Go USA!... Have Some Humble Pie
By Braddah Lance
I gotta say, I'm not a big fan of the Olympics but since the networks haven't been airing any new episodes or even good reruns of our favorite shows, we've resorted to watching the games.
We haven't been disappointed.... until....
Since when does making excuses and bragging become a part of it?
We've been watching the track and field events recently, and personally, am sorely disappointed in the actions of a few upon earning the gold.
Celebrate? Heck yeah! Stand proud? Of course.
But don't go on camera bragging or talking trash or just come off arrogant. Don't you know that you're representing your country? Not yourself - but about the hundreds of millions or people that support you.
Watching last nights men's 200m final was a prime example. Usain Bolt's performance was waaaay bettah than his 100m where he let up and showboated the last 10m or so. This time he actually finished the race and was more humble on camera (I wonder if he got "talked" to).
Then came Wallace Spearmon who came in third unofficially. He was celebrating and enjoying himself and about a five minutes in someone in the stands tells him he was DQ'd (disqualified). His face transformed in a heartbeat and it was just about his turn to be interviewed.
The interviewer asked what he was feeling and what he was going to do as they both were watching the many replays.
Spearmon: "Protest."
Interviewer: "Protest?" (said in a very surprising voice)
Spearmon: "Yeah, protest. What you gonna do?"
Uh, how about admitting you were DQ'd cause you broke a rule by crossing/stepping out of lane? The replay's CLEARLY shows it. You could sense an air of arrogance and it just turned me off.
There were other track and field athletes representing the USA that acted similar in their interviews boasting their accolades when taking the gold and it just didn't represent well, imho.
I'm not sure if you noticed, but for an event (track and field) where speed and high tech gear (skin tight clothes, streamlined glasses etc) is prevalent, there sure are a lot of people wearing BIG BLING.
Correction. There sure are a lot of USA runners wearing BIG BLING.
From thick gold chains (some wore two or three), fancy earrings and I swear what looked like a ten carat diamond ring, the US runners were sure bling'd out.
I thought the whole idea of running fast was to be as light and aerodynamic as possible?
Wassap Wit Dat!
Da Wife and I did witness an "Olympic" moment to put us back at ease.
It was the women's platform diving where 15 year old Haley Ishimatsu came in 14th... yes, 14th. It was her interview that knock us out. Well prior to her interview she was in the warming pool with a seasoned - and much older - Olympian Laura Wilkinson and they were enjoying the moment.
When Haley was being interviewed she literally broke down. It wasn't because of her 14th place finish, it was because of her first experience at the Olympics. Her attitude was about the games itself, not the medals. I'm glad NBC showed the clip right before because if it wasn't for that you may have gotten the wrong impression.
It was probably because she actually read and believed in the the Olympic creed:
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Maybe the track and field guys should take a look... but then again, they probably ran by it.
DA PIDGIN WORD OF DA DAY! -
(as quoted from Da Kine Dictionary & Pidgin To Da Max… wit a Braddah Lance twist)
HUHU
(hoo HOO)
Haole Translation: To be upset
Use: Wat you call someone who all salty
Sentence: “How come da Braddah make huhu? Silver not good enough?”
Sentence: “Keep calling in sick, you going make your boss all huhu li'dat.”
Wassup Wit Dat!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:38 am
Numbah one!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:39 am
FIRST! YEAH.......DAS RIGHT...........I IS FIRST!
OL
August 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Oh great..........I spend a few seconds to "get my point across" and it COST ME THE "GOLD"!
OL
August 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
Sorry, wrong blog.
My sentiments exactly. Sure am glad that no USA participant showed up on international TV with attitude.
Did you catch the segment on the girl from South Africa who swam the women's open water race? She lost a leg in an accident yet she still wanted to compete. Her interview made me choke up.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
you buggahs funny. See OL, too busy "showboating."
BL - I noticed the same thing about the "bling" - and wasn't just the US runners. I no like start a race war, but it reminds me of that line from White Men Can't Jump:
I know dat's not true a lot of the time, but last night, I dunno, kinda seemed that way. I no mean to ruffle feathers, so I'm sorry if anyone takes offense.
I liked Walter Dix's reaction to his medal win - he wasn't really happy with it, cause he still felt like he lost, even if the other guys' were DQ'd. Hollow victory.
And what was up wit dat reporter asking Spearmon about his "emotions" after the DQ? Uh, DUH! hello!?! The guy LOST THE BRONZE MEDAL. I would be pis_ed! "I have no emotion", shyeah, right. Just say you mad at yourself for a dumb mistake. Whatevs.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hanapa'a!
