Hmmm, where should I start...OK the Olympics.  I think what Michael Phelps is doing is wonderful...don't get me wrong, but IT'S FREAKING SWIMMING!!!!  (OK, had to get that off my chest).

I am much more interested in the US basketball team taking things very seriously this time around (focus, hustle, patriotism, pride) with their collective "Eyes on the Prize." Doesn't it disturb anyone that the US hasn't brought home any gold hardware in any world competition in a while?  That to me is much more compelling than the Phelps story.  Not only that, but we're talking about basketball!!! which is infinitely more popular than FREAKING SWIMMING!!! here in the U.S.  Just to remind you, a little Kurtis Blow, "to the hoop yall..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0yoPVAOJTk

I can't figure out how to embed this thing yet but click it, you'll like it!!!

OK in more Olympic coverage, saw in the NY Times online this morning how the US lost to Cuba in "extra innings"

 Cuba celebrates victory. (Getty Images)

The thing is the new International Baseball Federation extra inning rules were used.  If tied after the 10th inning, each teams at bat starts with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. That, my friends does not even closely resemble the game of baseball.  It is similar to the lame college rule of start on the 20 yard line.  So if the games go beyond "regulation" they are bastardized versions. 

Other than that, US Manager Davey Johnson accused Cuban reliever Lazo of throwing at his 2nd baseman's head.  Apparently the 2nd baseman was going to bunt but Lazo threw it high and tight (which more MLB pitchers should do) and the ball ricocheted off the bat and into his eye.  I don't think it's dirty, but it is interesting.  Check out the article on the following link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/sports/olympics/16baseball.html?hp
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Brief     Thoughts (OK, not so brief):

   Looks like Rivers is rolling towards the starting job at WIL.  Brandon Johnson (who has been the most imprerssive defender in camp) has been moved to SAM to make room.  Of course Dhani has the middle locked up.  I like the best 3 backers on the field philosophy.  Hopefully Jeanty can come back from his injury and still have the impact we all know he can.  Blackstock off the bench doesn't seem bad either.

Mark my words...I picked up on the concept of  "emergency" Centers from C.Trents blog...but I think I was the first to definitively say this:  Bobbie Williams will start the season at Center.  Mark those words down, I blogged that last week.

Rudi looks to play Sunday, which is fantastic.  And this is what I am even more pumped about, our scatback, DeDe Dorsey (who I hadn't heard much about) is looking to get some play time Sunday night as well!  With the new physical, chip on the shoulder, mean Chris Perry running hard, DeDe provides that change of pace with massive speed and cutback ability.  (I only hope he learned how to hold on to the ball).

Thanks to Chris in Cambridge I now know that I can view Bengal preseason action on NFL Network.  Only available on Direct TV, I can go to LG's house to watch.  The Detroit game airs Sunday night/Monday morning 12 am.  Thanks, Chris!
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Finally, I've got a movie to recommend:

  Be Kind Rewind

This is a great movie, a touching comedy set in Passaic, NJ...a small town that has seen some good times and over the past couple decades some bad times.  Basically Jack Black, who I like, and Mos Def, who I like a lot, play town residents trying to save the Mom and Pop video store from becoming a part of a planned Condo/mall development.  So it definitely touches on the issue of gentrification.  What I like most about it was it wasn't a typical happy ending, and everything didn't wrap up neatly (kinda like the Bengals) but it is touching and still a great ending.  If you like either of these guys, or the art of movie-making, or like a good story...I definitely recommend you "check this out"

Interesting Note: Mos Def went to a school of performing arts in NYC (there are a few) and focused on drama.  He was actually a trained actor before becoming an MC (or rapper to some of you).  So don't put him in the category of a rapper trying to be an actor...he is a great actor in his own right.
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Have a great weekend!