Egypt: Iran Must Relent

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: “Iran should not present on a silver platter the justifications and the pretexts for those who want to drag the region down a dangerous slope. Iran owes the international community transparency and flexibility. The Gulf is extremely worried and the Middle East is watching the standoff.”

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Baseball: The United Sates defeated Canada 5-4. With a 2-2 record, American aspirations survive.

Water Polo: The United States defeated Ukraine 7-5. On Monday, America must defeat Germany. Otherwise, this upset was irrelevant.

Weight Lifting: Jang Mi-ran set three world records. Olha Korobka scored silver. Mariya Grabovetskaya bagged bronze. Swimming and weight lifting… Congratulations, South Korea.

Ceasefire Means What?

On Saturday, Russia’s action and speech conflicted. They signed the ceasefire. They repositioned troops. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised additional peacekeepers. He would not concede withdrawal. Amidst this, President Bush released this statement:

President Bush: “A major issue is Russia's contention that the region of South Ossetia and Abkhazia may not be a part of Georgia's future. These regions are a part of Georgia — and the international community has repeatedly made clear that they will remain so. Georgia's borders should command the same respect as every other nation’s. There’s no room for debate on this matter.”

Associated Press Announces Top 25

Obviously, Georgia is superb. Knowshon Moreno and defense. Florida, Ohio State, and USC are similar. LSU, Texas Tech, and West Virginia are suspect. Simply stated, quarterbacks will govern this season. Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio State, Texas, and Texas Tech have them. West Virginia does not. LSU and USC may not.

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. USC
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. Missouri
7. LSU
8. West Virginia
9. Clemson
10. Auburn
11. Texas
12. Texas Tech
13. Wisconsin
14. Kansas
15. Arizona State
16. BYU
17. Virginia Tech
18. Tennessee
19. South Florida
20. Illinois
21. Oregon
22. Penn State
23. Wake Forest
24. Alabama
25. Pittsburgh

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Basketball (Men’s): The United States obliterated Spain 119-82. Clearly, America appears impressive. However, their pursuit is incomplete.

Boxing: On Saturday morning, consecutive epics occurred. Darren John Sutherland edged Nabil Kassel. Bakhtivar Artayev skirted Matvey Korobov. Unfortunately, Shawn Estrada was erased. The United States possessed potential. Unfortunately, they have exacerbated. They may not medal.

Tennis: In men’s doubles, Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson. Finally, Federer garners gold.

Wrestling: On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee punished Ara Abrahamian. Abrahamian was disqualified. His medal was revoked. The International Olympic Committee’s decision was correct. Abrahamian embarrassed himself. He humiliated Sweden. I hope his career has concluded.

Phelps & Spitz: Seventh Admiration

In the 1972 Olympics, Mark Spitz won seven gold medals. Michael Phelps’ pursuit was similar. His pursuit was dissimilar. Each swam four individual events. Each swam three relay events. However, Phelps won the two hundred and four hundred individual medleys. Spitz won the one hundred meter freestyle. Their margins of victory and world records were comparable. However, Phelps’ adulation and idolization were uniquely this generation.

In the one hundred meter butterfly, Phelps garnered gold. Milorad Cavic scored silver. Andrew Lauterstein bagged bronze. Ian Crocker finished fourth. With fifty meters remaining, Phelps swam seventh. With fifteen meters remaining, he swam third. Clearly, he was advancing. Yet, victory seemed impossible. With one meter remaining, Cavic and Phelps approached the conclusion. They reached. Phelps outreached Cavic. Via one hundredth of a second, he garnered his seventh gold.

Amidst the historic exhilaration, Bob Costas interviewed Phelps and Spitz. Typically, both gushed. Both praised one another. With that stated, the sycophancy was wonderful. Phelps and Spitz. Equally accomplished. Two champions conversing.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Volleyball: Coach Hugh McCutcheon returns. The United States defeats China. An emotional story.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming: In the women’s fifty meter freestyle, Cate Campbell, Brita Steffen, Dara Torres, and Libby Trickett. Obviously, Steffen and Trickett are exemplary. However, Torres is a marvel. The finale will be intriguing.