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See wat happens wen you like showboat?.... oh wait, HE still got da gold.
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YUP! Was going to mention in da post but since the main was about USA peeps nevah mix.
I wondah if she finished ahead of anybody though?
And you seen da watah? Was greeeeeen.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
I get slightly annoyed by arrogant athletes and many of our track and field athletes are no exception. But, I have to believe that their attitudes are what help them excel (in part). Yes, there are athletes who are much more humble but, it's tough to judge someone if you don't really know them or what they've been through.
However, I think there are a lot more positive things about these Olympics that we can focus on. There are a lot of great stories... I still can't get over that fact that the coaches of our top two women gymnasts were athletes from Communist countries... I think that says alot about the United States (that they are able to live the American dream)!
I've really been enjoying the Olympics - I hadn't been watching much in past years - but, this year, I've been getting Olympics hangovers (from staying up too late to watch!)!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:55 am
OL: LMAO!!! You too funny!
That creed made me choke up.
Yup, you see the best and the worst when you watch the Olympics.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
i noticed the extra decorations on some track runners...this one guy from the US was wearing a tanktop jersey but he also had these bright "sleeves" that covered his arms from his wrists to just above the elbow...i was wondering what the heck dat was?! some kind of aerodynamic sleeve thingamabob...he should have just worn long sleeve spandex leotard then!
but yeah, some athletes got the right idea and the humbleness to realize what an honor it is to be able to participate & represent your country whether you're the gold medalist or you finished last. look at the gymnast Nastia Liukin...i was watching her uneven bar performance & it looked perfect even down to her dismount. then when it comes down to it, there was that "tie breaker" between her & one of the (underaged) Chinese gymnasts--who by the way didn't have a better routine or landing--and China won the gold. but you didn't see Liukin wanting to protest! all those cocky athletes who think they deserve to be the best need to take a listen to what that 15-year-old diver had to say. she's wise beyond her years
August 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Yep, Something about Track and Field, Da quest to be da fastest. Eh no make Tun-ta-run. So conceited those buggas yeah? Das why I like watch da other sports. Diving, Phelps gave credit to his teammates. Gymnastics, Shawn gave everybody a hug when she won GOLD. Not to brag but to congratulate them on a job well done. I like watch all the other kine sports but they put it on a cable channel or show it real late at night. WWD???
Heard about da ping pong games? Da guys getting all high on sniffing glue. WWD??
But that's how it is. Just like in High School. Some of da jocks think dey it when among their crowd. They like act tough in school. But try catch em one on one, dey same like us.
But I still like watch the Olympics cause get some local talent. Plus we always get 2 years to recoup before da Winter Olympic starts.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I agree with Snow. Especially the individual sports, and even more so the speed ones (100, 200), they have to have a big ego to succeed. I think in the US (and HI) we are used to more team sports so we don't like those guys.
Even in swimming, we hear about guys boasting about being the fastest or the best.....well the events that Phelps isn't in anyways.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I wondah if she finished ahead of anybody though?
I musta been groogy awready, but I tink I wen hear she was 21st and den I tink had a field of 24.
And you seen da watah? Was greeeeeen.
Rogah dat! Wen I wuz watching the different scull, canoe, etc. races I kept wonderin if dey tested da wata in case fly in yo mout. Den I heard dey goin have open watah swimming in dea! In one of the closeup shots could see one of da boats dat escort the swimmers and da white hull had all kine black oily/slimey lookin stuffs. Hope nobody get sick. WWD!?
August 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I missed the awarding of it but was wondering how he felt but I'm sure whoever wins from a DQ feels the same but just to be a devil's advocate (DA)... would he run the race again knowing he got whooped from the others and put the medal back up for grabs? Hmmmm....
Yup. Kinda uncool at that exact moment.
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But this is the Olympics. IMHO, athletes have lost - or don't even know - the creed. Shouldn't the Olympians showcase that attitude? So to be a DA again, would rather have arrogant bad a$$ athletes than humbled once in awhile great ones?
Couldn't agree with you more.... but dis is WWD!
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Gets lost without it being resurfaced once in awhile...
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I felt for her too. She performed extremely well and in most, if not all, her dismounts from all her competitions were flawless. I saw sooo much dismounts not landed, divers with big splashes that I wonder how these judges really score.
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Waaaaaa? Fo' real?
Dat's a huge rogah dat! Natasha Kai just won gold in soccer and best of luck to Bryan Clay who starts competition today!
