Tammy Bruce: Sports Archives

Sports Archives

One of the Best Moments in Baseball History

32 years ago Friday, Rick Monday saved the American flag from being burned at Dodger Stadium. It is another beautiful weekend as it was so long ago, and while baseball has changed, our commitment to the flag and all she stands for has not. (HT Ed at Hot Air).

Posted by Tammy · April 28, 2008 09:01 AM · Permalink · Comments (9)
Hero | History | Patriotism | Sports

FBI, Congress Solve Every Problem Known To Man

Which explains their continued obsession with Roger Clemens and steroid use. What are the chances when they're done with this they'll investigate drug use by politicians?

FBI Opens Investigation of Roger Clemens

The FBI has opened an investigation into whether baseball great Roger Clemens lied to Congress when he denied taking steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

Law enforcement officials say the inquiry will focus on whether Clemens or his former personal trainer Brian McNamee (MAC-nah-mee) lied when they testified under oath about the use of steroids.

In testimony Feb 13 , Clemens told Congress he never used either drug. McNamee testified that he injected the seven-time Cy Young Award winner with steroids and human growth hormone at least 16 times from 1998 to 2001.

The FBI inquiry was prompted by a request Thursday from the House Oversight Committee, which singled out statements by Clemens as possibly false.

Posted by Tammy · February 28, 2008 09:22 PM · Permalink · Comments (7)
Fed Incompetence | Sports

Babe News Anchor Punches Cop

Alycia Lane. Just watch out for the right hook.

Sends cop to hospital. Which may get babe sent to jail. Babe then wishes she watched more "Bad Girls" when she had the chance.

News anchor busted for punching cop

An Emmy-winning news anchor from Philadelphia is in hot water for punching a police officer here in New York, officials said.

Alycia Lane, a Long Island native who co-anchors the nightly news for a local station in the City of Brotherly Love, was arrested for hitting a female police officer in the face early this morning in Manhattan, and charged with assaulting a police officer...

Earlier this year, 35-year-old Lane made headlines when she e-mailed photos of herself clad in a revealing bikini to NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen. The images were discovered by Eisen's wife, but Lane insisted the pictures were only meant as a good-humored joke.

I don't think she'll be going where Martha went. But those pics might get her a few more smokes.

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "Wow, two Babe posts in a row. It's good to move past Huckanut rage (for a moment) to things that are really important...like Babes."

UPDATE:

Apparently Alycia used a derogatory phrase against the woman cop that a) could also be used in prison, and b) get her sent to the hospital, just after she becomes everyone's wife. For at least an hour.

Philadelphia News Anchor Alycia Lane Calls Officer 'Dyke', Lands in Jail

Alycia Lane, the evening news anchor on CBS affiliate KYW-TV in Philadelphia, was arrested on early Sunday morning in Manhattan after an altercation with a female police officer, according to the New York Times. Lane and her boyfriend Chris Booker, and another unidentified couple were reportedly traveling in a taxi through Manhattan and became upset over a slow vehicle blocking their way. Philly.com reports Lane confronted the passengers of the slow vehicle, which happened to be a group of police officers in plainclothes. [Oops.]

When one of the officers asked Lane, who was taking photos with her iPhone, to step back, the news anchor reportedly began verbally assaulting the officer. According to Philadelphia Weekly, Lane screamed at the officer, saying "I don't give a f*ck who you are, I am a reporter you f*cking dyke." Lane then punched the female officer in the face, according to the Associated Press, resulting in several lacerations and swelling. The officer was treated at a local hospital and released.

50 MPH Over A Speed Bump Without a Bra On

Kate Beckinsale

That is what would cure Kate Beckinsale of her fetish-fascination with large breasts. Now, if she were talking about wanting someone else's, I'd be kinder (and act really fast to get her phone number), but she wants them for herself. Silly, naive, able-to-jog-without-getting-whiplash girl.

Kate Beckinsale Says She Has Breast Envy

Asked by Glamour in its May issue if she could switch bodies with someone for a day, who would that be, the star of the new thriller Vacancy replies, "Someone with gigantic real breasts, like Queen Latifah."

Getting more off her chest, Beckinsale, 33, says, "I'm so fascinated by breasts because my mother didn't have them either. If I had them, I'd run up and down a flight of stairs!"

Yes, she's lovely and all that, but that's an awfully extreme scenario to imagine if you just want to slap yourself in the face.

2007 Broncos Cheerleaders Chosen

Because I just don't feel like writing about our spineless president, spineless allies, and malevolent, self-obsessed politicians.

