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As we come to the end of another Olympics, I must say that I'm pretty flabbergasted at how fast time is passing by. I feel like I had just rang in the new year not long ago, and now I'm literally a day and a half away from March. Time flies.
And again, another Winter Olympics is on its way out.
I have to talk about the marquis event of the games -err, what the media tends to bill as "THE marquis event of the Winter Olympics" ... Women's Figure Skating.
No surprise, the fight for the finish was between the skating world's top two: South Korea's Yu-Na Kim (who took home the gold), and Japan's Mao Asada (who took home the silver). And each of them created records for the sport, and themselves. Kim's overall score is the highest ever in women's skating under the latest scoring system, and Asada became the first woman ever to land a triple jump (Axel, was it?) three times at an international event -- 1 in her short program, and 2 in her free skate. They both have much reason to be proud, as do their respective countries.
The bronze was the medal up for grabs, with several of the world's top skaters vying for the podium including Japan's Miki Ando (2007 World Champion), and the current U.S. ladies' top two finishers - Rachel Flatt and Mirai Nagasu. But the honors would go to Canada's Joannie Rochette, who - despite the passing of her mom just days prior to the ladies' short program - won the hearts of her fellow Canadians (and the world) by skating and pouring out her heart on the ice.
Not to be outdone, Mirai Nagasu - the 2008 U.S. Ladies Singles Champion - bested team mate, and current U.S. Ladies Singles Champion, Rachel Flatt, by finishing in 4th overall behind Rochette. Both of Nagasu's programs were seasonal and personal bests, and she was more than happy to finish where she did in her "maiden" Olympics berth. She was 6th going into the free skate, and finished 5th after.
Olympian-sized feats: Kim after receiving the highest scores ever in the ladies' overall, and an ecstatic Nagasu learning of her un-predicted 4th overall finish (just missing the podium) at the Games (Photos: Jamie Squire/Cameron Spencer/Getty)
Flatt skated a perfect, albeit conservative, long program. While she landed all of her jumps, and completed a clean routine, her combined overall score was good enough for an overall finish of 7th place (she placed 5th in the ladies' short, and 8th in the free skate).
Not a bad finish for the U.S. women, considering none of them were favorites to stand atop the podium. And with 12.49 points separating Nagasu from Rochette, it goes to show that the current U.S. silver medalist is now among the top skaters in the world.
Here is where I will get a little stank...
After the performance of Flatt and Miki Ando, I happened to be on Twitter, and noticed that Rachel Flatt was trending. I had to check out what that was all about, and to my non-surprise a lot of the 'tweets' were well wishes for her clean free skate. But soon, those well wishes turned into horror at the realization that Miki Ando had placed above Flatt for what seemed to be a not-so-great performance. Well, while that may be true -- I have to be real for a second... Yes, Rachel Flatt did well, but how can you compare her athleticism to Miki Ando's? Clearly, the reason why Miki was given higher marks is because she had harder elements. She may have had less speed in her program, but truth be told... she done jumped her ass off. Rachel Flatt's program, while a personal victory - and one that she should be proud of, was just a tad "flat" compared to the free skate routines of the other contenders, hence the 8th place finish.
To me, Rachel Flatt is a good skater, but not in the mold that superstars are made from. I truly believe she was lucky with her win at the U.S. nationals. She edges out her competition technically, however artistically I don't find her as appealing as other skaters like Nagasu. Where Mirai tends to fall short technically (she tends to face down-grades for under/over rotation with her landings), she excels artistically over Flatt. Nagasu has the potential to be as charismatic on ice as Michelle Kwan or Sasha Cohen. Flatt - well - eh...
That's just my opinion. Haha!
Those of you who know me well also know that when it comes to fries, my knees go weak. (French) Fries are practically my kryptonite. Sad, I know. How anyone can deny the awesomeness that are fries baffles me to no end.
Yahoo! Health recently posted an article titled "America's Worst French Fries (and What You Should Eat Instead)." Penned by two editors from Men's Health magazine, the article goes right into some of the "worst" fry options in several categories. Based on their findings, this is what we now know of American fries:
WORST CURLY FRIES: Arby's Curly Fries (Large), clocking in at 640 calories & 34 grams of fat. (The 'better' option from Arby's? An order of small Homestyle Fries, with roughly half the calories and fat.)
WORST WEDGE FRIES: Jack in the Box Bacon Cheddar Wedges, with 715 calories & 45 grams of fat. (Incidentally, I don't remember these being on Jack's menu...?!)
Best of the worst: Arby's Curly Fries & Jack in the Box's cheddar cheese fries
WORST FRIES FOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE: Dairy Queen Chili Cheese Fries, which boasts a whopping 1,240 calories. Why anyone would want fries from "Dairy Queen" is beyond me. Hello, ice cream and/or Blizzards only. Thanks.
WORST REGULAR ORDER OF FRIES: Large order of Five Guys Fries, which truly is a sopping mess of 1,424 calories. Fat. Pure fat. (They say that a half serving of their regular fries is better.)
