Everwood - Sports #9: Summer Olympics are here! - Page 8

'Tos · 07-04-2008, 06:54 PM

Huh. Apparently Jagr's only getting $5 million a year. Not sure why he left really, now. He could have got well over that in the NHL, so..why leave to go to a league that will have some decent international players and some on the fringe, barely NHL calibre players? I don't really get it. *scratches head*

And

to the mullet! In one of his interviews, he was thanking Glen Sather and people from New York, then said "And I also want to say to the people like Mike Milbury who made their living by criticizing me all the time, that they can kiss my [butt]."

Wilpen · 07-05-2008, 07:55 AM

PUCK

In the Minneapolis paper it said that Jagr played for this Russian league before and he was quoted as saying it's close to his home, the Czech Republic, so it seems he really wanted to be closer to the Czech Republic based on his words. He said something about how to an American and Canadian it would be tough playing in Russia since North America is IT for these natives and of course due to the NHL being the elite of all elites, but to him, he's European and very close to the Czech Republic so it's a good fit. So it really seems he wanted to be closer to his home, the Czech Republic, along with the familiarity of playing for this club before during the 2004/2005 lockout, and that's ideally why he went through with it.

Funny thing about Jagr... my moms side is Slovak/Czech so I have about 10202020 family members who have that same look as Jagr. It's kind of funny, he could be part of my family based on looks alone. My one cousin in particular could be his twin, they look identical. LOL.

And regarding Naslund, I think even the Wild went after him. Is it true some players might want to be in the Eastern Conference over Western? I would think they'd more or less want to be in a state or city in Canada where there's actual fans supporting their teams along with good pay. LOL. Not that you don't also get this in the East because you certainly do... I read that the state of Minnesota produces more NHL players out of any other state which obviously makes sense given Minnesota's rich history of hockey, so all I hear about is Minnesota natives wanting to play for their hometown Minnesota Wild not to mention the popularity of hockey in the state of Minnesota. I do always wonder though how some players without ties to a state or city in Canada pick certain places to play over other places. I guess if it's not due to personal ties, then it might just be about money first and foremost although I'm sure a teams talent has to be taken into account as well. But is there a reason why a player also might want to flat out play in the East instead of West?

Also, I've been satisfied with the Penguins moves and signings this off season so far, especially taking care of their priceless big name players. Good deal.

Tennis

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

The gist of what was said was: They were discussing the Venus/Serena final. Elena said that she couldn't imagine playing against someone in her family....that it would be very difficult. She then said that (for the Williams family) it's going to be a family decision'.

Yep, yep, indeed. Well I'm totally with you especially based on the history of what people have stupidly said in the past about the Williams sisters. You know, I'm not a super huge fan of either Venus or Serena (pretty much indifferent), but I will never agree with the lame talk that their dad tells them which one should win the match. That's so damn bogus if you ask me and that's been a stupid rumor for years so the fact that essentially this was the same insinuation being sent by Elena, it falls right with this bogus crap, thus I'm inclined to believe it was sarcasm and a dig from her, unfortunately.

Watching the championship right now and Venus took the first set 7-5 and 3-3 in the 2nd set.

Soccer

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They're playing Sweden on Saturday.

Yes! Going to check and see if my sister gets this game and if so, TIVO it is!

ETA: Venus wins the championship. She's got a good amount of championships at Wimbledon. 5 to be exact. Impressive. Good for her.

Tomorrow is Roger versus Nadal. Neither guy do I largely support so I'm just watching for the talent out there, should be a great match.

everwoodfan52 · 07-05-2008, 06:35 PM

Teachers

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And a bit on teaching... I believe that teachers are underpaid actually even if you're not necessarily getting paid peanuts. I still think it should be higher. Seriously, people say, "Oh but most teachers work only 9 months" (and less if you count holidays) well in my mind... so what? The job you do is precious and I think salaries should reflect that a little bit more. My mom was a special education teacher for 20 years and she loved every minute of it.

