I have had this cool throwback remix video of sorts for a while on my list of faves. However, I never got around to posting it until today. It’s one of those classic oldschool mixes which would annihilate anything today on the rap/hip hop scene. No disrespect.

When you have the late great Eazy-E and 2Pac on any track, it shoots right up to the top automatically. Plus Ice Cube, who teamed with Eazy in NWA is on this making it a classic Compton West coast phenomenon.

If you like oldschool with classic beats and vintage lyrics from some of the greatest rappers on the scene, then this is for you. Either way, I suggest ya’ll check it out:

Eazy-E fea. 2Pac, Ice Cube: “Real Thugs”

the way this is done is great. they really did a sound job with the edits capturing the best of Pac and Eazy from epic videos. Classic scene!

He had already flown like an eagle soaring past his competition as if they were not even on the track coasting to a World Record 100 Meter time of 9.69. The bolt of lightning from Jamaican runner Usain Bolt allowed him time to glance to his right checking on countryman Asafa Powell, who for some reason never fares well on the Olympic stage posting his trademark fifth despite once being the record holder with a 9.74 before the 22 year-old shattered it with a 9.72 in New York City a three months prior to the Beijing Games.

When Powell wasn’t in the radar, an energized Bolt raised his arms in triumph celebrating the final 20 meters for a new Olympic and world record making it look like a video game. Never before had anyone ran the 100 in such easy record fashion. As NBC commentator and former Olympian Otto Bolden noted, if he had ran the last 20 hard, it might just have been a 9.59. Just ridiculous.

He became the first person from his country to take home Olympic gold in the 100 and did it before his 22nd birthday as a relatively newcomer to the scene. In the 2004 Olympics at Athens, he failed to qualify for the second round in his signature event, the 200 bowing out quietly. However, by last year, Bolt had surpassed fellow Jamaican Don Quarrie’s 200 M country record by running a 19.75.

He made the transformation to the 100 soon becoming the world’s fastest man with his 9.72 at the Reebok Grand Prix beating out USA contender Tyson Gay in only his fifth race at the distance. He then went to Athens and broke the 200 M record by clocking a 19.67 building even more confidence before this summer’s Olympics.

It hadn’t necessarily been a surprise that Bolt fared so well at these Games as he was the favorite going in off what he had done despite facing more accomplished runners. However, to blow away the competition in the 100 was unexpected and it didn’t even look like he was even trying hard. Almost as if he was out for a stroll during a practice run on the track.

The growing question was what could he do for an encore in his trademark event? In seeing him advance in his quarter and semi heats, he looked good again beating out 2004 gold medalist Shawn Crawford by turning it on at the end of the last one leading up to yesterday’s final. Still, I figured he’d be pushed by the defending champion as well as Churandy Martina and American Walter Dix.

Boy was I proven wrong. There on the grand world stage again stood Bolt bursting out of that gate after the gun had gone off. The quick start got him a lead he wouldn’t relinquish hitting the turn and speeding away from eventual silver medalist Crawford for yet another world record running it in 19.30 stunning the NBC commentators and spectators once again making Olympic history by becoming the first ever man to shatter both records at one Olympics. He also joined legendary American sprinter Carl Lewis (1984 Los Angeles Games) as the first man to sweep both races taking gold.

After winning the 100, he celebrated prematurely and danced carrying around the Jamaica flag wearing it proudly. This time, Bolt’s theatric celebration saw him continue sprinting until he fell face down on the track bowing to the ground before lying on his back and smiling with joy at his remarkable feat. Somehow, this was interpreted by IOC nerd President Jacques Roggue as unsportsmanlike because he was showboating. God forbid anyone else aside from Michael Phelps shows a little fire after such wonderful accomplishments.

“That’s not the way we perceive being a champion,” Rogge stated. “I have no problem with him doing a show. I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 meters.”

Interestingly enough, I seem to remember former record holder Michael Johnson as well as Maurice Greene doing plenty of celebrating after winning such big races.

“I don’t feel like he’s being disrespectful,” silver medalist Crawford later said putting it in perspective. “He deserves to dance.”

“I’m shocked, I have been aspiring to the world record for so long,” an excited Bolt explained after pulling it off despite a 0.9 second headwind. “I ran the corner as hard as possible and once I hit the straight I told myself to keep it up. The 200 medal has been my dream.”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding praised the champion who became the ninth ever to pull the Olympic double:

“Usain Bolt is a super human being. The world has never seen anything like him.”

-Maybe it hasn’t been echoed before but there really is a huge difference between how the Yankees and Mets go about their business on the field.  In the past, the Yanks were always looked up to as the model franchise doing things the right way and having success on the field making the postseason 13 straight years. It was during last year that we saw the Queens club come apart at the seams in colossal fashion losing the division to the Phillies with key players not performing up to capabilities leading to heavy criticism.

Fast forward a year later and it’s the Mets who are now the primary example of what the Yanks used to be not making excuses after a poor first three months along with injuries. Instead, under new manager Jerry Manuel, they have fought back from seven down and are playing a crisp brand of ball continuing to lead the Phils by a game and a half after rallying for five runs with five outs to go in a 7-4 win over the Braves at Shea last night. Carlos Delgado delivered the big hit with a go-ahead two-run double followed by a Damion Easley two-run hit and then a Ramon Castro base knock as they maintained their lead in the NL East.

