Gold Free Games
Tom Flynn08.08.08
America, unlike a lot of small countries, expects its fair share of Olympic medals each time the torch lands somewhere around the globe. For smaller countries, those three disks of metal – gold, silver and bronze are a lot more elusive, especially that most esteemed medal, the gold. So hopes are often pinned on a sport or two, maybe one athelete even, while a bronze is nothing to be scoffed at, but lauded. Tom Flynn remembers the success of one Norwegian runner, who could stand as a lighthouse for other underdog countries as the Olympics begin in Beijing this week.
Brooklyn Nets, or Whatever
Adam Underhill07.07.08
Some in Brooklyn are still pissed that the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. Does the NY borough deserve another chance to hold onto a major league team? (Jay-Z thinks so, and who’s to argue with him?) Adam Underhill says to Brooklyn, meet your Nets, or whatever they’ll be called, and Nets meet your new hood. Art by Danny Jock.
The Big Hit
Tom Flynn06.23.08
Wimbledon 2008 is in the books, and a couple of weeks prior, Tom Flynn had predicted another classic Nadal/Federer rematch, wondering if Nadal’s "big hit" forearm would overcome the Swiss on grass, or if the clay king would need a little more of that old Tracy Austin finesse – and less of the Peter Fleming kill shots – Flynn recalled from the tennis heros of his youth… (Well after 5 long sets and a little rain, the Spaniard used a little bit of everything to end Federer’s reign at Wimbledom, stopping him shy of 6 titles in a row). Art by Danny Jock.
Hockey Night: an occasional column #2
Michael Louie05.08.08
The National Hockey League playoffs continue and whaddayaknow… Mike is leading the pool with his virtual video game money. He keeps us updated here in this second segment of Hockey Night, Louie’s new (occasional) column. Update: The Stanley Cup semifinals began last night in Detroit. Red Wings beat the Stars in the first game 4-1. Philadelphia plays Pittsburgh tonight.
Zen Betting The Roses: A Kentucky Derby Preview for Beginning Betters
Pete Hausler05.03.08
It’s Derby Day, been Derby Week. Have you picked out your best hat yet? Or for that matter the horses you’re betting on? Could study the hell out of the program, uhh…racing forms that is, try to get the scientific scoop on trainers, jockeys or the health status of the horses and whatnot, or try what Pete does, and what a lot of gamblers often do – use your best illusion. Art by Danny Jock.
American Experience: Roberto Clemente
Dallas Hudgens04.20.08
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente had a laser arm, a champion’s career, a humanitarian’s way, and a tragic end to his life in heroic fashion. Dallas Hudgens, author of the recent novel Season of Gene, explores the man’s life through the lens on the new special on PBS’ American Experience that premieres this Monday the 21st of April. Drawing by Danny Jock.
Hockey Night: an occasional column
Michael Louie04.17.08
Procrastination be damned! Mike Louie is an unabashed Philadelphia Flyers fan and this column is one in an occasional series he will write on sports, particularly the NHL Playoffs, which have been underway for about a week now. This time he responds to the Washington Post’s Mike Wise, who, in a bad attempt to imitate one of Louie’s favorite writers, ended up looking foolish across the Internet by scribbling not the best informed column about the Flyers-Capitals game Tuesday night.
March Madness Blog: The Final Four
Adam Underhill03.24.08
Updated March 31; check out page 6 or click here. And now there are four…#1 seeds that is. First time in NCAA history the brackets came down to four #1s, which are UNC, UCLA, Memphis and Kansas. Adam Underhill has been writing the scoop while watching, leading up to this preview. Art by Danny Jock.
Mississippi Dusk: Brett Favre Retires
Adam Underhill03.08.08
Adam Underhill says sayonara to the great Packers franchise player Brett Favre, who, by virtue of his practical risk-taking, quarterback-sneaks his way around the ignominy of riding out his twilight years in the game on the pine. Instead, he bows out graciously like the champion he once was. Drawings by Danny Jock.
