London 2012: The Countdown Series: China

175 days to go until the first day at London. Next up on the parade of nations: China (CHN).

The host nation of the 2008 summer Olympics (Beijing), they have participated in the summer games since 1932. 385 medals were won, including 163 gold.

There have been many multiple gold medalists from China. One of the more recent multiple gold medalists is diver Guo Jingjing (pictured). Guo has won four medals-two at Beijing 2008 and two at Athens 2004, both in the springboard and synchronized springboard.

The majority of mutliple individual gold medalists from China have come from events such as gymnastics, table tennis, and the aformentioned diving, especially at Beijing in 2008. Women's volleyball team has won gold twice-at Los Angeles 1984 and again at Athens 2004.

As of now, 273 Chinese athletes will be represented in 18 sports including:

• athletics
• men's basketball (with or without Yao, of course)
• women's basketball
• boxing
• hockey (field, that is)
• taekwondo
• swimming
• women's volleyball (indoor)
• women's water polo
• weightlifting
• wrestling

Next up: Chinese Taipei

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Chile

176 days to go until first day of the London games. Next on the parade of nations: Chile (CHI).

The nation has participated in the summer Olympics since the first modern Olympics of 1896. It has since won 13 medals by their athletes at these summer games.

ATP veteran Nicolas Massu continues to be the only Chilean to win gold in the Olympics period. He has two medals, both at Athens 2004, in singles and in doubles with Fernando Gonzalez.

As of now, 18 Chilean athletes will be represented in 10 sports at London, including athletics, swimming, road cycling and taekwondo.

Up next: China

Australian Open 2012: A Review.

On the centennial anniversary of the first men's singles final at the Australian Open, this year's men's final with Nole and Rafa really packed a punch. Almost six fucking hours, and a rain delay in which the center court (Rod Laver Arena) roof was slowly closing down. Too bad there are no blow dryers on the premises (similar to Queens).

Clearly, both Rafa and Nole both put on a show throughout some of the match, but it was Nole who got the best of it, scoring his fifth grand slam title. This had to be one of the best finals in grand slam history of all the grand slams period.

I originally didn't see it live or listened to it on AO Radio and avoided the spoilers on this one until ESPN2 showed it Sunday night.

Overall, it was a pretty good AO this year, and there were some great matches-such as the first rounder with Verdasco and Tomic. Really first class stuff and we learnt that Tomic is a talent coming up the ranks in a fast way. He could impress at the other grand slams this year.

I was so glad that I missed out on the women's final screamfest. Anyway, congrats to all the winners of every class, singles and doubles at this year's AO. Next grand slam is in May at Roland Garros in Paris. It will be around the time where the ATP and WTA tours begin to go to similar tournaments with clay surfaces, so they could see what they're capable of for the French Open.

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Central African Republic

177 days to go until the London games. Up next on the parade of nations: Central African Republic (CAF).

The nation first competed in the summer Olympics since 1968, and has yet to have one of their athletes win a medal.

As of now, the country will have 2 athletes representing in two taekwondo events-men's 68kg and women's 49kg.

Up next: Chile



London 2012: The Countdown Series: Cayman Islands

178 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: Cayman Islands (CAY).

Since 1976, the nation has yet to score a medal in the summer Olympics. As of now, five athletes will represent the nation in various events in swimming and athletics.

Next up: Central African Republic

Friday Jukebox 1.27.12

It's the 20th anniversary of one of the earlier works of trance music. Cosmic Baby, later one half of Visions of Shiva (along with Paul van Dyk), is one of the early visionaries of the genre of trance music. From 1992's Stellar Supreme, this is "Space Track." Just like the title track, it's just awesome and a classic.

Great Catch!

Check out this awesome catch by the ballboy in the FedEx/Rafa semifinal match on Thursday night at the Australian Open!

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Canada

179 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: Canada (CAN).

The host nation of the 1976 summer Olympics (Montreal), they have been at the party since the first modern Olympics of 1896.

Since then, 263 medals were won by Canadian athletes, include 59 gold medals.

One of their more recent summer Olympic successes was that of Donovan Bailey (pictured). The retired sprinter won two golds at Atlanta 1996-individually in the men's 100m and with the 4x100m relay team. Bailey is one of five Canadians that have won multiple golds at the summer Olympics.

