Side news during OG 08

[huangkwokhau]

I for one would rarely and I mean rarely ever eat Mcdonalds or Pizza Hut in China even though PIZZA HUT is damn successful in places like Xiamen....
Mcdonalds is like the lowest quality food for me in China I prefer a bowl of wontons or noodles to that :D.... And the Maccas in China is not as good as overseas anyway so yeah... But KFC is nice except it's actual chicken pieces.... I like the egg tarts and burgers and Orlean Wings :cool:
Yummy...Portuquese egg tart...thats I always get at KFC........:D

[huangkwokhau]

Olympics has started with Women Soccer...USA VS NORWAY.....Live on MSNBC

[ants]

I do not think Ami will go...ticket or ID is very tough...Each delegate will be given limted ID card.
Even Arifin Siregar has to surrender his opening ceremony ticket to Sutiyoso's wife....
Sutiyoso, acting as ABC chairman gets 1 ticket only.....

The ID cost around RMB10,000 each. Its not really tough to get. But then the ID is available for Chinese connections. As many IDs is controlled and have already allocated for each country.

[ants]

Been told that TH is the most popular guy as many Chinese asked him to autograph and pics...

Yes, all the Chinese fans Adores Taufik. Besides Lindan Taufik is one of their favourite player.

[ants]

Been told that Mc Donald is a bit hit for international athletes....hehe....

They are selling special edition Olympic MCD items as well. Btw the Nike Shoe looks ugly.

[Jagdpanther]

Yes, all the Chinese fans Adores Taufik. Besides Lindan Taufik is one of their favourite player.
Aw, cute Bao CL will be sooooo mad!:p

[ctjcad]

Oh, I don't think its anectodal at all. :)
As far as I know, Athens olympic is where TH started to know Ami.
They're not sweetheart yet then.
Maybe Ami was simply an Indonesian supporter then, and she tried to get as many Indonesians as she could get to support an Indonesian player in his final match. So she took the crews who were not on duties that day, to the final match.
And Agum Gumelar (Ami's father, then KONI chief) said that Ami with her 'cempreng' voice would yell "Siapa kitaaa (who are we)?" and those crews would answer "In-do-ne-sia!"
(I think you still can find in those old Athens Olympic forum how a poster wondered how in the final day all of sudden there were many Indonesian supporters!)
...
A bit off topic:..yeah, i still remember those footages and of Ami cheering. Although, i also remember Taufik going and hugging another femaler supporter, right after he won. I wonder if he was still going out with his prior girlfriend, maybe no longer (ah her name just slipped off my mind):confused::p

Never mind the buffet village, McDonald's alone will do 'em in. I reckon it's a CHN ploy to lull the opposition into an unhealthy stupor, and then POUNCE! :cool::D

REXY even warned his charges for not to eat too much foods at the village:p
..well, buffet food could mean "comfort food"..;)
I hope the players won't be distracted, whilst they're playing, by imagining all the food that will be waiting for them, after their matches have ended..."food, foooood"..:p;)

[ants]

The players are focused on the task in their hands. They will not simply do anything. They are aware of it.

[ants]

Most of the players are amazed by the badminton venue. The Venue is also very photographer friendly. And for those who will be watching the event on t.v... everything will be in HD format.

[kenny7_2006]

great! wonder if Astro Malaysia will show it in hi-def tho...

[Sealman]

Been told that many players went to shops to buy new NIKE shoes...apparently NIKE released Chinese Olympics shoes and available in China only :eek:...been told that those shoes are based on Olympic Pandas' color and style.....cool!!
Hm....time to ask someone to get one....;)


how does the shoes look like?

http://www.kobechina.com.cn/thread-42160-1-1.html

http://www.cnxz.cn/news/top2007,124430.html

http://www.nikefuns.com/sneakers/nike-beijing-olympics-dunk-low-color-pack.html

http://bbs.hoopchina.com/htm_data/49/0807/375801.html

http://www.189zx.com/info/detail/14-4646.html

[george@chongwei]

been told that MAS badminton team had trained at the badminton event venue this 2 days:)

[george@chongwei]

:):):)
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080807/i/r3167647253.jpg?x=227&y=345&sig=QaQSHTOpcp5mgCQRS9L2Uw--
Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia trains during a badminton practice session ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 7, 2008.
REUTERS/Beawiharta (CHINA)

[george@chongwei]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080807/i/r1654385861.jpg?x=400&y=272&sig=fujydxd1YfdmRLIJ3tZk_g--
Tine Rasmussen of Denmark prepares to serve during a badminton training session ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 7, 2008.
REUTERS/Beawiharta (CHINA)

[george@chongwei]

hmmmm......

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080807/i/r1126550434.jpg?x=220&y=345&sig=.CmbZ5JFOlYpOMYRad1Oxw--
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080807/i/r3687302298.jpg?x=400&y=267&sig=TCVitC_nDibZvD1QhBK3_w--
Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia trains during a badminton practice session ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 7, 2008.
REUTERS/Beawiharta (CHINA)

[huangkwokhau]

Been told from my friend in Beijing that firework will be stretching from Bird Nest up to Great Wall...Beijing promised to be the most elegant/expensive firework ever.....

[Krisna]

Been told from my friend in Beijing that firework will be stretching from Bird Nest up to Great Wall...Beijing promised to be the most elegant/expensive firework ever.....

I guess the USA is not the only country that knows how to shock & awe!!! :D

[huangkwokhau]

I guess the USA is not the only country that knows how to shock & awe!!! :D
:mad::mad:...you mean...I**Q ?:p

[Krisna]

Yes, all the Chinese fans Adores Taufik. Besides Lindan Taufik is one of their favourite player.

Taufik is known as Dao-fi-ge [or something that sounds like that]...;)

[huangkwokhau]

Taufik is known as Dao-fi-ge [or something that sounds like that]...;)
Markis Kido is Ma Ki do
Hendra Setiawan is Hen te La.......:D:D
Vita Marissa: Ma Li Sa

[extremenanopowe]

I've sent some of the spectacular photos out. A must see when the opening happens. A great variety of booms and colours.;)

[Chu Liuxiang]

Taufik is known as Dao-fi-ge [or something that sounds like that]...;)

It sounds " Tao Fei Ke".

