Spielen von London.

geschrieben von Jakob Fischer

Desde los Juegos Olímpicos de Sydney 2000, Phelps asombró a todos cuando clasificó a la final de los 200 metros mariposa con sólo 15 años. Cuatro años más tarde, en Atenas 2004 se convirtió en la estrella de la natación mundial al ganar seis medallas de oro y dos de bronce; y para Beijing 2008, era el gran candidato a llevarse todos los laureles y superar los siete oros de su compatriota Mark Spitz en la natación de Múnich 1972, récord que superó en China al ganar las ocho pruebas en las que compitió. Además, se transformó en el atleta con más medallas de oro (14) en la historia de los Juegos Olímpicos.

A diferencia del nadador de Baltimore, Bolt no llegaba a Beijing como el único candidato en las pruebas de velocidad, ya que se esperaba una competencia más reñida con su compatriota Asafa Powell y el norteamericano Tyson Gray. Sin embargo, aplastó a todos sus rivales sin dificultad y demostró ser el hombre más rápido del mundo al triunfar en los 100, 200 y 4x100 metros llanos.

Dalmiro Regina, Lucas Rodríguez, Matías Echarren, Tomás Boggan y Salvador Lima. 1º G

El país de la Gran Muralla, que solamente participó en siete ediciones, desde Los Ángeles 1984, consiguió en esta competencia 100 medallas, de las cuales 51 fueron doradas. Brilló en disciplinas tales como gimnasia, 9 oros; levantamiento de pesas, 8; saltos ornamentales, 7 y tiro, 5.

El crecimiento deportivo de China, que viene escalando puestos en el medallero desde los últimos dos JJOO (3º en Sydney 2000 y 2º en Atenas 2004), fue una de las consecuencias del gran desarrollo económico de esta nueva potencia del siglo XXI. Además de este último factor, es importante tener en cuenta el impulso extra que siempre han tenido, en la obtención de medallas, los países organizadores.

Más allá de los resultados deportivos logrados por el China, cabe destacar la impecable organización y el imponente despliegue de las ceremonias de apertura y de cierre.

Federico Aboy, Rodrigo Cisneros,Paula Di Crocco,José Luis Fernández, Malva Marani.

La gran decepción fue Georgina Bardach(medalla de bronce en Atenas 2004), quien se ubicó en el puesto 37º (de 38 competidores) en los 200 metros libres, mientras que en los 200 metros mariposa no se presentó, cerrando así una actuación para el olvido.

Por su parte, José Meolans – en su último juego olímpico- terminó 5º en los 100 metros libres y quedó 35º en la clasificación general. El cordobés no pudo clasificarse en los 50 metros libres, categoría en la que fue campeón del mundo en Moscú 2002.

Por el contrario, Andrés González dejó una buena imagen al conseguir un nuevo récord argentino en 200 metros mariposa, con un tiempo de 2m00s36.

En tanto que la esperanza para los próximos Juegos Olímpicos de Londres 2012, fue la joven Antonella Bogarín, quien con sólo 16 años participó en la competencia de aguas abiertas.

Rodriguez Mariano, Garbini Gonzalo, Damiani Ignacio, Zinni Gastón y De la Fuente Romina. 1ºG

Brasil, mejor balance de Sudamérica en estos Juegos, igualó su propio récord de medallas al obtener nuevamente 15 ( 3 de oro, 4 de plata y 8 de bronce) tal como lo hizo en Atlanta 1996, cuando la delegación “verdeamarella” logró tres oros, tres platas y nueve bronces. Sin embargo, la cosecha de oro no fue la misma que en Atenas, ya que allí consiguió cinco doradas y finalizó en el puesto 15.

Cuba, que también quedó detrás de Jamaica con dos medallas de oro y 11 de plata y bronce, no logró su objetivo: situarse entre los mejores 15 países. Se despidió de Beijing sin subir a lo más alto del podio en el deporte que más predominio tiene, boxeo, aunque consiguió cuatro subtítulos y cuatro terceros lugares. En apenas dos años, cuatro boxeadores campeones olímpicos en Atenas 2004, abandonaron la delegación cubana para saltar al profesionalismo.