The most number of golds won individually by a Canadian at the summer Olympics is two. Here are those who won two golds:

• George Hodgson, Stockholm 1912, men's 400m and 1500m freestyle (swimming)
• Percy Williams, Amsterdam 1928, men's 100m and 200m (athletics)
• Alex Bauman, Los Angeles 1984, men's 200m and 400m individual medley (swimming)
• Carolyn Waldo, Seoul 1988, women's solo and duet (synchronised swimming)
• Donovan Bailey, Atlanta 1996, men's 100m and 4x100m relay (athletics)

The country has won various rowing gold medals over the years, and it shows how good their rowing program really is.

As of now, 200 Canadians in 15 sports at London, including athletics, swimming and taekwondo.

Up next: Cayman Islands

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Cameroon

180 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: Cameroon (CMR).

The central African nation has been to the party (when it comes to the summer games) since 1964, and only won five medals. Three of them are gold.

Their most successful Olympian to date is Francoise Mbango Etone. She won two medals in the women's triple jump-at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Their other gold in the summer games was won by the men's football (soccer) team at Sydney 2000, that includes a young Sam Eto'o (pictured).

As of now, 22 athletes from this country will be represented in five events-including in wrestling as well as various athletic events. The women's football team will be there at London as well as they have qualified.

Up next: Canada

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Burundi

181 days to go until London. Next on the parade of nations: Burundi (BDI).

The African nation has appeared in the summer Olympics since 1996, and only one medal was won by one of their athletes in the summer games.

At Atlanta 1996, in the country's first appearance in the summer games, Venuste Niyongabo won the men's 5000m (athletics). To this day, the only medal won by an athlete from Burundi.

As of now, only one competitor will represent the country at London in July-in the women's marathon.

Up next: Cameroon

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bulgaria

182 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: Bulgaria (BUL).

Since the first modern day Olympics of 1896, the nation has garnered 212 medals, including 51 gold. The most golds won individually (and as a whole) was by Nikolay Bukhalov at Barcelona 1992. There, the rower won gold in the 500m and 1000m Canadian.

The country's most recent medalist is Rumyana Neykova. The rower won gold at Beijing 2008 in single sculls.

The country overall is a big wrestling and weightlifting powerhouse, where wrestlers have scored 16 gold medals, while weightlifters won 12 in the summer Olympics.

As of now, 34 Bulgarian athletes will be represented in nine sports, including wrestling, athletics, boxing and swimming.

Up next: Burundi

The World of US Politics: Episode 1

With the South Carolina primaries behind us (Newt Gingrich won), and Florida up next, one week from today (1.24), it's time to reflect on some things. First off, Ron Paul will continue, even though Rand's resistance from TSA officials (and I must agree with Rand there-FUCK TSA! They damage liberties before you even board the plane!) will not mean anything about Ron's campaign.

Also tonight, it's possibly the last time we'll see U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on Capitol Hill at tonight's State of the Union, because she will officially resign from her House district (serving Tucson, Arizona) to recover from injuries suffered in a shooting last year outside at Tucson Safeway. Her office put out this statement from Rep. Giffords herself:

Good for her. Who's next to resign from Congress?

Anyway, tonight could be President Obama's FINAL State of the Union address as President, featuring a rebuttal from Herman Cain on behalf of the Tea Party! So stay tuned!

London 2012: The Countdown Series: British Virgin Islands

183 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: British Virgin Islands (IVB).

The islands chain has competed in the summer Olympics since 1984, and has yet to score a medal. Only one competitor in the women's 100m (athletics) will represent the nation at London.

Up next: Bulgaria

NFL Conference Championship Weekend 2011/12: Review of the Games.

I had been doing my studies, plus with the National conference championship in its latter stages competing against the Aussie Open on ESPN2, I didn't watch very much of either.

But here's my review:

AMERICAN conference championship-I felt that the Ravens had been screwed out by the refs. They had the game won, and a touchdown that should've been called late. Plus the insult to injury by former Cowboy Billy Cundiff didn't do any justice. Not really a good match nonetheless.

NATIONAL conference championship-Not really the same flare as the '90 National Conference championship, but it was the same song, second verse. Niners had the game won...and then...we'll...the rest was history. I am very proud to see Giants punter Steve Weatherford FINALLY playing in the Super Bowl. The farthest he's reached whilst in the NFL is the conference championship game (see the Saints in 2006).

