Download of the Day 7/13: Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira featuring Freshlyground

Sure, Spain took home the trophy on Sunday, but who said the celebration has to stop?

To coincide with 2010 FIFA World Cup, Shakira was chosen to record the official theme song. Teaming up with African band Freshlyground, the Colombian pop star churned out "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)", an uplifting theme celebrating the first World Cup on African soil. Combining the beats of African and Colombian music with a wispy, playful melody, the song perfectly captures the energy of both the African people and the excitement that comes with the coming together of nations. The lyrics gel with the production well, inspiring the same kind of unity and pride that those beats do. It is one of those songs that is meant to unite instead of segregate, so its awesome that it has become a relatively big hit in virtually every country in the world. It also doesn't hurt that a global pop star, with her unique, sexy voice is helming the track. While she's the most visible star on the track, Freshlyground deserve just as much shine for their simple, yet brilliant instrumentation.

While the 2010 World Cup is over, this song has more than enough punch to carry us over to Brazil in 2014.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

The Media Debacle That Is LeBron James and "His Decision"

NBA superstar LeBron James to join the
Miami Heat next season

Last night, NBA superstar Lebron James announced to the world that he was joining the Miami Heat, officially ditching the Cleveland Cavaliers after seven years with his hometown team.

He announced his decision on ESPN in a special called "The Decision", live from the Boys and Girls Club of America in Greenwich, Connecticut. After a good ten minutes of the interviewer building up unnecessary tension with pointless questions, LeBron finally dropped the bomb that broke the hearts of New Yorkers, Chicagoans, and Clevelanders alike.

Now, I will admit that I don't really follow basketball like my mother does. Frankly, LeBron James' decision wouldn't have made a difference to me at all, even if he came to New York. That said, I tuned in to see what the big deal was.

It was big, all right. A big disastrous mess.

What I witnessed in that forty minutes (I missed the first twenty) was one of the most narcissistic displays of star power I have ever seen. I simply don't understand why he went through all of this trouble, building all of the tension, hosting an hourlong special dedicated to what should've been a few words: "I chose (fill in the blank)". He should've just released a statement to splash over the front pages. Instead, we had to hear how emotional the decision was for him and how he was deciding even at the last minute, as if he was negotiating a nuclear arms treaty. The whole thing was frankly absurd in just that regard, but the heart of this lies in Cleveland. I wasn't aware of this until tonight, but apparently James is regarded as a hero in his hometown, even a king. People laid all of their basketball dreams on the superstar, and I would assume LeBron did his best to make his fans proud. So what puzzles me is why he would humiliate them so blatantly with this special. Yes, he's a massive sports star, but why go on national television to basically say "Sayonara" to the people who supported him for seven years? I believe he had the right to move on if he felt Cleveland wasn't going to deliver him victory, but he did it in such a classless, insulting way that I doubt he will ever be forgiven by his fans there.

Of course it wouldn't be a debacle if there was only one side, right?

The immediate response to LeBron's not so shocking announcement was utter disgust from his home state of Ohio. ESPN, after the initial interview, aired live footage of fans groaning as the decision came in. Then, in what I can only describe as insanity, they aired someone setting LeBron's jersey ablaze in the street, as they were talking to him. Twitter went into hyperdrive, with trending topics focusing on reactions, the burning jersey, and almost inexplicably instant comparisons to Scottie Pippen. In fact, he is still the top TT as I type. Anyone looking for a beacon of grace certainly wasn't finding it with majority owner of the Cavaliers Dan Gilbert. He shockingly blasted him in an open letter on the team's website, labeling him shameful, selfish, and a coward. He even went as far as to accuse "the formerly self-titled King" of quitting during the NBA playoffs last month.

His anger is understandable, sure, but the letter was so unsportsman-like, it makes one think that LeBron really did choose right.

Whether he chose the right team will be up for weeks of debate, but this media circus he created was certainly a huge bust. LeBron, who hours ago was labeled a hero and a king by many, is now facing backlash that ranges from being new teammate Dwayne Wade' second string (clearly LeBron has never heard Jay-Z's hit "Empire State of Mind") to being a selfish, self-obsessed traitor. Meanwhile, his grieving hometown looks like shamefully petty on national television and the Dan Gilbert looks like a tacky ass asking for a humiliating loss next season. Let's also throw the New Yorks Kncks in there for good measure, who have been preparing for LeBron for years, only to be snubbed. I can't wait for the morning papers about this one.