Even if Jose Reyes’ celebrations can be a little over the top in the dugout, when’s the last time you saw that sort of fire from the Bronx club? One New York ballclub has heart and edge while the other lacks it which once again rared its ugly head last night in a crushing 2-1 loss in Toronto. This time, Joe Girardi’s Yankees couldn’t support Darrell Rasner, who pitched splendidly matching Yankee killer A.J. Burnett, who as usual had the Yankee lineup baffled due to his blazing heater and wicked curve which froze batters all night to the tune of a season high 13 strikeouts. The ex-Marlin also tossed a season best 120 pitches but never looked worn down in winning his 16th thanks to the Jays pushing across a run in the home eighth on a two out Marco Scutaro gift run scoring two-base hit which center fielder Johnny Damon couldn’t haul in for the final out letting it go off his glove near the wall allowing the run to come in from first. It was Damon’s second bugaboo of the night as he also dropped a routine deep fly in the first putting runners in scoring position with one out but Rasner pitched around it.

You have to question why Girardi chose to keep Damon in center that late in a game which was tied an inning prior on Rasner’s only mistake resulting in an Adam Lind tying blast to right. Especially with Melky Cabrera down with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Still, the first-year Yankee skipper had two defensive choices at his disposal in Brett Gardner and Justin Christian but opted not to make a defensive change. It was Hideki Matsui’s first game back. He DH’d and hit seventh taking the collar in three at bats with a strikeout. Xavier Nady was in left and it forced Damon to center where he’s not as fleet of foot since his injury crashing into a wall.

Every move or non-decision Girardi makes in which his team falls short will continue to be magnified here in NYC. He just hasn’t had the magic touch. Say what you will about all the injuries to the rotation along with the disappointments of Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy but he still had enough in his arsenal to do a better job. You just don’t get that vibe from this veteran-laden club. The middle of the order continues to fail in big spots with A-Rod and Jason Giambi striking out while leaving Bobby Abreu at second after he ledoff the fourth with his second double of the night. It was the No.3 hitter who back in the first on a hit and run drove a Burnett high outside fastball down the left field line for the Yanks’ only run. Then with him on second and one out, Alex Rodriguez was frozen on a curve and Giambi was overmatched on a 2-2 heater.

Speaking of which, how in the world does Girardi get away without explaining why he continued to hit that dynamic dud 4-5 when they rarely deliver big hits with runners on base? If they’re both stinking it up in those spots, isn’t it time to make a lineup change and perhaps move up Xavier Nady, who has torn the cover off the ball since coming over from the Pirates? Sometimes, you wonder if the bulb will go off in Girardi’s head. Just amazing.

As for A-Rod getting nailed trying to get the extra base on a perfect defensive play by Lyle Overbay to start the ninth, what can ya do? Initially, I yelled probably just like every other Yankee fan. But really, it was the right play on what was a dunker just over the first baseman’s head and rolling to the wall before Overbay dove and then in one motion made a perfect throw to get Rodriguez. Chalk it up to just bad luck which sums things up. Not surprisingly, the Yanks went out with a whimper as B.J. Ryan K’d Giambi and then got Nady to harmlessly fly out to right putting them six and a half behind the Red Sox, who got Kevin Youkilis’ 24th dinger in a 7-2 win over the Orioles extending their lead.

The Twins also won and remained a game behind both Boston and the White Sox. And the Rays won again despite not having certain AL Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford rallying for three to get past the Angels for a second straight day. Want to know why? Cause they got plenty of heart.

Sadly, the Yanks have morphed into a bunch of Tinmen. A word I once used to describe Peyton Manning before he stood up and rallied the Colts past the Patriots and then won a Super Bowl MVP. That’s how a once proud franchise rich in history and tradition looks like it will bow out in the final season at the House That Ruth Built. They now trail Tampa by 11. And really, what’s the point of even tracking it? They’re deader than the people who were on The Titanic.

Ya know what also gets me. How a Girardi managed team could be so unclutch despite what’s supposed to be a tougher manager. You would’ve thought he’d lace into them and they’d snap out of it. But that’s never been the case. Apparently, all they had was that strong second half start where they even got within three of the Rays making us believe they could again turn it on and make a 14th straight October. But that was all. Even if you point to Joba Chamberlain on the DL, the Yanks have gotten plenty from retread Sidney Ponson and even Rasner gave them every opportunity to win last night. But again, the offense came up small which has been the broken record all season.

When they write the obituary for this team, it should mention how an offense led by a three-time MVP fizzled and not talk much about a banged up staff which for the most part kept them in games. Whoever would’ve believed it? Not even the biggest Yankee hater.

-Whatever happened to Pudge Rodriguez putting the Yankees over the top?!?!?!?!?!?! They should’ve just kept Kyle Farnsworth. Guess the message never got through that Pudge is done as a productive player now that he’s off the juice.

-I’ve seen more intensity from Brett Favre in his press conferences with the Jets than the Yankees.

-Considering how shaky their pen remains without closer Billy Wagner, perhaps the Mets should dial up 1986 hero Jesse Orosco.

-It was nice to see the USA gymnastics tandem of Shawn Johnson and all-around champion Nastia Liukin finish 1-2 in the final competition on the balance beam. Both were terrific as usual and for once, the scoring was about right with the 16 year-old Johnson taking home her first ever Olympic gold while Liukin added another silver to an impressive list making it five total medals. Congrats to both!

-Speaking of Liukin, we came across an interesting piece featuring former NFL star corner Deion Sanders swinging by her family house in Texas to follow a day in the life of her Olympic training which included two gym workouts over three hours between four half hour sessions at school. Talk about dedication. Definitely worth the watch.

-Whoever thought it was a novel idea to roast Bob Saget and why? The man’s never been funny even if he did star on Full House with Dave Coulier and John Stamos. It’s also just a tad weird for them to be cracking jokes about the Olsen twins all these years later. Still, if they’re roasting the guy who hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos and is just very dull, then you know it’s completely gone to Hell in Hollywood.

