Olympics

[JaneDoe]

If you could attend 3 events at the "Summer" Olympics, what would they be?  (And sychnronized swimming doesn't really count)     
I think I'd  rather go to the Winter games than the Summer games. 
My 2 cents: Trampoline and Rhythmic Gymnastics are BS.


Archery
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
Boxing
Canoe/Kayak
Cycling
Diving
Equestrian
Fencing
Field Hockey
Gymnastics
Handball
Judo
Modern Pent.
Rhythmic Gym.
Rowing
Sailing
Shooting
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Sync. Swimming
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Track & Field
Trampoline
Triathlon
Volleyball
Water Polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling

[austro]

Track, volleyball, and basketball. Team handball is pretty cool, too.

[Ty in Tampa]

Hard to pick but I went to Atlanta for a long weekend during the 96 games and saw Track (M 200m qualifying, W 200m final, M long jump qualifying, W 10K), Baseball (USA vs. Cuba) and Women's field hockey (girlfriend played at Penn State).

[Bench]

Baseball, equestrian and sailing. They are all good spectator sports. I doubt I would have much fun watching shooting from several hundred feet away in a stadium.

Is track at all fun to watch in person? At least with gymnastics there's always something going on in front of you.

[Ty in Tampa]

Baseball, equestrian and sailing. They are all good spectator sports. I doubt I would have much fun watching shooting from several hundred feet away in a stadium.

Is track at all fun to watch in person? At least with gymnastics there's always something going on in front of you.

Equestrian is great to watch, especially eventing. With track and field, I suppose it depends on where you're sitting. I had pretty good seats at about the starting line for the 200m races. I saw the British dude (can't recall his name) disqualify himself with 2 false starts and it was great seeing the runners round the last turn to the finish. There was a lot of down time though, and it was hard keeping up with where I should be looking.

[austro]

Is track at all fun to watch in person? At least with gymnastics there's always something going on in front of you.

I think so, but that's at least partly due to my own personal history with the sport. But in a well laid out venue there is usually plenty of field event action happening during the downtime between track events. I'm sure that it helps a lot if you really know what you're looking for, however.

[jonbloozy]

Baseball
Table Tennis
Water Polo

[JimR]

track, basketball, swimming in that order

[Nate in IA]

Baseball, Canoe/Kayak, and Volleyball.

[TheWizard]

Track, basketball, and swimming.

[MusicMan]

Gymnastics
Swimming
Track

[tophfar]

Volleyball (both kinds), Track, and then a toss up between the boxing/judo/tkd

[BudGirl]

Track, Swimming, and Diving.

I ran track in high school.  Swimming, just because.  Diving because when I go to the gym here at work the diving team is practicing and it is coolness.

[Taras Bulba]

Beach volleyball, women's.

[Duman]

I saw some Soccer Pool games in 96 when they had a few games in Bham.  And while it was great, I would only do it again if USA was playing.

Swimming
Gymnastics (seen some college meets and they are fun)
Boxing

[hostros7]

soccer
baseball
basketball

pretty. standard.

[MusicMan]

soccer
baseball
basketball

pretty. standard.

See, my view of it would be that there are better places that the Olympics to watch any of these.

[Bench]

See, my view of it would be that there are better places that the Olympics to watch any of these.

Excellent point.

[drew corleone]

Swimming, Women's Beach V-ball, Track

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

women's gymnastics
swimming and diving
track and field

[94CougarGrad]

Volleyball (all of it), gymnastics, and rowing.

[MusicMan]

The men's 4x100m relay last night was one of the most thrilling events I've watched in some time.

[BudGirl]

absolute greatness

i was so excited.  those frenchies looked shell shocked.

[HudsonHawk]

The men's 4x100m relay last night was one of the most thrilling events I've watched in some time.

At the risk of sounding like Seth Rogan...Dude, that was fucking AWESOME!!

[MusicMan]

Crappy YouTube copy of the race

[Ty in Tampa]

I jumped almost as high as I did for Kent's moonshot. Almost.

[BudGirl]

I still get chills talking about it.  That was greatness.

[Astroholic]

I still get chills talking about it.  That was greatness.

The last leg of that race was unbelievable.  That finish ranks up there with the 80 Hockey team and Kerry Strug's one legged effort in 96 for best Olympic moments for me.

[HudsonHawk]

Crappy YouTube copy of the race

Already taken down.

[BudGirl]

I just clicked it and it worked.

[MusicMan]

On the flip side... after watching the women's prelims in gymnastics, I started off worried about the US team; but by the end, I realized that there is no way in hell that China's team will be allowed to lose *the* spotlight event of the Olympics.

[HudsonHawk]

I just clicked it and it worked.

Huh.  Tells me it's no longer available.

[BudGirl]

I have no doubt that it will get taken down though.

Maybe its working because it worked for me a minute ago.

[Astroholic]

Huh.  Tells me it's no longer available.

Worked for me.

[BudGirl]

nbc.com has it on there, much better quality.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0811_HD_SWB_HL_L0194

http://www.nbcolympics.com/swimming/news/newsid=188791.html?forcereload=true

[MusicMan]

Their player keeps crapping out on me.

[BudGirl]

i downloaded the plug-in and haven't had a single problem viewing it.

I still get chills watching it.

[ybbodeus]

The men's 4x100m relay last night was one of the most thrilling events I've watched in some time.

Was that Gus Johnson working the race last night?

[drew corleone]

Gave a pretty stout fist pump and shouted "YEAH!" when he touched the wall first. Amazing! I didn't know it was going to be live, either (seems odd for a medal race to be early in the morning).

How about that dramatized segment between the French chick and the Italian chick that stole her swimmer boyfriend? The Frenchie was a former champion and the Italian was expected to dominate this race. I love that an American and two Brits came out of nowhere (so to speak) to deny the Italian, while the Frenchie finished dead last.