[Chu Liuxiang]

Markis Kido is Ma Ki do
Hendra Setiawan is Hen te La.......:D:D
Vita Marissa: Ma Li Sa
Markis Kido is either "Ji Duo" or " Ma Ji Si"

[apontoh]

Taufik is known as Dao-fi-ge [or something that sounds like that]...;)


I think it's "Tao fi ke":)

[huangkwokhau]

In Manager meeting today, they discussed atheletes commission..
It will be 5 so far they have Xu Huai Wen, Bobby Liroy and Pedro Yang...they need another 1 male and 1 female

There are 5 nominations for males..: cai Yun, Ng wei, Howard Bach and other 2)
For fenale will be greysia Polii, Nigerian player and austrian ( last one not sure)

[huangkwokhau]

Mari Kristin will be not in parade tonight since she will be playing tomorrow morning...

[george@chongwei]

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/8/sports/s_78wong.jpg

[Oldhand]

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/8/sports/s_78wong.jpg

So this is Lee Chong Wei's tough, pre-match practice routine? :eek:
Um, his opposition will be much stronger than Wong Mew Choo :p

[limsy]

So this is Lee Chong Wei's tough, pre-match practice routine? :eek:
Um, his opposition will be much stronger than Wong Mew Choo :p

oh...cant u think another way?wmc will never have any opponent tougher tahn lcw...so...wmc will win...^^...hehe...

[Oldhand]

oh...cant u think another way?wmc will never have any opponent tougher tahn lcw...so...wmc will win...^^...hehe...

Says who?

Tine Rasmussen could lift and swing Lee Chong Wei.
She has forearms that are thicker than his calves :p

[X Ball]

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/8/sports/s_78wong.jpg

LCW : Don't overdo it -- too many eyes checking out our form
WMC : Yes, Coach said don't show off
LCW : What are you going to do with your RM 1M ?
WMC : Keep it in the Fixed Deposit earning 10% P.A.
LCW : Not sure what I will do with mine.
WMC : We will use yours to get married. :)

[Oldhand]

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/8/sports/s_78wong.jpg

LCW : Don't overdo it -- too many eyes checking out our form
WMC : Yes, Coach said don't show off
LCW : What are you going to do with your RM 1M ?
WMC : Keep it in the Fixed Deposit earning 10% P.A.
LCW : Not sure what I will do with mine.
WMC : We will use yours to get married. :)
Except for the currency and the size of the reward, this could be exactly the conversation Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang are having ;)

[samuel882]

Wonder how many Billion RMB given to LD & XXF for the rewards of winning Gold in their respective events?

[Oldhand]

AFP/Getty photos from the badminton venue show Alvent and Setiawan practising as a team.

Maybe Kido and Luluk are facing them :rolleyes:

[samuel882]

While LCW sparring with WMC, the same goes with the Golden pair of china XXF vs LD.

Poor Bao CL need to spare with LL, probably the chinese coach think LL playing style is more like LCW, since they expected BAO to stop LCW at SF :p

[kwun]

oh...cant u think another way?wmc will never have any opponent tougher tahn lcw...so...wmc will win...^^...hehe...

think another way. WMC is the toughest opponent LCW will ever get. she will win against LCW. she has to win otherwise he will get into trouble.

[Loh]

LCW : Don't overdo it -- too many eyes checking out our form
WMC : Yes, Coach said don't show off
LCW : What are you going to do with your RM 1M ?
WMC : Keep it in the Fixed Deposit earning 10% P.A.
LCW : Not sure what I will do with mine.
WMC : We will use yours to get married. :)

You can't win them.

WMC insisted on a "standard" pre-nuptial agreement:

WHAT IS YOURS IS MINE
WHAT IS MINE IS MINE

:D:D:D

[eaglehelang]

So this is Lee Chong Wei's tough, pre-match practice routine? :eek:
Um, his opposition will be much stronger than Wong Mew Choo :p

Just that in the article, it's stated just bf that, LCW was sparing with uncles CTF & LWW. That was tough part, the one with WMC was relaxing part. :p

[abedeng]

You can't win them.

WMC insisted on a "standard" pre-nuptial agreement:

WHAT IS YOURS IS MINE
WHAT IS MINE IS MINE

:D:D:D

Yup, that's the "default" agreement ...... :D

[eaglehelang]

You can't win them.

WMC insisted on a "standard" pre-nuptial agreement:

WHAT IS YOURS IS MINE
WHAT IS MINE IS MINE

:D:D:D
Now modern lah, no more such thing. More like the other way round, ......after marriage ;)

[huangkwokhau]

It seems that Marleve Mainaky is not there....so Hendrawan will guide Maria Kristin tomorrow on first match......

[Oldhand]

The opening show is amazing!
Simply out of this world!

[Fengwei]

Extraordinary show! The beauty, ease, flow, color, composition, directing, everything was subleme!

[huangkwokhau]

Great job for China..............amazing...I will watch again tonight on NBC...
This time, I will pay attention to details...hehe

[huangkwokhau]

Hm..few players promised me to pass their official Yonex shirts..too bad..some of them I cant wear it....sigh!

[Fengwei]

Wow Huang, that's quite something! Lucky you, lucky you! If you can't wear them, at least frame them!

[huangkwokhau]

Wow Huang, that's quite something! Lucky you, lucky you! If you can't wear them, at least frame them!
:D:D.. i know especially women shirts...:D..this time, if they forget, I will demand it..I had Quo Xen Dong 's hirt after Thomas Cup too...

[Fengwei]

Women's shirts? What have you been up to Huang, whaha! That's a honor, having Thomas Cup shirts.

[huangkwokhau]

Women's shirts? What have you been up to Huang, whaha! That's a honor, having Thomas Cup shirts.
Haha..I did have some from few players...from Xu, Schenks, ....

[Fengwei]

Germany? Alright. Let's see what shirts you'll get this time then.

