Herb Brooks Pre-game pep talk from Miracle

I just saw this on Sports Center.  This kid does a great impression of coach Herb Brooks speech before the U.S. vs. Soviet Union, "Miracle" game in 1980.  I love his enthusiasm, especially towards the end of the speech when he recites "that you're the greatest hockey team."





And here is the speech scene from the movie...

Costas, Michaels, and the Miracle on Ice

Nice game by the U.S getting the victory over Canada tonight 5-3.  Great diving, open net goal by Ryan Kesler, to seal the win for Team USA. 

Speaking of Olympic hockey, here are two articles by Joe Posnanski on just that topic

Here he interviews the broadcast team that called the Miracle on Ice game in 1980, Al Michaels and Bob Costas.

And in the process of prepping for that interview, here is Joe's 10 Things About the Miracle on Ice.  Some you may know, some you may not.  A good read either way.

USA Snowboard Gear

I'm really impressed with the USA Snowboarding teams uniforms.  Burton came up with an interesting concept making gear that looks like jeans and plaid/flannel like shirt.  Check out Shaun White sporting the gear in Vancouver.

2010 Winter Olympics - Vancouver

I've been really enjoying watching the Winter Olympics thus far.  I love hearing the Olympic theme music, "Bugler's Dream," by Leo Arnaud.  It sends chills down my spine.  I remember back in 2006, watching a lot of the Turino Olympics especially ice hockey (thanks to my roommate Tim, who was from North Dakota and quite the hockey fan).  I think I enjoy watching the winter games more than the summer (I do enjoy watching the summer games as well), because of the exciting nature of the events, the pushing to the edge of speed and shall we say insanity, as well as the beautiful scenery. 

I think I get pumped to watch the Olympics because there are always great stories that are told through the games.  Stories of triumph and overcoming tragedy.  Stories of overcoming injuries and redemption for past losses.  And stories of the joy of competing and the camaraderie of the competitors.  As I watched the conclusion of one of the Men's Nordic Combined events, I really was able to see the athletes embody the Olympic spirit.  Yes, the athletes competed as hard as they could to win a medal.  But at the same time, you could see after they were each finishing, how they congratulated each other and how silently they acknowledged the accomplishment of competing in the Olympics and the training it takes to get there.  Time and training that only the few competitors really know.

As I watch the games, I can not help but feel for the athletes that come up short, especially in the less publicized events, as opposed to ice hockey or figure skating.  Yes, these athletes compete in world championships and on a world cup circuit in many cases, but the Olympic games are the highlight and focus for them.  It's tough to see when they train so hard for 4 years for this moment, but then may come up short.  It's not like a lot of professional sports I watch where there is always "next year," but often many may only have one or two more shots to bring home an Olympic Gold.

The Olympics though make for great drama, excitement, and unabashed joy.  My favorite moment so far in the Olympics was the Women's Mogul's Free Style Skiing.  Making the last run of the event, USA's Hannah Kearney, makes a superfast run, and beats out Canada's darling, Jennifer Heil, to take home the gold.  As soon as her time and score flashed, teammate Shannon Bahrke (bronze medalist) came charging over hugging her and screaming.  It was a great moment as they jumped around together with pure adrenaline.  Awesome!

How I Met Your Mother goes Major League

I caught up on last weeks episode of How I Met Your Mother today and was delighted to see Ted and Barney spoofing a little of Major League.  "Pennant Fever" from the movie's soundtrack as Ted coached up Barney.  Classic.  And even better I found the song on youtube for you to enjoy

A Gentleman

"This is the final test of a gentleman:  his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him."

~ William Lyon Phelps

A Movie and A Concert

Last week I checked out the movie, More than a Game, and got to watch Chapter 6 in concert out in Alliance.  Both were excellent.  More than a Game follows LeBron James and his best friends (dubbed fab four and later five with the addition of Romeo Travis) from 11 years of age through high school.  This group grew up together as they pursued their basketball dreams.  The movie really lives up to its title, to show that the deep friendships and relationships that were forged by these kids were really more than just about basketball.  It was about these kids growing together into good men.  The behind the scene looks at this journey were cool to see, because it showed these kids just being kids and showing how much they cared about each other. 

Now how does this relate to watching the acappella group, Chapter 6, in concert.  Chapter 6 has a similar story.  They were a group of guys that met in college and sung together.  They shared during their concert about the relationships and bonds they formed as a group, as now they have been together for 8-9 years touring across the globe.  It is fun to listen to them retell stories about being on the road together and how they have written many songs out of the adventures they have had on the road, such as Ode to the Krispie Kreme Donut and Lost in Canada.  Its cool to see these guys being able to do something they love, grow together in their faith, and being able to share life together from college, to marriage, to traveling, to kids. 


If you get a chance to view either of these, I would recommend doing so.  You won't be dissapointed.