Jeremy de Souza

Ray Allen on routines

In the Boston Globe:

"As the Celtics kick off their campaign for an NBA championship tonight in the opening round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, Allen will leave nothing to chance. He will line up for the tip exactly as he has for his other 73 games. His pregame ritual does not waver: a nap from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., a meal of chicken and white rice at 2:30, an arrival time at the gym at precisely 3:45 to stretch. Allen will shave his head, then walk out to the court at exactly 4:30. He will methodically take shots from both baselines, both elbows, and the top of the key."

Legend of Villeneuve

If you've ever followed motorsports, then you've heard of Gilles Villeneuve, father of Jacques Villeneuve. The BBC is running a story on Villeneuve who died today 25 years ago on May 8th, 1982. Recommended reading for any racing fan.

Snowboarding at Snoqualmie

Yesterday, Cherie, Tian and I packed the CRV with our snowboarding gear and headed to Summit at Snoqualmie to ride some fresh powder. We definitely picked the right day to travel because the roads weren't too bad (we didn't have to use snowchains) and the snow was sill pretty soft - nothing compares to icy Whistler Thanksgiving before last.

I also got to finally try out my new board and bindings which worked out pretty well. For some stupid reason I forgot to apply the stomp pads to our boards, so that caused for some drama skating off the lifts especially since the beginner run lifts at Snoqualmie drop you off on a rather steep slope. The mountain was pretty packed, but I think we'll probably head back there since it's close and looks to be good for beginners.

Let's ride!

Cherie and I went shopping for new snowboarding gear this weekend. We both got new boards and bindings. I got a Rossignol Sultan board and Salomon bindings. I also got a pair of Halcyon Darkslide goggles - I already have goggles but the price was just too good to resist.

In the past I rented my board and bindings. I had invested in everything else but planned to hold off buying a board until I was seriously commited to riding regularly. All this has me incredibly excited for the rainy Seattle weather to arrive. OK, maybe after a couple more weeks of sunshine...

Next up is getting a roof rack for the CRV.

Zidane ejected - Italy wins the World Cup

When Zidane was ejected today, I knew immediately that this would dramatically change the odds of the italian team wining if the game went to penalty kicks. I also knew that this would unfortunately be the way that Zidane would be remembered by all too many people. I think the analysis by just about everyone in the world from my parents to repetitive ESPN/ABC commentators was that this was a dissapointing way for Zinedine Zidane to end his career on the international stage.

Widely regarded as an icon for modesty, family values and multiculuralism in France, he proved today that even great leaders can make expensive mistakes. It's clear that today's game shows the importance and opportunity cost for leaders to maintain composure in difficult situations. Zidane looked tired from being repeatedly fouled during the game and had a verbal exchange with Materazzi. The world can only wonder what Materazzi said to him before Zidane delivered that now infamous headbutt.

As much as anyone cheering for France today including myself regrets Zidane's shocking exit, I'm sure no one regrets it more than he does.

Photo copyright AP - http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/photos/index.html?aid=409010&d=1