For sports discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Michael Phelps.
I know people probably want to discuss something other than the Olympics, and they should feel free. However, did last night's extraordinary finish by Phelps seal his status as an American sports legend? If you haven't seen it (or even if you have!), please watch this video of last night's race (available here). Pay particular attention to the super slo-mo which shows Cavic in clear position to touch the wall first, but a determined Phelps doing the seemingly impossible.
Also, don't miss the stunned expression on Michael's mom's face, as well as the coach's reaction. This video is really one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
Finally, check out what Mark Spitz has to say.
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Spitz one classy guy...
August 16, 2008 - 11:03 ET by Dr_LibertyFrom the linked story:
Spitz added: "I always wondered what my feelings would be. I feel a tremendous load off my back. Somebody told me years ago you judge one's character by the company you keep, and I'm just happy to be in the company of Michael Phelps. That's the bottom line."
I wish more athletes had that class. The media have been cultivating athletes as megalomaniacs. I can't remember if it was Nike or Gatorade that has a commercial of 30 seconds of trash talking -- "my best is better than your best."
I still think rodeo should be an olympic sport.
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Rodeo as an Olympic Sport
August 16, 2008 - 11:14 ET by Dr_LibertyIt is so important that I need to repeat my comment above. Rodeo should be an Olympic sport.
Rodeo has the classiest athletes bar none.
And I think that NB's next poll should be whether rodeo should be an Olympic sports.
All people who agree with me give a rodeo shout out! Yee haw!!
<insert witty signature here>
DL
August 16, 2008 - 11:17 ET by Noel SheppardDL,
I went to my first rodeo a few months ago. What a blast. People that haven't seen it live have no idea what they're missing. ns
Steer Wrestlin'
August 16, 2008 - 12:48 ET by Dr_LibertyI think my favorite event at rodeo is steer wrestling, or at least the one I have the most respect for the athletes. I know the bronc and bull riding is more popular, but I don't think people know how much it takes to take down a steer -- even one of those young 'uns.
A neighbor raises cows and you can go to one of the small steers and put your arms around its neck and then realize how muscular their neck is. Steer wrestling seems to be something akin to twisting a redwood tree with your bare hands. Granted that the wranglers get a running start on the cow with their horse, but it has just gotta be difficult. I think a fair number of steer wrestlers used to be high school and college linebackers.
<insert witty signature here>
George Strait's son Bubba
August 16, 2008 - 16:09 ET by ricklailGeorge Strait's son Bubba was a Texas high school champ bull rider. What ever happened to him? Did he join the circuit?
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
Bubba
August 16, 2008 - 17:19 ET by ChaitealoverAccording to wikipedia, Bubba graduated from Texas A&M and is pursuing a career in team roping. I saw him playing backup for his dad on a televised concert once or twice, too.
Chai
“The beauty of our system isn’t that we have the right to vote. No, the nice thing is that people who are too dumb or lazy or uninformed to bother casting a ballot aren’t compelled to vote.” —Burt Prelutsky
Bubba Strait
August 16, 2008 - 18:37 ET by Dr_LibertyI remember Bubba's name come up when I was watching the fall season of rodeo last year -- might have been the Salinas Rodeo (which is pronounced like the street in Beverly Hills). I don't recall seeing him ride, though. He may have raced in the first go 'round and not qualified for the later rounds, which are the ones that are typically televised.
So my short answer is that I do think he is active but not highly ranked.
...but if you dad is a multimillionaire singer, I guess that's okay too. (Nothing bad about George, who happens to be remarkably low key for somebody of his talent and fame. Love his last two CDs.)
<insert witty signature here>
street
August 17, 2008 - 17:55 ET by cheesegraterThere's a Salinas street in Beverly Hills?