Special Education teachers are a special breed of teacher. They go above and beyond as far as patience and nurturing are concerned. I work with a special ed teacher who is in my classroom 2 periods each day as in-class support for my classified students. Any time that I encounter a difficult situation with a student (any student), I just send them to her. She just knows how to handle these issues.....with so much patience and kindness! I just say to the student: "Go see Mrs. _______________. She's nicer than me." I'm the mean one! LOL
Seriously, though. not everyone is cut out to be a special ed teacher. I have deep respect and admiration for your mom!

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Funny thing about Jagr... my moms side is Slovak/Czech so I have about 10202020 family members who have that same look as Jagr. It's kind of funny, he could be part of my family based on looks alone. My one cousin in particular could be his twin, they look identical. LOL.

Do your family members all have mullets? LOL

Quote:

Huh. Apparently Jagr's only getting $5 million a year. Not sure why he left really, now. He could have got well over that in the NHL, so..why leave to go to a league that will have some decent international players and some on the fringe, barely NHL calibre players? I don't really get it. *scratches head*

I don't know if this is true, but what I heard today is that the Rangers make Jagr a very good offer......but he didn't accept because he wanted to be the highest paid Ranger. The Rangers couldn't accommodate that request.

If that is true, it sounds a little greedy to me.

Quote:

In the Minneapolis paper it said that Jagr played for this Russian league before and he was quoted as saying it's close to his home, the Czech Republic, so it seems he really wanted to be closer to the Czech Republic based on his words. He said something about how to an American and Canadian it would be tough playing in Russia since North America is IT for these natives and of course due to the NHL being the elite of all elites, but to him, he's European and very close to the Czech Republic so it's a good fit.

Is he married? Does he have children? Maybe he's okay with living in Russia....but if he has kids......that would definitely be culture shock for them.

Tennis

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I'm not a super huge fan of either Venus or Serena (pretty much indifferent),

Me neither. Why is that? I find the two of them playing against each other kind of boring. If I feel that way, just imagine how the rest of the world feels.

An unrelated note: Can you imagine how much money the two of them bring home?!

ETA: Jagr's salary will be 7 million (tax free) so the equivalent will be about 11 million.
His dad also wants him to go back to the Czech Republic in 2 years.

ETA: very sweet video of Venus Williams after her victory

< BBC SPORT | Tennis | My first job is big sister - Venus >

Wilpen · 07-06-2008, 09:18 AM

Teachers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty

Special Education teachers are a special breed of teacher. They go above and beyond as far as patience and nurturing are concerned. I work with a special ed teacher who is in my classroom 2 periods each day as in-class support for my classified students. Any time that I encounter a difficult situation with a student (any student), I just send them to her. She just knows how to handle these issues.....with so much patience and kindness! I just say to the student: "Go see Mrs. _______________. She's nicer than me." I'm the mean one! LOL
Seriously, though. not everyone is cut out to be a special ed teacher. I have deep respect and admiration for your mom!

Awe that's sweet, thanks! She worked mostly with LD students. She also worked with several Autistic children. She loved every minute of it.

What grade do you teach?

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Do your family members all have mullets? LOL

Nah I can't say that they do. Yes the hair is not included in the comparison, just the facial features. Hee.

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I don't know if this is true, but what I heard today is that the Rangers make Jagr a very good offer......but he didn't accept because he wanted to be the highest paid Ranger. The Rangers couldn't accommodate that request.

If that is true, it sounds a little greedy to me.

Yeah that's lame if it's true. Whenever Angela was getting her undergraduate degree in DC she mildly became a Washington Caps fan since she went to some home games and whenever Jagr played for the Caps I guess it seems he was out for greedy financial gain back then too. Let alone the fact that throughout his entire career his worse play was with the Caps.

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Is he married? Does he have children? Maybe he's okay with living in Russia....but if he has kids......that would definitely be culture shock for them.

I believe he's married with children, but I'm not 100% sure on that. I've heard him talk about his family, not his parents but his family.

Tennis

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Me neither. Why is that? I find the two of them playing against each other kind of boring. If I feel that way, just imagine how the rest of the world feels.

