Au Revoir 2007, Bonjour 2008!

How do I even begin to describe the year 2007?

If you had told me one year ago today that I'd accomplish this much in the next 365 days, I woulda called you a dreamer. But as I learned through the course of this tumultuous and eventful 2007, expect the least expected in life.

Change invaded my life like a cold front from the Arctic. Perspectives changed. People around me changed, or perhaps more likely, my vision for the past/present/future all altered in some way. Standing at the top of the hill of 2007, I can tell you the view is breathtaking. In every sense, 2007 was a major life-changing year.

I avidly pursued my goals during this year and I had fun while I was at it. I met countless captivating and intriguing people and on the China trip especially, I saw things that really makes me more appreciative of the world I live in.

The best part about 2007? I've gained a lot and lost little. (Weight-wise too!) That's what makes me so satisfied. I feel the motivation to power through the incoming 2008. I expect a lot, and there's nothing holding me back. 2007 will forever remain as the year when maturity and realization of life hit me like a roaring train.

The list of people I want to thank is too long. That's a good thing. For today, I will only give a general shout out to everyone who deserves it, and you know who you are! In 2008, I promise to spend valuable moments with friends and family even more meaningfully. I will try to be happy and grateful because believe me, time flies! There is no way to forecast how by next year, on December 31st, 2008, what my reflection article will be like, hopefully better written than this one.

For me, 2007 has, without any hint of a doubt, been the best year of my life...yet. ...and that "yet" is the good news. I know there will be better years to come. For now, I'll just sit back, relax and hit the play button on the film of memories.

Oh, I almost forgot my New Year's Resolution: 1. Make Harry and I's Internet Radio Show a popular crowd-pleaser. 2. Beat the Danny of 2007 in terms of kindness, creativity, vocabulary, school/community involvement, intelligence and willpower. Hey, maybe I won't forget my resolution this year now that it's recorded on this blog.

So with 2 and a half hours to go in 2007, we hail good-bye to the year that was but not to the pleasant memories that tags along with it. ...and say bonjour to an embracing 2008!

-D

Some Random Thoughts

You know how boredom can invade your life during the holidays, right? When that happens, I survive by just thinking about stuff, anything that comes to mind and here are some of the collected ideas I had in the past few days:

1. The Cleveland Cavaliers played their Christmas matchup much better than their record indicates. Perhaps it's just the fact that their opponents were the free falling, 8-19 Miami Heats.
2. Harry and I's show is going smoothly, but I know we can improve. Our next air time is 6:30 PM on January 2nd, 2007. Give it a listen and please call in to talk with us about 2007 in Sports.
3. Mark Prior will never live up to his pre-draft hype, not even in his new home of San Diego.
4. The Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot is dull this year. Maybe that's good news for some of the long time awaiters like Bert Blyleven, Rich Gossage, Jim Rice etc. It'd be interesting to see in what fashion will the Mitchell Report impact candidates like Mark McGwire, David Justice and Chuck Knoblauch.
5. The bigoted North American media should promote more of the less popular, but very cool sports like ping pong, badminton, skiing, kayaking and to a certain extent, athletics. But please, no more "poker" during primetime broadcasts.

There's just 4 days left in this brilliant year of 2007. I'll enjoy the rest of it while I can. It's been one heck of a year! In 2008, let's hope the world of sports will be less clouded over by controversies and please tune in to Harry and I's internet radio show!

-D

Thoughts on the Mitchell Report

What's the result of a former US Senator's 409 page “REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF BASEBALL OF AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE ILLEGAL USE OF STEROIDS AND OTHER PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES BY PLAYERS IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL”?

Eighty-nine names...

Tainted.

...and this is only the beginning of what is likely to be a massive probe into the steroid-baseball relationship, which is nothing new by now.

There in lies the problem...this is nothing new. Yet only on the home stretch of this 2007 calendar year was this report released, at least a decade if not more after the issue of steroid use and performance-enhancing drugs became known. Uhh…where were you during those 10+ years, Mr. Selig?

Too little too late, Mr. Commissioner. To me, this is a lame attempt to "catch up" after a mishap, or more fittingly, a nonchalant oblivion at the starting gate. It was the exact same Commissioner who let the steroid issue become rampant and now tells someone else to point the finger on others. Was he doing this just because Congress was on his tail and that his legacy would take a dramatic turn for the worst if he sat around any longer?

