OT: 2008 Summer Olympic Games..Yay or Nay
Friday is the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. I was wondering how all of you feel about the games? We love both summer and winter. I know some don't care for them at all.
This summer's games are special as there are three Iowa athletes vying for medals. Shawn Johnson in gymnastics, Lolo Jones in the 100m hurdles and Doug Schwab in men's freestyle wrestling. Shawn and Lolo are expected to get gold medals in their fields. Sports Illustrated says Doug is a threat to medal.
What events will you be watching in the next two weeks?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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The Opening Ceremony is usually
a “must-see” event. Aside from the Track & Field sprinting events (I’m a former sprinter in high school/college), I like to watch some of the stuff usually not seen on TV such as:
Judo & Taekwondo
Fencing
Canoe/Kayak (usually held in scenic locations good for TV)
Equestrian
Of course, diving is fun to watch, and seeing what Michael Phelps can do this year will be interesting.
I love the Olympics!!
by Neifi Puppy on
Aug 5, 2008 7:07 PM CDT
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Yawn.
I might watch if I’m not busy doing something else. It’s not appointment TV for me.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 5, 2008 7:08 PM CDT
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I always enjoy watching the games.
Baseball and softball will probably be my main interest; but really, except for fencing and equestrian I enjoy them all. Also, these games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in high definition television, so that will be cool too.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on
Aug 5, 2008 7:10 PM CDT
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I will say that...
... I do like the parade of nations. The rest of the opening ceremonies at times are overwrought productions, but the parade of nations is very cool.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 5, 2008 7:15 PM CDT
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As a teacher with my summer off, I watch it live
I like to stay up until 3 am to watch it live on NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC.com, NBC 2, Telemundo, NBC Italia, NBC Mobile….
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)
by Fuk-U-Meter on
Aug 5, 2008 7:20 PM CDT
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I mostly have little to no interest
though if nothing else is on the tube, I may find myself watching for an hour or so here & there. My anticipation of these games is only heightened by the possibility of seeing athletes wearing masks up until the moment of their event due to the horrible pollution in Beijing. The Chi-Coms have made some claim that they will try to make it rain and get some of that smog out of there, but I’m really not sure how that’s possible…
"And then, just as nonchalantly as though Horace Tarbox had been Mr. Beef the butcher or Mr. Hat the haberdasher, life reached in, seized him, handled him, stretched him, and unrolled him like a piece of Irish lace on a Saturday-afternoon bargain-counter." -F. Scott Fitzgerald
by Goodie1969 on
Aug 5, 2008 7:20 PM CDT
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Some...
We’ll be watching some of it, though the Opening Ceremony should be interesting as everyone tries to top what the previous host city did. As for events, the swimming stuff with Michael Phelps should be good, as well as Dara Torres. Diving is cool sometimes and track and field though I actually like the non-track portions. Stuff like the Decathalon and high-jump, pole-vault. Indoor cycling can be fun sometimes too.
by CubFan81 on
Aug 5, 2008 8:03 PM CDT
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Meh...
Track and field, basketball, possibly swimming. Otherwise, not really exciting.
The politics of the games with China may be interesting, however i.e. how much freedom to broadcast if there are protests.
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on
Aug 5, 2008 8:06 PM CDT
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I'm looking forward to
Our “dream team” getting a bronze medal.
by daeviant on
Aug 5, 2008 8:12 PM CDT
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The time difference is what gets me
being able to read about the events well before i see them kills some of the excitement. though if i hear about world records being broken or phelps having the chance to break mark spitz’s single-olympics medal record, i’ll make sure to watch.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on
Aug 5, 2008 8:13 PM CDT
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I also don't understand...
... the IOC and USOC’s insistence on limiting the # of highlights shown on other TV stations AFTER NBC has aired the tape delayed events.
A day later—why would they care? It serves as free promotion for their TV show. Why wouldn’t they want that?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 5, 2008 9:18 PM CDT
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If anyone has access to Canadian TV,
I recommend watching their coverage of the Olympics. (In the past it’s been on CBC, not sure if that’s the case this year.) They show virtually everything live. Also, they show they actual events, not just a bunch of sob stories.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on
Aug 5, 2008 9:26 PM CDT
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since when does the IOC do ANYTHING intelligent?
bunch of euro-trash snobs poo-pooing anything the see as too ‘americanized’, like modern marketing and sports that aren’t decided by a judges arbitrary score.
by Petrie000 on
Aug 5, 2008 9:30 PM CDT
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Oh, and womens beach volleyball
game? what game?
by daeviant on
Aug 5, 2008 8:15 PM CDT
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Phelps with the chance to win so many medals
That I will likely watch.