Las deserciones han afectado también a otros deportes como béisbol, voleibol, judo y atletismo, todos presentes en la cosecha olímpica cubana.

Commisso Agustina, Gambetta Eugenia, Miño Nicolás 1º “G”

Video entrevista realizado por la Revista Mercado, aquí el video:

http://www.revistamercado.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=14057

Saludos.

To introduce myself, first a self-conducted interview with myself:

Hi, what's your real name?

My name is Suzy. It's Zsuzsi in Hungarian, one way to nickname it is "Zsuzso" that appears in the blog's name. I'm sorry but I won't tell my surename in public.

Where are you from?

I'm from Hungary (not "hungry" :) ), the middle of Europe.

Why did you decide to write a blog?

This is not my first blog. I have two in Hungarian but both are specific blogs, they are about my passion, Formula One and sports. I have also been writing a blog on Livejournal once, but to be honest I neglected it so I don't even know where to find it any more. I want to make this blog less specific than my F1 blogs, I want to cover more segments of life than just sports. But I will probably write about sports too. About just anything that grabs my attention.

Ah, so you are a motorsports fan? Isn't it a bit surprising from a woman?

Not so much these days. I know a lot of girls and women who are fans of F1 or motorsports in general.

What's so great in cars going around in circles?

I have been a fan of F1 for about 10-12 years now, so from time to time you get this question. And it makes you think too: really, what's so great about it? There are many different aspects of being a F1 fan. Some like it because of the technology or because of the speed or because of the cars. Or because of the good-looking guys, hehe!

For me it all started when I saw Michael Schumacher driving, back in 1996-1998. I just loved the agressive way he drove and the agressive mentality he had on the track. Often he had an inferior car still he drove his heart out to beat guys in better cars - and often he did! But I think to really become a fan I needed to get attached to him as a person too. I like him as a person too, not just as a driver. He is dinamic, cheerful and a guy with strong values - you know he is a dedicated family man. And he is very intelligent too. Not in the educated way - he is not highly educated, but when I hear him talk in interviews I always think he is something else compared to other drivers. He is intelligent and articulate and you can see he has a big heart too, even when he tries to play the tough guy. There are other drivers who I'd call intelligent too, but not to the extent that Michael is.

But back on the original question, so I got hooked on F1 because of Michael and as you can see that mainly has to do with a driver's mentality and personality. Even today, when Michael is not in F1 any more that's the main attraction of F1 to me: not the technical side, but the human side, drivers' personalities. You know, F1 is like a high-pressure cross-section of society and human behaviour. You see a lot of different personalities in drivers and this high-pressure "aquarium" that they are in here brings the best and worst out of them which is very interesting to follow and then you inevitably get to like some drivers and dislike others.

Other than Schumacher who do you like? And why?

On the current grid I like Felipe Massa and Sebastian Vettel the most. Vettel is the only guy in F1 who comes close to Michael in being this "happy to live", cheerful personality. Massa too is a cheerful guy, he is Brazilian, but the reason I like him is more the way he managed to defeat his weaknesses one by one over the years and how he turned from an underrated underdog to a serious title contender. I don't think he is the greatest talent out there, but he has worked so hard on himself that now he has a realistic chance for the 2008 title. Maybe many still don't take his challenge very seriously but I think that is a mistake and I would LOVE to see him take it!

What about Britain's darling Lewis Hamilton, or double World Champion, Fernando Alonso or defending Champion, Kimi Räikkönen?

