And so the 2008 Beijing Olympic begins

[Random]

Sighs.....

[Walkoff Balk]

Did any of the athletes drop trou and cough because of the air pollution in China?

[Random]

Did any of the athletes drop trou and cough because of the air pollution in China?
No, but they're very brave to enter the "Bird's Nest" without a mask.

Yes, they called the stadium a "bird's nest."

[Random]

I'm watching an NBC interview of Yao Ming at the ceremony, and is it me or is he having a hard time breathing in-between sentences?

[Random]

OBTW, did China promised not to use lead for the casting of the Olympic medals? Hate to have the prizes poison the athletes, especially when they bite the gold.

[Walkoff Balk]

No, but they're very brave to enter the "Bird's Nest" without a mask.

Yes, they called the stadium a "bird's nest."
I didn't know there are Mynah birds in China.

[Random]

I didn't know there are Mynah birds in China.
I didn't know there are any birds in China, considering the level of smog there.

[tutusue]

Pollution aside, it was an absolutely magnificent production. Chicken skin kine!

[Random]

Chicken skin kine!
Nah. Never got chicken skin, except for when USA and Philippine athletes entered the stadium.

[mel]

With all the fireworks they burst at the ending of the opening ceremonies, I am sure that added to their air quality problems... at least for tonight and maybe tomorrow. Still the opening was quite spectacular, and generally I don't watch the Olympics.

mel 8-8-08

[Random]

I still booed at Saudi Arabia for not allowing woman athlete to compete.

[Holonalu]

My understanding is that they are no longer using 'waterboarding" as torture at Guantanamo Bay, they just make the prisoners watch the opening of the Olympic games in slow motion, time and time and time again. Evidently a few of them, the jihadists, have already cracked, and a few of the gaurds who were supervising the whole ordeal are undergoing psychaitric evaluation for over exposure to the opening procedures.....Yea, China, lead paint in kids toys, the whole deal with gluten and chemical additives in pet food, wonder how many people's pets died from that????? Another chemical they produced for a prescription drug, lots of people dead from that, K-Mart and Wal-Mart wouldn't exist without cheap Chinese made crap, none of the products made there are clearly labeled as being made in China, Communist China, but you can't buy a Havana cigar in the U.S., because they're communist........Am I missing something???? I'ld be willing to wager that these Olympics will be the worst ever, and something will go wrong......

Aloha, lucky you live Hawaii

[MyopicJoe]

I give Russia an 8.7, for starting a war with Georgia (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/09/georgia.ossetia/index.html) while the world is distracted with the Olympics.

[buzz1941]

My daughter, while watching the opening ceremonies, said — quite seriously — "I hope President Bush doesn't bite into his glowstick and get green goo in his mouth."

[buzz1941]

And my favorite commentator comment, from the unflappable Bob Costas: "WHHOOOOAHH!"

[Creative-1]

When the history of the 21st century is written, the growth and modernization of China will, I believe, be one of the most significant chapters.

The 2008 Olympics in Beijing may be the opening paragraph in that chapter. It was spectacular.

The pollution, poverty, corruption and injustice of China today cannot be downplayed. But it will, I hope, be a contrast for how far they will have come 92 years from now.

They have a long way to go, but they are moving faster than any country on earth.

[Walkoff Balk]

And my favorite commentator comment, from the unflappable Bob Costas: "WHHOOOOAHH!"
I didn't see the Olympic opening ceremony coverage. Did they top the acrobatic stunts of the Shanghi Circus or those swordfighting scenes in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?

[Vanguard]

I still booed at Saudi Arabia for not allowing woman athlete to compete.

Even Iran had women athletes in their entourage ;)

[Ron Whitfield]

I think this is a low point in world history.
Few countries (policy makers/enforcers) today deserve to be cut out from society as much as China. To give them the Olympics is a disgrace and a stain on all who participate.
Shameful.
The games havn't been worth a damn for decades any way, and China is again getting away with exibiting atheletes that are underage. Cheating, at their own hosted events. Such class. Such honor. So proud they are.
They suck.

Glad I'll be enjoying the Gabby-fest today. You should too.

[Random]

Even Iran had women athletes in their entourage ;)
I give them credit for not glowing green or sporting an extra limb that may be a great advantage for them at the games. ;)

Then again, they might "hulk" out at any moment. :p

[Random]

Though not directly related to the Olympic, tragedy struck for one of the American volleyball coach.

