Marion Jones, fomer winner of 3 gold medals at the Sydney Olympics of 2000 had the biggest of falls from being the darling of the sporting world to being incarcerated for 6 months. Yet Jones now says that as tough as her 6 months in jail were, she gained a sense of perspective. For example her neighour spent 15 years in jail, 15 years Jones said without seeing her children.
That sense of perspective helped Jones get through her six months. It's a fact of life that when we think things are bad, it sometimes helps to look around us. There is always someone who has it worse. There is a famous quote which says, "I complained about having no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet."
Jones also says that the 6 months in jail liberated her emotionally. She no longer had to hide from anyone, the truth was out and she could now move forwards with her life, which is what she is aiming to do right now. Sometimes we spend so much time trying to put forwards a particular image and hiding behind a facade that life seems so lonely. Often the truth, however painful can be liberating and this is what Jones' message is. She admits that mistakes were made and she let down a lot of people but she has paid for her mistakes.
She now has the opportunity for a new beginning and that is her message that she wishes to share. I, for one, am hopeful that Jones' ordeal serves as a lesson to all future athletes and people in general. Cheat, and you will pay the price. Instead, seek to stand on your own two feet and be true to yourself instead of trying to live up to fame and fortune. Ultimately that is far more rewarding.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wolverine - A Slashing Success or Miserable Failure?
The first X-Men Origins movie Wolverine, which is the fourth movie in the X-Men franchise was absolutely brilliant. I am not someone who was a diehard fan of the comics or cartoon so I'm not sure how close the movie was to the comic series, but just as a film itself, it was great. It was action from start to finish with some top special effects. Of course the plot was not something that made you think - but then again, you would not expect that in a film of this genre.
In my post titled "Will the new Wolverine Movie answer these questions?", I wondered if the movie would answer a number of questions. Having now seen the movie, I'd have to say that all the obvious questions were certainly answered.
I don't want to give too much away but Hugh Jackman has done an amazing job with this film. We see the return of Striker from X-Men 2 as a much younger guy, still bent on destroying mutants. Clearly, this is one guy with a massive problem. Ryan Reynolds does a great job as the fast talking Wade Wilson / Deadpool and there is talk that Reynolds will star in his own spin off movie soon as well. It looks like the X-Men franchise is here to stay for a while yet with talk as well of a Wolverine Sequel and a new Magneto Movie. So for those of us who love blockbuster movies, there is certainly plenty to look forward to
In my post titled "Will the new Wolverine Movie answer these questions?", I wondered if the movie would answer a number of questions. Having now seen the movie, I'd have to say that all the obvious questions were certainly answered.
I don't want to give too much away but Hugh Jackman has done an amazing job with this film. We see the return of Striker from X-Men 2 as a much younger guy, still bent on destroying mutants. Clearly, this is one guy with a massive problem. Ryan Reynolds does a great job as the fast talking Wade Wilson / Deadpool and there is talk that Reynolds will star in his own spin off movie soon as well. It looks like the X-Men franchise is here to stay for a while yet with talk as well of a Wolverine Sequel and a new Magneto Movie. So for those of us who love blockbuster movies, there is certainly plenty to look forward to
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Molly Sims $30 Million Diamond Bikini
Molly Sims became one of the most popular models in the early 2000s but it is the photo shoot of her wearing a diamond bikini worth a reported $30Million that she will always be remembered for. Describing the bikini as skimpy would be an understatement and with her perfect figure, the 5'10" certainly set many hearts racing.
The 150-carat diamond bikini was worn by Sims for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Cover back in 2006
The diamond bikini was designed by Susan Rosen and even today teenagers the world over search for pictures of Molly Sims $30 Million Diamond Bikini.
A stunning 51 carat pear shaped diamond was used to cover Sims' privates and a pair of 8-carat peart shaped diamonds were used for her nipples. Apparently Sims reported that she broke out into sweats because of how skimpy the bikini was. Well men the world over are certainly glad she pushed through her fears and desiged to don the $30Million bikini.