I miss the rodeo. I got my
August 16, 2008 - 13:58 ET by ricklailI miss the rodeo. I got my first taste in the town of Gatesville, TX when I was stationed at Fort Hood. Before moving down here we used to go every month to the Rocking K Ranch outside of Charlotte. My son in law was on the medical staff there and sometimes rode bulls. My 3 year old grandson was a mutton buster. They don't have rodeos here in eastern NC. There is a place near here where they ride bulls on Sunday afternoons but that is a bunch of rednecks having a few cold ones and riding.
My son in law used to work a lot of rodeos on the medical staff. He got to be good friends with Jerome Davis. I got to meet him once. He sure was a nice guy.
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
DrL... Well this one's
August 16, 2008 - 14:03 ET by bigtimerDrL...
Well this one's for you....
YeeHaw!
I couldn't agree with you more.
When I lived in the area I used to get to go to the Snake River Stampede...what a blast!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
poor animals
August 16, 2008 - 14:28 ET by ort777What about PETA? Those poor animals!
Just kidding, of course. Those dudes are tough.
Poor animals!?!
August 16, 2008 - 14:34 ET by FastEdYou were talking about those puppie killers at PETA, right? Unless of course your talking about People Eating Tasty Animals!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
PETA Pockets
August 16, 2008 - 18:40 ET by Dr_LibertyI have yet to attend a rodeo where PETA has been protesting and I always look forward to it. I have heard that they protest rodeos, but I would imagine that it wouldn't be that good of an idea given that probably 70% of the audience is armed and not likely to be too open to PETA's message.
I was just at the local farm & feed store today and saw one of the greatest tee-shirts. It said "My favorite animal is steak." (Sadly, the ones they had left were either too small for me or too big for my son.)
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I think rodeo is way too
August 17, 2008 - 18:04 ET by balboaI think rodeo is way too regional a sport for the Olympics. How many countries even hold rodeos?
boa.... Say what...how
August 17, 2008 - 18:08 ET by bigtimerboa....
Say what...how about North Korea....come on...get real here!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I don't have any idea how
August 17, 2008 - 18:14 ET by balboaI don't have any idea how many countries have rodeos. That's why I asked. So North Korea does, us, Canada, probably Mexico, who else?
Hey boa... ....LOL... I
August 17, 2008 - 18:22 ET by bigtimerHey boa...
....LOL...
I guess I should have put sarc at the end of my post...figured you would know that after all this time together.
Everybody should love a rodeo....heck that's what our govt. is.
Talk about Bull.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Haha. Whoops...shows you how
August 17, 2008 - 18:38 ET by balboaHaha. Whoops...shows you how much I know about the sport. I was willing to believe they had it in North Korea!
I imagine the Rodeo Federation, or whatever, has tried to get it included.
That's not very tolerant
August 17, 2008 - 18:08 ET by Free StinkerThat's not very tolerant Bal.
Tsk tsk. ;-)
"They're both doofuses!" --Mark Levin (speaking of Obama and McCain)
crazy finish
August 16, 2008 - 11:16 ET by candanceCavic thought he had it and took a second too long on his final stroke. In slow motion it looks like his hands are just lingering a foot from the wall, allowing Phelps to chop that last stroke and slam the wall in a hurry.
Not taking anything away from Phelps, just saying it was that close.
And Cavic sounds like a whiner now. As they say, it doesn't matter who has the lead, it matters when you hit the wall.
It looks like one of those moments where time stands still and the universe takes over. And we were all lucky to witness it. :)
Speaking of Bigfoot - part II
August 16, 2008 - 11:23 ET by Dr_LibertyAnd speaking of bigfoot (part II), did anybody see the hands of Phelps when he is up on the medal stand. That dude has some enormous paws -- it is no wonder he hit the wall 0.01 seconds faster.
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The man is huge
August 16, 2008 - 11:35 ET by dbodid anybody see the hands of Phelps
His wingspan is 6 feet 7 inches!
Why am I not surprised.....
August 16, 2008 - 13:08 ET by JamesonLewis3rdMSN, in its tyrannical bigotry, will not permit me to view the video.
Why?
I don't use Microsoft products.
Nice of them, eh?
________________
Hebrews 11:8
Jeremiah 33:3
How 'bout 'em Dawgs
August 16, 2008 - 14:11 ET by ricklailI got my weekly edition of the Sporting News and they have picked, drum roll please, the Jawja Bulldogs to win it all. They've got a pretty tough row to hoe to get there. I am predicting now that the SEC champ whether it be Jawja, The Gators or LSU will be the national champ. Knowshawm Moreno will give Tim Tebow a run for his money for the Heisman.
You Buckeye and Trojan fans just go ahead and admit the SEC is the best.
The Big 12 looks like they have the best QB's in the country but it is defense played like the Dawgs play that win championships.
By the way, TSN is saying my Heels might win 8 games. Sure hope one of them is over the Irish. A loss to Carolina will surely doom Weis.
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
Hey Rick!!!! SEC All the way, Baby!
August 16, 2008 - 14:21 ET by BlondeReading through the Sports OT....wanted to comment on the rodeo, but natch....Gators first!
Georgia has the hardest schedule in the SEC this year (kind of like we usually have, LOL). They get to play both of their West opponents (Auburn & LSU) in the West, and of course, Jax is considered home territory for my Gators.
If Timmy Tebow can stay healthy, I say he repeats the Heisman award (although this is iffy...5 knee injuries in G'ville so far this year). He's the type of athlete who forever changes a sport (position in this case).
Good luck to your Heels....kick ND out of general principles for me, would you? I see you get to play UM too (can't spell Scum without UM).
It's all good.
GO GATORS!!!!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
When I was at my daughter's
August 16, 2008 - 16:16 ET by ricklailWhen I was at my daughter's week before last I got a steady diet of Gator and FSU football on the local sports and in the papers. They said that Ingram was out for the season. He was probably your best receiver. Can't lose many more like him and hope to win the SEC.
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
rick
August 16, 2008 - 16:31 ET by BlondeThe one thing we never have to worry about at UF is receivers. They are all stamped from the same mold. Fast and sure handed. I'm sorry Ingraham is out for the season (he'll be seen next in the NFL)....but no worries.
So how stupid do the Criminoles sound this year...Bobby Bowden is about five years beyond retirement. I actually feel sorry for my Nole friends.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde...
August 16, 2008 - 19:08 ET by Clear thinker"(can't spell Scum without UM)"
Now that's funny!!!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Making fun of AGW Alarmist's is easy http://g
Thanks, Clear!
August 16, 2008 - 19:14 ET by BlondeCan't spell Citrus without UT, either, LOL.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Mark Spitz is one classy
August 16, 2008 - 14:22 ET by d1carterMark Spitz is one classy dude, as they say....
Phelps is one helluva American....
Spitz; Munich 1972
August 16, 2008 - 18:05 ET by easygoerIf there had been a 50 meter freestyle in 1972, Mark Spitz would have won eight gold medals.
As for new Olympic sports; I say horse racing!
Mark Spitz = Class. Not
August 16, 2008 - 23:03 ET by Eileen RightMark Spitz = Class.
Not to take a thing away from totally awesome performance and results, I think Phelps should've swam (swum? swimmed?) with a big ol' moustace, maybe a Foo Mien Chew.
A mustache could have made him lose yesterday
August 16, 2008 - 23:08 ET by Dee Bunkwhen he only one by 0.01 of a second.
Spitz and the moustache
August 17, 2008 - 09:59 ET by harqmanIn 1972 Spitz was actually going to shave it. But the day before the swimming started he realized that the Russians and the rest of the world (of swimming) for that matter were shocked that he had it. He told them that it kept the water out of his mouth. He had a psychological edge before he even hit the water for his first race. In a sports where you shave all that, except your bag of chips, looking at the world record holder with a full head of hair and a moustache will get in your head pretty quick.