A deranged 47-year-old chinese man attacked two of coach's relatives, killing one man and injuring an American woman as well as the female Chinese guide, before killing himself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/sports/olympics/10beijing.html?hp
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003/

[Random]

The games havn't been worth a damn for decades any way, and China is again getting away with exibiting atheletes that are underage. Cheating, at their own hosted events. Such class. Such honor. So proud they are.
They suck.
China's using kindergartens now? Not that I should be surprised but... what else do you expect from them when their concept of a "harmonious society" -- for which they emphasize the Chinese character "harmony" during their opening ceremony performance -- includes quelling and silencing any dissension the government do or won't do.

[Random]

Sports related ... the first gold is given to Czech Republic's Katerina Emmons for the woman's 10-meter air rifle competition.

Spain captured their first gold in the men's 254k mountain bike race (Samuel Sanchez).

South Korea captured their first gold in the men's 60kg judo competition (Choi Min-Ho).

Romania captured their first gold in the women's 48kg judo contest (Alina Alexandra Dumitru).

And US captured their first gold and bronze in women's saber fencing competition (Mariel Zagunis and Becca Ward).

Uh, yeah. China won two gold in the 48kg women's weightlifting and men's 10-meter air rifle. Never bothered to know their names.

[LikaNui]

No one can dispute all the various issues about China, but setting them aside for just one moment... I totally agree with TutuSue's comments that the Opening Ceremony was simply spectacular!
Some of the segments used 2,008 performers, and I was amazed when they noted that there were no marks on the floor to indicate where to go; simply precision movements. Wow.
The drumming segment was my favorite (again, with 2,008 drummers). I'd watch that again, for sure. Anybody know if that's on YouTube yet?

[Random]

No one can dispute all the various issues about China, but setting them aside for just one moment... I totally agree with TutuSue's comments that the Opening Ceremony was simply spectacular!
Some of the segments used 2,008 performers, and I was amazed when they noted that there were no marks on the floor to indicate where to go; simply precision movements. Wow.
The drumming segment was my favorite (again, with 2,008 drummers). I'd watch that again, for sure. Anybody know if that's on YouTube yet?
I don't know. The ceremony reminded me of a 60 Minutes video segment where Ms Albright from then-Clinton Administration visited North Korea and were treated so such a "spectacular" show of mass synchronous movements. It eerily creeped me out.

The only spectacular performance is the women's volleyball match between USA and Japan. Japan was strong in the beginning and were steady in their game, but sluggish USA managed to squeezed out a win in the third and final game. A lot miscommunication between players and their defense need improvement.

[Leo Lakio]

My daughter, while watching the opening ceremonies, said — quite seriously — "I hope President Bush doesn't bite into his glowstick and get green goo in his mouth."Thanks for sharing that, Burl, and I gotta ask --- does she know this from personal experience? :D

[kani-lehua]

ditto to tutusue's post. i enjoyed the opening ceremonies.

random, the women's volleyball match against japan was unremarkable. the only reason i kept watching was because of all the hawai'i ties. but, i do believe that japan one one game out of 4? they really need to step it up especially with the ball handling.

did anyone watch the women's soccer match against japan last night? i found it soooo boring.

also, in regards to the women's saber competition: the usa swept all three medals.

[timkona]

I watched the Fencing. Kind of a cool sport.

[Ninja]

No one can dispute all the various issues about China, but setting them aside for just one moment... I totally agree with TutuSue's comments that the Opening Ceremony was simply spectacular!
Some of the segments used 2,008 performers, and I was amazed when they noted that there were no marks on the floor to indicate where to go; simply precision movements. Wow.
The drumming segment was my favorite (again, with 2,008 drummers). I'd watch that again, for sure. Anybody know if that's on YouTube yet?

NBC is controlling all access to Olympic material in the US, so any YouTube clips of the Olympics is quickly removed.

You can go to NBCOlympics.com to review some of the opening events.
Even with my "slow" 1.5mb connection streams quite well.

[Walkoff Balk]

No one can dispute all the various issues about China, but setting them aside for just one moment... I totally agree with TutuSue's comments that the Opening Ceremony was simply spectacular!
Some of the segments used 2,008 performers, and I was amazed when they noted that there were no marks on the floor to indicate where to go; simply precision movements. Wow.
The drumming segment was my favorite (again, with 2,008 drummers). I'd watch that again, for sure. Anybody know if that's on YouTube yet?
Was it better than the video of the courtyard shot of all the prisoners in orange jumpsuits dancing in precision to Thriller?