"We've had our ups and downs, but as long as you have a reason, something to fall back on and a plan, that's all there is to it," Soto said.
by Madison Cub Fan on
Aug 5, 2008 8:36 PM CDT
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Olympics used to be intriguing, but today hold little interest for me
As with professional sports the Olympics and the best amateur athletes in the U.S. have been mega-marketed to death. Plus, most of the world is sick and tired of Bob Costas and his colleagues at NBC Sports blathering on and on and on in wordy poetic terms as opposed to showing more of the games and events.
The world cares about the Olympics WAY MORE than the general populace of the U.S.
by MDBNIU on
Aug 5, 2008 8:40 PM CDT
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I disagree with the World caring more about the Olympics than the US.
If you remember back to the Athens games, they had a hard time getting people to come to the events.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on
Aug 5, 2008 9:28 PM CDT
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I can't stand the olympics either
I used to like it when I was a kid, but I stopped watching as I got older. What drove me the craziest were all the lame human interest stories – can it be the “Last Chance” for EVERYONE at the olympics? The story gets watered down when you play the same tale once per hour. The phrase “last chance” has become a running joke in my family for years. Also, note to Olympics announcers: medal is a noun, not a verb.
Also, much like college sports, the mass marketing and undercurrents of nationalism in an event that is supposed to uphold the “purity of athletic competition” really rubs me the wrong way. No thanks. Everything just feels way too prepackaged.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on
Aug 5, 2008 8:50 PM CDT
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Lame human interest stories
You hit the nail on the head. This is what I can’t stand about the Olympics. 40 minutes of every hour of coverage devoted to Bob Costas or some other drip blathering on about the drama, the redemption, blah blah blah.
by MDBNIU on
Aug 5, 2008 9:01 PM CDT
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LMFAO
I guess Bob Costas and his 17!!!!! Emmys isnt worthy of your praise no one is. Go away—-again. (x4 by Al)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on
Aug 5, 2008 9:08 PM CDT
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Emmys don't mean a thing
Joe Morgan has 2 of em for best sports analyst & McCarver has 3. Joe Buck had 6 for best play-by-play
by MillsChC on
Aug 5, 2008 10:17 PM CDT
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depends what sport's on.
I like the niche sports, like fencing and, archery and target sports, but other than that i really don’t care.
frankly i can't bring myself to care about most olympic sports because the draconian anti-doping measures will strip most of the medals away as it is.
by Petrie000 on
Aug 5, 2008 9:36 PM CDT
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ARRRR!!
The Dread Pirate Graybar will be sailing his ship into Beijing harbor and wreaking havoc on all those scurvy knaves!!!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 6, 2008 10:07 AM CDT
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Nope.
Aside from the opening ceremonies, I’ve had very little interest in the Olympics for years. That’s even less after reading Game of Shadows earlier this summer. I just can’t believe, no matter how stringent the testing, that a majority of these athletes are chemical free. It’s too bad really, but that’s the world we live in now.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
by RynoHoF on
Aug 5, 2008 10:09 PM CDT
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Summer Olympics... nay
Winter Olympics… yay, except for any of the figure or speed skating.
But I won’t watch either, if the only way I can watch an event live, is if I’m awake at 2 AM.
by MillsChC on
Aug 5, 2008 10:11 PM CDT
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I'd rather have them on at 2 AM
than have them be performed at 2 AM at the venue. The way that they bent over backwards a few years ago (Sydney?) to ensure that everything was on in primetime in the US sickened me.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on
Aug 5, 2008 10:55 PM CDT
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i love watching curling.
and i’m not even canadian.
by nathew on
Aug 6, 2008 1:52 AM CDT
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I'm with you there...
something fascinating about that weird little game to me… enough so that if it’s on, I can’t change the channel.
by MillsChC on
Aug 6, 2008 3:48 AM CDT
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I'll try to catch opening ceremonies and might tune in more than usual
Only because I’m interested in how the host country does in hosting . . . I’m not going to do here what I did in the postgame thread, but obviously I have some interest in what happens in China.
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 5, 2008 10:35 PM CDT
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Mixed feeling
I love the summer Olympics. As a runner, I love the track and field events, although we really dont get to see all of the longer, more interesting races. I like basketball- can’t ever forget that ‘92 Dream Team. Beyond that, I like a few odds and ends including cycling and somewhat diving.