I love the Olympics.

[Limey]

I love that an American and two Brits came out of nowhere (so to speak) to deny the Italian, while the Frenchie finished dead last.

Sounds like WW2.

[JimR]

Sounds like WW2.

the French swimmer did not compete. earlier in the day he had surrendered to Bob Costas.

[drew corleone]

the French swimmer did not compete. earlier in the day he had surrendered to Bob Costas.

Or, given the French swimmer in question, she hooked up with Bob Costas. Dirty little ho-bag, that chick is.

[chuck]

I'm with Taras.

It's interesting watching the games outside the US, getting another country's slant on things. The Australians are doing pretty well at the swimming competitions, and the womens events especially, and there's been quite a bit of media attention drawn to that.

[MusicMan]

From what I understand, swimmers are like rock stars in Australia.

[BudGirl]

Did you watch the men's gymnastics last night?

[chuck]

From what I understand, swimmers are like rock stars in Australia.

It's crazy the amount of press coverage the swimmers get here. I mean, it pushes the AFL off of the back (and front) pages. You have to dig into the middle of the paper to read about whether Port Adelaide will in fact move to the Gold Coast in 2011. (They may, but the coach doesn't want to and says he'll stay with the team regardless.)

It does not harm matters that the Rice woman is quite photogenic.

[MusicMan]

Did you watch the men's gymnastics last night?

Stayed up for it until damn near midnight.  Outstanding work by the men's team - I really felt for the lone remaining alternate, who so clearly was conflicted about being happy for his teammates but pained to not be out there.  However, it was comical to say that they were "leading" after 3 rotations, given the massive scoring discrepancies between each apparatus.

The China team was just dominant.

[Limey]

From what I understand, swimmers are like rock stars in Australia.

All athletes are rock stars in Australia.  They only compete in sports they can win, because they are some of the sorest losers you'll ever have the misfortune to meet.

If I've got the correct link (can't check it currently), here's Australia cheating against South Africa.  The Aussie wicket keeper knocks the bails (cross bars) off the wicket, and then appeals for the batsman to be out (on the basis that the batsman knocked the bails off - which is out).

Also, famously, in a match against New Zealand when the Kiwis needed 4 runs to win with one pitch remaining, they rolled the ball along the ground to make it impossible for the ball to be hit far enough for 4 runs.  Here's the short version, and here's the full context (9 mins).

[BudGirl]

they were pretty darn good.

the USA boys did the job no one thought they could do.  i am very happy for them.

[tophfar]

All athletes are rock stars in Australia.  They only compete in sports they can win, because they are some of the sorest losers you'll ever have the misfortune to meet.

Also, famously, in a match against New Zealand when the Kiwis needed 4 runs to win with one pitch remaining, they rolled the ball along the ground to make it impossible for the ball to be hit far enough for 4 runs.  Here's the short version, and here's the full context (9 mins).

is it illegal to roll the ball on the ground?  if not how was this cheating as opposed to just good strategy?

[chuck]

is it illegal to roll the ball on the ground?  if not how was this cheating as opposed to just good strategy?

Well, obviously, in one country it's considered cheating and in another it's celebrated as excellent strategy.

[tophfar]

Well, obviously, in one country it's considered cheating and in another it's celebrated as excellent strategy.

fair enough, but if it's not against the rules, can it really be "cheating"?

[drew corleone]

The gymnastics were outstanding. The last American to go on the high bar put together a pretty amazing routine. Those guys are such phenomenal athletes you wonder what else they go possibly do if they didn't spend 20 hours a day training for gymnastics.

[Taras Bulba]

The gymnastics were outstanding. The last American to go on the high bar put together a pretty amazing routine. Those guys are such phenomenal athletes you wonder what else they go possibly do if they didn't spend 20 hours a day training for gymnastics.

They would be hell at climbing up in trees to get frisbees and other shit.

[pravata]

The gymnastics were outstanding. The last American to go on the high bar put together a pretty amazing routine. Those guys are such phenomenal athletes you wonder what else they go possibly do if they didn't spend 20 hours a day training for gymnastics.

Baleric slingers.  Of course they'd have to move to Carthage.

[chuck]

fair enough, but if it's not against the rules, can it really be "cheating"?

Hell if I know. We'll have to wait for Limey to quit fucking around with youtube on his iPhone to find out.

[MusicMan]

They'd be working in the Middle East, pulling the arms off of thieves.

[ybbodeus]

All athletes are rock stars in Australia.  They only compete in sports they can win, because they are some of the sorest losers you'll ever have the misfortune to meet.

Very true, but after the inevitable fist fight that spills into the streets and invites Dallas's finest (see pool game gone wrong with two Aussies at Stan's Blue Note on Lower Greenville in 1984), you usually end up becoming best friends over a gross of pints.  Such was my experience.

[Limey]

is it illegal to roll the ball on the ground?  if not how was this cheating as opposed to just good strategy?

It wasn't against the rules (believe it is now), but it's an example of the Aussies "win at any cost" attitude.  It's not about playing the game, it's just about winning.  The flicking off the bails incident is pure cheating.

[MusicMan]

I misread this as the "flicking of the balls incident".  Brought an entirely different image to mind.

[austro]

I misread this as the "flicking of the balls incident".  Brought an entirely different image to mind.

But it's still cheating.

[MusicMan]

That depends on your definition of the word "is".

[Limey]

That depends on your definition of the word "is".

And "flicking".

[ybbodeus]

Why does "the" always get oeft left out of these discussions?

FIFM.

[Taras Bulba]

It wasn't against the rules (believe it is now), but it's an example of the Aussies "win at any cost" attitude.  It's not about playing the game, it's just about winning.  The flicking off the bails incident is pure cheating.

