Of late I've become very disillusioned not primarily with life but at certain things that are happening. Baseball's season has opened with great furore and already the Yankees and Sox are it. The NBA postseason starts on Sunday with the first round of the playoff and the game's fans are definately in for a treat.
Marlins' SS Hanly Ramirez makes a play jumping over the Braves' Matt Diaz. Diaz was called out in a game which the Marlins won 6-5 to stay atop of the NL East with a 9-5 record. Something of a suprise to many at this juncture. picture courtesy of ap/photo/J. Pat Carter ..............
And that the machination that is the NFL is in full swing with their own showcase ................NFL Draft Day just around the corner. All of which os very important to the fans of their respective teams. We'll see how adept the coaches, GM's and their coaching staff apparently are. It's said that the Miami Dolphins are in talks with their prospective first round pick..........in this case the overall # 1 pick Chris Long. Just wondering the selling points of that particular conversation ?
Ed Roski a property developer and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings unveils an architect's drawing for the proposed NLF stadium to built in the city of Industry ,Ca. It'd appear that by hook or crook that the city of Los Angeles will have an NFL team foisted upon them whether they like it or not. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ Damian Dovarganes ................
Not to be left out but the NHL playoffs have already started. Is anyone really overawed and particularly that interested until the conference finals start ?. If the Red Wings, Penguins or Capitols aren't involved . I doubt that the interest'll be there for it let alone the Stanley Cup Finals themselves.
Red Wings' players celebrate a goal scored against the Nashville Predators during their playoff game. The game won by the Predators 3-2 levelled the series at 2-2 apiece of the 7 game playoff series. In picture are Predators' goaltender Dan Ellis and Wings' players Pavel Datsyuk, Brian Rafalksi, Niklas Kronwall and Tomas Holstrom. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Humphrey ..........
For myself this'll be somewhat of a respite away from sports as such over the next few days. Although my laptop will be in tow as I embark on trip to Washington D.C. I don't know that I'll get much time to post a topic but I'll try. Several of my buddies and I will be riding up to the nation's capitol to see some of the varied and storied landmarks. Something that in the years I've resided in this country I've never done. It'd be remiss of me not to explain why. Having lost several friends over the last few months in Aghanistan and Iraq collectively , I thought it only appropriate that I honor them in such a way by embarking on this journey. Having not ridden a bike in some 5 years this'll be something anew for me. Here in Central Florida it's not exactly seen as the sane thing to do considering not only the congestion on the roads but the apparent lack of respect for motorcyclists by the drivers in general.
Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. A surreal place with a wonderous view and steeped in history. picture courtesy images.google.com/washingtondc .....
As to what to expect from this journey I can only hope it'll equate with something positive for my friends and I. Over the last few years it's been one of highs and lows worrying over the safety of my tounger brother as he's serving in the wiles of Iraq with the British military. His safety and those of friends there that are serving are the utmost in my mind. Having lost several of them since the start of this exercise has left me exacerbated and angry . The sacrifices thus far have been monumental for the families that've lost loved ones. And at the same time the political gristle that has been gleaned from this serves the political machinations of the Presidential candidates on the stump.
Washington Monument in DC and a place of serene beauty. picture courtesy of images.google.com/washingtonmonument........
For the days that I'll be within the city touring its historic sites I'll take time to reinvigorate my fervour for the country I now call my home. Fifteen years after my arrival little did I envisage that I'd be spending what'll amount to be the rest of my adult life here. Having made new friends and alliances that I've come to value and immsersing myself the country's history and mindset. I can now say that I've finally arrived at a point in my life where I'm happy. Though there are several things that've not met my satisfaction I see it only as something minor than being of paramount urgency.
The Vietman Memorial a chilling place where somehow my emotions may well get the better of me. picture courtesy of images.google.com/vietnammemorial......
Whatever I find from this journey as I embark upon it with my friends . I hope that it ends up serving me in a positive way. And though there'll be much to see and do. Knowing that I'll have been there will be more than enough to give me the solace I seek and a feeling of well being. In my military service with the British military I'd been some far flung places and at the same I'd travelled much in my youth. Having done it gave me a greater feel and appreciation for the ways of the world and the culture therein. I appreciated it much as I've come to appreciate what's been placed within my domain.
The Capitol Building in Washington where the nation conducts much of its business. picture courtesy of images.google.com/capitolbuilding/......