-I’m not a big NFL preseason guy but that was quite a first half performance by Domenik Hixon the other night in Big Blue’s 37-34 home win over the Browns. Speaking of which, should Cleveland be concerned when former Heisman candidate Ken Dorsey is outperforming Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn?!?!?!?!?!?! Just saying.

-I have to admit that it’s still a little odd seeing Roger Federer’s name as the No.2 seed at the upcoming U.S. Open while Rafa Nadal assumes No.1. And when you see a No.8 next to former 2003 champ Andy Roddick, this isn’t quite how you pictured it five years later.

-I like how those quirky NBC announcers stole my Usain “Lightning” Bolt nickname before the 200 M semi-heat. It’s my opinion that this time, he could be pushed by defending Olympic champion Shawn Crawford and Churandy Martina in the final. We’ll just have to anxiously wait and see later today.

-I like Method Man but what the heck’s he doing on a SC set for a stupid fantasy football draft discussion? Talk about a wasted segment. Click.

-If you haven’t caught Little Children, see it.

There she was standing next to loving Dad Valeri waiting and waiting for seemingly ever to find out whether her uneven bars routine was enough to pass China’s He Kexin for another Olympic gold medal.

Nastia Liukin had already performed brilliantly at these 2008 Beijing Olympics stealing the show by edging teammate Shawn Johnson for gold in the all around competition. The 18 year-old out of Texas had also taken silver along with the rest of her USA teammates in team competition and bronze the night before in the floor comp. Now, here the cute blonde who finally got to perform in front of her nervous Mom who never watches was hoping she’d add another gold to her collection.

For some reason, the scores weren’t posted right away and took a little longer than usual. What was the holdup? Either her routine which was technically and artistically sound without any glaring mistakes was good enough to win gold or would place her second for another silver instead. Only then the unthinkable happened. Liukin’s score was the same 16.725 Kexin had tallied placing each female gymnast in a virtual tie. However, due to a silly IOC tiebreaker rule, somehow the American saw a “2″ next to her name.

“I turned to my dad and said, ‘Dad, we got the same score,’ a somehow composed smiling Liukin would later say. He looked up and said, ‘Oh yeah.’ We started getting a little confused,” the mystified young lady added.

And why not? It’s not everyday that you finish tied with a competitor from a rival country which has been questioned due to the age of their girl gymnasts. If you’ve seen how young a couple look, then you have a pretty good idea why.

Due to a lower score from Australia which was baffling in itself (what exactly did they watch), Liukin lost out on the second tiebreaker with Kexin getting the nod due to 0.33 less in deductions which was enough to decide a precious gold medal. Only the foolish IOC could allow such a ridiculous technicality to screw over an athlete who was just as worthy of Olympic gold.

“It’s not correct. I believe it’s correct to have two gold medals,” International Gymnastics Federation president Bruno Grandi pointed out. “But this is my modest opinion. The IOC is different.”

Ironically enough, gymnastics used to hand out duplicate medals at the Olympics even allowing Liukin’s Dad Valeri to earn one of his golds on high bars 20 years prior in Seoul, Korea. However, due to the IOC wanting change back in 1997, duplicate medals were done away with and in came the tiebreaker rule determining winners instead of the athletes themselves.

Isn’t that what the competitive spirit of the Olympics are supposed to be about here? Not some dopey scoring system where half the time, these judges can’t be trusted to give the right scores. Otherwise, maybe Johnson wins gold the other night and Liukin scores higher.

You could see the disappointment written all over Liukin’s face despite getting silver. She still said all the right things even after getting explanations and consoled.

“I’m a little disappointed I tied,” she said. “It wasn’t like I got second by three-tenths or five-tenths. I had the same score. That’s what makes it a little harder to take.”

“Scoring is scoring, that’s our sport. In other sports, like track and field, it’s all timed and it doesn’t have anything to do with judging. You do your routine and you turn it over to the judges. That’s what we’ve been going through our entire lives and we’ve come to accept it.”

Was her routine superior to Kexin’s? Both were very good and had little errors during their flips but only one landed perfectly. That was the elegant Liukin who nailed her dismount while Kexin took a slight right step. If we were judging, that should have been enough to give the American a second gold. Not that we have an issue with each finishing with the same score. It’s just the way they determined who won. Why couldn’t there just be co-gold medalists? Would it have been so wrong?

“I play by the rules. So in my opinion, I have to say yes,” Liukin responded of whether the result was fair. “Judges have their own opinion and once you land your dismount, there’s nothing else you can do.”

Spoken like a mature winner who fully grasps what happened even though the circumstances were bizarre. Don’t try telling the IOC.

For now, she’s satisfied with what she’s got matching the four medals Dad won in 1988. She’ll get a chance for a fifth in the final gymnastic event tomorrow.

“I have the most important medal and it’s the all-around gold,” Liukin properly noted using perspective of her noteworthy accomplishments thus far. “I have four medals now and I’m tied with my dad. One gold, two silvers and a bronze, and I have one more chance to get one gold that I feel like I missed out on today.”

Only it wasn’t her who missed out. It was the IOC and one bad judge.

-If ever there were a tale of two New York baseball teams, then this was probably the defining week as the Mets went from a devastating ninth inning loss to running a perfect 6-0 response over lowly Washington and Pittsburgh with the final game of four later today versus those Pirates. Jerry Manuel’s club is a season high 12 over .500 and instead of trailing the Phillies by a couple, they’re up by that margin with the Marlins lumbering four and a half behind after a lost weekend versus the Cubs.

Even with the continued uncertainty of closer Billy Wagner, it’s all working for the Mets who now have emerged into the team to beat in the NL East as many predicted. They did pick up Luis Ayala from the Nats for minor league second baseman Anderson Hernandez to help aid what still is a shaky pen. It remains to be seen if he can rediscover what once made him one of the better late inning guys with a contending team. Still, the move by Omar Minaya is a no-brainer. His pen needs all the help it can get.

