TV5 once again will lead the coverage for the Olympics, starting off with the Opening Ceremonies for the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center.
Olympic coverage will also be done via AksyonTV, as well as in HYPER.
To be telecast on August 16 at 830pm, the Opening Ceremonies will be a 90-minute program highlighting the "China Dream."
Nearly 5,000 performers, including 500 dancers from the Nanjing Art Institute and 120 stuntmen from the Tagou Martial Art School, will be taking part in the ceremonies. According to director Chen Weiya, their interpretation of the "China Dream" will be about the coming together of everyone's dreams as one dream. Chen told said performes that they should be living out their dreams at the Opening Ceremonies, as you showcase your talent and forge your futures ahead.
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) gathers the best 15-18 year old athletes worldwide, including seven Filipinos amongst the 3,500 athletes.
The Filipino flagbearer will be Gabriel Luis Moreno (archery). Joining him to represent the nation are Bianca Gotuaco (archery), Ava Verdeflor (gymnastics), Zion Nelson (athletics), Roxanne Yu (swimming), Celdon Arellano (shooting), Vicky Deldio (triathlon).
Last Saturday, TV5, as the official Philippine Olympic Network, opened its extensive coverage of the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia with the Opening Ceremonies.
40,000 spectators attended the ceremonies at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, where a grand fireworks display accompanied the entrance of athletes as well as a number of Russian music performers.
Coverage is expected for our lone participant, Michael Christian Martinez. The 17-year old will take to the rink for the men's figure skating on Thursday for the short program and Friday for the free skate. Both events will start at 11pm Philippine Standard Time.
They will also have coverage of the other athletes of Filipino descent, like US speed skater JR Celski, in addition to showing the other events like hockey, snowboarding and skiing on their different networks (TV5, Aksyon TV & HYPER) over the sixteen days, with the help of PLDT Home Fibr, SMART and CignalTV
And so it ends for the quest for a medal in the Olympics a goal that remains unattained for the last four Olympic Games. Let's see how each fared on their respective events.
Jasmine Alkhaldi - Swimming (Women's 100-meter freestyle): She finished 5th in her heat with a time of 57.13 seconds. She was 34th out of 48 entrants. The gold medal swim of the Netherlands' Ranomi Kromowidjojo was an Olympic-record 53 seconds.
Mark Anthony Barriga - Men's Boxing (Light Flyweight = 49-kg): Loses Round of 16 match against Birzhan Zhakypov of Kazakhstan, 17-16.
Rachel Anne Cabral - Archery (Women's Individual): Loses 1st round match against Inna Stepanova of Russia, 7-1.
Daniel Caluag - (Cycling - Men's BMX Racing): Finishes tied for 7th in his heat with 29 points
Hidilyn Diaz - Weightlifting (Women's 58 kg): The flagbearer for the Philippines in the Opening Ceremonies is one of two competitors who was not able to complete her lift, as she was unable to register a result in the Clean and Jerk. Her Snatch lift of 97 kg put her in 13th in the 19-woman field.
Rene Herrera - Track and Field (Men's 5000 meters): Finished 21st in his heat with a personal-best 14:44:11 time. On aggregate, he was 41st overall. Mo Farah's gold medal-winning run was at 13:41:66.
Tomohiko Aldaba Hoshina - Judo (Men's +100 kg): Loses by ippon to Kim Sung-Min of Korea in the 1st round.
Mark Javier- Archery (Men's Individual): Loses 1st round match against Brady Ellison of the US, 7-1.
Jessie Khing Lacuna- Swimming (Men's 200-meter freestyle): Finished 5th in his heat with a time of 1:52:91, putting him in 36th overall in the field. The gold medal swim of France's Yannick Agnel was at 1:43:14.
Paul Brian Rosario - Shooting (Men's Skeet): Finished tied for 31st in the qualification phase, with 110 points.