After briefly scrolling through the internet copy of this hyped report, I concluded that it was dumping sand onto the beach and spilling water into the ocean. That's to say much of the information in the anecdotes are already facts we know. For example, there is extensive coverage about past drug policies which are clearly ineffective and considerable information on the career history of those named. I'll admit this, I was surprised to see so many names appear in the report, but again, the main credits should go to former Mets clubhouse employee Kirk Radomski as he was the primary witness/facts provider, not Senator Mitchell.

How will all this abbreviated information affect HOF voting, many ask. I reply to them, most of these people aren't worthy of Hall of Fame inductions anyway. For the odd few like Roger Clemens and reluctantly...Barry Bonds, the impact will be determined by each voting writer. If they choose to maintain Hall integrity, then so be it. The wisest decision is to wait. Wait for more thorough information to surface. Wait for the players' side of the story, for their teammates' accounts...wait for a more informed opinion to be formed.

The Mitchell Report or not, this political controversy is totally ruining the sport. It's suppose to be the national pastime! But how many players nowadays can honestly say they play baseball for passion? It's all because of money which has led to an ensuing downfall of baseball. Players crave for the greenback, so they do whatever they can to earn it. It's idiotic, moronic and has gotten utterly preposterous.

Yes, perhaps they were trying their legal best and I don't think they should be punished for that. However, that doesn’t make it exemplary in any way. They did a stupid thing and they are horrible role models. Children and teenagers look up to these men and the best they could do is to commit "long-term suicide" by ejecting stuff or popping pills?

Major League Baseball severely lacked strictness and is now putting on a production of political theatre to desperately try to tackle the issue. However, attempting to scare the bejesus out of the accused players without absolutely credible proof is not going to cut it. Sure there are dozens of cheques and other exhibits attached to the double-spaced report but at the end of the day, the report still lacks hard evidence to convict anybody. It does nothing to change my stance on Bud Selig's failure to control the rampant drug use in the early stages.

Senator Mitchell gets a "D-".

Major League Baseball gets a "D-"

The biggest losers are still those dumb, buck-hungry steroid users. They get an "F".

-D

Adjournment!

School's Out!

For the next couple weeks at least.

I've been looking forward to this break and I'm glad it's here! With that said, I still have tons of stuff to accomplish over the break. Right now, I have a list of a dozen things I have to do before school recommences again on the 7th.

Since I'm in IB, I'm not surprised there's quite a bit of work over the holiday break, especially IT course which frustrates me alot. But anyway, I've worked hard and I rightfully deserve a couple weeks of semi-relaxation.

During this 2007 school year, grades 8 and 9 combined, I've had a fabulous time and it's hard to believe that what has been the best time of my life began 1 year ago. A year ago, the Christmas sing-a-long at Donview really was a benchmark. From there on, I've done so many cool things, have so much fun, met so many friendly people, learned alot about myself, became mroe mature, and I couldn't have asked for a better package of memories. I guess I shouldn't step too much on the shoes of my end of year reflection..

That's it for now!

-D

Snow Report and Change in Show Time

I woke up on Sunday, took a walk in the heavy snow, came back home, had my brunch, did some homework, then ventured back out again. Yeah, I have an obsession with snow and you can imagine how ecstatic I was to witness the gazillions of flakes than dawned on our city on Saturday and Sunday. Nearly a foot was dropped and the snowbanks right now are frighteningly tall and massive to say the least. Stretches of sidewalks are covered by embankments of 3 feet high which I must climb over to get to school and the windrows left by snowplows reach up to one's waste. So that's the snow report for now. Hopefully, the white stuff will stick around for a decked up Christmas.

Now, onto our radio show. Harry and I have decided to postpone the first "real" show to Saturday at 6:30 PM, still the same topic (Mitchell Report and NBA). On Wednesday, we'll be hosting a test show just to clear all glitches and smoothen the path. If you want to tune into that, go ahead...it's just two of us making sure things work.

One final thought: we're onto the home stretch of 2007 now and I can certainly say my year has been an absolute brilliant production. So...what's your favourite memories of 2007?

