Recent Comments by dusted

Men's Luger Killed in Training Crash at Winter Olympics Track

grum: The problem with "blaming" the course design is that a person won't normally be able to pop out of the course at that point. It was a fluke.

But this course wasn't normal, was it? The designers, safety officials and various international bodies deserve all the blame for designing a course to be the fastest ever, placing steel girders right next to the track, then ignoring safety concerns.

Key figures in F1 hit out at Olympic luge track design

"The International Luge Federation [FIL] is where Formula One was 40 years ago the whole mindset is wrong," he said.

Echoing his views, Sir Jackie Stewart, the three-time Formula One world champion, said that the sport of luge had been lucky not to have lost more athletes, given the lack of attention to basic safety precautions. "I think the sport has, fortunately, got off for years without too many fatalities or very serious injuries," Stewart said.

The Scot, who has been a tireless campaigner for improvements in safety in motor sport, said that he was very surprised that the track designers in Canada had clearly not considered the possibility of a luger leaving the track, out of control. "It was clear to me that whoever designed the track hadn't seen the potential of either an athlete or a sled getting out of the race track, because at 90mph the dynamics of it are incredible, never mind the human factor," Stewart said. "Clearly it was almost impossible for the luger to miss hitting one of the metal girders on the edge of the racing line because of the angle at which he came off."

Stewart was amazed to see that alongside the Whistler track were unprotected girders on to which the Georgian luger was flung, causing fatal head injuries.

"Had it been motor sport, there would have been a debris fence [chain-link fencing], to stop a sled or a rider from coming into contact with those sort of structures," he said. "If that was in place the luger would have suffered serious injuries because of the speed of the impact, but the elasticity in the fencing would have enabled him to survive."

posted by dusted at 08:21 PM on February 17, 2010

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

Does the Daytona Motorsports Group run NASCAR, or am I mixing it up? DMG is running motorcycle racing in the U.S. after buying the rights, and they have been shockingly incompetent.

posted by dusted at 10:46 AM on February 15, 2010

Men's Luger Killed in Training Crash at Winter Olympics Track

You're right. Sorry grum, I reacted in anger after misreading your comment.

posted by dusted at 06:08 PM on February 12, 2010

Men's Luger Killed in Training Crash at Winter Olympics Track

Ah yes, grum, because the most important thing right now is national pride and reputation, yes? What did you expect - that an accident like this is going to end in accolades? People screwed up, badly, and there will be a lot of hell to pay for that.

Over on Metafilter comes word that the course designers called the corner "50/50," meaning only half the competitors would make the corner.

posted by dusted at 05:59 PM on February 12, 2010

Christopher Hitchens: Sports Bring Out the Worst in Humanity

Oh man, now I LOVE the Polish pole vaulter photo. From Wikipedia:

In Poland, the Bras d'honneur became known as the "Kozakiewicz's gesture" (gest Kozakiewicza). Kozakiewicz made the gesture on July 30, 1980 to Russian spectators in the stadium during the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. The crowd supporting Soviet jumper Konstantin Volkov booed, hissed, jeered, and whistled during Kozakiewicz's spectacular performance. Having just secured his gold medal position, Kozakiewicz made the gesture in defiance to the Soviet crowd. He later confirmed his dominance over the competition by breaking the world record, clearing at 5.78 meters.

The photos of this incident circled the globe, with the exception of the Soviet Union and its satellites. While international observers varied in their reaction to the incident, Kozakiewicz's act received much support in Polish society, which resented Soviet control over Eastern Europe. After the 1980 Olympics ended, the Soviet ambassador to Poland demanded that Kozakiewicz be stripped of his medal over his "insult to the Soviet people". The official response of the Polish government was that the gesture had been an involuntary muscle spasm caused by his exertion.

posted by dusted at 06:54 PM on February 08, 2010

Christopher Hitchens: Sports Bring Out the Worst in Humanity

The article is an instant classic on the basis of that lead photo alone:

It's also hard to dislike this shot, particularly after reading the caption:


At the 1980 summer Games, Polish pole vaulter Wladyslaw Kozakiewicz made a rude gesture to the Moscow crowd after setting a new world record. The image shot around the world and to many, signified Polish resentment of Russia's control over Eastern Europe.

