Tuesday August 12 2008 – 1:00pm Eastern
We’re going to try this again folks …
I mean … it was pretty successful last week – on both Tuesday and Friday – so I figured I’d dust it off again!
I’ll be blogging live during “The Bridge” … from 1:00-4:00pm on the FAN.
Feel free to drop any questions or comments below and I will do my best to respond during the show (in commercial breaks, etc).
We’ll get underway in just a few minutes.
E. Smith
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Did the spanish national team make fun of the chinese if i’m reading this correctly?
- andrewI would hate to see the backlash if this picture involved team USA
- BradHey Eric,
Looking forward to Raps again this fall… all the TV guys are tired of baseball… LOL
As someone who won’t work at BMO field anymore because of the union situation down there, I think the Argo’s moving there would be a huge pain in the butt for TSN going forward or whoever else would have to deal with them. It’s a pain dealing with them for soccer, let alone football.
Don’t use my name if you talk about it… all I need is for someone to contact me… LOL
See you at the ACC.
Cheers,
- AA
Eric,
- Robertwhile Jose might be right about the photo and I have no reason to believe he is not. Let’s all remember there is a history with the Spaniard and racism. Countless memories of them throwing out banana peel to black players in the past. It would make anyone question it.
Hi Eric,
I was listening to your show yesterday and heard some of your comments about the Olympics and Canada’s performance. This email will address swimming.
*****
First of all – tune in tonight! The men’s 4×200 freestyle relay promises to be an extremely exciting race. Swim relays – if you caught the 4×100 finals earlier – can be highly entertaining with multiple lead changes.
While it is a foregone conclusion the U.S. will win there will be a fierce dogfight for the minor medals. Canada-Italy-Russia-Australia-Great Britain are all in the mix. In qualifying, those 4 squads were within 0.6 seconds of each other and all of them shredded the silver medal winning time from the 2007 worlds.
The 4×200 relay has been the centrepiece of the Canadian swim program. Canada was 5th in this race at Athens. Improvement came in subsequent meets with Canada winning a silver in this event at 2005 worlds and placed third at the 2007 Worlds. Coming into the Olympics, the Canadian record was the 4th fastest National Record in the world. In qualifying at Beijing Canada broke the Canadian record by nearly two seconds (7:08.04 versus 7:09.74).
Importantly, Canada rested its two top swimmers in the prelims. Hayden and Russell finished 1-2 at Trials and showed good form at this distance in Beijing, both swimming under the previous Canadian record in the 200m prelims. While I’m not saying Canada will medal at this race I will say that a finish off the podium will be a serious setback for the swim program.
Also going tonight for Canada is Julia Wilkinson in the 200m IM finals, Co-2007 World Champ Brent Hayden in the 100m free semis (winning his heat, qualifying 3rd fastest), Commonwealth champ Mike Brown in the 200m breast semis (winning his heat, qualifying 5th fastest), and World University Games champ Audrey Lacroix qualifying in the 200m fly semis (12th fastest qualifier).
*****
Yesterday, you said something to the effect of “why I am supposed to be excited about a Canadian record that is only good enough for sixth?”. I would replace the word excited with encouraged.
Given where the Canadian swim program was in Athens and where the swim program wants to go reporting Canadian records is relevant. Nothing wrong with reporting the placing, the time, and putting the time in context (i.e. comparing it to what the swimmer has done before).
The most damning indictment of the swim program in Athens was that so few swimmers set personal bests and so few national records were set. It spoke poorly of the coaching, leadership, and preparation of the swimmers. With lots of National records being set here it speaks to the fact that the team’s coaching, leadership, and preparation has been much better. In other words, the Athens crisis has been addressed.
Canada wants to be a relevant swimming nation again. The only way I’m aware of to catch up with rest of the world is for Canadian swimmers to go faster today than they did yesterday. That’s why mentioning and highlighting Canadian records is important.
*****
Yesterday, I felt that you expressed disdain and displeasure with non-medal performances thus far from the Canadian swim team. This is a common sentiment among lots of writers/commentators.