Marestella Torres - Athletics (Women's Long Jump): Finished 11th in her group with a 6.22m jump. The result puts her 22nd overall. The gold medal-winning attempt by Britney Reese of the United States was at 7.12m.
And so, the quest to pinpoint the blame has resumed in earnest. What really is need to be done here? That's the question.
We all know about the Taiwanese's NMA TV's now-legendary animations of news bits. Here is their rendition of Ye Shiwen's sensational swim.
Thanks to the Guardian (h/t to Deadspin for pointing this), the newfangled way of illustrating action is now through bricks.
Back-story after the jump: The Olympics, as we all know, is the biggest sports spectacle for most sports. If you are going to lose, as much as possible, you'd want your opponent to earn the victory, make them work for it. Show that they deserve that gold medal. But it would really hurt if the defeat was aided by a certain technicality, a timing issue, or an error.
Today being a rest day for both men's and women's football, this would be the best time to figure out where each of the groups stand out and what needs to be done for each to make to the knockout phase of the competition.
According to FIFA's guidelines, here are how the group rankings are to be determined, and consequently, who gets to advance to the next round in the tiebreaker:
a. Points b. Goal Difference in all group matches c. Goals scored in all group matches d. Points accumulated between the teams concerned in the group matches e. Goal Difference between the teams concerned in the group matches f. Goals Scored between the teams concerned in the group matches
The men are bracketed in Groups A - D, while the women comprise Groups E - G.
Group A: Great Britain 4 pts (+2), Senegal 4 pts (+2), Uruguay 3 pts (-1), United Arab Emirates 0 pts (-3)
Schedule: Great Britain vs Uruguay at the Millenium Stadium; Senegal vs United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium
It is as if Luis Suarez has a great chance to even be more infuriating for the Brits, especially to the English fans. This would have been at maximum hatred level if the match was held at Old Trafford instead of being in Cardiff, with there being no love lost between he and the Manchester United fans after the drama of last season. The South American side simply has to win over the hosts to make it through. All the Senegalese will have to do to make it through is to make sure the UAE do not win against them. A draw might just suffice for Stuart Pearce's crew, to advance. Great Britain has scored one more goal than the African side, so that may be in play here.
Group B: Mexico 4 pts (+2), Korea 4 pts (+1), Switzerland 1 pt (-1), Gabon 1 pt (-2)
Schedule: Mexico vs Switzerland at the Millenium Stadium; Korea vs Gabon at Wembley Stadium
Mexico and Korea can breathe easy if they do not lose to their respective opponents. Gabon and Switzerland each need a two-goal victory to advance to the knockout stages. The African team, however, has the toughest mountain to climb, as the other three teams in the group have scored twice. They have only one goal to their credit.
Group C: Brazil 6 pts (+3), Belarus 3 pts (-1), Egypt 1 pt (-1), New Zealand 1 pt (-1)
Schedule: Brazil vs New Zealand at St. James' Park; Egypt vs Belarus at Hampden Park
Neymar has been sensational as always, while Manchester United fans were dreaming about Lucas Moura doing those things he is doing right now wearing their colors in his brief appearance as a sub. The task at hand remains to bring home the gold, and so far so good for these guys. At least a draw against the Oceania powerhouse will do to seal their standing on top of the group. As for the Olywhites, they still have a glimmer of hope for the next stage, but they'll need to win against the South American giants, AND preferably a draw between Egypt and Belarus. Belarus can make things easy with a win over the Pharoahs, whose only way to advance is to win.
Group D: Japan 6 pts (+2), Honduras 4 pts (+1), Morocco 1 pt (-1), Spain 0 pts (-2)
Schedule: Japan vs Honduras at the City of Coventry Stadium; Morocco vs Spain at Old Trafford The biggest shock of the tournament has definitely been Spain not being able to advance to the next stage of the Olympics, losing on two narrow 1-0 results. David De Gea will have the chance to end their tournament on a good note playing at his club turf at Old Trafford. Japan and Honduras can easily advance with a draw, but considering the runner-up of this group will most likely have to face Brazil in the quarterfinals, both teams, especially the Central Americans, might go for the win here. The North Africans still have a faint chance, but they'll need to win against Spain, probably have to score twice against them, and hope Japan wins against Honduras.