[madbad]

Did anyone notice the camera close in on Taufik during INA's march past in parade? At least this is what we saw on the CBC

[george@chongwei]

Did anyone notice the camera close in on Taufik during INA's march past in parade? At least this is what we saw on the CBC
yeah...i notcied that too!:)
do u mean u watched the opening ceremony through here??
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/livevideo (http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/livevideo/)

[madbad]

yeah...i notcied that too!:)
do u mean u watched the opening ceremony through here??
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/livevideo (http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/livevideo/)

No George, I watched it on the TV :)

[george@chongwei]

Did anyone notice the camera close in on Taufik during INA's march past in parade? At least this is what we saw on the CBC
madbad, do u mean this??:)
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080808/i/r4070301241.jpg?x=400&y=258&sig=kbe3kb8dv1pveEZ8NFYoqw--
Members of Indonesia's team including badminton player Taufik Hidayat (R) wave during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. The stadium is also known as the Bird's Nest.REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA)

[huangkwokhau]

madbad, do u mean this??:)
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080808/i/r4070301241.jpg?x=400&y=258&sig=kbe3kb8dv1pveEZ8NFYoqw--
Members of Indonesia's team including badminton player Taufik Hidayat (R) wave during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. The stadium is also known as the Bird's Nest.REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA)

Flandy was behind Kido......

[cooler]

97-year-old travels 2,400km by bike to see badminton

A 97-year-old grandmother has travelled 2,400 kilometres (1,491 miles) by tricyle to watch the Chinese badminton team in action at the Beijing Olympics.

Xiao Xincui, affectionately known as old Xiao, sat in the back while her grandson Liu Xianghui provided the pedal power on their mammoth journey from Henan province in central China.

The epic trip took five weeks and they arrived to see women's singles champion Zhang Ning play on Sunday.

"I'm very excited to be here," said Xiao.

Her grandson said he wanted to make the trip as a thank you to Xiao for bringing him up after his father died when he was young.

Their journey has caught the imagination of the Chinese media and public and they now have tickets to see the 110m hurdles final at the National Stadium where the whole of China will be willing Liu Xiang to win another gold medal.




Copyright © 2008 Agence France Presse

[huangkwokhau]

wow..97 old? wow..my body will be falling apart.....now I have knew problem here and there....hehe.....good for her!

[madbad]

97-year-old travels 2,400km by bike to see badminton

A 97-year-old grandmother has travelled 2,400 kilometres (1,491 miles) by tricyle to watch the Chinese badminton team in action at the Beijing Olympics.

Xiao Xincui, affectionately known as old Xiao, sat in the back while her grandson Liu Xianghui provided the pedal power on their mammoth journey from Henan province in central China.

The epic trip took five weeks and they arrived to see women's singles champion Zhang Ning play on Sunday.

"I'm very excited to be here," said Xiao.

Her grandson said he wanted to make the trip as a thank you to Xiao for bringing him up after his father died when he was young.

Their journey has caught the imagination of the Chinese media and public and they now have tickets to see the 110m hurdles final at the National Stadium where the whole of China will be willing Liu Xiang to win another gold medal.




Copyright © 2008 Agence France Presse

Respect, man:eek::eek:

[azabaz_ipoh]

a sign of a true fan. very patriotic...:D i hope i will still be in love with badminton when or if i reach the golden years of 90s.

[cooler]

Respect, man:eek::eek:yes. Of all the sports in china, she chose to watch badminton. The woman knows good taste ;)

Here are some other famous people watching badminton, Mr and Mrs Gates

[jamesd20]

Doesn't Bill Gates live somewhere near some of our US members?:)

Anyone know if he goes to a club? Might want to have a word about some sponsorship!

[**KZ**]

just read an article on yahoo about bill gates becoming a baddy fan....apparently he watched BCL's game against the peruvian today and was very impressed..and said he had become a fan of the sport....my 1st thought was also sponsorship... =)

[vching]

just read an article on yahoo about bill gates becoming a baddy fan....apparently he watched BCL's game against the peruvian today and was very impressed..and said he had become a fan of the sport....my 1st thought was also sponsorship... =)

The first thing that went through my mind was also $$$

[aeida]

sponsorship for Hawk-eye system implementation would be perfect..

[azabaz_ipoh]

ooooooohhhhhh, finally baddy got the deserve attention of someone that could change the sport or at least elevate it to the next level. imagine badminton becoming like tennis. wohhhh.. :)

[**KZ**]

sponsorship for a top class badminton tournament in the states will also be nice..

[cooler]

just read an article on yahoo about bill gates becoming a baddy fan....apparently he watched BCL's game against the peruvian today and was very impressed..and said he had become a fan of the sport....my 1st thought was also sponsorship... =)

ahhh, another great one with good taste.
In 2004, bill and melinda gates flew to athen just to watch the table tennis event. I'm glad to hear these 2 have moved up a class of taste to badminton now. Of course people are impressed once they get to see real badminton:)

[cooler]

just read an article on yahoo about bill gates becoming a baddy fan....apparently he watched BCL's game against the peruvian today and was very impressed..and said he had become a fan of the sport....my 1st thought was also sponsorship... =)

found the piece of news u read.
Hope they have time to catch some XD and MD too



Olympics: Bill Gates catches badminton action

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 14:53:00 08/11/2008
BEIJING -- One of the world's richest men, Bill Gates, dropped in to watch the Olympic badminton action Monday, and liked what he saw.
The Microsoft founder took a seat in the VIP box to see China's champion Bao Chunlai down Guatemala's Kevin Cordon 2-0 in the men's singles in front of a cheering Chinese crowd.
The multibillionaire signed "Badminton is Great!! Bill Gates" on a piece of paper for one of the officials accompanying him before leaving after the match at the Beijing University of Technology gymnasium.
The philanthropist, with an estimated $58 billion to his name, said he was impressed with the day's action.
"It was great, I was very impressed," the Microsoft founder told reporters before being whisked away in a black four-wheel-drive.
Asked if he was a badminton fan, Gates replied: "I became one."



Microsoft founder Bill Gates, right, and his wife Melinda, left, watch the men's badminton singles match between China's Bao Chunlai and Guatemala's Kevin Cordon at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

[Jessica]

Hmm..Bill Gates like badminton too..Good taste..haha..Hopefully he will enjoy himself in the match.