-As for the Yankees, they’re fortunate to even still be within striking distance of the WC-leading Red Sox, who dropped the final two games to the streaking Jays opening the door slightly as Joe Girardi’s struggling club got the last two from the lowly Royals though Saturday won’t be remembered for Brett Gardner’s walkoff but rather the amount of runners they left on base with established veteran stars failing time and time again as the game dragged on before the rookie recall delivered the two out hit in the 13th to possibly salvage their season. Have you ever seen a more pathetic bunch when it came to bringing in a runner from third with less than two out? With the caliber of talent they boast, it’s inexcusable. They’re so fundamentally unsound that it begs the question whether they’ve given completely up. That fourth inning where Jason Giambi bounced into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play following an Alex Rodriguez strikeout looking leaving the bases jammed was as ridiculous as it got and that included Derek Jeter hitting into yet another DP and Girardi in a tie game with the first two on electing not to bunt with Johnny Damon, who wound up K-ing for a third time preluding Jeter’s twin killing. Inexplicable strategy considering how much his team was struggling and needed the game.

The offense finally snapped out of it responding with six in the first with A-Rod blasting his club-leading 28th to tie the score followed two batters later by Xavier Nady’s seventh in Pinstripes as they hammered ex-Met Brian Bannister for 10 earned in one-plus with Jason Giambi’s grand slam the exclamation point in a 15-6 rout. Even Cody Ransom got into the act later with a two-run shot as the Yanks made Mike Mussina a 16-game winner.

Sure. It was a good day which hopefully will give Girardi’s guys a spark with only 38 games left including 22 on the road where they’re three under .500. But if they don’t follow it up with a strong road trip versus AL East foes Toronto and Baltimore, then it’s all but over for them. And who actually thinks they’re going to hit A.J. Burnett and Roy Halladay? This team has been inconsistent all year and almost never makes a dent against either. That must change starting tomorrow. They also better discover a way to get Aubrey Huff out when they visit Camden.

For now, the Yanks gained two games on Boston to get within five. Problem is they’re also chasing the Twins or White Sox with the co-AL Central leaders half a game worse than the Red Sox. It’s very possible that both make October leaving the Yanks and Red Sox home. A rarity which is possible considering how flawed both are.

-What happened to the Phillies offense? Granted. They had to play the Dodgers for four getting swept while the Mets were destroying Washington and Pittsburgh but at this point of the season, you don’t expect Charlie Manuel’s club to lose all four to Los Angeles and even drop one to the lowly Padres.

-I thought Romania’s Sandra Izbasa had a great routine capturing gold in the floor gymnastics competition but was it really 1.5 better than American silver medalist Shawn Johnson? Still, the talented 16 year-old was all smiles enjoying her time in the limelight while all around teammate and gold medalist Nastia Liukin took bronze. Speaking of which, her routine was pretty special as well and probably merited a higher score than what she received which tells you just how hard it is to judge three fantastic routines. They all were brilliant.

-Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser blitzed the women’s field in the 100 coasting to gold with a 10.78 time besting teammates Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart giving her country a sweep of both 100’s and gold, silver and bronze while American Lauryn Williams was edged out by Stewart finishing fourth compared to runner-up four years ago in Athens. Disappointing? Certainly. But for years, American has dominated the short distances. Perhaps it was just Jamaica’s time after previously never having a gold medal winner in either 100. While Usain “Lightning” Bolt made it look routine as if he wasn’t trying celebrating the last 20 meters, Fraser got off to a blistering start and ripped through to the end to take gold. Most impressive about world record holder Bolt’s 9.69 was that he easily could’ve gotten 9.59 if he didn’t celebrate prematurely waving his arms. Never before has anyone made it look that easy. Hopefully, it was legit. You never can tell when it comes to world class sprinters.

-Why does NBC even bother touting our USA competitors in the longer distances when they have absolutely zero chance. Even former Kenyan two-time medalist Bernard Lagat struggled in his semifinal 1,500 heat finishing a disappointing sixth with his famous kick not there as he looked gassed after waiting too long to make his move. He just didn’t run a smart race falling too far back and then needing to pass many midway through the final lap which proved to be too much.

-You have to feel bad for Chinese star 110 M hurdler Liu Xiang, whose hamstring injury before his heat didn’t even allow him to defend his gold medal. To say seeing him walk away in obvious pain pulling out would be an understatement. Especially with so much of his country invested in seeing one of their brightest stars in such pain. That had to be very very hard.

-Meanwhile, yahoo’s Josh Peter documents sprinter Tyson Gay’s disappointing Olympics by alluding to a poor decision six weeks prior taking part in a 200 M quarter despite a bad left hamstring.

-I like James Blake and respect how hard he competes and handles himself. I get his complete frustration at Fernando Gonzalez not giving him that first point eight apiece in the final set. But he still could’ve dug deep and overcome it. Gonzalez is a good player but does anyone really believe he’s better than Blake? That’s not getting any press.

-I’d much rather watch curling than synchronized swimming. Just saying.

Eight is more than enough.

There aren’t enough words to describe how truly amazing Michael Phelps’ performance was at these 2008 Beijing Olympics. To actually accomplish what the brilliant 23 year-old American swimmer did in winning an Olympic Record eight gold medals besting Mark Spitz’ 72 Munich mark of seven is just remarkable.

Most amazing of all was that seven of the eight were new world records including last night’s 400 meter medley relay which saw Phelps along with American teammates Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen and veteran hero Jason Lezak combined to hold off Australia to keep the USA’s mark perfect in the race giving the starry eyed kid from Baltimore, Maryland the record.