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Just to be clear, you are talking about the Olympics right? I totally agree having a big ego in individual sports can be an edge to have but the Olympics - as stated in the creed and motto - is not about that. Any other place yeah, having an ego of any porportion is good and bad to have but should it be "shown" at the Olympics?
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Yikes!
As one ocean sportsman to anoddah, you know ALL da swimmers drank dat ocean... it's jus' a mattah of how much.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Lance-
I think Bryan Clay said it best when in the advertisement for KHNL he said "to be able to represent your country... there's just so much pride there.." I can't think of a better way to describe it. But then I'm not an olympic athlete by any means so I can't possibly fathom the depth of olympic competition. I think this lines right up w/ making the keiki wear the "I won't cheat" patch on their arms at the LLWS... Maybe the kids are wearing it to serve as a reminder to the parents "eh no cheat ah you frickas!"
On another note, please watch the Gold medal match between USA and Brazil for Women's volleyball, if for nothing else for the stories coming out of this match, a chance for America's best finish in women's volleyball, plus you get to see Kim Willoughby, Robyn Ah-Mow Santos, Heather Bown, Logan Tom, Lindsey Berg, etc (all local gals) GO USA!!!
p.s.-Haley Ishimatsu looks like my cousin... (she not, but she look like...)
August 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
i came to the realization last week that the only times i watch the olympics is when i'm at the gym, or at a bar! haha . . . i didn't get to see all the bling'd out track guys or their attitudes though
the events that i did see were mostly the swimming and gymnastics . . . both fun to watch!
and yes, i believe that it counts that you at least made it to the olympics . . . i didn't even know they have table tennis and speed walking as an event!! i would be walking around telling everybody that i'm an "olympic athlete"!!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:23 pm
The U.S. softball team in the Olympics is eating a huge piece of humble pie after losing to Japan in the final game. Actually, I hope that the announcers on MSNBC are given a slice of the pie too. If you listened to them announce the games before the finals, they did nothing but praise the U.S. softball team and assumed that they were going to win the gold for the fourth straight Olympics. GO! Japan.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
You know what I kinda liked? Seeing the big NBA stars going out to support the other US athletes. That was cool. Maybe they jus' throwing the act, but still, it's a nice gesture.
I'm sure the "Redeem Team" has to make up for the other 2 teams that had HUGE helpings of humble pie. Just win, no need gloat.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Hey NEO, Haley look like my cousin too! Maybe WE cousins!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Funny!
btw, E Komo Mai! Hope you post mo' often!
You know wat time? I get bowling tonight.
Sounds very interesting.
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So let's see... you're either working out looking at women/teenagers in skin tight bathing suit outfits or drinking and looking at women/teenagers in skin tight bathing suit outfits....
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Wow! I didn't even know! I know the US team was getting choke hype.
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Yup thought dat was really cool too! Saw Jason Kidd supporting one his biggest fans at the women's beach volleyball gold medal run. She even has a tat of his numbah on her back! How's dat?!
You fo'got da third one... showboat on da court ok.
Some of their dunks absolutely spectacular to see..... in da NBA. You try to send a message, you put it with an exclamation point...awesome but aftah you up by 20 do you really think a 360 reverse pump down dunk is necessary? 
Fo'got, dey tryin' fo' make da ESPN Top 10 plays of the day. 
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Uh, Deliverance?
August 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I agree about the lack of class and overboard showboating among some of the athletes but they in minority. The network will show dis stuff and give the bad behavior a lot of air time to get us going...and it works. For most part, Haley Ishimatsu attitude and classy respect for the Olympics and the sport holds true for the majority of Olympians. I love soccer and Tasha is a local hero to me but don't really like her celebration after a goal...too much hip hop showboating, imo...but then again, Brandi Chastain's spontaneous shirt removal celebration to expose her bra and 6-pack abs after winning the World Cup was pretty neat...what do I know.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
21st! Yeah! I is 21st! What kine medal did I win? Aluminum or plastic?
OL
August 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
It's seems that the athletes in the track and field events are more arrogant for some reason than the other sports. Your are right about Bolt, he was really humble during the interview.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I, for one, don't know what the big deal is about Bolt's braggadocio and fawning after his heats. # 1, it was funny if you really watched it -- "I'm # 1"; he didn't say it maliciously. You train for so long and you beat THE best in the world by, well, my count was at least one full human being length from the others (at LEAST), you break the WR, and the press is even calling you the fastest man in the world, the whole idea of you bragging about it is an foregone conclusion. Him holding his shoe up by the digital marquis showing his time; HILARIOUS.