I’m puzzled as to why the Canadian sports media even cares how the swimmers do at the Olympics since the media ignores the sport when the Olympics aren’t on. While Hayden’s gold in 2007 got some coverage, if he didn’t win the casual sports fan would barely have been aware the Worlds were happening. Also, the 2008 Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials, or the 2006 PanPacs in Victoria got minimal media coverage. (Rhetorical question: did the Fan 590 have a reporter at either event?).
Right now swimming is in a vicious circle: the public doesn’t care so the media doesn’t cover it and the media doesn’t cover it so the public doesn’t care. And yet world beating performances are expected at the Olympics. There is a disconnect.
Given Canada has less people than the US, Brazil, Great Britain, France, Italy, France, Russia, etc. it will be very difficult to become an elite swimming nation without the sport becoming ingrained in the public consciousness or with serious funding dollars (a la Australia).
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Cheers,
Bill
- Bill GreenizanAndrew (#1) check yesterday’s blog. You can see the picture there.
- E. SmithBrad – I agree – the backlash would’ve been HUGE if it was the U.S. team
- E. SmithInteresting take A. I didn’t realize there was a union issue with various camera and audio (etc) folks at BMO
- E. SmithThis is taken directly from Jose Calderon’s personal website:
“I would like to share a story with you about something that happened with the Spanish National Team that someone interpreted incorrectly. It happened in the photo session where the Spanish National Team was introduced; one of our sponsors asked us to pose with a “wink” to our participation in Beijing, we made an oriental expression with our eyes. We thought it was something appropriate and that it would always be interpreted as somewhat loving. Never the less some of the European media did not see it this way.
From here I would like to declare that we have a huge respect for the East and their people, some of my best friends in Toronto are from China and one of our Spanish National Team sponsors is the Chinese brand Li Ning. Anyone who would like to interpret this differently is absolutely confused.”
http://www.josemanuelcalderon.com/indexEN.html
- E. SmithEric, have you been watching the olympics and if you did, what event caught you eye?
- andrewAndrew … not much to be honest … very little has caught my eye
- E. SmithWhat’s up Eric? I have a question, was watching Spain vs China this morning and was wondering why does fiba rule prohibit players on the bench of each team from getting up and cheering? Spain got warned first, and then got teched after they cheered standing up again, but I also saw China doing the same thing but didn’t get teched. But later in the game I saw the Chinese bench trying to prevent their players from standing up and cheering. In a game like basketball there’s lots of emotion, I just think it’s a dumb rule, can u elaborate on why that rule is in place?
- DonnieThanks, and love the blog.
Is it more of the fact “Who” was involved in the inappropriate act. Yesterday while I was listening to The Bob and Tom show they continuously made fun of the chinese culture. I’m unaware of any back lash towards the show. Is it exceptable becuase of who they are and unacceptable for the spanish basketball team? Are different people or different countries held to different standards?
- S.AndrewsDonnie … to my knowledge … a rule doesn’t exist. Perhaps something was said – verbally – that earned them the tech. I’ll try to find out though
- E. SmithWith the news that broke out that the Spanish National Team make gestures towards the Chinese, does that change your view of Jose Calderon as a person?
- andrewS. Andrews … I’m not aware of the Bob and Tom show … what is that? Whoever they are, if they were making comments in poor taste about China or the Chinese … no it’s not acceptable.
- E. SmithYou need to be more careful in how you talk about being “Canadian” and being “white.” For example, as Japanese-Canadians will tell you, it did not matter that they had been born in Canada when in 1941 the Federal Government decided to confiscate all of their property and intern them in remote sections of British Columbia until the end of the war – and then not allow them to retrieve their property or settle in British Columbia where they had been born and raised. “Canadian” and “white” and not synonymous. And, finally, the use of the term “Asian” to denote all “Asians” is misplaced. “Asians” are not an homogenous group – they are as distinct from each other as Spaniards are from Italians, Russians, etc. These distinctions are not “politically correct” ones: they are historically, culturally, socially and politically contextual.