Following Hansen’s breaststroke leg which put them behind, Phelps dove in for the third leg doing the same butterfly which saw a miraculous conclusion the previous night in which he somehow cameback to edge Serbia’s Milorad Cavic by miraculously touching the wall first to win by the narrowest of margins of 1/100th of a second in the 100 fly to match Spitz and keep his Olympic dream alive.

This time, he found himself at one point seventh in an ultra competitive field but as he made the turn for the second half, Phelps did what he’s done so often which was push even harder gaining ground passing other swimmers and eventually flying into first by almost a body length lead allowing anchor Lezak to close it out by holding off Australia’s Earnon Sullivan, who made a strong push but couldn’t make up enough ground to spoil the party.

When Lezak had touched the wall, history had been made to a rousing ovation from every spectator which included his emotional Mom Debbie Phelps, who like any proud parent was overjoyed at the spectacle. Her son was now the greatest swimmer in history and had earned it with the help from teammates who the unselfish and well spoken record holder was quick to credit for making it even possible.

There are winners and there are ultimate champions. Phelps is both as he handled himself like the biggest champion in Olympic history. This wasn’t about all the world records he shattered but more about what kind of a kind hearted individual he really was who appreciated it so much crying during the American national anthem as he stood next to very proud teammates who knew what they had witnessed.

“I don’t even know what to feel right now,” Phelps would later say. “There’s so much emotion going through my head and so much excitement. I kind of just want to see my mom.”

It was something out of a perfect Hollywood script like Roy Hobbs striking that final winning home run for the New York Knights in The Natural. This was Jimmy knocking down that jumper in Hoosiers to give good ‘ole Hickory the title. It was even Charlie Conway scoring on a penalty shot for Coach Gordon Bombay’s Mighty Ducks to beat his former rival coach and those big bad Hawks.

It was all those things and more in what will go down as the greatest week in swimming history. Phelps said he wanted to change his sport forever leaving a huge impact. Mission accomplished!

Nobody will ever look at swimming the same ever again. It’s the perfect way to show just how hard this sport is. Sure. It’s not a major sport a la baseball, football, basketball or even hockey. But this will not be soon forgotten. How do you define greatness? Is it Michael Jordan leading the Bulls to six titles? Is it Wayne Gretzky shattering every NHL scoring record and winning four Stanley Cups? Is it Alex Rodriguez winning three MVPs and looking like the future home run king without any lingering doubts? Is it the Yankees winning four World Series in five years? Is it the Patriots winning three Super Bowls? Is it LaDainian Tomlinson breaking rushing records and winning MVP? Or perhaps it’s Peyton Manning, who most likely will surpass Brett Favre if he ever retires. There’s no way you leave out Tiger Woods’ run on the PGA Tour or Nike buddy Roger Federer’s run on the tennis courts. And if soccer was bigger here, then global stars such as Ronaldhino, Ronaldo and Thierry Henry would get a lot more ink.

Greatness in athletics can be defined all these ways and more. What happened in Beijing is maybe the greatest single week any athlete’s ever had. The kind of training and dedication swimmers have is unlike any other. To even contemplate pulling off what Phelps did, you actually have to remember all those laps he put in at pools. I’m no expert and can swim alright but to be able to do what he did is unbelievable.

Kinda similar to what we also witnessed from new world record 100 meter holder Jamaican Usain Bolt, who blitzed some of the best competitors including disappointing countryman Asafa Powell with ease in a record time of 9.69 where he celebrated with 20 meters left cruising into the finish line. Something that’s never ever been seen before in any 100 M race. It looked so effortless much like the 22 year-old’s first two heats. Almost as if he wasn’t even trying just reemphasizing how special he was.

But as much as I love track as a former runner, that was one event with a possible gold also coming for the lightning Bolt in the 200. Phelps did this in eight which is what separates him from everyone else.

The next time the topic arises as to who’s the best athlete, the Olympic American swimmer who won five individual races along with three relays vaults right to the top of that discussion. He was even doubted by former Australian gold medalist Ian Thorpe, who was in attendance for the history making event along with USA Dream Teamers Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Jason Kidd. None of them wanted to miss it cause they knew they’d probably never see it again.

“Nothing is impossible,” Phelps noted of his doubters. “With so many people saying it couldn’t be done, all it takes is an imagination, and that’s something I learned and something that helped me.”

“Without the help of my teammates this isn’t possible. I was able to be a part of three relays and we were able to put up a solid team effort and we came together as one unit.”

Stated like the kind of true champion he really is. In an era where selfish athletes exist, the more grounded Phelps gets it and that more than anything deserves our respect. I wish there were more special athletes like him around who don’t let all the records and money from endorsements go to his head.

“Everything lined up for him incredibly,” Australian long distance swimmer Grant Hackett pointed out. “He’s a nice guy, a good bloke, and the last few years I’ve never seen him change.”

“It’s been nothing but an upwards roller-coaster and it’s been nothing but fun,” Phelps added.

How could it not be? Once in a lifetime.

Phelps Video Tribute

I was up late for some reason. And well, I don’t plan on getting up too late today. However, I felt like adding a video I like from R&B singer Chris Brown. This song was pretty hot back in the Spring when I was scoring basketball games in Park Slope.

And for at least myself anyway, I think “With You” is his most complete song to date. It just is very very good and well sung. Such emotion in it and the video’s top notch which doesn’t hurt one bit.

I feel it’s a very uplifting track and worthy of an HB feature. I wouldn’t say I’m a big R&B guy but this is one of those songs which draws you in from the words to the cool beat. It just feels pretty special for some reason. I can’t quite put a finger on why.

Anyway, here it is:

Chris Brown: “With You”

i like the way this is shot on with him walking the street and dancing. Funky hoodie. the bus at the beginning is pretty cool and how they shoot it in fast motion works throughout.