However, I have mixed feelings because it is a shame for all of mankind that Beijing was awarded the Olympics. I might have considered a US boycott, but with friends who competed in the Olympic trials in track and the marathon, I couldnt tell those guys that they dont get to perform on their dream stage. But, geez, between the health risks and the horrible government there, I will be uncomfortable watching enthusiastically.
I used to be "Jones," but I got swooped on the redesign.
by Mr Snrub on
Aug 5, 2008 11:10 PM CDT
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uncomfortable too
I was not planning on boycotting anything until i read this article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-08-04-china-host_N.htm
One commentator opines that “This is about the Communist Party showing their own people that the world accepts them as legitimate rulers of China.” I don’t want to be used that way.
Disclaimer: I’ve never been to China. I buy items made in China. I’m not trying to make some huge political statement, but i don’t want my viewing to be used to validate an oppressive regime.
by TC Cubby on
Aug 6, 2008 8:15 AM CDT
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For what it's worth
I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being for China a case of, “Be careful what you wish for” with all the eyes of the world on Beijing. I also thought it was a mistake for the IOC to award them the games—and that was before I ever set foot in China.
Having spent a lot of time there, I still feel that way. Things are changing there and I’ve made lifelong friends there, but the government isn’t ready for this - at least they aren’t if things don’t go 100% smoothly. Which is part of why I’ll watch - not to hope for failure, but to see how things go.
by Shanghai Badger on
Aug 6, 2008 9:37 AM CDT
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Its all about Men's Basketball for me
I have always loved watching the Olympic tourney. Sometimes I think I’m the only one left, but I won’t miss a USA game.
If Phelps gets some early medals I will watch him.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on
Aug 5, 2008 11:12 PM CDT
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no...
...you’re not “the only one left.”
If only the US basketball team could win on the basis of attempted alley-oops and not that nagging point total.
We sell spatulas...and that's all.
by LaddieRenfroe on
Aug 6, 2008 1:36 AM CDT
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I really enjoy the Olympics...
...but only because it comes along once every four years. Rather, if swim meets or a steeplechase were broadcast on network TV every weekend, I’d get bored real quickly. But to see that event once every four years, when it’s seemingly new to me, when the athletes themselves know that the next minute or two will shape the rest of their lives…that’s pretty compelling.
We sell spatulas...and that's all.
by LaddieRenfroe on
Aug 6, 2008 1:07 AM CDT
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I'm feeling very mixed on these Olympics
Last time they came around I was in line for a spot on the US Paralympic Swimming Team but I blew out my shoulder a few weeks before my last trial. I had career ending surgery on my left shoulder after about 3 months of trying rehab. I couldn’t watch the 04 games… it was too close.
I’m going to try to watch these. Phelps’ stroke is perfect… other than his fly… he’s missing a downbeat on his follow through… I don’t know how’s hes so fast!
Medal ceremonies are always great too. The reactions to the anthems from different countries is good theater.
I think it’s just his face. - dat cubfan daver
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Aug 6, 2008 1:43 AM CDT
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i'm gonna watch the baseball, i suppose
most of those guys will probably make it to the majors someday. take a look at some of the past USA teams.
by nathew on
Aug 6, 2008 1:53 AM CDT
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just think...
...you could be watching a future Cub legend…

We sell spatulas...and that's all.
by LaddieRenfroe on
Aug 6, 2008 3:00 AM CDT
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Was?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Aug 6, 2008 11:38 AM CDT
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just think
that was before the mullet too.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
by RynoHoF on
Aug 6, 2008 11:56 AM CDT
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I love the Olympics
I’ve been to the last three Summer Games, but I won’t be in Beijing this year. After hearing about all that’s going on there, I’m glad I’m going to be here instead.
I like everything about it—from track and field to kayaking and canoeing to rifle shooting to judo to team handball. The cultural aspects also are very cool.
I’m not sure it’s as compelling as it was back in the Cold War days, but it’s still a lot of fun—like a 24-hour sports pageant for two weeks. I’ll watch as much of it as I can.
by Not Bruce Froemming on
Aug 6, 2008 1:58 AM CDT
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Meh
I might watch some of the gymnastics, diving, pole vault and high jump, and some baseball. But if I miss some or all of it, I won’t lose sleep. The opening ceremony is pretty cool, but usually a little too long. I do agree that the parade of countries is cool. I wonder what kind of reception some of them will get…..
"That guy is a gamer." said Ron Santo of Reed Johnson on 07-25-08
by love the ivy on
Aug 6, 2008 3:22 AM CDT
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I'll watch some
probably women’s softball, swimming and gymnastics. The other stuff is fine…if it’s on and I’m not doing anything I’ll probably watch. I get tired of all the Costas sob stories too…..they should have some fun, quirky, oddball stories too to mix things up.