[Random]

Was it better than the video of the courtyard shot of all the prisoners in orange jumpsuits dancing in precision to Thriller?
Nope. The filipino prisoners are much better dancers.

Maybe the closing ceremony will be better. I expect international singing sensation Jackie Chan to perform. ;)

[Vanguard]

NBC is controlling all access to Olympic material in the US, so any YouTube clips of the Olympics is quickly removed.

Ah, so that's why I haven't found any youtube footage of President Bush striking his miniature American flag with his knee over and over.

[Holonalu]

I could be wrong, but my understanding is that in the bug eating competition a Hawaiian gecko is heavily favored, but there is some concern that the Chinese gecko may have been "tampered" with. Any truth to this????? I believe that the Olympic officials are already looking into the matter.....

Aloha and okolemaluna
Oh, and I also heard that the Hawaiian gecko was from Molokai....how are things over there these days?????? GO MO'O!!!

[Random]

Aloha and okolemaluna
Oh, and I also heard that the Hawaiian gecko was from Molokai....how are things over there these days?????? GO MO'O!!!
I don't know whether I should be proud or not. So long it keeps my house free of roaches and grounded termites and leave their droppings in once place for me to clean up quick...

[Random]

So, I'm watching a men's basketball game online, Russian Federation vs. Iran ... and the Russian team have a black player!

Go Comrades Russkies! Kick some Iranian asses ... or whatever you call a camel's behind. :p

[Random]

Wow, much like their president, the Iranian team sucks.

I stand corrected, the Russian team have more than one black players. Too bad their President have the soul of Hitler.

Interesting design on the basketball.

[bf334]

People, people, lets keep the politics separate from the games as is the intent of the Olympics. No matter what you feel towards China or any other country, it's all about the Games. BTW that was a fricken AWESOME openning ceremony. Hate to be in London's shoes to have to follow Beijing.

[joshuatree]

This thread definitely got old real fast as some people can't appreciate the athletes themselves. If anything, it reflects poor judgment. There is a political thread if one needs to discuss politics. :rolleyes:

[Random]

People, people, lets keep the politics separate from the games as is the intent of the Olympics. No matter what you feel towards China or any other country, it's all about the Games. BTW that was a fricken AWESOME openning ceremony. Hate to be in London's shoes to have to follow Beijing.London can do better.

[Random]

Because none of the Hamm brothers are on the team, who is the best athlete to lead the men's gymnastic team?

[scrivener]

I am a sucker for the Olympics. Give me any event; just put it on the screen and I'll watch it. I especially like the swimming, cycling, volleyball, and basketball events, but also dig soccer and track. I'm not into women's gymnastics, steeplechase, or synchronized swimming. Great opening ceremony; I didn't think the torch-lighting was as cool as the flaming arrow in Barcelona in '92, but this was probably a strong second.

[Leo Lakio]

The AF is, much like Scrivener, an Olympi-holic. She'll watch as much as she can (and agrees with Scrivener's flaming-arrow assessment), and while we don't have all the digital-cable multi-channel options, we can watch NBC and the Canadian CBC coverage - the latter being in real-time, and nearly constant coverage.

[Walkoff Balk]

This thread definitely got old real fast as some people can't appreciate the athletes themselves. If anything, it reflects poor judgment. There is a political thread if one needs to discuss politics. :rolleyes:
You can't deny that the political climate in the host country of the Olympics adds more interest for a casual viewer.

The athlete for this Olympics will be as Chris Berman would say, Michael "Good Morning" Mr. Phelps.

[tutusue]

I vote for a separate political/olympics thread...or...make this thread political and have a separate athletic/olympics thread! ;)

[Random]

I vote for a separate political/olympics thread...or...make this thread political and have a separate athletic/olympics thread! ;)
I didn't realize discussing the missing Hamm brothers is political? :p

[joshuatree]

You can't deny that the political climate in the host country of the Olympics adds more interest for a casual viewer.

The athlete for this Olympics will be as Chris Berman would say, Michael "Good Morning" Mr. Phelps.

I haven't denied it, in fact, I suggested starting a thread in the politics category. Can't we just stick with the sports aspect in this category? You know, player's place?

[Ron Whitfield]

Reported in London's 'Telegraph', that 'some' of the fireworks display that wowed some/many TV viewers were computer generated.

I hope not. I'd be awfully disappointed.

C'MONNNNN LONDON! Show us your British pop and fizzle sizzle in 2012!