Exactly right.

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An unrelated note: Can you imagine how much money the two of them bring home?!

A boatload! With winnings and endorsements? I also think they have businesses on the side as well. They are filthy rich for sure.

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ETA: Jagr's salary will be 7 million (tax free) so the equivalent will be about 11 million.
His dad also wants him to go back to the Czech Republic in 2 years.

Yep. And according to the article in the Minneapolis paper it was mostly about being closer to home and this would make sense given that he was planning on going home to the Czech Republic in a couple years anyway. Maybe it was a combo of financial reasoning along with getting a head start of being closer to home with Russia not too far from the Czech Republic?

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ETA: very sweet video of Venus Williams after her victory

< BBC SPORT | Tennis | My first job is big sister - Venus >

Awe, that is very sweet. Hearing Venus talk after her win was kind of fun because she has a quiet wit about her. The crowd was cracking up whenever she was saying things like she had hoped her mother was secretly pulling for her over Serena. Very funny stuff.

I do admire the close sibling relationship Venus and Serena have with each other. They are super close and that's very nice to see. I have a close relationship with my sister so I can relate.

NADAL/FEDERER

In a rain delay at the moment but could Federer be taken down a notch or two today? Unless the rain delay saves him and he makes a monumental comeback Nadal's taking this championship today! Up two sets and on serve in the third! One could say it's not a huge upset since it's #1 versus #2 but Federer has owned Wimbledon (5 years) just as Nadal has owned the French. Nadal beating Federer for the championship at the French a short while ago made sense since because it's his best surface whereas Federer has owned grass so it would be expected of him to beat Nadal today. Yet Nadal might win this thing! That would be pretty huge and imagine what mentally this could do to Roger today should he lose on a surface he has owned?

**The Crow** · 07-06-2008, 11:13 AM

Is anyone else watching the Olympic Swimming Trials on NBC? I had heard that Katie Hoff was good, but after I watched her smoke the competition last night in the 800M free (winning by 5 seconds over second, and 11 seconds over 3rd) I realized that she might be just as good as Michael Phelps. With him swimming in 8 events at the Olympics, and her swimming in 5, it ought to be all sorts of compelling to watch.

'Tos · 07-06-2008, 11:34 AM

Tennis

Oh man, this is great. Two of the best at the game right now, in a hell of a match. Federer really looked like he was done before the rain, and man...almost lost it in that last tiebreak, but wow, great tiebreak. Great rallies all over. These two are amazing. Very cool rivalry these two have. Fantastic tennis. Love it. This deserves five sets, no doubt.

everwoodfan52 · 07-06-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Crow (View Post)

Is anyone else watching the Olympic Swimming Trials on NBC? I had heard that Katie Hoff was good, but after I watched her smoke the competition last night in the 800M free (winning by 5 seconds over second, and 11 seconds over 3rd) I realized that she might be just as good as Michael Phelps. With him swimming in 8 events at the Olympics, and her swimming in 5, it ought to be all sorts of compelling to watch.

I have not been watching the trials....but am so looking forward to the olympics.
Isn't Katie Hoff the girl who a few years ago (was very young) actually froze and couldn't swim?
Now she's breaking all kinds of records.

I watched some of the gymnastics trials. We appear to have several really promising candidates there.

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What grade do you teach?

I teach science to 6th graders. I have LD students and some Aspergers (which is a type of autism) mainstreamed into my classes.....therefore, I have the special ed teacher as inclass support.

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NADAL/FEDERER

In a rain delay at the moment but could Federer be taken down a notch or two today? Unless the rain delay saves him and he makes a monumental comeback Nadal's taking this championship today! Up two sets and on serve in the third! One could say it's not a huge upset since it's #1 versus #2 but Federer has owned Wimbledon (5 years) just as Nadal has owned the French. Nadal beating Federer for the championship at the French a short while ago made sense since because it's his best surface whereas Federer has owned grass so it would be expected of him to beat Nadal today. Yet Nadal might win this thing! That would be pretty huge and imagine what mentally this could do to Roger today should he lose on a surface he has owned?