Overall, they were okay, but very disappointed that there won't be a Harbaugh brothers Super Bowl. The Oil Drum is waiting for the Giants and Pats in less than two weeks.

Joe Paterno Died.

Sunday morning, Joe Pa's family decided to take out the breathing tube. After battling lung problems, he passed away, aged 85.

Now, Team Phelps will picket his funeral. We know we know. Team Phelps will never give the fuck up. "God hates this. God hates that." ENOUGH IS FUCKING ENOUGH!

Either way, either side will lose.

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Brazil

184 days to go until London. Next on the parade of nations: Brazil (BRA).

The host nation of the 2016 summer Olympics (Rio), they have been in summer Olympics competition since 1920. Since then, 91 medals were won.

At Beijing 2008, there were big winners from Brazil. One is Cesar Cielo Filho. Cielo Filho (pictured) won gold in the men's 50m free in the pool. Since then, he has faced suspensions for substance abuse (per Fina and WADA regulations). At Shanghai in July, he made his return to the pool.

Also at Beijing, women's volleyball won gold. It is one of three golds won by the Brazilian indoor volleyball teams in the summer Olympics. The other two were won by the men-at Athens 2004 and before then, at Barcelona 1992.

The nation also boasts a hearty beach volleyball program, with two teams winning gold since the sport was added to the slate of summer Olympic events at Atlanta 1996.

As of now, 16 sports will have at least one Brazilian athlete representing-including team sports. Both men's and women's basketball and football (soccer) will be there, as will women's handball and men's volleyball.

Up next: British Virgin Islands

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Botswana

185 days to go until London. Next on the parade of nations: Botswana (BOT).

Since it's first appearance in the summer Olympics in 1980, the southern African nation has yet to score not one medal from its athletes.

As of now, that country will send two athletes to London-in the women's 400m and the men's 400m in athletics.

Up next: Brazil

Friday Jukebox 1.20.12

After battling various health issues, Etta James died on Friday afternoon, age 73, five days short of her birthday. Here's one of her breakthrough hits, "I'd Rather Go Blind," from 1968's Tell Mama.

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bosnia & Herzegovina

186 days to go until London. Up next on the parade of nations: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH).

A part of the former Yugoslavia, the nation made its summer Olympics debut in 1992, first as an independent nation. They have yet to score a medal in the summer games.

As of now, 3 athletes will represent B&H at London-in the men's shot put, women's marathon and in the pool with the 100m women's butterfly.

Up next: Botswana

History Was Made!

Last Saturday, at the Gents game against Louisiana College at the Gold Dome, was more history made. Senior forward Maxx Nakwaasah, of Dallas, scored 20 points, and became the 30th Gent to go over 1,000 points in his career (and the 35th in the entire basketball program at Centenary, counting the Ladies' program).

I was there, and here are some pics.

The Maxx-O-Meter(SM). Before the game.

During a timeout.

East end of the Gold Dome. Too bad I couldn't get over there in time for an even better shoot. 

Welcome to the 1000 club Maxx!

Where he was after fouled out. But wait there's more!

On Monday, he broke the school's all time single game scoring record with 51 against East Texas Baptist. This breaks the record set by THE Robert Parish years ago. THE same Robert Parish that was part of the Celtics' NBA titles of the '80s.



Perry, Huntsman Withdrew.

And the major GOP candidates have narrowed down to 4. Former governors Jon Huntsman and Rick Perry decided to withdraw despite low to moderate numbers after New Hampshire.

Heading into Saturday's third primary of the year in South Carolina, it will be Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum as the main GOP contenders for President.

See y'all Saturday.

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bolivia

187 days to go until London. Up next on the parade of nations: Bolivia (BOL).

This medium sized South American nation (one of a handful nations in the world with two national capitals) has yet to taste gold (or silver or bronze) in summer Olympic competition.

Bolivia has been there since 1936, and as of now, has one athlete qualified-to run in the women's 20k walk in the athletics portion of the schedule.

Up next: Bosnia & Herzegovina

SOPA Protest Day!

Yes folks, there's a reason why they're doing this. This is for our rights and our sovereignty on the line. This bill could change the way most of the other democracies in the world view us.