What's that song the English sing when playing Australia?  (I'm teeing it up for you, Limey).

[Limey]

What's that song the English sing when playing Australia?  (I'm teeing it up for you, Limey).

There's a bunch.  Here's some about the team in general, and certain players individually.

I am partial to the slightly amended version of the National Anthem, to highlight Australia's referendum in which they voted to remain subjects of the British monarchy:

God save your gracious Queen
Long live your noble Queen
God save your Queen (you're a convict)

Send her victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over you
God save your Queen

[Amy]

they were pretty darn good.

the USA boys did the job no one thought they could do.  i am very happy for them.

I stayed up way too late last night watching the Olympics on the DVR after the Astros game.  The US men's gymnastics team was great and I am thrilled for them.  I thought it was incredibly classy of Durante to be so supportive of Sasha Artemev.  I would think it could be pretty easy to be bitter about being passed over for him.  But Sasha finally came through in pretty spectacular fashion.  I don't follow gymnastics too closely, but I've seen Artemev several times over the last few years and he is both a great artist and a major headcase--just the type of athlete I usually go for in that type of sport.  They very rarely put it all together in huge moments like that.  Artemev is one of the very few gymnasts I've ever seen who can make me enjoy watching pommel horse.  I hope he can medal in the event finals too.

[BudGirl]

I stayed up way too late last night watching the Olympics on the DVR after the Astros game.  The US men's gymnastics team was great and I am thrilled for them.  I thought it was incredibly classy of Durante to be so supportive of Sasha Artemev.  I would think it could be pretty easy to be bitter about being passed over for him.  But Sasha finally came through in pretty spectacular fashion.  I don't follow gymnastics too closely, but I've seen Artemev several times over the last few years and he is both a great artist and a major headcase--just the type of athlete I usually go for in that type of sport.  They very rarely put it all together in huge moments like that.  Artemev is one of the very few gymnasts I've ever seen who can make me enjoy watching pommel horse.  I hope he can medal in the event finals too.

I was worried about him also.  But he did a great job on the horse.

[ybbodeus]

What appeared to be a "deer in headlight" look prior to his turn on the horse was probably anything but.  Shit, ol' Jay Powell has looked more comfortable out there than did Sasha while he was forced to wait to take his turn.

I've never found myself shouting "hang in there" during a gymnastics event, as I did last night when he was making his impressive fly-through on the horse, but there I was with my kids doing just that....they were, too.  It was strawwwng!

[drew corleone]

This 4x200 relay is insane.

[JaneDoe]

This 4x200 relay is insane.

Another WR.  Absolutely FANTASTIC.

[drew corleone]

Is there anything that compares to what Phelps has done? Ever?

[BizidyDizidy]

Is there anything that compares to what Phelps has done? Ever?

I had this run on brickbreaker once...

[drew corleone]

Sheeeit... I still play that on my Blackberry when I'm using the crapper at work.

[Bench]

Is there anything that compares to what Phelps has done? Ever?

This guy named Spitz did something sometime, but he was a real asshole so who cares.

[MusicMan]

Is there anything that compares to what Phelps has done? Ever?

Well, Alexander the Great conquered pretty much the whole world. 

[drew corleone]

Well, Alexander the Great conquered pretty much the whole world. 

And Samson killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass...

Phelps probably swam out of his mom's birth canal in world record time.

[TheWizard]

And Samson killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass...

Phelps probably swam out of his mom's birth canal in world record time.

And Chuck Norris... ah fuck it, I can't, I won't do it..

[Waldo]

And Chuck Norris... ah fuck it, I can't, I won't do it..

Chuck Norris could've.

[Andyzipp]

Chuck Norris could've.

The power of Bill Brasky's thoughts would have burned the words onto paper and small animals.

[JimR]

Sheeeit... I still play that on my Blackberry when I'm using the crapper at work.

way TMI

[MusicMan]

I've received e-mails from one of my co-workers telling me they're on the crapper.

[MusicMan]

By the way, is Chinese Gymnast Syndrome the opposite of Dominican Aging Syndrome?

[Duman]

By the way, is Chinese Gymnast Syndrome the opposite of Dominican Aging Syndrome?

Same thing just different form.  Lying is lying

[Andyzipp]

Same thing just different form.  Lying is lying

The only way some of those Chinese Gymasts weren't 10 years old was if they were extremely limber 90 year olds.  Of course, I didn't see a single colostomy bag hanging off the uneven bars.

[Limey]

This guy named Spitz did something sometime, but he was a real asshole so who cares.

I believe "tool" has been established as the acceptable moniker for accomplished assholes.

[Limey]

I've received e-mails from one of my co-workers telling me they're on the crapper.

I once saw a co-worker eating a sandwich while taking a piss.  But he was "River Oaks money", so it was eccentric instead of bat-shit.

[ybbodeus]

The power of Bill Brasky's thoughts would have burned the words onto paper and small animals.

Bill Brasky crapped half the Chinese Olympic team as a reaction to MSG.

[drew corleone]

Bill Brasky crapped half the Chinese Olympic team as a reaction to MSG.

But was he playing Brickbreaker at the time?

[Andyzipp]

But was he playing Brickbreaker at the time?

Bill Brasky shits bricks.  And builds low income housing.

[MusicMan]

By the way... neither Chuck Norris nor Bill Brasky could outswim Michael Phelps.

[Limey]

By the way... neither Chuck Norris nor Bill Brasky could outswim Michael Phelps.

Not even this guy could.

[ybbodeus]

Not even this guy could.

Silly Limey; that's one of Bill Brasky's sperm cells.

[MikeyBoy]

The only way some of those Chinese Gymasts weren't 10 years old was if they were extremely limber 90 year olds.  Of course, I didn't see a single colostomy bag hanging off the uneven bars.