Those are definitely three of the top guys in F1 now, but I don't like either of them very much. Hamilton is a bit too much for me with his pompous personality and the hype around him. Having said that, I think as a driver he is the most talented one since Michael. I even think there are similarities in the way they drive the car. Because of that - and because he was showing Alonso his limits - I even supported him last season. But then I felt it more and more difficult to tolerate his pompous comments and personality until the point I didn't want to tolerate it any more. Not to mention the fact he is driving for McLaren, the team I dislike the most. But I admire him as a driver - in the way he is driving and with his agressive and spectacular approach on the track he reminds me of Michael. A shame his personality doesn't fit in with my taste.

Alonso too is a personality I cannot like. One of Michael's virtues was to be always loyal to the people who work for him, his teams. Now that's an important principle to me, and Alonso broke that too many times, starting from whiney comments like "some people in my team don't want me to win" back in 2006, then what he has done at McLaren in 2007 and even some comments he made on Renault this year. I know 2007 is controversial, there are many different views on whose fault was what, and I don't think what happened was Alonso's fault alone, but I don't see Alonso has proven himself to be a teamplayer. He more looks like an egoistic guy who is ready to stab people in the back when that suits him. He also looks like a bitter, paranoid guy. But as a driver I have to say I think he is probably the most complete on the current grid. I think Hamilton is technically more skilled (I mean his driving technique) and more talented, but Alonso is more clever. If you'd put the two together plus Vettel's personality, that's when you'd get a Michael Schumacher ;)) .

As for Räikkönen, I don't like his Icemanish ways. I like it more when a sportsman dares to laugh or cry and show his feelings instead of just playing some kind of ice-cool image. Sometimes, when Kimi looses control it shows he isn't the Iceman at all, but I think he hides behind this image. But that's one thing, I can tolerate it. I think I'm more irritated by some of his fans than by him. And by the fact the media tends to overhype and, in my opinion, overrate him. Not these days, because these days he is getting more bashing than praise, but in the past that's how it has been. But to me the most irritating thing in Kimi is that he is lazy. I think he is the kind of guy who thinks talent is enough, but there are a lot of talented guys in F1 and if they work harder than you sooner of later you will find yourself lagging behind. I think that's what happened to Kimi recently. I respect those more who maybe have less talent but work so hard that it closes the gap to more naturally talented guys. And I hate to see it when a talented guy is lazy and wastes his talent. In other words I respect the Massas of this World more than the Räikkönens, even though I think Kimi is probably naturally more gifted. As a driver Kimi can be quick on his day, but I think his talents are limited. He needs everything to go his way so that he can bring the maximum out of the car and himself.

Enough of F1 now. Do you have other favourite sports?

Yes, I like to watch competitions. When it comes to doing them, I like swimming and cycling and ball games. I think I had a feel for ball games, but I don't play them any more as I don't have the company to do it. For example, in high school and college we used to play volley ball a lot. I liked that, but I don't have a team any more, so recently I swim and go cycling. On TV I like watching many more, from athletics to diving.

So you watched the Olympics too, didn't you?

Oh yes, of course.

How did you like it?

I liked it. I think the atmosphere of these games were great, even though my country wasn't as successful as in the past. We only won 3 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze medals. It's not bad from a small country like ours, but it was still a shock for the nation because we were used to more successful showings. Mind you, Hungary is among the ten most successful Olympic nations ever! Not bad from a country of only 10 million people!

Which were the most memorable moments of the Olympics for you?

I think there were two big icons of these games: Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. So when I think of Beijing 2008 I will think of them. Of course, besides the Hungarian heroes. Laszlo Cseh won three silver medals in swimming, and all three times he was only beaten by Phelps! For us in Hungary Cseh is an Olympic hero. And we won two gold medals in kayak-canoe through Attila Vajda (men, C1) and Natasa Janics-Katalin Kovacs (women, K2) - in Hungary kayak canoe is traditionally a very successful sport. And our waterpolo team has made history by winning their third Olympic gold in a row! They defeated the USA in the final by 14-10.

What is the secret of people like Phelps and Bolt? What makes them special?

Maybe it's not very nice to raise this issue, but I have my doubts about whether they are racing clean or not.