-D

Let It Snow!

Hey Everyone!

As you've probably heard by now, a crippling snowstorm is on its way to Southern Ontario. The inch or two of lake enhanced snow we saw today is only a warm up to what will be one of the worst storms in Toronto in a long time. Currently, the system is stationed over northern Louisiana and will track its way just south of the Great Lakes blanketing us with heavy white stuff.

Beginning later this evening through Sunday evening, at least 30 cm of snow is expected, if not more. We are in jeopardy of receving accumulations of up to 40, even in excess of 45 toward the Hamilton region. Whatever the case will be, it's gonna be one heck of storm. It's gonna bring out the meteorologist/storm chaser in me.

Snowfall rates of 2-5 cm/hour are imminent and travel will become next to impossible on unplowed roads. Get ready folks! This is December at its best in Canada!

-D

P.S. Thundersnow is likely!!!

I'm Back

Hello All!

I am officially back. It's been a 5 months break and I finally decided to restart the blog. Partly because I am now the host of a new BlogTalkRadio internet sports show. This time, I'm co-hosting the show with my good friend/sports enthusiast, Harry Dai. The website is www.blogtalkradio.com/hdsports. Y'all, our first show will be on the air on Wednesday, December 19th at 6:30 PM. Hope you can tune in and of course, we'd love some callers. We'll be discussing the recent Mitchell Report and some NBA action too. From now on, I'll be posting regularly...alright, over and out for now!

-D

Milestones, Milestones and More Milestones

Historically speaking, June 28th, 2007 will go down in baseball history as one of the most tumultuous days. Two significant milestones were reached yesterday, about 8 hours apart. Frank Thomas of my adored Blue Jays drilled into the left field bleachers his 500th career home run. Later that evening in a place called Houston, Texas, Craig Biggio launched his 3000th career base hit. Two distinguished accomplishments, two exclusive clubs, two shoo-in Hall of Famers.

I doubt that there has ever been a bigger day for baseball. Off the top of my head, there was a day in 1991 when Nolan Ryan got his 7th no-hitter while Ricky Henderson earlier in the day had snatched his 939th stolen base, breaking the all time record by Lou Brock. In 1990, Dave Stewart and Fernando Valenzuela each pitched an absolute gem, you probably know it better as a no-hitter. But as a MLB story goes on to say, the biggest day in baseball is whatever is most important to you. And for me, this is “the biggest”. Not only was my Blue Jays involved on this meaningful day, my second favourite team, the Astros were also right in the mix. That is why this has been so special.

Thomas, ironic enough, blasted his 500th in the same place where his 1st homer came, nearly 17 years former. For Biggio, all 3002 of his hits have all come with Houston. These two guys have had illustrious careers and it’s appropriate to have had both achievements come on the same day. June 28th, 2007, whenever we look back in the course of baseball history, will stand out to many baseball fans as remarkable.

If you didn't get enough of Thursday's milestone showdown, I've good news for you. The milestones are in no short supply! Even looking in the rear view mirror of this baseball year, there has been ample amount of milestones and historic feats. Sammy Sosa's 600th, the two no-no's by Mark Buehrle and Justin Verlander. There was just 13th unassisted triple play in baseball history, turned by Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in April. Chone Figgins of the Angels also had a 6-6 game in which he slapped a walk-off triple in the 9th inning. John Smoltz earned his 200th career win, Doc Halladay and Mark Buehrle's 100th wins, and of course, the king of closers reached the ultimate milestone, nailing down his unprecedented 500th career save.

I repeat, there's a lot more to come. Expect A-Rod to hammer his 500th; he is currently
at 492. Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome both sit at 481. Ken Griffey Jr. has a shot at 600, he is 16 away. Tom Glavine is highly likely to get his 300th win, he is only 3 wins short. When Pedro Martinez comes back, he only needs 2 strikeouts to enter the 3000 K's club which only contains 14 members. The one potential milestone with the most eyes on it is Barry Bonds' chase for 755, but I already dedicated a whole article to him. And really, how many people would want to hear the same argument on Bonds again and again and again?

