As you will have all seen, commented on, and tweeted about, the big talking point over the last week was whether guys should get paid for playing ball at the Olympics—kicked off by Ray Allen, and taken on by Dwyane Wade.
Here’s what DWade said, in case you missed it:
‘It’s a lot of things you do for the Olympics—a lot of jerseys you sell,’ Wade said. ‘We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it’s not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it … The biggest thing is now you get no rest,’
‘So you go to the end of the season, (Team USA) training camp is two weeks later. You’re giving up a lot to do it. It’s something you want to do. But it’s taxing on your body. You’re not playing for the dollar. But it would be nice if you would get compensated.’
To be fair to Wade, he then took to Twitter to clarify:
“I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY.”
“What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of—and it’s a complicated issue.”
“BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any $$$ amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the bronze medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It’s always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family and I’m looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.”
I’m not going to jump on the guy—although he probably should have dodged the question, as teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh both managed to do when asked the same thing—but Wade is right, it is a complicated issue
To me, there are two sides to this. The first is around getting paid to play basketball at the Olympics.
The Olympics are the purest expression of sporting achievement. I think most, if not all athletes would agree that participating in the Olympics should be about the personal pride of having represented your country, your family, your home town and anyone who has helped you become an elite athlete, in front of billions of people. And that’s exactly the same whether you play basketball or soccer, run the hundred meters, swim, or ride bikes around a track.
So no, guys shouldn’t get paid for the physical act of playing basketball at the Olympic Games, they should be honored to get the opportunity.
The other side of the argument, the one that Wade hinted at, is one that people seem less keen to acknowledge because it dirties the purity of the Games.
The Olympics are a money making machine, the biggest money making machine in all of sports—bringing in billions of dollars for the host city, broadcasters, and a host of brands who clamor to be a part of the circus. Replica jerseys and apparel, shoes, and merchandise are big business. The London Organizing Committee has a revenue target of $1.5 billion for merchandise alone, and adidas paid $150 million to be an official 2012 sponsor.
By playing (and winning) at the Olympics, guys like Dwyane, LeBron and Derrick Rose are chalking up huge sales for the Organizing Committee, adidas, Nike and anyone else with a logo on a shoe or shirt this summer. In any other situation, that contribution would be recognized. Do they actually need a cut of profits? No, they are multi-millionaires, that is why it gets the rest of us fired up. Do they deserve a cut? Arguably, yes.
There was a time when it looked unlikely that Great Britain would be represented in the Olympic basketball competition this summer. To a lot of people it’s probably news that Great Britain even has a basketball team. But, after a lengthy campaign, they got approval from FIBA to take the ‘host nation’ spot in the final twelve—great news for Luol Deng and his team, and all UK hoops fans.
Not such great news for the team who’s spot at the Olympics Great Britain took—Russia, who would ordinarily have gained automatic qualification for finishing third at last summer’s European Championships, and now has to go through a qualification tournament.
Russia’s head coach, David Blatt, is not exactly cool with the situation, and told Ria Novosti:
“Only because the Olympics are in London this year, the British team received a free pass, and that was at our expense, basically,” Blatt said. Asked whether he felt the British deserved the berth as Olympic host, he replied: “Sports-wise, no.”
“That’s the politics of the situation, and that’s what it is. It’s part of the picture, not a whole lot that I can do about it.”
As a normal person with the ability to use reason and logic, I totally agree with Blatt. Great Britain are probably not good enough to play at the Olympics, and there are several teams that, in a basketball sense, deserve to be there more than them. As a basketball fan who happens to be British, I’m not so sympathetic. We’re the host nation. We have a basketball team. That team gets to play at the event, like every host team has, ever. Sorry, Russia. Maybe see you in the summer.
2012年4月15日星期日
2012年4月12日星期四
Robert Ballard On Hand To Open 'Titanic — 12,450 Below' At Mystic Aquarium
Dr. Robert Ballard, the rock star of the oceanography world, was surrounded by reporters from many nations on Wednesday, as he inaugurated the new Titanic exhibit at Mystic Aquarium. After his preliminary remarks, journalists waited in a long line to talk to the famed explorer.
But not the 26 members of Todd Hougas' 5th-grade class from Smith School in New Britain. They got their very own confab with Ballard, ahead of the grown-ups, and were allowed to ask him whatever they wanted.