You mean they are doped?

I don't know if they are doped. But their performance is so extraterristrial that it raises suspicions in my eyes.

Can't it be they are so talented and so hard working that it makes them to be so above the rest?

It can be. I don't know. I just have my doubts. And with Bolt, it wasn't just him. The whole Jamaican running team have delivered success never seen before by that country. And there are rumours that Jamaica is not a member of the International Doping Association and they carry out their tests by themselves on their island...

But they weren't caught in Beijing.

Yes, but we all know by now that doesn't have to mean they are definitely not doped. Just think of the Marion Jones story!

But if Phelps is doped, isn't the second placed swimmer, like your countryman Cseh, suspicious too?

Maybe. I'm not biased to say Phelps is definitely doped and Cseh definitely isn't. Who knows? Recently a former US doping dealer gave an interview and he said in athletics, swimming and cycling every top athlete is doped. If that is true that makes Cseh suspect too. The sad thing about it is (other than young people ruining their health for success and money) that you don't know if Phelps is so much better than the rest because he is more talented, because he works harder or because he gets better doping.

But doesn't it make the whole Olympics a bit disappointing for you? You have just called  Phelps and Bolt icons and then you raise suspicions over their performance...

Yes, I know it's ambivalent. I have to say I'm more cynical and sceptical than not when I see such performances and yes, it's a bit disappointing. But I still like watching sports, people compete, so I will watch it. And I called Phelps and Bolt icons, because as long as it's not proven they were doped, they are that: sporting heroes for this world. I can tell you though: I would find the Olympics and sports just as exciting and interesting if it wasn't about one crazy world record after another... I don't want a freak show by any means.

Let's move on from sports now. Other than that, what else is in your interest?

I like reading. I know that sounds a bit general, but I'm hungry for information all the time. I'm also hungry for news. When I come home I switch on my computer to see what happened in the world. And I like to have my opinion on things, be it sports, politics, science, whatever.

Are you opinionated?

Yes. When I have an opinion that's usually a strong one and I know why that is my opinion, so I can argue for it. That doesn't mean I cannot be convinced that I'm wrong but you have to do well to do so. I like to explain why I think something, I like to give my arguments, not just the opinion. And I expect arguments too if you are about to convince me.

Any other hobby?

Astronomy. I just like to read about it and explore the night sky. Unfortunately I have neglected it a little bit this summer.

Tell us something about your job and family!

That's something I'd like to keep it to myself for now. Maybe later...

Is this going to be an English languaged blog?

The main language will be English, yes. But when I feel like - and maybe on Hungarian domestic issues - I will write in Hungarian. Vielleicht auch German sometimes. These are the three languages I can communicate in.

Something that you'd like to add?

Let's go!

Ho cercato di tenere nascosto questo scatto ma non ci sono riuscita, del resto resto i miei fans mi acclamano, mi scrivono, mi cercano senza darmi tregua!

Quindi alla fine quindi ho ceduto.....ebbene avete VINTO!!!

Eccomi in tutto il mio splendore ;)

.....Bella vero?
non ci credete eh?
vabbè ho capito confesso!
E' tutta opera di quel grande e creativo artista quale per me è il Maestro Sergio Casavecchia che riesce sempre a sorprendermi con le sue realizzazioni.

Maestro!
Un onorevole GRAZIE per questo ennesimo regalo fotografico/fotomontaggio ;)

Vamos de nuevo con 9 temas en este cierre de agosto...