Last but certainly not least, I gotta tip my cap to both Thomas and Biggio for their magnificent milestones. They are truly classy guys who play the game the way it should be played as seen when Biggio chugged hard for second on his 3000th hit, or Thomas acknowledging the very kind standing ovation Minnesota fans gave to the Big Hurt. Well, get enough of this section of the story, because the next time I cover Alex Rodriguez's 500th bomb, you probably won't see this paragraph, if ya know what I mean!

-D

Oh and Happy Canada Day!

Valedictorian Speech 2007

My grade 8 graduation will begin in just 3 hours!! And I will be spotlighted as valedictorian. And I'm doing another musical performance with my friend David at the end of the ceremony. It's going to be a hell lot of fun. I thought somebody might be interested, so here is a transcript of my valedictorian speech:

VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH 2007

By: Danny Zhang

Hello, parents, school staff, the administration and honoured graduates. It is here and right now that we deboard the train of elementary school. (Pause) We will cross the platform and soon depart on the High School express. (Smile) I am humbled and so honoured by this opportunity to speak at graduation as valedictorian! I see this ceremony not only as a celebration but an event to savour all the good stuff and lasting memories we’ve seen together. (Hand motions) Graduates, doesn’t it seem that a short while ago, you were sitting at your Grade 5 graduation? Can you believe it? We’ve witnessed, at this school, (Hand motions) 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, three tremendous years full of endless adventures, all kinds of fun, many new steps toward maturity and a whole lot of new knowledge.

I know I’ve been though a lot here. (Hand motions) Ohhh…there was WAPE Day in Grade 6, Mono Cliffs in Grade 7, then the awesome Quebec City trip later that year, (Using one breath, hand mtions) band trips to Wonderland, being part of student council, school dances, talent shows, playing with the band in school concerts, the science fairs, spelling bees and intramural ball hockey. Working on the yearbook was a thrill as well, not to mention that a mere two weeks ago, about 70 of us had a whale of a time in our Nation’s Capital, on the fantastic graduation trip to Ottawa. I’m sure everyone has their own personal memories beyond those extra-curriculars ranging from earning the Honour Roll recognition to the bloopers in gym class to what else? Just havin’ fun with your friends!

My favourite memory though has to be the Brass Ensemble which I was a part of this year along with 10 other very talented musicians. We played beautiful music and had the greatest laughs together. Every Friday, I always eagerly looked forward to our rehearsal because it really was a special and fun group. We won a silver medal at the Kiwanis Music Festival and then had our well-deserved time of glory playing in the TDSB concert at George Weston Hall in the Toronto Centre for the Arts. It took a lot hard work, alright, (Hand motions) but we were all committed. And I want to give a big thank you to Mr. Karpenko who has made the music program here very illustrious. The good times I had with Brass Ensemble is truly something I will forever cherish. How ‘bout it brass? Let’s have a reunion sometime in the future!

And what’s a valedictorian’s speech without shout-outs and more thank you’s? So I think all of us should give a warm applause for Ms. Brown, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Zangolli, Ms. K and Ms. Gill, (Hand motions) who are undoubtedly the backbone of our school. (Applause) Also, every hard working teacher here who put dedicated work into the good cause of education. To name a few who have made a difference in my life: Mr. Robinson, Ms. Meszsesan, Ms. D’Silva, Ms. Belizaire, Ms. Rosen, Ms. Donkena, Ms. Matas, Mr. Fong, Ms. Magowan, Mr. Kocicka and Ms. Zapior. Then, there are the custodians who maintain our sometimes messy school. And also the courteous support staff who are reliable for help whenever you need it. Thank you all so much. Let’s give them a well-deserved ovation! (Applause) It is because of your great work that I’m able to say: (Hand motions) Donview, what a school!

And finally, shout-out to all of the graduates. (Hand motions) We have made it! In a short two months time, we’ll once again embark on a mission but this time we’ll be on different trains headed to all directions. I may never see many of you again, but you can bet (Slight pointing) I’ll never forget you! The “Donview Era” of our lives is about to end and it has been an unforgettable one! We have grown up so much here at this school and achieved a bundle of goals. (Slowly) It is with great pride tonight that we step out the doors and embrace the ups and downs of the next 4 tumultuous years. (Pause, then expressively) It’s a heck of a challenge! Remember, inspiration is everywhere, follow your dreams and express passion in your lives! Don’t be afraid to take chances, be positive, be a good friend and have fun! And lastly, I wish you have a fabulous summer and the best of luck in all your future endeavours… (Point) but don’t forget me! (Wink)

Thank you all, keep your knees loose and so long! (Wave)

-Danny

So Close, Dustin!