Hougas thought his students rose to the ocassion. "They asked him about his inspirations, about his goals, about why he wanted to be an explorer," said Hougas, proudly.
The kids all left fired up about their Titanic-related school research projects.
"It was so cool to see how that underwater camera worked," said Jasmin Olmedo, 10. "Its name is Jason."
"I love how the iceberg in the exhibit is cold and looks like the iceberg that the Titanic hit," said Vinny Hin, 10. "It's amazing."
The pupils were as impressed as the large press corps that came to preview "Titanic — 12,450 Feet Below," a historical and scientific exhibit that opens Thursday at the Mystic entertainment complex, museum and research center, which is operated by the Sea Research Foundation. Ballard is president of the foundation's Institute for Exploration.
The opening of the new show coincides with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the legendary ocean liner on April 14-15, 1912. Ballard, who discovered the ruins of the Titanic in 1985 — and later the ruins of the Bismarck, the PT-109 and the USS Yorktown — helped design the exhibit along with Tim Delaney, a former "imagineer" from Disney.
It was appropriate that a Disney person helped Ballard with the show: Ballard first became interested in ocean exploration as a child, when he saw the 1954 Disney classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." "I grew up wanting to be Captain Nemo," he said.
But not the 26 members of Todd Hougas' 5th-grade class from Smith School in New Britain. They got their very own confab with Ballard, ahead of the grown-ups, and were allowed to ask him whatever they wanted.
Hougas thought his students rose to the ocassion. "They asked him about his inspirations, about his goals, about why he wanted to be an explorer," said Hougas, proudly.
The kids all left fired up about their Titanic-related school research projects.
"It was so cool to see how that underwater camera worked," said Jasmin Olmedo, 10. "Its name is Jason."
"I love how the iceberg in the exhibit is cold and looks like the iceberg that the Titanic hit," said Vinny Hin, 10. "It's amazing."
The pupils were as impressed as the large press corps that came to preview "Titanic — 12,450 Feet Below," a historical and scientific exhibit that opens Thursday at the Mystic entertainment complex, museum and research center, which is operated by the Sea Research Foundation. Ballard is president of the foundation's Institute for Exploration.
The opening of the new show coincides with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the legendary ocean liner on April 14-15, 1912. Ballard, who discovered the ruins of the Titanic in 1985 — and later the ruins of the Bismarck, the PT-109 and the USS Yorktown — helped design the exhibit along with Tim Delaney, a former "imagineer" from Disney.
It was appropriate that a Disney person helped Ballard with the show: Ballard first became interested in ocean exploration as a child, when he saw the 1954 Disney classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." "I grew up wanting to be Captain Nemo," he said.
2012年3月12日星期一
Fashion made fun
MARSHALL - Coming soon to the Marshall area: a grand opening for Urban Hollywood, a quaint little boutique offering a mixture of trendy new fashion and old Hollywood legends.
Owner Peggy Lamote, who opened Urban Hollywood around Valentine's Day, said she is excited about the store's potential, pointing out that the variety of merchandise would continue to grow with its customers.
"We'll have a mixture of Hollywood legends and New Age stuff," Lamote said. "And I'll keep getting stuff in. I'm open to opinions if someone wants something specific."
So far, the boutique, which is located inside the Bot Appliance & Electronics store on West Main Street in Marshall, offers trendy women's clothing, including shirts, skirts and L.A. idol jeans, and jewelry, belts, bags, scarves and hair pieces.
"I want it to be an upbeat and fun place," Lamote said. "I tried to get trendy stuff, but also a variety. I especially wanted to keep prices affordable for everybody."
Lamote also has 10 prom dresses for sale in addition to a small selection of high-heeled shoes.
"It's fun to dress up," she said. "I wanted to be able to supply people with clothes for the special events that come up."
Lamote hopes to order clothing specific to the seasons or holidays, as well as for events like Snow Week or Homecoming. She also wants her sparkly dressing room area to be a fun place for people to enjoy while trying on clothing.
"Some events are getting more formal," she said. "It gets people away from the jeans and ready for the work world. Urban Hollywood, right on Main, is just an all-around boutique."
Lamote has always had a love and respect for classic Hollywood movie stars, which is why she wanted to incorporate that concept into her new store. A cardboard replica of Dorothy and Toto will great customers at the door. People can also find a variety of products, such as glassware, magnets and coasters, of stars or characters like Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop.
"I wanted to have fun with fashion and old legends," Lamote said.
