armchairgm
all sports, all you
+ Add Friends
You are not logged-in.
Sign Up - Log In
Main Page
Sports
Write
Articles
Hot Links
Images
Meet People
Fun
Explore
MLB - NFL - NBA - NHL - College Basketball - College Football - Soccer - Nascar - Other
Article - Locker Room Discussion
All Articles - New Articles - Today's Articles
Submit a Link - Approve Links
Picture Game - Ratings - Polls - Pick Game - Quiz Game - Spring Silliness
Random Page - Random Image - Random Fan

The Lockerroom

This is a the place to discuss the site, community issues, discuss ideas for opinions, and other things related to the community but not specifically about sports. You can add something to the locker room by clicking the link.

Edit
Page history Discuss pageWhat links here

2008 Olympics Day 1 Open Thread

Posted by SSreporters
508 days ago


[edit] NOTE: No political discussions here......castration is the penalty, no exceptions.

The opening ceremonies will be the start of the official opening day of the Olympics. Live broadcast is on at 7:00 AM ET..in the US..if you have the CBC, because NBC are airing their first part of Olympic coverage at 7:30 PM ET/PT. No worries, Alex should be up at 11:00 AM his time to talk about how snooker should be an Olympic event. ;-)


In the late evening there should be some sports events like basketball, I got to check the schedule, but enjoy the Olympics.


PS: I'm jumping the gun since the games don't start for another 8 hours and I don't feel like waking up at 4 in the morning for 35 worthless points. That, and I'm pumped that the games are finally here.


Leave your predictions, women's beach volleyball pictures, Michael Phelps crushes, and thoughts, and see you tomorrow morning.

Enable Comment Auto-Refresher
SSreportersLegend
508 days ago
Score 4+-
I'll begin.


EVP_women_Volleyball_2_250.jpg
Permalink | Reply
Pittsburgh GunnyMajor Leaguer
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Good begining, or is it behind.
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 0+-
And, for which country does she play?
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 1+-
According to Yahoo, the first event doesn't start until 6:30pm ET, so it doesn't look like I will miss anything while at work. I just saw the Pictures of the opening ceremony, I hope we get to see some coverage of that tonight.
Permalink | Reply
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I'm watching it right now--it's not very often that being in an Australian time zone has been beneficial for my viewing schedule. The performance portion was quite impressive. They are in the middle of the athlete's march right now, still waiting on the U.S. (and Australian) teams. Also looking for Germany with Dirk Nowitzki bearing the flag.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Argentina just entered the stadium, led by Manu Ginobili. Those Argentinians look like they know how to have some fun.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Russia, led by AK-47, is in the house.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Russia immediately followed by the United States--this could go on for a while. I dig the hats. Just showed George and Laura in the crowd. Sightings of Tyson Gay, Michael Phelps, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.
TV presenters said the flag bearer is a Sudanese refugee, but I didn't catch the name. Anyone know about this?
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 1+-
He was kidnapped as a child and forced to be a boy soldier in Sudan. He later escaped his from his captors with 2 other young men and walked all the way into Kenya where they were picked up by the Kenyan military. He was then sent by an international organization to the US to be adopted by an American family and given a second chance at a normal life. He has been in the states since he was a teenager and considers the US his homeland. He was picked by his peers to carry the flag for what he called his Homeland.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Roger Federer leads in the Swiss. Olympic gold, or is Nadal going to cement his dominance in tennis?
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Thanks, ST--he has a similar story to some boys at the school I teach at. Do you have his name?
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Lopez Lomong. Last summer I read "A Long Way Home: Memiors of A Boy Soldier" It was an eye opener to say the least.
Permalink
JuTMSY4Legend
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Lopez Lomong
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Finally--there's Germany and Dirk Nowitzki, sporting a fresh haircut. Just Dirk, not all the Germans. Although there are two athletes wearing water polo balls on their head.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Thanks for the link, JuT, and the book, ST. I'll be sure to put that on my list.
Permalink
JuTMSY4Legend
507 days ago
Score 2+-
Don't forget Lomong's presence is a total slap in the face to china, given their thoughts/actions with the Sudan...
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi! The crowd gives a cheer, but only because the Chinese team is getting close.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
And there's China, led by Yao Ming. He's tall.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Alongside Yao is a nine year old boy, not quite as tall. Barely comes up to Yao's knees. He is so honored because he helped assist classmates to safely during the earthquake earlier this year.
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 1+-
I got this from a Yahoo article on Lopez Lomong today "BEIJING – Lopez Lomong visited his own gravesite last year. Having lost hope after their son was abducted as a 6-year-old boy, Lomong’s parents buried his belongings near their home in Sudan. The reunited family returned to the site in December, dug up the possessions and, before Lomong returned to the country he now calls home, he bought them a TV on which they’ll watch the next step of his remarkable journey."
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
That's one of the most unbelievable things I have ever heard. I have occasionally heard about obituaries that ran accidentally, but to visit your own grave is surreal. Thanks for sharing that, ST.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Just showed a couple close-ups of athletes in the crowd. Kobe gave a hang loose gesture--did I just time-warp back twenty years? Also, Dirk looks like he has something shaved in the side of his head, but I couldn't identify it. Anyone?
Permalink
JuTMSY4Legend
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Fantastic...I'm going to ignore AGM for the next few weeks because I'm trying not to have someone spoil it for me... SSR, Just gonna toss this out there...some of us have jobs, y'know
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Well some of us don't.


