In 2005 in Singapore the International Olympic Committee voted baseball and softball out of the 2012 Olympic London Games. The last sport to be voted out the Olympics was polo in 1936. Softball is the first women only sport to be cut. The vote was taken from a secret ballot containing all 28 sports. No other sports were added in place of baseball and softball. Squash and karate are on the waiting list but were rejected after making the first vote. The sports are eligible to reapply for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Softball
Softball was added to the Olympics in 1996. The American Team has won every Olympic gold medal since its addition. In 2000 softball acquired the fourth highest television ratings among women’s events and in 1996 they had the fifth highest. In 1991 there were 73 countries with softball federations. As of 2005, there are 124 countries with a softball federation. The Olympic status has enhanced collegiate programs in the United States. In 1991 there were 580 NCAA women’s softball teams and as of 2005 there were 850 teams. The 1996 games led to the startof the National Pro Fastpitch League in the United States. ESPN conducted a sports poll on whether to remove softball from the Olympics and 67.3% of people disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Baseball
Baseball was added to the Olympics in 1992. Cuba has won the gold in 1992, 1996, and 2004. The American team won the gold in 2000. USA Baseball fields many junior level teams and being removed from the Olympics will lose the program between $800,000 and $1 million dollars annually that is 50% of their budget. Players who play in Major League Baseball were first allowed to participate in 2000 but players on the forty man roster were not permitted to go. Since 1990 the number of national baseball federation countries has increased from 60 to 122. The World Baseball Classic will somewhat take the place of the Olympics, which will include teams from 16 nations. Since it is in the spring major league players will be permitted to play. ESPN’s poll showed that 73.3% of people disagreed or strongly disagreed with the removal of baseball as an Olympic sport.
Reasons for the Out
The president of the IOC cited several reasons for the out vote of baseball and softball. The drug and steroid discrepancies in major leaguers, the cost of softball and baseball sites, the appeal of adding golf and rugby to the list of Olympic sports, and the fact that major leaguers were not allowed to play in the Olympics were all included.
Petitions
Petitions to get softball and baseball reinstated for 2016 are present across the world. Many can be found through internet sites or are being done by the baseball and softball federations themselves.
Softball
Softball was added to the Olympics in 1996. The American Team has won every Olympic gold medal since its addition. In 2000 softball acquired the fourth highest television ratings among women’s events and in 1996 they had the fifth highest. In 1991 there were 73 countries with softball federations. As of 2005, there are 124 countries with a softball federation. The Olympic status has enhanced collegiate programs in the United States. In 1991 there were 580 NCAA women’s softball teams and as of 2005 there were 850 teams. The 1996 games led to the startof the National Pro Fastpitch League in the United States. ESPN conducted a sports poll on whether to remove softball from the Olympics and 67.3% of people disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Baseball
Baseball was added to the Olympics in 1992. Cuba has won the gold in 1992, 1996, and 2004. The American team won the gold in 2000. USA Baseball fields many junior level teams and being removed from the Olympics will lose the program between $800,000 and $1 million dollars annually that is 50% of their budget. Players who play in Major League Baseball were first allowed to participate in 2000 but players on the forty man roster were not permitted to go. Since 1990 the number of national baseball federation countries has increased from 60 to 122. The World Baseball Classic will somewhat take the place of the Olympics, which will include teams from 16 nations. Since it is in the spring major league players will be permitted to play. ESPN’s poll showed that 73.3% of people disagreed or strongly disagreed with the removal of baseball as an Olympic sport.
Reasons for the Out
The president of the IOC cited several reasons for the out vote of baseball and softball. The drug and steroid discrepancies in major leaguers, the cost of softball and baseball sites, the appeal of adding golf and rugby to the list of Olympic sports, and the fact that major leaguers were not allowed to play in the Olympics were all included.
Petitions
Petitions to get softball and baseball reinstated for 2016 are present across the world. Many can be found through internet sites or are being done by the baseball and softball federations themselves.
Robert 'Bob' Terrance Horton (born 17th May 1945) is a Scottish journalist, radio presenter and political campaigner.