Speaking of female gymnasts, I was very pleased to find out that Alicia Sacramone is 20. I was considering castration.

[Limey]

Speaking of female gymnasts, I was very pleased to find out that Alicia Sacramone is 20. I was considering castration.

Her coach suggested that the Chinese effed with her concentration which caused her mistakes on the beam and floor exercises.  No one has suggested that her rack may have been the cause of her loss of balance.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Her coach suggested that the Chinese effed with her concentration which caused her mistakes on the beam and floor exercises.  No one has suggested that her rack may have been the cause of her loss of balance.

I got some bad news for you Limey.  Those aren't breasts.  They are muscles.

[Limey]

Speaking of female gymnasts, I was very pleased to find out that Alicia Sacramone is 20. I was considering castration.

You can also watch the next couple of Harry Potter movies without having to attach electrodes to yourself.

[chandler44]

I got some bad news for you Limey.  Those aren't breasts.  They are muscles.

No doubt.

[JaneDoe]

No doubt.

Cabrera comes up swinging

[Matt]

Her coach suggested that the Chinese effed with her concentration which caused her mistakes on the beam and floor exercises.  No one has suggested that her rack may have been the cause of her loss of balance.

I pointed out to my girlfriend before the competition that her breasts were too big for gymnastics.

[Limey]

I pointed out to my girlfriend before the competition that her breasts were too big for gymnastics.

Translation:  You were caught staring at her tits, and you covered it by saying...

[sporadic]

I pointed out to my girlfriend before the competition that her breasts were too big for gymnastics.

so you never said "tits", "titties", "rack", "jugs" or "hooters"...or any variation thereof???  I find it very difficult to use the correct terminology around the fairer sex, which makes a great percentage of them mad....

[Limey]

so you never said "tits", "titties", "rack", "jugs" or "hooters"...or any variation thereof???  I find it very difficult to use the correct terminology around the fairer sex, which makes a great percentage of them mad....

Dirty pillows.

[jonbloozy]

so you never said "tits", "titties", "rack", "jugs" or "hooters"...

Or

EDIT: SFW

[sporadic]

Dirty pillows.

I am both shocked and disappointed that "dirty pillows" does not have a link associated with it.  You are better than that, Limey.

[Jacksonian]

I am both shocked and disappointed that "dirty pillows" does not have a link associated with it.  You are better than that, Limey.

Dirty pillows.

FIFH

[Ty in Tampa]

"Breasts, Mama."

[sporadic]

"Breasts, Mama."

My faith in SnS has been restored.  There for a while I thought I was going to have to sue Limey for 10% of his net worth.

[MusicMan]

Limey caused you a hemorrhoid flareup?

[Matt]

Translation:  You were caught staring at her tits, and you covered it by saying...

haha Nah she's cool and I probably did say rack or tits.  She agreed and said she needed to get them removed for the good of the country.

[MusicMan]

agreed and said she needed to get them removed for the good of the country.

That's just crazy talk.

[sporadic]

Limey caused you a hemorrhoid flareup?

you pose the question like that is uncommon...

[Matt]

That's just crazy talk.

That's true but China's probably the best place to do something like that, if you need to.

[Limey]

Limey caused you a hemorrhoid flareup?

Noe, why are hemorrhoids called hemorrhoids and asteroids called asteroids?  Shouldn't it be the other way around?

[ybbodeus]

.....does looking at him make you wonder if Biggio ever spent any significant time in Minsk after the '84 season?  Does separated at birth apply to bastard children, too?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

you know, I don't care about a possible Cabrera sighting but I'm looking forward to the Women's Javelin throw. She looks real competitive.

[BudGirl]

I am so glad to see that you guys seem to honestly respect all the hard work these females have put forth to get where they are.  It is a true testament to the gentlemen you are. 

[JimR]

I am so glad to see that you guys seem to honestly respect all the hard work these females have put forth to get where they are.  It is a true testament to the gentlemen you are. 

look around, BG. you inadvertently wandered into the boys dressing room at Anywhere Junior High School.

[BudGirl]

look around, BG. you inadvertently wandered into the boys dressing room at Anywhere Junior High School.

Doesn't mean someone should not say something.  I don't even objective Ausmus that much.

[Taras Bulba]

That reverse aging stuff the Chinese have come up with is really something. 

[Gizzmonic]

Doesn't mean someone should not say something.  I don't even objective Ausmus that much.

Tonight's Million Dollar Movie: Objective: Ausmus (1983)

A catcher/male model on the lam is pursued by a sexy federal agent with a deadly secret. Running time: 110 min. ★★

[MusicMan]

I am so glad to see that you guys seem to honestly respect all the hard work these females have put forth to get where they are.  It is a true testament to the gentlemen you are. 

OK, let me say clearly for the record, every single person - male, female, or German - at the Olympics has put in a level of preparation and hard work that i cannot even relate to.

[austro]

OK, let me say clearly for the record, every single person - male, female, or German - at the Olympics has put in a level of preparation and hard work that i cannot even relate to.

Especially the guy who stuffed Alain Bernard's shoulders and chest. That must have taken years.

[Ty in Tampa]

OK, let me say clearly for the record, every single person - male, female, or German - at the Olympics has put in a level of preparation and hard work that i cannot even relate to.

And if they're hot? Well, that's just a bonus.

[MusicMan]

And if they're hot? Well, that's just a bonus.

Athletes are more likely than the average population to be hot, male or female.

[Jacksonian]

Doesn't mean someone should not say something.  I don't even objective Ausmus that much.

That's ok BG.  She can kick all their asses.

[JaneDoe]

That's ok BG.  She can kick all their asses.

Linked for the third time?  Geez.

