This is sweet

I'm not a basketball fan. Back in my youth, that was maybe not quite so accurate. I played two decidedly unsuccessful seasons in Farmington youth basketball in 4th and 5th grade, where I probably scored a total of 4 points. No matter though. I remember I really liked Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, and I had these two little books about both of them that my parents got me at the school book fair. I read them exhaustively, literally to the point of them falling apart. I also had a strange fixation with the Charlotte Hornets, mainly because I liked their logo with the bug.



I gave my dad a Charlotte Hornets shirt for father's day once. I've kind of reclaimed it from him, so I'm happy to wear it if anyone wants to see me kick it old school. I figure it's a great first date outfit.

Anyways, what the hell does this all mean? Mainly, I've become very intrigued, during my Olympics watching binge, with the US men's basketball team. It's very satisfying to not only see us dominate (everyone should know I like huge margins of victory), but do it with class. Not being a bunch of assholes. It's been really cool to see the men's team at so many different events; cheering on Michael Phelps, watching the women's basketball team, spending time with the rest of the US team in the Olympic Village, etc. It just seems like something we as a nation should be proud of. A group of guys getting it done, but doing it with respect for others, respect for the Olympic ideal, and genuine pride at representing the best of our country.

Check out this breathtaking video of Marvin Gaye busting out the national anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star game.



Now check out this sweet Nike commercial, involving Mr. Gaye's above performance. If you look closely, you can see one of the players wearing (gasp) a backwards Minnesota Twins hat! Who the hell is that guy? Anyways, I'm really not a jingoistic person, or one of those people who flag waves blindly or anything, but this is just cool, no matter how cynical you are. Props to Nike for getting it done.


I have no problem being that guy. They just showed a panoramic view of the Forbidden City in Beijing on NBC.

I was there.