Olympic Fever: Wear Your Country Flag On Your Browser

Olympic fever burning for your country team yet?

In line with the ongoing 2012 Olympics in London, Firefox pushed for its set of personas featuring National Flags, celebrating "the global spirit of community." It is certainly a nice reminder to cheer for your country team competing in the XXX Olympiad.

Just to clarify, we are talking about the Games of the "30th Olympiad" and not a reference to a raunchy adult video. Although if we base this on the statements of US Women's Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo, one could be justified in saying that the Olympics may not be just strictly sports. [See Hope Solo and Sex in the Olympics]

Well, what can you do with all that testosterone in the air?

200 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anyway, this particular collection of Firefox themes [See National Flags 2012] is not at all complete with only about 65 designs including the Global Spirit series. Here's one that features the Philippine Flag as seen in the screengrab above. That is decent enough for my taste. Not satisfied, here are other variations in case you are feeling somewhat patriotic especially now that the Philippines is facing formidable adversaries in the Western Philippine Sea. [See More Philippine Flag Firefox Personas]

Congrats in advance to all participants in the 2012 Olympics. Do your country proud. Here's to Global Community and brotherhood. And Go Team Philippines!

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• Hope Solo on sex at the Summer Olympics, 'There's a lot of sex going on'
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Pacquiao Destroys Margarito; Wins Record 10th World Title

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The distinguished gentleman from the Philippines, Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao emerges victorious against the Mexican challenger Antonio "El Tornado de Tijuana" Margarito via a 12-round unanimous decision in their world title fight, November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas, USA.

Save for a round or two in the early goings where Margarito showed marks of his former championship brilliance, Pacquiao overwhelmed his opponent through their WBC Junior Middleweight bout. The famed Filipino boxer now holds the distinction of the only fighter holding 10 world titles in 8 different weight classes.

Margarito fought bravely through bloodied and swollen eyes and held his own despite wobbly legs up to the last sound of the bell. During the 12th round Pacquiao can be seen glancing at the referee as if waiting for the official to stop the fight, knowing that his challenger is at that point severely injured.

It was a historic event witnessed by millions all over the world. And it is only fitting that the match was held at what is currently the world's finest sporting venue -- Jerry Jones' Cowboys Stadium, which was filled to overflowing by boxing fans that night.

It was a dominating performance by Pacquiao but the bravery of Margarito cannot be denied. No doubt, this fight will go down the boxing annals as a certified classic.

Related articles

• Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito: Round-by-Round Live Analysis (bleacherreport.com)
• You: Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito (sportsviews.com)
• Pacquiao Vs. Margarito Round-By-Round Coverage: Manny Dominates Opening Round (sbnation.com)

NFL Updates: Big Ben Bounces Back, Dallas' Despair and Close Clinchers

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Six weeks into the 2010-2011 season, the NFL's big story is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (yay Steelers!) with the return of their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger off a 4-game suspension. Big Ben threw 16/27 for 257 yards and while he was intercepted once, he made 3 touchdown passes throwing off doubts that the top-rated QB is in game-ready form.

On that same game, the Cleveland Browns debuted rookie QB Colt McCoy who fared quite well with a 23/33 completions passing for 281 yards. If not for the 2 interceptions and 4 sacks, the Heisman nominee may have had a grander welcome to the NFL. The Steelers won 28-10.

Also in week 6, America's team the Dallas Cowboys is down in the doldrums at 1 win and 4 losses. Analysts are pointing out that the Cowboys are making too many unnecessary mistakes, suffering penalties that sets them back and puts their opponents at an advantage. Last week the Cowboys lost with a heart-breaking 21-24 versus good 'ol Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Two weeks in a row, the Cowboys were called for excessive celebrations. Last Sunday, they had 11 penalties and lost 91 yards in the process. Dallas needs to show disciplined football and stop beating themselves if they want to get back in their winning ways.

Speaking of heart-breaking losses, games determined by a single field goal is getting very common in the NFL these days. Six matches saw the winning team getting only a 3-point edge most notably the overtime win of the New England Patriots over the Baltimore Ravens courtesy of Stephen Gostkowski's winning field goal. Watch this and other stories below.

Which team do you think will make it all the way to the AFC and NFC championships?

Related articles

• NFL Week 6 Scores: 10 Biggest Surprises To Unfold (bleacherreport.com)
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Pacquiao Bested Clottey: Keeps Welterweight Title

It wasn't much of an event. Despite the gargantuan hype, the WBO welterweight title match between reigning champ Manny Pacquiao and Ghana's Joshua Clottey was more an exercise in drudgery than anything else. Clottey, the challenger, with a 10-pound advantage and an all-too-haughty demeanor failed to impress and committed quite a number of boxing faux pas. Some commentators even thought the sparring practices from the weeks of preparation for both camps held more action than this weekend's main bout.