[BudGirl]

Linked for the third time?  Geez.

I guess it was a good thing that was the first time I clicked on it.

I'm glad I don't usually click on their links.

[jonbloozy]

Is Gizzmonic at the Olympics?

[Jacksonian]

Linked for the third time?  Geez.

Wow.  I don't usually do that.  I got a bit braindead reading this thread.

[JimR]

Wow.  I don't usually do that.  I got a bit braindead reading this thread.

that is because all of the blood rushed out of your brain headed south.

[Jacksonian]

that is because all of the blood rushed out of your brain headed south.

Heh.  I get to see all the 18, 19, and 20 year old very attractive young women wearing skimpy clothing I want, everyday.

[Limey]

I am so glad to see that you guys seem to honestly respect all the hard work these females have put forth to get where they are.  It is a true testament to the gentlemen you are. 

I prefer females who put forth.

[JimR]

I prefer females who put forth.

you just have not found any yet.

[sporadic]

I prefer females who put forth.

my faith in you is now restored

[Limey]

you just have not found any yet.

It's like waiting for Godot.

[chuck]

OK, let me say clearly for the record, every single person - male, female, or German - at the Olympics has put in a level of preparation and hard work that i cannot even relate to.

No. Not when we're spending six hours a day scheming up posts to some whack web forum that accepts the remarks from kooks and shut-ins scattered across the globe.

[Gizzmonic]

Is Gizzmonic at the Olympics?

That's a good costume, but I'm not allowed to wear tights anymore.  People get jealous.

[jonbloozy]

Man, that Lee guy for South Korea (baseball) is pretty good.

EDIT:  Aug 13 USA v S Korea  Box Score (SPOILER)

[Ty in Tampa]

That's a good costume, but I'm not allowed to wear tights anymore.  People get jealous nauseous.

j/k Couldn't resist.

[JimR]

It's like waiting for Godot.

and finding Gotnone.

[T. J.]

That's a good costume, but I'm not allowed to wear tights anymore.  People get jealous.

Is this you?

[jonbloozy]

Is this you?

I don't think it is, 'cause that gay guy is definitely wearing tights

[austro]

Is this you?

Looks like The Tick let himself go a little bit.

[BizidyDizidy]

To even it out for budgirl

http://dealbreaker.com/2008/08/bored_unemployed_were_here_to.php#more

[gleach]

Michael Phelps reminds me of a grown up version of McLovin.  Especially in the Rosetta Stone commercial.

[Taras Bulba]

To even it out for budgirl

http://dealbreaker.com/2008/08/bored_unemployed_were_here_to.php#more

Disturbing.

[BudGirl]

Disturbing.

Why because he doesn't have big boobs?

[Bench]

Why because he doesn't have big boobs?

None of them do.

[MusicMan]

EDSBS, again, correctly pegs Michael Phelps.

[Duman]

Anyone else seen the extra inning rules for the olympics?  Interesting.  I don't like them but their interesting.

Extra innings
In a rule recently passed by the IBAF, there will be a change to the extra-inning format beginning in the 11th inning. In the event of a tie, the 10th inning will be played as normal. In the event of a tie beyond that inning, the manager will decide where in the lineup he wants to start his team's at-bat. The previous two hitters will automatically be placed on on first and second. This rule is designed to increase offense in the extra innings and prevent any marathon games from happening during the time-compressed Olympics.

For example, if Visiting Team A and Home Team B are tied at the end of 10 innings, and the manager of Team A selected to bat his No. 3 hitter first in the 11th inning, then hitters No. 1 and No. 2 will be placed on second and first base, respectively. Should hitters Nos. 3, 4, 5 all be retired in order without a run scored and Team B not score, then the 12th inning will begin with Team A hitter No. 6 with hitters No. 4 and No. 5 on second and first base, respectively. The game will continue in order until a winner is determined.

[Limey]

Anyone else seen the extra inning rules for the olympics?  Interesting.  I don't like them but their interesting.

I have two for this:

1)  If it's offense they want, why not have a penalty shootout home run derby?

and

2)  I hope Bud Selig hasn't seen this, otherwise next year's ASG just got a whole lot more farcical.

[Taras Bulba]

Why because he doesn't have big boobs?

No, because a guy (i'm assuming here) posted some fairly gay looking photos of Phelps and because Phelps somehow allowed himself to be made to look absurd.

[BizidyDizidy]

No, because a guy (i'm assuming here) posted some fairly gay looking photos of Phelps and because Phelps somehow allowed himself to be made to look absurd.

Are you assuming that I'm a guy or that Bess Levin at dealbreaker is? Only one of those would be correct (I won't say which).

[Bench]

I was at a bar and never got a good look at a replay. Did Phelps really beat the other guy to the wall?

[JaneDoe]

I was at a bar and never got a good look at a replay. Did Phelps really beat the other guy to the wall?

you expect human eyes to see a .01 second touch difference? 

[OregonStrosFan]

I was at a bar and never got a good look at a replay. Did Phelps really beat the other guy to the wall?

The Serbs didn't think so, but tape slowed down to one frame every 10-thousandths of a second showed he did.  LINK

The Serbian delegation filed a protest, but conceded that Phelps won after reviewing the tape provided by FINA, swimming's governing body. USA Swimming spokeswoman Jamie Olsen said the tape was slowed to one frame every 10-thousandth of a second to make sure Phelps actually touched first.

It was impossible to tell on regular-speed replays.

"We filed the protest but it is already over," said Branislav Jevtic, Serbia's chief of mission for all sports. "They examined the video and I think the case is closed. The video says (Phelps) finished first.

"In my opinion, it's not right, but we must follow the rules. Everybody saw what happened."

FINA referee Ben Ekumbo of Kenya said there was no doubt who won after a review of the super-slow replay.