Moral of the story: I only look at the pictures.

posted by dusted at 06:35 PM on February 08, 2010

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

Only two boats in the America's Cup - seriously?

posted by dusted at 12:53 PM on February 05, 2010

The Path Less Traveled

He was lucky to get a QB like Manning, who puts in all that work with his WRs, but it looks like Garcon makes his own luck.

That was my thought exactly. I wonder how common it is for a top-flight QB to put in so much work with rookie receivers?

posted by dusted at 11:23 AM on February 04, 2010

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

MotoGP bikes on the track in Sepang for the first testing of the year (albeit with test riders). Tomorrow the series regulars will get their first rides after the winter test ban.

posted by dusted at 06:27 PM on February 03, 2010

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

I pity the fellow who can fit his pecker into such a tiny hole.

posted by Hugh Janus...

posted by dusted at 03:43 PM on February 03, 2010

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

F1 testing under way.

I love the way manufacturer names are so permeable in Formula One... lots of attention paid to the "first Mercedes F1 car" in decades, but all I can think is "that's a Brawn, aka Honda, aka...."

posted by dusted at 08:01 PM on February 01, 2010

Greg Oden Apologizes for Nude Photos

Ya think, holden?

posted by dusted at 03:12 PM on January 27, 2010

Hope You're Not Waiting on Paul Shirley's Next ESPN Post

Damn, that's disappointing. I thought I recognized the name when I read the quotes this morning.

posted by dusted at 01:37 PM on January 27, 2010

Greg Oden Apologizes for Nude Photos

I saw three before closing the window... why in God's name did I click that link?

Reminds me of the scene in Whip It where Juno makes Maeby barf: "Have you ever thought about your parents making love? Your dad's naked body... his balls jiggling... sweaty..."

posted by dusted at 01:28 PM on January 27, 2010

YouTube to show live cricket

It doesn't say why we're excluded, but there is this line: "Willow TV holds the North America internet rights." Looks like they charge anywhere from $9.95 to $299...

posted by dusted at 01:13 PM on January 20, 2010

YouTube to show live cricket

Finally we can actually watch a game and understand what the hell is going on... wait, what?

posted by dusted at 01:10 PM on January 20, 2010

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

Sammy Sosa is unrecognizable.

posted by dusted at 09:29 AM on January 16, 2010

The Dirtiest Player

I came away liking Harrison more not less.

Really? Was it the part about where a kid was injured in his shootout, or...?

posted by dusted at 07:40 PM on January 15, 2010

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

Mark Titus is The Rainmaker.

posted by dusted at 07:18 PM on January 13, 2010

"How the Glazer family have milked debt-ridden United for millions"

So glad that we Americans can export two things well: corporate greed and nepotism.

posted by dusted at 04:49 PM on January 12, 2010

Texas High School Beats Opponent 170-35

OK, wfrazerjr, got it. I did notice a few "are you kidding me?" grammatical errors, but I guess I read too many forums to even notice anymore.

posted by dusted at 04:00 PM on January 07, 2010

Texas High School Beats Opponent 170-35

wfrazerjr, I'm not sure I follow what you mean about newspaper writers and TV anchors, but I thought the article pretty much encapsulated my view:

...the best lesson he can send to his players is that it says more about a young man to win by 50 when you're 135 points better...

I've never coached a team sport, but I also liked his idea of stopping the full court press and requiring three passes before any shot.

posted by dusted at 01:59 PM on January 07, 2010

Gilbert Arenas suspended indefinitely.

Apparently Gil was packing the Austin Powers gun, a gold-plated Desert Eagle 50 caliber, made famous in this video.