"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/
by iluvryno on
Aug 6, 2008 7:01 AM CDT
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Lack of Magic with Olympics
I’ll watch baseball and basketball. Before I was born in 1972, the awful terrorist incident in Munich took away from the magic of the Olympics. In a far, far, far less important event, the US was robbed of a gold medal in basketball by Olympics officials that year. The US boycott of the 1980 Moscow games and the 1984 boycott by the Soviet bloc nations of the LA games further took steam out of the Olympics.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on
Aug 6, 2008 7:54 AM CDT
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I try and watch as much
of the swimming as possible. I was a competitive swimmer for 18 years, so I enjoy the swimming events. Especially with Phelps gunning for Spitz again this year.
Other than the swimming, I don’t care for the summer games too much. I like the winter games better.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Aug 6, 2008 8:16 AM CDT
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Half of the problem with the summer olympics is that it is.....
IN THE SUMMER.
When the weather is good, we are out doing stuff (or watching the Cubs). In the winter in Chicago, you are usually indoors, so the TV is on more often.
Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.
by N Oakley on
Aug 6, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
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I'll watch all the Track and Field I can..
I’ve got a big interest in the 100 hurdles b/c I went to High School with Lolo Jones so I’m really pulling for her besides being an Iowan. Looking forward to watching Shawn Johnson although gymnastics kinda bore me so i’ll mainly watch her and call it good. I enjoy watching the summer olympics so i’ll for sure put my time in.
"Go Cubs Go"
by mkcubs21 on
Aug 6, 2008 9:18 AM CDT
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Sorry, but nay.
I’m not sure whether this makes me (more of) an oddball around here or not, but I’m pretty much a baseball-only guy. I can’t seem to muster much, if any, interest in other sports or sporting events like the Olympics. All the media hype and press coverage starts to drive me nuts pretty quickly as well. If Mayor Daley wins his bid to bring the Olympics here to Chi-Town, I may have to take a sabbatical to Tibet or something. I do hope Team USA does well, though.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 6, 2008 10:11 AM CDT
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Me too
Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy watching other sports, but its not must see TV for me the way a Baseball game is. The Olympics would be way down on the list of sporting events I would resort to in the Summer if no baseball was available. I’m with you, I hope USA competes well and wins medals…just not that into watching/following it.
by StevenABQ on
Aug 6, 2008 11:53 AM CDT
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Maybe they'll stop talking about Brett Favre as much?
At this point, all this talk about Brett Favre is making my ears bleed. I just hope I can watch Phelps and Shawn Johnson in peace.
by NOLA CUB on
Aug 6, 2008 11:19 AM CDT
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What's going on with Favre?
...and end sarcasm.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
by RynoHoF on
Aug 6, 2008 11:57 AM CDT
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I heard Favre...
... was going to replace Joba Chamberlain in the Yankees rotation.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Aug 6, 2008 8:54 PM CDT
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ha ha ha ha ha
even in sarcasm, I am tired if hearing of both Joba and that terrible actor, Bret FaHVra.
Sorry folks, parks closed. Moose out front should have told you.
by N Oakley on
Aug 6, 2008 9:08 PM CDT
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Puh-leeze!
Now that Tampa is trying to trade for him, the local newspaper and TV won’t shut up about him.
I hope he blows out an ACL or something so he’ll finally retire.
(Actually I don’t wish him bodily harm, but I’m getting closer…)
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on
Aug 6, 2008 10:00 PM CDT
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I'm looking forward to Shawn Johnson and LoLo...
...But beyond that, it sort of sickens me that the games are in Beijing. It’s very hard for me to think of rewarding them with my attention after decades of human rights abuses and limited personal freedom. (Then again, I’m not that important, so they probably won’t miss me.) I wish we could have waited a few dozen more years for before giving them the games. I’m sorry for bringing this up in this thread, which was supposed to be honoring those who participate in the Games, but it’s on my mind and had to be said.
As a Des Moines native, it’s cool to see Shawn Johnson and LoLo Jones in the mix. I’ll watch these two compete.
As far as sports go for me, it’s pretty much the Cubs or nothing.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Aug 6, 2008 12:21 PM CDT
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Let's hope the athletes can breathe...
...it’s so bad there that the government has shut down entire industries to get the air quality to a marginally acceptable level.
It will be interesting to see if anything negative gets broadcast.
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on
Aug 6, 2008 10:01 PM CDT
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