Have a Happy New Year!!!

("Auld Lang Syne" plays in background) Since I was late and missed a chance to Wish everyone a Merry Christmas, I wanted to make sure that I at least wished everyone a Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a prosperous 2009, and that you don't throw your resolutions out the door by the end of January ;) (Firecrackers blow)

My First Bears Game

I was just at my first Bears Game with my dad on 12-11-08. We had alot of fun, but it was freezing cold!! I only took a few pictures, because I didn't want to take off my gloves ^_^. I was lucky enough to get 2-Tickets to the Game from someone at my work. They were good seats in the 2nd Level, so we were able to see the Bears win in overtime against the Saints. Go Bears!

Shoes being thrown?!

I was just reading about the Iraqi reporter who took off his shoes and threw them at President George W. Bush. That really makes me sick. I don't care if he was a Democrat or Republican, we as Americans should not sit back and say nothing when some coward insults the Leader of our Country like that. As always, most of the Middle East jumped up in support of such disrespectful and uncivilized bahavior. As much as I dislike Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad or Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, I wouldn't even think of throwing my shoes at them........they are heads of state, and due a certain respect. (not to say that I wouldn't yell something their way). What happened to our Self-Respect?

American City Names

I was just thinking how it strange that the 3 Largest Cities in The United States names are each a different language:

New York City-----English

Los Angeles-----Spanish

Chicago-----French/Native American


Interesting.....

Chicago: City of the Year

Chicago has been getting a lot of publicity as of late. I just wanted to let you know that Chicago:

-Was Chosen City of the Year by Fast Company for 2008.

-Was Chosen City of the Year by GQ Magazine for 2008.

-Was Only American City in Top 10 Cities to see in 2009 by Lonely Planet.

-Is one of the Front Runners in the Bid to Host the 2016 Olympics.

-Is currently the home to be of the World's Tallest All-Residential Skyscraper.

-Is 4th Largest City Economy in the World. (After Tokyo, NYC, & LA)

-Is the Hometown of the President-Elect.

-Was the setting of Gotham City in Batman "The Dark Knight".

Human Weapon

I caught this show on iTunes and got instantly hooked. Jason Chambers and Bill Duff basically go to a different country every episode, spend a week or so training in that country's specific Martial Art, and then faces off against a Master or champ in that Martial Art:

United States = MMA
Korea = Tae Kwon Do ;)
China = Kung-fu
France = Savate
Japan = Karate, Judo, Ninjitsu
etc.

It is really a good show. I bought the ENTIRE Series on DVD @ Best Buy for like $20. Just throwing it out there

Kickboxing???

I am very interested in Martial Arts that implement more "Traditional" applications into their system, however, I signed up for a Free Trial Lesson of Kickboxing (emphasis on Free). I never experienced Kickboxing in my life, so it will be interesting to see how much it is both similar and different from Tae Kwon Do. I will try and get up a Martial Arts Profile for Kickboxing either this Weekend, or by this coming week. I also signed up my brother for the Trial Class......(this ought to be interesting)......

EOC Meeting in Istanbul

Chicago 2016 Officials, including Mayor Daley, met with, and presented to members of the EOC in Istanbul. Tokyo, Rio, & Madrid also were there to present their bids as well. I was happy to hear that Chicago hit the ground running that morning, as all the members of the EOC woke up to a complimentary copy of a special Chicago 2016 Edition of the International Tribune. Later that day President-Elect Obama expressed his support of the Chicago Bid to the EOC in a 90-Second Video for the Committee. This is the biggest presentation that Chicago will do before the meeting in Denmark with the IOC. I believe they did a great job.