- Chad Pennington
Permalink
ThecrookedcapAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 4+-
Perhaps we should establish some of "Olympic Coverage" protocol? Vague titles (i.e. USA-Netherlands men's soccer reaction) only with (SPOILER) in the name?
Permalink | Reply
JuTMSY4Legend
507 days ago
Score 1+-
amongst the established users, it seems like a great idea (because most of us can agree to it..because we're generally nice people that way)...

The real hitch would be for those who watch site scout (I do it at work)...I can't say I expect everyone to write (Spoiler) before every comment...

but yeah CC, I think its a good idea...
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Great idea, CC. JuT is right about site scout, but that just might have to be avoided at work for a couple weeks. A minor inconvenience, but better than staying away altogether.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Well I caught the ending, it was a very good ceremony, no problems, it went off flawlessly, and the flame lighting was pretty cool. Three time gymnastics goal medalist, Ni Ling, lit the torch by being lifted up to the top of the stadium, circling it, and lighting the torch.
Permalink | Reply
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I have only seen pictures so far, but it looks like it was pretty cool.
Permalink
Steel TownDraft Pick
507 days ago
Score 1+-
The good news is that so far there are only three Americans now sitting in Chinese jails.
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Way to go FOX, ESPN, and CBS Sportsline for making Brett Favre more important than the friggin Olympics.


Leave me alone with my Ron MacLean.
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I hate these ceremonies. Thank god the performance is starting
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
This was a lot more awesome when I saw it when the Korean news network broke the story. However, the whole set up is pretty amazing, I have to say
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
holy crap, that's a crazy countdown. They're making a digital clock out of the performers
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Ugh, I hate this part. They have to say everything in 3 languages (English, French, and Mandarin Chinese)
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I guess I'm here alone. W/e. I can deal with that. I've been gone for a bit, so I feel entitled to make up for my lack of comments
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Jesus, this is crazy. They're using glow sticks to create what look like waves
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Wow, they've gone all out for this. They've got a bunch of performers on strings, and they've got the olympic rings to look like they're floating in front of the audience.
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
All these kids look so nice and happy. (Sorry, this is me trying to not talk about politics here.)
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Ugh, this commentary is such crap. I honestly want to go out to China and punch the guy who's speaking (not Costas, but the other guy)
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
ugh, it's pronounced fung-shway, not Fêng-shway
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
This caligraphy is amazing. They've got a giant LED screen that they're using to display it
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
CBC pwns! Long live Ron Maclean!
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Probably the best ceremony I have ever seen.
Permalink | Reply
Manny StilesMajor Leaguer
507 days ago
Score 0+-
You've been alive for all of what - 3, 4 of them?
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Note I never said Olympic event.
Permalink
Manny StilesMajor Leaguer
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I didn't either.
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Wonderful--G.O.A.T talk has expanded to ceremonies.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score -1+-
That comment by you Taytay may be the greatest post I've ever seen.


(crickets)


I'll stick to the women's volleyball.