The Toronto Blue Jays have had more than their share of almost no hitters. On that list include Halladay vs. the Tigers in 1998. Jim Clancy’s near perfecto in Minnesota; and of course the consecutive “lost-it-on-the-last-out” starts in which Dave Stieb came to the doorstep of history, but was rejected in outstanding attempts. You can now inscribe another name onto that list. Dustin McGowan, earlier this afternoon, carried a no-no into the 9th before Jeff Baker hacked his way on to break many fans’ hearts. No hitters are stupendously tough to come by these days and for young Dustin, he was all so close!

It had been a game of dominance for McGowan, inching, out by out, closer to history before the magic was temporarily lost on that first batter in the 9th inning. By the 7th, the nice getaway day crowd applauded for every strike. They audibly cheered on the 25 year old righty as he cruised his way through the game, only to run into the bump just 3 outs away from a no hitter. Then, Dustin was encouraged by an inevitable standing ovation, a reminder that even though the hit was registered, his performance was exceptionally fabulous.

“I felt good...you give Baker the credit for putting a good swing on it...” remarked McGowan who did still earn the 1st shutout and complete game of what looks to be a promising career. If it’s any help, Dustin, you hurled only the 17th one hitter in Blue Jay history and that’s one heck of an accomplishment! What a show the phenom put on! It was more than enough to keep everyone happy. Overall, and I mean every aspect of the game, power, pitching, defense...was present this afternoon, in what was a magnificent game!

Somewhat overlooked, Frank Thomas sent into orbit the 499th majestic round tripper of this career. That’s a lot of home runs! Perhaps he’s not getting the publicity all other 499er’s got in the past, but for a cool veteran guy like the Big Hurt, it might be better to not be over-pressured. You can bet that 500 will be a really loud smash and Frankie will be assured a ticket to Cooperstown.

And how ‘bout V-Dub? Isn’t he starting to sock ‘em too?! I think Wells still needs more plate discipline but it’s never too late to help your team. This team is at .500, the table is set for the next 18/21 to be played away from home. An immediate 10 game road trip is on the schedule. Sounds tough, I know. But look at what momentum can do! Look at what happened Friday night in the 10th which really straightened out the path for Saturday and Sunday! The time is now to get it rolling! Let’s go get ‘em, boys!

-D

All For the Buck

It's a boring Sunday, last before the end of middle school. Needless to say, I'm so excited about graduation. Yaayy! I'll have my report card marks up tomorrow or later today. FYI, I'm leaving for China on July 7th. And don't forget to tune into my radio show at blogtalkradio.com/dannyz312 tomorrow night at 8:30 PM to talk tennis!

All For the Buck

If you pay even the vaguest attention to pro sports, you probably don’t need me to tell you that professional athletes get paid a lot these days! It’s a positive fact! It is also one of the wackiest industries out there. Baseball is my sport and I’m not the expert you would find to talk soccer or football or even hockey for that matter, so I don’t have the best idea of player salary in the leagues other than the MLB. But I can certainly say that the Boys of Summer have very bulging wallets! The baseball market has inflated like blowfish in the past decade, partly because of our economic development, but you gotta figure that’s just an insignificant portion of what’s happening. The main reason is that players crave for more and give some credit to very generous General Managers and owners as well. Oh boy, believe me! They’re more willing to give than Mother Teresa! Why? We ask. Why do they deserve more today than they deserved back in the days? It seems unanswerable and to me, it is obfuscating. Historic players have performed at the same level as today’s and some even exceedingly great. Think how different is the market now than it was 10 years ago, yet 10 years ago a $100 million contract was out of the picture, unheard of, never entered the equation and off the charts.