Federer just went from 2 sets behind to a 5th set. They're both animals.....what a fantastic match.

'Tos · 07-06-2008, 12:02 PM

Anooother rain delay.

Bah. I was hoping to see the fifth set go straight through, because it was really great. Seeing Federer, Federer! completely miss a fairly easy shot, and then even seeing him get a bit angry, and of course just the great tennis, it's all something to see.

everwoodfan52 · 07-06-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Tos (View Post)

Anooother rain delay.

Bah. I was hoping to see the fifth set go straight through, because it was really great. Seeing Federer, Federer! completely miss a fairly easy shot, and then even seeing him get a bit angry, and of course just the great tennis, it's all something to see.

Nadal actually humanizes Federer.

These rain delays at Wimbleton through the years are really annoying.
Something should really be done about it.....retractable roof? I realize that that would spoil the atmosphere.... not to mention very expensive.

Wilpen · 07-06-2008, 12:47 PM

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I have not been watching the trials....but am so looking forward to the olympics

Me too. I'm slightly hearing about results but overall, not really watching. Of course tuning in during the Olympics!

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I teach science to 6th graders. I have LD students and some Aspergers (which is a type of autism) mainstreamed into my classes.....therefore, I have the special ed teacher as inclass support.

That's really awesome.

Do you have thoughts on mainstreaming btw? I know this has been an big issue endlessly talked about with regards to special ed students.

Tennis

This match is incredible, man. Federer really is lucky he pulled out the 3rd and 4th set tiebreakers. I can't believe he's still in this match. I hope darkness doesn't hit and we end up having to wait until tomorrow to see the winner. It looks like unless it rains again it will be completed, though. 5-5 in the 5th set. Incredible match!

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These rain delays at Wimbleton through the years are really annoying.
Something should really be done about it.....retractable roof? I realize that that would spoil the atmosphere

I know. These rain delays are ridiculous.

England = rain so you'd think they would better prepare but I guess it's all about history and wanting to keep things the way they've always been. BUT they are changing history since center court is in the process of making a retractable roof. I don't know when this is going to officially be in play? A couple years? It's in the works, though.

Basketball

Alan, I've been meaning to ask if you're psyched or indifferent about an NBA team hitting Oklahama City? I thought that was pretty cool.

I know you're a Mavs fan but will this change when the Sonics hit Oklahoma City?

Wilpen · 07-06-2008, 01:08 PM

Tennis

I'm seriously not sure when was the last time I've seen such an incredible match. Has to be one of the classic Agassi/Sampras ones. This match between Federer/Nadal has it all. My God. I'm glued to the set, man, praying that darkness does not spoil it.

ETA: It's official, Nadal takes out Federer. Amazing! He played his heart out, he deserved to win this championship. One of the best matches I've ever seen. What a joy to watch. Nadal especially impresses me because he grew up on dirt, Spaniards are NOT suppose to be able to play on faster surfaces, it's just not their strength. Nadal knocked down that theory, this guy's incredible. He gained a fan in me today. Amaaaaaaaazing performance by Nadal.

everwoodfan52 · 07-06-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

Tennis

ETA: It's official, Nadal takes out Federer. Amazing! He played his heart out, he deserved to win this championship. One of the best matches I've ever seen. What a joy to watch. Nadal especially impresses me because he grew up on dirt, Spaniards are NOT suppose to be able to play on faster surfaces, it's just not their strength. Nadal knocked down that theory, this guy's incredible. He gained a fan in me today. Amaaaaaaaazing performance by Nadal.

Didn't you just love his performance at the end of the match......climbing up into the stands to hug everyone in his family and the Spanish royal family! Adorable.

Spain must be on cloud nine...winning the Euros and now this.

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That's really awesome. Do you have thoughts on mainstreaming btw? I know this has been an big issue endlessly talked about with regards to special ed students.

