Big Blue Huddle

Opening ceremony was best ever IMHO.  To do it all of Paris instead of just a stadium was brilliant.  Wow!

Quote from: Philosophers on July 27, 2024, 11:11:57 AMOpening ceremony was best ever IMHO.  To do it all of Paris instead of just a stadium was brilliant.  Wow!

Great heads-up, as I haven't watched this yet. I definitely will now.

I actually really like the Olympics. I think watching young people who have devoted their lives to trying to be the best at something competing at the highest levels and internationally is thrilling and always very impressive. I also feel like I always learn new things I never knew before when watching some of these events. I've liked it since I was a kid.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on July 27, 2024, 11:16:18 AMGreat heads-up, as I haven't watched this yet. I definitely will now.

I actually really like the Olympics. I think watching young people who have devoted their lives to trying to be the best at something competing at the highest levels and internationally is thrilling and always very impressive. I also feel like I always learn new things I never knew before when watching some of these events. I've liked it since I was a kid.

I think you will love it.  Truly showcases the beauty of Paris.

Quote from: Philosophers on July 27, 2024, 11:22:40 AMI think you will love it.  Truly showcases the beauty of Paris.

Looking forward to it. Paris is without question one of the world's great cities.

Paris is great, except for the French who live there.

I don't want to be a downer, but since I am more of a traditionalist, I sort of like the athletes marching into a stadium. I really think that is thrilling, not watching them jumping up and down on boats.

Myself, I used to watch the Olympics day and night, loved it, but now, with so many sports that I really don't even consider sports, it is a yawn fest. Like boxing, which was the ultimate sport for the Summer Olympics, now does anyone even know if it is still part of it? Also, having pros doing the basketball--for me--BOO. I know the reasoning as other countries' athletes are like pros, but the excitement is gone as having the college kids compete, like the hockey team at Lake Placid. I hate the modern NBA so why would I want to watch these guys in the Olympics?

Again, this is just me. I'm sure others want  to catch as much as possible, but I'll catch the highlites on the 11 news.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on July 27, 2024, 11:23:49 AMLooking forward to it. Paris is without question one of the world's great cities.

By the way I am mot saying you will love every song/dance, announcers or interviews but the backdrop of doing it all over Paris and the visual effects of lighting, smoke, colors, is unparalleled.

Quote from: Philosophers on July 27, 2024, 01:29:53 PMBy the way I am mot saying you will love every song/dance, announcers or interviews but the backdrop of doing it all over Paris and the visual effects of lighting, smoke, colors, is unparalleled.

Oh I totally get that. I didn't take it that way. Sounds like it was just a great visual spectacle. I understood what you meant.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on July 27, 2024, 03:18:06 PMOh I totally get that. I didn't take it that way. Sounds like it was just a great visual spectacle. I understood what you meant.

Great.

You may or may not see it the way I do but there are cities then there are CITIES.  The former thinks if you throw capital at it, you get a CITY.  Dubai is a great example.

No, a CITY has deep history but especially history through challenges such as wars.  That's why London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc will never be confused with newby cities.

You can't buy historical significance.

Emma Hayes and her US Women Soccer Team was an inspiration in finishing off Brazil today and earning the gold medal.

Hayes has returned class and dignity to the USWNT after the disgraceful display the previous regime, and its players, put out during the World Cup in 2023. Her young players reflected their new coach's persona in their play, teamwork and love for each other.

During her post-game interview, Hayes, watery-eyed, was asked how she was able to transition so fast from being Chelea's champion coach to the USWNT and, in only 10 matches, turn around the entire program in such convincing form. Her response was beautiful. She just told her players to have fun and love the game and each other, play for each other. She also mentioned, being born British, that she absolutely loves this great country, the United States, as it was the reason for the success she's had in her career and she wanted to show that through her team.

Many of the players cited the legendary 1999 National Team as their inspiration going into this Olympic tournament. Suffice to say, they've done the '99ers proud!

Mission accomplished! I couldn't be more proud of our Women's Football (Soccer) National Team right now. Our ladies are Queens of the Hill, once again!

Peace!

Closing ceremony starts at 3 PM today on NBC & Peacock     

Paris Olympics were best ever for the location and venues and especially the opening and closing ceremonies.

Personally, I loved every minute of it. Great competition in which most events were won by portions of a second. The women's Marathon was actually exciting...go figure. Loved both ceremonies and left me feeling good about the human race