http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/ 15 en-us Copyright 2008 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:39:53 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.2rc4-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss There's been plenty of speculation in recent weeks that at least five of China's female gymnasts are underage, with media reports and online records suggesting that the ages were changed on official documents. He Kexin: "Will you babysit me?" (AP Photo) Is China playing dirty? Is the IOC not doing its part to investigate? Should the Chinese gymnasts be stripped of their gold medals? Eh, I guess. Whatever. Those things are all secondary, in my opinion, to one major issue, which is that China must think we're all very dense. I mean, just look at these kids and tell me with a straight face that they're all the minimum age of 16. A real journalist would never flat-out accuse China of falsifying documents without real evidence. It's a good thing I'm just a blogger then, because I'll say it: They're lying, and my intelligence has never been so insulted. You http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/the_list_proof_that_chinas_gym.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/the_list_proof_that_chinas_gym.html Olympics Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:39:53 -0500 No. 2 pencils only. You have five minutes. Cheating is okay, whatever. 1. This blog has been uninhabited for a week and a half because: a) I've been too busy collecting random links for the Steinbog. b) I've been too busy with our Olympics coverage. c) I've been too busy watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on Hulu. d) The dog ate my Movable Type. e) All of the above. 2. If the Beijing Games had a theme, it would be: a) National pride. b) National pride in the form of racism (times two). c) National shame. d) National worst-kept secrets. 3. Michael Phelps is: a) The scientist most often identified as the inventor of PET, a technique that permits the imaging of biological processes in the organ systems of living individuals. b) An alien. c) Breakfast. d) The unlikely candidate for turning Lindsay Lohan back on to men. e) http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/time_for_a_pop_quiz.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/time_for_a_pop_quiz.html Olympics Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:49:10 -0500 This may just be the best Crowd Noise Caption Contest photo yet: Did he tap that? Can I say "tap that" on a family newspaper's Web site? We shall see. . . (Larry Downing -- Reuters) From Reuters' Olympic blog: The United States are favourite [heh heh, they spell favorite funny] in both the men's and women's tournament and the president popped by to wish them good luck. He was not expecting to be made to actually play, nor to be proffered a pert buttock to pat. The possibilities are endless. Seriously. Have at it. UPDATED: You may have noticed that a bunch of comments have been taken down. I thought it went without saying that the one and only rule of this contest is to keep it clean. And no, thinly-veiled innuendos do not count as keeping it clean. Look, I don't want to be a downer, but this http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/epic_caption_contest.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/epic_caption_contest.html Caption Contest Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:31:44 -0500 You smell that, Brett Favre? That distinct odor wafting into your aging nostrils means you're in New Jersey, where your celebrated career is going to die. Go ahead and cry. We understand this time. Yes, if you haven't heard by now (which would be astonishing, seeing as how even Beijing knows what's up), Brett Favre is now a quarterback for the New York Jets of New Jersey. I don't even know how to feel about this whole thing, mostly because I was in the office until nearly 4 a.m. dealing with the saga and now seem to be experiencing some sort of post-traumatic annoyance disorder. Let's see what the guy who gets paid to know how he feels about this whole thing has to say: Mike Wise writes: "There should be a manual for sporting deities called 'How to Step Away Gracefully,' written by maybe Nolan Ryan or Jim Brown http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/and_that_is_why_you_stay_retir.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/and_that_is_why_you_stay_retir.html NFL Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:03:50 -0500 A quick FYI from washingtonpost.com management: This blog, and all blogs on the site, will undergo an upgrade from noon ET Tuesday till about 3 pm ET Wednesday. You may see a limited number of posts on some blogs in that time frame, but you will not be able to comment. Some blogs -- like this one -- will not have posts at all till tomorrow afternoon. The upgrade will allow our staff to address some sorely needed technical issues. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience. Jon DeNunzio Sports editor, washingtonpost.com http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/blog_maintenance_prepare_for_a.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/blog_maintenance_prepare_for_a.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:28:44 -0500 The last 30 or so posts on this blog have been Redskins-centric, so why change it up now? I promise to consider thinking about maybe posting something about the Nationals next week, but for today, we have a guest blog from Alex35332 (the prize for winning the haiku challenge): DC fans have a lot to be happy about right now. If you grew up in the Washington/Baltimore area in the 80's and 90's this Saturday probably brings closure to your childhood. For me personally three childhood sports heroes are all in their respective HOF's come Saturday. Cal, went in a year ago. Green, Monk this year. They are the men who kids in my neighborhood idolized, and it was a big deal going to watch any of them play. Playing little league baseball and soccer almost everyone went for 8, 28, and 81 as there uniform number, being a Z http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/guest_column_alex35332.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/guest_column_alex35332.html Redskins Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:06:23 -0500 I do hope you'll agree with me that the Redskins' latest premium "perk" (detailed below) is one of their most ridiculous yet, and not in the usual evil genius sort of way. If your eyes light up when you read about it and you find yourself exclaiming, "Holy Dan Snyder, it's brilliant!" then I have nothing to say to you. From NBC 4: For a fee, fans can enter FedEx Field ahead of the rest of the crowd. It's done with the same smart-card technology some travelers use to expedite their passage through security at area airports. For a $100 annual fee, Redskins fans can apply for a Washington Redskins Flo card that will allow them to enter the stadium through fast lanes. In order to get the wallet-size card, fans will have to be fingerprinted and pass a federal background check. The fast lanes will still have security pat-downs. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/fedex_fast_lanes_for_shame.