Whitney is one of the new Broncos Cheerleading team of 34. And I have it on good authority that the 2007 squad has no intention of visiting the murderer Assad of Syria, laughing and eating pancakes with genocidal maniacs, or negotiating with the Islamist enemy. How refreshing.

Whitney Evered

Posted by Tammy · April 2, 2007 05:16 PM · Permalink · Comments (6)
Babes | Sports

Puppy Bowl Sunday 2007

Sydney here. I know some of you think it's some other kind of Sunday, but not here in the Bruce household. I'm happy to report that for many of us and our humans Animal Planet's "Puppy Bowl" will be the television feature. What is the Puppy Bowl you ask?

Well, the cable network Animal Planet has constructed a big play area for puppies. It is designed to look like a football playing field and puppies are dropped in through a big chute, and a camera watches them as they play. There is no commentary, just a little music. There are also Instant Replays of any excellent puppy action, and there is a Puppy Water Bowl camera so you can see what it looks like from the bottom of the bowl when a puppy drinks water.

This year they have also thrown a bone to the cat lovers with a "Kitten Bowl" halftime show. I'm happy about this because my sister Sadie would have been in a bad mood for several days if there wasn't something about her species (you know how cats are).

The Puppy Bowl is on right now and will play through the day. Here are your links. Tammy will now take me for my walkie, and then we will come back home where she will do her Sunday house chores (I supervise) and rub my tummy. Have a great Sunday.

Animal Planet Puppy Bowl III

Animal Planet has reinvented the Big Game with the cutest, fuzziest and - at times- fiercest players on the field. When we say "rookie" we aren't kidding - some of these athletes are just nine weeks old. From bulldogs to boxers and everything in between, it's a fantastic team playing in a spectacular brand-new stadium. Join us for tackles, fumbles and fouls on the third annual Animal Planet Puppy Bowl premiering Sunday, February 4, 3-6 p.m. ET with encore presentations at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET only on Animal Planet.

Meet the Puppy Bowl Players here.

Posted by Tammy · February 4, 2007 01:38 PM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Animal Issues | Sports

Sad News: Barbaro Euthanized

The late, great Barbaro

A great horse, fallen by the excesses of racing and the damage it causes. I love horse racing, but it's clear again, especially after this event, that the damage and pain it causes is not worth it. Poor Barbaro. Poor us.

Barbaro euthanized

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, whose valiant battle for survival after shattering his right-hind leg in the early stages of the May 20 Preakness brought international attention unprecedented emotional support, was euthanized early today at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center, where he had been hospitalized for more than eight months...

A deterioration of the originally injured leg required surgery on Saturday during which pins were inserted through the bone and connected to an external device. That setback, complicated by a left-hind hoof afflicted by severe laminitis, indications that the front hooves were beginning to become laminitic and Barbaro's inability to lay down for 48 hours following the last surgery led to the final decision "There was not one foot that was not affected," Gretchen Jackson told the Thoroughbred Times.

I grew up in a home where horse racing and betting were part of the experience. My Uncle Jack was a bookie, and my Uncle Ed was always betting on the horses. He would have office pools for the horse races and I was always good at picking winners. At a very young age, he started taking me to Hollywood Park and Santa Anita tracks. I enjoyed the sport a great deal, loved how beautiful the horses were, and was told over and over again, the horses love to run like that, they love to run together.

Through the years, though, you would see horrific accidents, legs breaking, horses dropping. I was loathe to admit that's because of the unnatural pressure, the unnatural training, and the push to drive the horses literally to their limit.

No, that does not happen in nature. This is not how horses run normally. I'm sorry to say this, but and even sorrier that it took the death of a favorite horse of mine to finally come to this conclusion, but now I will be officially against horse racing. While I have enjoyed it, and it's very exciting, the price for the horses is just too high.

For further reading, MSNBC has a nice story about Barbaro's impact. The AP (via SI) notes the actions Churchill Downs will be taking to memorialize Barbaro. Canada,com gives us a listing of major events in Barbaro's life, and Tim Layden at Sports Illustrated has a really moving tribute to him.

This is more than a goodbye to a great and handsome champion; iis a reminder to all of us of our responsibility, our duty, to find ways to honor and embrace the greatness of all animals. It's time we stop using and hurting them for our "entertainment." It's sad and difficult, but I hope many of you will come to join me in this sentiment.

God rest your soul Barbaro. That pasture you're in up there has got to be pretty incredible.