- Robert StoreyAndrew – I just said that on the air. Are you listening? NO … this doesn’t change my opinion of Calderon. He made a poor choice. I’ve made poor choices. You’ve made poor choices.
- E. SmithCool, because if it is a rule that is not a good sport to implement a rule like that.
- DonnieBill … thanks for the email. And I truly do appreciate your passion for the sport. It looks like Canada’s first medal could come in the pool tonight!
- E. SmithWas listening to the show but couldn’t call in.
As a Canadian of Greek heritage it is not my place to say to say what Asians should or should not be sensitive about. Anyone that says lighten up has not been on the receiving end of recist comment (even if the intent wasn’t cruel).
Be sensitive and respectful to all.
Imagine for a second that the Olympics were in Africa and an all white team posed for a picture in black-face.
An extreme example yes but essentially the same thing.
- GeorgeThe Fan 590 pokes fun at Italians on a weekly basis with this Vito character. Spanish team made a bad joke lets forgive and move on.
- JohnI can’t speak for the Morning Show but I tend to think that poking fun (granted, with an accent) at a stereotypical Leaf fan is not the same as mocking or joking about the way somebody looks; their physical appearance.
- E. SmithThanks George
- E. SmithRobert – point taken. However, I don’t believe I was putting “white” and “Canadian” together … I was merely saying … “I’m white” … and “I’m Canadian” with little-to-no heritage for anywhere other than Canada.
- E. SmithEric the bob and tom show is “America’s favorite coast to coast morning radio show.” Its very big online and in the united states. I completley agree that it was a poor choice but not worthy of a “spectacle”. Perhaps alot of people can relate to you when you said nothing has really caught your eye in the olympics. The focus has now shifted to the fake fireworks, the spanish ad, the little girl lip syncing etc… I think its rather sad.
- S.AndrewsStern is about the only show outside of Canada I listen to. Even as a guy in radio – in broadcasting – I’ve never even heard of Bob and Tom! Oh well.
- E. SmithGood talking with you today Eric. Great to hear from Jack as well. I look forward to his show starting I know he is very excited about it and I wish him the best of luck with it. I also wanted to say have a safe and enjoyable trip. The season is coming up fast and it will be a very interesting one for the Raptors I am looking forward too it!!!
- James BorbathHey Eric,
I noticed Jose’s still got his fingers taped together, I thought that was only supposed to last for a couple of months? Do you know what’s going on there, whether it’s fully healed or not?
As for the photo controversy, now that Jose has come out and made clear what the sentiment behind it was, I think we can all put it behind us now. Clearly it was a mistake to pose like that, and if they could go back and show their respect to China/Asia in a different way they probably would.
Thanks!
- AmandaAmanda … I think the fingers are taped for strength more than anything else. I’ve dislocated a finger and still tape it when I’m playing sports as well – and I’m just a weekend warrior. For a pro who handles the ball as much as Jose – I’m sure it’s even more important for strength and stability
- E. SmithEric if you think what the spanish basketball players did was bad you would probably be amazed at what they do to Brazilian and African soccer players in spain.They do disgusting things like chanting monkey and throwing bananas even if the player is on the team they’re cheering for.Racism is a problem in Europe thats been around for a while so it shouldn’t surprise people.That’s why the Europian cup this year’s slogan was “Say No To Racism”.In my opinion this wasn’t an intential act to offend anybody so people shouldn’t boo Jose when he’s playing.
- StewyEric, is there any C-PF that matches up with Bosh and O Neal in the nba right now?
- andrewHey Eric, Need a hand with old school wrestling triva I can give you some good question if you want some listener help. Let me know. Here is one for the Blog. Not exactly old school and it has a Raptor Twist. What Toronto Raptor was a Ref in a WWE Match in Toronto?
- James BorbathHey Eric
The photo of the spanish basketball team was a bad idea, but i don’t think their intention was to insult the asian community. Since we live in such a diverse society in North America that we are told to be tolerant to poeple of other origins. It seems that spain isn’t a very diverse country like our own and this is why they thought that this gesture was acceptable. At least Calderon came out and said something about, it could have been worse if he or the spainish team ignored it.