I gotta say I'm 100% stunned that Arenas did this... this is the same guy that wrote fantastic blog posts on subjects as varied as intellectual property and the "Hibachis!"

posted by dusted at 06:35 PM on January 06, 2010

Report: Arenas, Teammate Pulled Guns on Each Other in Locker Room

Apparently Gil was packing the Austin Powers gun, a gold-plated Desert Eagle 50 caliber, made famous in this video.

posted by dusted at 03:15 PM on January 06, 2010

Wes Welker Tears ACL, MCL in Patriots' Finale

It's a traveshamockery that I just Googled testicular torsion.

posted by dusted at 01:37 PM on January 04, 2010

Schumacher returns to seek record 8th F1 title

Maybe a bit over the top, but I too am fed up with circuits like Abu Dhabi - soulless Tilke-designed tracks plunked down where there is no interest in motorsport.

posted by dusted at 08:25 PM on December 23, 2009

Schumacher returns to seek record 8th F1 title

This will be an interesting season... between Schumacher in the Brawn, Alonso in the Ferrari, Hamilton in a developed Mercedes and about three others, there should be an interesting title fight.

posted by dusted at 02:38 PM on December 23, 2009

Randy Moss Accused of Dogging It

He makes being a wide receiver look effortless...

Yes he does.

posted by dusted at 06:09 PM on December 14, 2009

Randy Moss Accused of Dogging It

I don't watch much football anymore, but I found and watched the Saints-Patriots game because I heard so much about it.

It looked to me (again, not a regular NFL watcher, so YMMV) like Moss was barely jogging off the line when the play was not going to him. Is that normal or is a receiver expected to sell the play?

posted by dusted at 03:16 PM on December 14, 2009

Scott Boras Throws Some Heat at Whitey Herzog

Isn't Scott Boras hired to get teams to pay the maximum dollar possible to his clients? All I see is an agent doing exactly what he's supposed to be doing.

posted by dusted at 02:39 PM on December 08, 2009

Greg Oden done for the season

Photographic evidence.

posted by dusted at 12:16 AM on December 07, 2009

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

Rocky Baptiste now has The Miss of the Century.

posted by dusted at 12:04 AM on December 03, 2009

FIFA opens case against Thierry Henry for handball

holden, that's a great couple of links.

posted by dusted at 11:14 PM on December 02, 2009

Angry NHL Defenseman Clobbers Own Goalie

Wow. Moron.

posted by dusted at 07:22 PM on December 01, 2009

Tiger Woods Hurt in Car Crash

Glad he didn't die, can you imagine the shouts of "Get in the hole!" at his funeral?

I feel a little bad that I laughed so hard at that.

posted by dusted at 05:36 PM on November 27, 2009

Brett Favre Mic'd Up

I think he yelled that at Stephen Peterman, an offensive guard also from Mississippi, that must have been filling in on the defensive line, hence the "overtime" comment.

Not all fun and games, though - Peterman is out for the season after a bad ankle injury in the game.

posted by dusted at 05:56 PM on November 20, 2009

Entire Wedding Party Wearing Ravens Jerseys

Did any of you watch all the way through? I couldn't make it past about 20 seconds.

posted by dusted at 05:52 PM on November 19, 2009

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

That was amazing. "Ironically, it might be that when we start taking female athletes seriously..." followed immediately by "look at that pic from the NYT, she is smokin' hot."