UPDATE:

Considering the tone of the following email, it looks like my position has exposed the personal nature of at least one "horse trainer." With an attitude like this, it's just another reason to get horses out of that exploitive arena. I think it's mportant for you to see how some people think and how some feel they will be make friends and influence people. Or not.

Tammy,
You are an idiot. You probably watch NASCAR every weekend for the crashes but want to criticize horseman for letting horses do what they love. Until you come to the racetrack and watch the horses train in the mornings please refrain yourself [refrain yourself?--ed] from making stupid comments about something you know nothing about. Sure, your family is a bunch of bookies and gamblers. Does that really qualify you to judge horsemen?
Talk about something you know, like getting you eyebrows waxed.
Sincerely,
Horse Trainer,
Donna Keen

Ooh, that stung! Well, maybe not as much as getting my eyebrows waxed :) Lovely, and so grown-up isn't it? It certainly highlights the callousness that I believe has permeated the racing industry. And we can't ignore that nice little smear of, "NASCAR" families. You freakish rubes, you. There is no way you Middle-American Retards would ever, ever understand the Sport of Kings and how desperate the horses are to kill themselves making sure said Kings are amused.

It does sound like my personal reaction to the Barbaro tragedy, and informed rejection of racing, has caused the 8-year old in this "horse trainer" to come out blathering. Frankly, she sounds like she's been around the backend of her charges just a bit too long. And thanks, Donna, for confirming that people who put horses through a thing that shatters their bones for the amusement of humans are even more juvenile, self-obsessed and hostile than I imagined.

Oh, and Donna, someone does need to be educated on the issue, and that person would be you. Not that you're personally biased or anything. Nah...So don't take it from me, take it from Brad Telias in the Sporting News and his coverage, prompted by Barbaro's injury, of why race horses have become increasingly fragile over the last several generations. And for more background Donna, (yes, it is amazing I can do all this and keep myself groomed), here are a variety of articles pre-Barbaro injury, from 2001 through 2006 about the danger to horses posed by horse racing and a increasingly careless racing community.

1) Ted Miller, “Six Recent Horse Deaths at Emerald Downs Spark Concern,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer 8 May 2001.
2) Bill Finley, “Sadly, No Way to Stop Deaths,” New York Daily News 10 Jun. 1993.
3) Sherry Ross, “Fans Are Buying In,” Daily News 1 Jun. 2003.
4) “The Odds Are You’ll Lose: Owning a Racehorse,” Financial Times 1 Feb. 2003.
5) Glenn Robertson Smith, “Why Racehorses Are Cracking Up,” The Age (Australia) 15 Nov. 2002.
6) Miller.
7) Tim Reynolds, “Technology Can’t Prevent Horse Injuries,” The Lexington Herald-Leader 30 Aug. 2001.
8) Andrew Beyer, “A Beyer’s Guide for Racehorses,” The Washington Post 3 Jun. 2003.
9) William C. Rhoden, “An Unknown Filly Dies, and the Crowd Just Shrugs,” The New York Times 25 May 2006.
10) Rhoden.
11) Reynolds.
12) John Scheinman, “Horses, Drugs Are Racing’s Daily Double; No Uniform Policy in Industry,” The Washington Post 27 Apr. 2003.
13) Janet Patton, “HBPA Proposes Uniform Policy on Drugs in Racing; Horsemen’s Group Targets Maze of State Rules,” The Lexington Herald-Leader 17 Oct. 2001.
14) Max Watman, “So Far, So Good for Barbaro,” The New York Sun 21 May 2006.
15) Scheinman.
16) Peat Bee, “Cut the Poppycock and Treat Drugs With Horse Sense,” The Guardian 13 Jan. 2003.
17) Alex Straus, “Dark Horses,” Maxim May 2002.
18) Tom Keyser, “Gill Is Still Permitted to Stable, Race Horses at Pimlico, Laurel,” The Baltimore Sun 6 Apr. 2003.
19) “Trainer, Vet Charged in Trotter’s Death,” Associated Press, 22 Apr. 2001.
20) Straus.
21) Skip Hollandsworth, “The Killing of Alydar,” Texas Monthly Jun. 2001.
22) Straus.
23) Barbara Bayer, “1986 Kentucky Derby Winner Ferdinand Believed to Have Been Slaughtered in Japan,” The Blood-Horse Magazine 26 Jul. 2003.
24) Allen G. Breed, “And What of the Spent Racehorse?” Associated Press, 25 Nov. 1999.
25) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Horsemeat Exports—Value,” 2004.
26) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Horsemeat Slaughtered/Prod Animals (Head),” 2005.
27) Josh Harkinson, “Horse Flesh: Texas Struggles With What to Do With Its Overabundance of Equus Caballus While Europeans Wait With Open Mouths,” Houston Press 13 Apr. 2006.
28) K. McGee et al., “Characterizations of Horses at Auctions and in Slaughter Plants,” Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences, 2001.
29) Todd J. Gillman, “Judge Won’t Stop Slaughterhouses; Appeal Weighed,” The Dallas Morning News 14 Mar. 2006.
30) C.L. Stull, “Responses of Horses to Trailer Design, Duration, and Floor Area During Commercial Transportation to Slaughter,” Journal of Animal Science 77 (1999): 2925-33.
31) Harkinson.
32) Kris Axtman, “Horse-Meat Sales Stir Texas Controversy,” Christian Science Monitor 28 Apr. 2003.
33) Rich Hofmann, “Racing Brings Up the Rear in Safety,” Philadelphia Daily News 23 May 2006.