Nolan Ryan was the first player in history to get paid $1 million/year. That was back in 1979 which I thought was still pretty crazy. Since then, the top paid players have cashed in $2 million (1981), $5.8 million, $10 million, $15 714 286 and today, Alex Rodriguez of the slumping Yankees sits on the throne by hauling in a hefty $26 million. You want something preposterously insane? There you go, A-Rod’s stratosphere contract! Getting paid $26 million to play a “game” is just plain non-sense. Sure, it’s competitive, but how about running for President? Doesn’t that make the baseball competition look like some after-school day care? Sure, baseball’s risky but how about serving in the military, or being a police officer? Which one would you rather pick? It takes skill to hammer a ball 400 feet but being an artist requires some super-capability as well (to me at least).

The market inflation has also give a lot of small-market teams headaches. It’s not fair for them to have in hand, a budget that’s a spit in the sea! The Yankees are in the hundreds of millions on their salary, but last year, the payroll for the entire Marlins organization was a miniscule $14 million. A handful of single players were paid more than that. The list includes Jeter, Bonds, Randy Johnson, Clemens, A-Rod, Sheffield… I never thought I’d say this, but I think MLB needs to put a salary cap on things to control the wild situation concerning $$$. Perhaps Billy Beane does a good job with it, but does he really like to fiddle with dimes and nickels when shopping in a lavish mall of buck-crazy free agents? I doubt it!

Toronto’s own GM JP Ricciardi has had an impact on the huge market inflation. When he got BJ Ryan and AJ Burnett $50 million bucks each, a rise in the price tag on the jobless free agents and other free-agents-to-be became inevitable. In the winter of 06-07, he does it yet again, with the rush to sign an aging, slow as snails Frank Thomas for $9 million/year. The free agency of 06-07 was absurdly crazy. Overpaid is an understatement. You’ll have to come up with a whole new set of adjectives to describe the following list: Alfonso Soriano’s “colossal” 8 years for $136 mil, Carlos Lee’s “staggering” 6 year-100, Gary Matthews’ fluke year got him a wholesome 5 years for 55 million (seriously, Matthews had a .240 career batting average up until 2006! 11 million per? Does whoever signed him need to go to a mental hospital?), Gil Meche’s luck that he was one of the few decent pitchers on the market earned him a very enjoyable $11 million/year too. The Cubs rewarded a consistent but not terrific Ted Lilly with $40 million over 4 years. JD Drew was hyped for huge payday, not to mention San Francisco now being filled with overpriced Barry’s, the latest addition (Zito) pocketing a mammoth amount of $126 million in the next while. Is this what they teach in General Managers’ class? How to write cheques with 8 or 9 digit numbers?

Vernon Wells sure wasn’t complaining either, because he was guaranteed a titanic sum of $126 million over 7 years. I can’t imagine why players get so much. Say I was a sports writer and I made $50 000 a year. It’s decent money but I’d be envious to know an average baseball athlete is paid 20 times that and a whole bunch a lot higher. Is his job 20 times harder than mine? Does he give in 20 times the effort? Does he contribute 20 times more to society than I do? No! Then how is it fair that those people are millionaires in an instant and I still have to commute to the office, do a legitimate job and at the end of the day, can’t even pool my lifetime salary together to beat his in a year or less? If it’s anything, pro athletes get 20 times better treatment than the Average Joe like you and me. Oh and plus, injuries to ball players don’t obscure them from getting paid whatever they’re “owed”. Some of it is totally unjustified, but there’s the world we’ve known for a long time now, full of gaps and differences.

I have to ask, when did this pure, simple game of baseball develop into a bidding war? Money is wrecking the game! Baseball is America’s pastime and it should be about anything but the cheques. God knows how many players even play the game for passion nowadays. Before, virtually every guy in the clubhouse had true love for the game, hustled their guts out, and couldn’t care less about the buck. To the athletes in the game right now, if you think you deserve $10 million a year (which is what nearly 100 players get paid or more), you’d better give it 200% every day! Don’t get me wrong, I admire the Reed Johnson, your Ryan Freel, Grady Sizemore and the Ichiro Suzuki, who work so hard and don’t mind living in a rented apartment. When it’s all said and done, a 7-digit salary per year still seems out of place for baseball. To the Richie Rich owners, this sport, no matter how much you invest in it, will still only be an entertainment industry and will merely affect fans like us, not the “Real World”. And next up on my salary crackdown list: movie stars.