Kirsty Coventry: Competitor Into Champion

In the women’s two hundred meter backstroke, Kirsty Coventry edged the world record. Margaret Hoelzer scored silver. Reiko Nakamura bagged bronze. Following three silvers, Coventry salvaged her appearance. Until tonight, her performance was inadequate. Henceforth, her Olympics were exceptional.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming: In the men’s fifty meter freestyle, Cesar Cielo Filho garnered gold. Amaury Leveaux scored silver. Alain Bernard bagged bronze. In the women’s eight hundred meter freestyle, Rebecca Adlington obliterated the world record. Alessia Filippi scored silver. Lotte Friis bagged bronze. Simply stated, Adlington and Cielo Filho wer spectacular.

Volleyball: Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers advanced 21-16, 21-23, 15-13. They were challenged. They struggled. Concerning the medal prospects, I am concerned.

Georgia Signs, United Nations Reconsiders

United Nations Diplomat: “Yes ideally, we would like a vote this weekend. But we'll take as long as it takes. We are not going to push for a vote if we know that the Russians will veto the text -- which does not mean we have to give in to all their demands... There has to be hard bargaining," said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.”

Border Charging?

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Everyone agrees that we need to expand the pipe ... which means that we can get more people across quicker, more efficiently. And there is a lack of money right now ... maybe people pay a certain amount to come cross. Let's assume $5. Don't hold me to that but that would then pay the bonds so we can develop infrastructure.”

Sport’s New Mantra: I Should Not Have Quit

Mike Hargrove: “I'd like to have one more chance, without a doubt. It really would have to be the right place -- and the team that did it would have to believe I wouldn't walk away. I really misspoke when I said I had lost my passion for the game. I think my competitive edge was dulled. Now, it's back.”

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Baseball: In eleven innings, Cuba defeated the United States 5-4. This result was both positive and predictable. Cuba should have won. However, this underscores their vulnerability.

Basketball (Women’s): The United States defeated Spain 93-55.

Boxing: Raynell Williams loses. This scoring system is ridiculous.

Softball: The United States defeated Canada 8-1. Who wants silver?

Swimming: Will Michael Phelps equal Mark Spitz?

Track: Lopez Lomong advances. What an amazing story.

Volleyball (Indoor): The United States defeated China. Will America medal?

Volleyball (Outdoor): Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs advance. Are Misty May and Kerri Walsh challengeable?

Coverage: Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson’s interview was exquisite. Obviously, their retirements are unfortunate. Yet, they are expected.

NEW RULE

Terrorism exists

Salman Rushdie: “I am very disappointed to hear that my publishers, Random House, have canceled another author's novel, apparently because of their concerns about possible Islamic reprisals. This is censorship by fear, and it sets a very bad precedent indeed.”

Salman Rushdie is ridiculous. In 1988, “The Satanic Verses” was published. London, Madrid, and September 11 had not occurred. Terrorism was a concept. Terrorism was not a reality. Rushdie is opinionated. This is his profession. However, he should shut up. In 1988, Random House’s actions were censorship. In 2008, they are appropriate.

Worth A Read

Swim Room

Bloggers include Whitney Phelps and Mark Warkentin.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince?

On July 2, the Seattle Supersonics relocated. In Oklahoma City, their ticket prices will increase. This is ridiculous. Who owns this franchise? NBC?

In South Carolina, someone stole a bear. Subsequently, they charged a one dollar petting fee. Is Rosie O’Donnell that poor?

Our American Champions

They are an enchanting contrast. Miniature physiques. Mammoth tenacity. They are charming. They are vigilant. They are daughters, students, and teenagers. They are athletes, opponents, and teammates. Despite their prominence, they are not combative. They are not unsociable. They are as stated. Adorable competitors. Exquisite rivals.

In the women’s gymnastics all around, Nastia Liukin garnered gold. Shawn Johnson scored silver. Yilin Yang bagged bronze. The scoring was controversial. Excellent routines were undervalued. Ordinary routines were overvalued. Ultimately, a perfect pair equaled expectations. Johnson and Liukin were extolled. Liukin and Johnson did not disillusion.

On the vault, Liukin and Johnson swapped 15.525. On the uneven bars, Johnson outscored Liukin 15.875-15.025. On the balance beam, Liukin outscored Johnson 16.650 to 15.275. On the floor exercise, Liukin acquired her accolade. She outscored Johnson 16.125-16.050.

From 1952-1992, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics governed gymnastics. Ten gold medals. Seven all around champions. America’s only success was notorious. The Soviets boycotted. Americans were runners and swimmers. On this evening, aspirations are altered. American gymnasts are consecutive champions.