When I was in HS we traveled over to watch the girls state meet. A girl got up for the 100 fly and took her cap off to reveal a shaved head. The race was over before it started. The gasps in the Nat were great. The other swimmers looked over and it was game set match. Then it was time to swim. She won. Got to love it.
Smile and the world will wonder what you've been up to.
We have a rodeo in Arcadia,
August 16, 2008 - 18:28 ET by msh1973We have a rodeo in Arcadia, FL, I know not on the same scale as out west. I saw my first big rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the pouring rain I might add. We just about froze to death and left long before it was over. :-)
LOL msh...that must of been
August 16, 2008 - 18:31 ET by bigtimerLOL msh...that must of been the season right before global warming hit.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Are Olympics a good thing for dictators?
August 16, 2008 - 18:59 ET by Daniel BakerLetting Toltalitarian societies have solidarity over their teams and atheletes does not seem wise. China glories that their way is right because they can win the most gold medals. Then the news gets to say how some american is doping or cheating
John McCain 2008 Protect Traditional Marriage
Traditional Marriage is not "Divisive" Obama.
Yeah, maybe...
August 16, 2008 - 19:12 ET by Dr_Libertybut we are kicking their butts in beach volleyball.
They can keep their precious little syncrhonized diving medals.
USA! USA! USA!
(I have my son going around the house yelling "Beat a Commie for your Mommy!)
<insert witty signature here>
The Olympics and despots
August 16, 2008 - 20:07 ET by UnsaneUntil we are willing to go to war to stop said dictators from using the Olympics and other sporting events as a propaganda tool, then we really have no choice than to let them.
Besides, don't you remember the Calgary/Seoul Olympics of 1988? Who would have guessed that those Games would be the last to feature the Hammer & Sickle and the German colors with the hammer, compass and ears of wheat?
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing get thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for the medal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
The NBA wants to get players from Iran!
August 16, 2008 - 19:02 ET by air conservativeI don't know where to begin with how angry this makes me. The NBA, yes OUR NBA, is seeking to acquire players from Iran, despite our trade embargo. They are seeking a "special exemption". This had better not be approved so long as Iran continues to support terrorists who want to kill us.
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/basketball/news?slug=aw-nbairan081608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Anyone watching the Olympics?
August 16, 2008 - 21:48 ET by BlondeMy fellow Broward Countian, the 41 year old Dara Torres, just missed the gold medal in the 50 freestyle by .01 second. She's anchoring the relay shortly.
Amazing performance!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
hey blonde
August 16, 2008 - 22:08 ET by candanceSaw Dara doing us proud out there. She seemed to take the second silver harder than the first one. You could see the disappointment when she came just short of catching up.
Watching Phelps now. :)
yep, can.
August 16, 2008 - 22:11 ET by BlondeThis is great!
Will he do it? Ten minutes and we'll know.
Go Lezak!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
team sport
August 16, 2008 - 22:18 ET by candanceThat was some teamwork there. Phelps' addition helped but everyone on the team pulled their weight.
Fantastic race.
Lezak wrapped it up flawlessly.
Lezak Smoked 'Em!!!!!!!!
August 16, 2008 - 22:17 ET by BlondeWow!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
good for him
August 16, 2008 - 22:19 ET by candanceLezak pulled away so fast in that final lap, it wasn't even close at the end.
Swimming
August 16, 2008 - 22:23 ET by UnsaneIt looked like a close run thing until Phelps and Lezak sealed it.
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing get thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for the medal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
Dara Torres
August 16, 2008 - 22:21 ET by UnsaneAnd right after that, Torres ran off to compete in the relay. Right after that.
Most impressive, though of course we would all been happier had she gotten gold...
(Imagine that. A Floridian competing for swimming medals.) :-)
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing get thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for the medal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
Uns,
August 16, 2008 - 22:24 ET by BlondeImagine that!