[jamesd20]

He doesn't look that interested in the photo!

Maybe just clever marketing to get us badminton fans to buy his products!

[Loh]

He doesn't look that interested in the photo!

Maybe just clever marketing to get us badminton fans to buy his products!

No, his brain is working fast: "Amazing stuff this feather cock. Now, how can I get my boys to create a game for this!" :cool:

[volcom]

No, his brain is working fast: "Amazing stuff this feather cock. Now, how can I get my boys to create a game for this!" :cool:
If that were to happen then it would be absolutely awesome :cool:

[huangkwokhau]

Doesn't Bill Gates live somewhere near some of our US members?:)

Anyone know if he goes to a club? Might want to have a word about some sponsorship!
Paisan is there....I am suer couple millions is nothing to Gates foundation.......

[gendruw]

bill gates..... badminton.
eager to see what happen next :D

[george@chongwei]

badminton will be full of technology in the future:D:D:D

[jamesd20]

bill gates..... badminton.
eager to see what happen next :D

Probably nothing............like cooler said he watched Table tennis in Athens I didn't see MS transforming TT.

[huangkwokhau]

MSNBC is part of microsoft too..so I guess Bill is there as sponsor...and also NBC.com uses MSN Video too

[ants]

Dont be too overly excited about Bill Gates comment on badminton. He also said the similar things to other sports as well.

[ants]

how does the shoes look like?

http://www.kobechina.com.cn/thread-42160-1-1.html

http://www.cnxz.cn/news/top2007,124430.html

http://www.nikefuns.com/sneakers/nike-beijing-olympics-dunk-low-color-pack.html

http://bbs.hoopchina.com/htm_data/49/0807/375801.html

http://www.189zx.com/info/detail/14-4646.html

Adidas also have limited edition Olympic shoes and shirts as well. Good way to make more money in this Olympic season.

[madbad]

ahhh, another great one with good taste.
In 2004, bill and melinda gates flew to athen just to watch the table tennis event. I'm glad to hear these 2 have moved up a class of taste to badminton now. Of course people are impressed once they get to see real badminton:)

Well, either the Gateses are trying out different sports to see which one they really like or they're just casual spectators. Someone in the know should quickly seed the sponsorship $$$ thing in his mind while the iron's hot.

(BTW cooler, it's Athens ;):p)

[Oldhand]

Hmm..Bill Gates like badminton too..Good taste..haha..Hopefully he will enjoy himself in the match.


He doesn't look that interested in the photo!

Maybe just clever marketing to get us badminton fans to buy his products!
Actually, he had wanted to watch basketball.
Then someone told him 'The President is there'.

Er, the badminton venue was just around the block.

[litobear]

Yo everyone!!
IM BACK!!
so so so so HAPPY..
but my internet connection is bad..
unable to PAW earlier..

[huangkwokhau]

Yo everyone!!
IM BACK!!
so so so so HAPPY..
but my internet connection is bad..
unable to PAW earlier..
Your PAW on WS 16 is way too late................late........:D:D

[clinton]

Doesn't Bill Gates live somewhere near some of our US members?:)

Anyone know if he goes to a club? Might want to have a word about some sponsorship!

Sure, only 10 miles from where I live...

I have not heard Bill Gates participating in any sports actively besides Bridge
(if you call it sport), unlike Paul Allen (who owns NBA and NFL teams) and Steve Ballmer (avid Basketball player).

ProClub where many Microsoft employees are members does have badminton
program (3 or 4 times a week with 8 courts and always crowded).

[ctjcad]

..since you guys broke it already, i'll just post another picture of him and Mr. Bush and their families...;)
Boy, do i see Laura Bush looking bored as hell or what, trying to watch the sport. Although Mr. Bush, looks quite interested, or was he trying to stay awake???.. :p;)

[cooler]

..since you guys broke it already, i'll just post another picture of him and Mr. Bush and their families...;)
Boy, do i see Laura Bush looking bored as hell or what, trying to watch the sport. Although Mr. Bush, looks quite interested, or was he trying to stay awake???.. :p;)was that from the badminton or swimming event?

[gogalop27]

Hallo guys, I heard that ZhangJiewen will marry Chong Tan Fook after olympic. Is she going to stop playing badminton?

It would be ashame after the unsuccess this time in Olympic.

[huangkwokhau]

Hallo guys, I heard that ZhangJiewen will marry Chong Tan Fook after olympic. Is she going to stop playing badminton?

It would be ashame after the unsuccess this time in Olympic.
She had said that already................

[ctjcad]

was that from the badminton or swimming event?
..but either way, Mrs. Bush looked awfully bored..:p..
She's thinking "Get me out of this sport hall, i want to go shopping!!!!"... ;)

[george@chongwei]

wong mew choo stated that she will try her best to win 2day`s match vs lu lan later.

[victory]

wong mew choo stated that she will try her best to win 2day`s match vs lu lan later.

I totally beleive WMC can do it. I have faith in her just like she has faith in herself.

[jamesd20]

wong mew choo stated that she will try her best to win 2day`s match vs lu lan later.

Hardly news is it?:confused::confused:

What is she going to say? "I don't think I can be bothered trying tomorrow, I might as well just give her the game":eek::eek:

[george@chongwei]

Hardly news is it?:confused::confused:

What is she going to say? "I don't think I can be bothered trying tomorrow, I might as well just give her the game":eek::eek:
huh??????:eek: :eek: :eek:

[metalmon1188]

..since you guys broke it already, i'll just post another picture of him and Mr. Bush and their families...;)
Boy, do i see Laura Bush looking bored as hell or what, trying to watch the sport. Although Mr. Bush, looks quite interested, or was he trying to stay awake???.. :p;)
Barbara is cute :p

[ctjcad]

- My roommate went to the Thursday's morning session and he apparently mistaken Mr. Agum Gumelar (Taufik's father in law) for a reporter. Here's what trasnspired. He went in, to the seating area. When he sat down, he saw Mr. Gumelar scribbling something on a piece of paper. He then asked him whether he's a reporter or a journalist. Unbeknownst to my roommate, he then asked what newspaper company does the person work for?...Then out of nowhere, someone said "It's that Mr. Gumelar"....My roommate suddenly pulled back and looked next to him and realized he was sitting right next to Mr. Agum and his wife......:D:p.....And yes, Ami was there sitting next to them as well.