Trio Shimmers, Steffen Sparkles

In the women’s one hundred meter freestyle, Britta Steffen set the world record. Libby Trickett scored silver. Natalie Coughlin bagged bronze. This event was spectacular. The competitors were stellar. Trickett reemerged. She equaled expectations. Coughlin challenged. She personified persistence. However, Steffen owned the conclusion. This meant victory.

Six Successes… Eight Are Assumed

In the men’s two hundred meter individual medley, Michael Phelps shattered the world record. Laszlo Cseh scored silver. Ryan Lochte bagged bronze. Phelps is spectacular. He is stellar. In 2004, the question was would he win? In 2008, the question is margin of victory.

Lochte Walks

In the men’s two hundred meter backstroke, Ryan Lochte set the world record. Aaron Peirsol scored silver. Arkady Vyatchanin bagged bronze. Lochte vs. Peirsol… A showdown was expected. A showdown never materialized. Lochte was superb. He owned the evening.

Rebecca Superstar

In the women’s two hundred meter breaststroke, Rebecca Soni set the world record. Leisel Jones scored silver. Sara Nordenstam bagged bronze. Soni’s success is stunning. On Monday, Jones defeated Soni. Obviously, Soni was capable. However, repetition was expected. Jones would win. Soni would succumb. Michael Phelps may own the conversation. Soni’s star cannot be understated.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming: In the men’s fifty meter freestyle semi-finals, Alain Bernard and Eamon Sullivan advanced. Another epic showdown? In the women’s two hundred meter backstroke, Kirsty Coventry advanced. On Friday, she will garner gold.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Volleyball (Indoor): The United States defeated Bulgaria 27-29, 25-21, 25-14, 26-24. America advanced into the medal round.

Volleyball (Outdoor): Misty May and Kerri Walsh won 24-22, 21-10. They were challenged. They struggled. Maybe, they are not invincible.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Boxing: Demetrius Andrade obliterated Andre Balanov. America’s pugilists are anonymous. Yet, they are talented.

Softball: The United States defeated Australia 3-0. Cat Osterman tossed a no hitter. In softball’s finale, America remains dominant.

Wrestling: Ara Abrahamian craved gold. He received bronze. Disgusted, he discarded his medal. Abrahamian embarrassed himself. He humiliated Sweden.

Ceasefire?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: “One can forget about any talk about Georgia's territorial integrity because, I believe, it is impossible to persuade South Ossetia and Abkhazia to agree with the logic that they can be forced back into the Georgian state.”

Georgian Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze: “We have no idea what they're doing there, why the movement, where they're going. One explanation could be they are trying to rattle the civilian population.”

Nothing Story

During the Democratic National Convention, Senator Hillary Clinton will be nominated. However, Senator Barack Obama will receive her vote. He approved this. This is not tension. This is trivia.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Baseball: The United States defeated the Netherlands 7-0. Steven Strasburg tossed a one-hitter.

Basketball (Men’s): The United States defeated Greece 92-69. Spain defeated Germany 72-59. Their clash will be intriguing. Meanwhile, China defeated Angola 85-68. Australia defeated Iran 106-68. They have been disappointing.

Boxing: Zhang Xiaoping defeated Artur Beterbiev. Xiaoping clutched and grabbed. His petulance was infuriating. He should not have advanced.

Tennis: In the quarterfinals, James Blake defeated Roger Federer. Unfortunately, Elena Dementieva defeated Serena Williams. Li Na defeated Venus Williams. For America, exaltation and agony. Our men will medal. Our women cannot.

NEW RULE

Unemployment is not justification.

On Wednesday, fifty year old Timothy Dale Johnson murdered one. His motivation? Target fired him. Enough. I have been fired. Millions have been fired. We refocus our careers. We request unemployment. We obtain another occupation. We do not murder. Why? Innocent citizens are not responsible. Shooters, seek another job. Do not utilize a gun.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the majority?

According to the National Archives, Julia Child was a spy. Seriously. She sent coded messages via her pies.

According to Brett Favre, his arm is fatigued. Less than one week, Favre is complaining. Brett is a New Yorker.

Yang Dominates

In the men’s gymnastics all around, Wei Yang garnered gold. Kohei Uchimura scored silver. Benoit Caranobe bagged bronze. On this evening, twenty-four men tumbled and twisted. Only one pranced. Yang’s confidence was apparent. His inevitability was inescapable. Yang was both special and spectacular. Theoretically, tonight was a competition. However, Yang’s evening was a coronation.

