RSSThe Great Eight: Michael Phelps & the US Mens 4×100m Medley Relay Wins Gold
A Phelpsian Pheat …
Move over Mark Spitz there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Michael Phelps. This morning at the Beijing Olympics Phelps did what many thought was impossible. Phelps went 8 for 8 in during the Beijing Olympics to break Mark Spitz’s record that stood since the 1972 Olympics.
Phelps earned his unprecedented eighth Olympic gold medal of the 2008 Olympics as he swam the butterfly leg of the Americans’ world-record win in the 4×100m medley relay to close out the swimming competition at the Water Cube.
Jason Lezak held off Eamon Sullivan of Australia in the freestyle leg, with the Americans finishing in 3:29.34. Australia took the silver in 3:30.04 and Japan the bronze.
Mission accomplished: Phelps earns eighth gold in medley relay
Eight is enough: Phelps clinches record with relay gold
Michael Phelps, 2 For 2 Gold Medals as US 4×100m Freestyle Relay Team Smash Record and Shut the French Up with World Record
“We’re going to smash them.” (Alain Bernard, French swimmer’s comments regarding America swimmers prior to race)
Oh “contraire mon aime”. Next time you may want to “fermez votre bouche” before an Olympic race when Michael Phelps and company are involved. The Americans teach the French a lesson in motivational chalk board material and make the French eat some major American humble pie.
American swimmer Michael Phelps won his second gold medal of the Beijing 
Olympics on his way to a potential 8 golds; however, this time it was Team America that provided the win. Michael Phelps may in fact win individual honors of becoming the first Olympian ever to win 8 gold medals at a single Olympics; however, this team relay will go down in history as the signature event of the Beijing Olympics in American sports history and one of the greatest team efforts ever.
It was one for the Ages. It has been called the greatest swimming relay race in history. If you saw it, it was. A Hollywood movie could not have been better scripted than how this event played out. The American 4×100 meter relay team, Michael Phelps, Garret Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak, swam one for the ages as they won Olympic gold and smashed the world record by nearly 4 seconds. Five of the teams that swam in the relay all finished ahead of the old record.
Video below, you have to watch it to believe it if you have not seen it yet. It was not quite Miracle on Ice of 1980 USA Olympic hockey fame, but it was damn close. This is what Olympic spirit of competition is all about and … NEVER SAY NEVER … It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.
Beijing Olympics: US Swimmer Michael Phelps Wins Gold and Breaks World Record … 1 Down 7 to Go
Michael Phelps wins first gold of Beijing Olympics … There is another Wheaties box in his very near future.
There have almost become three certainties in life … death, taxes and Michael 
Phelps winning Olympic gold in the pool. In Phelps’ first race of the Beijing Olympics, the 400 meter individual medley, he did not disappoint. In fact, Michael Phelps not only won gold but also set a new world record at 4 minutes, 3.84 seconds.
With President Bush cheering him on, Phelps dominated his first event of the Beijing Olympics on Sunday morning, crushing his own world record and all hopes of his challengers with a mark of 4 minutes, 3.84 seconds in the 400-meter individual medley.
What separates true champions from the rest? With all the pressure and expectations to win, Phelps made it look so relaxed and easy.
Barack Obama Could Make Time for Europe … But Could Not Make Time For US Wounded Troops
Barack Obama is supposed to be running to be the President of the United States, not the Premier of the EU. How is it that as PowerLine states, Obama had time to go to the gym and sightsee in Berlin but canceled his visit to see wounded soldiers in Germany. Doesn’t this say quite a bit about one’s character? John MCain has put out a political ad stating Obama did not visit troops because he could not bring a camera. That may make a dent to the anointed one’s image.
- New McCain ad: Obama didn’t visit the troops in Germany because he couldn’t bring cameras
- McCain Questions Obama’s Decision to Cancel Troop Visit
- McCain Ad: Obama Isn’t There For The Troops Unless Cameras Are Around
Obama’s canceled visit to military hospital sparks controversy
Who said Obama, the chosen one, had to bring a camera to visit the troops? He could have easily just done the right thing and visited the troops without the spectacle and fanfair. However, the trip was nothing but political. Obama has yet to learn that being Presidential means doing the right and just things when the cameras are no where to be found like thanking the wounded young men and woman, the heros of the US military.
