9.79* - ESPN Films: 30 for 30

Daniel Gordon's film 9.79* is an ESPN Film as a part of their 30 for 30 collection of sports documentaries. Gordon's film captures the hype and controversy surrounding the 100 meter final at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. The race was highlighted by some of the fastest runners in history, performance enhancing drug (PED) scandals, and a world record time.

Gordon focuses on the eight runners that ran in the 100m final in 1988, including the world record holder at the time, Ben Johnson of Canada, and his teammate Desai Williams, along with the United States' Carl Lewis, Calvin Smith, and Dennis Mitchell. At the time, these were the fastest men in the world, but this was also a time when knowledge of PEDs was increasing and scientists had a new, better understanding of how to utilize these drugs to the advantage of an athlete. Gordon's main focus throughout the documentary was on the growing rivalry between Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis. Over the years, the two went head to head in races all over the world. In the most recent history, Johnson had been consistently narrowly edging Lewis and Lewis was suspicious as to why. Gordon's film analyzes the historic 1988 final and uncovers the truths behind the use of PEDs in the majority of the runners from the race. Gordon's main goal is to display the evidence that is in the history books, while adding each runners point of view, but he chooses not to add his own.

Gordon's film does not touch on any dramatic aspects as all footage used is archival footage or in person interviews with doctors, scientists, and athletes. The only time Gordon chooses to have other types of film, is when he uses recreations of lab testing of urine.

When filming each interview, Gordon used multiple cameras to capture each subject from multiple points of view. Then, when editing them together, he wisely chose an appropriate angle for the mood of the quote. Gordon's camera men also use their fancy focus and unfocus skill to capture the emotion of the subject of an interview. Especially when the film reveals a major component of the scandal, the camera men very carefully capture the emotions.

Gordon's film does the subject very well, capturing the various points of view on the topic and the truth behind each runner's story. For any sports fan, I strongly suggest this film for an in depth look at the largest issue with sports today, PEDs. The race that should be well known to sports fans as the dirtiest race in history, is perfectly covered by Gordon to the enjoyment of the audience.

9.79* is rated 80 minutes long and is appropriate for all audiences. The film can be found on ESPN OnDemand and at select times on the ESPN stations. 

Yum

On Friday night I went to the restaurant Family Meal in Frederick, MD and was very pleased.

First, the restaurant was in a former car dealership, so the walls were huge windows like the show room and provided a very interesting atmosphere.

Second, the food was delicious. I have to say that the fried chicken was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. The chicken had a wonderfully crunchy exterior, that was perfectly seasoned. While the interior remained succulent and came out perfectly cooked.

Growing up in a northern household, I am unaccustomed to wonderful homemade fried chicken. I can proudly say that I have only been to Pop-eyes and KFC a limited number of times so fried chicken is lovely to see on a menu.

Also, the French fries were fried in duck fat and were server with amazing dipping sauces. Despite the seemingly unhealthiness of this meal, my stomach cannot resist such beautifully prepared food.

It's not food you can eat every day but quite delicious it was.

Oh, December

My dream December is highlighted by snowy nights, crisp weather and freezing temperatures as it marks the beginning of the winter. Such weather brings snow days and with luck a frozen pond. Unfortunately, I've grown up in the wrong place for that. This weekend, for example, provided shorts weather and a rainy day. It's insane. December's bring the holiday spirit, and no one wishes for anything more than a snowy Christmas.

Since I was a child, my parents, who grew up in New England and Canada, spoke of going to the closest pond or park to play a little pick-up hockey. I've had tastes of such lovely things, the crisp air on your face, and your sharp blades cutting threw the crisp natural ice. There's nothing like it. In MD, winters can come with weather in the 50s. Not only no pond hockey but no sledding, days off, or snowmen. Don't get me wrong, I know we aren't going to have a white winter, with endless days off, but I pray for just a few days of winter weather.

As we move into the holiday season, it still feels like the end of fall. The stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break provides four five-day weeks. It would be such a delight, for one day off in the middle, provided by the weather.

Maybe I should move up North. That may be the only solution. Or maybe a snowpocalypse will bless our area with its presence. Either way, I long for a true winter.

NHL, SMH

I've avoided discussing this topic for a long time, because it's a sensitive matter to me, the NHL lockout. The stubborn owners and players association have been negotiating for nearly six months and virtually no progress has been made. According to many sources, the two sides still sit far apart. This lockout has done a burden on the players, and more importantly the fans. The players have been forced to move over seas to play the sport they love and abandon their North American teams. One of the greatest players in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin, went so far as to say he may consider never coming back if this season is cancelled. So far the season has been cancelled through December. Some of the greatest parts of the season will be missed including the well known Winter Classic on New Years' Day. Also, the HBO series based on the Winter Classic called 24/7. Most of all, this lock out is killing the fans. There is no hockey on television for the fans. No games to attend. Hockey fans have lost the great sport. The filthy rich men that own NHL teams and run the league have caused the second lockout in 10 years. But it doesn't even affect them. All that matters is the money to them, not the sport. The NBA missed nearly half their season last year, but was smart enough to realize that the lock out benefited no one and quickly fixed their mistake. The NHL needs to come to their senses quickly before losing fans and players to other leagues. The one thing the NHL has going for them is that they control the future of the sport many people love. Hopefully the NHL realizes what they're doing and quickly fixes all they've done wrong.