"It was very clear that the Serbian swimmer touched second after Michael Phelps," he said. "One was stroking and one was gliding."

[ybbodeus]

No, because a guy (i'm assuming here) posted some fairly gay looking photos of Phelps and because Phelps somehow allowed himself to be made to look absurd.

Were the photos by Annie Leibovitz?  I've heard she knows how to pull off that kidna thing better'n anybody.

[Taras Bulba]

Were the photos by Annie Leibovitz?  I've heard she knows how to pull off that kidna thing better'n anybody.

Disturbing.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Was there ever a more aptly named sprinter than Bolt? Whoa Nelly! That sum bitch can fly. Amazing.

[ybbodeus]

Can't recall seeing that kind of separation between first and second in a 100 meter Olympic race.  Extraordinary dude.  I think he might even have a sub 9.5 in him.

[HudsonHawk]

Can't recall seeing that kind of separation between first and second in a 100 meter Olympic race.  Extraordinary dude.  I think he might even have a sub 9.5 in him.

He would have run a sub 9.5 last night had he not slowed down to wave his arm and beat his chest celebrating with 25 meters still to go in the race.  What Bolt did last night was the equivalent of Michael Phelps swimming in the 100 meter freestyle and turning over and backstroking the last 50 meters and still obliterating the world record.

[JimR]

He would have run a sub 9.5 last night had he not slowed down to wave his arm and beat his chest celebrating with 25 meters still to go in the race.  What Bolt did last night was the equivalent of Michael Phelps swimming in the 100 meter freestyle and turning over and backstroking the last 50 meters and still obliterating the world record.

zero class

[TheWizard]

He definitely hot-dogged it, but at the same time I think the guy was genuinely excited about winning Olympic gold.  The 100m is one of the most exciting events in the whole Olympics IMO, I imagine I'd go batshit crazy in excitement if I just BLEW UP some of the fastest guys in the world.

[MusicMan]

I remember being riveted at Michael Johnson's performance in Atlanta.  But at this point, track and field - especially the sprints - is way, way down my Olympic watchlist.

[MRaup]

I remember being riveted at Michael Johnson's performance in Atlanta.  But at this point, track and field - especially the sprints - is way, way down my Olympic watchlist.

Watching Jamacia melt faces in the sprints is certainly entertaining. Watching the Jamacian women do interviews after said face-melting is hilarious. I understand about every 5th word.

[ybbodeus]

No problem, man?

No problem.

[JimR]

He definitely hot-dogged it, but at the same time I think the guy was genuinely excited about winning Olympic gold.  The 100m is one of the most exciting events in the whole Olympics IMO, I imagine I'd go batshit crazy in excitement if I just BLEW UP some of the fastest guys in the world.

after the race, not during it. totally classless.

[TheWizard]

after the race, not during it. totally classless.

Fair enough.  I agree with you.  I'm not saying its what I would have done, just trying to rationalize it.  I Just think the guy was excited.

[ybbodeus]

Deutschland's hoops team looks a little like an old Purdue team out there.  Keep expecting to see Gene Keady grimmacing on the sidelines.

EDIT:  Watching a delayed feed of the game.  Ugly.

Think the NBA would be more watchable if they lopped 20 or so games off the reg season and adopted international rules?

[Taras Bulba]

I'd pay good money to see Chris Kaman spend the rest of his NBA career taking a knee to the groin.  In every game.

Deutschland uber all that shit, Chris.

[ybbodeus]

I'd pay good money to see Chris Kaman spend the rest of his NBA career taking a knee to the groin.  In every game.

Apparently his dad would, too.
_____________________________
Lucifer's got a new video for Hitler to check out this week in the 9th (or 8th) circle of hell; it's the 2008 USA vs Germany Olympic Basketball game. 

After he gets over the shock of his German team's "impurity", he'll get a real Jesse Owens flashback when he watches the game unfold.  Of course, if he forgets to rewind, Lucifer will make him watch it again.

{They're playing 99 Luftballoons during one of the timeout breaks.  Can David Hasselhoff be next?}

[Matt]

Looks like USA and China got into an epic beanball war

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_10237127

[chuck]

Panama won its first gold medal - Irving Saladino captured the gold in the long jump:

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-oly-ath--saladinosnight&prov=ap&type=lgns

I understand that the traffic in the city - normally absolute chaos - was virtually nil during the event; the city was a ghost town. But I'm sure that Monday night was complete pandemonium.

Unfortunately Saladino lost style points because he failed to begin his celebration mid-flight.

[ETA] Turns out Irving has his own theme song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei3xzWj69qE

I wonder if this will be getting any airplay in Panama in the immediate future.

[DVauthrin]

Anyone see the routine the gymnast from cy fair HS(Horton) did on the high bar?   He was outstanding.   

[HudsonHawk]

Anyone see the routine the gymnast from cy fair HS(Horton) did on the high bar?   He was outstanding.   

I did not.  But Lolo Jones is hot.  A Lolo Jones/Leryn Franco threeway would be a nice change of pace from Rachel Ray/Katie Couric.

[Limey]

I did not.  But Lolo Jones is hot.  A Lolo Jones/Leryn Franco threeway would be a nice change of pace from Rachel Ray/Katie Couric.

Leyna has time on her hands now.  Shame.

[sporadic]

Was there ever a more aptly named sprinter than Bolt? Whoa Nelly! That sum bitch can fly. Amazing.

19.30 in the 200M...Dude is a freaking blur

[Astroholic]

Leyna has time on her hands now.  Shame.

Looks very good and I could not agree more re: Lolo.

[Astroholic]

19.30 in the 200M...Dude is a freaking blur

Those races were the most dominate 100 and 200 I have ever seen. 

