Blog @ MoreWhat.com

By VOA News
The music director for the Opening Ceremony at the Beijing Olympics has admitted that a young girl who delivered a key performance during the show, lip-synched her song.

Chen Qigang says the pigtailed nine-year-old girl, Lin Miaoke, was actually a stand-in for the real singer who was not considered attractive enough.

The real singer, Yang Peiyi, is seven, and has a chubby face and crooked teeth.

Chen says organizers made the decision at the request of a high-ranking Communist Party official, adding that they were thinking about doing what was best for the nation.

Chinese officials also revealed Tuesday that some of the fireworks shown on television during the opening ceremony were pre-recorded footage, and some images of fireworks were computer-generated.

Wang Wei, a member of the Beijing Olympic organizing committee, said the footage and computer images were used because of poor visibility on the night of the opening ceremony.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

from MoreWhat.com:

While there certainly is no blame directed from this blog to Lin Miaoke, the stand-in singer, it only seems fair that the girl who really did the singing get her props from as many places as possible. Tell that high-ranking Communist Party official, if that is really who made the decision, that he or she has his or her head up their butt. What is best for the nation? How about what is best for the girl who did the singing?

One can take solice in the fact that if this was the least that happens to children the world would be a better place. But the insult to this child still sux and China should apologize. And if it makes you feel any better, China, go ahead and insult the US before you make it right by the kid. You’re gonna do it anyway, so take a freebie. But do right by the kid. BTW, Lin Miaoke, you got your 15 minutes of fame. Yang Peiyi, you did a great job on the singing.

Stanford Matthews

By VOA Sports American swimmer Michael Phelps has made history by winning his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Games, something no other athlete has ever achieved in the modern Olympics.

Phelps and his teammates won the men’s four-by-100-meters medley relay Sunday in a world record time of three minutes, 29.34 seconds. Phelps’ teammate Jason Lezak swam the last leg and won the race. Lezak had also anchored the 400 meters freestyle relay to preserve Phelps’ historic bid.

Since the modern Olympics started in 1896, no athlete has ever won eight gold medals at a single Games. American Mark Spitz won seven medals in Munich in 1972.

Australia Sets Swimming Record

In other swimming events Sunday, Australia’s women’s team set a world record on its way to winning the four-by-100 meter medley relay in three minutes, 52.69 seconds.

American swimmer Dara Torres missed her attempt to win gold in the women’s 50-meters freestyle, losing to Germany’s Britta Steffen by 1/100 of a second - 24.07 to 24.06. The 41-year-old Torres was appearing in her fifth Olympic games.

In the men’s 1,500 meters freestyle race, Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia won the gold medal.

Romanian Wins Womens’ Marathon

Earlier in athletics, Romania’s Constantina Tomescu won the women’s marathon in two hours, 26 minutes, 44 seconds.

A total of 35 medals will be awarded Sunday including in gymnastics, diving, wrestling, rowing and athletics. The United States leads the total medals with 57, but China has more golds, with 27 to 17 for the U.S.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

Chinese Attacker Kills 1 American, Injures Another in Beijing

By Stephanie Ho
Beijing
Ho report - Download (MP3)
Ho report - Listen (MP3)

related earlier post: China Promises Safe, Peaceful Olympics

A Chinese man attacked two American tourists in Beijing, killing one and seriously injuring the other, before taking his own life. The two Americans were relatives of U.S. Olympic athletes. Stephanie Ho reports from Beijing.

The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Darryl Seibel says the American couple and their Chinese tour guide were attacked Saturday while sightseeing in Beijing.

“They were at the Drum Tower. They were stabbed in the attack. And shortly after the attack, the assailant took his own life. That’s really the extent of what I know about the attack itself,” explained Seibel.

The attacker was 47-year-old Tang Yongming, a man the U.S. Embassy in Beijing says was from the eastern province of Zhejiang.

The stabbing occurred on the very high second level of the Drum Tower, which is only accessible by a steep stairway. Afterwards, Tang committed suicide by jumping off the monument.

Official Chinese media give no motive for the attack. Attacks on foreigners in China are very rare. And security in Beijing has been especially tight because of the Olympics, which opened Friday.

The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Seibel says the victims were family members of a coach for the U.S. Olympic men’s indoor volleyball team. But he says he does not believe they were specifically targeted.