Oprah Gives Out Free KFC
Oprah Winfrey, one of the most powerful women on the planet is giving away free KFC chicken?? What next?!! That's not quite true but for two days only, KFC is handing out free Oprah-backed grilled chicken coupons. It's part of the new image KFC is trying to promote about being healthier.
Almost everyone is aware of Oprah's struggles with her weight and her different diets are well documented. However, is Oprah suggesting that the new KFC should be part of a healthy eating plan? Don't get me wrong - I have the utmost respect for Oprah and I'm completely aligned with her vision of making the world a better place and inspiring people to reach their potential. I'm just now sure how endorsing KFC is going to support her vision.
However, it just shows how much power Oprah does have - once it was known that she was endorsing the new Grilled KFC, 12 of the top 20 search terms on Google were to do with Oprah, KFC and unthinkKFC which is KFC's new branding. That's amazing!!
After seeing some of the lines outside the KFC stores, I think I'll wait until the craziness settles down. I generally love Oprah's recommendations but this one is a little left field. Here's hoping that the new KFC does contribute to reducing the Average American's waistline.
Almost everyone is aware of Oprah's struggles with her weight and her different diets are well documented. However, is Oprah suggesting that the new KFC should be part of a healthy eating plan? Don't get me wrong - I have the utmost respect for Oprah and I'm completely aligned with her vision of making the world a better place and inspiring people to reach their potential. I'm just now sure how endorsing KFC is going to support her vision.
However, it just shows how much power Oprah does have - once it was known that she was endorsing the new Grilled KFC, 12 of the top 20 search terms on Google were to do with Oprah, KFC and unthinkKFC which is KFC's new branding. That's amazing!!
After seeing some of the lines outside the KFC stores, I think I'll wait until the craziness settles down. I generally love Oprah's recommendations but this one is a little left field. Here's hoping that the new KFC does contribute to reducing the Average American's waistline.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction... Again?
Yes, that's right - the infamous Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction (also known as the Janet Jackson nip slip) from the Superbowl XXXVIII half time show in 2005 has come back again. This time the show goes to the supreme court, after being tossed out 12 months ago by a lower court of appeals. The FCC seems determined to collect it's $550,000 fine it imposed on CBS after Jackson's wardrobe malfunction where Janet Jackson exposed her nipple to the over 90 Million people world wide who were watching the Superbowl half time show four years ago.
It seems to me to be a little vindictive and a waste of time and money. Surely, there are better things for money to be spent on than trying to penalise CBS for the millisecond of partial nudity that was shown on tv. Have we really become such a community of prudes? I'd personally forgotten all the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction until the FCC decided to bring it up again.
I understand that the incident caused over half a million complaints to be sent in to CBS and the network has taken a number of precautions since that time to prevent such an incident happening again, as have most of the other networks. As CBS are arguing, how could they have anticipated what was to happen on stage between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake? Of course, people could argue that it was all a preplanned move to increase CBS rating and simultaneously increase Jackson's prominence a short while before her next album was to be released. But seriously - four years later, aren't there more important things to focus on?
The Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction will remain an infamous part of television folklore and I'm sure that shows which look at the most controversial moments in television history will bring this up again every now and again, when they have nothing else to fill in a television timeslot. But otherwise, the Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction should be allowed to rest in peace.
It seems to me to be a little vindictive and a waste of time and money. Surely, there are better things for money to be spent on than trying to penalise CBS for the millisecond of partial nudity that was shown on tv. Have we really become such a community of prudes? I'd personally forgotten all the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction until the FCC decided to bring it up again.
I understand that the incident caused over half a million complaints to be sent in to CBS and the network has taken a number of precautions since that time to prevent such an incident happening again, as have most of the other networks. As CBS are arguing, how could they have anticipated what was to happen on stage between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake? Of course, people could argue that it was all a preplanned move to increase CBS rating and simultaneously increase Jackson's prominence a short while before her next album was to be released. But seriously - four years later, aren't there more important things to focus on?
The Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction will remain an infamous part of television folklore and I'm sure that shows which look at the most controversial moments in television history will bring this up again every now and again, when they have nothing else to fill in a television timeslot. But otherwise, the Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction should be allowed to rest in peace.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A new threat to Rafael Nadal's clay court domination
Rafael Nadal, the current world number 1 and undefeated at Roland Garros is an unbackable favourite for his fifth consecutive French Open this year. He is in remarkable form coming off his fifth straight Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open victories. Is there anyone who can beat this young 22 year old Spaniard, who is on course to become one of the greatest ever?
Rafael Nadal is someone who rises to the challenge, loves to fight and just loves a hard tennis contest. There has been nobody in recent times who is as mentally tough or as determined as the man known widely as Rafa. Roger Federer was on course to become the greatest ever and quickly haul in Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slams. However, his run to the line has been severely hampered, due mainly to Nadal. I still expect that Federer will end up winning more titles than Sampras but the question is will Nadal eventually win more titles than Federer?
Nadal still has a long way to go having won 6 grand slam titles to Federer's 13. Will the 2009 French Open be Federer's breakthrough year? The French Open is the only title that elludes him and it is a title he wants so badly. However, with Nadal's rich vein of form, it does not look likely. Nadal in fact trounced Federer quite easily in the 2008 French Open final and it looks like the gap between the two is starting to widen. Nadal triumphed over Federer at Wimbledon 2008 to become the first man in years to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year (Sadly Federer was the runner up at both tournaments). He also beat Federer at the Australian Open earlier this year as well, after which Federer said it would take him a long time to overcome his loss.
When we look at the rest of the top 4 which are in a separate league to the rest of the top ten, Novac Djokovic and Andy Murray don't look like they will be able to topple Nadal on clay, although Djokovic pushed Nadal all the way at Monte Carlo.
So who will the new threat to Nadal be? That remains to be seen. The French Open has in the past been notorious for early round upsets as the more fancied top seeds get toppled by clay court specialists.
Looking at the rest of the top ten, Andy Roddick is probably the least fancied on clay and I'll be surprised if he lasts into the second week. Juan Martin del Potro recently beat Nadal at the Miami masters so he must be an outside chance and Fernando Verdasco pushed Nadal all the way in that epic semi final at the Australian Open this year. However, I believe that Nadal's greatest threat will come from the two French players in the top ten, Gilles Simon and even more so, Gael Monfils. Both players go for their shots and Monfils will definitely be able to match Nadal from a fitness perspective.
So the scene is set come May 24 for an amazing French Open. All eyes will be on Nadal and the pressure will never have been as great on the tennis iron man as it will be this year. He is expected to win but tennis is a funny game. Nadal has always shown amazing mental toughness so he is unlikely to have a bad game. Whoever beats Nadal will have to play out of their skin. Since 2005, only 4 men have had the illustrious honour of beating Nadal on clay - Gaston Gaudio, Igor Andreev, Roger Federer and Juan Carlos Ferrero, yet none look likely to challenge Nadal in 2009. So will 2009 be Nadal's fifth consecutive French Open? Or will a new threat emerge? Only time will tell...
Rafael Nadal is someone who rises to the challenge, loves to fight and just loves a hard tennis contest. There has been nobody in recent times who is as mentally tough or as determined as the man known widely as Rafa. Roger Federer was on course to become the greatest ever and quickly haul in Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slams. However, his run to the line has been severely hampered, due mainly to Nadal. I still expect that Federer will end up winning more titles than Sampras but the question is will Nadal eventually win more titles than Federer?
Nadal still has a long way to go having won 6 grand slam titles to Federer's 13. Will the 2009 French Open be Federer's breakthrough year? The French Open is the only title that elludes him and it is a title he wants so badly. However, with Nadal's rich vein of form, it does not look likely. Nadal in fact trounced Federer quite easily in the 2008 French Open final and it looks like the gap between the two is starting to widen. Nadal triumphed over Federer at Wimbledon 2008 to become the first man in years to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year (Sadly Federer was the runner up at both tournaments). He also beat Federer at the Australian Open earlier this year as well, after which Federer said it would take him a long time to overcome his loss.