Early Life
Horton was brought up through dire poverty by his divorced mother in a Glasgow council house in the 1940s and 50s. He has since spoken of a his childhood being the hardest time of his life and speaks of strong families being the key to Britain's future. In 1957, aged 12, Horton's mother, Elspeth died aged 39 of liver cancer. His mother never told Bob of her disease and her death came as a total surprise to him and his three sisters. After his mother's death he lived with his aunt until 1963, when he went on a scholarship to the University of Liverpool.
Journalism
Horton studied English at University and quickly set up his own satirical student newspaper, entitled 'the spliff'. Horton smoked cannabis in his time at University and once admitted that he had tried cocaine. After leaving Liverpool in 1966, Horton worked as a freelance for three years until in 1969 he worked as a reporter for the Liverpool Echo. In 1971, Horton became news editor for the Echo, but was sacked for 'biased reporting' just three months into his new job. After his departure from the Echo, Horton's mental health nose-dived, and he developed a serious drink problem. It wasn't until 1974 that he started writing again, when he set up the 'Scots Weekly' magazine which concentrated on the changing face of Scottish politics. In 1977 he started writing for the London Evening Standard and in 1979 worked as a reported for the Daily Mail. By 1983, Horton was the chief entertainment reporter for the Mail, before leaving to become assistant editor of the Scotsman in 1984. In 1990, Horton applied to become the editor of the Sunday Times, but was rejected and decided to set up his own media group called, 'The Grimes' in protest at the newspaper. In 1991, he started writing for the weekly newspaper and in 1994 set up Grimes Radio, for whom he presented 38 hours a week. In 1997, he buried the Grimes venture and started working or BBC Radio Norwich, before leaving after swearing on air in 1999. In 2000, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and released one last set of media pieces in January 2003 before his Parkinson's became out of control. He called the pieces, 'Hi There' and released two radio broadcasts via the internet, a video diary and wrote a journal called 'Shake It All About' documenting life with Parkinson's.
Politics
Horton was brought up as a socialist, with his whole family active campaigners for the Labour Party. Yet during his student days, Horton confessed to wavering in and out of support for the Liberals and voted for the party in the 1964 election. Through the seventies Horton became a 'political skeptic' and was against the policies of the major parties. In 1980, he joined the SNP (Scottish National Party) and began campaigning for them throughout the early eighties. He admitted that he considered standing as an SMP but decided against it after the birth of his fourth child. In 1995, Horton left the SNP and started up his own party 'The Dove Party'. The Dove Party never stood for election at any level as Horton felt their effectiveness would be best used simply as a campaigning tool. In 2002, Horton rejoined the SNP but still confesses his belief in 'Dovism', a radical form of liberalism and socialism.
Parkinson's
In 2000, Horton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, although it is believed he first contracted the disease in 1998. He has since set up his own 'Bob Horton Trust' in aid of Parkinson's and has written several books on the subject.
Personal Life
Horton married his first wife Joanna in 1969, but she died in a car crash in March 1970. Horton has admitted that he was a secret bisexual during the 70s and early 80s, but after meeting his current wife Bernadette in a London Pub in 1982, he has claimed to be completely straight. They married in 1984 and gave birth to their first child Lindy in 1985, their second, Benjamin in 1986, their third, Tara in 1987 and Nicola in 1988. His eldest daughter Lindy died from Lukeimia in 1996.
Early Life
Horton was brought up through dire poverty by his divorced mother in a Glasgow council house in the 1940s and 50s. He has since spoken of a his childhood being the hardest time of his life and speaks of strong families being the key to Britain's future. In 1957, aged 12, Horton's mother, Elspeth died aged 39 of liver cancer. His mother never told Bob of her disease and her death came as a total surprise to him and his three sisters. After his mother's death he lived with his aunt until 1963, when he went on a scholarship to the University of Liverpool.