[Leo Lakio]

The granting of the Olympics locations has long been, in and of itself, a political beast. This thread was begun by someone who wished to discuss the political aspects of the games, too. If someone wants to start an "Olympics: Sports Only / No Politics" thread, why don't they?

[Random]

What's going on with the US women's bymnastic team? On the uneven bars, one fell off and the other landed on her back instead of her feet.

[Vanguard]

What's going on with the US women's bymnastic team? On the uneven bars, one fell off and the other landed on her back instead of her feet.

Maybe they're all scratching the game to prove a point, with hilarious consequences, like in that movie "Stick It (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430634/)"!

[joshuatree]

Reported in London's 'Telegraph', that 'some' of the fireworks display that wowed some/many TV viewers were computer generated.

I hope not. I'd be awfully disappointed.

C'MONNNNN LONDON! Show us your British pop and fizzle sizzle in 2012!

It appears to be at the stadium and was due to hazards from filming live from a helicopter. So is that considered fake? I dunno.....

The faked fireworks were actually set-off at the stadium, but because of potential dangers in filming the display live from a helicopter, viewers at home were shown a pre-recorded, computer-generated shot. It sounds dishonest, but I'm not sure it's such a terrible thing.

Here's the link (http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Some-Opening-Ceremony-fireworks-were-faked?urn=oly,99745).

[scrivener]

Great events in the pool yesterday, especially for the 4x100 Men's Free. That was one of the best races I've ever seen, and the final leg was a thing of beauty. This is one of the glamour events, so it was especially nice to see the gold come home. And Phelps's chance at eight golds is still alive.

As for the mistakes on the uneven bars in the women's gymnastics, I think they were just lapses. The ladies were very good otherwise.

[kani-lehua]

Great events in the pool yesterday, especially for the 4x100 Men's Free. That was one of the best races I've ever seen, and the final leg was a thing of beauty. This is one of the glamour events, so it was especially nice to see the gold come home. And Phelps's chance at eight golds is still alive.

agreed! agreed! agreed!

i was hanging on by the seat of my pants! boy, oh, boy! did the french team eat their words. said that they were going to, "smash" the americans.

haven't really watched gymnastics, but apparently the usa team is slotted to take the silver?

also, what a disappointing match between cuba vs. the usa women's volleyball team. they lost all three sets.:(

[tutusue]

[...]
i was hanging on by the seat of my pants! boy, oh, boy! did the french team eat their words. said that they were going to, "smash" the americans.[...]
In a show of sportsmanship, Phelps walked over to a member of the French team, who was still in the pool, to shake his hand. French team member was reluctant and after a pause barely offered his hand. :(

[kani-lehua]

yep. in the end, everyone shook eachother's hands.

[Walkoff Balk]

In a show of sportsmanship, Phelps walked over to a member of the French team, who was still in the pool, to shake his hand. French team member was reluctant and after a pause barely offered his hand. :(
The French team were trash talkin' before the race about how they were going to stomp the Americans. They were like the Will Ferrell arch nemisis French racecar driver guy in Telladega Nights.
That was a great come from behind victory in USA Olympics history. It had the down the stretch surprise finish as Billy Mills in the 1960 Olympics that was a movie with Robby Benson as "Running Brave." Robby Benson as a Native American?

[Walkoff Balk]

Reported in London's 'Telegraph', that 'some' of the fireworks display that wowed some/many TV viewers were computer generated.

I hope not. I'd be awfully disappointed.

C'MONNNNN LONDON! Show us your British pop and fizzle sizzle in 2012!
London Calling
to the faraway towns.
Now that War is Declared, and Battle Come Down.

[turtlegirl]

I'm trying to find a video of the opening ceremonies online, but no luck so far. I heard that it was amazing. Is it available anywhere? Could somebody please post a link?

[Leo Lakio]

I'm trying to find a video of the opening ceremonies online, but no luck so far. I heard that it was amazing. Is it available anywhere? Could somebody please post a link?This earlier post answers that, to a degree.NBC is controlling all access to Olympic material in the US, so any YouTube clips of the Olympics is quickly removed.

You can go to NBCOlympics.com to review some of the opening events.
Even with my "slow" 1.5mb connection streams quite well.

[salmoned]

That final 10 meters in the 4x100 Men's Free looked like it was computer generated, I've seen it a half dozens times and still can't quite believe it. I'll have a 'French Choke' to go with my burger and fries!