When we look at the rest of the top 4 which are in a separate league to the rest of the top ten, Novac Djokovic and Andy Murray don't look like they will be able to topple Nadal on clay, although Djokovic pushed Nadal all the way at Monte Carlo.
So who will the new threat to Nadal be? That remains to be seen. The French Open has in the past been notorious for early round upsets as the more fancied top seeds get toppled by clay court specialists.
Looking at the rest of the top ten, Andy Roddick is probably the least fancied on clay and I'll be surprised if he lasts into the second week. Juan Martin del Potro recently beat Nadal at the Miami masters so he must be an outside chance and Fernando Verdasco pushed Nadal all the way in that epic semi final at the Australian Open this year. However, I believe that Nadal's greatest threat will come from the two French players in the top ten, Gilles Simon and even more so, Gael Monfils. Both players go for their shots and Monfils will definitely be able to match Nadal from a fitness perspective.
So the scene is set come May 24 for an amazing French Open. All eyes will be on Nadal and the pressure will never have been as great on the tennis iron man as it will be this year. He is expected to win but tennis is a funny game. Nadal has always shown amazing mental toughness so he is unlikely to have a bad game. Whoever beats Nadal will have to play out of their skin. Since 2005, only 4 men have had the illustrious honour of beating Nadal on clay - Gaston Gaudio, Igor Andreev, Roger Federer and Juan Carlos Ferrero, yet none look likely to challenge Nadal in 2009. So will 2009 be Nadal's fifth consecutive French Open? Or will a new threat emerge? Only time will tell...
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine Flu to be bigger than the Bubonic Plague?
Fear of the Swine Flue has gripped the world, ever since news of this virus killing over a hundred in Mexico was published. The Swine Flu Virus seems to have travelled to all corners of the globe extremely quickly, even affecting people in Australia and New Zealand just a few days after the initial outbreak was reported. What is this virus?
However the big question is - how bad will the Swine Flu be? The last massive pandemic to affect the world was the Spanish Flu back in 1918. The Spanish Flu killed over 50 Million people between 1918 and 1920 and affected up to one billion people, half of the world's population at the time. With the world's population now well over 6 billion, what will the effects of the Swine Flu be?
In this time of modern technology, do we have the skills and know how to defeat this, to date rampant virus? Surely we will not reach the terrible consequences of the Spanish Flu or even worse the Bubonic Plague of centuries ago. However, right now everyone is talking about the virus. Anyone with flu like symptoms have been asked to immediately go and get a blood test to check for Swine Flu.
There have been 2 other outbreaks of Swine Flu in the last 40 years; one was in the U.S. in 1976 and the other was in the Philippines in 2007. However, these were no where near as bad as this outbreak of the Swine flu which seems to have orginated from Mexico and is reaching pandemic proportions scarily quickly.
However the big question is - how bad will the Swine Flu be? The last massive pandemic to affect the world was the Spanish Flu back in 1918. The Spanish Flu killed over 50 Million people between 1918 and 1920 and affected up to one billion people, half of the world's population at the time. With the world's population now well over 6 billion, what will the effects of the Swine Flu be?
In this time of modern technology, do we have the skills and know how to defeat this, to date rampant virus? Surely we will not reach the terrible consequences of the Spanish Flu or even worse the Bubonic Plague of centuries ago. However, right now everyone is talking about the virus. Anyone with flu like symptoms have been asked to immediately go and get a blood test to check for Swine Flu.
There have been 2 other outbreaks of Swine Flu in the last 40 years; one was in the U.S. in 1976 and the other was in the Philippines in 2007. However, these were no where near as bad as this outbreak of the Swine flu which seems to have orginated from Mexico and is reaching pandemic proportions scarily quickly.
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