Journalism
Horton studied English at University and quickly set up his own satirical student newspaper, entitled 'the spliff'. Horton smoked cannabis in his time at University and once admitted that he had tried cocaine. After leaving Liverpool in 1966, Horton worked as a freelance for three years until in 1969 he worked as a reporter for the Liverpool Echo. In 1971, Horton became news editor for the Echo, but was sacked for 'biased reporting' just three months into his new job. After his departure from the Echo, Horton's mental health nose-dived, and he developed a serious drink problem. It wasn't until 1974 that he started writing again, when he set up the 'Scots Weekly' magazine which concentrated on the changing face of Scottish politics. In 1977 he started writing for the London Evening Standard and in 1979 worked as a reported for the Daily Mail. By 1983, Horton was the chief entertainment reporter for the Mail, before leaving to become assistant editor of the Scotsman in 1984. In 1990, Horton applied to become the editor of the Sunday Times, but was rejected and decided to set up his own media group called, 'The Grimes' in protest at the newspaper. In 1991, he started writing for the weekly newspaper and in 1994 set up Grimes Radio, for whom he presented 38 hours a week. In 1997, he buried the Grimes venture and started working or BBC Radio Norwich, before leaving after swearing on air in 1999. In 2000, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and released one last set of media pieces in January 2003 before his Parkinson's became out of control. He called the pieces, 'Hi There' and released two radio broadcasts via the internet, a video diary and wrote a journal called 'Shake It All About' documenting life with Parkinson's.
Politics
Horton was brought up as a socialist, with his whole family active campaigners for the Labour Party. Yet during his student days, Horton confessed to wavering in and out of support for the Liberals and voted for the party in the 1964 election. Through the seventies Horton became a 'political skeptic' and was against the policies of the major parties. In 1980, he joined the SNP (Scottish National Party) and began campaigning for them throughout the early eighties. He admitted that he considered standing as an SMP but decided against it after the birth of his fourth child. In 1995, Horton left the SNP and started up his own party 'The Dove Party'. The Dove Party never stood for election at any level as Horton felt their effectiveness would be best used simply as a campaigning tool. In 2002, Horton rejoined the SNP but still confesses his belief in 'Dovism', a radical form of liberalism and socialism.
Parkinson's
In 2000, Horton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, although it is believed he first contracted the disease in 1998. He has since set up his own 'Bob Horton Trust' in aid of Parkinson's and has written several books on the subject.
Personal Life
Horton married his first wife Joanna in 1969, but she died in a car crash in March 1970. Horton has admitted that he was a secret bisexual during the 70s and early 80s, but after meeting his current wife Bernadette in a London Pub in 1982, he has claimed to be completely straight. They married in 1984 and gave birth to their first child Lindy in 1985, their second, Benjamin in 1986, their third, Tara in 1987 and Nicola in 1988. His eldest daughter Lindy died from Lukeimia in 1996.
Awesomeball
Awesomeball(pronounced "or-sum-ball") is a ball game, developed in the 1950's, played with table tennis bats and balls: where the object of the game is to keep the ball from touching the ground. This sport is a popular pastime in the South Eastern regions of Australia.
Rules
The game can be played with two or more players, though a standard game has four players. The game is played on a laminated surface similar to an indoor basketball court. Each player stands several metres apart in a circular configuration with 4 quadrants known as the Twilight, Kitchen, Curtain and Common. The players must take turns at hitting the table tennis ball into the air. The ball must be hit at least two feet into the air above the position of the bat when the ball was hit. No part of the players body or clothing may come into contact with the ball or the rally is discontinued and that player is considered to have lost the rally. Players must not hit the ball in a co-ordinated or periodic manner- this includes communicating phrases such as "it's mine" or "yours", although other communication is allowed. The game begins as the players dictate and continues until the ball hits the floor. The score is recorded as the number of hits prior to the ball striking the floor not including the initial serve. An error in Awesomeball is communicated as a "Lewis" in honour of the initial average performance of developer Lewis O'Brien.
Tournament Rules
Tournament rules are dependent upon agreement and terms of the tournament. Common rules include teams taking turns to see who can accumulate the most points per round. Any furthur specification is impossible as the nature of Awesomeball dictates that players must be prepared to meet any set of rules under tournament conditions. One common Awesomeball rule for tournament and solo play is the Glow in the Dark rule involving a glow in the dark ping pong ball. The lights are extinguished for a period of time and they must continue to keep the glowing ball airborne. This is merely one example of random inclusion rules which are essential to the dynamic nature of Awesomeball.