[scrivener]

I saw Phelps shake hands with the French swimmers, but I did not notice any reluctance. I was pleased to see before that, though, smiles on the French men's faces as they were awarded the silver medals. Those smiles didn't look faked.

[Ron Whitfield]

Made a bunch of people mad, that is.
Saw a team pic that has them all making slant eyes with their fingers...

[Walkoff Balk]

Made a bunch of people mad, that is.
Saw a team pic that has them all making slant eyes with their fingers...
That's all they could come up with in response to Rod Tam's comments.

[Random]

Well, it sounds like the Chinese women's gynmnastic team is going to win the gold, with US taking the silver.

I wonder if anyone can still make the case that the ages of their women's team are still questionable, especially under the new underage rule. Bela Karolyi once spillled that government can falsify documents for their prized athletes, a practice even used during his coaching period in Romania.

Kudos for swimmer Michael Phelps for winning a total of 11 gold medals, acquiring two tonight for the 200 meter butterfly and now the men's 4x200 medley.

[turtlegirl]

Meeeehhh!! I still can't find a video of the opening ceremonies!! Everything I found is just photos of the openings that are cut together as a video. I want to see it 'live', the way everyone else did. Anyone know how I can find it? My Mama calls me every afternoon to talk about the olympics, and every day she keeps telling me how incredible the opening was.

[Random]

Meeeehhh!! I still can't find a video of the opening ceremonies!! Everything I found is just photos of the openings that are cut together as a video. I want to see it 'live', the way everyone else did. Anyone know how I can find it? My Mama calls me every afternoon to talk about the olympics, and every day she keeps telling me how incredible the opening was.
Sighs. Just wait for the DVD.

Somehow, somebody at NBC is stupid enough to take it down from the website, except for the Roll of Nations.

[Random]

Alright. I don't know if this will work.

Here's Opening Ceremony Act I: The Pageantry. (http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/player.html?assetid=0808_hd_oc_au_en198)

Here's Opening Ceremony Act II: The Parade of Nations. (http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/player.html?assetid=0808_hd_ocb_en004)

Here's Opening Ceremony Act III: Speeches and The Cauldron Lighting. (http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/player.html?assetid=0808_hd_oc_au_en200)

[U'ilani]

We don't watch TV in our home, so I had not ever seen Phelps compete until someone gave me a link to watch encore videos online. He is totally amazing. What's interesting is that I read that whereas Mark Spitz was viewed by his teammates as cocky and competitive, Phelps is very sociable and well-liked by all of his teammates.

So, anyway, go here (http://www.nbcolympics.com/index.html) if you've been Olympics-deprived like I was.

[Walkoff Balk]

Made a bunch of people mad, that is.
Saw a team pic that has them all making slant eyes with their fingers...
Spain's basketball team will tour the USA after the Olympics. They will put on those big fake noses when they play in New York. Then, put on an Al Jolson's makeup when they play in Detroit.

[Random]

Just curious. How's your video streaming of the olympic?

I wonder if 11Mbps makes streaming less pixelating.

[LikaNui]

I read that whereas Mark Spitz was viewed by his teammates as cocky and competitive, Phelps is very sociable and well-liked by all of his teammates. I'll confirm what you read about Mark Spitz. He was (and still is) an avid sailboat racer, and I raced against him dozens of times over the years in a regular Wednesday night series. He rapidly became very unpopular, because after almost every single race he would file an official protest against one boat or another, forcing them to go into a room with the race committee to resolve things. Competitive? Over the top. Cocky? Oh yeah. Popular among his fellow racers? Nope.
Except for the fact that he lost almost every protest. :p
(For you sailors in the group, he had a Hobie 33 monohull back then. Not sure what he's sailing now. Click this link (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mauriprosailing.com/images/hobie_33_reaching.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mauriprosailing.com/onedesign/hobie33/hobie33tuninguide.htm&h=206&w=256&sz=12&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=adBlq4Ebz11DPM:&tbnh=89&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522Hobie%252B33%2522%26um%3D1%26hl% 3Den%26sa%3DN) to see a photo of a Hobie 33.)
I congratulate him for his Olympic success. But that doesn't give him the right to be a jerk.
Oh. Hawaii connection. Spitz lived here for four years as a very small child.

[buzz1941]

When do the athletes strive to conquer Mount Midoriyama?

