Pirate Galaxy » Madrid two rounds ahead of their m

RIO DE JANEIRO -- We are five days into the Olympics. Michael Phelps has won more medals. The U.S. is winning more basketball games. Usain Bolt has arrived for track and field. And also unsurprisingly, the Olympic plaza is filled with smiling fans who snap selfies and shoot video of the surrounding crowds, venues, flags and Olympic rings.While standing outside the Olympic tennis courts, I ask Dwayne Taylor, visiting here from Atlanta, whether his experience in Rio has been good. He replies, Good is an understatement.The locals are so nice, Taylor said. Everybody cares for you. Everybody who has given us tours has given us contact information to know where to go and what to do.We are still early into these Olympics, but so far the widespread pre-Games fears and criticisms have been mostly unfounded. Sure, transportation can be a pain at times -- with occasionally baffling routes as well -- but that is often the case at Olympics (particularly Atlanta). And pretty much anywhere else in life around rush hour, for that matter.While there were reports a media bus either had been attacked by someone throwing rocks throw or shooting bullets, I havent had any safety concerns, neither around the main Olympic park nor in Copacabana and Ipanema. There are many security forces, reportedly even more than in London. Going from the press center into the public area of Olympic park Tuesday, I passed bus after bus filled with security guards while a group of soldiers in camouflage gear walked past me. They also are stationed throughout the park and venues.Ticket sales were disappointing in the months leading up to the Olympics, which was not surprising considering that prices are -- surprise! -- usually very high at the Olympics and Brazil is struggling economically. For instance, Chris Evans of Atlanta said a ticket to swimming heats cost him approximately $100 apiece, and the womens gymnastics all-around were about $300 each. But at least he got to see Phelps and Simone Biles.Sales have risen lately, but most of the events Ive attended have been roughly half full of fans. That includes beach volleyball, even though it is a hugely popular sport here and ticket prices are reasonable. Evans said his ticket cost only $30.While I would prefer for the Olympic flame to be in the main park, and that the mascots were around more, the 11 venues I have been to all appear up to Olympic standard. Although for some reason, the concession stands were not open at field hockey for the U.S.-Argentina womens match Saturday evening. Fortunately, the American women were well hydrated because they beat the higher-ranked Argentinians.A couple of venues, meanwhile, are spectacular.Located on an actual beach with swarms of residents and tourists in shorts and the occasional swimsuit brief or bikini, the Copacabana beach volleyball site is the best Ive seen in the sport. And if I were competing in rowing, I might accidentally catch a crab because I would be so distracted by the gorgeous backdrop of mountains that includes one topped by the Christ the Redeemer statue.The Maria Lenk Aquatics Center for water polo and diving has been a little odd, however. Not the structure or seating, but the water. At Mondays mens synchro competition, the diving pool and the water polo pool both were the usual light blue you see in swimming pools anywhere. Tuesday, however, the diving pool water was green. Officials initially could not explain the change in color -- did someone just dump in dye? -- but said that water tests showed no risk to the divers. It was later determined that algae was the culprit.The track and field stadium also is a long way from the Olympic park, which is very unusual for one of the most important sports. Well see how long it takes for the athletes and fans to get there (count on the media to complain no matter how long it takes).Rio is a very large city, and U.S. tennis player Steve Johnson said that if he had more time, he would go out and see as much of it as possible. But its still another tennis tournament, so youre still playing and practicing. Which means he doesnt have enough time.Still, he says these Olympics have been an experience he will embrace forever.Which is the whole point of being here. Regardless of the conditions, the transportation or the worries, the most important thing is watching the sports that exhilarate and inspire.Travis Stevens, who nearly lost a leg and almost had his career ended because of various illnesses last August, took silver in the 81kg division of judo Tuesday. Speaking with reporters afterward while Olympic music could be heard in the background, he proudly held up his medal and talked about how it made all his sacrifices worth it.I couldnt have asked for anything more, Stevens, who plans to move up in weight, said of his Olympic experience. I love Rio. I love the city. I started my career here, and now the 81-kilo division is being hung up, so this was a perfect way to end it. Cheap Air Force Ones .Y. -- Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers had no intention of changing his hard-hitting style before taking part in a disciplinary hearing for his illegal check to New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus head. Air Force 1 Cheap Outlet . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. http://www.cheapnikeairforce1ireland.com/ . Just as Montreal was settling into the first full working week of a new year, the Impact announced the appointment of their new head coach. Nike Air Force 1 Clearance . Bjorn, who had a 36-hole total of 8-under 134, made a testing six-foot putt to save par on the 16th and a birdie on the 17th before bogeying the final hole after a misjudged approach shot. American Kevin Streelman was in second place after shooting a 69. Cheap Nike Air Force 1 Ireland . Ivanovic was leading 7-5, 1-0 when Hantuchova withdrew after falling 0-40 behind in the second game. The match started slowly for Ivanovic, who surrendered her first two serves as Hantuchova took a 5-3 lead.Throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NHL on TSN analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan ranks the netminders after each game night. Today he grades the performances from Saturdays games between Detroit and Chicago and Los Angeles and San Jose. Number values assigned are out of five with five being the best performance. Corey Crawford - 3 – He didnt get a ton of help tonight. First time I have noticed a few rebounds off of him, so he has been really efficient with puck control. Got beat short side on the Franzen goal. His positioning is very strong, even on the Fillpula goal, but it goes through the body - a goal he would like back. Jimmy Howard - 4 – He was not tested much, but made a huge save on Saad in the first that showed his compete and read in the neet.dddddddddddd Pushed across from his left edge, and extended to get the right pad on it. He fought through a screen to make a great save on Hossa. Was really dialed in all game Jonathan Quick - 4 – He was the story again for the Kings. Made a huge save on Desjardins - right pad in second period – which was his best. Put on a show with a combination saves in the third on Pavelski. Active stick all night long in his blue paint to redirect chances away from the net. Great shot from Couture to beat him high glove on the winner. Antti Niemi - 4 – He duelled Quick all night long and won the battle. His best save was on Penner on the back door, when he got the right pad on it. Puckhandling, which is not his biggest strength, was good all night long. ' ' '