- For tomorrow morning's session, apparently the Indonesian consulate has reserved the entire row of seating for the Indonesian contingency/consulate. I guess the reservation is for them to watch the Maria Kristin vs. Zhang Ning's match. That should be a cracker..:p

- It was raining for most of the afternoon today. Thank goodness for it.

- Fengwei met Rexy at the athlete's village and took a picture w/him (however, the pic is in my camera:crying:). He and Syaoran_Style (Tarek) also ran into Lee Wan Wah & Wong Choong Hann and another coach at the Wangfujing's shopping area (apparently after their earlier day's defeat). And no, Pemuda, we don't know if they actually shopped for one of those Olympics medals replicas..;)
*They should post some of those pics, later..:cool:

..okay, that's all the brief news for now...chat again...:)

[george@chongwei]

hmm.heard that lee chong wei and the whole malaysia badminton team had arrived at KLIA 3.30 pm just now..

[george@chongwei]

where is the kompang???:p:p:p

[ants]

No Kompang lah...

[george@chongwei]

No Kompang lah...
congratulations...:D
your 11.000 posts but no kompang..:D:D:D

[ctjcad]

..(well, i'm here, at kwun's hometown, killing a bit of time while enjoying the nightlife at an internet cafe)..:p;):)

So, here are a few more (irrelevant) side news, before i forget them:

- As noted by Loh, the security at the venue was very strict. However, during that night, during our get-together, we were able to get the tripod back after 30 min.
Apparently, not only the restrictions were "broken" as there were some other reg. spectators who brought in their professional looking photog equips.

- Yes, there were many2 scalpers roaming the sidewalk at the venues. A couple of times we encountered scalpers selling as well as buyers asking to buy tix. At the swimming venue, Fengwei and I ran into a bunch of scalpers selling tix right there and then at the spot. But, as expected, there were hardly any police or law enforcement in the neighborhood.

- Taufik, Ami (his wife), Sony, Hendra & Markis came to the Indonesian consulate to celebrate the INA Independence Day, on Sunday. My roommate told me it was a festive atmosphere. Too bad, i was out and about shopping with the other BCers, as i wasn't able to take pics with them.

- One of the most popular Adidas t-shirts was a best-seller. It is the t-shirt with the flame (orange/red) color, off to the side. Fengwei and Syaoran_Style(Tarek) were looking for that specific t-shirt all over town and couldn't find it. Not sure if they're able to find them or not.

- We also ran into a couple of incidents involving security guards either yelling or telling us not to take pics of regular buildings (the front of the R&F club, where we played baddy for the BC get-together) or interior spaces of a public place. For one, i am still boggled by such behaviors.:confused:

- A few of us BCers also went to BBESport and BBEShop to check out some baddy goodies. For those interested to see how they look like, Fengwei and Tarek took pics of the stores..;)

- A few of us went to Awana Malaysian restaurant earlier last week, as recommended earlier by yannie and Chu_liuxiang. Taste was pretty good, but the place was super-duper quiet. I believe we were the only customers, other than a couple other people.:p

- The racket stringing area in the badminton venue was not visible. Or at least not visible to the spectators. We looked left and right, but couldn't find the stringing area. We could guess it's located just underneath the spectator seating/stands.

- Our Mr. Fault (Cormac) is actually an umpire. He is from Ireland and we actually took pics of him. However, his pics are in my forever lost digicam/SD card.:p:(..
For those who remember the Sony D.K.'s match in the earlier round (i believe on Tuesday, 12th), Cormac was umpiring that match.
Fengwei was able to chat with him for a few minutes, over his cellphone, though. Cormac was a really busy guy.:cool:

[huangkwokhau]

INA team is leaving for Jakarta on August 19.

[Jagdpanther]

What is kompang' anyway?:confused:

Oh, and anyone knows when INA badminton team will leave Beijing?
To 63-years-ol' home sweet home?:D

(Already answered. Thank you.)

[ctjcad]

..the last few days in Beijing, at least on the weekend, were wonderful. Who would've expected rain and clear skies actually enveloped the city the last couple of days. It was still hot & humid but as far as i remember, there were only a few days, during my stay in Beijing, where the air was unbreathable. The weekend's weather was so good, we could see blue skies for at least 2 days. Thank goodness, as the track & field event has started this past weekend.:cool:

[george@chongwei]

No Kompang lah...
got kompang la...
:p:p
just now i saw the news heard that sound..:D

[copadh]

- Taufik, Ami (his wife), Sony, Hendra & Markis came to the Indonesian consulate to celebrate the INA Independence Day, on Sunday. My roommate told me it was a festive atmosphere. Too bad, i was out and about shopping with the other BCers, as i wasn't able to take pics with them.


The whole badminton squad are there, except two xd pairs. Taufik came bit late with his family. Hendra, Markis, and Maria become the star, they bring their medal, everyone took picture and talk to them. So busy until they have no time to eat. Alvent and Luluk join the party, but Sony prefer stay outside the area and keep busy with his cellphone.

[ctjcad]

- I went to a few HK-based Olympics merchandise souvenir shops and i only saw very limited items in comparison to those in Beijing. Thank goodness i was able to grab most of the souvenirs in Beijing..:p

- HK will host a few of the CHN's Olympics winners, such as LinDan, Guo Jingjing and a few others at the end of August. Tickets were put on sale today or y'day and the same thing happened also like in Beijing. People actually slept outside the tix box office and tried to get those tix (was shown on tv). However, i believe the govt. put a limit of 2 tix/person.