A top aide to Sen. Barack Obama said Friday that the campaign canceled a visit to an American military base in Germany the day before because the Pentagon expressed concerns that it would be viewed as a campaign trip.
The incident is representative of the delicacy with which the Obama campaign has attempted to navigate the Illinois senator’s entire journey abroad, at once staging elaborate photo-ops beamed back to the American media while at insisting that Obama’s trip is not a political one by definition.
Blade Runner: South African Double Amputee Sprinter Oscar Pistorius Fails to Make Olympic Team by A Split Second … A True Hero
The world is always looking for heros. Inspirational people that far and away leave a lasting mark and touch people’s hearts. South Africa and the Olympics actually have one … its too bad they do not recognize it or we will see him compete. Oscar Pistorius, you are an Olympic athlete in my book. Actually you are much more than that. One does not need a medal around their neck to be special. Oscar Pistorius, you are a champion and an inspiration.
Remember when the Olympics used to stand for something? Remember when they used to represent the best of amature athletic competition and some of the greatest stories came from virtual unknowns overcoming amazing obstacles to shock the sports world? Remember when it was about the trill of athletic competition and that one moment in time that for many athletes was making the Olympics and not necessarily winning a medal? Not any more …
South African double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius rests after competing in the men’s 400 metres… South African double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius rests after competing in the men’s 400 metres at the Athletics International Meeting “Notturna di Milano” in Milan July 2 2008. Pistorius failed in his first bid to reach the Olympic 400 metres qualification time at an athletics meeting on Wednesday.
(Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters )
Oscar Pistorius, the South African double amputee has failed to make the 1,600-meter relay team Friday by mere 0.70 seconds. However, sometimes true Olympic athletes are not the ones who win the gold. They are the one’s that win much more. Oscar Pistorius may not win a gold, silver or bronze medal in Beijing. Hell, he isn’t even going to be allowed to go. However, he has done much more … he has won the admiration of all and has inspired many in the way he has conducted himself with class, dignity and sportsmanship trying to make the South African sprint team. It was not Pistorius’ physical handicap that kept him out of the Olympics, it was the mental handicap of South African decision makers that did so.
“I said at the start of the season that I’d be extremely happy just to be running times I was comfortable with, whether I made it to the Olympics or not,” Pistorius said after soaking up loud applause from the Swiss crowd.
“Tonight was certainly one of those times.”
Unfortunately, Oscar Pistorius could not hit the 400-meter qualifying time of 45.55 seconds, despite running a personal best 46.25 on his prosthetic blades at a meet in Lucerne, Switzerland. If Oscar Pitorious had qualified for the Beijing Olympics it would have been one of the most inspirational and feel good stories of the games. However, make no mistake about it, Pistorius’ efforts to make his Olympic dream come true are an inspiration to many. Even if there were those that would take this special athlete to court stating that his “blades” represented an unfair advantage.
Pistorius, a.k.a. “the Blade Runner,” races on crescent blades called “Cheetah Flex-Feet.” Despite the obvious difficulty of balancing on the blades, as Pistorius continued to improve, some other sprinters questioned whether he was not disabled, but rather “too-abled.”
In 2007, with the blessing of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Pistorius competed in a Golden League meet in Rome, his first international, able-bodied event. It was a resounding triumph, as he finished second in his heat, besting seven other pros. But the way Pistorius ran the race intensified the questions — he had already faced concerns from Paralympic competitors that his blades exaggerated what his actual leg length should be — about the fairness of his prosthetics.
How could anyone think that this was an unfair athletic advantage?
Other athletes and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) actually questioned whether the “blades” that Oscar Pistorius ran with as he is a double-amputee was an unfair advantage and was taken to court to prevent him from running in able-bodied events.