Part of an exhibit at the Holocaust Museum in DC. It's of train carriage car that was used to transport prisoners off to the gas chamber. In this case there were also several carriages that were modified for that very purpose. picture courtesy of images.googl.com/holocaust museum/washingtondc......
A rendition as to what an apparent aftermath of the remnants of the incinerated bodies looked like. picture courtesy of images.google.com/holocaust museum/washingtondc.......
This is a journey that I know will have some meaning and be a fulfillment of an ambition to see the nation's capitol , its citizens and become a part of that thriving entity that is known as America. Many come to this nation that's deemed a land of opportunity but foresake what it has to offer. I'll accept it gladly knowing that it gives me hope for the future. I've emblazoned myself in its culture and to an extent many of its ways but at the same I still remember from whence I came.
Much has been made of the fact that the athletes attending and competing in this year's Olympiad in Beijing , China will feel aggrieved by the conditions that they'll no doubt not get the chance to see. But are fully aware of the fact that there've been protests along the way of the route that the Olympic flame has followed.
For the athletes themselves from around the world that've spent years in preparation for their chosen events. They'll be asked to make some cold hard choices over the next few months prior to the opening ceremony on the 8th August. Many will be under pressure not to attend and boycott the event in full or in some cases to just not attend the opening ceremony itself.
Either way whatever decision they make will not sit well with everyone on both sides of this argument. It's said that China through its human rights transgressions is complicit also in emboldening others and in particular the Sudanese regime. But for all of the protests that are taking place over these abuses with the regard to Tibet and and the citizens of China. Why is that it's taken the events of the upcoming Olympics to voice the concerns. Afterall these atrocities have been going on for years and the world in effect has remained silent.
In Myanmar (Burma) political activist Ang Su Chi has been kept a prisoner in her own home for over a decade and the world remains silent as that despotic regime is allowed to be part of the civilized world.
It's been said that we choose our battles wisely and the wars we make to appease others. Well whilst the IOC sits silent acting as if that alleged esteemed body has no right to get involved in this at all . The world will continue to argue the merits of the event and the host is able to do as it pleases without being held accountable for its actions. Funny not so long ago the US and Russia faced the same predicament and that led to the two countries boycotting successive Olympics. That was over a war that both were inherently involved in on so many levels . All for their own well being.
This weekend I saw the San Antonio Spurs put up such a putrid display against the Los Angeles Lakers that I thought I'd been watching a battalion of French soldiers in battle. Never mind that we're talking about the reigning NBA champions. The accolade itself no longer seems adept for this team.
Lamar Odom of the Lakers gets to the basket while several Spurs' defenders look on. The Lakers' 106-85 routing of the Spurs was a highlight for the fans in attendance. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Lisa Blumenfeld ..........
As an avowed fan of the Spurs I never though that I'd see a team lay down and surrender with such ease. And Greg Popovich as the team's coach has got to be angered by the display. Wheres the Lakers after this victory have got to be all the more invigorated by the win. Not only that their confidence will have grown immensely. With everything to play for and the #1 seeding in the Western Conference still up for grabs. It now becomes a two horse race between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Hornets.
Kobe Bryant gets past Tim Duncan and applies a layup in the process of scoring . picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Andrew D Bernstein ...........
San Antonio at this point are out of the hunt for the # 1 seeding as it's mathematically impossible for them to obtain it without both teams ahead of them imploding. And judging by the way that both are playing at present that's unlikely to happen. The Spurs for their part placed themselves in this mess with the apparent lack of inconsistent play down the sretch. Certainly not something that you'd expect of a Popovich coached team. Normally you'd see a team that's disciplined and executing well on both ends of the floor. Somehow as of late this hasn't been the case with this team. They've become lethargic and inefficient.
A somewhat bewildered Tony Parker looks on as his team succumbs to the Lakers in the final moments of the fourth quarter in the game played at the Staples Center. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah Graham ..........
The Spurs' triunmvirate of Tim Duncan , Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker so much a part of last season's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals have been less than stellar this season. Parker coming of a prolonged injury has yet returned to form. Duncan for his part ever remaining consistent hasn't taken this team on his shoulders and willed it to win. Ginobli though for his part has shown us flashes of his genius and when coming off the bench he's all too often provided the spark needed to ingite the team. But then once having performed up to expectation they then mire themselves back to the depths of mediocrity. It has been this that's made many of the fans incensed and somewhat bewildered.