Swapping Dominos

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Oklahoma City Supersonics concocted a swap. The Cavaliers received Mo Williams. The Bucks received Adrian Griffin, Damon Jones, and Luke Ridnour. The Supersonics received Desmond Mason and Joe Smith.

This exchange is intriguing. This sextet is ordinary. The exchanged are compliments. They are not superstars. They will not impact rosters. They will not increase victories. For improvement, franchises require alteration. A component reshuffling is insufficient.

Shimmer and Sunset

In the men’s one hundred meter freestyle, Alain Bernard garnered gold. Eamon Sullivan scored silver. Jason Lezak and Cesar Cielo Filho split the bronze. Pieter van den Hoogenband finished fifth. This event was stacked. The competitors were stellar. Concerning Bernard, he has redemption. Concerning Hoogenband, his career has concluded.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming: In the women’s two hundred meter butterfly, Zige Liu set the world record. Liuyang Jiao scored silver. Jessicah Schipper bagged bronze. In the women’s four woman, eight hundred meter relay, Australia scorched the world record. China scored silver. The United States bagged bronze. Concerning the former, the result was shocking. Concerning the latter, the result was unacceptable.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming (Men’s): In the 200 meter backstroke semi-finals, Ryan Lochte and Aaron Peirsol reigned. In the 200 meter individual medley semi-finals, Lochte and Michael Phelps ruled. Both showdowns should be epic.

Swimming (Women’s): In the women’s one hundred meter freestyle semi-finals, Natalie Coughlin registered victory. Libby Trickett finished ninth. However, she advanced via a disqualification. Trickett will not struggle again. In the final, she will medal.

Swimming Superstar

In the men’s two hundred meter breaststroke, Kosuke Kitajima garnered gold. Brenton Rickard scored silver. Hugues Duboscq bagged bronze. Kitajima is exceptional. He is a resolute competitor. He is a multiple medallist. He merits greater respect.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Diving: China garners fourth gold. Enough.

Volleyball (Women’s): Misty May and Kerri Walsh…. One hundred and four consecutive victories… and counting…

United States Assails Russia

According to the White House, Russian attacks continue. Meanwhile, America aided Georgia. President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released these statements:

President Bush Complete Text

Secretary of State Complete Text

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Baseball: On Wednesday, South Korea defeated the United States 8-7. In the ninth inning, America assumed a one run advantage. Unfortunately, a double, error, and sacrifice fly vanquished them.

Basketball (Women’s): The United States defeat Mali 97-41. Who wants silver?

Boxing: For three rounds, Deontay Wilder struggled. In the fourth round, he annihilated and advanced. Meanwhile, Australia’s Brad Pitt lost.

Soccer (Men's): Nigeria eliminated the United States 2-1. In 1994, America challenged Brazil. In 1998, we went winless. In 2002, we defeated Mexico. In the Olympics, we never enjoy success. For American soccer, is consistency possible?

Tennis: Once again, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams advance.

NEW RULE

Americans are isolationists.

Senator John McCain: “He [Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili] knows that the thoughts and the prayers and support of the American people are with that brave little nation as they struggle today for their freedom and independence. And he wanted me to say thank you to you, to give you his heartfelt thanks for the support of the American people for this tiny little democracy far away from the United States of America. And I told him that I know I speak for every American when I say to him, ' Today, we are all Georgians.”

I admire Senator John McCain. He is a patriot. He is a statesman. This November, he will receive my vote. With that stated, this was ridiculous. Today, we are all Georgians? Americans are apathetic. They are clueless. On their map, Georgia includes Atlanta. McCain’s sentiment was gracious. Unfortunately, America was not attacked. Americans do not care.

Worth A Read

Uncorrelated

Anne, Dave, Mark, and Mick mock politics.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the opening ceremonies.

On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins released Jay Feely. According to Feely, he never felt wanted. Some remind him, he is Jay Feely.

In Colorado, a man entered a sex shop. He posed as police. He requested videos. Andy Dick, seek some help. Please.

Gymnastic Reversal: China Wins, America Wilts

Gymnastics appears intricate. Deductions, difficulty, dismounts, skills, sprinting, tenths, tumbling, and twists… The exercise seems complicated and convoluted. Truthfully, gymnastics’ core is easily explained. Massive scope. Minute precision.

On Tuesday, China garnered gold. The United States scored silver. Romania bagged bronze. During their performance, China’s metamorphosis was spectacular. Initially, they were anxious, apprehensive children. Ultimately, they were enthusiastic, excited champions.