1. Finalmente, Corea del Sur se quedó con el oro olímpico en Pekín. Con un beisbol al que le tenemos que aprender mucho, los orientales jugaron con un estilo mejor al que le hemos conocido a Cuba: más disciplina, optimización de potencias. Corea acabó con la hegemonía olímpica antillana. Cuba tiene una interrogante generacional -sobre todo en pitcheo- de aquí a lo que veremos en el DF para el Clásico Mundial 2009.
2. El war room detrás de la repetición instantánea es algo bastante mejor de lo que se pensaba. Vaya, no por nada las Grandes Ligas son una industria: la multipilicidad de pantallas de este "cerebro" y los cuatro a ocho ingenieros que estarán supervisando todo, ¡wow! Comenzó ayer dicho sistema, con tres juegos. Todo sea por quitarle la exclusividad de la vanguardia tecnológica a la NFL y a la WWE de las luchas. Ahí viene el tema de unos bates "biónicos" que supuestamente no se astillan. Generará intenso debate.
3. A los Yanquis de Nueva York les tupieron duro los Medias Rojas de Boston, casi con barrida. Última serie que se llevará a cabo en el Yankee Stadium -si es que no llegan a la final ambos, lo cual se ve lejano- y de verdad que los Bombarderos sólo traen el mote. Parece que ni el regreso de Joba Chamberlain los salvará. Mientras, los bostonianos festejan haberse deshecho de un hot dog como Manny Ramírez y traer un pelotero como Jason Bay.
4. Campeón LMB: Diablos Rojos del México. Gran equipo, gran derroche de recursos, campeonato 15. Una felicitación a Daniel Fernández, quien como manager no desentona de su brillantísima carrera. Ganaron en el diamante los rojos y a toda ley a un equipo como Sultanes, que este año respetó no cercenar al que se vería como "hermano menor" (Chihuahua). Tienen una importante misión los multilaureados, pues en su festejo "apoteósico" se pararon apenas 4 mil almas en su Foro y aún con la importante presencia de Julio Preciado. Lo anterior y la tremenda prepotencia de algunos de sus empleados, es algo preocupante para un equipo protagonista, histórico, pero sin arrastre en la megalópolis. Ah, y todo parece indicar que Enrique Che Reyes dejará de ser manager de los Tigres de Quintana Roo para el próximo año.
5. No perdamos el tema de la posibilidad de una Liga Europea profesional y con el apoyo de MLB. Sin duda, una opción para peloteros latinos.
6. Williamsport. Lo dicho en la entrega anterior. México / Matamoros con enormes talentos individuales de los cuales se dependía demasiado.
7. La Convención en Hermosillo. Gran organización muestran los sonorenses de cara a dicho gran evento para la última semana de septiembre. No perderemos detalle.
8. La Serie del Caribe 2009 promete ser un gran evento, con el mejor beisbol. La comunidad de Yuma, Arizona, se une a las poblaciones que apoyan esta Serie Mundial Latina.
9. ¿Faltan debuts de mexicanos en Grandes Ligas? Alfredo Aceves es lo más reciente, con los Yanquis. Nacionales sube al novel sonorense Marcos Estrada. Hugo Castellanos rechazó ofertas para descansar y se prepara para Ciudad Obregón en invierno. Dessens con Atlanta y Ricky Rincón con Mets, seguirán lanzando. Pueden faltar Freddy Sandoval y Cochito Cruz.

]]> http://aventurasdechatran.wordpress.com/?p=456 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:28:13 +0000 Chatrán http://aventurasdechatran.wordpress.com/?p=456 Tengo una amiga que cuando sabe que hay un show o un personaje famoso en Córdoba me dice: "Llevame que yo te tengo el grabador".

Aquel año 1999 en que fui a la Expo Carreras de la Vieja Usina y me acerqué al stand del CUP no había reparado en una cosa: si sos periodista hay altas probabilidades de que tengas que ver de cerca o hablar con gente famosa, que parece inalcanzable si la vemos a través de la pantalla o desde la tribuna.

Pero se da. Y empezás a ver que son gente normal, muuuuy piola o medio aburrida de que les hagan notas; depende, claro, de cada persona y de los años que lleve estando en las marquesinas, agregaría. En el medio uno pasa del estado de emoción y susto por saber que ese famoso te concede unos minutos a solas, y también de cómo esconder, en el caso que exista, cierta idolatría personal. A veces te embola saber que esas notas son la mera repetición del dicurso que le dio a tantos otros periodistas ya; y otras te da la sensación de que pegaste buena onda y que la próxima nota será más distendida, o que al menos habrá otra.

