Ping Pong Diplomacy

Sports Illustrated had a recent article on the so-called "ping pong diplomacy" that took place between China and the US in the early 1970's. A chance meeting between a Chinese and American player set the groundwork for relations between the two countries to change dramatically. It's an interesting article.

I asked Dan Seemiller from the South Bend Table Tennis club if he was a part of this, but he indicated he was on the U.S. junior team and this all took place just before his time on the world stage. Although he said he played Glenn Cowan once and beat him (Cowan is the American player featured in the article).

I read that the arena being used at the Beijing Olympics was designed "specifically with table tennis in mind." Kinda shows you that the Chinese take this sport seriously.

Rethinking Future Plans

A couple nights ago as I was tucking him in, Cameron said he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said he wanted to be one of those "war people" that fights battles. He wanted to lead the way and be up front.

Anna told him, "Uh, you will die. Who do you think gets shot first? The person up front...DUH." Cameron thought about this for a minute then said, "Well, I guess I don't know what I want to do when I grow up."

A Movie That Lives Up to the Hype

I went into "The Dark Knight" with fairly high expectations. I really enjoyed "Batman Begins" and how the whole franchise was basically rebooted. Christian Bale made a great Batman and helped put the George Clooney fiasco behind us.

The new one didn't disappoint. In fact, maybe it was even better than I expected. It's long, but it doesn't feel like it as it zips along. There was lots of action, but it didn't override the story, which presents some interesting moral dilemmas and clearly suggests real world parallels. And what a great cast. Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhall, Aaron Eckart, and, of course, Heath Ledger.

His last performance has certainly gotten a lot of the hype, and I gotta hand it to him, he pulled it off. I haven't seen much of Ledger's movies. He was in "A Knight's Tale" and "The Patriot." But neither of those movies would remotely suggest he was up to this role. Sad that a role that would have launched him into the stratosphere of Hollywood turned out to be his last. I wouldn't have guessed it would be very easy to forget Jack Nicholson's take on the Joker in the Michael Keaton version, but Ledger made you do just that, although his performance is a much darker version of the Joker. There's already talk of him winning a supporting actor Oscar posthumously, and I don't see why not.

Sports Story of the Year? I Hope.

Wow, this Dara Torres is amazing. 41 years old and she qualifies for the Olympics two years after having a baby. She qualified by beating out other women half her age. I read that she has been undergoing voluntary drug testing very often, to dispel any rumors that at that age, she must be taking something.

It's a great story, and I hope she medals in Beijing and that she is clean. We don't need another Marion Jones, Floyd Landis, etc. giving multiple denials only to recant when the evidence proves otherwise. This will be one story to watch in what promises to be an exciting Olympics (if one can wade through all the gymnastics coverage and individual profiles of each gymnast and their pets).

It's the Principle

I was running really low on gas this morning. There's a gas station on the edge of town that I've never stopped at before, so I pulled in since the needle was deep into the red zone and touching the "e."

However, upon pulling in, I notice to my horror that I would have to go inside and pay first before pumping the gas. There was no pay at the pump. This is 2008 and there are still gas stations that haven't joined the rest of humanity in this endeavor.

So, I got back in my car and went up the road a little further, not totally convinced how much further I could really go. But I made it and filled up . . . using the comfort of my debit card and not having to go inside and use the long forgotten phrase, "give me $$ on pump 4."

Wesley for VP? Probably not.

I'm thinking that Wesley Clark is no longer on any short list for Obama's VP. His comments on McCain probably did him in. He said that being in that fighter plane and being shot down does not qualify one to be president. Now, actually, that is true. Being a prisoner for 5+ years doesn't qualify you either. Nor does refusing early release so you don't leave any other fellow Americans behind. None of that indeed is an automatic qualifier to be president.

But, do you think Obama wants Clark out there saying that stuff? Nope. I don't think Clark will be welcome campaigning on behalf of Obama anymore. In fact, I'm sure at some point Obama will say, "That is not the Wesley Clark I knew."

A Long Week (but worth it)

This past week, our church hosted Vacation Bible School. We're a church with an average of about 60, so this is a rather large undertaking and basically required everyone to get involved. For the most part, everyone was involved one way or another.

Throughout the week, we had 30 kids, the best part being that 15 of those were unchurched kids from the community. The Bible school itself was a rather traditional program, thrown together by a lot of people not entirely experienced in this area. Each night we had separate sessions for crafts, music, games and Bible stories. The kids had a blast. We ended on Thursday night with a carnival in our parking lot, in which all the parents were also invited. This gave all of us and our pastor a great opportunity to connect with the parents. We even had some people just stop by to see what all was happening (the live pony rides may have had something to do with it).