WORST FRIES IN AMERICA: Chili's Texas Cheese Fries w/Jalapeno Ranch ---which sounds amazing...! But for 1,920 cals, not so much. Again, Chili's offers "homestyle fries" as the "better" option. *YAWN*
Apparently, the best fries in America still go to those Golden Arches. A small order of McD's french fries are still the best in the U.S. Which doesn't say much. For those who are actually a little more worldly, and believe that - yes, there is a world outside the United States, you must know that America simply does NOT have the best fries in the world. While the French may have coined the term, my heart (and vote) actually goes out to the Belgians, whose frites are simply the best fried potato sticks in all the Universe & World! (Note: The DC area needs to get on the bandwagon and open up a frites shop. DC, why are you so 10 years later with stuff, like cupcakes...?) And how genius are they for their specialty "dipping sauces...?" Gosh, I love those Belgians. Between their frites, their waffles, and their beers -- I just don't know which tops that totem pole. I give them all a big, fat '10!'
frjtz: My favorite Belgian frites shop in San Francisco
Needless to say, I have just gained an additional 7,000 pounds writing/typing this post. Yum.
When I first saw the trailer for this film, the first couple of things that came to my mind were: 1) this is going to be a sad "American" attempt at Love Actually, and 2) this is going to be a hot mess of a movie --what, with all of the stars billed to be in it. However, because I tend to be a closeted sucker for cheese-on-the screen (and because I can't keep from checking out an Anne Hathaway or Jessica Alba film), I coaxed my non-Valentiney friend to come along. (Thanks, Shen! xo) Despite the unfortunate ratings, I thought that it turned out to be quite entertaining.
I won't say much about the plot since I don't want to give away any spoilers; it's still pretty new in theaters. I will say that Gary Marshall put together a pretty witty and clever film that delves into the different situations and aspects of our humanity as it revolves around the theme of "love." Whether it's falling in love with the wrong person, and missing out on the right one... or loving unconditionally... or learning to love yourself first --- there is a scenario in this film that will make sense to everyone.
Oh, and there are a few surprises. Some things to note: the story line centering on Grey's Anatomy's "McSteamy" (Eric Dane) will throw you, and the pair-up of Anne Hathaway and Topher Grace is surprisingly adorable. (Yes, I just said "adorable.") Interestingly, Emma Roberts stars alongside her aunt, Julia (Roberts)... though their characters' story lines don't physically interact. And the film serves as a reunion of sorts for Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher (Dude, Where's My Car?).
In no way is this film a replication of the greatness that is Love Actually, but the cadence of the lives of the characters involved moves at a good pace, and the intertwining story lines are not far-fetched. In fact, it came off as real as can be. (And for once, Ashton did not make me want to gag.)
It also made me miss Los Angeles again. Much of the filming took place in many parts of L.A.: the Venice canals, Beverly Hills, the Valley... bringing a glint to my eyes.
And for Gary Marshall / Julia Roberts fans, you'd be wise to stick around for the gag reel that runs with the credits.
I am riding high on the Olympic wave right now.
I get like this every other year; every year of the games. I don't know what gets me more. It's a toss-up between the emotional and awe-inspiring opening and closing ceremonies, the drama-soaked stories created by NBC, the showmanship and camaraderie of the athletes, or the actual sports. Everything from downhill to short track to figure skating, hockey, and even snowboarding just seems to get me all the time. For the two weeks of the games I find myself totally gripping with anticipation as U.S. team members race to finish lines, or choking back tears as I hear the heart-tugging stories about struggle and redemption.
On the flip, it also turns into a forum for controversy. "Artistic" sports always trudge the fine line between objectivity and subjectivity. Case in point: figure skating. For many, the "sport" is probably the least "sporty." But for many still, it is the crowning jewel of the games... the epitome of what the games have become. Olympic figure skaters are pretty much like vampires compared to lycans... the princes/princesses compared to the paupers... they order the filet, and not the "chopped" steak --you get the point. I'm not sure how much I believe that myself, but when you look at it from the outside, that's what it looks like. It's probably the make-up and costumes. (...and the bows and standing ovations. Ha.)
Year after year, though, it finds its way to controversy. Some blame the new judging system, others blame tactical antics of the athletes themselves. Yes, that means you - Tonya Harding. This year's competition was definitely a dog fight for the men. Usually, an Olympic year gives way to a dramatic ladies' or pairs' competition. And in Torino back in '06 the fight on the ice was with the ice dancers. In 2010, however, the draw went to the fellas.
Evan Lysacek, the current U.S. champion, edged out reigning Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko from Russia. The last time a U.S. man won the gold in the sport was back in 1988 (Brian Boitano). The controversy in Vancouver: Evan didn't have a quad.
While Plushenko has acquiesced, and offered his congratulations to Lysacek, it was done with much talk against the direction the sport is headed towards, as well as with much questioning of the overall system of judging and scoring. Issue is, Lysacek didn't include a quad in his program because of a foot injury. Plushenko landed his quad, although he did it with a lot less smoothness than we're used to seeing from him.