As long as the guy ain't doping, hitting his wife, beating up on fans like how some other PROFESSIONAL athletes do, hey, Bolt's OK in my book. You'll be seeing him on Nike ads, so, fasten your seatbelts. Oh, that probably means millionaire money for him, too. Still gonna hate on 'em? There's not ONE
And Ishimatsu . . . heh, I don't think I felt sorry and chuckled at the same time more than I did when I saw her last night. Yeah, boo-hoo, my mother's a pediatrician -- I'll go back home first class, go cry in my big ol' house. And, as previously mentioned, she's ONLY 15. She'll be back in London, if she wants to continue. Good first showing, though, what you gonna do.
And I'm not sure which one of the siblings, but, I was glad to see the contender Son Tae-jin from the home of Tae Kwon Do beat one of the Lopez siblings, who I kept seeing marketed and marketed and marketed up to the start of NBC's coverage. I kept thinking, "who"?
Hey, Tasha Kai got her gold w/women's soccer. That calls for a parade. Somebody call Mayor Mufi.
And . . .
August 21st, 2008 at 1:07 pm
And that's it. Heh. Whoops! Oh, one more thing -- there's not ONE athlete who wins the big end-of-season prize who DOESN'T feel like Bolt. He verbalized it. So, what? That makes him no better? Or worse?
August 21st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
yah, it seems a cultural t'ing with many black atletes.. is irritating when goes way ova da top..
but what about da Jamaica girl who wuz so excited after the 100M dash that she wen jump down da track sideways like one li'l kid.. love dat....
maybe jus gotta ova look da junks to get to da good stuffs, anyway..
like real life..
uj
August 21st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I noticed the bling too..especially on that track runner..something Richards who is engaged to some N.Y. Giants player and she was sporting her huge ring and the announcers were talking about it too. Then she runs the race and is in the lead up until the last 100 meter or so and loses. When interviewed, she said that she cramped up and just couldn't hold it together and then they show the replay and even the announcer said there was no sign of a cramp..she jus couldn't admit that she pulled out to early into the race and just got tired..IMO
August 21st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Usain Bolt looks like and reminds me of TO (Terrell Owens)
so.....no need be at least 16 years old for diving?
felt bad for Lolo Jones. (now dass a name!)
da gold medal in stay in da bag then.....BAM!.....hit the 2nd to the last hurdle and finish out of the medals. aigoo
August 21st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
sorry, BL, i wen foget you gotta come up wit da WWD angle on stuffs! lol... (or was dat lolo?
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so... yeah, hey! how come da track guys wit da bling bling tink dey king kong? WWD????! BL, jus' go tell 'em... "no ack, brah!"
August 21st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Glad there's like ten stations showing different things yeah?
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Sheet metal.
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Little birdie must have said something....
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Sorry but I think you're missing da point. Dis is da Olympics. You follow da creed and spirit set forth from da beginning. It's not about wat "pro's" do, or the "millionaire money" he's going to (could) get. It's about representation and pride for your COUNTRY, not an individual.
Wow, we must have saw different versions cause I certainly felt she wasn't crying cause she didn't fare well. She was emotional about her experiences. And she certainly wasn't looking for pity.
And you talk about hatin' on Bolt?
Obviously worse because his "celebration" tone was entirely different from his 100m to his 200m.... don't tell me he did dat on his own.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
My sentiments exactly. If you got tired or didn't feel it "in you", jus' admit. People watching da Olympics will respect dat mo' than making an excuse which could or could not be true. And as an athlete if you feel a cramp... you not only going feel da cramp, you going see da cramp.
Hey kauaigirl! Long time no post eh? Long your holoholo.
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Dat's wat I told Da Wife.
Missed dat one. I not sure if anyone noticed either - and I certainly didn't know until watching last night - dat da hurdles actually get smaller in da end.
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You stay hanging around da MLC crew and O&E bees das why! WWD!
August 21st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
BL . . . just to clarify - i saw the mens swimming and gymnastics
and there are guys in some pretty tight work-out gear at the gym too you know!! LOL . . .
BTW ~ i was in a wedding sat morn . . . w/a lunch reception . . . was it at the hale koa?
August 21st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
The Olympic track and field sprint events are all about ego and looking good. In a sport where they complain about the wind being a factor in running, you would think that the extra 5 pounds of gold and diamonds they are wearing would make a difference too.
I not saying that's the only sport with athletes like that(anybody see the guy who won the gold in badminton?), but it shows up more in sprinting than in any other sport.