Pacquiao brought his usual high-adrenaline game as was expected of the record holding, multi-titled fighter -- the footwork was there, as well as the speed and the menacing blows both to the body and to the head. In fairness to Clottey he took a tough enough stance. However the so-called "Hitter" simply allowed himself to be an overgrown punching bag through all 12 rounds, throwing glancing blows to Pacquiao as a mere afterthought it seemed.

The Philippines' favorite son took home the title once again, this time on an overwhelmingly unanimous decision. A win is a win and kudos to the Pac-man. Nevertheless, this is hardly the way a well-favored fighter should exit the ring. Even as talks of Pacquiao's retirement is nearing fruition, more sooner than later, there is a prevalence of expectation for Manny Pacquiao to go out with a big convincing win. This is something that "The Event" failed to deliver.

Winners All

This week is all about winners.

Sandra Bullock, Mo'Nique and Kathryn Bigelow win big in the Oscars. Jeff Bridges also had a grand slam bagging both the Academy and Golden Globes for his role in "Crazy Heart". "The Hurt Locker" edges "Avatar" winning 6 out of 9 nominations including the Best Picture Oscar.

Meanwhile, Chile, still reeling from the effects of the previous weeks' magnitude 8.8 super earthquake, has a new President in Sebastian Pinera. On his inauguration day a 6.9 magnitude aftershock still rocked the country. The call for international aid intensifies from all fronts to address the destruction in both Haiti and Chile.

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On another note, Forbes' list of World's Billionaires for 2009 featured Mexico's Telecom magnate Carlos Slim on top besting long-time front-runners Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. 63% of the world's richest are based in Asia. The list also revealed that last year, China had the most billionaires outside of the USA beating India.

The Philippines is also on the list with the Sy Family and Tan Family taking spots 234 and 522 respectively. The mall mogul Henry Sy has a net worth of US$2.7 billion while Lucio Tan is pegged at US$1.4 billion.

Another winner is Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys since the new Cowboys Stadium will be hosting this weekend's biggest event - the Pacquiao vs. Clottey WBO welterweight championship match. This will be the first major boxing event for the billion-dollar state-of-the-art stadium with no less than the biggest name in boxing gracing the home of the biggest name in football.

But then who will be the winner; the champion or the challenger? Follow Daily Dotventures this weekend for the outcome of the Pacquiao-Clottey Event.

Saints take Superbowl XLIV

The New Orleans Saints win Superbowl XLIV with a 31-17 upset over 4-time MVP Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. This is the Saints' debut in the league championships and the first ever Superbowl title for the 43 year old NFL franchise.

Indianapolis led the Saints 10-0 in the first quarter highlighted by a Peyton Manning touchdown pass to Colts receiver Pierre Garcon. By the second quarter Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the offense twice to within 30 yards of the Colts end zone, allowing kicker Garrett Hartley to score on 40+ yard field goals. The Colts still led 10-6 at the end of the first half.

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The Saints began the third quarter with a well executed onside kick that culminated in a scoring drive sealed by a Drew Brees to Pierre Thomas 16-yard TD pass. The Colts showed composure as they also scored on their next offense bringing the tally to 13-17. The subsequent Saints field goal tore down the Colts lead to just 1 point at 16-17 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

The final quarter was all Saints as the Colts' started to succumb to the opponents' marching momentum. On Indianapolis' initial drive on the fourth, Colts kicker Matt Stover tried to salvage a botched deep pass at New Orleans' 33 yard line with a 51-yard field goal attempt. However, the kick sailed wide to the left. The following offensive drive by the Saints ended in a 2-yard touchdown pass to veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey and a 2-point conversion that was awarded to the Saints after review.

Approaching the last two minutes of the game, all hopes for the Colts were extinguished as the no-huddle offense characteristic of Peyton Manning was trounced by a perfectly-timed Tracy Porter steal that resulted in a 74-yard interception touchdown return. The Colts' final attempt at redemption fizzled out with a fourth down incomplete pass resulting in a turnover at New Orleans' 5-yard line with 44 seconds left in the game. Brees ended Superbowl XLIV a true saint kneeling down for the final ticks. Final score Saints 31, Colts 17.

I had earlier predicted a 14-point victory for the Saints. (See my Facebook post, a full 13 hours prior to the kickoff). US President Barrack Obama also made a prediction for the Colts in an AP story (read it here). With all due respect... in your face Mr. Obama! :p

Pacquiao Devastates Dela Hoya

MANNY PACQUIAO WINS in the 9th round of his non-title boxing match against Oscar dela Hoya as the Filipino fighter totally overcomes dela Hoya throughout their fight.

Dela Hoya suffered a cut to his face with Pacquiao's quick and strong left straights. Pacquiao's speed and power was just too much for the Golden Boy despite the latter's advantage in height and weight.