WHAT PART ABOUT BEING A DOUBLE AMPUTEE IS AN ADVANTAGE!!! These people should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. In the end, all these people did was end an inspirational dream and affect the training of a special athlete in his pursuit of a dream. The rules state that a specific qualifying time must be met to participate However, sometimes rules are made to be broken. Preferential treatment should not be given just because the athlete is a double-amputee; however, what should be considered is the fact that Pistorius not only had to battle a disability, other athletes and the clock. He had the distraction of battling the courts. Anyone who is or was an athlete, especially a top Olympic athlete knows that one needs total focus on the task at hand. Something that Oscar Pistorius was not allowed to do.
The 21-year-old Pistorius has said the court fight kept him from focusing on training, and acknowledged it might be more realistic to aim for the 2012 London Olympics. Athletics South Africa president Leonard Chuene said four other runners had faster times, and two others were chosen as alternates.
Pistorius plans to run at the Sept. 6-17 Paralympic Games in Beijing. He holds the Paralympic world record of 46.56 in the 400.
“From the beginning, we knew that he had to qualify,” Van Zyl said. “We didn’t expect him to be granted any special opportunity or anything. The rules are the rules.”
The International Olympic Committee said it was South Africa’s decision to make. (Yahoo Sports)
One really has to wonder what the mentality is of the president of Athletics South African, Leonard Chuene. What are you afraid of? The fact that a disabled athlete may actually be able to compete with able-bodied ones. South Africa will not be winning any sprinting medals in Beijing. I think everyone realizes that there was a standard to meet’ however, the language from Leonard Chuene seems to have nothing but bias and utter contempt against Oscar Pistorius.
The president of Athletics South Africa, Leonard Chuene, defended the 21-year-old’s exclusion from both the individual event and the relay, saying: “He did not qualify in any way because the athletes that have been selected have all run faster than him.”
Chuene also confirmed that Pistorius would not be considered as a potential stand-by should injuries hit the squad. “There is no chance that he will make it even if someone pulls out. We allowed him to run on the 16th for the final time, where he did not qualify and that was the end.
“The team was selected on merit and nothing else. The ones with the fastest times are in the team. It was not selected under special terms or treatment. The standards are obviously IAAF and Olympic standards so it’s not us that determines these standards.”
Former NY Yankee Star and Broadcaster Bobby Murcer Dies at Age 62 … Rest in Peace
Yankee great Bobby Murcer passes away at the age of 62 from complications 
of brain cancer. Rest in Peace Bobby … a true class act both on and off the baseball diamond.
There is sad new in Yankee land today as former NY Yankee outfielder, broadcaster and class act Bobby Murcer dies at the age of 62. Bobby Murcer died in Saturday at a hospital in his home town of Oklahoma City from complications to a malignant brain tumor. Murcer was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve 2006 after having headaches.
In his final moments, Murcer was surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Oklahoma City, the Yankees said. A five-time All-Star outfielder, he spent nearly four decades with New York as a player, executive and announcer.
“Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine,” owner George Steinbrenner said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy.”
Bobby Murcer, shown acknowledging Stadium crowd at 2007 Old-Timer’s Day, built legacy as beloved Yankee player and broadcaster.
There is something truly special about some people and the way that they conduct themselves that they are remembers a life time for. I am a long time Red Sox fan and avid Yankee hater; however, Bobby Murcer was on the select list of Yankee’s that had my admiration as he conducted himself as a true not only “Yankee” great, but also a great human being. As we discussed yesterday with the passing of Tony Snow from complications of cancer, Bobby Mercer showed the same tenacity and “heart of a champion” battling brain cancer. When Bobby Mercer was a player I enjoyed watching his drive and determination in the field and at the plate. He was a player that ever fan wished they had on their team. His determination and class on the field was nothing compared to his class that he showed in his battling brain cancer. God Bless you Bobby Murcer and may you now be a peace with the Lord.
A Celebration of Freedom … Colombian Hostages Free … Rescued from FARC Rebels
On 4th of July weekend … what better story than a celebration of freedom.
The rescue of the hostages in Colombia from FARC rebels. The emotions speak volumes of the hostages as they realize that they can now celebrate their own Independence Day.
Colombia showed video Friday of an orderly mission that ended in hugs and laughter for 15 hostages who were rescued from a Colombian guerilla group this week.