While he may be labeled as a king, it is hard to deny that his crown may be tarnished just a bit.

Will London Host the Super Bowl in 2014?

The Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday that the NFL’s plans to bring the Super Bowl to the United Kingdom were in full effect.

The Mayor of London’s office and Visit London, the city’s official tourism organization, announced that the NFL intends to bring the Super Bowl to the city in 2014. The decision comes after two sold-out games at Wembley Stadium this past season. The city has been in talks with the NFL’s special events team, who have been looking for host cities outside of the United States; their search has included Canada, Mexico, and Germany.

London will reportedly reveal its plan for the Super Bowl in November, when the bid packages are due to the NFL.

London is looking for 2014 to host the legendary American sporting event, which is continually the highest-rated program on television every year, with at least 80 million viewers. The rights to the 2013 Super Bowl will be decided this year, while 2016 game, which marks the 50th anniversary, will most likely go to Los Angeles. 2018 could see London’s hosting of soccer’s biggest event, the World Cup. In 2012, London will host the Summer Olympics.

If London does end up hosting the Super Bowl, it will be the first time in the history of the NFL that a foreign country will host the game. The decision to allow international countries to host the Super Bowl is apart of the NFL’s plans to internationalize American football in a similar way that soccer has become.

The city of London is expected to make $600 million from the deal.

Jennifer Hudson Performs National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIII

Academy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated superstar Jennifer Hudson emerged from her self-imposed exile after her family tragedy to deliver a soaring, stirring rendition of the United States National Anthem at the Superbowl.

Despite appearing nervous before, the diva did what she did best, and sang one of the best renditions of the anthem I have heard.

Here is the video:

Michael Phelps In Pot-Smoking Scandal

The Picture That Could Ruin Michael Phelps

 

Over last summer, he became a international sensation.

Now, he is on the verge of becoming a disgraced idiot.

Michael Phelps, who reached hero status after taking home eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics in August, has been caught smoking out of an alleged marijiuana bong. The picture ran in Britain's News of the World this weekend.

The scandal could wreck not only his image, but his career. The Olympic Committee recently enacted a four-year ban on athletes who are caught using drugs. If he was banned, he would be unable to perform at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he was hoping to add to his amazing 14 gold medals.

Phelps has already sent out an apology through the Associated Press: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

There has been no word yet from his coach or the US Olympic Committee, who will make the final decision on his ability to participated in the next Olympic Games.

As a fan of Phelps, I really do hope that he doesn't get pulled from the Games. It seems like such a stupid reason to be cut.

A lesson to the kids: Do pot, and you'll go from hero to zero in a matter of minutes.

2008 Olympics Closing Ceremony Review

Note to the London Olympics organizers: you HAVE to come better than this!

The 2008 Beijing Olympics ended Sunday with the Closing Ceremony, which includes the extinguishing of the flame and the handover to the next Olympic host. After the spectacular display put on during the Opening Ceremony, everyone was expecting a real show.

The Chinese delivered on their end, with another visual masterpiece, directed by the same man behing the opening show. Once again, the entire stadium was used to deliver a truly 3-dimensional experience. It was colorful, precise, and absolutely perfect. It may not have been of the same scale of the Opening Ceremony, but it was still amazing.

If only London held up the quality. To be honest, the London set was a true mess. First off, the double decker bus thing was pretty lame, even when it evolved into the stage. I also didn't really get all of the dancers and the two little girls passing off the soccer ball. The best part of the sequence was Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page performing "Whole Lotta Love", and even that was screwed up a bit. Leona looked GORGEOUS in both the super-long dress connected to the stand and the mini-dress when she came out of it. She also sounded amazing, of what we could hear of it. Unfortunately, we could barely hear her, thanks to a crappy sound system. They can make up for it by releasing the song on iTunes.

