I have been too busy to resume with my ballet classes, but am feeling inspired after seeing these Arsenal players give it a try! I might just pop into the studio sooner rather than later ...

Once a year I watch professional football: for the Super Bowl. This year was no exception, and I loved it all, from the Volkswagen commercial to Clint Eastwood's somber but positive messages, Madonna's classic bright performance to M.I.A. flipping off the cameras, the touchdowns to the dramatic end. Most of all, I appreciated Gisele's encouragement of Tom. The email she sent to her friends and family asking them to pray for Tom and her embrace of him after the game (while wearing a Rick Owens leather jacket and Chanel purse!) really showed her genuine support and love. Anyways, just being at the Super Bowl automatically makes you a winner; all the players, coaches, and those associated with the teams should be mighty proud of themselves. Go Teams! Go Gisele! Go World Peace!

Just in case you all did not watch the Super Bowl, this was the highlight:

I am not really sure what is more awkward: Madden texting on his blackberry, President Bush using his ipad, Cameron D feeding A-Rod popcorn, or a (very lucky) cheesehead kid sitting behind Ashton?!

In 1998, I was in France. In 2002, I was in Costa Rica. Four years ago, I was in NYC. This year I will be at home ... And in four years, I am hoping to be in Brazil. Wherever I am watching, I will always love the game and the spirit of the World Cup. Looking forward to Sunday's final match!

Thanks to Rauz and her affinity for documenting her life (because she wont remember if she doesnt have the photo?) here are photos from a make-shift memorial at UCLA for John Wooden. Rest in peace, Coach. Your legacy will live on not only at UCLA and throughout sports, but for all who endeavor to become better leaders.

Dear China, the International Olympic Committee, and all the amazing athletes: Thank you! I had the best two weeks watching images of courage, strength, perseverance, goodwill, valor, magnificence, compassion, resolve, determination, beauty, admiration, and humanity. Now, the games are over, and the only tv shows I will be watching have more to do with scandal than honor. Both Gossip Girl and 90210 premiere in one week. Stay tuned for appalling, outrageous, and shocking behavior from America’s teenagers (teenagers who, judged by their behavior, are evidently not getting any sportsmanship awards, either in the Olympics or elsewhere). YES!

Courage - Nike

I may not have had luck on my side this past weekend while in Las Vegas (getting stuck in an elevator, leaving my cell phone at McDonald’s, and clashing with an American Apparel employee at the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops) but I certainly still do believe in the Olympic spirit. And so does Nike. Just watch. Just do it.

08.08.08 !!!!

The luckiest day of the year (according to the Chinese).

Let the games begin !!!!

Hold your horses, U$C. This year, in the battle for Los Angeles, UCLA is king. Finally. It was time to settle an old score. Bruins rule and Trojans drool.

Can everyone stop talking about the taser incident now?

Pretty & Powerful

Everytime I watch this commercial it brings a pretty smile to my face... and I feel so pretty and witty and bright... Nike should seriously give their advertising agents a pay raise. Enjoy!

A History of Black Nail Polish: just because I like to keep my blog readers abreast of the latest historical developments (i.e. please see A History of Violence). And if anyone needs to get me a belated birthday present - Black Satin would be perfect - or anything else from the Fall 2006 collection.

PS. I know that my earlier posts showed my obssession with the World Cup. But, I have been suspiciously quiet re: the final match. I still haven’t decided what I think. Was Zidane defending his family and faith? There is no excuse for bad-mouthing another person’s culture and heritage. On the other hand, should a headbutt have been the solution? Either which way, Zidane will go down in history as one of the greatest soccer players, and I will always support him. Bisous Bisous!

Picking Teams

I don't know who is cuter - the kids or Beckham.

World Cup Anthem

True dat.

This week I have been all about the WORLD CUP. I’m obsessed. It is a good way to build WORLD pride – all the different countries coming together, putting aside differences and celebrating the WORLD’S favorite sport. It is an influential dissolvent of national barriers and can even lead to decrease in crime and internet use! I’m also fascinated by the little factoids, i.e. Côte d’Ivoire calling a ceasefire during their civil war for the duration of the World Cup, Portugal playing its former colony Angola, the Serbia and Montenegro team representing a country that no longer exists (it split into two countries recently), King Mohammed VI of Morocco personally making sure that all of the games are being made available on state television.

And the funniest headline I have read so far: “Reality Czech,” after the Czech Republic defeated USA. More World Cup news to come later - I have to go wash my Beckham jersey in preparation for tomorrow’s match!