Other than this dope video, one random thought. Michael Phelps is incredible. We’ll have much more later on his record-tying seventh gold in Beijing.

-While the Mets have been busy taking care of business sweeping the hapless Nationals to move into sole possession of first place in the NL East with the rival Phillies getting swept four straight to Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, the Yankees were finishing up a disastrous 10-game road trip which saw them go 3-7 against Texas, Los Angeles California and Minnesota the other day concluding it in style by committing several blunders in the field to lose again and drop six behind the Red Sox and nine behind the Rays. Making matters worse, both AL East teams won again yesterday while the Bronx Bombers were idle coming back beaten up to get ready to host the Royals. A team the White Sox slugged a MLB-tying four consecutive home runs against in a 9-2 beatdown to pull a game up on the Twins. Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe laid out the lumber in their third straight victory.

By show of hands, who thinks the Jekyll & Hyde Yankee offense could turn that trick? Perhaps if they trick their fans by showing highlight reels of the last 13 Yankee playoff teams, they could pull it off. Anyone who’s followed Joe Girardi’s club knows that they have little heart when games get tight and they need that big hit. I don’t care if Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada are out. It’s no excuse when you still have a pretty potent lineup filled with three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez, resurgent first base slugger Jason Giambi, catalyst Johnny Damon, team captain Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu plus deadline pickups Xavier Nady and Pudge Rodriguez. There’s also Robby Cano, whose laziness sunk to new levels Wednesday. So, before anyone points the finger at the underperforming Melky Cabrera who usually hits ninth, you might want to take a look at the guys in front of him and see how they’ve performed in money situations with runners in scoring position. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell ya which big names have not delivered in those key spots.

Many have also pointed to what the pitching staff has become where after Mike Mussina and Andy Pettite, it’s pretty thin with them trotting out Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner and the latest DL victim Dan Giese. But really, how many times has it been the pitching with this team? Moose has delivered all year. Pettite while up and down usually goes six-plus giving his team a chance. Ponson has pitched quite well and at least two or three times deserved a better fate. Out of the five with the rehabbing Joba, Rasner’s been the most inconsistent while the veteran Giese has performed admirably. If not for Girardi’s brain cramp pulling him after 83 pitches a week ago when things spiraled out of control, he probably gets a ‘W’ against the Yankees’ kryptonite, the Angels.

Can you really point the finger at a pen that for the most part overperformed with Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez doing solid jobs making Kyle Farnsworth expendable before each fell back to earth? And even if you want to say Mariano Rivera’s come up small in tie games, he’s only blown one save which is less than he usually has at this time of year. Sadly, the pickup of Damaso Marte has hurt the pen rather than aided it. He’s been brutal. No other way to slice it.

Also one other thought on the pen. Only the Yanks could ruin a prospect with a good arm such as David Robertson, who by now should have been sent back down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Just more proof that the bozos who are running the asylum have no clue.

Adding to the misery is that recently exiled failure LaTroy Hawkins has redeemed himself in a big way posting a perfect ERA with the suddenly streaking Astros, who won their eighth in a row sweeping four from the Giants as they desperately try to make a big run at the Brewers. Either he couldn’t pitch in New York or perhaps was better suited for the Senior Circuit where he was a key contributor to the Rockies’ big October run last Fall.

The onus here is on the Yankee hitters who for the most part have failed miserably in clutch situations with RISP or a runner on third and less than two out. This team doesn’t do the fundamental things well. While you saw a well managed team like Ron Gardenhire’s manufacturing two runs on sac flies, the Girardi Yankees continue to get an F in that respect. Remember how well all complained about Joe Torre’s recent ballclubs becoming more reliant on the big hit? Wasn’t that supposed to change under Girardi?1?!?!?!?! So much for that.

Instead, his team looks finished with even NY Post beat writer George King writing an obituary yesterday dated 2008 Yankees: 3/31-8/13. A fascinating read with excellent examples of why this team just doesn’t have it like past teams to make that one good run and make it 14 straight years of postseason ball.

Sometimes, all runs come to an end. Let’s just say the fat lady is warming up in the pen with the quicksand in the hour glass sinking pretty rapidly.

-Ain’t it ironic that while Girardi’s club is falling apart at the seams, there’s Torre who was kicked out the door having his new team out West filled with former 2003 Red Sox in position to win the NL West? Funny how things turnout.

-After watching Michael Phelps again pull away from the rest of the field with a breathtaking breast stroke before putting it on cruise control in the freestyle of a 200 individual medley for his sixth gold in Beijing for yet another world record, it becomes apparent that this cool 23 year-old American who looks poised to break Mark Spitz’ 1972 OR of seven in Munich just might be the most dominant athlete we’ve ever seen. He makes it look so easy. Almost like a video game turning it on when he needs to. The guy is a brilliant racer and is so humble despite what he’s on the fringe of accomplishing. Just maybe he really is a machine. Might be time to check the DNA!

-The floor routines of dynamic American women gymnastics duo Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson were splendid late last night. It was nice to see them go 1-2 for gold and silver in the individual all around competition as each were technically more sound than China’s bronze medalist Yang Yilin. Still, it was very difficult to comprehend how they got a few more points deducted in previous routines during the challenging four-piece exercise than their Chinese competitor. Why must judging always come into question at the Olympics? At least it didn’t factor into who prevailed thankfully. Try telling that to Roy Jones or a figure skater who was wronged. There’s just too many instances where this becomes an issue when it never should be. The story should always focus on how tremendously gifted these special athletes really are.