[Taras Bulba]

Those races were the most dominate 100 and 200 I have ever seen. 

Bolt had nothing on the time when my cousin and I ran to and up a mesquite tree just ahead of a bull.  My dog was both impressed and highly amused.

[JimR]

Bolt had nothing on the time when my cousin and I ran to and up a mesquite tree just ahead of a bull.  My dog was both impressed and highly amused.

how about the high jump at the end of the sprint from the ground to the safety limb?

[JackAstro]

I did not.  But Lolo Jones is hot.  A Lolo Jones/Leryn Franco threeway would be a nice change of pace from Rachel Ray/Katie Couric.

Amen.

[HudsonHawk]

Amen.

The other thing I liked about Jones was even in the wake of the most disappointing race of her life, she could not have been more gracious.  Her grace and class are almost as hot as her long legs.

[JimR]

The other thing I liked about Jones was even in the wake of the most disappointing race of her life, she could not have been more gracious.  Her grace and class are almost as hot as her long legs.

ditto Sanya Richards after her disappointing race. she accepted the bad break with maturity and class.

[JackAstro]

The other thing I liked about Jones was even in the wake of the most disappointing race of her life, she could not have been more gracious.  Her grace and class are almost as hot as her long legs.

Agreed. Apparently NBC wasn't looking for perspective or grace, leading to her being stalked in the tunnel with the ultra-telephoto shot of her sobbing. Stay classy, NBC.

[HudsonHawk]

Agreed. Apparently NBC wasn't looking for perspective or grace, leading to her being stalked in the tunnel with the ultra-telephoto shot of her sobbing. Stay classy, NBC.

Yeah, that was kinda low.  They grabbed her right after the race looking for her to breakdown, but she went out of her way to smile and say she was grateful for the opportunity, tried her best, and congratulate the medalists.  I suppose that wasn't enough for NBC, so they had to run her down in what should have been a private moment.  Oh, and did I mention her long legs?

[DVauthrin]

Yeah, that was kinda low.  They grabbed her right after the race looking for her to breakdown, but she went out of her way to smile and say she was grateful for the opportunity, tried her best, and congratulate the medalists.  I suppose that wasn't enough for NBC, so they had to run her down in what should have been a private moment.  Oh, and did I mention her long legs?

This kind of journalism disgusts me.   Instead of covering a story, they want to create the story that they think people will watch.   And i'd agree Jones was/is attractive.

[HudsonHawk]

And i'd agree Jones was/is attractive.

She's my new Olympic honey.  There's just something about a woman who can lie on the bed and put her feet on the ceiling.

[austro]

Ooops. After the US women's softball team spent the week complaining about how they were being punished for being so dominant, they neglected to seal the deal in the gold medal game.

[Andyzipp]

By the way, to whomever made the decision to have the two tall girls play beach volleyball in the rain in their white bikini's...

Bravo!

[JimR]

Ooops. After the US women's softball team spent the week complaining about how they were being punished for being so dominant, they neglected to seal the deal in the gold medal game.

obviously, there also are SBGs.

[ybbodeus]

Would they be gods or goddesses?  Equal opportunity offenders and all.

By the way, it appears that Bolt got the message in terms of winning with class, with his somewhat subdued performance in comparison.  Then again, I've been to Jamaica; his act at the end of the 100 was upper crust Rhode Island compared to a lot of the $hit that goes on there.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

By the way, to whomever made the decision to have the two tall girls play beach volleyball in the rain in their white bikini's...

Bravo!

There were many good decisions involving that match.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0808/oly.beijing.day13/content.5.html

[MusicMan]

I was not all that excited about the beach volleyball.

But in the rain... oh my goodness, the rain...

[ybbodeus]

Both girls were strong in focus and relentless in execution, but May-Treanor was just outstanding, particularly in those glorious God-sent weather conditions.  As we speak, descendants of Browning are amending, Home Thoughts from Abroad to read "Oh, to have HDTV now."

Undersung highlight of the night (for me, anyway), was Walter Dix's reaction to getting moved up to the bronze....going from 5th to 4th initially and then to 3rd eventually, as tapes were reviewed & runners dq'd (almost a Johnny Cochrane there...sorry).

As his girlfriend/wife/sister/whoever jumps all over him with congratulatory hugs and praise, the Florida State star demonstrates nothing remotely celebratory, as he meekly replies, "I still lost."  His reaction was beautiful in its simplicity...a polite way of saying, "Fuck third, man, I was trying to win."  

It's reassuring to see that at least one man has lost sight of the Olympic ideal.

[JackAstro]

I was not all that excited about the beach volleyball.

But in the rain... oh my goodness, the rain...

That's funny, you look pretty excited. And yes, we'll be cracking that out here and there for the duration of the games.

I thought I was just showing up for a repeat of this patriotic moment, but that turned out to be a hell of a fun match to watch. An absolutely dominant performance by May.

[ybbodeus]

They stopped a tad shy of anything remotely "repeat" in terms of similar post-win celebration coupling last night.

[austro]

Gotta love the Serbian water polo coach's shirt with the back-to-back mud-flap babes on it.

[matadorph]

USA in a battle with Spain right now for the gold. I can't believe how these eurodouches have hung close. Rudy Fernandez can play.

[matadorph]

Fuckin Pau just knocks down a three to make it a five-point game with three minutes left.

[matadorph]

OH SHIT KOBE WITH THE GIGANTIC THREE!!

and he's fouled!

and that's five on Rudy.

[matadorph]

Man, this Navarro guy is just destroying our guards.

[matadorph]

Ya'll are sleeping through an awesome international basketball game.

Kobe puts the US up by nine with his big shot only for Navarro and Jimenez to nail a couple of big ones to whittle the lead down to four.

Thankfully, King James hits a big one and the US has the lead back to seven with just under two minutes remaining.

