“Citius, Altius, Fortius”.  These three Latin words represent the most basic ideals on which the modern Olympic Games were founded upon.  And for the current Games, the first word, which simply translates to “faster”, is quickly establishing itself as the adjective most often used to describe the highlights we’ve seen thus far.  Michael Phelps, in one of the most anticipated swims in the history of the Games, made sure that the Beijing Olympics will be memorable for his golden performances more than any other controversy on and off the field.  On the other hand, Usain Bolt, while not as much of a household name yet, deserves special mention for his record-breaking and jaw-dropping exploits on the track.

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The pomp and pageantry of the 2008 Beijing Olympics is formally underway. In what has been dubbed as the most extravagant opening ceremony in the history of the Games, China officially welcomed the world and its multitude of athletes to their capital city with a dazzling display of dancers, fireworks, and.. flying former Olympians? Over the top productions aside, director Zhang Yimou certainly showed the world that China was very much capable of putting on a show for the ages, even without the help of Steven Spielberg.
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The current NBA offseason has had its fair share of blockbuster moves. Kicked off by the can-you-top-this tradefest involving the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors that ultimately led to Philadelphia being the unexpected winner of the Elton Brand sweepstakes. You could say that after the smoke had cleared, the Warriors ended up a little poorer by failing to land Brand when they were so close while losing Baron Davis in the process and getting only Corey Maggette in consolation. Contrast that to the Clippers, who, although they lost Brand and Maggette to free agency, answered back by signing Baron and Ricky Davis while plugging the hole that Brand left in the middle with defensive ace and fantasy basketball superstar Marcus Camby. But the summer move that might have the biggest impact in the league when the regular season rolls along doesn’t even involve the swap of any of the max-deal players mentioned.

In one of the biggest steals of this year’s hyperactive trade market, the Houston Rockets just acquired Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings for Bobby Jackson, Donte Green, and their first round pick next year. No longer can teams push the Rockets around and focus only on Yao Ming on the post and Tracy McGrady in the wings. Adding Artest instantly toughens their already formidable defense and provides another potential 20+ point scorer for opposing teams to worry about. With the ability to shut down the opposing team’s best scorer, while at the same time punishing whoever gets assigned to guard him, this move could have as much of an effect as the Kevin Garnett trade of last season, barring any blowups or chemistry issues. Houston has essentially assembled a team that could legitimately compete in most decent-sized fantasy leagues.
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My wife and I tried out Hooters at the back of SM Mall of Asia last Saturday during an informal reunion with some old friends.  Although it’s been open since late April of this year, it was going to be our first taste of the well known franchise from the U.S.  Being as such, my expectations for it were admittedly higher than the average restaurant, Hooters Girls notwithstanding.

First time visitors, especially those not very familiar with Mall of Asia’s layout, might find the place a bit hard to locate.  It practically sits at the edge of MOA’s complex, right at the northern tip of the resto strip, much closer to the popular venue One Esplanade than the mall’s main building.  Consequently, parking wasn’t too much of an issue although they do charge a small fee.
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They say all dynasties eventually fall.  Never has that statement rang more true in the world of tennis than today.

Wimbledon has just crowned a new champion.  In an epic five-setter, Rafael Nadal outlasted Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 to finally break the Swiss maestro’s five year reign over the All England Club.  The match, which lasted 4 hours and 48 minutes, was the longest in Wimbledon history.  In a classic war of attrition, both players battled through numerous rain delays, creeping darkness, and an unyielding opponent.  Many commentators and all-time greats are already calling it the greatest match ever played in the tournament.
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Today’s one of those ‘unofficial’ holidays in the Philippine calendar, courtesy of the Manny Pacquiao-David Diaz fight.  The streets will be mostly devoid of pedestrians and vehicles, people will be dropping whatever they’re doing, and businesses will grind to a virtual standstill (for as much as it can on a Sunday).  As millions of Filipinos glue their ears and eyeballs to whatever radio/television/public screenings/live streams (God bless the Internet!) that they can find showing the said fight.

And the Pacman did not disappoint, cruising to a 9 round annihilation of his opponent.  Never seriously challenged, Pacquiao used his superior speed to hammer out the slow-footed but game Diaz.  The fight only lasted as long as it did because Diaz managed to weather the barrage of punches he absorbed, without being able counter-attack with much effectivity.

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