Summer Games Preview, Hanging with the U.S. Women’s Softball Team and Living in a Judo House
This week on Only A Game, we’ll preview the 2008 Summer Olympics and share with you the sounds of Beijing. Also, the U.S. Women’s Softball team prepares for its Olympic swan song and a house full of Olympic-hopeful Judokas fight over refrigerator space and general cleanliness.Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809.mp3
Let the Games Begin!Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_1.mp3 
The 2008 Summer Olympics are officially underway in Beijing. After a dazzling display at the opening ceremonies, badminton, fencing and shooting have already begun. The Boston Globe’s John Powers previews what’s to come with Bill Littlefield.
The 2008 Summer Olympics are officially underway in Beijing. After a dazzling display at the opening ceremonies, badminton, fencing and shooting have already begun. The Boston Globe’s John Powers previews what’s to come with Bill Littlefield.Sounds of BeijingAudio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_2.mp3 
It’s a safe bet that Beijing’s population in August will increase by about half a million people. Only A Game’s Anne Donohue has been in Beijing, and reports on the sights and sounds of the bustling Olympic host city.
It’s a safe bet that Beijing’s population in August will increase by about half a million people. Only A Game’s Anne Donohue has been in Beijing, and reports on the sights and sounds of the bustling Olympic host city. Hoping For a Bittersweet VictoryAudio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_3.mp3 
With a record of 59-1 during their pre-Olympic tour and 3 gold medals won in the last three Summer Games, the odds are in favor of the U.S. Women’s Softball team winning a fourth. After the Beijing games however, softball will be scratched from the list of Olympic events. Bill talks with some of the players about their feelings on softball’s final trip to the Olympics.
With a record of 59-1 during their pre-Olympic tour and 3 gold medals won in the last three Summer Games, the odds are in favor of the U.S. Women’s Softball team winning a fourth. After the Beijing games however, softball will be scratched from the list of Olympic events. Bill talks with some of the players about their feelings on softball’s final trip to the Olympics.Olympic Dreams Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_4.mp3 
There’s no doubt about it. China has been a globally growing force, and the 2008 Summer Games are the country’s chance to show off that power and status to the world. However, politics, pollution and other factors have cast a negative light on China and the Olympic games. Xu Guoqi’s new book Olympic Dreams chronicles China’s politically-fueled sports history over the past hundred years. Professor Xu joins Bill and discusses this and China’s hopes for the future after the Olympics conclude.
There’s no doubt about it. China has been a globally growing force, and the 2008 Summer Games are the country’s chance to show off that power and status to the world. However, politics, pollution and other factors have cast a negative light on China and the Olympic games. Xu Guoqi’s new book Olympic Dreams chronicles China’s politically-fueled sports history over the past hundred years. Professor Xu joins Bill and discusses this and China’s hopes for the future after the Olympics conclude.Even Bryant Gumbel Said It Wrong Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_5.mp3 
Is it pronounced Bei-JING or Bei-ZHING? It’s a question for the ages. Thankfully, Bill had a chance to speak with the Two Chinese Characters, John Weinstein and Carsey Yee to clear up this issue plaguing the American media.
Is it pronounced Bei-JING or Bei-ZHING? It’s a question for the ages. Thankfully, Bill had a chance to speak with the Two Chinese Characters, John Weinstein and Carsey Yee to clear up this issue plaguing the American media. Brett Favre’s New Job and More with Charlie Pierce Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_6.mp3 Bill and Only A Game analyst Charlie Pierce discuss: Philadelphia wins one in arena football, Former Olympian Joey Cheek’s visa gets revoked and Posh Spice, a communist?
Letters Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_7.mp3
Bill answers some mail from Only A Game listeners.
Bill answers some mail from Only A Game listeners.
Judo House Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/08/onlyagame_0809_8.mp3 
Picture a bunch of young people who live in a house and are constantly fighting. Has the makings of a good reality, show doesn’t it? That situation is basically as real as it gets for the Judo athletes all living together and training for the Olympics. Only A Game’s Shannon Mullen has our story.
Picture a bunch of young people who live in a house and are constantly fighting. Has the makings of a good reality, show doesn’t it? That situation is basically as real as it gets for the Judo athletes all living together and training for the Olympics. Only A Game’s Shannon Mullen has our story. 