Llevo pocos años como periodista en ejercicio y todavía me emocionan ciertas cosas (diría Baglietto). Me pasó, por ejemplo, el miércoles, cuando Fabricio Oberto estuvo en la redacción y le ofrecieron un brindis de bienvenida. Se sacó fotos con todos los que quisieron y ahí pude tocar la medalla de bronce que se trajo desde China. Casi un mes viendo en la tele los Juegos Olímpicos y al fin tener en las manos un pedacito real de ellos.

( y yo que iba a ser abogada o veterinaria XD )

Parece ser que un comentarista venezolano se le fue un poco la olla y empezó a desvariar con Michael Phelps y Hitler... por lo menos, esta vez dejaron en paz a D. Juan Carlos...

El tipo de la TV confunde Montreal con Munich, a Phelps con Spitz, el 7 con el 8 y la natación con el atletismo (a quién no quería poner las medallas Hitler era a Jesse Owens, que además era negro mientras Phelps y Spitz son blancos)... vamos, que se cubrió de gloria...
Aquí está el famoso vídeo del "camarada" venezolano... estaría Chaves enterado de lo de Hitler???

Ante tal derroche de sabiduría sólo se le puede decir una cosa... PERO POR QUÉ NO TE CALLAS!?!?!?

SALUDOS!!!

Se acaba el mes más importante en la historia de Dame Pelota.

Gracias al tremendo especial de Beijing 2008, la primicia de la vuelta de El Gran DT, la presentación de la nueva camiseta de Boca, la presentación de la Nike Human Race y los afiches de Boca tras la obtención de la Recopa Sudamericana 2008, la cifra de visitas ha llegado a números totalmente inesperados y gratamente altísimos.

Si bien las imágenes hablan por sí solas, les dejo un par de datos estadísticos que resumen lo acontecido, que me llenan de orgullo, y que quería compartir con ustedes, en gran parte los responsables de este mes tan exitoso.

A todos, muchísimas gracias. Y ahora vamos en busca de batir el récord una vez más.

• Sumándose a la parafernalia de los Juegos Olímpicos, Dame Pelota batió 9 veces su récord de visitas únicas.
• La cifra a superar a partir de ahora suena a inalcanzable: 19.342 visitas únicas. Fue el jueves 28 de agosto.
• Durante agosto ingresaron a la página 164.727 personas.
• En 10 horas, el post relacionado con los afiches de Boca tras la obtención de la Recopa Sudamericana 2008 tuvo 5178 visitas,
• Hoy, a la hora de cierre de este post, Dame Pelota figuraba en el puesto 11 del sitio "Blogs of the day" de Wordpress (clic en la imagen para ampliar).

However this is not the end of the events in Beijing, or the Beijing Olympics Blog - the 2008 Paralympics will kick off in a matter of days (unfortunately Bob's 30 day visa does not allow for this to be covered as well), and there is still plenty to digest from the summer, so watch this space.

It's been another wonderful trip to China - many thanks to everyone who has helped to make it so; friends and colleagues, former students and volunteers, landlords, shop keepers and taxi drivers.

It has certainly been a successful Olympics (as CCTV constantly reminds us), for which the organisers must be commended. The stadia and facilities have been immense, the volunteers have shone and the organisers have mixed security with convenience to ensure everything has worked smoothly and they have largely escaped criticism.

Well organised does not always mean fun, however. And this is one thing that Beijing could have delivered more of. Within the stadiums the atmosphere has mostly been superb, but outside the enthusiasm has been dispersed and diluted in the vastness of Beijing.