It was a tiring week, and we are all glad it's done. But we made some great connections in the community. Will we see any of these kids again until next summer? Maybe, maybe not. But once that seed is planted, you never know.

When Hillary Came to South Bend (the rest of the story)

Back in April, during her "Last Gasp Tour" for the presidency, I went to see Hillary Clinton when she came to town. I was able to get up real close and at the end, get her autograph as she was making her way out. There was more to how I was able to get real close, and as Paul Harvey would have said, " . . .and now, the rest of the story."

While I stood in line for Hillary, some of her campaign workers were making their way down the line and asking for volunteers to step out of line and have a chance for a "red ticket." This red ticket would get you on the field and closer to Hillary, instead of just being in the stands (but no, it wouldn't get me in to see Willie Wonka).

But to get a red ticket, you had to stand there with a small group of Hillary supporters and yell out "HILLARY" while the other group yelled out "CLINTON" and back and forth. After watching a group of people do this, I'm thinking, no way, not gonna happen. So, the volunteers continued their way down the line.

Meanwhile, I kept waiting for the gates to open. A bit later, the campaign volunteers came back again asking for more people wanting a chance to get on the field. So this time, I'm thinking, what the heck, when will I ever get this chance again? So, I walk over with a group to get my coveted red ticket.

Here then, is the scenario: Rick Dennie, lifelong Republican, is standing with a group of Democrats yelling out the name of one of the more despised people to ever cross paths with the GOP. Just so I could get a closer look at this person with a last name that drives conservatives crazy.

It's just about now that mom and dad are probably rewriting their will.

College World Series

I hadn't exactly been paying attention to this event, but headlines today caught my eye. The finals are between two bulldogs. Those from the University of Georgia and those from Fresno State University. The Fresno State team has been unranked all year long and beat the #2 team in the nation, North Carolina. The pitcher that sealed the win to get into the series was a transfer student from the College of the Sequoias, located in Visalia, California. When I'm reading this stuff, it's like, hey, I know where that's at!

I may have to check in on these bulldogs and see how they do.

Father's Day

Yesterday was my last Father's Day as a father of 2. Will be adding #3 in the fall. Didn't really do anything all that special. We came home from church and I grilled some sausages and dogs, then just hung out and played with the kids and (real) dogs. For dinner, we pulled out all the stops and had a Tombstone pizza.

Actually, my Father's Day treat came the night before. I said I didn't want to go out and eat on Sunday, but wanted to just spend time with my family doing something else. So, we went to the Tri-Way Drive-in, located in Plymouth, and saw "Kung Fu Panda." For a kids movie, it was actually pretty good. It featured the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and several others. I liked it and the kids certainly did. The place was packed on a Saturday night. There are three screens, although the one playing "You Don't Miss with the Zohan" was pretty sparse. We'll probably have to return to see the new Pixar movie, "Wall E" in a few weeks. The ABBA movie, "Mamma Mia" opens soon. But I'll probably have to go visit Curt to see that, because I don't think anyone else is much of an ABBA fan in my family.

I watched quite a bit of the Lakers-Celtics and was about to go to bed when the Lakers built a pretty good lead with just a few minutes to go. I had switched channels and just before heading to bed turned back, and the Celtics were suddenly just down by 2. The Lakers, after such a collossal choke in the previous game, should have learned how to close out a game. They were lucky to win this one. I would assume the Celtics will finish them off in Boston, but the Lakers could catch fire and stretch it to a game 7, but I just don't see them winning two in Boston.

I'll Miss Russert

This election cycle will definitely be missing something with the sudden death of Tim Russert. He was one of my favorite commentators and who can ever forget his now famous dry erase board with "Florida, Florida, Florida" during the 2000 election. I always looked forward to hearing his analysis. He'll be a hard one to replace.

On Top of the (South Bend) Table Tennis World

Last night, for the first time in my 3 years of playing at the South Bend Table Tennis Club, I finally got to play at the #1 table. I had won the #2 table the previous week, so I had earned the right to move up. There are some really good players at the club, and I had no illusions about actually winning a match against any of them, and I didn't.

However, I did win one game off each of them, which was what I set out to do, although I didn't know if it would happen with them. I just wanted to hang tough with them ("Yo, Adrian, if I can just go the distance . . .").