So is it fair to say that skating, and winning, without a quad lessens the integrity of the sport? Well, that's what Plushenko is crying. And he's not alone. Veteran Canadian skater, and Olympian, Elvis Stojko, agrees (see here). While I see where they are going with this, I can't say that I - personally - agree. If you breakdown their performances during the free skate, Plushenko was tough... but not in the way you'd think. He was hard-edged, and almost heavy with his jumps. Lysacek, on the other hand, was steel... remaining straight-bodied with his jumps, and landing them almost perfectly. If you were to pare down each performance, Evan's was 99% flawless. Evgeni, who is capable of 110%, seemed to only muster a measly 95 --which should say a lot about his talent since he's been out of international contention for a few years leading up to these games. That differentiating factor: Evan had a great-great skate.
Evgeni can't win all the time. Winning a silver medal after years away from the sport? That's not too shabby.
Plushenko & Lysecek on the podium in Vancouver (Photo: AFP)
I am in awe at how true the idea is about having "6 degrees of separation" from a complete stranger.
My games sort of started off with the return of Apolo Anton Ohno, and his band of short track speed skaters. I noticed he had two other Asian Americans as team mates: Korean American Simon Cho, and Polish/Filipino American JR Celski. Ohno and Celski finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 1500m race, earning their spots on the podium.
Living the dream: JR Celski (Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
As I started to follow the duo and their teammates, a friend of mine pointed out 3-degrees of separation from JR; his two brothers were active members of YFC (Youth For Christ) in Seattle back in the day. But my sister shortened the gap when she told me that I actually know one of JR's older brothers, who is one of her friends through YFC. After putting two and two together, I finally figured it all out... and this whole thing goes to show that we do live in a small world after all. (Check out JR's story here.)
Now I'm totally caught between feeling star-struck, and feeling like that's my little brother there on the short track!
You gotta love these Olympic games. Here's to Evan Lysacek, Evgeni Plushenko, and the Asian American short track triad of Apolo, Simon, and my Filipino brotha JR Celski!
The 2010 Winter Games is upon us! Err... it's upon Canada. But once again, the (American) world is being looped-in via NBC. Personally, the Olympics is something that I respect, and I am always in awe of the grandeur that comes with the games --from the athletic prowess of the world's best, to the special care that the host country brings... it is something that is much bigger than any of us. And above all, it is a time when the nations of the world know no borders, and come to share in the spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.
There is definitely something special about being part of the Olympic games.
Unfortunately, the games of Vancouver have been set-off with a tragic start. Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, was killed after a training run on the Whistler Sliding Centre some 125 kilometers north of the Olympic city. The track, which claimed about 25 crashes during the luge training run, has become known for being a very hard course. Recent crashes along the track have prompted concerns about its safety.
Nodar Kumaritashvili as he prepared to take-off on a practice run
Yesterday evening, NBC opened their telecast with the unfortunate news, and they moved forward by showing a clip of the accident on national TV. Bloggers and fans alike have blasted the network for what they deem to be a poor choice. Onecommented: "It should have never been shown! I changed the channel not to be a part of such a shameless act. Do you think it would have aired if it was the producers son. NOT! Ratings at any and all cost!" Similarly, another had this to say: "They never should have shown that. They should have respected his family and the fact the he had just passed. The videos were very uncalled for."
That said, I have to say that when I later caught the broadcast on DVR, I believe that the broadcast of the video and subsequent photographs were prefaced with a warning. So to those who claim otherwise, do make note. Also, and in defense of the network, and more importantly the journalistic decision behind the airing of the clip, I am glad that the footage was showed. For one, it is a clear-cut reporting of what happened. It sheds some light on the plight that our athletes go through for these games. The Olympics are more than over-sensationalized glorification of celebrity athletes. It is a true competition, with sports that are not always safe. For me, seeing the clip reminded me of the heart that athletes like Kumaritashvili have for their sport, even if it means giving up their lives for it. Secondly, the media is damned if they do, and damned if they don't. I must say that there are many times when I find myself abhorred by what the media reports. However, with this report - despite the horrific truth about the accident - I was thankful not in a macabre kind of way. But I felt that the network was being truthful about what had happened, and it made me feel a sense of loss, something I probably wouldn't have felt at the same level had I not seen the clip of the tragic event.
If viewers found the clips disrespectful, then fine. They are entitled to their opinions. However, I didn't find anything about the reporting to be disrespectful at all. There weren't any needless comments that were made along with the report, and all that was said was merely the truth. While watching the accident made me sick to my stomach, at the same time I truly felt sadness for the athlete, his family and teammates, and all of those concerned with these games --a sadness I may not have truly been able to comprehend had NBC not shown us what happened.
So to the network I say "thank you" for not glossing-over the incident. It was a story that had to be told, and I feel like NBC did what they felt was right.
Now... on with the show, Vancouver!
Olympian-sized feats: Kim after receiving the highest scores ever in the ladies' overall, and an ecstatic Nagasu learning of her un-predicted 4th overall finish (just missing the podium) at the Games (Photos: Jamie Squire/Cameron Spencer/Getty)
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