Crazy Hap Ki Do

I wanted to show you a video of the Martial Art of Hap Ki Do. This is actually my Master's Grand Master. My master is awesome at Hap Ki Do, and now I know why.....look at his teacher! :)

The "Obama" Factor

Although I personally didn't Vote for President-Elect Obama, I wanted to see the Silver Lining in the Cloud. Foremost in my mind is the tremendous amount of both Publicity and Support that he has and will bring to Chicago's Olympic Bid. Already Tokyo 2016 Officials have commented on their concern for the influence that he brings to Chicago's Bid. A couple days later Madrid and Tokyo tried to downplay their concerns and comments......but that quick break in their confidence invigorates our Bid. Only Upstart Rio hasn't commented (to my knowledge). Two major things I sincerely hope Obama will do as President is:

1. Make the Case for Chicago's Bid in the Final Presentation.

2. Go to Denmark to support Chicago on the day the Host City is chosen.

Having the President pitch for his Hometown is always welcome. I hope that he can take some time out of his busy schedule for that.

Also, USA Soccer is hoping that he will be able to do his bit for their hope to capture either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. Having the Olympics followed directly by the World Cup would be an awesome experience for the United States.

Tuesday is Election Day!

I just wanted to urge everyone to Vote in Tuesday's Election as it is important that Americans exercise their privilege as citizens. Many people all over the world have died or were thrown in jail trying to obtain the privilege that many people in the U.S. take for granted, or look at as an annoyance. I myself am excited to Vote for the 1st time, and take part in the democratic process.

That being said, I would also like to urge everyone to Vote sensibly. Do not vote for a candidate just because of Skin color (whether White or Black), or because a certain candidate is better looking. It should always be about the issues. If you evaluate your pick on the issues, and still come to the same conclusion, great. Never Vote solely on emotion either. Ask yourself if you stand for what this candidate stands for, and if "yes", then vote for him. For me, there is no such thing as life long Republican, or life long Democrat....only Liberal and Conservative Ideology. Don't vote for a party, just because of the party.

The Olympic Candidate Websites

Juuuust incase you are interested:

Tokyo 2016:
http://www.tokyo2016.or.jp/en/

Chicago 2016:
http://www.chicago2016.org/

Rio 2016:
http://www.rio2016.org/en/Default.aspx

Madrid 2016:
http://www.madrid2016.es/en/paginas/home.aspx

1-Year to Denmark!

Yesterday marked the 1-year countdown until when the International Olympic Committee(IOC) will announce the Host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Although there are many obstacles to overcome. For instance, it is possible that the IOC may dwindle the list even further. So, Chicago has some work to do, however, Pat Ryan has said that Chicago has some suprises up its sleeve for changes to it's Bid plan. He just doesn't want to reveal everything this early still in the Game.

Martial Art Profile: Drunken Style Kung-Fu (醉拳)

Drunken Style Kung-Fu, Drunken Fist, Drunken Boxing.....all names for a very interesting and effective Martial Art. Many Chinese Styles of Martial Arts were created by the study of different things, such as Snakes, Cranes, Tigers, Praying Mantis, and even Drunks....lol. when using this style of Kung-Fu, you are not really intoxicated, as that would hinder you more than help. The momentum you create, as well as your unpredictability help you in defeating your opponent. Moves such as falling flat on your back, staggering forward and backward, and spinning seemingly uncontrollably, are all faked to throw the opponent in a confusion, which is when you strike. Another interesting aspect is that your hands form as if you are holding two cups, and the art utilizes many types of joint locks as well. This style was made famous by Jackie Chan. this clip shows a quick look at Drunken Fist. It is from a real good show called "Fight Science". Enjoy :)

Martial Arts Posts?

yes, I know everyone has been wondering what happened to my Martial Arts Posts........Due to the Olympics, me being busy etc., I wasn't very attentive to those types of posts. Please do not worry, they are coming soon : ) I also got the entire season for a great show called "Human Weapon", from the History Channel and gained some insight on some new martial arts that I would love to share.......

Michal Phelps Supports Chicago 2016

Yes, who can argue with Michael Phelps................no one. :)

The Venues of Chicago 2016

This video is a Three-Dimensional tour of the proposed venues should the IOC choose Chicago to host the 2016 Olympics. I think it needs a little tweaking (and I am still not used to the Olympic Stadium design), however, the plans are well thought-out. Please enjoy.

Chicago Olympics

I hope everyone is thoroughly enjoying the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I know I have been, my evenings are booked for this coming week as well. I came by this Video about Chicago 2016, and I really liked it because it gave somewhat of a glimpse in the NBC lens of how Chicago would look on television. Of course this is an amateur Video, however, it captures some of the beauty of this City, and how much better it would look with NBC shooting the footage.

Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony

Just a quick reminder, don't forget to tune in and check out the Opening Ceremony today, August 8 @ 6:30 on NBC . Time to let the games begin! :)

Skyline pics

I saw these pics of the Chicago Skyline on a friend of mine's blog, and wanted to show them to any of my phantom readers. Very nice photos. Courtesy of, and Credit to, Kiat @ http://huankiattang.blogspot.com/

The Chicago Spire

Chicago, being the birthplace of the Modern Skyscraper, has some of the World's tallest Buildings. Come 2012, we will have another. The Chicago Spire may be the first or second tallest All Residential Skyscraper in the World (it was going to be the tallest, but once again Dubai, UAE strikes us with another tall one "Pentominium", so the title will likely remain contentious). The Chicago Spire, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, will stand near the foot of Navy Pier at 2,000 feet. The Sears Tower, currently the Tallest in the Nation, let alone Chicago, stands at 1,451 feet. You can see the great height distance between the two. As I mentioned, this Building is currently under Construction. Here is a Link to the Chicago Spires website http://www.thechicagospire.com/

Chicago makes it to the Olympic Short-list!

This past week, Chicago was chosen as one of four cities to advance to the 2nd Stage of the 2016 Olympic Bidding procedure. The other three cities were:

-Tokyo, Japan
-Madrid, Spain
-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Yes, I know, I was wrong about Madrid in my prediction. However, I am glad that Doha is not in the Bid. It could take away some votes from Chicago, and also would host the games in the fall (due to the extreme heat in summer....Middle East). Now Chicago and the other finalists will be able to take the Bidding International, after being restricted to only bidding domestically for the 1st Stage. Also, Chicago is now able to add the Olympic Rings to their Logo, as well as replace the "Applicant City" with "Candidate City" under Chicago 2016. I will be sure to have a picture of the updated Logo soon on the Blog.

2016 Olympic Finalist Date

Hey, just wanting to let everyone know that the Date the IOC will choose the finalists for the 2016 Olympic Games will be June 4th @ 10:30 a.m. in Athens. You can watch it live on www.Olympic.org . Mayor Daley, Pat Ryan, and other Chicago 2016 officials will be in Athens for the meeting. Whichever cities are chosen to stay will be able to place the Olympic Rings in their logo. They will also be changed from a "Applicant" City to a "Candidate" City.

2016 Olympic Short-List

My first order of business since I am back is to let everyone know to keep an ear out for which cities will make the Short-List for the 2016 Olympics in June. The Seven cities currently bidding are:

-Chicago, USA
-Tokyo, Japan
-Madrid, Spain
-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
-Prague, Czech republic
-Baku, Azerbaijan
-Doha, Qatar

This list will be dwindled down to an undetermined number of "Finalists" next month. My guess for the finalists will be:

-Chicago, USA (no kidding, lol)
-Tokyo, Japan (a potential problem, if not the problem)
-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (The problem)
-Doha, Qatar (deep pockets)

We'll see how my predictions turn out. Let me know what yours are.

A Little Rest........

Sorry about taken soooo long to post anything. I am back and will be posting more regularly for all my fans......please, hold your applause....

The Forbidden Kingdom (功夫之王)

I know that I mentioned I would have a little more on the storyline of this movie....but since it is coming out on friday, I figured you can just see the movie yourself. Below is a brief description of the movie taken from the Internet Movie Database:

"An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary Staff of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself traveling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King."

Olympic Boycott???

The recent protest in Tibet, an Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, have sparked a variety of concerns around the Olympic Games (to be held this summer in the Chinese capitol of Beijing). Primarily, the suggestion of a boycott. Not a boycott of the entire games, but of the Opening Ceremony. I am very glad that President Bush has chosen not to politicize the games by boycotting the Ceremony. Not because I support China's efforts in Tibet.....In fact, I believe that there is no reason why China needs to be there at all, Tibet should be independent.......but because of the fact that many might possibly try that same approach on the U.S., should Chicago win the 2016 Olympic Games. I strongly believe that the President's decision was a very wise step for our country. At the same time, another leader I like, French President Nikolas Sarkozy, is considering a Boycott of the ceremony. I don't believe that the Olympics should be stuck with Politics. We'll see in the coming months what becomes of this possible problem. Any thoughts?