With two rotations remaining, China almost crumbled. Cheng Fei fell from the balance beam. She jeopardized victory. Unfortunately, America also imploded. From the balance beam, Alicia Sacramone slipped. On the floor exercise, Nastia Liukin and Sacramone stepped out of bounds.

Immediately, compassion and criticism were evident. China’s competitors are underage. They were illegitimate. Sacramone is a teenager. Instead of scorn, she merits sympathy. Reality is reality. The apologists should shut up. China may have won. However, the United States also choked.

Michael Phelps… One of the Greatest

In the men’s two hundred meter butterfly, Michael Phelps garnered gold. He edged the world record. In the men’s four man, eight hundred meter relay, the United States garnered gold. They obliterated the world record. With these results, Phelps amassed a milestone. In the 2008 Olympics, he has won five gold medals. In his career, he has won eleven.

Obviously, Phelps is stellar. He is an excellent athlete. He is an exemplary individual. Concerning his career, one could exhaust superlatives. Phelps transcends categorization. He transcends explanation. He is not merely an Olympian. He is an athletic icon.

Olympic Offense

Texas Rangers: 17 runs, 20 hits
Boston Red Sox: 19 runs, 17 hits

Rice Scores Second, Americans Frustrate

In the women’s two hundred meter individual medley, Stephanie Rice set the world record. Kirsty Coventry scored silver. Natalie Coughlin bagged bronze. Katie Hoff finished fourth. This event was stacked. The competitors were stellar. With this second victory, Rice has publicized her prominence.

For the United States, Coughlin and Hoff are emblematic. While American men have excelled, American women have strained. Yes, Michael Phelps is iconic. Yes, Coughlin has won. However, their difference is obvious. America’s men have owned the conversation. America’s women have wanted the conversation.

Pelligrini Perfect

In the women’s two hundred meter freestyle, Federica Pellegrini garnered gold. Sara Isakovic scored silver. Jiaying Pang bagged bronze. Katie Hoff finished fourth. On Sunday, Pellegrini disappointed. Tonight, she dominated. The latter was expected.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Swimming: In the initial men’s one hundred meter freestyle semi-final, Alain Bernard set the world record. In the second semi-final, Eamon Sullivan reset the world record. From his relay collapse, Bernard may have recovered. However, Sullivan is superior. Jason Lezak also advanced.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Shooting: In the men’s double trap, Glenn Heller garnered gold. A United States soldier wins. God Bless America.

Volleyball (Men’s): Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers advanced. Obviously, Misty May and Kerri Walsh merit attention. With that stated, Dalhausser and Rogers are outstanding.

The Violence Silences

On Tuesday, Georgia and Russia relented. They ceased their conflict. Obviously, this is welcome. However, repercussions are necessary. The International Community protect this region. They must punish Russia.

Fox News: Republicans For Obama

Barack Obama’s campaign is rolling out a number of centrist Republicans who are endorsing the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee over Republican rival John McCain — in a show of his ability to win cross-over votes.

A conference call Tuesday featured former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach, former White House intelligence adviser Rita Hauser and former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who represented his state as a Republican, but switched to become a Democrat so he could vote for Obama in the primary. “I’m convinced that the national interest demands a new approach to our interaction with the world,” said Leach, adding that Obama offers the leadership to do that.

Leach lost his bid for another term in office in 2006. He was a foreign service officer before being elected to Congress and served as head of both the International Relations and Banking committees. Leach predicted that a lot of Republicans and independents are going to be attracted by Obama’s campaign.

The Obama camp also pointed journalists to reports that Fairbanks, Alaska, Mayor Jim Whitaker, a Republican, also has announced his support for Obama. Obama’s GOP supporters’ criticisms of McCain are familiar ones — that he’d represent four more years of Bush-Cheney policies, particularly in foreign affairs. Hauser complained that McCain’s statement on Georgia was “bellicose” in threatening to kick Russia out of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, and that Obama’s statement was much more appropriately internationalist.

They also reversed a line McCain has used against Obama. While McCain has said Obama wants to put party before country, Hauser and Leach said that in supporting Obama, they were putting country before party. Chaffee complained that McCain was fine in 2000 when he voted against Bush tax cuts and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but that he’s no longer the same man.

