Great or Greatest

After a energetic Pursuit of Tappiness dance routine with Stephen joining in, Stephen had as his guest Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Ray has a book out now, "The Big Fight - My Life In and Out of the Ring".

Stephen mentioned that Sugar Ray came to prominence at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. In fact, Sugar Ray was a gold medalist there.

Stephen asked if he missed the ring. "I don't miss getting hit!" is what Sugar Ray responded.

What surprises me if what Stephen did not ask this very famous fighter. Why didn't Stephen ask him if he was a Great Fighter or the Greatest Fighter? It's the type of question that Stephen is always curious about. Perhaps Stephen just assumed Sugar Ray was the greatest and didn't see a need to ask for confirmation. Or perhaps Stephen assumed that Sugar Ray wasn't the greatest and did not want to embarrass him.

But then things got somewhat physical with a simple, "One Two Three Four, I declare a Thumb War."

At which point Sugar Ray warned Stephen, "Now, you understand... I'm a fighter. I'm a real fighter.

At which point Stephen fought back with, "Now, you understand. I had eight brothers!"

I'm sure the results will be on all the sports news tomorrow, so no need for me to tell you who won. (Just remember. It is The Colbert Report, not The Leonard Report.)

Savion Glover

It's like drumming with your feet. That's what it looks like and sounds like when Savion Glover is tap dancing. He was the guest tonight on Colbert Report. For once Stephen was smart enough to realize there was no way he could fake the talent of his guest. Stephen is a good singer and yes he can dance. But not like Savion Glover.

I remember back a few years when Savion was on Sesame Street. I don't remember how much dancing he did, but he probably did a little every now and then. Too bad he didn't take the time to teach Bert and Ernie how to tap dance. That would have been something to see.

Anyway, Stephen and Savion chatted a bit and then Savion danced. (Stephen watched - good decision.) After a short time, Savion was joined by "and Friends." The whole group was then tap dancing. And yes, you can imagine how neat it looked! It always makes me smile when I see some talent or art form or craft that seemed to be dying out enjoy a comeback with the young folks. Savion has been called the best tap dancer, or at least that's what Stephen said. It sure seems like he could be the best. And he is teaching tap dance around the country, so tap dance is gaining in popularity.

Interesting note from the interview/chat. Stephen asked and Savion answered. Savion would rather have an audience that was all blind than to have an audience that was all deaf. He connects more with the sound than with the motion. It does make sense when you think of tap dancing. I don't think he would say that of ballet!