“My understanding is that the individuals who were attacked were not wearing apparel that obviously or automatically identified them as members of the United States delegation or in any way connected them to the United States delegation,” said Seibel.

He says the U.S. Olympic Committee is in touch with Chinese and U.S. authorities about the case.

President Bush, who is in Beijing to attend the Olympics opening ceremony and several sporting events, expressed his condolences.

“Laura and I were also saddened by an attack on an American family and their Chinese tour guide today in Beijing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said.

The U.S. Olympic men’s indoor volleyball team plays its first match Sunday.

US Protests China’s Visa Refusal for Olympian Joey Cheek

By VOA News
The United States is formally protesting China’s decision to deny a visa to U.S. Olympic gold medalist and Darfur anti-violence campaigner Joey Cheek.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday the U.S. is disturbed to learn that China has refused his visa.

Cheek, a speedskater who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics, had planned to go to Beijing to support Olympic athletes who are members of Team Darfur. The group aims to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region.

China is a major investor in Sudan and has come under increasing pressure to help end the violence in Darfur.

International experts say more than 200,000 people have died and some 2.5 million have been displaced from their homes since Darfur rebel groups rose up against the Sudanese government in 2003.

Sudan says Western governments and media have exaggerated the scale of the conflict.

from MoreWhat.com:

…and Nancy Pelosi chimes in (of course)….

Pelosi Calls on President Bush to Secure Entry of Joey Cheek to Beijing Olympic Games Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the Chinese government revoked a visa for Olympic gold medalist and Team Darfur co-founder Joey Cheek:

“The Chinese government’s decision to bar Olympic gold medalist Joey Cheek from attending the Olympics because of his advocacy for Darfur is reprehensible. This action by Beijing’s leaders is part of an orchestrated campaign to deny entry to individuals because of their political views, beliefs, writings, association, religion, and ethnicity.

If an Olympic athlete, past or present, wishes to attend the Olympics no one should find that unusual or controversial. But if that athlete has chosen to add politics or activism or controversy to their resume’, is it surprising that the host country for the Olympics would refuse to let them enter the country? There have always been controversial overtones associated with the Olympic games. In a perfect world, this athletic event would be simply about sport and competition. It is not a surprise that China refused Joey Cheek’s visa. It is not a surprise that the White House expressed they are disturbed (ya, right) about Cheek being barred from China. And even less of a surprise is that Speaker Nancy Pelosi would offer her two cents on the matter.

Hey Joey, if you want ot be involved in sport, don’t make it political. Hey China, if you don’t want to draw attention to your political choices, don’t bar Joey. Hey White House, it was essentially required for you to respond (enough said). Hey Nancy, you have time to chime in on Joey Cheek but not attend to energy and other urgent matters related to what should be your real job or responsibility.

From this blog, on the energy issue and the one aspect of oil, build some refineries for converting oil to gasoline, etc., before you focus all your thoughts on drilling. On the drilling, fine, drill. Drill to your hearts content. But, up front, stop saying everything will be fine and no harm will come from drilling. Put some measures in place for what will be done to correct errors if you are wrong. And don’t forget about the refining. As for the alternative sources…. forget about it. You have for 30 or 40 years and so has the public. Only crisis will bring alternatives, as always. So forget about the alternatives. None have been brought forward yet and will not likely be for many decades to come. Remember, if you drill like there’s no tomorrow but fail to refine what you drill it is pointless, except for investors.

Go ahead, tell me I’m wrong.

Stanford Matthews

China Promises Safe, Peaceful Olympics

By VOA News
05 August 2008

China is promising a safe and peaceful Summer Olympics, despite a deadly attack on police officers in the country’s northwest.

A spokesman for China’s Olympics committee is assuring athletes and spectators arriving in Beijing for the Olympics that they will be safe from terrorists.

Tens of thousands of police were on alert across Beijing Tuesday as the Olympic torch arrived in the capital ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony.

Authorities also have increased security in the far western Xinjiang region, where 16 police were killed in a knife and bomb attack Monday.

Chinese state media say authorities have detained two men from a mainly Muslim ethnic group for their role in the attack.

Chinese authorities have linked the violence to the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, a group dedicated to gaining Xinjiang’s independence.