Mainstreaming is great for many students. Of course we offer them modifications.
There are, however, several students who are pushed into mainstreaming who shouldn't be there. They really struggle and would benefit much more in a self-contained small class. Unfortunately, teachers are not always listened to and often parents insist on the mainstreaming, much to the detriment of the child. The parent does not always accept the fact that his child has limitations.

'Tos · 07-06-2008, 04:13 PM

I missed the end.

Went out to see a movie. Great for Nadal. He deserves it. I like both guys actually, but Nadal deserves this one. Only 22! That's my age!!

Incredible mental strength and he performed well all game, and against the best in the world, against a comeback, and shutting it down. Impressive performance. Wish I could have seen the celebration with his family, but I'm sure I will in the highlights.

**The Crow** · 07-07-2008, 07:04 AM

The story of the swimming trials to me has been Dara Torres. She's 41 years old, and she's been outswimming girls half her age. In fact, she set the American record a couple of times, and she won the 100M and 50M freestyle.

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Alan, I've been meaning to ask if you're psyched or indifferent about an NBA team hitting Oklahama City? I thought that was pretty cool. I know you're a Mavs fan but will this change when the Sonics hit Oklahoma City?

I'll still be a Mavs fan, but I'm sure I'll make room for the new OKC team. I'm cautiously psyched about the Sonics coming here. I know that the city went crazy for the Hornets when they were here and impressed all the NBA types, but I've been a sports fan in Oklahoma for my entire life, and I know how we respond to a loser. Everyone will come out at first because of the excitement and novelty, but if the team continues its losing trend, then the crowds will stop coming. Its happened at OU time and time again, and I'm afraid it will happen here too. Oklahoma has worked really hard to be considered 'major league' and I hope that we can live up to what that means.

Wilpen · 07-07-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

Didn't you just love his performance at the end of the match......climbing up into the stands to hug everyone in his family and the Spanish royal family! Adorable.

Spain must be on cloud nine...winning the Euros and now this.

Exactly. The Spanish are happy campers at the moment and rightfully so!

It was very nice to see.

The guy's very humble too. It was cute how he kept saying, "thank you." LOL.

And so true about his age, Tos. He has already accomplished so much at the ripe old age of 22. Impressive. He has to be the favorite to win the US Open now. Imagine if he takes the French, Wimbledon, then the US Open? That would be incredible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty

Mainstreaming is great for many students. Of course we offer them modifications.
There are, however, several students who are pushed into mainstreaming who shouldn't be there. They really struggle and would benefit much more in a self-contained small class. Unfortunately, teachers are not always listened to and often parents insist on the mainstreaming, much to the detriment of the child. The parent does not always accept the fact that his child has limitations.

Thanks for your wisdom.

Whenever you get back from Europe I would love to discuss this further if you're interested. I find this subject area quite fascinating and hearing it from someone as educated as you are, it makes it that much more of an interesting topic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

The story of the swimming trials to me has been Dara Torres. She's 41 years old, and she's been outswimming girls half her age. In fact, she set the American record a couple of times, and she won the 100M and 50M freestyle.

I had no idea! Wow! That's absolutely tremendous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

I'll still be a Mavs fan, but I'm sure I'll make room for the new OKC team. I'm cautiously psyched about the Sonics coming here. I know that the city went crazy for the Hornets when they were here and impressed all the NBA types, but I've been a sports fan in Oklahoma for my entire life, and I know how we respond to a loser. Everyone will come out at first because of the excitement and novelty, but if the team continues its losing trend, then the crowds will stop coming. Its happened at OU time and time again, and I'm afraid it will happen here too. Oklahoma has worked really hard to be considered 'major league' and I hope that we can live up to what that means.

Awe I hope so too. The minute I heard about this immediately I thought, "Alan!" The way you guys support your college teams in both football and basketball is something else, that's why it's obvious you have it in you to do the same with an NBA team. Could it possibly be because you guys are so recognized as having talent at the college level that you're not used to losing so that's why there's a fear of people losing patience if there's not a good team out there in a relatively short amount of time?