[george@chongwei]

- I went to a few HK-based Olympics merchandise souvenir shops and i only saw very limited items in comparison to those in Beijing. Thank goodness i was able to grab most of the souvenirs in Beijing..:p

- HK will host a few of the CHN's Olympics winners, such as LinDan, Guo Jingjing and a few others at the end of August. Tickets were put on sale today or y'day and the same thing happened also like in Beijing. People actually slept outside the tix box office and tried to get those tix (was shown on tv). However, i believe the govt. put a limit of 2 tix/person.
wow, chris..u just grab the souvenirs there??:eek: :eek: :eek::D
did u have a visit to the police station?:eek::p:p:p
just joking.bro.:)

[ctjcad]

..on a few occasions, i & other BCers ran into several players.:cool:

- Well, if last yr i missed meeting the MAS' Juniors (during the WC), fate would have it this yr.:cool: On the Aug. 12th's night session, as i was heading back inside the badminton venue, i ran into Tan Chung Seang in the hallway(OMG!!!Who knew!):eek::cool:; but i didn't bring my digicam:p. I first noticed him and then just about the same time we passed each other, i called out "Chung Seang!". He stopped and looked back and right away he smiled. Wow, he's really a friendly, down-to-earth fella! (yannie, you're right about him being so friendly. I even asked if he knew you and he said, 'yes';)). After that, we started chatting, as if he knew me and vice versa (eventhough that was the 1st time ever he & i met); i asked him who he came with & how long they're staying in Beijing. Throughout the whole conversation (yes, we chatted in English), he was all smiles.:) He even told me where they (he and a couple other MJs) were sitting during the match. :cool:

- Feng and I ran into Martin Lundgard Hansen, outside the arena, just after we finished watching JR & LP defeat LYD & JJS. Actually we were "player hunting".;)
Feng was trying to ask Martin where we could meet JR & LP and possibly asked them to sign his t-shirt.:);) Unfortunately, we couldn't meet them. But lucky Feng, during the press interview on the side area, just after JR & LP had won, he was able to wave to Jonas (with the BC t-shirt dangling on one hand) and JR quickly recognized the BC logo & acknowledged him with a smile.
*Hope JR is reading this and remembers the young tall lad who waved at him.;)

- Met with Eva Lee (U.S. Singles and Doubles player) and her parents (also on the 12th). I only spoke very briefly with her mom. They said they were planning to go to HK halfway during the badminton event week and then come back to Beijing the following week.

- Ran into May Mangkalakiri (U.S.' Doubles player), also on the 12th of Aug. outside of the arena, as we were getting ready to meet with the other BCers. She came walking with 2 full shopping bags. I asked her, " May! How's it going? Just came back from shopping?". Which she replied with a nod.:) We chatted also quite briefly and she said the U.S. squad is staying in Beijing and will go back to the U.S. til after the badminton event has finished. Or maybe sometimes this week??

- (As mentioned earlier) i ran into Claudio Rivero, but didn't speak to her. Only asked her to take a quick pic.

- (Also as mentioned earlier) Feng and Tarek ran into LWW and WCH at the Wangfujing shopping area, after their early defeat. I'll let them share more about their encounter.:cool:

- A couple other BCers also ran into XXZ, inside the arena, i believe.

[Fengwei]

Lee Wan Wah looked huge! :P But WCH was quite tall aswell. Lee Wan Wah seemed to be friendly, but because they were in a slight hurry (it seemed to me) I only asked WCH for a picture. He was very friendly and liked the attention.

I also met Zhao Jianhua inside the stadium, and I got an autograph of Boonsak Ponsana aswell. I met Rexy outside of the Olympic Village where he agreed to come and meet Chris and me. He was such a friendly guy, unbelievable! The day after, I also bumped into him inside the venue, and we had a chat about the losses of KKK/TBH and LWW/CTF. It was quite sad, but he was still the usual him, friendly and smiling.

As Chris said, we met Lundgaard outside the stadium, he was in a rush, but still had a moment for us. Nice bloke :D

I can easily have forgotten some other badminton sportsmen, met so many of them :P

[kemana]

You are lucky.... Why didn't i have any of this luck

[Fengwei]

Well, you had the honor of cheering for the Koreans!

[kemana]

i actually saw zhengbo and xia xuan ze on the final day in the stadium,but i was busy going to buy something to drink

[Fengwei]

You didn't take pictures with them or autographs? I would have dropped everything I was carrying and run after them! Kemana, and you're trying to say you're unlucky! ;)

[halvepizza93]

Lee Wan Wah looked huge! :P But WCH was quite tall aswell. Lee Wan Wah seemed to be friendly, but because they were in a slight hurry (it seemed to me) I only asked WCH for a picture. He was very friendly and liked the attention.

I also met Zhao Jianhua inside the stadium, and I got an autograph of Boonsak Ponsana aswell. I met Rexy outside of the Olympic Village where he agreed to come and meet Chris and me. He was such a friendly guy, unbelievable! The day after, I also bumped into him inside the venue, and we had a chat about the losses of KKK/TBH and LWW/CTF. It was quite sad, but he was still the usual him, friendly and smiling.

As Chris said, we met Lundgaard outside the stadium, he was in a rush, but still had a moment for us. Nice bloke :D

I can easily have forgotten some other badminton sportsmen, met so many of them :P

could you upload them (of een pm sturen:P)?

[Fengwei]

The picture I took with Rexy is on Chris' camera. And because that one got lost in Beijing, I haven't got that on :( The picture with WCH is on Tarek's camera. I'll be mailing him for that picture.

I'll make a picture of my ticket with the autograph of Boonsak on it. Sadly, we had no chance to take pictures with Lundgaard, Zhao Jianhua and LWW. Lundgaard was preparing to leave the venue, and Zhao Jianhua just came into the stadium when everybody left after the morning session. Somehow, nobody recognised him/bothered to look at him. He was very surprised when I asked him if he was the famous Chinese player. After that we just chatted shortly in the hallway and he had too leave to meet the Chinese assistent coach.

I'll upload those pics ASAP.

[george@chongwei]

ok, waiting for those pics, fengwei:p

[kemana]

You didn't take pictures with them or autographs? I would have dropped everything I was carrying and run after them! Kemana, and you're trying to say you're unlucky! ;)
but i would love to meet rexy instead. i already took picture of xia xuan ze before, although long before. and zheng bo is not really my type, i would love to take picture of lyd or ljj instead.