Finally, David Beckham came up from the double-decker bus with a bunch of kids and taking the aforementioned soccer ball, he kicks it into the crowd. That was it? They hyped up the appearance of David Beckham so much and all he did was kick a ball? Seriously?

Kudos to China for a spectacular Olympics experience that won't soon be forgotten. London, you've got four years to match that. If the handover ceremony was indication, you've got A LOT to work on!

Michael Phelps On The Cover of Sports Illustrated

Michael Phelps celebrates his history-making 8 gold medal performance at the Beijing Olympics by gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated, on newsstands tomorrow. The cover shows him standing with the 8 medals he won hanging on his neck, an update of the iconic Mark Spitz image with his 7 medals. Sunday (in Beijing time), Phelps beat Mark's record of most medals in one year.

It's very possible Phelp's issue could be one of the best selling magazine issues of the year, considering th millions who have watched his Olympic performance. It should definitely outsell the infamous People Magazine issue of Brad and Angelina's twins, which shockingly flopped.

Will you be buying it?

Picture from justjared.net

Michael Phelps Makes History With 8th Medal!

HE DID IT!

Michael Phelps has won his 8th gold medal, the most won in a single Olympic year. Yesterday, he tied Mark Spitz's record of seven.

He is now the greatest Olympian who has ever lived.

Congratulations to Michael Phelps and the entire US team!

Live at the Olympics: Serbian Team Filing Protest Against Phelps

The Serbian team is currently in the Resolution Room as I type, filing a protest against the end of the 100 m butterfly race, which Michael Phelps won within this hour.

It appeared that Serbian team member Milorad Cavic was about to win the gold, but the touchpad on the wall recorded that Phelps indeed touched the wall before him, by 1/100th of a second.

Cavic's coach is currently contesting the results.

More news as it comes via NBC.

UPDATE: The Serbian protest against the 100m butterfly race has been denied, because of sufficient evidence proclaiming Phelps as the winer, according to Don Bloom, the chairman of the Technical Committee. Michael Phelps will retain his gold medal, while Cavic keeps his silver medal.

Live at the Olympics: Michael Phelps Wins 7th Gold Medal!

Just now, Michael Phelps wins his seventh gold medal tonight (EST) in the 100m butterfly.

Beating his competition by 1/100th of a second, Phelps wins ANOTHER gold medal, tying the record set by Mark Spitz.

It's official, Michael Phelps is the greatest athlete in the world.

Plus, he may be superhuman.

Congrats to Phelps!

Congratulations Michael Phelps!

After yesterday's performance during the Beijing Olympics, US swimmer Michael Phelps is now the most decorated Olympian in history, with 11 gold medals in his career. He is trying to break Mark Spitz's record of most Gold medals in one Olympic year by trying for 8. He currently has 5 gold medals.

Congrats on the success!

Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony: The Best Ever!

Seriously, I can't even remember previous Opening Ceremonies when compared to this one.

The 2008 Summer Olympics, hosted by the city of Beijing in China, started off with a spectacular opening ceremony. Directd by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the ceremony was a stunning piece of work, unlike anything I've ever seen at the Olympics before (my memory goes up to 1998, with the Winter Olympics in Nagano).

The truly amazing part came before the always-awesome Parade of Nations. The segment was sort of a "history lesson" on Chinese culture, taking us through both the ancient and modern times. What was impressive was how the most miniscule detail was paid attention to. When the 2008 performers were playing those drums that lit up, it was awe-inspiring to see how precise they all were. Another visual wonder were those boxes that lifted up and down, whether to show water or the Great Wall of China. It was amazing to see at the end that the boxes were being moved by people, not machines. It boggles the mind to consider how much pratice all of that took in order for everyone to be synchronized the way they were.

The Chinese people's appreciation to such detail, precision, and perfection is definitely something to be admired. That dedication helped create one of the most awe-inspiring sights I have ever witnessed. The mix of past and present, the recurring theme of peace and openness, it all came together in a ceremony that will go down in Olympic history as one of the best.

An NBC commentator described this year's Olympics, and the opening ceremony in particular, as China's "coming out" party. With one like this, China has definitely succeeded.

To watch the full ceremony, click here