History
Awesomeball was developed in the early 1950's by Mr Kieran McDonald and noted geologist Dr Timothy McGill during the "pine famine" of 1951-1957. During this time the cost of treated pine in Australia rose over 270% due to the destruction of timber plantations during bushfires, thus access to table tennis tables was scarse. Developers James Cole and Lewis O'Brien joined to create the first ever world champion Awesomeball team and begun playing regularly. Awesomeball tournaments which are competetive and follow tournament rules are currently being planned.
World Champion Team
Tim McGill
Position: Twilight Quadrant
Notable Skills:
Kieran McDonald
Position: Common Quadrant:
Notable Skills:
James Cole
Position: Kitchen Quadrant
Lewis O'Brien
Position: Curtain Quadrant
Awesomeball(pronounced "or-sum-ball") is a ball game, developed in the 1950's, played with table tennis bats and balls: where the object of the game is to keep the ball from touching the ground. This sport is a popular pastime in the South Eastern regions of Australia.
Rules
The game can be played with two or more players, though a standard game has four players. The game is played on a laminated surface similar to an indoor basketball court. Each player stands several metres apart in a circular configuration with 4 quadrants known as the Twilight, Kitchen, Curtain and Common. The players must take turns at hitting the table tennis ball into the air. The ball must be hit at least two feet into the air above the position of the bat when the ball was hit. No part of the players body or clothing may come into contact with the ball or the rally is discontinued and that player is considered to have lost the rally. Players must not hit the ball in a co-ordinated or periodic manner- this includes communicating phrases such as "it's mine" or "yours", although other communication is allowed. The game begins as the players dictate and continues until the ball hits the floor. The score is recorded as the number of hits prior to the ball striking the floor not including the initial serve. An error in Awesomeball is communicated as a "Lewis" in honour of the initial average performance of developer Lewis O'Brien.
Tournament Rules
Tournament rules are dependent upon agreement and terms of the tournament. Common rules include teams taking turns to see who can accumulate the most points per round. Any furthur specification is impossible as the nature of Awesomeball dictates that players must be prepared to meet any set of rules under tournament conditions. One common Awesomeball rule for tournament and solo play is the Glow in the Dark rule involving a glow in the dark ping pong ball. The lights are extinguished for a period of time and they must continue to keep the glowing ball airborne. This is merely one example of random inclusion rules which are essential to the dynamic nature of Awesomeball.
History
Awesomeball was developed in the early 1950's by Mr Kieran McDonald and noted geologist Dr Timothy McGill during the "pine famine" of 1951-1957. During this time the cost of treated pine in Australia rose over 270% due to the destruction of timber plantations during bushfires, thus access to table tennis tables was scarse. Developers James Cole and Lewis O'Brien joined to create the first ever world champion Awesomeball team and begun playing regularly. Awesomeball tournaments which are competetive and follow tournament rules are currently being planned.
World Champion Team
Tim McGill
Position: Twilight Quadrant
Notable Skills:
Kieran McDonald
Position: Common Quadrant:
Notable Skills:
James Cole
Position: Kitchen Quadrant
Lewis O'Brien
Position: Curtain Quadrant
Kalasol (Kolassale) is a rap artist from the San Francisco Bay Area. He first gained attention during the insurgence of the Hyphy Movement with his debut single "That’s Oakland".The single was released on Wee Drop Entertainment, a label which Rally Ral and Kalasol started in 2001.Kalasol has worked with artists such as, Mistah F.A.B. Turf Talk, San Quinn, Deep C and Rally Ral, and with producers like E-A-Ski & CMT, 4th Quarter, and AAGEE beatmaker for Oakland's Hieroglyphics. Kalasol has also performed with E-40, Too Short, Casual, Fat Joe, Dead Prez, Young Gunz, JT Tha Bigga Figga, and Messy Marv
Biography
Khalid Salaam, better known as Kalasol, grew up in the Bay Area and began his career in hip hop with the release of his 4th Quarter-produced single “That’s Oakland”, which received heavy rotation on
Biography
Khalid Salaam, better known as Kalasol, grew up in the Bay Area and began his career in hip hop with the release of his 4th Quarter-produced single “That’s Oakland”, which received heavy rotation on