[Leo Lakio]

When do the athletes strive to conquer Mount Midoriyama?Silly man - the Ninja Warriors are in Japan, not China. (And you don't need to say "Mount" when you use "Yama" - they mean the same thing. Sorta like saying "Ala Moana Boulevard." :p)

[Random]

Oh. Hawaii connection. Spitz lived here for four years as a very small child.
Certainly that does not explain his attitude you described earlier. ;)

[Random]

Congrats to USA gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson for winning the gold and silver (respectively) in the All-Around Competition.

[Walkoff Balk]

Congrats to USA gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson for winning the gold and silver (respectively) in the All-Around Competition.
Did you root for the one who look like a midwestern American or the exotic American one with the Eastern European name? Are you reading this Cokie Roberts?

[Honoruru]

Just watched Phelps score his seventh gold. I thought for sure he lost (it's a fix, I thought) until they showed the replay. How close can you get? Unbelievable!

[kani-lehua]

it was a bite your nails kinda women's volleyball game against china today. they won the first set, lost the 2nd and 3rd, won the 4th and 5th set tie breaker.

[tutusue]

Has anyone else noticed how many gastrointestinal problems suffered by the athletes are being reported by the announcers? It seems to me that almost every event has at least one or 2 athletes who either are or recently have suffered an "upset stomach"/"gastrointestinal problems"/"stomach bug"/"food poisoning". Dang...I can't imagine feeling that rotten and having to perform at Olympic levels.

[Adri]

Has anyone else noticed how many gastrointestinal problems suffered by the athletes are being reported by the announcers? It seems to me that almost every event has at least one or 2 athletes who either are or recently have suffered an "upset stomach"/"gastrointestinal problems"/"stomach bug"/"food poisoning". Dang...I can't imagine feeling that rotten and having to perform at Olympic levels.

I'm impressed that none of the athletes I've seen interviewed have made any excuses if they didn't win. None of them said they were injured or feeling lousy and thus didn't win or score in the top. A couple have said they were injured or not well but thems the breaks when you're an athlete.

[tutusue]

Earlier today I heard one gold medalist mention that she had food poisoning 2 or 3 days ago. Within the last hour I heard mentioned that the Aussie swimmer, Grant Hackett, had awakened early this morning with a stomach upset. He had to swim the 1500m heat. Ouch! The announcers talked about his illness during the race. There was no post-race interview. Phelps wasn't feeling well during one of his events. That didn't stop him, needless to say!!! Adrenaline is amazing! :D

I agree, Adri, I've not heard any excuses either. I did hear, either yesterday or today, that one athlete dropped out of his event due to illness. Can you imagine? All that training and qualifying only to get too sick on the day of the event to participate? Whatta heart breaker.

I don't recall the plethora of reported illnesses I've heard about during the past week in previous Olympics.

[tutusue]

Phelps did it! He got #8! Amazing. And, Visa had a congratulatory commercial in the can...just in case. It was the first commercial to air after the event.

[Walkoff Balk]

Phelps did it! He got #8! Amazing. And, Visa had a congratulatory commercial in the can...just in case. It was the first commercial to air after the event.
Michael "Good Morning" Mr. Phelps completed the Mission Impossible.

[Walkoff Balk]

Has anyone else noticed how many gastrointestinal problems suffered by the athletes are being reported by the announcers? It seems to me that almost every event has at least one or 2 athletes who either are or recently have suffered an "upset stomach"/"gastrointestinal problems"/"stomach bug"/"food poisoning". Dang...I can't imagine feeling that rotten and having to perform at Olympic levels.
That's why star pro athletes have their own personal chef. There have been cases of food poisoning by the room service for their home team against a visiting star player.

[bf334]

Has anyone else noticed how many gastrointestinal problems suffered by the athletes are being reported by the announcers? It seems to me that almost every event has at least one or 2 athletes who either are or recently have suffered an "upset stomach"/"gastrointestinal problems"/"stomach bug"/"food poisoning". Dang...I can't imagine feeling that rotten and having to perform at Olympic levels.

Travellers are always warned about the food and drink in China. The athletes no matter how careful are bound to get some sort of ailment from the water and food in China. Probably from brushing thier teeth or something. All the advancements the Chinese have made and they still don't have clean drinking water.

[Random]

Travellers are always warned about the food and drink in China.
They should've brought their own spam musubi. :p

[Random]

Michael "Good Morning" Mr. Phelps completed the Mission Impossible.
Meh. What was impossible is swimming while your goggle is leaking in water, and you're breaking a world record. :cool:

[Walkoff Balk]

Meh. What was impossible is swimming while your goggle is leaking in water, and you're breaking a world record. :cool:
Wow! He had time to goggle during the swimming races. I have to watch those again in slow motion.