The group has not claimed responsibility for the attack.

Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang have been waging a low-level rebellion against Chinese rule for years. Human rights advocates and Uighur groups say Chinese authorities often use terrorism as a pretext to persecute the country’s Muslim minority.

Chinese authorities say the East Turkistan Islamic Movement has been planning attacks ahead of the Olympics.

Another challenge facing the Beijing Olympics is air pollution.

Members of the U.S. cycling team arrived in Beijing Tuesday wearing face masks, showing the concern of many athletes that the smog could harm their health and performance.

But the International Olympic Committee’s medical commission chief, Arne Ljungqvist, said China’s air quality did not pose problems to the athletes or visitors.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

from MoreWhat.com:

So what do you think about all this?

Stanford Matthews

The items that become popular on the internet usually involve video.

No explanation should be necessary beyond the video.

Download your own Simpson game face, CLICK HERE.

Theatre Of The Absurd

Joshua Errett, National Post
December 22, 2007

If the Green Bay Packers encounter the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, the fan-favourite Cheesehead will be replaced by Jessica Simpson faces.

At least that’s the hope of RuinRomo.com, a site that offers a cut-out mask of the blonde pop singer and girlfriend of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Some reports suggest that TO’s injury in the Carolina vs Dallas game on Dec. 22nd may keep him out of the final game against the Washington Redskins. A high ankle sprain sounds like something that may be compensated for in a week between games but even if Owens can play he may not be in top form. How that translates into optimism for Green Bay Packer fans is unclear. Well, except the obvious wishful thinking that Washington could erase the dismal performance by Green Bay in this season’s matchup against the Cowboys. While a stunning set of stats was turned in by back up QB Aaron Rogers during that game, the Cowboys have had the Pack’s number since Aikman was leading the team.

But you gotta love the triangle. TO, Simpson and Romo may not be a typical triangle but it suits some fans right now. Is Romo goo goo eyed over Simpson? Did she affect his ability to perform? (wink,wink). TO seemed to think so. But how would he know?

Whether you support the Packers or the Cowboys, or even the Redskins, download a game face at the link provided under the, go figure, game face and fill the stadium for the Dallas/Washington game. Jessica Simpson will love the attention and who knows, if the Cowboys fall to Washington the chatter about this may continue.

No Cowboy fans on this blog so the support goes to the Pack. You don’t suppose that inspired this post do you? Nah. As long as a celeb story is not perverse like PH or BS, etc., this blog may post something for fun.

Go Pack.

And it is certainly not only the boys of summer with a problem. Try naming a sport, professional or amateur, in which there has never been mention of steroids and participants suspected of cheating. Aside from curling or some obscure local sport with extremely limited participation, the steroid stigma is alive and well. The obvious coverage of Barry Bonds and baseball as well as Marion Jones and the Olympics fuels the latest public and private debate on what it all means or should mean. The whole situation gives new meaning to the phrase ‘pros can cons’. While the discussion may be inevitable, having the discussion may be a little silly.

What is so difficult to understand and why is there so much chatter about what it all means? Other than providing filler for sports reports or talk shows, one point about the whole discussion should be central. There are rules, laws and all sorts of accepted conditions placed upon the world of sports. Participating in sports requires playing by the rules. One of the rules most people become familiar with early on is that cheating is not allowed. Determining the guilt or innocence of a participant regarding cheating should not be based on opinion and conjecture by the masses. Whether the authority having jurisdiction in the matter is a court of law or a governing body that regulates a sport, if the participant is found guilty they should suffer the consequences. Likewise, if the participant is found innocent that should be the end of the matter barring any form of appeal by others.

Without laboring over the idea represented by the ‘asterisk’ in the record books, that too is a silly discussion. One example being made notable by the allegations against Barry Bonds involves the previous home run record of Hank Aaron. If Bonds is determined to be innocent then of course his home run record should stand. But if he is found guilty and the timeline suggests an offense prior to that record it should be removed.

That people do not make this simply a matter of if you cheat you pay the price and if you don’t things are fine may indicate how people view honesty and what concessions they are willing to allow. The only gray area that should exist in checking honesty of someone is whether or not there are grounds to suspect cheating and then perhaps whether there is evidence to support the allegation. The final determination should be within an official body charged with the duty of such tasks.