Ryan Lotche is a Gator!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Gators swim well in water
August 16, 2008 - 22:32 ET by UnsaneI don't know much about gators, but I understand that they are amazing swimmers. :-)
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing get thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for the medal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
Yeah, but can they catch a football?
August 17, 2008 - 00:50 ET by Dr_LibertyJust asking.
<insert witty signature here>
Au X 9!!!
August 16, 2008 - 22:29 ET by UnsaneHe did it!!! Michael Phelps has EIGHT!!!
USA! USA!! USA!!!
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing get thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for the medal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
Uns... Hooray! I am
August 16, 2008 - 22:35 ET by bigtimerUns...
Hooray!
I am tickled pink...and then some!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Teamwork
August 16, 2008 - 22:29 ET by UnsaneAmazing. Andrea Kramer talked to the team after the race, and none of them would shut up about how great their teammates were. I swear Phelps would not take any credit and turned that credit to his teammates. I love seeing things like that.
The Olympics are now under way in Beijing. May the people of Beijing gt thoroughly sick of hearing The Star Spangled Banner. May the Beijing Olympic Committee run out of U.S. flags for themedal ceremonies! USA! USA!! USA!!!
yes unsane
August 16, 2008 - 22:32 ET by candanceI noticed that too. Each said something about another teammate and stressed the importance of working together. Such class.
Phelps tears up during the Anthem
August 16, 2008 - 23:02 ET by BlondeI am amazed.
What a great team effort....what a great team, and individual team members.
We should all take great pleasure and pride in their accomplishments. And you said it, can, spot-on. Class.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Good Evening Mr. Phelps
August 17, 2008 - 00:52 ET by Dr_LibertyIt still hasn't played here in the pacific time zone, so I don't know if he really won or not. If the IM team (with Barney, Cinamon and Rollin) can win that race a second time -- both in east coast and west coast time -- then I will be impressed. <insert witty signature here>
Dara Torres
August 17, 2008 - 01:06 ET by Noel SheppardNBers,
Dara Torres: "You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams."
I couldn't agree more! ns
Dara Torres Reality Check
August 17, 2008 - 01:23 ET by Dr_LibertyNoel,
You're just saying that because you are still young and haven't been crushed by the weight of the world.
But if you insist, I'll start dreaming tonight to be the oldest martial artist in the Olympics. (It will probably, though, be me painting pictures of martials.)
<insert witty signature here>
DL
August 17, 2008 - 01:41 ET by Noel SheppardDL,
What's young? ns
Just look at Mr.
August 17, 2008 - 02:22 ET by MrShyDara Torres: "You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams."
Just look at Mr. Shy.
"Middle-aged" guy doing pop music... or as Leon so eloquently put it, "middle-aged singer peddling his thongs".
Then Noel asks, "what's middle-aged"? Then Mr. Shy doesn't respond.
:)
* * * SOCKS THE CAT '08 * * *
For REAL Change
Destiny
August 17, 2008 - 08:52 ET by harqmanMore times that not, like over 90%, the swimmer that takes the short stroke loses. I lost a race 28 years ago by 3/100's of a second. I short stroked the end of a 100 Butterfly. The stakes were not anywhere close to as high. It would have been my first gold in a 100 fly race. On that day I was destine to learn a lesson that I would not forget. Michael was destine to make history. It is so difficult to understand what he did for so many people. He did it the hard way with the IM swims. Spitz did it with the 100 and 200 fly, 100 and 200 free and three relays all in world records. The specialization of today's swimmers make this feat the greatest single Olympic performance of all time. So many things could have gone wrong. I think he should think about footing the bill for the relay swimmers a vacation anywhere they want to go. Especially Lekaz.
Congrats to Michael on your phenomenal accomplishment. It was a joy to watch the magical ride to destiny. Congrats to Mark Spitz who has been my Olympic Idol for as long as I can remember, for showing more class then anyone ever gave you credit for. You are clearly a man of honor and integrity.