-Speaking of China, the Olympic host might have used too young a participant in He Kexin who helped them beat out the USA in the team gymnastics female competition for gold. For more on this story, yahoo’s Dan Wetzel had more on China’s recent history of bending the IOC rules when they must be at least 16 to take part.

Looking at the way some of these girls look leads me to believe that it’s still an issue which needs to be resolved. But will it at the next Olympics? One can never tell.

As for myself, I just like to enjoy the competition and spirit of each Games. The way NBC covers it is great for the most part except when they overdo our country’s coverage as if it’s the only one competing. Sometimes, the analysts go overboard but hey. It’s fun to watch such wonderful athletes compete on a world stage for their respective countries.

Maybe that’s why I prefer amateurs to NBA stars with the Olympic basketball.

-It’s not so much that Roger Federer lost to James Blake for the first time in nine meetings. And sure. It was a close straight sets but maybe it’s time for the former world No.1 to take a break. He just looks and sounds very stressed out which happens sometimes in tennis when such a special player dominates for as long a stretch as the 12-time grand slam winner has. You can see it in his body language now that he looks uncomfortable. Sure. He’s still a class guy through and through crediting his opponents when he loses but it just looks like he doesn’t want to be out on that court. Perhaps he erred in taking part in these Olympics. He wanted to win gold and add it to his impressive resume but maybe the rest and time off would have done wonders. Now, he’ll return home to Switzerland without the desired result and try to get any kind of momentum possible into defending four straight U.S. Opens and at least salvaging his season. Question now is does anyone believe he can?

-I really did think Serena would win gold but it wasn’t to be as Russian Elena Dementieva ousted her in three sets while big sis Venus lost to China’s Li Na meaning suddenly it’s the 28 year-old Yonkers native Blake who has the only chance to win gold in tennis. He’ll take on Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez for a berth in the final while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic do battle in what shapes up to be a great semi clash. It says here that Djokovic gets it done and delivers gold for Serbia. Of course, I’ve already been proven wrong. But that surface should be to his liking.

Regarding Blake, there’s nobody more likable and easy to root for. It would be wonderful if he finally won on a big stage. Perhaps a gold could give him that extra confidence boost to finally win a slam here in NYC. He loves the spotlight as much as Agassi did. I really like what Federer said in defeat saying he “hopes he goes all the way.” Very cool stuff from as classy a champion as there’s ever been.

-This David Murphy sure looks like a keeper on the Mets. Not bad for a 13th round pick in 2006. Just imagine this though Met fans. If Moises Alou and Ryan Church don’t go down, he never gets a chance. How does that make you feel?

-I still want to know what’s keeping Jerry Manuel from trotting out the rookie Eddie Kunz to close a game cause it certainly can’t be that vaunted pen led by Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez.

-Speaking of the Mets, I had a weird dream the other night that I concluded that Jose Reyes deserves MVP but when I woke up, I thought ‘Over Berkman, Pujols and Utley???’

-Watching the Nats is like watching the Bad News Bears. How can a team be that bad? They should have stayed in Montreal. When you look at some of the pitchers they send out, it begs the question how this could actually be a major league franchise.

-Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo had a great run as Mike and the Mad Dog but like all great things, it comes to an end after 19 years. They were the pioneers of sports radio who drew you in and made it worth listening to. It’s sad that they won’t be together anymore but that’s how it works sometimes. I’ll definitely miss listening to Russo’s classic rants. Whether it was on the shortcomings of his beloved San Fran Giants, tennis or Pacman Jones, the guy was a bundle of energy and made you laugh. He worked well as Francesa’s sidekick. I wish him the best of luck in the future and hope to hear him again.

-Anyone else think those cameramen make sure to intentionally get as many closeups as they can of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh? Just saying.

-Field hockey don’t look half bad but the ultimate intensity of power walking is where it’s at. I know my buddy Rob “Kraze” Davis can’t wait for that big Olympic event to start up.

-Weezer tix are on sale today for the Garden and somehow, I’ll be up to grab them!

-The Mets pen actually didn’t fall apart for once in a Johan Santana start holding a one-run lead the final two frames for a hard fought 4-3 series opening win over the Nationals last night in the nation’s capital. After giving up a leadoff single to Austin Kearns on his first pitch, reliever Joe Smith buckled down striking out the next former Met pair Lastings Milledge and Jesus Flores swinging around a Kearns steal. He then got Ronnie Belliard to ground out to second setting the stage for lefty Pedro Feliciano to record the final three outs. He retired the side in order fanning the last two for his first save of the season and third career.

It allowed Santana to pickup his 10th victory. He permitted a tying pinch hit Ryan Langerhans solo shot in the seventh but got support thanks to Damion Easley being plunked with the bases loaded and an out in the eighth forcing in the deciding tally. Trying for more, Jerry Manuel sent up pinch hitter Brian Schneider for his ace, who went the first seven on three runs, eight hits, two walks, six K’s and just 94 pitches. Schneider struck out to end it. Some might wonder why he didn’t just have Santana bat there as the catcher isn’t a great hitter. But Manuel played by the book and came out on top anyway thanks to Smith and Feliciano, who didn’t make it the seventh time a Santana lead was blown.

Instead, the Amazin’s win allowed them to get within a game of the first place Phillies, who fell in Los Angeles for a second consecutive time losing 4-3 on an Andre Ethier walkoff hit. The Phils blew a 3-1 lead and wasted second baseman Chase Utley’s 30th home run. Manny Ramirez drove in a run and Casey Blake a pair including the tying sac fly in the eighth.
Meanwhile, the Marlins also gained ground with a 4-3 home win over the Cards scoring all their runs in the first two innings including Hanley Ramirez’ three-run homer (26th) which held up as the difference. Kevin Gregg pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 26th save allowing Florida to remain half a game behind the Mets and a game and a half out of first.