There appears to be a contrast in opinions expressed publicly. The players may be relatively and perhaps understandably quiet on the topic. Opinions of those fostering sports within k-12 primarily speak to the damage done to sporting activities and potentially harmful challenge to young minds sorting out the proper way to compete. Those whose incomes are directly affected by the sports industry either now or in the future express distinctly different views overall. It seems a simple conclusion to draw. The powerful lure of wealth in the sporting industry is adversely affecting the judgment of those involved. It is really that simple. If you cheat, anything you gained was not earned. Because the industry dragged its collective feet in addressing the issue does not change that. It may complicate and prolong resolution but it does not change facts. To defend or try to redefine cheating to suit your preference only makes you complicit and does not remove guilt. Those who suggest it does or that something else demands it are in denial. Cheating is wrong and should not be rewarded or appear to be rewarded.

You had a choice. You made a decision. Now live with it. Removing credit for achievements made while cheating is fair and what the offense demands. The rules and ethics that guide fair play in sports as in life cannot be abandoned. Play by the rules or pay the price, end of story.

By VOA Sports
Washington, DC
29 November 2007

Two of the best teams in the (U.S.) National Fooball League - the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers - are set to meet in a rare and much anticipated Thursday night encounter in Dallas (0115 UTC).

Both teams have won 10 of their 11 games this season to share the lead in the National Conference. It’s the first time in 17 years that two NFL teams with records of 10-1 or better will play one another.

The team that wins will gain the edge for home field advantage in the playoffs. No other team in their conference is within three games of them. The undefeated New England Patriots (11-0) are in the American Conference.

Dallas has won five games in a row since its only loss, which was to New England. Green Bay has won six straight, with the Packers’ only loss coming to their rival Chicago Bears.

Head-to-head, Dallas and Green Bay are even all-time, with each club winning 10 times.

By VOA News

A Chinese official says security forces are prepared to stop protests during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Liu Shaowu, the deputy director of Beijing’s Olympic Security Command Center, told reporters Friday that protesters violating China’s sovereignty will not be tolerated.

Liu said activities encouraging separatism or terrorism will be dealt with according to law.

He also noted that Beijing’s approach is line with the Olympic charter, which he said forbids any form of political, religious or racial demonstrations at Games.

Earlier this year, five foreign activists were detained after unfurling banners at Mount Everest, calling for Tibetan independence and criticizing the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Beijing commonly uses the term “separatists” to refer to those calling for greater autonomy or independence for Tibetans and Uighurs.

• Mike Lowell Wins World Series MVP
  DENVER (AP) — Mike Lowell is much more than some throw-in on a Red Sox trade. He’s the World Series MVP….
• Collapse Complete for Colorado
  DENVER (AP) — The clutch hits, nowhere in sight….
• AL Romps to Another World Series Title
  DENVER (AP) — As the Boston Red Sox kept shooting double after double down the lines and into the gaps, the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees must have wondered whether they would have flattened the Rockies, too….
• Champs Again! Red Sox Sweep World Series
  DENVER (AP) — There’s a new monster in baseball, and this one’s in Boston, too. Overwhelming in every way, the Red Sox swept to their second title in four years Sunday night. Jon Lester, Mike Lowell & Co. left little room for drama with a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies in Game 4. Then again, no NL team could have blocked Boston this October….

• Rockies to Start Spilborghs in Game 4
  DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies started their third center fielder in four World Series games, putting Ryan Spilborghs back in the lineup Sunday night against Boston….
• Game 4 Starters Know All About Adversity
  DENVER (AP) — To talk about one is to talk about the other: Jon Lester and Aaron Cook, both scheduled to start Game 4 of the World Series, both men who know it will never be the highlight of their lives….
• Dice-K Quiets Rockies, Provides Some Pop
  DENVER (AP) — The Boston Red Sox knew they were getting a big-game pitcher when they paid $103 million to lure Daisuke Matsuzaka from Japan. They got a big-game hitter thrown in for free….
• Rockies’ Collapse Nearly Complete
  DENVER (AP) — The starting pitchers are getting shelled, the brilliant bullpen is a bust. The timely hits are nowhere to be found, manager Clint Hurdle’s moves are coming up short. Colorado’s collapse is almost complete….
• Francona Makes Right Moves in Game 3
  DENVER (AP) — New leadoff batter Jacoby Ellsbury was on second base all night. David Ortiz played flawless defense and drove in the first run. Mike Lowell hit a two-run single in Boston’s big inning. After all that fuss about his Game 3 lineup, Red Sox manager Terry Francona definitely made the right moves. Now, his team is one win from its second World Series sweep in four seasons….

crossposted at:
Conservative Thoughts

For someone from Wisconsin this weekend was bad enough what with the Illini ending the Badgers winning streak..
.

