Lightning Twice in One Lifetime?

Well, the Olympics are over and we have about three defining moments, I think. One, the Americans beating Canada early on in hockey; two, Joannie Rochette skating for bronze with a sorrowful heart; and three, Canada and the United States meeting again on the ice. It was sad to see the guys lose.

Since they decided to air the figure skating as late as possible, I had to catch up on watching all the key skating this weekend online. If you haven't seen Rochette's two performances, you gotta. How she could pull it together two days after her mother's sudden death is something you can't learn on the ice. And Scott Hamilton's breaking voice at the end of one of her skates didn't help the audience keep it together. Incredibly sad - even he felt it. Those gals who medaled were pretty darn good. Lovely skaters. A short skate to James Bond music? Clever. But my American fave Mirai Nagasu did very well, too, coming in fourth.

Just like with every Winter Olympics, I want to hit the ice and wish that I could do all those amazing twizzles and jumps and, and ... Sigh. As for U.S. Hockey ... maybe next time.

Roxy

Photo: Getty Images

"Do You Believe in Miracles?"

Whoa, Dear Criss, you're the Olympics headquarters. I love how there was a controversy between the American and Russian male figure skaters. But let's get to what's important.

Today is the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. I'm thrilled that it's all sports radio could talk about today. And it's great that USA beat Canada on the eve of the big day (Go Drury - Go BU!). You know that Mike Eruzione said Herb Brooks was even tougher than the movie "Miracle" portrayed him to be? No kidding. I'm watching the ESPN video clip you sent me. I can't even hear Al Michaels. It gives me goosebumps. I think everybody should have watched the movie in school today. This little guy was taught well by his parents and gives his own version of the great inspirational pep speech, which he gave to the 2010 team, according to the Web site I'm linking you to above (OpposingViews.com).

On other sports, Manny wants out of LA (shocker), LaDainian is out of San Diego, and Iverson is out indefinitely because his little girl is sick. Lots of well wishes; I hope she gets well soon.

Roxy

P.S. Davis and White had a wonderful Indian routine this weekend in ice dancing and should have stayed in first place.

1980: AP
Drury: Reuters

Golden

I’m loving everything about these Olympics, Dear Roxy. What’s not to like? Men in tights (well, not so much), men flying high in the air, women racing down a snowy hill… it’s all very exciting.

Congratulations to Apolo Anton Ohno for becoming the U.S. man with the most medals in the Olympic Winter Games. He is now tied for first with Bonnie Blair for the most decorated U.S. athlete in these Winter Games, although I must admit I had to google her name. He has a chance to surpass her over the weekend!

But yesterday was epic for the Americans! Lindsay Vonn finally got what she wanted and deserved – a gold medal in alpine skiing! I can’t imagine doing that – with a bruised shin.

And Shani Davis became the first speedskater to win the men's 1,000 meters twice! How great is that? I was so nervous watching him last night, even toward the end when he was “behind.” Awesome comeback, Shani!

But my favorite one by far has to be Shaun White as he successfully defended his halfpipe gold title! This kid is unbelievable. What he did last night was out of this world! If only I could stay on my feet while snowboarding will be epic for me! Congratulations, Shaun! You are a snowboard genius!

But let’s not forget about Julia Mancuso for winning silver in the downhill and Chad Hedrick and Scott Lago for winning the bronze in the 1,000 meter and halfpipe. Great day for the Americans; woo-hoo!

Americans Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir compete for a medal in figure skating tonight! Good luck, boys!

What did I miss?

Apolo winning silver and JR Celski winning the bronze in short track speed skating; Hanna Kearney winning gold and Shannon Bahrke winning the bronze in women's moguls; Seth Wescott winning gold in men's snowboard cross; Bode Miller redeaming himself and winning bronze in the men's downhill; Bryon Wilson for his bronze in men's moguls; and Johnny Spillane for his silver medal in individual normal hill/1o k cc.

-Criss

Photos: Alan Grosclaude, Jamie Squire, Cameron Spencer for Getty Images

Your Sign Here

Okay, Dear Criss. What is this controversy with the "Support Our Troops" slogan on the helmet of one of our USA hockey players? Blah, blah, blah the rules. It seems so petty. Fine. We'll take it off because someone else might stick a "Save the Whales" sticker or "Dave Matthews Band" sticker. (I like both the whales and DMB, so chill.)