Tim Duncan goes up against Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/Noah Graham .............
This season the Western Conference has become so contentious and fractured that it's been akin to watching a prolonged battle between several adversaries that are equally adept as one another. Much has been made of the trades that've gone on across the team as several opf the teams in question immediately became better almost overnight. The Spurs weren't part of the contretemps that took place as they basically stayed pat in terms of roster movement. Their one acquiree was Damon Stoudemire of whom it can be said that his best days are indeed behind him and not ahead of him. As a backup to Parker he's shown nothing of the adeptness and clarity that we know Parker is capable of. It was like obtaining a mule to replace a prized race horse. You know that the mule may well be hard working but he wouldn't be able to meet all of your expectations when called upon.
Teammates Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant hug each other after their win against the San Antonio Spurs infront of an appreciative home crowd. Also pictured is teammate Luke Walton. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/Noah Graham .....
For the Spurs (54-25) now will be the time for them to prove themselves. With their final three games left in the regular season it is encumbent upon them to find themselves back in a groove. Their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings'll prove whether not they've got the intestinal fortitude to acquit themselves well. With the postseason coming up they can ill afford to be playing so inconsistently. And they'd be foolhardy to underestimate whoever they'll face in the opening rounds of the playoffs. Such is the contentious of the division where the margin of error can't be tolerated if you're intentions are to win a championship. Over the years we've seen how adept this franchise can be when facing certain types of adversity but this year has been a year like no other. We've seen the ascension of the Hornets the re-emergence of the Lakers , the Suns and Mavericks remaining dangerous as ever. And in the Denver Nuggets we may well be seeing a team that's finally turned the corner and that's willing to believe that anything is possible.
Tony Parker of the Spurs attempts to shoot over the outstretched arms of Kobe Bryant. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/Noah Graham ........
The fans in San Antonio however have got to be feeling somewhat strange seeing the team struggle the way that they've been doing as of late. I know living here in Central Florida and supporting the team from afar I'm perplexed as to the dilemma that the team now finds itself in. We may well be still considered one of the favorites within the conference to win it all. But at this juncture I'd certainly place a caveat in there . As with each passing game our tenure on the championship seems to fading all too quickly for my own liking. It feels great when you're noted as being a champion when you're dethroned that feeling just hits you in the pit of your stomach when you're told that you're not. And that's a feeling that none of us really likes to hear when someone says that about the team you support.
Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's but that doesn't mean you have to love him. The silly season has once again started beckoned by the latest nonesense over the greatness that is Tiger Woods. The idiocy of journalists trying to point out that Woods doesn't merit the accolade of being called great. Because at the height of Nicklaus' glory years he had challengers from Palmer to Player to Watson and Trevino and a whole slew of others along the way.
Woods play his tee shot of the 12 th hole at The Masters in Augusta, Ga. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Phil J Slocumb ..........
That was then this is now and the fact of the matter is that the challengers to Woods are by the very least inferior. Much of the time many of his adversaries are but here for a minute or two before they disappear off the face of the planet. Except for the likes of Vijay Singh and perhaps Phil Mickelson. And at this juncture I have my doubts about Mickelson , as you can never be sure if he's come to play or just to look good on the course whilst he bags some dough for his already burgeoning bank account.
Woods hits a shot on the 11th at The Masters . picture courtesy of getty images/ David Cannon .........
In reality though many of Wood' peers are intimidated by his very appearance on the course in competition. It's almost as if they're shell shocked as his very being. Once in a while you'll hear some idiotic rant from a player on the PGA Tour making a somewhat stupid comment stating that the time is " ripe to take Tiger down a peg or two as he's capable of being beaten ". That is indeed true as on any given day one player can indeed make a difference. The problem being is that it happens so infrequently on the PGA Tour that we've grown accustomed to seeing Tiger dominate the field. The real problem I find is that the competition on the tour is not up to the task of challenging Woods consistently when he's on the field of play. And that is by no means Woods' fault. He's set the bar high enough for himself as it is. And it's way beyond the reach of what any of the other golfers on the tour had envisioned.
Woods waits to putt at the 12 th it'd appear that he's calm at this juncture. picture courtesy of ap/photo/David J Phillip........