So start reading honey, make yourself some Ovaltine, and take your valium. And if you had any self-respect, you would also find yourself another line of business.

« Close It

Posted by Tammy · January 29, 2007 10:03 AM · Permalink · Comments (13)
Animal Issues | Sports

Landis Biker Doper?

This is great, just great. Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has allegedly tested positive for "drugs" during the Tour de France. According to a team statement:

"The Phonak Cycling Team was notified on Wednesday by the UCI of an unusual level of testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in the test made on Floyd Landis after stage 17 of the Tour de France," said a team statement.

"The team management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result.

I've always wondered--if you know you're going to be tested, and you've taken drugs, how exactly do you expect to get away with it?

In the meantime, Landis has denied the allegations and launched an aggressive defense of himself:

Landis Denies Cheating to Win Tour

Floyd Landis says he didn't cheat to win the Tour de France, he doesn't know why he tested positive for high testosterone and he's sure he can clear his name. Even if he does, the American cyclist said, the disgrace of doping will probably follow him forever.

"Unfortunately, I don't think it's ever going to go away no matter what happens next," Landis said during a teleconference Thursday, hours after his Tour de France victory was thrown into question by a positive test for high testosterone following his gritty performance in stage 17 of the race.

"My immediate reaction was to look for the alcohol bottle," joked Landis, who's known to enjoy a beer while on the Tour and said he drank some whiskey with teammates the night before he staked his stunning comeback in the Alps.

it's worth remembering what the Tour de France people did in their ongoing project to smear Lance Armstrong, including efforts to falsely accuse him of doping. I'll believe Landis until there is some secondary proof, or an admission. Until then, the French should go back to eating their cheese and lamenting their loss(es).

Related Post:

Americans Dominate Euro Sports

Posted by Tammy · July 27, 2006 05:20 PM · Permalink · Comments (7) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

Americans Dominate Euro Sports

Floyd Landis

In the midst of America leading the way in the WoT, liberating people around the world, our men have also taken two important Euro sports titles.

In what must be driving the French mad, even with Lance Armstrong gone, another American has won the Tour de France. Floyd Landis is our new man in the yellow jersey.

Landis in time to get yellow

For the eighth year in a row, and the 11th time in 21 summers, the American flag is set to fly over the Champs-Elysees.

American Floyd Landis regained the yellow jersey in yesterday's individual time trial, all but assuring himself of victory in the Tour de France. The race ends today with what should be a ceremonial victory lap on Paris' main boulevard. "I could not be happier," Landis said. "It's one of the best days of my life."

"I am very lucky," said Landis, who has been riding with an arthritic right hip and is scheduled to have it replaced in the fall. "I'm a person who works hard and never gives up. Otherwise, I'm just a human being."

Another great role model. Additional coverage is here.

And speaking of great role models, Tiger Woods takes the British Open.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Wins British Open by Two Shots

With a rock-solid final round featuring very few mistakes, Tiger Woods won his eleventh major on Sunday at the British Open Championship.

Woods won for the third time this year, and the first time since the Ford Championship at Doral in early March.

Posted by Tammy · July 23, 2006 10:39 AM · Permalink · Comments (3) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

Tim Blair on World Cup Soccer

As he liveblogged the Australia vs. Brazil game.

In the process Tim perfectly illustrates how the game of soccer is really meant for some smart guys to look like they care about sports while allowing their minds to wander with an entertaining aimlessness.

GOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!