My USATT rating is 1310, and I won games against those with a rating of 1544, 1627, 1881, 2048, and 2230. The player with the 2230 rating is Dan Seemiller, Jr., the son of the 10-time US national champion. His dad kinda gave him a hard time, "Rick won a game off of YOU?!" It is fun playing against such top-notch players and also fun seeing their reaction when a hack such as myself steals a game from them. In the deciding game, Dan Seemiller, Jr. won quite decisively in a game that was his way of saying, "that last game was a mirage."

Next week, I'll be back down to a lower table and will have to fight my way back up. But it was nice on this one night to be playing against the big guns.

Notes from the Sports World

Stanley Cup - I watched the last two minutes of the finals last night. Detroit won it against the Penguins from Pittsburgh. Okay, I was waiting for the news to come on, that's why I was watching hockey on t.v. Hockey is only enjoyable when seen live, when you can really hear the guys getting crunched against the glass.

Lakers v. Celtics - Certainly brings back memories of the Bird v. Johnson match-ups in the 80's. I remember watching those finals and they were definitely exciting. I'm not sure if this one will live up to the hype. I have a feeling the Lakers could take Boston out in 4. If Kobe gets hot, it's all over, and I'm not sure if Boston will be able to contain him or not.

Belmont Stakes - I only watch horse racing this time of year, in particular when a Triple Crown is at stake. Big Brown is going for it this year. Based on his performance in the Preakness, he should easily win. But then again, so should have several other horses over the years, who easily won the first two races, which is why there hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since 1978. That year was Affirmed v. Alydar, which I followed very closely. Affirmed won the Belmont Stakes literally by a nose. I was a big Alydar fan, so I was disappointed. Actually, I was very disappointed because I didn't see the race live. For some the reason, the local CBS affiliate in California didn't run the race.

Baseball - Cub fans around here are excited once again. They are in first place. So are the White Sox, but they aren't the loyal diehards that Cub fans are. Could this be their year? This will be the 100th anniversary of the last time they won a World Series, so what better time than to break through. I'm sure somewhere Steve Bartman is hoping for redemption. If they do get to the World Series, it would be justice served to have him throw out the first pitch.

Little Sis on the Way

Yesterday, on our anniversary no less, Dorene had an ultrasound to find out the gender of our new baby. Turns out we'll be having a girl. Which is actually what we were both hoping for, although it didn't really matter. Anna called me at work to tell me the news, a far cry from when she totally freaked out when first hearing we were having a baby. She's getting more and more excited about it, just won't necessarily admit it. Cameron has already stated he'll do absolutely anything for the new baby, and he probably will. He'll be a good big brother.

So, now we'll see if we the parents finally begin realizing that, hey, we have a kid on the way. Still hasn't completely sunk in. We haven't run out and bought much of anything, save for a playpen at a garage sale. We're kinda waiting this one out to see what all we need because several people in our church have already given us things, and this kid doesn't need to have 3 outfits a day like we had for Anna when she was born.

Back to our anniversary, yesterday was 13 years, and each one of those years just keeps getting better. We celebrated by going to the new Texas Roadhouse that opened up recently (good stuff). Our pastor watched our kids for us so we could have the night to ourselves. I did get an anniversary present. Anna bought me a box of "Dots" which is one of my favorite candy.

My 25-Year High School Reunion

I just realized this year would be my 25 year class reunion at Tulare Union High School in California. Wow, it's really been that long! If they are having a reunion, I didn't get any notice about it. Although, I kinda figure I wouldn't be going anyway, seeing as it's all the way across the country. Furthermore, I can't say there's anyone I'd be dying to catch up with and see what they are doing these days.

However, that doesn't mean high school was an unenjoyable experience. I actually rather enjoyed my high school and while I was glad to graduate, I didn't leave behind bad memories. I had relatively no friends, but I was an independent spirit anyway and didn't need anyone around me. I associated with many fellow students at school, just not outside of school.

As for the teachers, there were some good ones and some not so good ones. But there were three in particular that when I think back, were actually rather influential:

• Mr. King: I had him for world and U.S. history. I had always enjoyed history but Mr. King made it come alive. He was always good at bringing up relatively obscure facts about historical events that I enjoy. I always remember first hearing from him how Andrew Jackson walked over to a would-be assassin and beat him up with a cane.
  
• Mrs. Walters: I had her for speech and dramatic literature my senior year. Although I was comfortable being on stage, these two classes made it even more so and the next year I'd begin the first of many dramatic productions in college. In this class, I gave a very anti-evolution speech that even the pro-evolution crowd enjoyed.
  