See the blow-by-blow account here.

Congratulations to the Pacman!

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2008 Olympics: Bye-bye Beijing, Hello London!

Monocycle racing - the future of the Olympics?
Image from Daily Kos

The last of the fireworks fizzled out late August 25th as the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games came to a very spectacular close. Despite its many detractors, the Beijing Olympic Games would remain a historic, fantastic and the most grand Olympics of the global sporting meet.

Already, London, which is up next in hosting the games by 2012, have its mayor Boris Johnson almost half-apologetically expressing to the effect that the next instance of the Olympiad would be quite modest compared to the just finished Chinese version. Says Johnson thru the BBC, "This is not going to be a cost-cutting Olympics, but it is essential we watch every penny to deliver a Games that is value for money."

Olympic Medal Tally Results

The top 5 countries dominating the games were the USA, China, Russia, Great Britain, and Australia. Germany, France, South Korea, Italy and the Ukraine rounds up the top 10.

Overall, there were 87 countries that ranked with a medal out of the 204 states that participated for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Catch the Games results and other Olympic statistics in detail at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) website.

The Philippine Performance

The Philippine delegation did not succeed in bringing in any medals in the official Olympic competitions. However, Filipinos have a consolation in Wushu athlete Willy Wang who brought home a gold for the demonstration sport.

This is the second gold for the Philippines in a non-official sport in the Olympics. The first one was bagged by celebrated bowler Arianne Cerdeña during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

With another medal-less Olympic campaign the Philippine government pledges to overhaul the sports program of the country.

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Bolt and Phelps Victorious

The athletes who stood out at the Beijing Olympics were of course, Michael Phelps of the USA and Jamaica's Usain Bolt.

Michael Phelps has now reached legendary status for taking 8 golds in swimming, breaking 4 world records as an individual and helping to break 3 more records in the men's relay events. Phelps now stands as the person with the most gold medals for a single Olympics, overshadowing his predecessor and compatriot Mark Spitz.

Usain Bolt ran away (literally and figuratively) with 3 gold medals corresponding to 3 world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay track and field events. He is the world's fastest man despite the disapproving remarks of IOC President Jacques Rogge's regarding Bolt's bragging attitude over his wins.

The Beijing Olympic Games will be a memorable celebration for the 10,000 athletes who played in the events and the tens of thousands more who presented the pageantry, the fireworks, the men and women flying on strings, the neon-lit monocycles and the singers and dancers who represent the billions of dollars spent for hosting the 2008 Olympics. For the millions of viewers worldwide who watched the games on TV, special effects and lipsyncing aside, and anticipated the results on the Web (over 16 million tuned in at IOC's You Tube channel), the Beijing experience is finally over. We can now go on with our lives undistracted by what was the most fantastic hosting of the Olympics in all of history.

Catch the Olympic Fever

With only less than 3 days left before the biggest and grandest sporting spectacle the world has ever seen, just about everybody on the Web is all in wild anticipation about the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Mark that date if you haven't yet, 08-08-08.

To get you sprinting off to everything Olympics here are some smashing sites that are right on target to pole vault your online experience of the Games of the 29th Olympiad.

www.olympic.org

If you want to dive right into what the Olympics is all about, this is the official website of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). When I first visited this site about a year ago, it was more of a corporate presentation. Although, it contained a very rich history about the Olympic games (and still does), it was back then somewhat in the doldrums.

Now, it is a very interactive resource for all things Olympic -- from an exhaustive database of all Olympic records and medalists since its 1896 beginnings, to the most current news about the Beijing 2008 Summer Games. There is a digital magazine called the Olympic Express that's very informative. Then if you want to learn more about the basic rules of the various Olympic events, browse over to the Sports Animations section and go over the games in a flash (pun intended; you will need Adobe Flash to watch the presentations).

Then if you want a taste of the competitive Olympic spirit, try out the Olympic Mini Games. Its a fun preview of the Sega video game Beijing 2008. You can rack up scores in three events -- archery, weightlifting and diving. Then see how you fared against the best mouse-clickers in the world. I tried my hand at the archery event (see accompanying image). Though I had a perfect 10/10, I only ranked 159. Not bad for a first try though.

There's more to explore at the Olympics.org website. Be sure to check out the stunning multimedia gallery and the Olympics quiz contest for a chance to win the Beijing 2008 video game.

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The Beijing 2008 Official Website

This is your ultimate web destination to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Know the news, view the sights, swim in the intricate details that surround this enigmatic event, the biggest ever Olympics in Asia.

Follow the footsteps of the most controversial Olympic torch relay in history, one that was marred by protests at every major city in its world route and even scaled the heights of the highest spot on Earth at Mt. Qomolangma (Everest). See blogs contributed by common folk at My Olympic Story, showcasing their interest and passion for the Olympics.