Posted by Tammy · June 18, 2006 11:17 AM · Permalink · Comments (0) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

Bonds Hits 714

Barry Bonds ties Babe Ruth's 71-year-old record with 714 home runs. It's not quite really a tie, though, is it?

As CBS Sportsline notes:

Number 714 just landed amid a sea of fans out in right field, this one the most hollow and devoid piece of baseball history that you ever did witness... When Aaron passed Ruth on April 8, 1974, a couple of kids leaped out of the stands at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and triumphantly -- and innocently -- joined Aaron for part of his trip around the bases.

When Bonds passed Ruth, only the government investigators were chasing him.

And let's hope they catch him.

Posted by Tammy · May 20, 2006 09:42 PM · Permalink · Comments (14) · TrackBack (0)
Drugs | Sports

Iraqi Youth Soccer Team Wows Dallas

Jim, aka Gateway Pundit, joined me on Tammy Radio today to talk about the situation in Israel, and his post about the impressive Iraqi Youth Soccer Team playing in the International Dallas Cup.

For stories like that which you won't see anywhere else, plus his take on the events of the day, make sure you visit Gateway Pundit.

Posted by Tammy · April 18, 2006 12:31 PM · Permalink · Comments (3) · TrackBack (0)
Internet/Communication | Sports | War on Radical Islam

Intl Ski Federation Responds to Blogosphere Outrage

**Welcome Instapundit Readers. Once done here, please feel free to look around the Tammy Blog.**

Tammy Blog received this email today in response to the campaign aimed at the International Ski Federation to reverse their ban on women competing in the ski jump. It looks like your calls and emails urged in my original post have had a rather rapid effect. I also want to thank Glenn at Instapundit for spreading the word about my post. His note made the issue explode.

This release is typical. Take a look and you'll have my comments at the end.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Apparently a U.S. TV network has distributed wrong information about Ladies’ Ski Jumping. The FIS President, who since many years strongly supports Ladies’ Ski Jumping, informs as follows:

The 2004 FIS Congress supported Ladies’ Ski Jumping and decided to introduce as from 2005/2006 a Ladies’ Ski Jumping Event at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships and to organise also a special Continental Cup Series for Ladies’ Ski Jumping. Based on the experiences gained during the season 2005/2006 the FIS Congress will have to decide in May 2006, if Ladies’ Ski Jumping shall also be introduced as from 2009 in the programme of the open World Ski Championships.

Should the FIS Congress in May 2006 decide to include Ladies’ Ski Jumping in the programme of the 2009 FIS World Ski Championships, the FIS will immediately submit a request to the International Olympic Committee to include Ladies’ Ski Jumping also in the programme of the Olympic Winter Games as from the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION
Communications Department
----------------------------------------------------
International Ski Federation
Blochstrasse 2
CH-3653 Oberhofen / Thunersee
Switzerland
Phone: +41 33 244 61 61
Fax: +41 33 244 61 71
E-mail: mail@fisski.ch
Internet:

INTERNATIONAL SKI FEDERATION

Sarah Lewis
Secretary General

First, they say a US TV network distributed "wrong" information about FIS president Gian Franco Kasper's postion about women's ski jumping. ABC simply reported Kasper's quote during an NPR interview, which was quote specific when it came to his reasoning for banning women from Olympic ski jumping.

They then go on to praise themselves for a limited number of women's and girls ski jump events beginning only this season, which means, of course, they haven't existed up until now.

Bottom line, no one got anything "wrong," and the comments of their president were clearly accurate when it came to explaining the inexplicable--applying a backward and sexist 1950s mentality to 21st century women athletes. This is completely unacceptable.

Continue to apply the heat suggested in my original post. Let everyone know that sponsor contacts will continue with the demand that the ban on women ski jumping is lifted, with an inclusion of Women's Ski Jumping in the 2009 FIS World Ski Championships and the 2010 Olympics.

Nothing less will do.

As their email notes, their World Championship decision will be made in May of this year, giving us plenty of time to make sure everyone knows the consequences of their blatant discrimination against women.

Great work everyone, and let's keep it going.

Posted by Tammy · February 19, 2006 10:18 PM · Permalink · Comments (3) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

The Anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's Death

This weekend marks 5 years since NASCAR's (arguably) greatest driver (Commenters are arguing the greatest is Petty) was killed in a race accident. But now, the sport is seeing how even Dale's death has probably saved countless more because the changes his death brought to safety issues on the track.