• Mr. Shelburne: I had him for political science my senior year. I'd always been interested in the political process, but Mr. Shelburn really made it interesting. One of our class requirements was to get involved in a local political campaign. I volunteered for the campaign to re-elect Congressman Chip Pashayan. Went to a campaign rally and later that day walked door to door with him. Lots of fun and I've been hooked to the political scene ever since.

But as for that 25th year reunion, I'll just be staying home. Dorene has her 20th reunion coming up, and it's a $40.00 a person affair at a local banquet hall. She's skipping that too.

McClellan Talks

I hear Scott McClellan, the former press secretary, just came out with a book. I always felt that of all the former Bush staff that would be writing their memoirs, he is one that would have a lot of interesting things to say. Evidently, he does, and it's not too complimentary of the Bush administration. There will be a ton of post-Bush material out there in the next year or so, but McClellan's book is one that I will certainly make a point to read.

Indy Returns

Saw the new "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" tonight. Unfortunately, I would call it a rather major disappointment. Maybe that was inevitable, given that it's been almost 20 years from the last one. But this just didn't have the zip or humor of previous installments. The plot was very confusing at times and I wasn't always sure what they were doing and why. The theatre was full and there was very little reaction from the crowd.

The movie was set in 1957, which may also have taken away from the enjoyment, since we were used to seeing Indy battle Nazis. Was just strange seeing him in a more modern setting. Harrison Ford looked good, but the movie overall just didn't grip like the others.

One of the cable networks was replaying all the other Indiana Jones movies recently, and I'd often watch part of them. Boy, those were good. Especially the first one. I have always considered "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as my single most enjoyable movie-going experience. I saw it before it went into general release as a sneak preview. You had to first sit through the 80's masterpiece "Take This Job and Shove it" (huh, never heard of it)? Then, you got to see this new movie, of which I knew nothing more than it was a Lucas/Spielberg collaboration. But wow, what a movie. I don't think I've ever been to a movie that had the crowd so into it. It was great. I went back and saw this in the theatres 4 more times, mainly so I could be there and witness the crowd reaction when Indy shot that master swordsman.

A Late Night at Work

It's 10:15 p.m. and I'm still "working." IU South Bend is a test site for ACT, so I oversee several different tests throughout the year. Tonight, I'm doing the Automotive Service Excellence exam, whcih is kind of funny when you consider my car expertise (hey, I just give the test, I don't grade it). Luckily, no one has ever asked me to clarify a question, because, I mean, what would I tell them? "Uh, yeah, I think in that particular questions they are referring to the actual diameter of the rear axel in relation to the turbine cooling power of the piston rods."

So why do these tests? Well, they pay me pretty good to read instructions, then sit here, make sure no one is cheating, and, well, type in my blog.

We Just Want to Help!

It's mind-boggling what power can do to you. In Myanmar, thousands are dead and thousands more are in desperate need of food and supplies and the military junta is dragging its feet letting aid workers in. Those in power don't want to seem like they don't have control over their people. These kinds of things shouldn't be political, but they are. China could certainly play a role here if they chose to, we'll see what happens. Meanwhile, I read that the military junta did specifically request World Vision to come in and help. I thought that was pretty cool.

Missed Voting Yesterday

I didn't get to vote yesterday, and I believe it's the first time since I cast my first vote (as an absentee) for Ronald Reagan in 1984. I thought the polls closed at 7:00 but it was 6:00. I tried to get back to town in time, but to no avail.

But on the Republican side, there wasn't much to vote on anyway. Mark Souder cruised. Beyond that, wasn't much else. McCain squeaked by, so my vote wasn't needed there. I was glad to see Jill Long-Thompson make it through for governor.

Hillary barely won Indiana but hasn't indicated she'll drop out. It's kind of humorous in a perverse pro-Republican sort of way to see how Democrats are turning on her. Back in January, she was the "it" girl. The presidency was hers for the taking, and how dare anyone criticize her. Now, my fellow co-workers who were praising her name back then are saying how selfish she is for staying in. I mean, they really have turned on her and for years they thought she was the greatest.

Does Hillary realize what she's doing to the party? Her money is pretty much drying up, which should force her to abandon her quest soon. I'm sure that her and Bill just haven't come to terms with the fact their own party is telling them no. Is this a "vast left wing conspiracy" at work? It may be time for her to pack the bags and go back to New York (and hope Obama loses so she can return in 2012 as the "inevitable candidate").