They should make the medal winners recite the Olympic creed while they are standing on the podium waiting for their medals. You don't recite the creed, you get DQ'd. Hopefully then, some of the words might sink in...... Just my 2 cents.
AND........I got nothing but love for Haley Ishimatsu. You might not win a medal, but you represent your sport and your country well.
August 21st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
@bamboohouse808: Brah, dey need the extra weight to keep dem "grounded". He he!
August 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
BL - I'm right there with you on the Bolt thing. I thought it was really disrespectful for him to pull up in the 100 m and start beating his chest. That's like doing the "jump into the end zone even when nobody around" kinda move in the NFL. No class, just showboating. But you expect that kinda stuff in pro sports, where it's viewed as entertainment, not the olympics. IMNSHO, of course.
If I was running against him, I wouldn't mind if he blew me away, as long as he was running hard all the way to the end, like how he did in the 200m. I was impressed by his behavior last night. To me, was okay to do the "I'm #1" thing after the race, cause he actually ran the race all the way, and kicked their butts in the process. He honored his competition by doing the best he could possibly do, not like in the 100m.
So I can see your point, Chicken Grease, but I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
oh yeah, nuttin' but love for Haley too, good job representing the USA!
August 21st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Or if UH football player does it? I mentioned that long time ago when a player did a sommersault dive into the end zone with nobody around him. A lot of people got huhu at me. If Bolt is being disrespectful, then how is it that the UH player isn't?
August 21st, 2008 at 3:10 pm
JM808 - same t'ing. I know what play you talking about too. You right, Bess shouldn't have done that in that game either. I thought it was a no class move too. Some homers get the blinders on.
The BS thing to me about it was, you see that behavior, and no one else gets called for it. Or rarely if ever. Doesn't make it right though. Save that stuff for the pros.
they gotta remember - "Act like you've been there before."
August 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Right on BF. The other aspect is that little kids emulate the players that they idolize. If they see such behavior and get the impression that it's condoned, then they'll grow up doing the same thing.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hey which evah way you swing no boddah me.
Nope. Okinawan Center.
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Come to think of it, I do remember da announcer saying they were running into a .9 mph headwind... go figgah.
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Bumbye they fly away yeah?
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Nothin' wrong with dat.
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Did you say dat on da Tsaiko's blog? Not hea right? I no remembah dat. I would have said da samething back then. And yeah, uncalled fo'... I remembah him doing dat several times.
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Yup.
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Too late. They all copy da "Reggie Bush" move.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I said that long time ago on the UH sports discussion forum. Also under a different name. I don't think it was Bess. Was another player. Forgot who.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Earlier today I saw Bryan Clay in his 3rd event, shot put I think..? He did better than "his best", and when they interviewed him he mentioned about having fun, enjoying being there, etc....not once saying anything about the fact that he is in 1st place right now, wow, he believes in the creed huh? And it's not because I'm proud of a fellow Castle Knight! hehe.....I really do think that was a great thing for him to say! haha...GO BRYAN!~!!!
I also saw Dix's reaction when he ended up getting a medal. I agree with BF, like a hollow victory.... can't argue with the DQ though, with the lane cross.
Haley Ishimatsu was cute, and luckily she's young she has more olympics to compete in.
Saw the "Hawaii girls" in volleyball too? SO PROUD!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 am
no lie BL...i was watchin' one of the mens relays and US came in 2nd and 3rd and the cuban guy came in 1st...the US guys were on camera throwin' up the #1 and sayin' "#1 baby...#1!" i thought...dude, you just came in 2nd?!?! i mean props to him i couldn't run that fast, but kinda shame that he's sayin' he's #1 when he clearly wasn't!! and as for all that bling...i was thinkin' like you and i can't remember that one girls name, her fiance plays for the giants i think, and she had a FAT diamond engagement ring on! it looked like a few carats...and she was running with it?? i'd be afraid of scratchin' that diamond, but maybe us po' folks gotta worry about them kinda things...
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
I was lookin' at the cheerleaders....
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
He's a class act..... and he just won da gold!!!! Cheee-hooo!
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Wat I lyin' about?
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hee hee, hey I noticed dat too but only in da beach volleyball event... they were somewhere else?
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
BL:
I check out the cheerleaders first....what's an Olympic without the cheerleaders
If there aren't any on or when they're broadcasting on multiple channels, I PIP the TV, so I can watch both
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I was thinking the EXACT same thing. It wasn't even close.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Just venting. I just posted this on MLC's Olympics Word Association game:
What do you folks think?