[Adri]

When I watch the gymnastics, I wonder about the spotters. Especially for the women in the high bars. What, exactly, would they do if one of the women fell off? It seems that the spotters would only possibly get bonked on the way down and not prevent the gymnast from falling.

[Mike_Lowery]

Wow, Jenn Stuczynski's coach is a butthead. Dude just chewed her out for winning a silver medal in the pole vault (gold medal winner set WR in women's pole vault).

[Random]

Wow, Jenn Stuczynski's coach is a butthead. Dude just chewed her out for winning a silver medal in the pole vault (gold medal winner set WR in women's pole vault).
Now, now. You don't want to offend all the buttheads. :p

But I agree, what an Olympic-sized jerkitude.

[Random]

When I watch the gymnastics, I wonder about the spotters. Especially for the women in the high bars. What, exactly, would they do if one of the women fell off? It seems that the spotters would only possibly get bonked on the way down and not prevent the gymnast from falling.
You're wondering about the spotters? I'm wondering about the tie-breaking procedure.

[Adri]

Wow, Jenn Stuczynski's coach is a butthead. Dude just chewed her out for winning a silver medal in the pole vault (gold medal winner set WR in women's pole vault).

Oh yeah. I wondered if he deliberately chewed her out in front of the cameras to try to humiliate her and if he was so unaware that he didn't realize that it would only document what a complete idiot and jerk he is.

Random: I don't claim to understand why gymnastics no longer allows ties when apparently other olympic sports still allow ties but as I understand it, the issue is not so much with the tiebreaking procedure (to determine the scores, drop the top and bottom scores for each gymnast, in the event of a tie, drop the next bottom score for each gymnast and hopefully that breaks the tie) as it was with the judging by judges who may not know what they're doing (to avoid the conflict of a judge from the same country as a contestant).

[Random]

Random: I don't claim to understand why gymnastics no longer allows ties when apparently other olympic sports still allow ties but as I understand it, the issue is not so much with the tiebreaking procedure (to determine the scores, drop the top and bottom scores for each gymnast, in the event of a tie, drop the next bottom score for each gymnast and hopefully that breaks the tie) as it was with the judging by judges who may not know what they're doing (to avoid the conflict of a judge from the same country as a contestant).
That could also add to the controversy. Still both issues should be reviewed so when the gymnasts gather in London by 2012, either the tie-breaking procedure be overhauled or eliminated, and qualified, tested, competent judges with no conflict of national interest are in placed.

[Leo Lakio]

(gold medal winner set WR in women's pole vault).Like anybody could have surpassed Isinbayeva, who has been at the top of her game for several years now; she's another of those athletes who makes it look effortless.

[Random]

Like anybody could have surpassed Isinbayeva, who has been at the top of her game for several years now; she's another of those athletes who makes it look effortless.
Effortless? She could do a pole-dance and yet clear the bar on her vault attempt. :D

[Walkoff Balk]

Wow, Jenn Stuczynski's coach is a butthead. Dude just chewed her out for winning a silver medal in the pole vault (gold medal winner set WR in women's pole vault).
We might have the coach's twin in Jim Bolla who coaches the UH Wahine Basketball team.

[Walkoff Balk]

Effortless? She could do a pole-dance and yet clear the bar on her vault attempt. :D
Pole Dancing? Did she make it rain?

[kani-lehua]

yeehaw to the women's indoor and beach volleyball teams. indoor going for the gold and beach already won over china.

congrats also to the women's soccer team!

[shaveice]

yeah, the write up of the women's soccer match sounds fantastic! i hope they show the entire game on tv tonight or at least all of the overtime; the story around hope is so fascinating; i'd love to see every block she made! wish natasha could have scored in that game but oh well; not a big deal.

[Ron Whitfield]

...the IOC is going to investigate gold winning gymnist He Kexin's age.
If they actually do a true investigation, and find that she is underage and that the Chinese gov. is responsible for the deception, it will be the tarnishing downfall of these Olympics, and for what China will be remembered, all for needless cheating.

[tutusue]

The Chinese gymnasts look sooooooo young it's almost scary. When I first saw them early on during the Olympics I just shook my head. There's no way on this earth many of them have even reached their teen years much less 16. But, how does one investigate a possible government deception if the government has knowingly issued new birth documentation and trashed the old, accurate documentation? Inquiring minds wanna know! ;)

And a HUGE WAY TO GO to Kerri and Misty! Whatta match. I was hooting and hollering so loud that I met my new neighbor! :o Ho, da cute! :)

[Ron Whitfield]

That the IOC even announced that they would investigate was a shock to me. What they will do is yet another matter. I don't expect much.