[kemana]

....Zhao Jianhua just came into the stadium when everybody left after the morning session. Somehow, nobody recognised him/bothered to look at him. He was very surprised when I asked him if he was the famous Chinese player. After that we just chatted shortly in the hallway and he had too leave to meet the Chinese assistent coach.

I'll upload those pics ASAP.
you are really lucky! But i'm more interested in Tang Xian Hu

[Oldhand]

you are really lucky! But i'm more interested in Tang Xian Hu

From the pictures we have of you, he'd likely say the same :p

[Loh]

From the pictures we have of you, he'd likely say the same :p

BTW kemana is tall. Wonder where she learnt her English, sort of with an American twang! ;)

[Fengwei]

She is tall yea, much taller than the average Chinese female. Her English is really quite good!

[kemana]

BTW kemana is tall. Wonder where she learnt her English, sort of with an American twang! ;)


She is tall yea, much taller than the average Chinese female. Her English is really quite good!
THX,i learned it from US drama...ps,new season is coming yea~~

[ctjcad]

BTW kemana is tall. Wonder where she learnt her English, sort of with an American twang! ;)

She is tall yea, much taller than the average Chinese female. Her English is really quite good!

THX,i learned it from US drama...ps,new season is coming yea~~
..i thought i heard a bit of a Texas/Southern accent/slang in her, too..."howdy y'all"...;)

No, but, kemana is quite fluent in her English..."you go guuurl!"..:cool:

[jamesd20]

THX,i learned it from US drama...ps,new season is coming yea~~

I assume you mean the accent - it would be mighty impressive if you learned the whole language from them


..i thought i heard a bit of a Texas/Southern accent/slang in her, too..."howdy y'all"...;)


Maybe she watched JR:D ...............Dallas?

[cooler]

a famous celebrity learned his english from watching tv;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herv%C3%A9_Villechaize

[cooler]

Tuesday September 2, 2008
Mesmerised by the big Beijing show
By LOONG MENG YEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Like many, Joyce Lee was mesmerised by China’s organisation of the Beijing Olympics.

But the event that brought lasting memories for her was the Badminton final between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan at the Beijing Technology Gymnasium.

The 26-year-old Joyce, one of 10 Malaysian volunteers at the Games, watched the final after begging her manager for a pass.

“I can give up watching the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies but I was determined to watch the badminton game.

“It was my country’s only chance to win a gold medal,” said Joyce.


Chance of a lifetime: Joyce (second from right) travelled for an hour by train and bus to reach the Beijing Technology Gymnasium (background building) to watch Chong Wei battle it out with Lin Dan.

She brought along a Malaysian flag which she used to bring out the Malaysia Boleh! spirit in Chong Wei.

Joyce said the atmosphere at the gymnasium was overwhelming.

Every time she and the outnumbered Malaysian fans shouted Chong Wei’s name, it was drowned out by the thunderous roar of the Chinese fans backing Lin Dan, she said.

“I didn’t care. I kept shouting Chong Wei’s name. It was an intimidating experience to face an entire stadium of opposition.

“What more for Chong Wei. The emotional pressure was really tremendous. I do not envy him and his loss to Lin Dan was understandable,” said the Banting-born lass.

Joyce, who skipped her convocation ceremony at Universiti Malaya on Aug 5 and spent about RM6,000 of her savings to be a volunteer, said she would volunteer again for it was “the chance of a lifetime.”

“The price to pay was small, the experience I gained was magnificent,” she said.

Attached to the Water Cube Stadium where she assisted in distributing the results, Joyce watched American swimming sensation Michael Phelps at the centre of attention every time he competed.

“Every time Phelps competed, the stadium would be full. He was a nice person too, friendly and did not show off,” said Joyce.

Joyce did not try to get near Phelps even for a photo opportunity because Olympic rules disallowed contact with the athletes.

Another volunteer, Tang Kok Khau, 39, said he used his experience as a tour guide to help usher in spectators for the hockey tournaments.

“It was fun working with an international group of volunteers although we had to wake up at 4.30am every morning to report for duty at 5.30am,” he said.

Unable to get into the Bird's Nest stadium for the opening ceremony, Tang and volunteers from Hong Kong watched the event at a pub they had booked solely for the purpose.

“Everything about the Olympics was grand, efficient and breathtaking,” he said.

-----
Joyce looks like WMC:D

[george@chongwei]

hmm, where u get the story, cooler?:) thanks for sharing.
btw, pls provide the source of your article.;)

[kemana]

Tuesday September 2, 2008
Mesmerised by the big Beijing show
By LOONG MENG YEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Like many, Joyce Lee was mesmerised by China’s organisation of the Beijing Olympics.

But the event that brought lasting memories for her was the Badminton final between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan at the Beijing Technology Gymnasium.

The 26-year-old Joyce, one of 10 Malaysian volunteers at the Games, watched the final after begging her manager for a pass.

“I can give up watching the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies but I was determined to watch the badminton game.

“It was my country’s only chance to win a gold medal,” said Joyce.


Chance of a lifetime: Joyce (second from right) travelled for an hour by train and bus to reach the Beijing Technology Gymnasium (background building) to watch Chong Wei battle it out with Lin Dan.

She brought along a Malaysian flag which she used to bring out the Malaysia Boleh! spirit in Chong Wei.

Joyce said the atmosphere at the gymnasium was overwhelming.

Every time she and the outnumbered Malaysian fans shouted Chong Wei’s name, it was drowned out by the thunderous roar of the Chinese fans backing Lin Dan, she said.

“I didn’t care. I kept shouting Chong Wei’s name. It was an intimidating experience to face an entire stadium of opposition.

“What more for Chong Wei. The emotional pressure was really tremendous. I do not envy him and his loss to Lin Dan was understandable,” said the Banting-born lass.

Joyce, who skipped her convocation ceremony at Universiti Malaya on Aug 5 and spent about RM6,000 of her savings to be a volunteer, said she would volunteer again for it was “the chance of a lifetime.”

“The price to pay was small, the experience I gained was magnificent,” she said.