-The Yanks got a much needed win last night in the Metro Dome 9-6 in 12 innings. They had led 4-3 on a Derek Jeter two out RBI base hit to center and increased to 6-3 on Bobby Abreu and Wilson Betemit RBI’s. But when struggling lefty Damaso Marte put a couple of runners on in the eighth, Joe Girardi called on Mariano Rivera to get a five out save. But he wasn’t up to the task serving up a tying three-run Delmon Young dinger off the foul pole to blow his first save in 29 chances. Rivera tossed a scoreless ninth and then Jose Veras came on for two perfect innings and a pair of K’s setting up the 12th. All season, Alex Rodriguez has struggled money situations but this time delivered a huge solo blast to dead center off Matt Guerrier putting his club ahead. Xavier Nady, who already drove in two on a double then added his sixth home run as a Yankee connecting for a two-run shot to give them some insurance. The former Pirate is batting .344 with six HR and 17 RBI’s in 17 games since they acquired him.
Edwar Ramirez closed it out for his first save.

The win snapped a four-game skid and allowed the Yanks to gain a game on first place Tampa Bay, who lost to Oakland 2-1. The problem is they still trail by eight and are five behind the Red Sox for the wild card after they won a wacky slugfest 19-17 over the Rangers at Fenway. The first inning saw Boston score 10 runs including two three-run homers by David Ortiz (both to right). However, they couldn’t hold leads of 10-0 and 14-2 allowing the Rangers to come all the way back due to eight in the fifth and five in the sixth highlighted by an Ian Kinsler three-run shot along with a barrage of hits and sac flies. Despite Marlon Byrd’s five hits and three knocked in, the Red Sox got the last laugh as Kevin Youkilis slugged his second long ball of the night- a three-run job in a four-run eighth to give the home club a football like 19-16 lead. Brandon Boggs’ pinch hit made it interesting giving the Rangers two shots to tie the game but Jonathan Papelbon got the final two batters for save No.32 to finally end a game which featured a combined 36 runs on 37 hits and four errors. Somehow, it took less than four hours to play.

Terry Francona would later remark:

“At some point, you’re thinking about going for a field goal.”

Texas skipper Ron Washington on his team’s resolve though they ultimately came up short:

“After that first inning when they had us down 10-0, I think everybody in the ballpark and everybody in all of Massachusetts thought that the game was over.”

According to Elias Sports Bureau, the last time a team rallied from 10 runs down to win was on May 8, 2004 by those Rangers, who turned the trick in a 16-15 10 inning win.

Simply amazing.

-Can anyone explain that lineup Joe Girardi put out last night versus Twins lefty Glen Perkins, who previously was 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA against the Yankees before becoming a new Dad and baffling them for eight scoreless on just four hits in a 4-0 win- sending the Bronx Bombers to their fourth straight defeat?!?!?!?!?! With his ballclub struggling and continuing to lose ground in the AL East race, Girardi inexplicably sat out lefty hitters Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi against the first place Twins and then helplessly watched as his lifeless team did nothing bouncing into two inning ending double plays while wasting another good outing from Sidney Ponson (7.2 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K). They left 12 men on base and struck out seven times including the side being K’d by Minny closer Joe Nathan to end another frustrating night. To top it all off lefty Bobby Abreu had half the Yanks’ hits. What on earth convinced Girardi to start Justin Christian in left as the leadoff hitter? And why would he play Richie Sexson over Giambi? If anything, playing Christian in center over the struggling Melky Cabrera who grounded into one of the DPs would’ve made more sense. He could’ve then had Damon bat first and hit Christian ninth.

-With the first place Rays and Red Sox continuing to play well, it looks more and more like the Yanks are done. They trail Boston by five for the wild card with the White Sox ahead of them as well. Meanwhile, Tampa even with injuries to key starters Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford has a four game lead on Boston and leads the Pinstripes by nine.

Does anyone aside from WFAN’s Mike Francesa believe this bunch have it in them to make a run? It’s sure looking grim.

-While we’re on the subject, how is it that Mike Lupica can actually believe Girardi’s done a good job? Even with all the injuries to key players, his in game managing has been very lackluster. Some of his decision making has been baffling. Last night wasn’t the first time he put in a weak lineup basically giving the opponent a win. It also happened against Lupica’s Mets which allowed Oliver Perez an easy ‘W.’ From these decisions to the bullpen follies, Girardi hasn’t distinguished himself. If he really was doing such a solid job, why hasn’t he been able to get through and motivate his still talented club to perform up to capability? There are no excuses.

-Watching Michael Phelps swim is like watching someone play a video game because that’s how easy the USA Olympic gold medalist makes it look. He just glides out there and turns it on. We have to agree with record holder Mark Spitz that it’s a travesty that he wasn’t invited to Beijing. Especially if Phelps gets the elusive eight golds and breaks his record.

-Could someone please tell NBC that Americans aren’t the best at everything? There are other good countries as evidenced by China’s display in the men’s gymnastics yesterday easily taking gold while Japan got silver with the USA finishing with a bronze without both Hamms. It’s not always a disaster when our country gets beat. This is the Olympics. Where the competition aside from men’s basketball which our redeem team should win at is fairly balanced.

-Just to illustrate the big difference between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, have a gather at yahoo’s Martin Rogers’ piece on how differently each is treating their Olympic experience. It also gives you an idea of Federer’s suddenly fragile psyche while the soon to be new No.1 is having as much fun as possible.

-Serena Williams looked pretty good in her second round win this morning. It says here she’s taking gold.

-How come nobody ever criticizes Omar Minaya for not going out and getting a reliever when his pen resembles more of one filled with mud and pigs? Just wondering.

-Weezer comes to play the Garden Sept.24. Who else can’t wait?