Through death, Earnhardt gives NASCAR life

Here we are at the five-year anniversary of the race where he died and, strange as it seems, Dale Earnhardt - arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history - means more to his sport in death than he did in life. If you don't believe it, just ask: How many others would have died by now if Dale hadn't?

"It's bad to see somebody pass away," Earnhardt contemporary Bill Elliott said as he prepared for Sunday's 500. "But look at all the good that came from it."

Sadly and paradoxically, it often takes disaster to make the world a safer place. Two mind-numbing events five years ago provide the depressing proof: When terrorists crashed jets into the World Trade Center, it changed forever the way our nation approached air travel. And Earnhardt's crashing his car on the final turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500 transformed the way NASCAR Nation approached ground transportation.

Elizabeth Arden launching `Daytona 500' fragrance--for Men

Official NASCAR Site

Dale Earnhardt Site

Posted by Tammy · February 19, 2006 01:24 AM · Permalink · Comments (9) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

Women Ski Jumpers Banned From Olympics

**The Intl Ski Federation Has Responded. For an Update, Please Go to This Additional Post**

When I first heard this I thought we were speaking of Iran, or some other nation stuck in the Stone Age. After all, it's the 21st Century, it's not possible that there is actually a rule that bans women from a certain sport, is it?

Unfortunately, proving why there needs to be a an authentic feminist movement, Gian Franco Kasper, the presdient of the Intenational Ski Federation, is stuck in the year 600. He has indeed banned women from ski jumping because, according to him, it's "too dangerous" for them. Get a load of this Cave Man's mentality:

ABC News: Why Are Women Being Left Out In The Cold?

The International Ski Federation has ruled that ski jumping is too dangerous for women, making it the only winter Olympic sport that has male competitors and no female counterparts.

"It's like jumping down from, let's say, about two meters on the ground about a thousand times a year, which seems not to be appropriate for ladies from a medical point of view," the federation's president Gian Franco Kasper said on National Public Radio.

But female ski jumpers disagree.

"I don't know what he's talking about because clearly he has not seen us jump in the last two years," said Lindsey Van, the second-ranked female ski jumper in the world. "Our technique is as good, if not better than, the men."

So, while the American feminist establishment has devolved into supporting women who murder their children (Andrea Yates still being their cause celebre) authentic feminist issues are left to the wayside. The American establishment has also made itself so marginal and ineffective, that even if they entered this fray it would mean nothing.

So, it's time for all of us to make a difference. Here's what you can, and should, do:

Posted by Tammy · February 17, 2006 11:24 AM · Permalink · Comments (10) · TrackBack (0)
Internationalism | Just Wrong | Sports | The New American Revolution

Random Olympics Opening Ceremony Thoughts

10:45pm PT: Okay, what's the deal with all the bad 80s music during the Parade of Nations? Is this all the Italians could think of? Perhaps they've had too much C-c-c-hianti (with some fffffava beans? ;)

Okay, the USA has entered--we're cool. I do like the fact that Aretha Franklin singing "Freedom" is playing as we enter. Better than the "YMCA" by the Village People which just ended.

And First Lady Laura Bush looks great, she's sitting with Cherie Blair of the UK.

The most disgusting moment was when Iran made its entrance. Why has a nation whose president has declared a desire to wipe another nation off the map allowed to participate? The Iranian people would be even more inclined to revolution if they were on a bit of the receiving end when it comes to repercussions for having a lunatic genocidal maniac as president.

And then, of course, because of the pesky alphabet, soon after Iran was Israel. Ugh. Imagine having to walk in the wake of a contingent from that country? Better that, I suppose, than having them at your back.

10:50pm PT: 80s music for Turkey--Barry White "You're my Everything." Ukraine gets Barry White, too. Ha! Hungary gets "Disco Inferno"! Haaaaaa!!!! Only if I had three Martinis would I have programmed this music. They need Tammy Radio's Musicologist Freddy.

The Italians are marching now. I have to say, I was ready to say (and still will) mean things about all the money they give to terrorists and the Italian Red Cross helping Zarqawi get treated after he was injured in Iraq, but then I took a look and got distracted by some very attractive Italian women in their contingent. Let me watch for a minute and then I'll return to reaming them for giving money to savages....

11:00pm PT: Well, the ceremony has begun. It already looks like Cirque du Soleil is in charge. Ooh, Supermodel Eva Herzigova is re-enacting a painting. Yep, aerie faerie, but thank goodness it's Eva doing this and not some Hamas Babe.