Illinois Upends No. 5 Wisconsin, 31-26
10/6/2007

Rashard Mendenhall led Illinois into unfamiliar territory Saturday, rushing for 160 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the Illini’s 31-26 win over No. 5 Wisconsin. The Illini ended Wisconsin’s 14-game winning streak, the longest in the nation, and improved to 5-1 overall. Illinois is off to a 3-0 start in the Big Ten for the first time since 1990.

…. the Bears ending the Packers winning streak…….

Bears steal one from Pack
Chicago Tribune
By Vaughn McClure
October 8, 2007
GREEN BAY - Alex Brown tried to maintain a serious look, but he couldn’t suppress a smile after the Bears’ 27-20, come-from-behind win over the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers…

……or crime stories one should not even think about…..

Victims of Wis. Shootings Were Young
Washington Post
By AP
CRANDON, Wis. — The victims of an off-duty deputy’s shooting spree were students or graduates of the same high school, and had gathered for pizza and movies on homecoming weekend.

……Air America is bringing an atheist flavor to the People’s Republic of Madison (the state capitol and home of the liberal fringe in my home state). Some time back the fate of Air America was in question as reports of its demise were apparently premature or wishful thinking. Which raises another question about the Fairness Doctrine debate earlier this year about Conservative Talk Radio and the liberals being all concerned about right wing dominatino of the airwaves. A question that will not be taken up in the current post. But here’s the news from CNS that describes the liberal air in my home state…..

Air America Launches Nationwide Atheism Program
By Nathan Burchfiel
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
October 08, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - The liberal talk radio network Air America announced this week it will launch a nationwide show focusing on atheism. The first national show will feature Christopher Hitchens, author of “God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.”

The Freethought Radio Program, hosted by the co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, has been airing on Air America’s Madison, Wis., affiliate since April 2006.

…and to top it off, someone referred to as the editorial cartoonist for the Salt Lake Tribune offered an account of Mitt Romney’s genealogy alleging his Mexican roots. So as a cartoonist is this supposed to be funny or were they really hard up for content to fill the pages whether in print or cyberspace? Being a Romney fan, all the stories about Mormon religion and ‘dissin’ Mitt Romney’s success, abilities and philosophy is getting a bit old. But then this is campaign season and such things must be expected. But one should be able to expect limits of some sort. Ah, what the hell, it gives me the freedom to pound Hillary Rodham Clinton on a regular basis without feeling guilty about those with opposing viewpoints being offended. Because you know liberals are totally, completely and continuously offended by any thought or action that disagrees with their viewpoints. No, I am not kidding.

Here’s the connection to the Romney/Mexican piece……

Pat Bagley: Romney’s Mexican roots

The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Last Updated: 10/07/2007 01:52:18 AM MDT

In the course of researching Mitt Romney, I ran across shocking information. Stuff that could shake his campaign for president right to its foundation. All that embarrassing stuff about Mormonism and polygamy is nothing compared to this latest revelation.
Mitt is the son of a Mexican.

Vanderbilt Snaps Florida’s Streak at 17

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Forget all that talk about the top-ranked Florida Gators rolling through the Southeastern Conference undefeated. Derrick Byars and Shan Foster each scored 24 points, and Vanderbilt snapped the nation’s longest winning streak by upsetting the Gators 83-70 after they finally fell into a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of Saturday….

Time out from all the drudgery of reality to a little refreshing sport. Since the person writing this is a Wisconsin Badger fan, it would not be difficult to understand the smile this causes. Wisconsin had reached #2 in the AP poll. That was a school record. The only team in front (like forever) was Florida. Wisconsin was number three this week. Can’t wait to see those polls on Monday.

MoreWhat.com staff