-D

Quick Stuff

Some really fast points before I go:

-I'll post an article I wrote tomorrow
-I've a radio show on Wimbledon scheduled for Monday at 8:30 PM
-I got a very satifactory report card today
-I am very involved with graduation
-I am delighted to see 600 from Sosa, but really, the guy's an idiot who's actually been caught cheating
-Go Jays!
-I heard that some writer on the Los Angeles Times wrote: President Bush is a duck so lame that he's almost quadripeligic. It's a funny and true statement.

Alrighty, so long for now!

-D

Alexandre Despatie

I'm back, finally after a fantastic visit to Ottawa! Boy was it great.

Now, I'm back to my sports writer mode and will now start posting.

ALEXANDRE DESPATIE

It's hard to imagine yourself tumbling off a 10 metre platform; do beautiful twists and turns in mid-air, then entering a swimming pool head first making a splash that you will miss if you blink. Sounds impressive, eh? I've always been compelled by the posrt of diving and coming from a diving superpower nation by the name of China, I've seen my share of outstanding divers. Close to home, my hometown Wuhan produced a 4 time Olympic champion diver, Fu Mingxia. She was just 13 when she first participated in the Barcelona Games of 1992!

I encountered another superstar diver here in Canada. His name is Alexandre Despatie. The 22 year old who was born in Laval, Quebec has more than 30 championships under his belt, including Commonwealth and World. Despatie is also the proud owner of an Olympic Silver Medal. This guy is no short of amazing. Actually, he's been amazing for 9 years now! It began in the 1998 Commonwealth games where Despatie saw action as a 13 year old! His dives were already unbelievably awesome back then, but who would dare to say this Canadian phenom would become Commonwealth Champion? There was a bewitching spirit in Kuala Lumpur on that night. The then Alexandre, who wasn't even in high school yet, "out-dove" all the competitors on the 10 metre platform and set a Commonwealth record on his was to snagging the gold medal! He waved our Maple Leaf, he pumped his fists and he made Canada proud!

The pride of Laval entered the 2000 Sydney games with high expectations. Canada wasn't let down, of course. Alexandre finished fourth on the 10 metre platform, not too shabby for a 15 year old! Despatie was "fantastique". In the first few years of the new millenium, Despatie kept adding to the mantlepiece with gold medals at the World Aquatic Championships, Grand Prix Championships, and Pan American Games, oh and he defended that Commonwealth title as well in 2002. Daily, the tireless athlete wakes up at 7:30 AM then its splash time at Claude-Robillard Centre. In the afternoon, he does important out of pool training. I'd call it a pretty busy, hectic and exhausting day, but that's the life of a pro athlete. You gotta give maximum effort and Alexandre belongs right in that category.

Going into Athens, expectations were again set high for Despatie. And again, he did brilliant picking up a shiny silver medal on the 3 metre. On the tower though, Alexandre just couldn't bear the extraordinary Chinese and got himself a marvelous 4th place once again. The young 19 year old was also an ambassador for McDonald's Restaurants in Quebec and like you would've guessed, the honour was given to him after the '98 victory, when he was just 14.

Three more gold came his way at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. What more can you ask for, except that big missing piece in the puzzle. The distinguished Olympic Gold and the eternal and elite title of Olympic Champion is the only thing missing in this sensational diver's life. So what do you say, Alex, can you mix together the right formula again and make Canada proud one more time? The sky is the limit and the next stop is Beijing.

-D

Update

Sorry, guys, my new house doesn't have telephone or internet access yet and I'm writing this connected to some remote wireless service. Anyway, I'm mostly done settling down and will write more soon, including 2 new posts this week. I didn't get to do my show last Tuesday and I'll schedule one for next Thursday.

-D

Moving Day

I'm moving tomorrow. Yep, that's right. I'm moving to a place nearer my high school. So ya. It's been 4 years since I last moved. Boy is it ever stressful. It messes up your daily routines. I hat packing and unpacking. I really want to just get it over with and get it done. I will never forget my memories in this house. Time flies!

-D

Notes on Tonight's Show

The show, if you missed it, was a great one. My friend called in we had a legitimate discussion. It was a pleasure talking and sharing my thoughts. This (Bonds v. Aaron) issue is greatly debated and it's not if, but when Bonds will surpass the magnanimous Hammerin' Hank. Next show is Tuesday, May 29th at 8:30 PM. Hope you'll catch it.