Discover the feats of engineering that transformed Beijing to become Olympics central this year. Enter the infamous National Stadium or "Bird's Nest", and the magical "Water Cube" that is the National Aquatics Center.

www.nbcolympics.com

Watch the 29th Olympiad online through NBCOlympics.com. This is the first live Web coverage of the Olympic games, thanks to the global growth of broadband Internet, and MSN/NBC got the exclusive go to broadcast the games online. The NBC Olympics site contains news and information about the games, the individual sporting events, key athletes, country profiles as well as photos and videos to give you a comprehensive ring side look at the Beijing Olympics.

Lastly, stay tuned here at Daily Dotventures for more Olympic updates.

Pacquiao Captures Lightweight Belt

Photo from Philboxing.com

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made history June 28 as he slugged it out on the square ring, outboxing then Lightweight Champion David Diaz and finally sending the Mexican-American fighter's face to the canvass late in the 9th round, to win the WBC Lightweight Championship of the World. Pacquiao is the first Filipino and Asian to capture the title, his fourth world title in four separate divisions, proving without question that he is the best pound-for-pound boxer of this age.

Pacquiao showed he was at the top of his game at the lightweight division -- considered for years as the holy grail of Philippine boxing. Filipino greats fell at this level, even the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.

But "The Pacman" was lightning fast at 135 pounds. The slow-motion replay could barely track a blur of a left hook that was the knockout punch smashing into Diaz's chiselled jaws. His gloves went limp as his face hit the ring floor. And while Pacquiao went to a neutral corner, referee motioned for the ring physician as Diaz struggled to get on his back. Just before the cornermen jumped into the ring -- Diaz's in bewilderment, Pacquiao's in jubilation -- the gentleman warrior approached his fallen foe and tried to help him get up.

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Manny Pacquiao's red right gloves flashed warning signs for the "Dangerous" David Diaz all through the first 8 rounds. But in the end, it was an unsuspecting left that leveled Diaz.

It was a convincing end. There were no scorecards to count, no controversial headbutts. Diaz took the fight to Pacquiao and stood up valiantly against the famed Filipino fighter. But this time the challenger proved too fast and too strong. Truly a lethal combination for the defending champ.

Get the blow-by-blow account at Yahoo! Sports.

And here's some great stories of the fight over at Pacquiao's own website.

Congratulations to the pinoy boxing hero Manny Pacquiao!

100 Days To The Beijing 2008 Olympics

The 100-day countdown begins for what is highly anticipated as the biggest sporting event in the world -- the Beijing 2008 Olympics. It is certainly projected to be the grandest staging of the international sporting competition to be held in an Asian country. Arguably, it may very well be the most spectacular Olympiad yet.

But no grand goal is not without an opponent just as great. Not since Berlin 1936 did the Olympic games receive extensive media mileage for swimming in a pool of controversy. Ever since 2001 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded China the honor of hosting the 29th Olympiad, protests have been thrown from all sides ranging from issues of China and its relation to the Darfur conflict, to allegations of human rights violations, to China's strained politics over Tibet and the issue of the environment as several Olympic sites are said to be heavy in smog.

Yesterday, the international leg of the Olympic torch relay ended at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. But prior to reaching the China-allied nation the torch relay was marred by huge protests in key cities along the torch's route -- San Francisco, Paris, New Delhi, Canberra and London among others. At the end of April the torch relay will start its China route starting in Hong Kong. The route of the China leg includes an ascent to Mt. Everest, another controversial first to watch out for in this epic prologue to the 29th Olympiad in Beijing.

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Earlier, thousands of participants joined in the Sports for All Marathon Relay marking the 100-day countdown to the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing. The run started near the National Stadium (also called the "Bird's Nest") and also finished at the main Olympics venue.

Later a musical concert will be held to showcase the Beijing Olympics Theme Song "Beijing Huan Ying Ni" ("Beijing Welcomes You") along with the top entries for the Olympic song search. Guests include international martial arts superstar Jackie Chan and other Chinese stars such as Andy Lau and Stephanie Sun among others.

Officials from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) express confidence that everything is on track for the Olympic Games come August 8. Venues have been completed in record time, transportation issues are being addressed with new airports and subway systems. In addition, the pollution levels are steadily dropping with the closure of factories and heavy industry facilities within and around the vicinity of the sports venues.

Subscribe to our feed and keep track for more developments on the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Pacquiao Wins By A Point Against Marquez

Here's a facial!
Photo by German Villasensor at MaxBoxing.com

Philippine boxing hero Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao braved the onslaught that was Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez of Mexico during last
Sunday's "Unfinished Business" championship fight for the WBC super featherweight title, to come out the victor by a lone brow-raising point.