Attached to the Water Cube Stadium where she assisted in distributing the results, Joyce watched American swimming sensation Michael Phelps at the centre of attention every time he competed.

“Every time Phelps competed, the stadium would be full. He was a nice person too, friendly and did not show off,” said Joyce.

Joyce did not try to get near Phelps even for a photo opportunity because Olympic rules disallowed contact with the athletes.

Another volunteer, Tang Kok Khau, 39, said he used his experience as a tour guide to help usher in spectators for the hockey tournaments.

“It was fun working with an international group of volunteers although we had to wake up at 4.30am every morning to report for duty at 5.30am,” he said.

Unable to get into the Bird's Nest stadium for the opening ceremony, Tang and volunteers from Hong Kong watched the event at a pub they had booked solely for the purpose.

“Everything about the Olympics was grand, efficient and breathtaking,” he said.

-----
Joyce looks like WMC:D
that guy in green t shirt ,he sat close to me during the final day!~:D

[cooler]

that guy in green t shirt ,he sat close to me during the final day!~:Dwas u the loud chinese fan they are referring to??:D

[cooler]

Losing touch(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-25 08:08

There are no winners without losers and for every gold medal there are silver, bronze and the also-rans. Like a pyramid, great victories are built upon the disappointment of others. The conqueror stands on top, looking down on those who would take the crown.

Only occasionally do the tears of success mingle with those of defeat, like in the women's 20km walk that ended in pouring rain at the Bird's Nest. After breaking the finishing line, winner Olga Kaniskina of Russia burst out crying, joined by Kjersti Tysse Platzer from Norway and Italy's Elisa Rigaudo.

But more often than not the joy of victory is predicated upon the bitter disappointment of others.

Tyson Gay's meltdown has been a platform for Jamaica's Usain Bolt to shine. The 100m was billed as the showdown of the Games but Gay didn't even qualify for the final. Then he dropped the baton in the 400m relay. Bolt is the hero and Gay the zero.

it would sound weird if it was the other way around huh???:p

Shooting is fertile territory for weeding out the loser at the last moment. In the men's 10m air rifle two men had to fail spectacularly for India's Abhinav Bindra to claim the first individual gold medal for his country.

He was fourth in the qualifying round, with Zhu Qinan of China a favorite on home soil and Finn Henri Hakkinen leading the field. But Bindra made headway and clinched victory with his final shot, leaving Zhu in tears and Hakkinen shaking his head.

Even more spectacular was the disastrous misfire that saw American Matthew Emmons lose the 50m rifle 3 positions shooting event with his last shot, a repeat of his "Greek tragedy" four years previously when he aimed at the wrong target.

Emmons' story is so tragicomic it is one of those rare occasions when the vanquished is better known than the victor. Nine times out of 10, however, the losers are quickly forgotten even if they were favorites. For reporters they turn into a non-story, just like that.

Another American, Lolo Jones (pictured below), was tipped to win the 100m hurdles and set the fastest time of the year in the semis. In the final, she was in the lead and cruising when she clipped the ninth hurdle and staggered in seventh. Her compatriot Dawn Harper, who only just made the squad, was crowned queen.

The gold, both metaphorically with the medal and literally, in terms of earning cash, goes to the winner. Close doesn't cut it. As China's Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan succinctly put it: "Competitive sports are cruel."

Queen's We are the Champions sums it up time and again at major events:

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions

Of the world.'
----------------------------------------------------------------
Huangk is right, i can turn any thread into LD thread:D:D:D

Hmm, didnt i borrowed a Queen's song before?;)

[kemana]

was u the loud chinese fan they are referring to??:D
i don't think i so ,i only supported Lee Yong Dae that day, guess they should think i was korean

[huangkwokhau]

Losing touch(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-25 08:08

----------------------------------------------------------------
Huangk is right, i can turn any thread into LD thread:D:D:D

Hmm, didnt i borrowed a Queen's song before?;)

:D I am sure..you will turn any subject to LD's..:p...we will see all LD's name on all threads...:D...........;)great though we had a fight...

[cooler]

hmm, where u get the story, cooler?:) thanks for sharing.
btw, pls provide the source of your article.;)
it was from the star onlne, a MAL online news site

http://thestar.com.my/news/

[ctjcad]

...i saw a brief 10-15 min. clippage of LinDan's badminton exhibition in Hong Kong on a local tv station tonight (i guess from his HK visit at the end of last month). He was playing singles against a young fellow, one of those average teen/college player at a school's gymnasium. Nope, no signs of XXF.
Funny thing i noticed, LD played quite seriously, as he did some cross court net shots, jumpsmashes, net dribbles and net pounces. He even did a couple of show-off moves during the warm-up period. After getting about 6 or 7 pts, the host/announcer told LinDan to just give the fellow lifts and clears so the lad could do some smashes & strokes of his own...towards the end, with everyone giving a good round of applause, LinDan entertained the crowd with a couple of his famous jump smash...:p

[samuel882]

...i saw a brief 10-15 min. clippage of LinDan's badminton exhibition in Hong Kong on a local tv station tonight (i guess from his HK visit at the end of last month). He was playing singles against a young fellow, one of those average teen/college player at a school's gymnasium. Nope, no signs of XXF.
Funny thing i noticed, LD played quite seriously, as he did some cross court net shots, jumpsmashes, net dribbles and net pounces. He even did a couple of show-off moves during the warm-up period. After getting about 6 or 7 pts, the host/announcer told LinDan to just give the fellow lifts and clears so the lad could do some smashes & strokes of his own...towards the end, with everyone giving a good round of applause, LinDan entertained the crowd with a couple of his famous jump smash...:p

i GUESS those went to HK were all the GOLD medalist from their respetive events. XXF, unfortunately not among any of them :p

[ctjcad]

..there wasn't any sign of XXF in the building/exhibition clip...but maybe she was out & about shopping in the Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok areas (i'm sure LD wouldn't leave XXF back home, right?)..;)

[ctjcad]

...@ TVB station, incl. Leo Koo as one of the hosts..or was that broadcasted in Beijing??..:p;)

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=45854