-D

Dooh!!

I made a stupid mistake. Instead of scheduling today's show for 8:30 PM, I accidentally requested a 6PM spot. How stupid. Now, I've got to change some material and go on air tomorrow at 6PM because all the prime time spots have been taken. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Anyway, tune in tomorrow at 6 and call in. On Thursday, we'll talk about the Barry Bonds controversy at 8:30 PM! Listen and tell people about it!

-D

Radio Shows

Yes, I have my own radio show. It's on www.blogtalkradio.com/dannyz312 Go to that link to see my channel. Okay, here' s the stuff that's upcoming. On Tuesday, May 22nd, I will be on the air at 8:30 PM to talk about Major League Baseball action. We take a look on the fairytale of the Milwaukee Brewers, give a tip of the cap to Shaun Marcum and Jesse Litsch and play a little Oddball. On Thursday, tune into my channel to hear about the Barry Bonds chase at 8:30 PM. You can even call in to discuss the topics at 646-478-4569. Hope you can listen and call in!!

-D

Bonds v. Aaron: The Chase is On!

Bonds v. Aaron

When Barry Bonds hits his 756th home run, I can guarantee you it will be all over the news. It will be on the front page of the New York Times, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Tribune, the Toronto Sun, the Houston Chronicles, you name it! TV channels will have it covered too, probably splashing it in front of all the local reports, politics, gas station complaints and fellow sports highlights. And just like any other front page piece or lead story, this one's geared up for great controversy and ample debate.

When that 756th is hit, we'll never see the end of replays. How many of really wants to see it over and over and over again? Frankly, I would much rather own a highlight reel of all the Hank Aaron home runs than watch Bonds belt moon shots into McCovey's Cove. You have to realize who's record Aaron was breaking. It was a true legend in the name of the Great Bambino. The feat was unheralded and people, not just fans, were so overwhelmed by the fact that the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth's name was being erased out of history books. And remember, Aaron's journey towards 715 was much more raucous than Bonds can ever imagine, much less that anything he has/is/will experience (d, ing). Death threats, acrid racial slurs, cruel belligerence...all kinds of nasty stuff was thrown at Aaron, not to mention the insurmountable pressure, yet he still did it with class and dignity. Hammerin' Hank, to this day is still his magnanimous self and is truly one of the best men to wear a baseball uniform! Bonds loses by a mile when it comes to handling hostility and being a class act. Aaron 1, Bonds 0.

Roids or not, Bonds is incomparable with his numbers. In our sadly distrusting society, however, any doubtful sports figure is "guilty until proven innocent". If I ever get the chance to meet Barry, I'd ask him how that bulging skull of his expanded like a balloon? I'd probably get a cold-shoulder and be brushed off with: "Next question.", but hey, that's typical Barry Bonds for ya!

Interesting enough, Bonds is on the verge of breaking the ultimate record with, get this, about 3000 less at-bats than Aaron. Then comes the unprecedented 7 MVP trophies. So statistically speaking, Barry has the upper hand and if I had to pick, I'd put my money on Bonds to win a home run derby against Hank Aaron in their prime. Bonds, as big as a knucklehead he is, does deserve substantial credit for his fine numbers because a majority, if not all of the stats came from athletic ability, and deft skill. Aaron 1, Bonds 1


It looks like Bonds is still in the zone after two decades of domination. Going into play on May 17th, he is 2nd in the NL with 11 bombers. Whether we like it or not, he’s going to surpass 755 with ease. And whatever they say, Bud Selig will, in person, witness the historic smash. After all, who would want to be labeled as a commissioner that didn’t show up for the first ever 756th career home run?

The imminence of Bonds taking over in home run supremacy brings me to ask: Is North America ready to hand over one of its most prestigious records in pro sports? Just to put it into perspective, former Diamondback first baseman expressed his great respect for the dignified 755 by calling it "the most sacred record in all of professional sports" Will the scope of things change as much after 756 than it did after 715 back in 1974? Unquestionably no! Nevertheless, impact will be stupendous. The brutal bashers and thunderous backers will all be going at it pretty good as the countdown begins. Haven't they always? In this battle though, I'll be Switzerland.

-D