The bout lasted 12 rounds filled with blood, sweat, spit and pure guts from today's most evenly matched, 130-pounder champions of the square ring. Their last go for glory against each other back in 2004 ended in an unsatisfying draw. This Pacquiao-Marquez II slugfest was just as confusing as the first, with both fighters holding their own versus the other's determined force - toe-to-toe, pound-for-pound, blow-by-blow.

It was boxing history being carved-out, albeit live on pay-per-view.

There were rounds taken by Marquez, while other rounds showed clearly Pacquiao making his mark. Marquez even hit the canvass on the third round. For the totality of the fight however, both Marquez and Pacquiao were even - Marquez showed impeccable skills; Pacquiao branded speed and power; and both bore the hearts of lions.

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Nonethless, at the end of the 12th, the judges had to make a decision. It was an inconceivable decision that could never measure nor quantify the battle that was waged inside that boxing ring. After that fight, the injustice was watching 3 judges subjectively score the very souls of the greatest warriors on earth that very night.

And as the scores were being announced, the Filipino pugilist, beaming with utmost respect toward his battered foe seemingly conceded his pride with outstretched congratulatory arms for Marquez. The Mexican though didn't seem to welcome his foe's gentlemanly gesture. Then Pacquiao grimaced - not with pain from Marquez's blows to his body nor the cut on his right eye. His face pained knowing that he must now bear the consequence of his efforts that night. Manny Pacquiao wrested the championship from Marquez by but a sliver of a point.

I'm proud that Pacquiao won. Nevertheless, I cannot say that Marquez was in any way a loser. He was strong to the very end and was just as deserving for that single point as were Pacquiao.

Nothing short of a convincing victory would really settle the score between Pacquiao and Marquez. Will there be a third meeting? If so, may the 12th round never come.

Superbowl XLII - NY Giants Win; Denies NE Patriots Sweep

Giants Victorious
Photo by Ben Liebenberg / NFL.com

Eighty-three yards in under three minutes. That's what came between the New York Giants and the Vince Lombardi trophy during the last minutes of Superbowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium, February 3, in what will remain the NFL's greatest upset in recent memory.

Quick rewind. The New England Patriots dominated the AFC with a record-breaking 18-0 undefeated season, which included the division title played against the San Diego Chargers. As such, the NY Giants, after besting the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional championships, came into the Superbowl clearly the underdogs.

First Quarter. The Giants drew first blood with a record nearly 10-minutes / 16-plays / 63-yard drive capped midway by a 32-yard field goal from Lawrence Tynes that gave New York a 3-point lead against New England.

By the second quarter, New England found themselves on the Giants end zone - scoreless, but not for long. Running back Laurence Maroney defied the Giants defensive line for the last-yard rush and a touchdown.

Tom Brady and the Patriots enjoyed the 7 to 3 advantage coming off the half and all throughout what was decidedly a very defensive 3rd quarter, with neither team scoring. But by 4 minutes into the 4th, Eli Manning threw a 5-yard pass to David Tyree for the touchdown giving the Giants the 10-7 lead.

After changing hands twice, the ball once again was in Patriots possession. Brady and the New England offensive marched up the field in a determined charge which included a Superbowl record tying 11th reception for Wes Welker, and punctuated by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss. After the extra kick, the Patriots led, 17-10 with only 2:42 left in the game.

As if there was not enough pressure on the Giants, the Patriots defense didn't simply kick back and relax. In that 12-plays drive about the 2-minute warning mark, Eli Manning passed incompletes, scrambled in the pocket at least twice and even got sacked by Adalius Thomas. Nonetheless, the Giants' offense persisted and the key plays made all the difference - an almost sack escaping from three Patriot linebackers results in a 32-yards pass from Manning to a Brandon-Meriweather-entangled-David-Tyree for a first down at New England's 24-yard line; and later, a 13-yard throw deep in the rear left corner to an almost uncontested Plaxico Burress.

When the smoke cleared, Burress was on his knees. Answered prayer indeed.

With only 39 seconds left to play, there was not enough "hail mary's" left for Tom Brady and his teammates scampering, albeit with double / triple NY coverage, towards the end zone.

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Blood ran thicker that night at the 42nd Superbowl, evidenced by Eli Manning succeeding his older brother Peyton for the Superbowl MVP award. For two years in a row, the Manning family have provided fine professional quarterbacking excellence to the sport.

As for the Patriots, it was a valiant stand. However, perfect glory was not to be had.

Final score - 17-14. The New York Giants prevailed over the New England Patriots.

Superbowl XLII - New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

So, who indeed wants it more? The question is particularly relevant to the current quarterbacks leading their respective teams for the sports' most coveted distinction - the Vince Lombardi trophy of Superbowl 42.

Will it be the Superbowl first-timer Eli Manning and the New York Giants? This, notwithstanding him being the third in a family of professional quarterbacks in the NFL, after his father Archie Manning and older brother not to mention last season's Superbowl winner and MVP Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.