Check out the raw video footage of the hostages celebration of freedom when they finally learned on board the helicopter that there were free.
More video HERE.
Posted July 5, 2008 by Scared Monkeys Bizarre, Military, Missing Persons, War on Terror, World, You Tube Video, heros | 6 comments |
HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2008 … Dick and Rick Hoyt, a Father and Son’s Love for the Ages
Happy Father’s Day from Scared Monkeys …
Please take a look at the video below and take some inspiration of what Father’s Day should best be about. Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who are a true inspiration and symbolize a bond that is timeless. A father’s love for his son … one that all must see. Be prepared to have the Kleenex ready for this one.
For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick.
At Rick’s birth in 1962 the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain. Dick and his wife, Judy, were told that there would be no hope for their child’s development.
“It’s been a story of exclusion ever since he was born,” Dick told me. “When he was eight months old the doctors told us we should just put him away — he’d be a vegetable all his life, that sort of thing. Well those doctors are not alive any more, but I would like them to be able to see Rick now.”
Read more about Team Hoyt and a father and son bond for the ages.
Barack Obama’s Memorial Day Gaffe & Playing Politics with a Hero’s Day
By the way, what ever happened to that skilled orator Obama that the media fawned over for months? It hardly seems like he can’t ever get his foot out of his mouth these days.
Maybe some one would like to tell Barack Obama when one runs for the Presidency they are also running to be the Commander and Chief of our Armed Forces. That being said, maybe Obama may want to learn that Memorial Day is to honor our Country’s war heroes who have served and sacrificed to protect this great land. It would appear that Obama did not get the memo:
“On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes — and I see many of them in the audience here today — our sense of patriotism is particularly strong”. (Obama)
What is even more shameful as Power Line points out was the disgraceful manner in how Obama sought to politicize the holiday.
What was really offensive about Obama’s New Mexico appearance, however, was what followed his very brief, but generally appropriate, tribute to America’s war dead. He continued with a town hall-style question and answer period that cast veterans in the only role with which the Democrats are comfortable–victims–and sought to politicize the holiday.
There is something very disturbing in the contrast how Democrats and Republicans honor our military heroes. The Gateway Pundit has the video of Obama’s speech.
Certain days are meant to be respectful and the spot light is to be put on others who have served and sacrificed, not for partisan politics. Compare Obama’s comments to President George W. Bush’s speech at Arlington National Cemetery.
More comments regarding the continual Obama gaffes:
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Dumber than Dan Quayle? With that Many “Duh-bamas”, You Have to Say Yes.
Posted May 27, 2008 by Scared Monkeys Barack Obama, Bizarre, Military, Politics, Presidential Election 2008, WTF, heros | 6 comments |
Memorial Day 2008 … Thank you for Our Freedoms
MEMORIAL DAY: May 26, 2008
(Click on pic)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John15:13)
A special thanks to the men and women of our armed forces who have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, honor and dedication to this country.
So often we take for granted the very rights and civil liberties that so many have died for. Brave sons, daughters, husbands, wives and friends who answered the call to protect the freedoms of others.
FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE
There is a grave cost that can never be forgotten and should never be taken lightly. To the families of those who have lost love ones fighting for America, we say thank you as well.
In a time of such division, Memorial Day is a time to stand up and say thank you, no matter what or how one feels about any present conflict. Those that have unselfishly given their lives did so for all.
We should honor never forget the sacrifices made by our fallen heros and especially honor them today.
Today should be simply used to stop and say “thanks” to the men and women of our Armed Forces. It should be used as a day to spend a few quiet moments thinking about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who went into harm’s way and never came home again.
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Frank Woodruff Buckles, last known WWI veteran honored for Memorial Day
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Returning Meaning to Memorial Day; Memorial Day began in 1865
Bush pays tribute to troops on Memorial Day
“On this Memorial Day, I stand before you as the commander in chief and try to tell you how proud I am,” Bush told an audience of military figures, veterans and their families at Arlington National Cemetery. Of the men and women buried in this hallowed cemetery, he said, “They’re an awesome bunch of people and the United States is blessed to have such citizens.”