The Forbidden Kingdom, April 18th (功夫之王, 4月18日）

Please forgive me for the break in posts.....Taking a small break, and stocking up on Posting Ideas... :) I know that the last two movies I posted about didn't have much to do with my blog's "theme", however, this one does. I wanted to let everyone know that this movie, "The Forbidden Kingdom", will be coming to Theaters on April 18, 2009......JK, 2008.....sorry couldn't resist. It will also star two hugely popular Martial Arts Actors, Jet Li & Jackie Chan! All I will say about the plot right now is that an American Boy goes miraculously to China is trained in Kung-Fu by J & J, to defeat a ruthless warlord. I will be posting @ a later date with some more of the storyline. Right now I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of this movie's debut date. Check in later. Below is a Trailer for the Movie. Enjoy!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Yes, there will be another Starwars movie coming to the Big Screen in August. This time coming in very nice CG animation. All I can say is "I'm...so...happy (sniff)"

Chicago 2016 Apparel

I just want to let everyone know that @ www.Chicago2016.org , they have just opened up a online e-store where you can purchase different shirts, hats, and jackets with the Logo for Chicago 2016 Bid. It is the only place online where you can get the Olympic Bid Merchandise. So Stock up on your gear, whether you are from Chicago or not......no, really, I mean it.....

Happy Chinese New Year!!! 恭喜发财!!!

I just want to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!!(Congratulations and be Prosperous!)

I was able to go with my dad to the Chinese New Year Parade here in Chicago, more specifically Chinatown. It was absolutely freezing, but we both had fun, watched the parade, ate dinner, and shopped around. I had shrimp with lobster sauce, and my dad had roasted duck. Also in the Parade were the Beijing 2008 and Chicago 2016 Olympic floats!! (just mentioning it :) ) Take Care: )
恭喜发财!!

Martial Art Profile: Shaolin Kung-Fu (少林功夫)

One of my favorite Chinese Martial Arts is Shaolin Kung-Fu. It shows great strength yet quick movements. Shaolin Kung-Fu gets it's name from the place of it's origin, the Shaolin Temple, in China. The Monks in the Temple developed a Martial Art for self-defense, but primarily, for self-improvement. When attacked by Robbers in the Mountains, the would be able to defend themselves with their skill. Once, Shaolin Warrior Monks fought off Pirates terrorizing the area, killing over 100 of them, while only losing 4 Monks. I my self am very interested in possibly learning Shaolin, as it is a new challenge that is very different than my own Martial Art, Tae Kwon Do. Maybe in the Future. Sometimes Martial Artist roam the world demonstrating Shaolin Kung-Fu, however sometimes they are not truly representing it, but sometimes they are really from the actual Shaolin Temple, which is still in China. Below, is a quick video of Monks demonstrating their Skill at a University in America. Please Enjoy! : )

U.S. President Endorses Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid

"I can't think of a better city to represent the United States than Chicago," ~President Bush


U.S. President George W. Bush came to Chicago on January 7th, wanting to be briefed on Chicago's proposed plans for the 2016 Olympic games. Mayor Daley, as well as City and Chicago 2016 Officials, were glad to oblige. The endorsement of a head of state really helps tremendously in a Applicant City's credentials. As was Former Prime Minister Tony Blair with London 2012, and President Vladimir Putin with Sochi 2014. With the Statement, "This country supports the bid, strongly" , President Bush gave Chicago's Bid another wonderful boost, as did the greatly successful hosting of the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships. The Head of the AIBA, C.K. Wu also voiced his confidence in Chicago's bid, as well as claiming the 2007's Boxing Championship as the best ever. Although in his last year as President, and leaving office 9 months from the time the IOC choose the Host City, President Bush promised to do all that he could to help the Bid.

Thanks President Bush!....a great President just got better :)