This is the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) we're talking about.

The bill, authorized by U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith (his congressional district is the San Antonio area), has backing from the major film studios, the MPAA and RIAA, the evilest of all evil who claims that they "represent" their respective industries. Apparaently, both the MPAA and RIAA are hurting the business with absurdist shit like this, thus this is where the boycotts came in.

At 11pm NACST Tuesday night, Wikipedia went dark, and will do so until 11pm NACST. A few others have joined in. GooTube, twitter, facebook and others have spoke out on it already, and no protests there.

However, there are companies that support this shit, and here's the list!

And for more on this, log on to http://www.fucksopa.com/!

FUCK SOPA!

YES TO DEMOCRACY!

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bermuda

188 days to go until London. Next up on the parade of nations: Bermuda (BER).

The island nation has participated in the summer Olympics since 1936. Only one medal was won at these summer Olympics.

Boxer Clarence Hill scored the nation's only medal with a bronze at Montreal 1976 in the heavyweight class.

As of now, 3 athletes will represent Bermuda in 3 sports-men's long jump, equestrian jumping and in the pool with the men's 50m freestyle.

Up next: Bolivia



Frustration at its Finest!

It's tennis people. Live with it.

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Belgium

189 days until London! Next up on the parade of nations: Belgium (BEL).

When you think of Belgium in sport, there aren't that many personalities out there-except Kim Clijsters, of course. But there's a legend in Belgian sport that deserved his own limelight for the years of excellence, and his name was Hubert van Innis.

van Innis (1866-1961) was an excellent archer, who won six of the country's 42 gold medals. At Paris 1900, he scored gold in the 33m Cordon Dore and chapelet. Years later at Antwerp in 1920, he scored four golds in the 28m and 33m moving bird and 33m and 50m team, all in his own backyard.

The country hosted the 1920 summer Olympics (Antwerp) and has been at the party since the first modern Olympics of 1896.

Overall, 155 medals were won by Belgian athletes-including 42 gold, as well as 55 silver and 58 bronze medals were won as well.

As of now, 62 athletes will represent the country in 9 sports, mostly athletics and swimming.

Up next: Bermuda

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Belarus

190 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Belarus (BLR).

The former Soviet republic first competed in the summer Olympics at Atlanta 1996, after the Soviet Union breakup of 1991 (resulting in their last dance together at Barcelona and Albertville the following year as the "Unified Team"). Since Atlanta, 66 medals were won by Byelorussian athletes.

Ten of those 66 were gold medals. The most golds won was 2, by the lady above-Ekaterina Karsten. She won at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 in single sculls rowing. The nation also garnered 20 silver and 36 bronze to add up to 66 summer Olympic medals so far.

As of now, 15 sports will be represented by 111 athletes, including men's football (soccer), as well as various swimming and athletics events.

Up next: Belgium

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Barbados

191 days to go until the first day of activities in London. Up next on the parade of nations: Barbados (BAR).

The island nation has competed in the summer Olympics since 1968, and has only one medal.

Their lone medal-a bronze-won by Obadele Thompson in the men's 100m (athletics) at Sydney 2000. 

As of now, 5 athletes will represent Barbados in two sports-swimming and in various athletics events.

Up next: Belarus

Australian Open 2012 is here!

After fighting injuries, Kim Clijsters is back in Melbourne to defending her women's singles title as she will enter the first grand slam of 2012 as the 11th seed. Remember, she pulled out of the US Open after ankle injuries. Prior to the 2011 US Open, Clijsters was the defending two time singles champion.

On the singles side at Melbourne this year, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki are the #1 seeds. Could we see some surprises come out of this first grand slam of the year?