Group E: Brazil 6 pts (+6), Great Britain 6 pts (+4), New Zealand 0 pts (-2), Cameroon 0 pts (-8)
Schedule: New Zealand vs Cameroon at the City of Coventry Stadium; Great Britain vs Brazil at Wembley Stadium
The favorites have marched into form, as the current and upcoming Olympic hosts advance with ease into the next stage. Both Cameroon and New Zealand still have a chance at making it to the next round, but the only way that happens is with a victory. A draw will not cut it, and even with a secured victory, that team will need some additional luck to fall their way, especially if it is the African team.
Group F: Sweden 4 pts (+3), Japan 4 pts (+1), Canada 3 pts (+2), South Africa 0 pts (-6)
Schedule: Japan vs South Africa at Millenium Stadium; Canada vs Sweden at St. James' Park
Canada currently has the best goal difference among the third-place teams, which helps them immensely. A draw will ensure their entry into the next round as one of the two better 3rd place sides. They still have an outside shot of winning the group, if they win against the Swedes and Japan somehow is unable to win against South Africa, which would be a feat in itself for them. The Swedes have a 2-goal edge over the Nadeshiko, but the reigning World Cup champions have a relatively easier opponent. Either way, whoever finishes third here gets either Brazil or Great Britain, or the United States.
Group G: United States 6 pts (+5), France 3 pts (+3), North Korea 3 pts (-3), Colombia 0 pts (-5)
Schedule: United States vs North Korea at Old Trafford; France vs Colombia at St. James' Park
The last spot to the next stage of the Olympic Women's Football tournament is currently in the court of North Korea. Considering they have the reigning Olympic champions as their upcoming opponent, it will be a colossal task. What will put them at ease will be a draw between Cameroon and New Zealand, which ensures safe passage. France still has an outside shot of getting through as the top of the group, but they will need to dispatch the South Americans first, which also has a slim opportunity to make it through to the next round as a third-place team.
The TQS predicts the bracketing to go like this:
Group A: Senegal, Uruguay Group B: Korea, Mexico Group C: Brazil, Belarus Group D: Japan, Honduras
TQS' predicted QF matchups: Senegal vs Mexico; Uruguay vs Korea; Brazil vs Honduras; Japan vs Belarus
Group E: Brazil, Great Britain, New Zealand (as 8th seed) Group F: Japan, Sweden, Canada (as 7th seed) Group G: United States, France
TQS' predicted QF matchups: Brazil vs Canada; United States vs New Zealand; Great Britain vs Sweden; Japan vs France
The Opening Ceremonies have not yet started, and London 2012 is off to an embarrassing start.
Olympic competition has already begun, with women's football being one of the events that will commence before the actual parade of athletes and all that pomp. One should be pleased with the come-from-behind victory by the United States over France, 4-2, but the next match will probably take all the headlines away.
In Hampden Park in Glasgow, the North Korean women's football team refused to start their match against Colombia in protest for the South Korean flag being displayed alongside the North Korea players on the screen. Their match was delayed for slightly over an hour, as the organizers were able to persuade the team to eventually play.
Subsequently, the London Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) released the following statement:
Today ahead of the women's football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag. Clearly that is a mistake," organizers said. "We will apologize to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again.
It is important to remind everyone that North and South Korea remain technically at war, thus this would be a really really sensitive matter that you do not overlook. I mean, how difficult would it be to know the difference between the two flags here.
Considering that Pyongyang has nuclear weapons and that South Korea's Pyeongchang is hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, it is a reminder of reality setting in a little bit.