For a number of years, Lamote worked out of her home in Marshall, doing bookwork for multiple companies. When businesses cut back, Lamote found herself looking for new employment opportunities. It's when she realized she missed face time with the public.
"I found myself without a job because of the economy," she said. "I wanted more than just a job. I wanted to provide something to the community."
Lamote said the idea of showcasing Hollywood stars kept creeping up from the back of her mind. For more than 30 years, Lamote has carried around a well-kept scrapbook containing pictures of countless black-and-white beauties, including Ann Margaret, Elvis, John Wayne and Ricky Nelson.
"I loved the legends things," she said. "And, the admiration of it keeps going on, whether it's our generation or theirs. It's for all ages, from little kids to grandmas and grandpas. It's what we all watch today. It's fun to reminisce."
Lamote's daughter Arica is also attending college, pursuing a degree in business management.
"Arica helps decorate and rearrange in the store when she can," Lamote said. "This venture allows me to have a job, but I also look at it as allowing an opportunity to give someone else a job in the future."
Urban Hollywood also has body piercing jewelry and perfume available.
"People have told me that they don't have anywhere else they can get the jewelry around here," Peggy Lamote said. "I order from different companies and I'll keep getting stuff in."
In the near future, Lamote is also planning to designate a corner for visitors to the area. She'll also be getting in summer clothing.
Urban Hollywood is currently open Tuesday through Saturday. Customers can also look forward to the grand opening in the near future.
Owner Peggy Lamote, who opened Urban Hollywood around Valentine's Day, said she is excited about the store's potential, pointing out that the variety of merchandise would continue to grow with its customers.
"We'll have a mixture of Hollywood legends and New Age stuff," Lamote said. "And I'll keep getting stuff in. I'm open to opinions if someone wants something specific."
So far, the boutique, which is located inside the Bot Appliance & Electronics store on West Main Street in Marshall, offers trendy women's clothing, including shirts, skirts and L.A. idol jeans, and jewelry, belts, bags, scarves and hair pieces.
"I want it to be an upbeat and fun place," Lamote said. "I tried to get trendy stuff, but also a variety. I especially wanted to keep prices affordable for everybody."
Lamote also has 10 prom dresses for sale in addition to a small selection of high-heeled shoes.
"It's fun to dress up," she said. "I wanted to be able to supply people with clothes for the special events that come up."
Lamote hopes to order clothing specific to the seasons or holidays, as well as for events like Snow Week or Homecoming. She also wants her sparkly dressing room area to be a fun place for people to enjoy while trying on clothing.
"Some events are getting more formal," she said. "It gets people away from the jeans and ready for the work world. Urban Hollywood, right on Main, is just an all-around boutique."
Lamote has always had a love and respect for classic Hollywood movie stars, which is why she wanted to incorporate that concept into her new store. A cardboard replica of Dorothy and Toto will great customers at the door. People can also find a variety of products, such as glassware, magnets and coasters, of stars or characters like Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop.
"I wanted to have fun with fashion and old legends," Lamote said.
For a number of years, Lamote worked out of her home in Marshall, doing bookwork for multiple companies. When businesses cut back, Lamote found herself looking for new employment opportunities. It's when she realized she missed face time with the public.
"I found myself without a job because of the economy," she said. "I wanted more than just a job. I wanted to provide something to the community."
Lamote said the idea of showcasing Hollywood stars kept creeping up from the back of her mind. For more than 30 years, Lamote has carried around a well-kept scrapbook containing pictures of countless black-and-white beauties, including Ann Margaret, Elvis, John Wayne and Ricky Nelson.
"I loved the legends things," she said. "And, the admiration of it keeps going on, whether it's our generation or theirs. It's for all ages, from little kids to grandmas and grandpas. It's what we all watch today. It's fun to reminisce."
Lamote's daughter Arica is also attending college, pursuing a degree in business management.
"Arica helps decorate and rearrange in the store when she can," Lamote said. "This venture allows me to have a job, but I also look at it as allowing an opportunity to give someone else a job in the future."
Urban Hollywood also has body piercing jewelry and perfume available.
"People have told me that they don't have anywhere else they can get the jewelry around here," Peggy Lamote said. "I order from different companies and I'll keep getting stuff in."
In the near future, Lamote is also planning to designate a corner for visitors to the area. She'll also be getting in summer clothing.
Urban Hollywood is currently open Tuesday through Saturday. Customers can also look forward to the grand opening in the near future.
