What an Opening!

Lots of stuff this week, but a couple of thoughts on the Olympics, and the scrimmage...first the Olympics.

Olympic thought #1: The opening ceremonies were as my daughter says "off the hook". Truly a thing of wonder, but I'm not happy that Bob Costas who is so quick with his quips and stuff missed the best one of all. When the Chinese gymnast was hauled to the roof and then titled to simulate running around the top of the stadium before lighting the torch, the guy's name was Li Ning. LI NING.....LEANING....he was tilted and his name was LI NING. That's too perfect.

Olympic thought #2: Tim Flagstad's blog is correct that it sucks that our time zone still doesn't get stuff live, so I have to avoid ESPN and the ticker and things like that, but I did, which made the swimming relay that much better and more exciting. What's funny is this is when folks come out and start thinking that maybe swimming and track will work on television, and while swimming and track meets are wonderfully exciting and feature world class athletes, it's that Olympic Medal at the end of the rainbow that really gets it going. This is why I could sort of care less about Olympic tennis. I'd rather watch Federer and Nadal at Wimbledon or the French Open....not the Olympics.

Olympic thought #3: If you want high comedy, invite my daughters over for the next Olympics gymnastics coverage...you will be entertained.

Scrimmage Stuff
Dan Thompson was at the scrimmage and thought it was the best he's seen in three years. He also has a general overview in the print edition, and Tim Flagstad makes a very good point about ISU's receiving corps. There is also some more football stuff with video here from Channel 6, and here from Channel 8. Make sure you click the Fast Chat with Russel Hill....all I'm gonna say is my dream car is the Batmobile...isn't it for everyone? To change it up, here's a soccer story from Channel 3, and they also have a report on the new Holt Arena fees.

Opponent Stuff
Not sure if he can quarterback or not just yet, but the Idaho Statesman reports that BSU QB Bush Hamdan can put on a heck of a softball game. Also, Chadd Cripe has camp reports from last week here and here. Up at Idaho, they are apparently having some receiver issues, and here from the Idaho Press Tribune is everything you ever wanted to know about Ian Johnson's injuries. I can't believe they left off the hangnail he suffered some in week seven of his freshman year.

The Favorites are Up and Running
Montana is the last Big Sky team to get going, and the Missoulian has the information.

Bengals in the NFL
Dan Thompson caught up with five of ISU's six NFL players for a fascinating look at life in the NFL. The story got more poignant when Johnson was cut yesterday.