Leach, meanwhile, touted Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska as a Republican who might fit in an Obama administration. The group says it’s not fundraising, but plans to start a website this week where Republicans can go to find out more about why Obama would be better than McCain — whom they say they respect.

The site will also be a gathering place for interfacing with other like-minded Republicans. Hauser wouldn’t go into any other big names who are part of the group, but said it’s not necessarily geared toward grabbing big-name Republicans, but rather claiming anecdotal evidence of thousands of Republicans already ready to vote Obama.

Senator McCain, Your Campaign is an Embarrassment

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Boxing: An absurdly scored bout. An Uzbekistani with an awkward style. I love this event.

Basketball (Men’s): The United States defeats Angola 97-76. This is news?

Diving: Shockingly, the Chinese win.

Softball: In five innings, the United States defeats Venezuela 11-0. Clearly, America is unequaled.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal defeats Lleyton Hewitt. Four years ago, Hewitt was elite. Today, he is irrelevant. Serena and Venus Williams also advance.

NEW RULE

United States Men’s Basketball

They are not the “redeem team.” Obviously, America invented basketball. Yet, we also invented baseball. Cuba owns us. We never complain. Why? Our consternation is repugnant. Our xenophobia is ridiculous. These are NBA superstars. In America, we love them. In the Olympics, we loathe them? Stupid. Internationally, basketball has improved. Americans must accept this.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Gary Sheffield?

In men’s basketball, the United States defeated China 101-70. In women’s basketball, the United States defeated China 108-63. Established Superpower 2, Emerging Superpower 0.

Today’s top five or political cheaters (1) Grover Cleveland, (2) John Kennedy, (3) John Edwards, (4) Gary Hart, (5) Bill Clinton

Coughlin, Peirsol Remain Champions

In the men’s one hundred meter backstroke, Aaron Peirsol edged the world record. Matt Grevers scored silver. Hayden Stoeckel and Arkady Vyatchanin split the bronze. With his victory, Peirsol scored his second consecutive Olympic title. The United States scored their fourth backstroke victory.

In the women’s one hundred meter backstroke, Natalie Coughlin garnered gold. Kirsty Coventry scored silver. Margaret Hoelzer bagged bronze. Coughlin’s victory was electric. She was never challenged. Her performance was impressive.

In 2004, Michael Phelps acquired the conversation. In 2008, he has owned the conversation. His record quest. His regimen and survival. Phelps merits attention. His endeavor and results are spectacular. With that stated, America has other swimmers. They have other champions. On Monday evening, two of them restated their importance.

Despite Valor, China Conquers United States

In men’s gymnastics, China garnered gold. Japan scored silver. The United States bagged bronze. America’s success cannot be understated. They were sans superstars. They utilized three alternates. They could have crumbled. Instead, they competed. I applaud them.

Done & Dunn: Diamondbacks Score Slugger

Trade deadline. The aforesaid implies conclusion. Franchises concoct trades. They consummate trades. The deadline occurs. Swapping ceases. Unfortunately, Major League Baseball does not have a trade deadline. They have a trade suggestion. Franchises concoct trades. They consummate trades. The deadline occurs. Swapping continues.

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds traded Adam Dunn to the Arizona Diamondbacks. As reciprocation, the Reds received a trio of minor leaguers. “It's tougher to lose a good guy, you know, than the 40-home run guy,” said Reds Manager Dusty Baker. “It's going to be tough to replace his offense, but it's even tougher to replace the man.”

Currently, the Diamondbacks are 60-58. In the National League West, they lead the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles’ deficit is one contest. "To come off the terrible month that we had in Cincinnati, and you get a phone call today saying you're being traded to a first-place team,” said Dunn. “As a player that's all you could ask for.”

During his career, Dunn has batted .247 with 270 home runs and 646 runs batted in. This season, he has swatted .233 with 32 home runs and 74 runs batted in.

In 2001, the Diamondbacks won the World Series. Since, they are 536-556. Obviously, Arizona craves a postseason revival. Dunn should provide this.

Phelps Scores 200 Freestyle, Ninth Gold

On Monday, Michael Phelps garnered another gold. He set another world record. Anyone criticizing Phelps is asinine. He is an icon.

Beijing 2008: Olympics Control Center

Gymnastics (Men’s): The United States has the advntage. China is struggling. France is third? Seriously?

Swimming: In the one hundred meter breaststroke, Leisel Jones garners gold. Rebecca Soni scores silver. Obviously, Jones was favored. With that stated, her performance was excellent.