This morning, I heard on NPR how Joey Cheek won the gold in the 500 meters speed skating competition yesterday. I don't pay very close attention to the Olympics and am a little sad this year that I haven't, but this news didn't really catch my ear until I heard why the story was really being covered. It turns out that Mr. Cheek is not only speedy and apparently very easy-going and likeable, not mention mighty cute, but compassionate. He's donating the $25,000 of prize money to an organization that will help Sudanese children. That's amazing. And from what I heard on NPR, he's trying to get some sponsors to give money as well, and so far Nike said it will donate $30,000 in equipment. What kills me about all of this is that besides on NPR, I neither heard nor saw anything about it. I had to search on NYTimes, and even then, I don't think it said that the charity he was targeting had to do with Sudan. What is with that? I know there are lots of stories at the Olympics, because many hopes are being realized and broken, but can't we take a moment out of the news cycle to showcase a selfless act?
So, Mr. Cheek, congratulations on your win, your country is proud of you. You have a fine spirit, thank you for sharing it with the world.
Great minds love alike-- because *I* heart Joey Cheek! I emailed half the planet yesterday, professing my love for the inline skater turned ice King! I love love LOVE him!! Thanks for inlcuding a tribute to him-- he certainly deserves it!
YAHOO!
Posted by: Bertie | February 15, 2006 at 02:51 PM
Yeah, I saw him win it and receive the medal. It's a nobel thing to do on his part. You know media was too busy kissing Bush's arse and trying to find out why it took Cheney 24 hours before he said anything.
Posted by: Adorable Girlfriend | February 15, 2006 at 04:50 PM
I bile xxxx. I have been thinking about the title of your post, "I heart Joey". I feel the "I heart" movement is pretty hot right now-- probably because it conveys the visceral nature of one's emotion.
but what is it's antithesis? Today, in an email, I wanted to be able to say succintly how much I despise something, but i was at a loss. the best I've got is "I bile blank", but I'm not sure if that cuts it-- any thoughts?
Posted by: Bird | February 16, 2006 at 03:20 PM
Wow. Good question. Are bile and hearts polar opposites? Maybe "I spleen _____"? I'm not sure. Isn't referencing the spleen when discussing someone's personality or temperment mean they are grouchy?
Oh wait, I found it. According to dictionary.com, an obselete use of spleen is that it was the seat of the emotions or passions. Ill temper is also referenced, as in "venting one's spleen." So maybe "I spleen ______" is the opposite. Does anyone else have any ideas?
Posted by: Claire | February 16, 2006 at 03:26 PM
hey claire! one of the companies my nonprofit works with is the gap (yes, that gap) and they got in touch with us because they're planning to give $25,000 to the same organization. it's called right to play and was actually founded by johann koss (former gold medalist himself). they have *amazing* pictures of the kids they work with around the world: http://www.righttoplay.com/site/PageServer
so apparently some people heard about it and are jumping in to help out too :)
Posted by: Dana | February 16, 2006 at 05:28 PM
Hey Dana,
Thanks for more precise info about the organization. I think it's great that other companies are donating money. Thanks for the link!
Posted by: Claire | February 17, 2006 at 03:01 PM
That's amazing Dana. Thanks too.
Claire - you've been quiet over the past few days. What's going on?
Posted by: AdorableGirlfriend | February 17, 2006 at 06:32 PM