Greetings and I hope you have had a happy Monday. Obviously, most, if not all of us, suffered some major buzzkill from the past few days, mostly from the Aurora shootings and the fallout from the Freeh report being applied onto the current and incoming batch of Penn State players.
To provide you with something positive to kickstart your morning, here is Michelle Jenneke (thank you to With Leather).
Here forth are the links after the jump. Easy E takes the jug home. (c/o London Telegraph)
Powerade is proud to be a supporter of the Filipino athlete. As the official sports drink for the 2012 London Olympics, Powerade ION4 wants to help in the effort of raising funds for the quest of the Filipino Olympic Gold.
We can either go Powerade's Facebook page and send our messages of support to our Olympic athletes, three of which (boxer Mark Barriga, long jumper Marestella Torres, and skeet shooter Brian Rosario) have been named as brand ambassadors. Or we could do what Powerade brand ambassador Coach Rio asks us to do on this video clip below.
Run 4 Gold Mechanics (more details after the jump):
1. Like Powerade ION 4 on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/powerade) 2. Go to the Run 4 Gold Tab and you will be directed to the promo application. 3. To participate, simply upload a video on Youtube and show yourself running from left to right for 15 seconds. 4. You can submit as many videos as you wish as long as each video you submit is unique. 5. Write a message for the Philippine Olympic Team. Message should not be more than 160 characters. 6. Powerade Philippines reserves the right to disapprove or delete offensive or obscene entries as well as those that do not follow the rules without prior notice such as:
a) Videos that are longer than 10 seconds b) Videos with offensive or obscene visuals and messaging c) Not complying with the theme and instructions of the contest d) Users are not allowed to use parts and parcels of video clips, footages or images from copyrighted materials such as videos, movies, television shows, pictures, etc.
7. All videos will be pre-screened just to make sure that no violation is made. You’ll be notified within 24 hours if your video is approved or disapproved. Once approved, it will be embedded directly to the application. If your video has been disapproved, you will have to upload another video. 8. We will notify you on Facebook once your video has been uploaded. 9. For every video uploaded, we will donate P100 towards our goal of reaching one million pesos for the first ever Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist. 10. Powerade Philippines has the right to reproduce, exhibit, publish, or use all entries for promotional or publication purposes without remuneration of any kind effective 15 months from the announcement of winners. Non-winning entries will not be used for promotional or publication purposes by Powerade Philippines without the permission of the contestant. Due acknowledgement will be given to the contestant every time a video is used.
All video snippets will be collated to become one long video run for gold for our athletes, which will be released around the time of the London Games (which will take place from July 27 to August 14).
Greetings and welcome to the latest edition of The Morning After.
It's already the second half of the 2012. Hope the reader has had a productive first half of 2012. It has been an interesting stretch for everyone and hope the remainder of the year makes it even better.
Meanwhile, the NBA season may have concluded on the court, the mantra of the swoosh remains true and legitimate. Basketball Never Stops.
The NCAA already has commenced action last week. The big buzz was naturally, how 5 rookies and a sophomore beat a veteran squad. The rival league UAAP already is making preparations for its campaign, which will begin on July 14. They even have a "Call Me Maybe" meme ready.
In the pros, the quest for a semifinal seat will need a playoff. One of the teams involved has Mario West as their reinforcement. And coming soon, a Legend gets his jersey retired.
The NBA Draft just ended, and Summer League beckons. Of course, there's the drama of free agency. And the quest for Olympic Gold. Being a basketball fan in the Motherland is just blissful.
Here forth are the links after the jump. Kings of Europe. Again. (c/o Sports Illustrated)
How did Spain unleash its demolition of the catenaccio. (c/o Zonal Marking)
No Becks in the Olympics. Or maybe he will be in it, after all. (c/o Herald Sun and Fox Sports)
It has been said that in order to play good, sometimes, it helps to look good, too.