The wide roads and large buildings in Beijing can be disorienting, and can give you the impression of an echo, bouncing around in a void. It lacks the local environments which can stimulate spontaneity and excitement. London has these spaces in abundance, as does Shanghai these days, so for this Bob is less sad about leaving Beijing. The ability to create a great atmosphere and spaces for fans, athletes and locals to unite will be key for London if they hope to host a successful Olympics (much as Sydney managed).

Anyway, more on the pro's and con's of the Beijing Games, and what London will need to do later...

“We regret that we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham’s story. We apologize for this unintentional omission.”

De 20-jarige openlijk homoseksuele Australiër won goud bij het duiken (10m). Terwijl NBC-reporters bij de winnaars telkens een persoonlijk verhaal over lief en leed vermeldden, werd er niets gezegd of getoond over Mitcham. Dat schoot natuurlijk in het verkeerde keelgat.

Een dag voor de excuses had een NBC-woordvoerder het verzwijgen nog verdedigd. In Vlaamse kranten wordt helemaal niets verteld over Mitcham. Hij wordt alleen vermeld in resultatenlijsten.

More HERE

Your full of shit , this game is the best olympic games since barcelona 1994 on megadrive, has so many events the control system using a ps2 pad with usb convertor works perectly , you just have to get used to control moethods of each event , theres tutorials that show you whats what, providing you find out your controlers keys it will work perfect,
the reviewer is a pc dweeb with no knowledge,

I was considerably irritated, and was actually about do delete it when I recalled this XKCD comic. So instead of deletion, his post received an overly long rebuttal, which I have provided here:

Let me begin by saying that I don't feel compelled to respond to your comment because it contains a cogent argument; indeed, your so-called "argument" is mostly a collection of baseless assertions that don't cohere in any manner. Instead, I'm responding because I can't stand people like you who will skim something I've taken the time to write, then write belligerent comments that are full of syntactical and grammatical errors.

So first let me explain what I mean by "baseless assertions." You assert (correct me if I'm wrong) the following:
1. I am full of shit (I assume you meant your first word to be "you're," not "your")
2. This game is the best Olympic game since "Barcelona 1994"

Your third clause, after your second comma, is incomprehensible, but a linguist friend of mind suggested the following:
3. Using a Playstation 2 Gamepad controller in conjunction with a USB converter will allow you to successfully play the game.
4. There are tutorials that explain the events
5. I am a "PC Dweeb"
6. I have no knowledge.

Let's tackle assertion #1: I am full of shit. Actually, I am not full of shit. I assume you mean "full of shit" in the non-literal, colloquial sense. That is, you are declaring my review to have factual inaccuracies. You named no inaccuracies, though, so it may be that you think my *opinion* of the game is incorrect. You and I may subscribe to different philosophical systems, but I believe that an opinion *cannot be* incorrect. I am entitled to think the game sucks, just as you are entitled to think it's fun. Somehow though, you think it's still okay to say I'm full of shit.

Assertion #2 is that this game is the "best Olympic games [sic] since Barcelona 1994." Here I don't disagree. I have no way to actually disagree with you here, because I haven't ever played any other Olympic games. Ever. You will note, though, that nowhere in my review do I say it's not the best Olympic game since "Barcelona 1994." You will also note that the fact that it's the best game in its genre does not necessarily make it a *good* game.

Your third argument is your most poorly formed, but perhaps your most powerful. You do not describe how using a PS2 controller effectively is in anyway related to my review. However, I'm willing to do the work for you. It could be that my bad experience playing the game was due entirely to the controller I was using: a wired Xbox 360 controller. This conclusion is doubtful but possible. I should mention though, that the Xbox controller WORKED just fine. There was no problem with the buttons; the problem was the speed with which you needed to press them.

Argument #4 can be responded to in a similar manner as above. Yes, there *are* tutorials in the game, but again, that was not the PROBLEM. I knew which buttons to press, the problem was that it's almost physiologically impossible to move your hand fast enough. Thus arguments #3 and #4 are both possibly correct, but neither one is contrary to anything I said in my review.