- DamonHey Eric just wondering how much you think Nathan Jawai and Roko Ukic will contribute to the Raptors this season.
- KyleIn a separate issue, for a Baseball game to be official (complete) isn’t they need to play full 5 innings?
- Fredy AparicioWhy the other day, the Jays completed the 9 innings the following day when they were playing the Orioles. Game was suspended the night before in the 6th inning.
Tks
Shaq/Amare; Yao/Scola; there are a few more … but Bosh/O’Neal are top 3 … top 5 for sure Andrew
- E. SmithTough to say Kyle … but I think Roko will have a chance to do a ton as Jose’s primary back up. Jawai could be more of a project
- E. SmithEric, these recent superbowl halftime shows are absolutely brutal. How about getting some performers who have been popular in in the past 20 years? I realize the Janet incident scared them but come on, get some current stars. I’m sick of 60 year old men prancing around on stage.
- PaulI agree Damon, I respect that Calderon said something and tried to explain the situation (whether folks like what he had to say or not)
- E. SmithJames – JYD was the ref. Stormin’ Norm Rumack misses his old wrestling chats with Jerome Williams and T-Murray
- E. SmithDo you think Roko will get some of Parkers backup minutes?
- KyleYes Eric you a correct give yourself a prize!!!
- James BorbathI doubt it Kyle. Remember you’ve got Moon, Graham, Solomon, Adams to juggle minutes at the 2-3 as well.
- E. SmithPaul … I hear ya … but as a HUGE Tom Petty fan I loved last year’s show and I’m not against a legend like Bruce Springsteen either.
- E. SmithI’m outta here in about 5 minutes or less. Thanks to everyone that contributed today
- E. SmithRemember to check this out:
http://www.josemanuelcalderon.com/indexEN.html
- E. SmithAlright, it’s 3:59pm … I’m out of here. Have a good one
- E. SmithI hate that word that Damon just used. I know it wasn’t meant in a bad way but “tolerate” is so over used. What is there that is worthy of being tolerate? A persons nationality or the way they look should be “tolerated”.
“told to be tolerant to people of other origins”
- GeorgeI cannot believe how the Western medi has fallen for the obvious PR stunt by Li Hing – - I have visited China many times and their stores look just like an Adidas or Nike store, and are often located just next to or around the corner from these icons – - the products are similar but wha was obviously required is some marketing muscle – more than having the logo on the gymnasts uniforms – some free publicity. We too often sell the Chinese short and do not give them the credit for the ingenuity or capitalistic approach.
Bravo Li Hing – Bravo Spanish National Team for doing your sponsor proud – - – its all about the money – - — isn’t it ?????
- DaveEric. I am sorry, but saying that there was “no intention to offend anyone” is not an excuse. Racism is never intentional. Ask a KKK member, and very few will admit to “intentionally” offending people. The issue is that some people grow up thinking this is acceptable. Just about everyone knows that it is not acceptable to pose for a team picture with all their faces painted black. However, a lot of people are not sure whether it is acceptable to pose with your fingers slanting your eyebrows. Even worse, a lot of people think they have the right to tell others that they shouldn’t be so sensitive and should “lighten up”. As a Chinese Canadian, it saddens me because it shows that Asians have a very long way to go before ridding themselves of these stereotype. The Olympics are, unfortunately, not doing anything to overcome these stereotypes either.
- JasonBlogging while you are at work on radio equals no homework.
Smart man…
- NeilNeil – EXACTLY!
- E. SmithFredy … I didn’t forget about ya …
From my good friend Mike Wilner (FAN 590 baseball guru):
“Yeah. It’s an official game after 5 innings (or after 4 1/2 if the home team is leading), but if, after the 5th, the visiting team goes ahead and the game gets called before the home team has had a chance to respond, the game is suspended and resumed at the next opportunity. Those games used to be called ties and the games used to have to be replayed in their entirety, but they changed that rule a couple of years ago.”
- E. Smith