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/08/fedex_fast_lanes_for_shame.html Redskins Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:41:13 -0500 Meet Redskins Insider celebrity Nate in the PDX: Real name (optional): naaah... just Nate. "Keeping with the hat theme, and throwing in a jersey for good measure. Yes, that's RI on the laptop in the background. A shamelessly staged photo, shot by my darling wife, 'Mrs. Nate.'" Location: Portland, OR. Occupation: I work on the internet. If you had to always use your real name, would you still comment? Probably, but with nowhere near the frequency or inanity of the comments I have posted. How long have you been coming to Redskins Insider and how often do you read it/comment? Reader since La Canfora's first post (August 1, 2006), commenter since November '06, beloved/loathed "regular" since some time thereafter. I check the blog all the time, for new threads and to catch up on the conversation in the comments. I take the blog and the conversation in the comments waaaaaaay http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/featured_commenter_nate_in_the.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/featured_commenter_nate_in_the.html Featured Commenter Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:25:39 -0500 Just wanted to pop in and say a quick thank-you for the comments, Facebook messages and emails I've received over the last few days. My grandmother lost her battle with leukemia last week and it hasn't been easy, but the good wishes and kind words from my favorite people on the Interweb have helped. My grandmother was a huge Redskins fan -- she thought Clinton Portis was "a star" -- so in her honor (and to make up for my failure to finish the Countown to Football), I'll resume daily posting tomorrow starting with a profile of one of the Redskins Insider regulars. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/many_thanks.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/many_thanks.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:14:23 -0500 Crowd Noise Readers, Lindsay asked me to post a heads-up -- the blog will be dark for the short-term future as she deals with a family illness. But do not fear, eventually Crowd Noise will return ... http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/no_noise_for_a_little_while.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/no_noise_for_a_little_while.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:55:26 -0500 Today is Thursday, July 17, which means that there are three days left to suffer through until football takes over. Yesterday, I essentially begged for a little help with these "contests." I only got one response in the comments: jg284481-5-37: Contest Idea : Most outlandish Brett Favre trade scenario (rumors about him coming to DC are out there) Thanks, jg. It's a solid idea, and I would absolutely use it if it didn't affect my health so much to see or hear the name "Brett Favre" these days. I swear, I lose five brain cells every time, and an additional 10 if the Redskins are mentioned in the same sentence. Fifteen more for the line, "he just has so much fun out there on the football field." Let me know when it's all over. Luckily, Nate in the PDX saved the day just a few short minutes ago with this http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_theme_so.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_theme_so.html Redskins Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:11:37 -0500 Today is Wednesday, July 16, but more importantly, there are just four days until Redskins training camp is open to the public. Before we get to today's contest, I suppose I should issue what has become a near-daily apology/clarification for something I've done/said/insinuated: I am truly, madly, deeply sorry for not realizing how sensitive Nationals Journal readers are about Orioles fans who mock their favorite team. A sampling of the backlash: Pot meet Kettle: Just to be clear, this guy's a fan of the perennial 4th place Orioles and likes to hang out on a Nats blog, and make fun of how sorry the Nats are? Ok, got it. Post Exec: Really. This is your featured commentator. A one-trick pony [note to self: ask bosses why we don't bleep this word]. Are their any adults left at the Post or have they all taken the buyouts and been replaced with http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_dust_off.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_dust_off.html Redskins Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:55:22 -0500 Today is Tuesday, July 15, which means that there are officially five days until Redskins training camp begins. Before we get to today's contest, here are some reader complaints, in haiku form: Upset reader: Yet more contests passwithout a winner announcedclassic bait and switch Keeping the peace: Oh dear, Bonitareaders are aggravatedplease post the winners Okay, okay, here we go. For the "Ode to Sunday" haiku challenge, it's got to be a three-way tie: Alex35332: Drunk off four dark beers Watching my crappy T.V. How I play the game cload and daggar: swollen agony Suisham kicks one hundred yards right in the Rabachs kost52: As the season nears I keep my fingers crossed tight Please, no hammy pings Holler at me to claim your prize (a guest column). I'm also quite pleased to announce that Jim Zorn will now be referred to here (and probably here only) as The Great http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football.html Redskins Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:43:44 -0500 Football madness continues soon, but in the meantime. . . Meet Nationals Journal resident antagonist O's Exec, who reinforces my belief that we need an Orioles Insider (I'm talking to you, Marc): Real name (optional): Mark Madara Location: Sunny So-Cal suckas! O's Exec, last seen terrorizing the NJ. Occupation: Singer, dancer, character actor -- I'm a triple threat! If you had to always use your real name, would you still comment? Of course. I mean I'm using my real name right now aren't I? Although I am thinking of legally changing my name to Dr. Orioles Executive or Dr. O's Exec, for short. How long have you been coming to the Nats Journal and how often do you read it/comment? Whenever I'm bored and have some free time or whenever the Nats lose (so, currently I spend a lot of time there). http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/featured_commenter_os_exec.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/featured_commenter_os_exec.html Orioles Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:20:06 -0500 Today is Monday, July 14, but more importantly, there are six days until Redskins training camp begins. Before we get to today's contest, two programming notes: 1. I've gotten a few complaints about not posting on Saturday and Sunday, even though I clearly said there would be ten straight days of contests. I have no excuses, except to say that I make false promises all the time. I'll make a great parent someday. 2. The Name That Zorn contest produced some excellent nickname possibilities. I was narrowing them down when I saw this comment: JDP: It must be Zornstar. There is no contest since Cooley has endorsed the name and the Mottrams came up with it. Zornstar, the rest of this is nonsense. And then, even worse, this one: Dan Steinberg: While I've never met JDP and even ignore his emails on occasion, I've got to agree with him on http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_the_haik.html http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crowdnoise/2008/07/countdown_to_football_the_haik.html Redskins Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:56:58 -0500