Ugh! These sports guys need to stop trying to sound like they know about the renaissance! Creepy balloons....Sheesh, and for some reason I decided not to have a Martini tonight--Creepy--people are flying around on the balloons. Oh, they're supposed to be the sun and the moon. Michelle Kwan looks bored. Eek! The sportguys says "It's a salute to movement." Zzzzzzzzz....

11:15pm PT: Now the technocrats are getting ready to speak. Blah, blah blah. Now with the Italian accents all I can think of is cannoli.

Oh yeah, and if the Italians are serious about perpetuating the idea of "peace" in the world, they can start by ending payments of ransom money to Islamic savages. Yoko Ono chimed in at the ceremony saying everyone should "think peace." Yeah. The reason everyone can gather in Italy and enjoy the Olympics is because the US Marines don't sit around and "think" peace, or "talk" about brotherhood, they go and face down murderous freaks who worship death and who laugh at the idea of "dialog" and "tolerance." Their actions give us peace and brotherhood (and sisterhood, thank you) because they vanquish the enemy.

The thing keeping 21st century fascists away from everyone's door is not Susan Sarandon, or Yoko Ono, the spelling out of the "peace" by acrobats, or even the beauty or Eva Herzigova--it's the power of the US Military.

The president of Italy now declares the games officially open.

Oooh, a commercial for the movie "DaVinci Code" with Tom Hanks. This looks good. I know there are issues with the whole story, but it looks really well done. Comes out May 19.

Sophia Loren at 71 is bringing out the Olympic flag (she looks great) and here is Sarandon, as she's some sort of UN something or other. The inclusion of Sarandon with women of note to bring out the flag is really preposterous. What a shame, but typical, I know.

Well, I really have to pack it in. Considering the news reports of what's to come (including the Yoko Ono appearance) I think I'd rather read about the event than be subjected to it.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer loved it all. Here's their Big Wet Kiss report:

Bellissimo! From Pavarotti to Loren, a great start

Hooyah, Go USA, and nighty-night.

« Close It

Posted by Tammy · February 10, 2006 10:48 PM · Permalink · Comments (13) · TrackBack (0)
Sports

Go USA: Be Proud, Be Powerful, With No Apologies

Pajamas Media now has a special blog--PJ Gold Rush--set up for Olympics coverage.

Personally, I don't know if it's accurate to say I "care" about figure skating, but I will be watching :) I do care about us getting more medals than everyone else and having our national anthem played as much as possible. I like it when the USA wins. I like it when our greatness is undeniable. I do not worry about whether or not other countries get their feelings hurt or feel inadequate. I like it when our greatness compels other to try harder and be better. More adequate competition means our wins are even more impressive.

We are the best for a reason--Americans are used to earning what they have. We embrace competition and personal excellence. Are athletes do well because they want to, not because their nation threatens them if they don't.

We live in a world that repeatedly tells Americans to tone down our pride for our nation. We are told to contain our potential, to not be overtly illustrative of our excitement for ourselves and our nation. I say--hogwash! To ignore or dismiss our achievements and greatness is meant to have the affect of wiping it away, of ultimately making us unsure of who and what we are. Making Americans afraid to think honestly about our greatness is indeed an effort to politically lobotomize us.

Why? Because if a nation's past, greatness, and heroes are killed, the nation itself disappears. We would also begin to think that we are just like everyone else--and then moral equalivalency sets in. Corrupt and depraved nations prefer the just and great to not see themselves honestly, specifically because then there would be no counterpoint to understand the differences between good and bad.

So, all in all, let the Olympics once again be an example of American greatness for so many different reasons--because Americans are happy, healthy, and good people. Because we embrace the individual and raise up the special and talented. Because we are a nation worthy of greatness, because we are compassionate and good.

Our Olympians represent the success freedom brings. Wish them all luck and every time the anthem is played, put your hand over your heart, and thank God for the blessing of being an American.

Go USA!!

Related Links:

Official USA Olympic Team Site

Official Turin Olympic Games Site

Posted by Tammy · February 10, 2006 09:48 PM · Permalink · Comments (4) · TrackBack (0)
Sports | The New American Revolution

Superbowl Stones fans to crock and roll

Well, that's a good thing because under these now rejected rules, even the Stones wouldn't have been allowed at their own concert.

Posted by Tammy · January 7, 2006 09:51 PM · Permalink · Comments (6) · TrackBack (0)
Cultural Commentary | Just Wrong | Sports

Go Trojans!

**For A Live Blog Of The Game Go Here.**

As many of you know. I'm a USC girl. I am now watching the Rose Bowl game. I may, on occasion, chime in here with some commentary. It will depend on my mood.

