The Games of the XXIX Olympiad are upon us. Will you be watching the games this year or are you planning to boycott all broadcast in protest of an oppressive government and human rights violations in China? (Oh great, now the blog is going to be blocked by the Great Firewall.) Though I have personally encountered Chinese researchers my age and older who have no idea that there were ever any protest in Tienanmen Square, I plan to watch the games as usual. While I am also not sure that Beijing was the best selection for host city, I don’t know that political opinions should interfere with sport and believe that the Chinese people may benefit from the eyes of the world focusing on their government… It doesn’t look promising though. (That last link is to an article about the Chinese government restricting public displays of faith, and enforcing these laws on athletes at the games. I thought it was really interesting.)
Here is the broadcast schedule. Hopefully the time difference won’t prevent me from catching some events live.
… I don’t know how Kyllan missed this; Her Alma mater, Wake Forest, is ranked #23 in the preseason choaches’ football poll! Is that the first top 25 preseason ranking for Wake?
Tami is cooking a Chinese inspired dinner tonight to watch the Opening Ceremony. I’ll watch as much as I can.
Will & Dr. Cody,
Falcons vs Jaguars tomorrow. Glad to finally see some football.
Thanks for all the links in the posts Will, I find them very interesting.
London 2012 who’s with me!
I plan to watch. I love the Olympics! I am always amazed by the drive & dedication the althletes have for their sports. I’m also a sucker for all the feel good stories that come out of it. Thanks for the links (& GO BUCKS)!
I just got back from an Olympic Opening Ceremony party at my boss’ house. We had Pei Wei (Chinese food) and watched the festivities, which I thought were truly spectacular! Robyn- Speaking of feel good stories… did you catch the story of the 9 year old boy who was walking with Yao Ming? He was a earthquake survivor who saved two of his classmates. When they asked him why he did that despite his own injury, he replied that he was the class leader and that was job. Awwwww!!
Yes… this is the first time that Wake is ranked in the preseason! “O Here’s to Wake Forest” (to quote the fight song). However, Coach Grobe brought up the obvious statement that they have a tough season and the real goal is to be ranked at the end. Speaking of Wake Forest, there are 8 current and or former students competing in this years Olympics. Go Deacs!!
Neil- William had suggested to me previously that we should go to London in 2012, so we are definitely interested if others are. I think another (possibly cheaper) option would be Chicago if they win the 2016 bid.
I usually don’t watch the Opening Ceremony, but I was calling everyone I knew and telling them to turn it on. It was amazing!
I managed to catch part of the opening ceremony while getting dresses for my friend’s bachelorrette party and a few of the swimming and boxing matches on the flight back (Delta air has that satellite TV). I love the Olympics, especially the summer ones, so I guess I didn’t get too caught up in the political aspect of it. It is a little scary to hear about the violence going on though between the bombing and the stabbing.