Or will it be the regular season perfect team New England Patriots with Tom Brady at the helm? Brady has had 3 Superbowls notched up with 2 Superbowl MVPs in his 7 season career. However, the news is Brady is suffering from a shoulder injury and is listed as "probable".

Superbowl XLII - a super upset in favor of the Giants or a 19-0 perfect season for the Patriots?

2007: Year At A Time (Part I)

The year 2007 does not stand out in history as much as say 1776 with the US Declaration of Independence, or 1945 with the atomic bomb destruction of Hiroshima, or for that matter the year 2000 celebrated as the turn of the millennium although some argue that 2001, said to be the first year of the 21st century, is the "actual beginning" of the new millennium.

For the most part, 2007 is as regular a year as the sun regularly rises in the morning and sets in the evening. The machinery of governments kept rolling, the expected world events kept in pace with tradition, and for certain humankind grew in numbers but also fell to disease, disaster and dreadful conflicts.

However, despite being a relatively lackluster year, 2007 had its own moments -- instances of note which, to some marks a good year, to others bode ill omen, while for the rest holds memories void of reward and relevance.

Peace Elusive

The world was in conflict in 2007 as in the years and decades previous. It's nothing new, that is to say its nothing particularly disturbing. But as in all human conflicts marked by violence, it is a matter of serious discourse.

The US campaign in Iraq continued even as hundreds died relentlessly by the works of suicide bombers all year-round. Britain, one of the pillars of the "coalition against terror" that gave the thumbs-up for the US to invade Iraq in 2003, began withdrawal of its troops off Basra. And while troop withdrawal from Iraq is the current sentiment of a vocal segment of the international community, the US (even as Bush had agreed on sending some US soldiers home during the holidays with certain limitations) is still reluctant to let go of Iraq, pointing at neighboring Iran this time as a growing threat in the region.

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Other regional conflicts and unrest included the ongoing Taleban insurgency in Afghanistan, ethnic wars at Darfur in Sudan allegedly fueled by support coming from China, the age-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict even as the Annapolis Conference took place last November, the 2007 Lebanon conflict, the continuing insurgency in Southern Philppines, the violent crackdown on anti-government protests in Burma (Myanmar), and the war in Somalia among others.

Tension also marked the issue of North Korea's nuclear program which started with Pyongyang's alleged nuclear tests in the last quarter of 2006. By January 2007, Japan and South Korea along with other concerned nations decried a nuclear North Korea and sought sanctions against Kim Jong-Il's regime. A month later, NoKor have committed to nuclear disarmament in exchange for aid and have since been under the watchful eye of the US and the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) all throughout 2007. Also, in August, North and South Korea signed a peace declaration which sought to establish a permanent treaty to replace the truce which led to the cessation of the Korean War back in 1953. By the end of December 2007 however, tension resurfaced as North Korea missed its deadline to bare-all as promised its nuclear plans.

Next on 2007: Year At A Time (Part II) - World Finance and the Environment in 2007.

2007 World Pool Championships: England vs. Philippines - Daryl Peach Wins

With $100K, who the heck needs hair?
Image from worldpoolchampionships.com

At that moment, it was the most dramatic piece of furniture to watch on the planet. A table covered in soft felt cloth, 4 holes at each corner plus 2 at the sides, traversed to and fro by 9 colored balls of cast resin, set to motion by chalk-tipped wooden sticks, held by the hands of two determined men with one goal in mind - become the 2007 World Pool Champion.

After toppling the Hungarian newcomer Vilmos Foeldes yesterday at his semis match, England's Daryl Peach earned his spot at the finals. So too did Philippine contender Roberto Gomez, after he won over Karl Boyes. It was England versus the Philippines in a classic duel that will go down in pool history as one of the best ever played.

"Superman" (Roberto Gomez' monicker) against the bald-headed "Lex Luthor" (referring to Peach although he sports the alias "Dazzler"). The former had the homecourt advantage. The latter, only his experience in international pool tourneys backed him up.

It was a race to 17. Each cue artist matched the other's stroke. They both made costly errors. They also made incredible shots. I've lost track how many times the object ball hung by the edge of the pocket - frustration wrung Gomez's and Peach's faces. Still, both men demonstrated mastery of the game.

During the first part, Daryl Peach led the game but Roberto Gomez played it close. The game tied 2-2, then 3-3. But when Peach tried to pull away at 3-8 Gomez ran a 5-rack streak to even things up again at 8-8. Again they tied at 12 a-piece. Then Gomez threatened to bury Peach at 15-12 with a barrage of safeties and counter-safeties. The Englishman however stood his ground and went on to tie the match 15 all. Daryl Peach didn't look back since. At rack 32, the final score - Gomez 15, Peach 17.

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Daryl Peach is the 2007 World Pool Champion!