I haven't seen any women's figure skating. Did I miss it?

Um, I'm a little bored. What should I be watching after football? You know what? I think I may need to watch "Miracle" before Monday, the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. Oh yes.


Roxy


Photo: Reuters

Nodar Kumaritashvili 1988-2010

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics got off to a somber start, Dear Roxy.

Nodar Kumaritashvili, luger from the republic of Georgia, passed away shortly after crashing during a practice run. He was only 21 years old.

My heart breaks for his family and fellow Olympian teammates. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

So, so tragic and sad.

-Criss

Photo: Elise Amendola

Post-Football Blues

I saw that footage with the baby, Dear Criss. Yes, I was a sucker for it, too. But you're right; good for Brees. I'm just kinda apathetic to the Super Bowl this year. I wasn't into the teams, not even 10 percent.

Now that there's no more football, what will we do? Winter Olympics - maybe figure skating. College basketball - eh. NBA - blech. (Same old Kobe story.) Baseball? Too many new faces and too little Varitek. I don't know. Maybe I'm just going through a phase.

Speaking of 'Tek, indulge me, and watch this feature story about him. If he sat on your sun glasses, they're done.

I miss football. There's still the Hall of Fame induction of Jerry Rice this summer. What a guy. I look forward to that. Everyone will be in tears with him.

Roxy


Photos: Wilfredo Lee, AP
Steve & Jerry: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Party Gras New Orleans Style

It's impossible to be mad or sad about the Saints winning the Super Bowl, Dear Roxy. How can you be mad when you see pictures like these? My heart just melts. I don't think it could've happened to a better guy.

Brees, Payton, Bush, and fellow UM players Vilma and Shockey deserved to win. Not to mention the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints on their Super Bowl win. And congrats to Drew Brees for winning the MVP, and sending New Orleans and its people into an early Mardi Gras! =)

As far as my Indianapolis Colts go - Great season, boys. Nothing to be ashamed of. You guys played your hearts out and came just a bit short. There's always next season, right?

-Criss

PS: Great stalking stories, Rox.

PSS: I guess I won't be writing til baseball season starts. Boring.

Photos: Hans Deryk, Reuters.

Blog Hog: Stop the Presses!

I can't contain myself. Super Bowl week has been more exciting than the concept of the Super Bowl itself. After being sad that I possibly blew my chances to meet Steve Young (thanks, Dear Criss, for the text messages with Steve/Carmen Sandiego-styled updates), I FINALLY met him!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

My sister and I woke up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday to drive all the way to the ends of the Earth to see if we could get a glimpse of Steve. Well, when my camera batteries almost ran out, I decided I had to go find new batteries (from a very sketchy store, and they ended up not working), AND I had to go to the bathroom (an even sketchier, public, South Beach bathroom). In the process, I missed my sister meeting Steve and seeing her get my jersey signed. I was excited to see my jersey with his autograph on it, as I ran back toward her. You've got to be kidding me. I jumped up and down and hugged my sister who suffered years of watching 49er games and NFL yearbook videos with me and sitting in nosebleed seats at long games - even if Steve was injured on the sidelines and not playing. I mean, she deserves a trophy.

Then, I hung around a little longer, just in case. I would take a wave, a smile, a glance. Well, he came down and ended up signing a few autographs around me. So I thanked him for signing the jersey earlier and said I missed it because I was in the restroom. I asked if I could shake his hand. He is incredibly polite and a gentleman. I got my handshake and called it a day. Nothing could beat all that. What a thrill. Meeting my favorite football player of all time, the person who is the reason why I love football ... just priceless.

What game tonight?

Roxy

Photos by Roxy

You'll Never Guess

I met Joe Montana today. I also got his autograph. It was unbelievable. That's all I can say because I've been on cloud nine and can't focus or think straight since this morning.

How cool was that? He was on the Dan Patrick Show, which was broadcasting on the beach. So I'm walking over to the area, and I see Joe. THE Joe. No way. And Dwight Clark was seated next to him. So Dan Patrick decided they should re-create The Catch, which ended up being a slow motion version of something other than The Catch, but it was cool. And in my heels and work outfit, there I stood with sand in my shoes unable to hold the camera straight because my hands were shaking. I had to get my co-worker to take pictures for me, with the exception of a few for which I managed to pull myself together!

Quite the day, Dear Criss.

Roxy

Photo by Roxy