I am both laughing and shaking my head.

posted by dusted at 02:34 PM on November 19, 2009

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

I miss motorsports... edit: meaning MotoGP, World Superbike and Formula 1, in my case.

posted by dusted at 01:44 PM on November 14, 2009

Allen Iverson Leaves Grizzlies

I've never understood the hatred of Iverson. None of us really know any of them, but he seems far more sincere and genuine than your average Kobe / LeBron type. He doesn't have that Disney Channel polish, but that just makes him interesting. He works hard, takes lots of punishment, plays injured, and is a phenomenal talent. He should be a starting point guard in the NBA.

posted by dusted at 08:11 PM on November 10, 2009

Redesigning the Worst NFL Helmet Graphics

Man, I love the Pats redesign. I think we need more Captain America in ... uh, America.

posted by dusted at 05:03 PM on November 10, 2009

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

Ben Spies won the World Superbike title last week in Portimao, Portugal, winning it in his rookie season. Next year he races in MotoGP, the top-level series, and last weekend he had a one-off wild-card ride in the MotoGP season ending race in Valencia, Spain. He finished seventh after only three hours on the new motorcycle.

posted by dusted at 09:32 AM on November 09, 2009

NFL's Dirtiest Player: Hines Ward

I was thinking the same thing, irunfromclones... I expected a lineman or a tight end to get top honors.

posted by dusted at 04:40 PM on November 05, 2009

And Another One Down...

Interesting that this happens after Toyota returned to profitability. I can only guess that the losses over the last year or two unsettled them... but then why sign the Concorde Agreement?

posted by dusted at 09:33 AM on November 05, 2009

And Another One Down...

And the FIA will sue... it sort of worked in MotoGP to keep Hayate (ne Kawasaki) around for a year.

posted by dusted at 05:57 PM on November 04, 2009

All-Out Brawl Breaks Out at IHL Game

I'm surprised the game continued. Tossing referees out of the way seems a little over the top.

posted by dusted at 12:34 PM on November 04, 2009

CNBC Reporter: Marathon Champ Isn't Real American

I watched the whole race live on universalsports.com - I'm kind of a running dork. It was pretty amazing how there was a pack of 10-12 one minute and then just 4-5 the next. A few surges later it was just Meb and Cheruiyot. I didn't understand why Meb was sobbing after the race until I read a bit more about what had happened...

Meb's training partner Ryan Shay died in Central Park in the Olympic Trials in 2007, right near the finish line to Sunday's race. Meb had a hip stress fracture after that race that had him crawling around, unable to walk. He fought back from career-threatening injuries to just get to the starting line. He'd never won a marathon ever before.

Which is just a long way of saying "thank God these ignorant pricks said something." Now we can learn more about Meb and appreciate him even more.

posted by dusted at 11:29 PM on November 03, 2009

Manu Ginobili Makes Bat-sketball History

I watched the video several times and all I could focus on was a severe case of male pattern baldness. Poor Manu!

posted by dusted at 01:30 AM on November 03, 2009

Agassi: My Mullet Almost Fell Off at 1990 French Open

My mom wouldn't let me grow a mullet, no matter how much I pitched a fit at the barber shop. I love my mother.

posted by dusted at 04:24 PM on October 31, 2009

Antoine Walker broke, arrested for writing bad checks

I was telling my wife about this, and she said "I couldn't spend that money in a lifetime." It is pretty amazing to think that Walker kept expanding his lifestyle / entourage / gambling habit that he could burn through all his (and others) money so soon after his career ended.

Is there a financial education course for NBA players? I remember we discussed one of the big leagues starting a money course for rookies (your uncle shouldn't be your agent, don't sign blank checks, etc.).

posted by dusted at 11:56 AM on October 29, 2009

Mark McGwire to rejoin Cardinals?

See, what you want to be doing is hitting dingers.

posted by dusted at 08:22 PM on October 26, 2009

ESPN's Steve Phillips caught in affair with 22-year-old production assistant

Man. I'm 30, single, and not a public figure and I'd feel lecherous sleeping with a 22 year old. Phillips obviously needs to grow the hell up.

Seriously? I'm married, but if wasn't I'd have no problem dating a woman eight years younger.

posted by dusted at 05:10 PM on October 21, 2009

Three Runners Die During Detroit Marathon

Running is good for your knees, in at least one scientific study.