This time, the Filipino crowd gave the home-bet upsetter a hearty round of applause, unlike the controversy earlier during Peach's match in the quarterfinals against Filipino pool master Francisco Bustamante. The local fans at ringside even shook his hands approvingly and offered up high-fives. That was perhaps a more satisfying catharsis for Peach - a plus after his winner's reward of the 2007 WPC title and $100,000.

Personally, I wanted Gomez to win. I thought we should have another Pinoy champion. But I've since resigned myself to the thought that the tournament indeed belonged to Peach. Pool is one of the few sports that relied largely, almost solely on skill and circumstance. This time around, Daryl Peach had a few notches more skill and circumstance than Roberto Gomez. The younger Gomez will have his own day to win. Congratulations to Daryl Peach and kudos for a game well played to both Peach and Gomez.

Catch the rack-by-rack report from "The AnitoKid on Billiards | Philippine Sports: Daryl Peach Wins the 2007 World Pool Championship!"

2007 World Pool Update: Peach's Hairline Win Over Bustamante's Heartbreak Loss

Francisco Butamante - So Unbelievably Close.
Archive Image by snookerclub.com

Daryl Peach felt the pressure of the unbelieving local crowd as he stared down at the last 9-ball and finally sinking it to edge Francisco Bustamante in their race-to-11 quarterfinals at the 2007 World Pool Championships. Only a few hands were heard clumsily applauding the Englishman's win.

Bustamante shook his hand, his head turned away.

The unnerving atmosphere in what should be a jovial occasion at the 9-ball tourney, was rooted at the previous rack which held up the match for the good part of 10-minutes. The issue - an alleged foul ball against Bustamante on what was a miraculous combination shot on the 3rd and 9th ball that would have given the Filipino cue player the shot at the semis.

Earlier in the match, Peach commanded over Bustamante as the latter committed costly errors at the pool table. Bustamante however regained his composure and with a valiant uphill climb, later takes the lead 9 to 10 over the obviously worried Peach. With just a score away from the quarterfinals win, a good soft break allowed Bustamante to proceed. A slight miscalculation after sinking the 2-ball stopped the white main ball at an angle short of a clear shot at the target 3-ball behind the striped 9.

This forced Bustamante to bank the cue ball on the rail which hit both the 3 and the 9-ball. With a good amount of velocity the 9 made its way to the corner at the far end and dropped in. The audience burst in jubilance. Peach however unconvinced called for a review. The television replay seemed to show the white ball hitting the 3 and the 9 with the 9-ball apparently moving prior to and faster than the object ball. Thus the foul was called by the officiating referee Nigel Rees and was upheld even after a second review called by Bustamante.

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Peach proceeded to win that controversial rack for a tie at 10-10. At the next rack, Bustamante didn't even have to stand up. Peach won it 11-10.

But not without a homecourt crowd in eerie disbelief sharing in the heartbreak loss of their local hero.

Parallel Quarterfinals Results
Hungary's Vilmos Foeldes upsets former champion Mika Immonen of Finland in a convincing 7-11 victory. Foeldes and Peach will battle it out in the semis for the chance at the championship later today.

Best Eight To Shoot For 2007 World Pool Championships

They came to conquer. Out of the 128 of the world's best cue masters from 46 countries around the world, the final 8 will match nerves of steel at the pool table for the illustrious 2007 World Pool Championship title and a winner's prize of $100,000.

The quarterfinals are being held as of writing, which will be followed by two semis matches later in the afternoon. The final showdown between the semis winners will rack up tomorrow, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines 2:30pm Manila time (GMT+8).

Since it opened November 3, 2007 many of the masters already fell. The entire 4-man Australian team and the 12-man USA contingent have been eliminated. Crowd favorites and pool masters like, Efren Reyes (Philippines), Johnny Archer (USA), Earl Strickland (USA) and Ralph Soquet (Germany) were also brought down. From 128, the numbers fell to 64, then 32 then 16. Only the 8 best 9-ball pool players for 2007 remain for the coveted championship.

Four matches are currently playing at the quarterfinals. The Philippines' veteran pool artist Francisco "Django" Bustamante , seeded at number 9, plays opposite 17th seed Daryl Peach of England.

Bustamante is itching for his first world championship win following his exceptional complete sweep of the US Pro-tour Championship and besting USA's Johnny Archer at the finals earlier in June of this year. Among the most popular Filipino pool athletes such as the legendary 1999 World Pool Champion Efren "The Magician" Reyes and 2004 World Pool Champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, only Bustamante survived the gruelling qualifying rounds.

Daryl "Dazzler" Peach comes into the competition fresh from winning the 2007 Euro Tour German Open Championships. On the way to the quarterfinals, he defeated Filipinos Rodolfo Luat and 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato "The Volcano" Alcano.