Argument #5 returns to the pugnacity of argument #1. I was tempted to disregard this assertion on the grounds that it is entirely irrelevant to your argument; in fact, it's relevant to MY argument. In the second paragraph of my review, I mention that I played this game on PC. From then on, I assumed that an intelligent reader (clearly not you) would know that my review was germane only to the PC release. Even if you're somehow intellectually impaired, I thought that this would be self-evident from the fact that my review was posted to the "PC Games" online magazine. Indeed, I have NO idea how fun this game is on consoles, because I've never PLAYED the console versions.

I was also tempted to disregard argument #6 (that I have no knowledge), but I felt that I should defend my intellect. I do, actually, have SOME knowledge. Knowledge is difficult to quantify, as evidenced by the plethora of standardized exams our students have to take, but I can offer incontrovertible proof that I do, in fact, know something: I am writing in the English language. I assert that it requires KNOWLEDGE to speak or write in a language. My expertise in neuroscience is admittedly limited, but I believe this to be true.

In closing, I hope you will begin to use that thing that's attached to your neck and isn't your torso. If not, you might as well do the rest of us a favor and remove it.

Kabul: The Hazara national hero, Rohullah Nikpai, who brought the first-ever medal to Afghanistan in the history of Olympics, arrived in Kabul to a warmly welcoming nation united in his victory.

Vice President Karim Khalili, ministers, members of parliament, officials and a large number of people of diverse faiths, ethnicities, ages and genders poured to the streets to welcome their common hero.

Rohullah was picked from the Kabul International Airport and taken to the National Stadium, accompanied by a jubilant crowd of fans that chanted slogans such as "Dear Hero, congratulations on your victory."

Like Rohullah's achievement, the spontaneous fervor and unity displayed by fans from diverse backgrounds was unprecedented for a sportsman in the history of Afghanistan. The slogan chanted by the his fans marked the mood of a nation united by a sportsman -- "Rohullah is the pride of the nation."

Vice President Khalili, speaking in the Stadium, said, "Rohullah made history and we are proud of him."

Other officials, head of the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, ministers and social elites also made speeches.

All roads were decorated with Rohullah's portraits and signs welcoming him home.

Private corporations such as the UAE-based Etisalat phone company had signs that encouraged the Hero. Alkozay tea company gifted Rohullah a brand new Toyota car, while Afghan Wireless mobile phone company gifted him US$30,000.

Later that afternoon, people gathered at the venue set for celebration and visitation -- a bungalow in Pul-e-Surkh, West Kabul. Ustaad Safdar Tawakuli inagurated the celebration ceremony with the song "Ay Iftikhaar e Hazara."

The celebration at Pul-e-Surkh is set to continue for two more days.

Pictures of Rohullah Nikpai's arrival:

Photo Courtesy BBC, Pajhwak

Un comerciante chino dueño de un restaurant queria cambiarle el letrero debido a que estaba escrito en el alfabeto tradicional chino y queria que los 500.000 turistas que estarian en la ciudad por los juegos pudieran leerlo, cabe destacar que el señor no sabia ni media palabra de ingles asi que se ayudo de un traductor de internet para traducir el nombre de su restaurant... y este fue el resultado:

Restaurant Translate Server Error! original no? en spanish seria restaurant error del traductor

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Old Fashioned Girl

De entre ellos, la audiencia se dividió así:

Venevision: 64.6%
Meridiano: 26.1%
TVes: 9.3%

Y el rating promedio quedó así:

Venevision: 10.7
Meridiano: 4.3
TVes: 1.5

Es decir,
Venevision: 64.6% de audiencia, 10.7% de rating (2.7 millones de televidentes aprox.)
Meridiano: 26.1% de audiencia, 4.3% de rating (1.1 millones de televidentes aprox.)
TVes: 9.3% de audiencia, 1.5% rating (0.4 millones televidentes aprox.)

AGB: Domingo 24 de agosto, entre las 7:22am y las 9:39am.
Según números publicados por Venevision.

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