The Philippines will be sending 30 delegates to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, composed of athletes, coaches and officials. It may be a small team, but a fighting one at that. After all, they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation seeking the success of nabbing its first-ever Olympic gold medal.
One of the events that people look forward to are the Opening Ceremonies, where everyone gets to see everyone go around the Olympic Stadium and parade. For that particular task, the POC has assigned well-known and world-renowed fashion designer Rajo Laurel to make the clothes for this particular occasion.
Working with the barong tagalog in mind for simplicity and elegance, Rajo intends to use black, gold and mocha as the colors. The main accessory to the barong is a salakot gilded with gold leaf.
This is Rajo's design for the Opening Ceremonies uniform.
For the Filipino Olympian
For the Filipina Olympian
The embroidery (as seen below) for the barong is inspired by the palay, which symbolizes good luck and fortune. He is to use dark cobalt and blue threads to weave the embroidery onto the barong.
The design looks promising and hopefully, be able to provide the luck and charm that our athletes can get.
It has been a long day, especially when you know you will be covering a FIFA international friendly tomorrow, especially when it featured back-to-back press conferences. (The other one involves Puma being the kit sponsor of the Philippine Senior National Football team, its first in the Asia-Pacific region)
I enjoy watching and covering football. I feel more pressure with it now, especially when you have committed yourself to writing more about it. At least you get the enjoyment of magic such like this at Jerryworld.
Here forth are the links to keep you busy after the jump. All is square in love and war, whether here or there. (c/o The Oklahoman and Boston Herald)
What about Lil' Wayne and his "entitlement." (c/o Larry Brown Sports)
The finalists as to who will be comprising the Olympic Team competing in London has been named. Here are their names in alphabetical order:
LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers) Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks) Chauncey Billups (Los Angeles Clippers) Chris Bosh (Miami Heat) Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks) Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) Eric Gordon (New Orleans Hornets) Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers) Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) LeBron James (Miami Heat) Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) Lamar Odom (Dallas Mavericks) Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers) Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets)
My biggest concern with this lineup is perimeter shooting. The previous two iterations had someone that you can say is a designated shooter (Redd in 2008, Curry in 2010). Still, imagine the talent on that lineup for a second. They are heavily favored to retain the title considered by many as a virtual American birthright.
Welcome to today's edition of The Victory Formation.
I just finished watching a documentary on the History Channel here that showed the Manila Hostage Crisis. It was almost a year ago today that the gruesome scenario took place. Ugh. I still am embarrassed with how the persons-in-charge handled it and the bad press the Motherland got and is still suffering from until now.
Here forth are the links after the jump: The Community Shield is retained by Manchester United. (c/o The Guardian)
Let the bidding war for Wesley Sneijder commence. (Yahoo! Eurosport UK)
The odds keep getting iffy for the mega-fight we have been waiting since eternity. More likely that the venue will be a courtroom. (c/o Opposing Views). Meanwhile, it's time to get the hype going for PacMarq III. (c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer)
This gives hope for people with broken ankles everywhere. (c/o Pocono Record)
Life after Tiger is sweet for Steve Williams, when the tourney he won was also had Tiger in it. (c/o The Independent)
Should Donnie Nelson go after Bruce Pearl? (c/o The Two Man Game)
Welcome to today's edition of The Victory Formation.
Earlier this week, there was a retirement that was announced. It was that of Yao Ming , the Chinese center who played his entire NBA career with the Houston Rockets. Injuries plagued the former number one overall draft pick in 2002 all throughout his tenure, especially on his foot. He's just 30 years old, with a multitude of possible greatness ahead of him, but like Bill Walton, his feet denied him of it.
The frustrating thing about this is, that the Houston Rockets themselves cannot make a statement on this. The decision of Yao to retire had to be coursed through the NBA's offices in New York. Yup, this is a direct result of the NBA lockout. You see, the teams cannot say anything regarding players. In fact, these teams cannot even retweet or mention the players when they do use the social media. The NBA probably would not even give the Rockets a one-off for this, which is a damn shame. But then again, these are some bitter times, and as long as the lockout is on, this is the norm.