England's Karl "The Bomb" Boyes competes versus another Filipino Joven Bustamante (not related to Francisco Bustamante). They both debut this year at the World Pool Championships, with the younger Boyes carrying more tournament wins over the up and coming Bustamante.

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Number 12 seed and the only former World Pool Champion to enter the last stages, Finland's Mika "Iceman" Immonen (2001 WPC title holder) battles unseeded Vilmos "The Magic Magyar" Foeldes of Hungary. Can Foeldes, the 3-time European Youth Champion come up with an upset and cut Immonen's bid for another WPC crown?

Also at the quarterfinals tables, the final hope of the 11-man Chinese Tai-pei contingent, "Little Monster" Kuo Po-Cheng takes on the third Philippine bet Roberto "Superman" Gomez.

Who is your bet for the 2007 World Pool Championships?

Red Sox Routs Rockies for 2007 World Series Win

The Boston Red Sox took 4 games straight in their best-of-seven match-up against the Colorado Rockies to win the Major League Baseball's 2007 World Series Championship.

Let me rephrase that - to CONVINCINGLY win the 2007 World Series.

Appearing for the first time in professional baseball's most anticipated event, the Rockies gave a valiant effort against the Red Sox which previously won the World Series in 2004 - 4 seasons prior to the October 28, 2007 finishing game at Denver.

Down 4-1 at the 8th inning, Rockies' third baseman Garrett Atkins sent a slamming homerun to the delighted fans at Coors Fields for a 2-run score bridging the gap to within one.

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Replacing Hideki Okajima, Boston's closing pitcher Jonathan Papelbon stepped up to the mound, intent to wipe out the Rockies' bid for a Game 5. An almost homer from the Rockies' second baseman Jamey Carroll was thwarted by Red Sox' rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury leaping up at the fence for the decisive defensive play. With 2 men out, Colorado's Seth Smith suffered three strikes from Papelbon's 90+mph fastballs, thus giving the Red Sox its 7th World Series title.

It was the Rockies' best season thus far with 21 wins out of 22 games highlighted by a 4-0 sweep besting the Arizona Diamondbacks at the National League Championship Series. In contrast the Red Sox came into the playoffs with a 3-1 deficit against the Cleveland Indians at the American League Championship Series before winning the ALCS at 4-3.

Red Sox' third baseman Mike Lowell was awarded the MVP title for the 2007 World Series.

The Will To Win - Pacquiao Overcomes Barrera

"Who wants to play next?"
They first met in 2003, a virtually unknown Filipino challenger against a great Mexican warrior. Marco Antonio Barrera was the heavy favorite over Manny Pacquiao, a then fledgling southpaw in the featherweight division - A "David" against a "Goliath".

During the first round Pacquiao suffered a well expected knockdown. He picked himself up and went on with the match. In the third round, both fighters have suffered tremendous blows, but one surprise hit stunned the entire arena - Barrera went down to the canvass with a stinging hit from Pacquiao.

As the fight continued the Filipino slugger sent punch after punch of pure power against the famed fighter. By the 11th round, the smoke had cleared - Barrera suffered another knockdown. Manny Pacquiao had won.

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For the past four years both fighters fought their separate battles. The younger fighter, Manny Pacquiao consistently ascended up the boxing ranks. In 2004 he managed a draw against Juan Miguel Marquez. He then suffered an unpopular unanimous decision loss versus Erik Morales in 2005 that began the celebrated rivalry between Pacquiao and Morales.

Later that year, the "Pacman" won by technical knockout over Hector Velasquez to capture the vacant WBC International Super Featherweight title. He then went on to defend the title 4 consecutive times, once against Oscar Larios and twice against Erik Morales which were all memorable rematch bouts. Pacquiao's latest title defense was against Jorge Solis in April of this year, which he decisively won by knockout in the 8th round.

As for Marco Antonio Barrera, also known as the "Baby Faced Assasin", he came back from his loss to Pacquiao in 2003 to win 6 successive fights against Paulie Ayala, Erik Morales, Mzonke Fana, Robbie Peden, and twice against Rocky Juarez. Earlier this year, he lost the WBC Super Featherweight Title to Juan Miguel Marquez.

October 6, 2007 (October 7 in Manila) - At 28 years old, Manny Pacquiao overcomes Marco Antonio Barrera with a unanimous decision win (109-118, 109-118, 112-115) to remain as the WBC International Super Featherweight Champion. Pacquiao recovered from an alleged illegal shot by Barrera to Pacquiao's head in the 11th round.

The 33-year veteran Barrera, a boxing Hall of Fame nominee, have indicated that this may be his "farewell fight". Pacquiao is obliged by WBC rules to face title-holder Juan Miguel Marquez next, but neither camps have confirmed plans for future fights.

It was a valiant last stand for a legendary fighter. Nevertheless, Manny Pacquiao is effortlessly at his top form and remains the best and most exciting fighter in boxing today.

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