Woods now sets off today to win his fifth Green Jacket at The Masters in Augusta , Georgia . Knowing that with each passing feat it edges him closer to that of his idol Jack Nicklaus in terms of golfing immortality. Appereciate his feats while you can because it'll be a long time before we see the likes of a player of Woods caliber , if ever again. And though many of who've never seen Nicklaus play have seen filmed evidence showing his greatness can we really question that Woods doesn't possess many of the same traits that Jack Nicklaus had. Both are self determined and were eager to win. And they each have a passion for the sport that drives them to achieve unprecedented feats that many can only dream of labor under its burden.
Woods and playing partner Stuart Appleby during first round play at The Masters at Augusta National Golf & CC. picture courtesy of getty images / Jamie Squires ...................
For these two great players it's testament to their inner strengths and lessons taught to them not only by their coaches but no doubt their families too.
Make no bones about it the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijng is already a hot potato and those who think otherwise are just kidding themselves. What's meant to be a a quadriennial event to bring the nations of the world together for one being sporting extravaganza has become nothing more than a commercial venture where others can make a profit. Say nothing of which the International Olympic Committee by its own largesse bestows upon the host country its own seal of approval.
Police in Paris try to disarm a protester who was carrying a molotov cocktail with the intent of hurling the projectile at the bearer of the Olympic flame as it was being carried through the streets of the French capitol. picture courtesy of reuters/.........
And now that the event is being hosted in China others seek to make politcial gains and at the same time mounting criticism on the host country. From its treatment of dissidents within its own country to the civil unrest in Tibet . China has now become the whipping post for much of the world's apparent anger. Added to the fact that they're now seen as the primary enabler for the atrocities that are now taking place in Sudan and the region of Darfur in the western part of the country. It's felt that because China is the Sudan's number one trading partner internationally and the fact that it buys much of the oil produced by the country . Then it ought to be more politically enlightened and in part act with expediency in condemning the country for its atrocities.
President George W Bush seen here alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao. picture courtesy of chinadaily.com/cn/2006/.......
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al Bashir and much maligned leader of the oil rich country where to date there's an estimated 850,000 lives lost in the Darfur conflict with a further 2,500,000 displaced refugees within the country. picture courtesy of breakfornew.com/news/conflict/sudan/darfur ............
China may well be in the wrong politically but no more so than any of the other countries now crying foul. As they too have been enablers for much of the time that these events , protests and atrocities have gone on. And it certainly hasn't helped on the diplomatic front when we're unsure where this country (US ) actually stands. As much as the politicians decry China and its economic partner , Sudan we still need them. We export billions of dollars worth of goods to China each year. And in turn they reciprocate by exporting to us tenfold the amount . And one might add they also hold a great deal of US treasury bonds and other financial instruments as well as US holdings. In turn we also import from the Sudan though it could be deemed minimal amounts of oil. It's still a commodity that's needed to feed this country's ravenous appetite.
HouseMajority leader and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca., ) picture courtesy of of msn.com/media/news/.....
Actress and activist Mia Farrow . Farrow is an outspoken activist for the rights of the Darfur refugees. A UN Goodwill Amabassador Farrow has spent much of her time and money aiding the people of the region. picture courtesy of imageseonline.com/images/miafarrow.....
And whilst our politicians decry the acts within the Sudan let's not fool ourselves here. The nation sees the African country as one of its primary allies on the war on terror in the region. But what goes without saying for all of the pious declarations from the State Department . How the hell can the adminisration excuse itself from any blame when they're also arming the the Sudanese government ? Something that members of Congress for all of their narrow mindedness ought to be looking into. And the inane rants of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- Ca) at this juncture carries about as much weight or sympathy shown by her to the families of the loved ones lost in the present combatative stance being taken by the country.
Outside the main arena where the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics will be held in Beijing , China. picture courtesy of farm1.stat.flickr.com/beijingolympics......
And whilst the protests will continue right up until the beginning of the opening ceremony. One has but to ask what will this all achieve ? Certainly in the decade since the start of the crisis and genocide that took place in Darfur , much of the world stood idly by and did nothing about it. The same also can be said for what was even more heinous by way of the loss of lives that take place in the mass killings and genocide in Rwanda. Whilst all of this was happening the UN for its part tried in vain to seek some sort of a peaceful solution to the conflicts within the region. But those attempts were doomed for failure right from the start. It's appear that diplomacy when needed can be just as hard to strive for when seeking a long standing peace between warring factions.