Some notable first round singles matches:

MEN
(1) Novak Djokovic v Paolo Lorenzi
(2) Rafa Nadal v Alex Kuznetsov
(3) Roger Federer v Alexander Kudryavtsev
(4) Andy Murray v Ryan Harrison
(5) David Ferrer v Rui Machado
(6) Jo Wilfried Tsonga v Denis Istomin
(7) Tomas Berdych v Albert Ramos
(8) Mardy Fish v Gilles Muller
(11) Juan Martin del Potro v Adrian Mannarino
(12) Gilles Simon v Danai Udomchoke
(13) Alexandr Dolgopolov v Greg Jones
(14) Gael Monfils v Matinko Matosevic
(15) Andy Roddick v Robin Haase
(16) John Isner v Ben Mitchell
(21) Stan Wawrinka v Benoit Paire
(22) Fernando Verdasco v Bernard Tomic
(25) Juan Monaco v Philipp Kohlschriber
(29) Radek Stepanek v Nick Mahut
(31) Jurgen Melzer v Ivo Karlovic
Ben Becker v Marcos Baghdatis
Lleyton Hewitt v Cedrik Marcel Stebe
David Nalbandian v Jarkko Nieminen
Sam Querrey v Kenny de Schepper
Sergiy Stakhovsky v Illya Marchenko
Donald Young v Peter Gojowczyk

WOMEN
(1) Caroline Wozniacki v Anastasia Rodionova
(2) Petra Kvitova v Vera Dushnevina
(3) Victoria Azarenka v Heather Watson
(4) Maria Sharapova v Gisela Dulko
(5) Li Na v Ksenia Pervak
(6) Sam Stosur v Sorana Cirstea
(7) Vera Zvonareva v Alexandra Dulgheru
(8) Agnieszka Radwanska v Bethanie Mattek Sands
(9) Marion Bartoli v Virginie Razzano
(10) Francesca Schiavone v Laura Pous-Tio
(11) Kim Clijsters v Maria Joao Koehler
(12) Serena Williams v Tamira Paszek
(13) Jelena Jankovic v Laura Robson
(14) Sabine Lisicki v Stefanie Voegele
(15) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Klara Zakopalova
(16) Peng Shuai v Aravane Rezai
(18) Svetlana Kuznetsova v Chanelle Scheepers
(19) Flavia Pennetta v Nina Bratchikova
(21) Ana Ivanovic v Lourdes Dominguez Lino
(22) Julia Goerges v Polona Hercog
(24) Lucie Safarova v Christina McHale
(27) Maria Kirilenko v Jarmila Gajdosova
(28) Yanina Wickmayer v Galina Voskoboeva
(29) Nadia Petrova v Andrea Hlavackova
Kimiko Date Krimm v Eleni Daniilidou
Jelena Dokic v Anna Chakvetadze
Anne Keothavong v Mona Barthel
Michaella Krajicek v Kristina barrois

7 will be once again the host network of the Grand Slam of Asia and Pacific. In the US, it's on Tennis Channel and ESPN (check listings carefully).

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bahrain

192 days to go until the first day of competition at London. Next up on the parade of nations: Bahrain (BRN).

This southwestern Asia nation has participated in the summer Olympics since 1984, and has yet to score a medal. As of now, 7 will represent the country in various athletics events.

Up next: Barbados

Friday Jukebox 1.13.12

I feel, with some things that could go down in history this weekend, this Friday Jukebox is for you. Love power ballads from the '80s? Are you a fan of Europe? Then this is for you. "Final Countdown." Title track from 1986 album.

The 1,000 Club

What does Larry Robinson, Robert Parish and about 30 others have in common? They are among the 1,000 club at Centenary. 1000 as in 1000 career points at Centenary in their career. Another one is about to join. Maybe.

Meet Maxx Nakwaasah. Senior forward from Dallas. He is 13 points away from the millenium mark. He is one of two seniors for Gents basketball this season. History will be made at the Gold Dome Saturday (I hope). 3pm tipoff against Louisiana College, then you can go home and enjoy the second half of the Saints' playoff game.



Sam Kekovich is Back!

Australia's "Lambassador" to the world is back at it again...

Auto-tuned Sam (yuck) in a cover of Aqua's "Barbie Girl":



London 2012: The Countdown Series: Bahamas

193 days to go. The parade of nations continue. Done with the A's, now onto the B's. First of the B's in ABC order (in English, since the summer games will be in London) is Bahamas (BAH).

Competing in the summer Olympics since 1952, the island nation has garnered 11 medals including 4 gold medals.

Half of their gold medals were won by Pauline Davis Thompson at Sydney 2000, as a member of the women's 4x100m relay and won individually in the 200m.

For London (as of now), 16 athletes will represent the country in 2 sports-swimming and in various athletics events.

Up next: Bahrain