BeachVolleyball.jpg
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
yeah, this is just amazing. Too bad for the people of china that their government probably spent like 60% of it's annual budget on this stuff, so they better hope people by a lot of stuff. The guy I hate is Matt Lauer (whom I've hated for a while), and whoever their stupid "china correspondant" is
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Why the heck is that relevant?
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
here comes the official introductions
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
http://maps....amp;ct=image that's malaysia. Just in case you're as dumb as NBC
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Gambia's outfits are just awesome. Most people are in a suit and tie, and they show up in matching robes and hats
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I did not know that Brazil has not won an Olympic Gold medal in soccer. That's pretty shocking, imo
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
20 more countries until the US. Some of these nations are smaller that the spectators at the stadium, and some of those could probably be conquered by the security here
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Template:Team USA Fan
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Image:USA.jpg This user is a TEAM USA fan.
In every event.


They picked a refugee from sudan to be the falg barer.

Phelps was not in attendance, as his events are too close.

Jason Kidd, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony all got camera attention.

Btw, the name for the team is the "Redeem Team", or so says Costas.
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
btws, http://www.y...=Sz3Qs6AVxAE
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I have dubbed that the theme song for Team USA on AGM.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Sounds like the US was booed.....


And George Bush was definitely booed.
Permalink
Manny StilesMajor Leaguer
507 days ago
Score 0+-
They were saying "Boo-ush"... Apparently I'm watching it an hour behind you guys because of the time zone differences, so stop spoiling it for me!!! =)
Permalink
Taytay 24All-American
507 days ago
Score 0+-
You want to take a song that mocks out-of-control American jingoism and make it the U.S. athlete's theme song?
Weird.
Permalink
KelsdadAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
change your mind, Manny? Again
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Thanks for the minus whoever you are.....
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Why not? It's a hilarious song, Taytay. And it was more of a joke than being serious. I've just been in a mood where I've been using that song a lot for different purposes
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
USA will win the most gold, most medals, China will be 2nd, sorry.


Swimming will be their top sport, they will win the men's basketball but lose the women's to Russia.


Phelps will win every event, and Usain Bolt will win the 100m and 200m.



Cycling is currently on, but since I know jack about that, I won't touch that, see you all tomorrow.
Permalink | Reply
Manny StilesMajor Leaguer
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Did you say Russia will beat the U.S. in women's basketball???? Log off.
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
It's true Manny, all the russian women are doped up so they'll be able to win the gold.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 1+-
Why not?


My predictions can't nearly be off the wall as your endless Suns talk year in and year out about how this is a title team.
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
China is entering the stadium.

Yao Ming is the flag bearer, and the Chinese president rises to salute.

His wife and son are there with him. His son escaped the earthquake, then rescued multiple classmates. That's a hero. (His son's pretty tall as well).

No special outfits for them, just a red and yellow jacket and shirt (probably ran out of money) and white pants.
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
The games have officially begun, and now they raise the olympic flag
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Time for the Olympic anthem, performed in greek by a children's chorus.
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
The torch lighting ceremony begins
Permalink | Reply
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Xu Haifeng brings the torch into the stadium, a former pistol gold medalist. Gao Min, a former springboard gold medalist takes the torch from him
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
no. 3 of 8 is Li Xaoshung - who is tied for the most olympic medals from china Zhan Xugang is no 4, a former weighlifter
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
no 5 Shang Jun, a gold medalist in 2000 and 2004 in badmittion (wtf?)
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
no 6: Chen Zhong - Tae Kwon Do gold medalist btw - I liked the torch relay in Athens better than this one. That was a lot more entertaining
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
no. 7: Sun Junfang who was a famous volleyball player in china (no, SSR, not like your pick)

Li Ning is the final torch bearer, who won 3 gold medals in the LA olympics.

HOLY SHIT!!!!

I won't spoil this for you since the other readers/posters are delayed, but WOW!!! I retract my statement. This is amazing. If you didn't see it, you have no idea what you missed
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 1+-
wow, screw it. SPOILER ALERT:

They lifted Ning up to make it look like he was flying, then he looks like he's walking across a screen that surounds the stadium's upper reaches. As the screen turns on/"unrolls", it shows a membrane of spirals that gets replaced by images of the torch relay around the world (none of the protests, of course).

This is ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY AMAZING!!!