However, if you have NBA TV, you must be enjoying the trips down memory lane with all the stuff they're putting up.
On other Motherland news, Hey, it's collegiate basketball time again here at home. My alma mater is gearing up for its title defense, and boy, I am so giddy about it. In addition, some guy also complained about this particular billboard that is located near a main thoroughfare, and managed to successfully take it down.
Here is a much closer look.
Here forth are the links after the jump.
Because it was after all, one year ago...
No Rafa, no problem. Spain moves forward in the Davis Cup. (c/o 10sBalls)
Yup, there is a team called the Washington Kastles. (c/o The Sacramento Press)
Andre Agassi gets inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame. (c/o Sportsrageous)
The final Tour de France of Alexandre Vinokourov goes crash and burn. (c/o VeloNation)
One sign that television is not good for you. (c/o The Guardian)
There is only one Ricky Hatton... (c/o East Side Boxing)
Cotto vs Margarito. This time without the loaded gloves. (c/o BoxingNews24)
The Punisher ekes out a victory. (c/o The Examiner)
Ferrari mark the 60th anniversary of their debut win the right way. (c/o Sportinglife)
Thomas Levet pulls a Kendrys Morales. (c/o Today's Golfer)
Colin Montgomerie talked smack about Rory McIlroy (c/o Irish Central). Karma must have struck (c/o The Independent).
Steve Stricker won the same tournament three straight years. Ain't that sweet (c/o Chicago Sun-Times).
Who says conference shake-ups are a football / basketball thing? (c/o Boston Herald) Of course, some are solutions-oriented... (c/o Western College Hockey)
How do you remember Armon Gilliam? (c/o Washington Post)
This game set Twitter abuzz with madness against Paul Hewitt. (c/o Huffington Post) They did salvage 5th place, though. (c/o NCAA)
Deron likes the challenge Turkey poses. (c/o ProBasketball Talk)
Kobe in China? Why not? (c/o Hoopsvibe) He'd might be more interested in Los Angeles given that his dad is coaching and all... (c/o Los Angeles Times). Oh, and he's coming to the Motherland soon. (c/o Nike Philippines)
This solution might be too good to be true for both the NBA and the Players Association. (c/o Grantland)
PacMan Jones acting like PacMan Jones. (c/o Outside the Boxscore)
Should Pat Tillman be in the Hall of Fame in Canton? Discuss below. (c/o Gang Green Nation)
Speaking of Canton, something new will be there as well. (c/o Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Christian Lopez is the guy who caught Jeter's 3,000th hit. (c/o Pocono Record)
Will Mike Trout be a good catch? (c/o Philadelphia Inquirer)
Could Bryce Harper open Nationals Park in 2012? (c/o Sports Illustrated)
Bored and nothing to do later? Go tweet the baseball All-Stars during the Home Run Derby a.k.a. US (National League) vs the World (American League). (c/o The News-Journal)
I am still jarred by the idea of a guy dying trying to catch a ball. (c/o Baseball Nation)
It happened just like that 12 years ago. (c/o New York Daily News)
Some of the people who will be facing Manchester United later this month. (c/o MLS Soccer)
Here are the highlights from the scintillating game in Stuttgart.
This is a guest post co-written by Nerissa Barry and Daniel Fielding. Any comments and queries can fielded to Nerissa via nerdbarry@gmail.com
The United States Olympic Committee USOC is not only looking to further the athletic accomplishments but also making sustainable environmental changes to the Winter Games. And with the bid for the 2022 games being awarded in 2015, they must be able to move fast with their efforts. The quest has already started in naming Andrew Liveris and Dow Chemical as the worldwide partner in the Olympics for the next decade.