Many runners (not saying you, Shotput) have terrible technique, landing on their heels, sending big shocks up through their joints. Combine that with poor and inconsistent training habits, poor rehabilitation of minor injuries and high body weight and I'm not surprised that so many people think "it will ruin your knees."

Look up Chi Running, The Pose, and forefoot/midfoot striking. Try training on dirt, grass, gravel roads instead of sidewalks and pavement, consistently running for a year at a mix of speeds and intensities, and buying new shoes at least every six months. There is nothing better for building up strong bones, tendons and muscles in your legs and feet.

posted by dusted at 06:50 PM on October 19, 2009

Three Runners Die During Detroit Marathon

Sounds like all of them were heart attacks. Runner's World did a magazine feature along the lines of "are marathons safe?" a few months ago. Their conclusion: if you want to live to the end of the day: don't run. If you want to live a long, healthy life: run.

In other words, there is more immediate danger while running compared to sitting on your couch, but over time and statistics, runners live longer and with less disease.

posted by dusted at 11:35 PM on October 18, 2009

Jenson Button is the 2009 Formula One champion

Congrats to Jenson. Quite an amazing story to go from the middle (or back) of the pack to champion. Poor Barrichello... he has no luck.

That was the most eventful F1 race in quite a while. My wife, who can't stand car racing, was actually watching for the first 10-15 laps.

posted by dusted at 10:34 PM on October 18, 2009

Marathon Champ Disqualified for Using iPod

Speaking of fantastic marathon stories... This Sunday, Wesley Korir Will Get an Elite Start at the Chicago Marathon

The Kenyan, a University of Louisville graduate, was in the mass of runners that began five minutes after the elites in Chicago in 2008, but he stunned - and confused - folks by recording the fourth fastest time overall. He's proven his elite status now; he went on to win the Los Angeles Marathon in May in a course record 2:08:24, and also won The Challenge, the battle-of-the-sexes contest within the race. That alone was worth $100,000. Korir is hoping to build an orphanage in his Kitale, Kenya, hometown. "I was born into a very poor family. My passion is to help poor children. "God is giving me an opportunity to make a difference," Korir affirms.

posted by dusted at 04:24 PM on October 08, 2009

Marathon Champ Disqualified for Using iPod

yerfatma, I actually had that experience a couple of months ago in a 10K. I was in second place and I could see the leader about 300 yards ahead with about 1.5 miles to go. They had a highway patrol car stopping traffic where the course crosses Hwy. 1.

The leader ran across with traffic stopped, but the cop re-started the traffic as I approached the intersection. I was screaming "Hey hey hey!" and he just ignored me. I was seeing red mist already, and that just infuriated me further, so I just kept running, filtering through traffic with the cop screaming "STOP STOP, STOP HIM" to his partner across the road. As I blew past, his partner gave me a kind of "sorry about that" shrug and shook his head.

So meanwhile, I'm chasing the guy uphill, thinking "great, now I'm disqualified AND arrested - good work Dusty." To make it worse, even with all that adrenalin I still couldn't catch the guy in front. So I ran across the finish, took off my singlet, removed my bright yellow shoes and mixed in with the crowd. Never saw anyone looking for me, and still got a medal, so I guess they either forgave me or decided I wasn't worth the hassle.

That's my Racing Traffic tale...

posted by dusted at 04:19 PM on October 08, 2009

Marathon Champ Disqualified for Using iPod

Drood, they've relaxed the rules for slow and mid-pack runners, but the elites runners going for prizes still have to follow the old rules.

posted by dusted at 02:12 PM on October 08, 2009

Marathon Champ Disqualified for Using iPod

It's in the rules, clear as can be, so I can't see how they can complain.

posted by dusted at 02:08 PM on October 08, 2009

Book: Cryogenics Workers Batted Around Ted Williams' Head

I think "one day be resuscitated through some form of future-science technological miracle only to end up stuck to a can of tuna fish and getting smacked around with a wrench" is going to be my motto for the day.

posted by dusted at 07:37 PM on October 02, 2009