They airlifted the screen down 30 mins before hand. The images go in order, and then he lights a path that spirals up to the torch. Just amazing, what they've done. You've gotta find a way to see it if you aren't/won't be watching it live
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
I love the fact that you're "live blogging" something that happened a solid 12 hours ago. ;-)
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Badminton is a popular Southeastern Asia sport, and Indonesia is ranked #1 in the world in the men's.


It's pretty fun once you get used to the pace.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
JFC, it's just a joke, I know most of you didn't know what was going on.
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
uhh, by the looks of it, you started it.

Additionally, it's only now being broadcast in the US. If you have an issue with it, I'd advise not starting a live blog for it.

Also, I take it you weren't watching then. Cuz if you were, you'd know that it's worth live blogging
Permalink
False ProphetAll-Star
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Badmitton's fun. When I had to play it in PE, I just played with a friend, and then hyped my lack of any skill whatsoever at it as badmitton being discriminatory against me ;)
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
SPOILER: The first medals have been handed out in the women's 10m air rifle competitions.


Gold - Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic


Silver- Lioubov Galkina of Russia


Bronze - Snjezana Pejcic of Croatia


Du Li of China, the defending champion, finished 5th.


Jamie Beyerle, the lone US participant, finished 4th.
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Check that, Beyerle is the lones US finalist, another American did not advance in the qualifying stages.
Permalink
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
Currently Men's gymnastics is on, with an incredible story. Kyle Shewfelt shatter both legs after falling badly at the world championships in Stuttgart, but is back and is on the Canadian team.


Michael Phelps will begin his quest for 8 gold medals later in the morning.


The US team currently tops in scoring in men's gymnastics, with Italy 2nd and Spain 3rd.
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score 0+-
SPOILER: Australia beat Belarus 83-64 in their women's basketball opener.


Italy beat Russia 3 sets to 1 in women's volleyball (indoor).


That could be it from me, I plan to be off at 10:00 PM PT.
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score -1+-
MEDAL ALERT: Chen Xiexia broke an Olympic record and won China its first gold medal in weightlifting. She lifted 117 kg in the clean and jerk, as well as 95 kg in the snatch, combined for 212 kg, the most ever lifted.


Gold - Chen Xiexia of China


Silver - Ozkan Sibel of Turkey, lifting 199 kg.


Bronze - Chen Wei-Ling of Chinese Taipei, lifting 196 kg.
Permalink | Reply
SSreportersLegend
507 days ago
Score -1+-
Well, I'm going to sign off, so this person who enjoys this pointless minussing will have to find other comments from me.


Just to leave this incredible opening night of the Olympics, it was 40 years ago that an AGMers family had a significant role in managing an Olympic side. Probably the most special moment sporting wise in my family occurred in Mexico City, when my grandfather (father's side) led the Guyanese Olympic team as manager (and led them as an alternate in 1972 Munich after the death of the main one).


He was there when Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists high for black pride, he was there when the horrific shootings in Munich occurred.


I'm sad that he passed before I was born, if my dad isn't lying (and I know he doesn't about his dad), he would've been a great grandfather to look up to, and listen to him about how it was like to be part of the world's largest sporting event.


Good night, and enjoy the Olympics.
Permalink | Reply
Anonymous Fanatic #1
496 days ago
Score 0+-
Dude, I know this is 10 days ago, but:

"His wife and son are there with him. His son escaped the earthquake, then rescued multiple classmates. That's a hero. (His son's pretty tall as well). "

Thats not his son, guy doesnt even have a son. I hope that was some ignorant commentator who said that and not something you came up with on your own.
Permalink | Reply
Add your Comment
ArmchairGM welcomes all comments. If you don't want to be anonymous, Register or Login. It's free

Categories: Lockerroom | Lockerroom by User SSreporters | August 8, 2008 | August 2008 | USA fans

Latest Posts

Just a Friendly How Are You?
Happy Birthday Rawbeezeitz!
Happy Birthday to....
So if you're a Mets fan...
AGM Superlicious Prognoguesstimation League Week 6

In the News

Hey ArmchairGM users! Want to help the admins update this news section? Click here to help us out.

Take a Poll

Did Babe Ruth ever get sick on hotdogs during a Yankees Game?
Yes No

Retrieved from "http://armchairgm.wikia.com/Lockerroom:2008_Olympics_Day_1_Open_Thread"

This page was last modified 03:48, 8 August 2008. Content is available under the GFDL.

Main Page About Special Pages Help Terms of Use Advertise