During the last Winter Olympic Games (the Vancouver 2010 games), the United States garnered the most number of medals with 37, broken down into 9 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze. Thanks to American dominance in snowboarding (i.e. Shaun White), Nordic combined (i.e Lindsey Vonn), speed skating (i.e. Shani Davis) and skiing, it only makes sense that the United States should host the 2022 Winter Games. With possible venues like Denver and Reno-Tahoe, the USOC is looking to prepare a bidding process with the International Olympic Committee in hopes of bring great changes to this world celebration.
After the controversy over what transpired in securing the Salt Lake City bid, USOC Chairman, Larry Probst hopes to rebuild relationships first with their international counterparts before releasing all information concerning the bid. What we do know is that there is a lot of talk about making the Games more environment-friendly, and with this, the United States could put themselves in high bid mentions with what they're looking to add to the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Why are these changes such a big deal? As fantastic and unifying as the Olympics are, it's quite a carbon-rich event. Over 2/3 of the estimated carbon emissions from the event come from some of the 1.5+ million attendees traveling (mostly via airplane) to and from the event.
While the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics made great efforts to showcase conservation practices and sustainable energy sources, USOC members and sponsors are looking to go the extra mile on becoming a greener Olympics with these proposed plans:
Solar power - Used to light lawns, courtyards and streets at several venues, including the Olympic Village. A 130 KW photovoltaic system illuminated The National Stadium, where events such as athletics and football were held.
Water Conservation - Waste water collected from the Qinghe sewage treatment plant was filtered and used for the various heating and cooling needs throughout the Olympics site, yielding a 60% savings in electricity. Rainwater was collected from around the grounds, collecting over 75,000 gallons by using water permeable bricks, pipes and wells installed on roofs, roads and green areas.
Natural Light - Remember the famous 'Water Cube' where the aquatic events were held? The walls of the National Aquatics Centre provided natural light, and for the interior of the building, specially designed 'beam-pipes' funneled sunlight into corridors, toilets and car parks at venues, including the Olympic Green.
Recycling - The 2008 Olympic hosts aimed for a 50 per cent recycling of waste including paper, metals and plastics at venues. A modest expectation, considering that a test run carried out during the 11th World Softball Championships held in 2007, achieved a nearly 90 per cent recycling rate.
The IOC saw the opportunity to promote sustainability in the Olympics in 2008, helping provide the filtration and insulation for the events. That vision has progressed to include dozens of other products which will help reduce waste and promote conservation. You can expect these products to appear at the coming events over the next decade and be a part of the USOC recommendations.
Welcome to the 1st day of March. In the islands, that means, the first day of summer, although the El Nino phenomenon / Al Gore says it came a little bit earlier than the usual. Meanwhile, across the huge pond, the Winter Olympics just ended.
But when March comes, basketball is king.
Speaking of which, there was an interesting news item buried amidst all the otherworldly stuff going on. I found it interesting because not only does it involve a "sister school" (Xavier is a Jesuit University, like my alma mater), but also the fact that encouraging true fandom and not bandwagoneering. Back home, during the dark ages, tickets can be had and demand is close to nil. Nowadays, it is a hot ticket and people use it to be seen. Even more with a successful title defense. I can relate to Coach Mack when he wants to hear the crowd cheer instead of just sitting around and watching the game. I hope you guys are all out when you cheer, during the good times and the bad.
Special note: I will be unavailable to post this Monday's TMA (March 8th) as I will be bonding with my family alongside this iconic figure.
Time to link love:
If there is one sport Canada would love to have a single gold, this would be it. If you want to relive that monent, go here. Sid the Kid. From Icon to Legend. Johnny approves. Finally, he gets credit for his play. After all, he backed up Brodeur.
Right now, the second-oldest pro league is in the finals. One team right now has a 3-0 lead on the best-of-seven finals, and this local sports blogging genius explains why.
