Fewer Broken Pieces

I would like to point out that the Blazers are currently 2nd in the Western Conference of the NBA (by a hair).  They will be tied in that spot by the end of the night, however.  Still, it is sweet to have sole possession of second place, no matter how fleeting it may be.

They Dodgers are taking a 2-0 lead over the Cubs back to Los Angeles.

The Dodgers have drawn the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, since the Brewers won the wildcard and the leage-leader does not play against its own division in the first round.  This is going to be an uphill battle.

I would like to see a medal count for the Beijing Olympics based on the country in which the athlete trains.  I know this could make a significant difference in swimming and track.

China has over 1.3 billion citizens.  Why am I seeing open seats at Olympic events?

Olympic gymnastics, it seems, is a tragic event.  It is one of those judged competitions where the focus is not on personal achievement, but on how much each competitor screws up.  This is quite contrary to my favorite sports, like baseball where the runs count up, or swimming where it is a head-to-head race.  We are waiting with bated breath to see the next fall, missed dismount, or step out of bands, any of which could be termed “a tragedy of epic proportions” by the rather ridiculous commentators.  Now with the advent of new scoring, it is not even possible to have a “perfect 10″ performance.  Alas, gymnastics is a tragic sport!  And this emphasis on the falling sky keeps me from enjoying it greatly.

Los Angeles Dodger fans are hoping that the acquisition of Manny Ramirez will help make the difference and get the club into the playoffs this year.  If his first three games are any indication, the hope has some basis.  There is no question of his impact.  In his first three games he has already equalled the number of homeruns hit by all Dodgers left fielders this season: 2.  Now if the Dodgers should have the opportunity to add a veteran pitcher (e.g. Greg Maddux) to their lineup, things might be looking good for October.

An interesting side note: The other night Chan Ho Park recorded a save for the Dodgers, his 2nd of the season.  First of all, it is nice to see him back in Dodger blue.  Second, it is interesting that he has apparently been converted into a closer.  I am curious to see how this develops.

Anyone remember the good old days of the Dream Team in 1992?  I think basketball might be for me the most anticipated event in these 2008 Olympics, simply because I want to see the US returned to its former glory.  All indications are that there is a very strong chance of that happening.

Like I have said before, there is no better form of patriotism than sports.

The 4th of July is my favorite secular holiday. It is a great expression of nationalism.  We Americans, to celebrate our very existence, set off large, colorful explosions in the night sky, accompanied by lesser but more numerous spectacles on the ground. It is a harmless, fun expression of patriotism.

The Olympics are another of my favorite forms of nationalism.  Nations come together in battle, not with tanks, aircraft carriers, artillery, and bombs, but with runners, swimmers, figure skaters, and alpine snipers.  Harmless contests, I am unaware of any wars fought due to the results of an Olypmic games.

The Blazers had another good draft.  Add to that the coming of Oden, and we should expect more progress this season.

I am starting to remember what it is like to be really excited about a sports team.  And I know there some out there - you who think you are too good for sports, who regard the great contests as frivolous.  Well, you are entitled to that opinion.  And, when you do get on the bandwagon, we wont push you off.