Well, despite constant denials, US F1 announced today that it was calling it quits to their 2010 bid to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Sad to see this happening, but one upside is that good old Jacques Villeneuve may be making a comeback with Stefan GP if the FIA grants them the now-vacant grid slot. Full article here.

"Um, don't look now, but I think everyone is on to us."

The New York Times ran an article shedding a tiny beam of light onto why South Koreans demand and expect their Olympic athletes to deliver, especially when competing against Japan. Read about a sliver of world history that isn’t taught in any grade school in the Western hemisphere. Article here.

South Korean figure skater, Kim Yu-Na

I love the Winter Olympics. I love short track racing. South Koreans hate Apolo Anton Ohno.

Now that I’ve learned the last point the hard way, what used to be an event that I used to look forward to with great anticipation has now suddenly become a downright stress fest. I’ve been relegated to watching this event sans brethren and sistern from the Mother Land, which sucks, because I also love the kick-ass South Korean team. And don’t even think about bringing up AAO in conversation, unless you enjoy being at the receiving end of a three-hour tirade about how stupid you are and how Korean you are not. Who knew an event that involves sliding around in circles would stir up so much hate.

"Can't we all just get along? No? OK, just asking..."

Luckily, this sign isn’t enforced. Otherwise this town would have, like, just “normal” people! Yikes!

This is one of my favorite skits on the current SNL … Kenan Thompson’s “What Up With That?” Sit back and enjoy.

Happy New Year from “the BLOG”.

Michael Schumacher has signed a one-year deal to return to Formula One competition in 2010 with the new Mercedes GP squad, formerly known as Brawn GP. This means that Schumacher will be reunited with Ross Brawn, the man who is largely responsible for all seven of his F1 titles. And did I mention that Brawn GP won the F1 Drivers’ and Constructor’s World Championship this past season? Oh yes, this is going to be good. Full story.

The great Tiger Woods has now finally admitted to having extramarital affairs, and will take an indefinite leave from playing golf to repair damage to his family. Story Here. So yes, I’m sure he will continue to suffer fallout for his behavior, and will have to work hard at restoring the faith he lost from his family (and fans and sponsors). But what about all of those women who knowingly had repeated relations with a married man? Those fine ladies are guilty of anything from contributing to the infidelity of a married man (with kids) to attempted extortion. Sure, no one cares about some skanky whores vis-a-vis a megastar like Tiger Woods, but how about applying some heat across the board? Besides, Tiger didn’t fly solo. If he did, then millions of us would be guilty of the same offense.

Can somebody tell me what the heck is happening to the Pittsburgh Steelers? I know they have their share of injuries, but come on. Losing game after game to teams that seemingly didn’t have the firepower to even share the same field has become the norm. The latest kick in the nads — losing pretty comprehensively to biannual whipping boys, the Cleveland Browns. I guess the Steelers are participating in some sort of charity by donating wins to these hapless teams. Read all about it here.

maybe we should elaborate on what we mean by "amazing".

Well, the worst-kept secret in racing has come to light, and for me, it’s a real downer. The Kimster is taking a sabbatical from Formula One next season and will contest the 2010 WRC with Citroen Racing. And while he won’t be pounding the pavement in a single seater, his switch to the Red Bull-backed rally team will help fuel the rumor that he will return to F1 in 2011 with the Red Bull Racing F1 squad. Read the full article here.

WRC-bound 2007 F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen