Friday, August 15, 2008

Michael Phelps: An Inspiring Story

With all the buzz on Michael Phelps winning six Olympic gold medals, everyone is speculating whether he will break the record set by Mark Spitz and Larissa Latynina.
Whether he breaks the record or not. He has definitely found a place in the history books for his achievements in international events.

A little known fact is that as a child, Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
Here is an article from The New York Times on his childhood:
Phelps’s Mother Recalls Helping Her Son Find Gold-Medal Focus


Update:
Phelps won 8 Gold medals at Beijing, crossing the 7 medal haul by Mark Spitz and Larissa Latynina.
Incidentally, there is one other American swimmer who had equalled Mark's record. Matt Biondi took home 5 Golds, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca on a Bass Guitar

While I continue to hope that I will learn the guitar some day, I also continue to go overboard in my searches for information on bass guitars. (Yes, this turned out to be another one of my Google/Wiki sessions.)
I found a rendition of Mozart's lively Rondo Alla Turca by David Hull. This guy just works the bass like a pro. I think he is a pro...there is another video — sporting longer hair and fuzz — giving instructions on how he plays the final part of Piano Sonata No. 11.

Now, this find is not new but I just want to give credit to this incredibly talented guy. So what if the video is a year old. Mozart's number was composed and played some time in the 18th Century and it's still enthralls.

So without much ado...presenting...on the bass guitar...playing Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca...young...David Hull!! *Applause*

Goa: Tickell's Blue Flycatcher

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