2011年11月17日星期四
Christmas 2011: Winter Sports Gifts
It's Christmastime, so it's time to start that holiday shopping. Don't wait until the last minute to buy your winter sports fan the perfect gift this year.
Here are some great gift ideas for your winter sports enthusiast:
Boston Bruins Pullover Sweatshirt
Made by Majestic, this premium pullover is perfect for your Bruins fan. It has a soft fleece lining to keep them comfortable and an embroidered Bruins logo on the front. Officially licensed by the NHL, this quality sweatshirt costs just $54.95.
USA Olympics Vintage Games T-Shirt
This long-sleeve T-shirt features a retro look and has "USA Olympic Games" printed in distressed screen print lettering. Lightweight, this is perfect for wearing around the house or under an Olympics sweatshirt. For just $20, whoever wears it will love supporting their favorite Olympic sport.
'47 Brand Anaheim Ducks Fitted Hat
This hat is a great choice for your Ducks fan because it comes in a variety of fitted sizes. They can show off their support for their favorite team by sporting this hat. With a simple embroidered logo, the hat costs $21.95, and it is also an official NHL product.
Arizona Cardinals Blanket Throw
Do you want your loved ones to stay warm this winter without turning up the heat? This large fleece throw is plush will do just that, and it is soft to the touch. Your Arizona fan will be pleased with this gift, which is only $34.95. This is the perfect gift because it sports Arizona's dark Cardinal colors and logo.
Dallas Cowboys Duffel Bag
This large duffel bag is perfect for your Cowboys fan on the go. For just $39.95, they will get a bag with an authentic Cowboys logo and tons of zippered compartments, including one for headphones and a ventilated one for shoes. This is also a great gift because it has a reinforced bottom for ultimate durability.
Boston Bruins 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Replica Trophy
Make your NHL fan feel like a Bruins champion with this replica trophy. Eight inches high, it's perfect for a top spot on the trophy shelf as a constant reminder of the 2011 victory. It has a high-quality, bright Bruins logo on the front (perfect to go with that Bruins sweater). For $47.95, this is a limited-edition collectible product, so be sure to buy this for your Bruins fan before the season is over.
These are all great gifts for your sports fan this winter season. Whether it's a sweater or a cap, he or she will enjoy sporting the logo of his or her favorite team.
Here are some great gift ideas for your winter sports enthusiast:
Boston Bruins Pullover Sweatshirt
Made by Majestic, this premium pullover is perfect for your Bruins fan. It has a soft fleece lining to keep them comfortable and an embroidered Bruins logo on the front. Officially licensed by the NHL, this quality sweatshirt costs just $54.95.
USA Olympics Vintage Games T-Shirt
This long-sleeve T-shirt features a retro look and has "USA Olympic Games" printed in distressed screen print lettering. Lightweight, this is perfect for wearing around the house or under an Olympics sweatshirt. For just $20, whoever wears it will love supporting their favorite Olympic sport.
'47 Brand Anaheim Ducks Fitted Hat
This hat is a great choice for your Ducks fan because it comes in a variety of fitted sizes. They can show off their support for their favorite team by sporting this hat. With a simple embroidered logo, the hat costs $21.95, and it is also an official NHL product.
Arizona Cardinals Blanket Throw
Do you want your loved ones to stay warm this winter without turning up the heat? This large fleece throw is plush will do just that, and it is soft to the touch. Your Arizona fan will be pleased with this gift, which is only $34.95. This is the perfect gift because it sports Arizona's dark Cardinal colors and logo.
Dallas Cowboys Duffel Bag
This large duffel bag is perfect for your Cowboys fan on the go. For just $39.95, they will get a bag with an authentic Cowboys logo and tons of zippered compartments, including one for headphones and a ventilated one for shoes. This is also a great gift because it has a reinforced bottom for ultimate durability.
Boston Bruins 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Replica Trophy
Make your NHL fan feel like a Bruins champion with this replica trophy. Eight inches high, it's perfect for a top spot on the trophy shelf as a constant reminder of the 2011 victory. It has a high-quality, bright Bruins logo on the front (perfect to go with that Bruins sweater). For $47.95, this is a limited-edition collectible product, so be sure to buy this for your Bruins fan before the season is over.
These are all great gifts for your sports fan this winter season. Whether it's a sweater or a cap, he or she will enjoy sporting the logo of his or her favorite team.
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