[matadorph]

Whew. Jimenez missed a wide open three with Spain down by six. Kobe takes it to the rim for a key bucket.

USA 113-105 with about a minute left.

[matadorph]

Redeem Team does it! USA wins basketball gold.

Suck it, Spain.

[Bench]

So... what happened in the basketball game?

[Limey]

For those of you watching the closing ceremonies, yes, Boris Johnson is a classic twit.  Also, how London is going to follow that, I have no idea.

[BudGirl]

For those of you watching the closing ceremonies, yes, Boris Johnson is a classic twit.  Also, how London is going to follow that, I have no idea.

Just put Harry in a speedo and have him walk around.

[TheWizard]

Ya'll are sleeping through an awesome international basketball game.

Kobe puts the US up by nine with his big shot only for Navarro and Jimenez to nail a couple of big ones to whittle the lead down to four.

Thankfully, King James hits a big one and the US has the lead back to seven with just under two minutes remaining.

I stayed up to watch.  There was absolutely no defense, but it was awesome.  Finally Kobe stepped up offensively.

[Limey]

Just put Harry in a speedo and have him walk around.

I heard the horrific idea that the centrepiece will involve David Beckham kicking a football from the top of a bus.  I may have to go into hiding.

[Andyzipp]

I heard the horrific idea that the centrepiece will involve David Beckham kicking a football from the top of a bus.  I may have to go into hiding.

He hit a member of the Japanese contingent square in the jaw.

The Japanese individual seemed thrilled as he/she covered his/her mouth when he/she giggled uncontrolably.

[austro]

For those of you watching the closing ceremonies, yes, Boris Johnson is a classic twit.  Also, how London is going to follow that, I have no idea.

I was watching that and thinking "this is the mayor of London?" Did he receive no coaching at all?

[Andyzipp]

I was watching that and thinking "this is the mayor of London?" Did he receive no coaching at all?

"I seen wrong nothin'."

-Tom Menino, Mayor of Boston.

[Limey]

I was watching that and thinking "this is the mayor of London?" Did he receive no coaching at all?

It is a relatively new office and I believe he is the second holder.  He should be bumbling around a university library, or something, not bumbling around in the middle of the Olympic Closing Ceremonies.  Maybe he'll be out of office before 2012 rolls around...

[Limey]

"I seen wrong nothin'."

-Tom Menino, Mayor of Boston.

"Chat away. I'll just amuse myself with some pornographic playing cards. "

-Joe Quimby, Mayor of Springfield.

[chuck]

I heard the horrific idea that the centrepiece will involve David Beckham kicking a football from the top of a bus.  I may have to go into hiding.

I guess this is as good a time as any to revisit an older thread and say that I sat across the aisle from Beckham on a flight last month. There was some scruffy looking guy sitting there in a sort of Marine's cap (they've become very fashionable while I wasn't paying attention) that boarding passengers were making quite a fuss over. I finally looked up from my reading and realized who it was.

Favorite Ali G moment, interviewing Beckham and Posh and asking about Brooklyn - 'Do you want 'im to be a foo'ballah like 'is dad, er a singah, like Mariah Carey?'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irK9ekBPen0

[Nate in IA]

For those of you watching the closing ceremonies, yes, Boris Johnson is a classic twit.  Also, how London is going to follow that, I have no idea.

I was wondering about that.  Looked like they just picked some bloke up off the street and gave him a "ride on that big shiny flying machine".   Taking the stairs two at a time?!?   Decorum didn't seem to be a word he was familiar with.

[Limey]

I was wondering about that.  Looked like they just picked some bloke up off the street and gave him a "ride on that big shiny flying machine".   Taking the stairs two at a time?!?   Decorum didn't seem to be a word he was familiar with.

"Reality" is another.

[ybbodeus]

For those of you watching the closing ceremonies, yes, Boris Johnson is a classic twit.

How would he fare in the TWIT OLYMPICS? 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KH0FySlqWs

  Also, how London is going to follow that, I have no idea.

  They'll probably lop a few billion in infrastructure expenditures off the top for starters.  Any early favorites for who gets the privilege of lighting the torch?  May I presume someone from this group....Roger Bannister, Sebastian Coe, Linford Christie, Daley Thompson or maybe Mary Peters or Tessa Sanderson? 

Or do you think they'd sell out and give the honor to the pretty soccer boy? 

[Limey]

Any early favorites for who gets the privilege of lighting the torch?  May I presume someone from this group....Roger Bannister, Sebastian Coe, Linford Christie, Daley Thompson or maybe Mary Peters or Tessa Sanderson? 

Or do you think they'd sell out and give the honor to the pretty soccer boy? 

Fatima Whitbread

[Waldo]

How would he fare in the TWIT OLYMPICS? 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KH0FySlqWs

One of my favorite sketches ever.  "And Oliver has run himself over.  What a great twit!"

[Jacksonian]

Fatima Whitbread

I thought the greatest olympian in British history was Ben Cross.

[ybbodeus]

Fatima Whitbread

Seeing a woman with a larger bulge than ones's own can be a rather disconcerting moment.  Are you sure that isn't Leo Sayer, though?

[JimR]

Seeing a woman with a larger bulge than ones's own can be a rather disconcerting moment.  Are you sure that isn't Leo Sayer, though?

you study your "bulge" a lot, do you?

[ybbodeus]

It was a hypothetical.

[tophfar]

It was a hypothetical.

your bulge is hypothetical?

[BudGirl]

your bulge is hypothetical?

that's what she said.

[ybbodeus]

your bulge is hypothetical?

Not as a going concern.

[JimR]

your bulge is hypothetical?

so was she

[ybbodeus]

You're on a roll.  And speakin' a rolls, I better stfu....STAT!