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Archive for October, 2009
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Posted by ZA on October 13, 2009
Posted in Internet | Tagged: Twitter | Leave a Comment »
ESPN’s “30 for 30″ is worth watching
Posted by ZA on October 8, 2009
I don’t usually promote on behalf of the Worldwide Leader (mostly because they don’t need me to) but I think their new “30 for 30″ series is worth watching. And not just because Bill Simmons (aka: the Sports Guy) was responsible for getting the series made. ESPN launched this new series of sports stories that detail important sports moments over the past 30 years. The concept was to select a subject that was well known, but then tell the unknown story behind that topic. Each of the documentaries will be directed by feature films director.
I watched the first one this week called King’s Ransom which was directed by Peter Berg. Kings Ransom was the story of the trade that sent Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles. Director Peter Berg really got into the behind the scenes dealings and emotions that helped to pull off the deal. He also focused on the pain, anger, anguish that Edmonton fans felt after their star player was traded. He exposed the role that Gretzky played in making the deal happen. He even wrapped it up neatly in the end with most agreeing it was a trade that had to be made. Even thought the deal hurt the Edmonton Oilers and their faithful, it was still a trade that had to happen.
The ratings on this first installment were not stellar, but I think it’s a series that is worth watching. As sports fans we often only hear the big stories in the media. This program, modeled after HBO Real Sports, tells the less known story. That’s personally something that I love. Here are a few of the future episodes that I’m looking forward to watching:
* Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL – airs October 20th
* Muhammad and Larry – Oct 27
* The Legend of Jimmy the Greek – Nov 10
* No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson – 2010
* Jordan Rides the Bus – 2010
* June 17, 1994 (story of OJ Simpson’s run from police in white Bronco) – 2010
* Steve Bartman: Catching Hell – 2010
* One Night in Vegas – 2010
* The Best That Never Was – 2010
Complete list here at ESPN’s 30 for 30 website.
My only complaint about the series is that they are going to make me wait 9 months to see all of these great features.
Posted in ESPN, Random Stuff | Tagged: 30 for 30, Bill Simmons, ESPN, Sports Guy, Wayne Gretzky | Leave a Comment »
2016 Olympics awarded to Rio de Janeiro
Posted by ZA on October 2, 2009
I’m happy for the people of Brazil that Rio de Janeiro was selected. I always think it’s a good story when a country, who has never previously had the opportunity, gets their shot on the world stage. Now Brazil will get two chances to shine in-front of the world; as hosts of the 2014 World Cup and then the 2016 World Cup. That’s quite a coup for them.
I am a bit surprised that Rio was selected. I know they were the favorite (at least until Obama came into the bid process) but I never really thought the IOC would give them the Olympics. I thought the IOC would view Brazil hosting the World Cup two years prior as a negative factor and ultimate award the games to someone else. I figured the IOC wouldn’t want to play second fiddle to FIFA who will oversee their soccer tournament in Brazil two years earlier.
I’m also surprised that Chicago was voted out of the process first. I wonder if the lack of support by Chicago residents was what ultimately did them in. Or perhaps it was the world’s way of rejecting America by showing us the door first. That last thought certainly shows my bias, but I thought Chicago was the best choice for the 2016 Games. It certainly makes the most sense from a financial standpoint because corporate dollars and television contracts would have been much stronger.
The one thing I’m not surprised by is that the IOC did something unexpected. It’s a tough organization to predict and once again they surprised me.
Posted in Olympics | Tagged: 2016 Olympics, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro | Leave a Comment »