[Walkoff Balk]

yeah, the write up of the women's soccer match sounds fantastic! i hope they show the entire game on tv tonight or at least all of the overtime; the story around hope is so fascinating; i'd love to see every block she made! wish natasha could have scored in that game but oh well; not a big deal.
It's not so nervous to watch when you know the score and isn't shown live. KHNL had the USA-Cuba women's volleyball match live after the late night news yesterday. Even though the match went 3-0 in games, the Cuban players all look like terminators.
The U.S.A track & field team needs a "Don't drop the baton!" coach.

[shaveice]

That the IOC even announced that they would investigate was a shock to me. What they will do is yet another matter. I don't expect much.

considering the quick turnaround time, i'd say it's pretty bogus....

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/gymnastics/news?slug=dw-iocprobe082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[tutusue]

Ummm...Helloooooooo!!!

HAWAII'S BRYAN CLAY WON THE GOLD!

[shaveice]

Ummm...Helloooooooo!!!

HAWAII'S BRYAN CLAY WON THE GOLD!

yeah!!!!!!!!!! isn't it amazing?!?!

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/track_field/news;_ylt=ApLQZE9mvURhawj0AFrR0MWVTZd4?slug=ap-ath-decathlon&prov=ap&type=lgns

[LikaNui]

I got this in an e-mail (and I actually heard #3 myself!):


Here are the top nine comments made by NBC sports commentators so far during the Olympics that they would like to take back:

1. Weight-lifting commentator: 'This is Gregorieva from Bulgaria . I saw her snatch this morning during her warm up and it was amazing.'

2. Dressage commentator: 'This is really a lovely horse and I speak from personal experience since I once mounted her mother.'

3. Paul Hamm, Gymnast: 'I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father.'

4. Boxing Analyst: 'Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing, but none of them really that serious.'

5. Softball announcer: 'If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again.'

6. Basketball analyst: 'He dribbles a lot and the opposition doesn't like it. In fact you can see it all over their faces.'

7. At the rowing medal ceremony: 'Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the IOC president is hugging the cox of the British crew.'

8. Soccer commentator: 'Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got eleven Dicks on the field.'

9. Tennis commentator: 'One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that, before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them... Oh my God, what have I just said?'



:p

[matapule]

Excellent!

[Walkoff Balk]

First, Natasha Kai gets a team gold medal with the USA women's soccer team. Now, Bryan Clay wins an individual gold medal in the decathlon. Are these the first born in Hawaii athletes to win a gold medal on a land competition and not in a water event?

[Walkoff Balk]

When the Waipio game was going on, the station ran the score ticker for other sports. I didn't want to watch the USA-Brazil women's volleyball gold medal match after seeing the result.

[Amati]

I got this in an e-mail (and I actually heard #3 myself!)::p
Sorry, but that nine-comment-list that was sent to you is just another of those "emailed rumors". Those same quotes were passed around during the Summer 2004 Olympics, and reported in Sept. 2004 on Snopes.Com.
http://www.snopes.com/humor/lists/olympics.asp

[Walkoff Balk]

Hawaii born Bryan Clay is the most versatile athlete in the world right now. Also, Hawaii born Clay Stanley is the best volleyball player in the world.
Funny how air pollution wasn't a problem in Beijing just by shutting down their industries.

[shaveice]

now that the olympics are over, nbc isn't pulling youtube video clips about the games; this clip is not for the squemish tho: some weight lifter's elbow pops out and ends up in a weird position. you've been warned!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI0Zl-tMRf4&feature=related

[Random]

Funny how air pollution wasn't a problem in Beijing just by shutting down their industries.
That means less stuff in your local stores are "Made In China." :p

[Random]

now that the olympics are over, nbc isn't pulling youtube video clips about the games; this clip is not for the squemish tho: some weight lifter's elbow pops out and ends up in a weird position. you've been warned!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI0Zl-tMRf4&feature=related
Nope. Seen the picture. Never like see how it got that way. :o

[Walkoff Balk]

That means less stuff in your local stores are "Made In China." :p
Where was the tourist guy with, "I went to Beijing, and all I got was this t-shirt that reads "Got Lead in China?" This t-shirt was probably manufactured by child labor in the Kathy Lee Gifford's line of clothing at Walmart.