I think this will be an excellent game and while I believe the Trojans will win, I have respect for Texas and believe they have a chance to win, also. I will leave it at that.

LeeAnn Rimes has just done a great job with the national anthem.

Cool! Justice Sandra Day O'Connor did the coin toss! Texas won the toss and deferred to the second half. I have a feeling Justice O'Connor liked that result :)

I love us. Happy game watching everyone, no matter who you are rooting for!

Go Trojans! Fight On!

Posted by Tammy · January 4, 2006 05:20 PM · Permalink · Comments (15) · TrackBack (0)
Cultural Commentary | Sports | Tammy Notes

The British Get Ready for World Cup 2006

And expect the English to "puke their guts up. "

While the Germans perfect the sexual slavery of women for the 'biggest party of the year,' (can you tell this still makes me mad?), the English are busy teaching their citizens what they think will be the important and handy phrases in German for the World Cup--such as "He puked his guts up," and "He was sick as a parrot." Impressive.

Related Link:

British Embassy World Cup

Gotta Make Sure There's Enough Women to Sell

Posted by Tammy · December 9, 2005 02:52 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Internationalism | Sports

Terrorists Against Miniature Golf?

It is sorta westernly decadent when you think about it. And you absolutely can't play well in a burqa. Seems Homeland Security officials at one point thought Stockton's Golfland miniature golf park was at least a high asset when they put it on their watchlist of potential terrorist targets.

Via the San Jose Mercury News:

Mini-golfers, calm down and tee up -- Emerald Hills Golfland is off the feds' terrorist-target list.

Or is it?

Some time back, officials added the humble South San Jose theme park -- ``three acres, two mini golf courses, very challenging,'' says Golfland's VP Bob Kenney -- to their National Asset Database. Local officials, figuring plenty of other Silicon Valley sites were richer targets, burst out laughing when they saw it.

Your Homeland Security dollars at work. Hmmm...

Posted by Tammy · December 9, 2005 01:14 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Homeland Security | Sports

The Death of George Best

A number of international Tammy Blog readers have asked me to remark on the death of famed soccer player George Best. I have to tell you, that while he is considered one of the best soccer players ever, his death was one of his own making. In fact, I have been struck by exactly how much he has been glorified in death. I know we hold our sports heroes highly, but to consider Best a "hero" or a role model, to me is completely inappropriate, considering what brought him to his death--himself.

There is a romanticizing of this man who as an alcoholic destroyed his liver, and then, while not overcoming his addiction, accepted a liver transplant. That new organ, too, suffered because of his continued drinking. Frankly, I think of the person who did not get that liver, who would have cared for that organ, someone who would have lived well with it, instead of treating it like a dish rag.

The San Francisco Chronicle notes, in an overall romantic story:

Best had battled alcoholism for decades and was diagnosed with severe liver damage in 2000. He received a liver transplant in 2002 but later resumed drinking. In 2004, he was banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to drunken driving.

Even with his alcoholism and other woes -- he was briefly jailed for assault and encountered gambling and tax problems -- Best retained his popularity with fans as well as his standing as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

So forgive me if I say that being a role model, or deserving of a hero obituary and funeral should be reserved for those who do more than kick around a ball better than others. It should also be about dignity, respect and honor. Many who have eulogized him speak of him being a "great guy" or a "compassionate man." I would argue that great and compassionate men think of others and don't destroy themselves because of their own self-obsessions. A great man would have chosen to live, to fight his demons, for the sake of those who love him.

I suppose I speak this way because I know what it's like to lose someone to suicide. And I consider Best's death a suicide. Perhaps a little less obvious than putting a gun to your head, but self-destruction none the less. Killing oneself is a selfish, narcissistic act, and not worthy of the sort of tributes Best is receiving in death.

Posted by Tammy · November 26, 2005 09:41 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Just Wrong | Sports

Anyone for a 'real' world series?

The Japanese are calling us out when it comes to baseball. But this time they know it would be best not to sneak up on us.

Actually, this is not a bad idea. I think we'd all enjoy another opportunity to beat the Japanese.

[A]cross the Pacific, Bobby Valentine was issuing the kind of challenge that any marketing-minded league should love.

Valentine's Chiba Lotte Marines are now ready to conquer the world, or at least the White Sox. So said the former Mets manager, who's in his second year in Japan and just led his team to a four-game sweep of the Japan Series. No foreigner has ever managed into the final round, and the experience has clearly had an effect on Valentine.

Not only is he

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