A refugee camp in the Darfur region of Sudan. picture courtesy of images.google.com/darfurimages......
The International Olympic Committee for all of its own resolve has stood by impassioned not wanting to anger its host . And chairman Jacques Rogge himself has been less than forthcoming when having to deal with the issues as they've arisen. Much like his political counterparts he'd rather bore us with the platitudes of long winded speeches and state the goals of the Olympics and its idealism is to bring nations together where they can compete in the name true sportsmanship. At the same time bringing together cultures for a greater understanding for one another . Ideal and noble as it is it'll seem strange once the first events are under way . And we're seeing countries such as Taiwan , China , Sudan , Iraq and Afghanistan compete in this ideology that sport transcends all types of conflicts.
IOC Chairman Jacques Rogge picture courtesy of uksports.gov/ioc/jacquerogge ...
In the advent of the games starting and going ahead without any other major controversy. It's going to be hard to watch the events as they unfold knowing that to the outside world this is nothing more than window dresssing to a problem . That no one has any real idea how to resolve at all to everyone's satisfaction. Political protests whilst they have their place in society can only go so far in changing the atttitudes of men. And that only ever happens when they're liable to sit up take note and do the right thing. As it is now we're seeing very little by way of positive actions by either side . While what is going on is the wantoned destruction and the loss of innocent lives.
Troops in Lhasa the capitol of Tibet start to round up protesters after the rioting that took place. picture coutesy of stuff .co.nz/images/tibet/lhasa .......
This may well be something that those who consider the Olympics a social sporting event and extravaganza ought to think about as we near this event. In its scope it brings the world together quadriennially to be at play but at the same time once the event comes to an end. We just go back to what it appears best that we know how to do. And that's to seek conflict in the narrowest of margins to signify supremacy over one another. Those these aren't the goals of the Olympic movement . At this juncture however it might as well be. The athletes and countries competing are eager impose their authority in order to garner a victory. The loss of life during the spirit of competition is usually minimal.
As for the pretense that the Suns has what it takes to win it all. Based on yesterday's evidence of their display against the Dallas Mavericks I'm inclined to think not. They showed that they've not got the discipline needed to close out a game when it's all on the line.
Amare Stoudemire of the Suns dunks over the Mavericks' defenders. picture courtesy of nbae getty images/Jesse Garrabant .......
You''ve got to commend the Mavericks for sticking in there and showing the Suns how things are done properly. I was originally of the belief that the Mavericks had no heart , leadership skills and that they were afraid when placed under a great deal of pressure. They showed me otherwise in their all too well executed game down the stretch of the fourth quarter leaving the Suns with the unenviable task of having to look at themselves in the mirror after this defeat.
Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks moves the ball upcourt in the game against the Suns. Dallas defeated the Suns 105-98 in the game with Nowitzki scoring 32 pts for Dallas. picture courtesy of nbae getty images/Bob Garrabard .....
In allowing the Mavericks to come back from and erase a 13 pt deficit in the 4th quarter of a game showed that the Suns aren't just a work in progress. But that they've still got a hell of a lot of learning to do. That in of itself shows us all the reason why the Western Conference has been so competitive this season , as teams contesting a playoff berth have to scrap for every win even when things are against them. It'd appear that the lessons being taught by coach Mike D'Antoni if the Suns aren't being listened to by his team.
Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns an experienced duo who between them have over 20&nb
Ed Roski a property developer and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings unveils an architect's drawing for the proposed NLF stadium to built in the city of Industry ,Ca. It'd appear that by hook or crook that the city of Los Angeles will have an NFL team foisted upon them whether they like it or not. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ Damian Dovarganes ................ 
President George W Bush seen here alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao. picture courtesy of chinadaily.com/cn/2006/.......
HouseMajority leader and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca., ) picture courtesy of of msn.com/media/news/.....
Actress and activist Mia Farrow . Farrow is an outspoken activist for the rights of the Darfur refugees. A UN Goodwill Amabassador Farrow has spent much of her time and money aiding the people of the region. picture courtesy of imageseonline.com/images/miafarrow.....
Outside the main arena where the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics will be held in Beijing , China. picture courtesy of farm1.stat.flickr.com/beijingolympics......
