Olympics - Pyeongchang, not Pyongyang

[HalfSmokes]

So as I watch the Olympics on line this morning and think about the highest ideals of the human condition as shown by these great athletes,

I tend to enjoy the absurdity of athletes spending  their teens and twenties honing skills and perfecting their bodies to complete single tasks that are both useless and that no one will care about in two weeks for at least another four years when NBC will once again celebrate their dedication to pushing a bobsled

[varoadking]

Maybe Will Ferrel can help you do the Iron Lotus?

I hope you noticed that they didn't fall...

[Natsinpwc]

I hope you noticed that they didn't fall...

And a high degree or difficulty. They had it all.

[Natsinpwc]

I tend to enjoy the absurdity of athletes spending  their teens and twenties honing skills and perfecting their bodies to complete single tasks that are both useless and that no one will care about in two weeks for at least another four years when NBC will once again celebrate their dedication to pushing a bobsled

But most of them are from Europe where they do care about these sports. The top ones make big bucks. Your view is probably close to many around the world who watch the Super Bowl but no other games during the year.

[HalfSmokes]

But most of them are from Europe where they do care about these sports. The top ones make big bucks. Your view is probably close to many around the world who watch the Super Bowl but no other games during the year.

depends on what sport, skiing, skating, even snowboards, I totally agree. The guy pushing the bobsled not so much. It seems like winter Olympic sports in general are more marketable (I was kind of shocked that biathlon is a popular sport in most of northern Europe). 

[mitlen]

Maybe Will Ferrel can help you do the Iron Lotus?

Another reason not to watch Will Ferrell.

[varoadking]

Another reason not to watch Will Ferrell.

One does not need more than one reason...

[Natsinpwc]

One does not need more than one reason...

You guys gave up on comedians once we went to "talkies." 

[mitlen]

You guys gave up on comedians once we went to "talkies." 

In a lot of ways, Ferrell reminds me of Jerry Lewis.    Lots of folks think they're great and I simply don't get it.   

[Natsinpwc]

Where is Eric Heiden when you need him?

[Natsinpwc]

In a lot of ways, Ferrell reminds me of Jerry Lewis.    Lots of folks think they're great and I simply don't get it.

You are too deep for the simple minded stuff many of us like.

[mitlen]

Where is Eric Heiden when you need him?

OT   Mina Kimes was on Around the Horn yesterday.    Her mom is Korean (I think she said her mom was born in N. Korea.).    Mina won the "Showdown" portion of the show.    Her topic was how to correctly pronounce "Pyeongchang".     She was bemoaning how we (media, etc.) butcher (Anglicize) the pronunciation.    Good stuff ....

[spidernat]

Another reason not to watch Will Ferrell.

One does not need more than one reason...

It's official then, I'm an old fart.

[mitlen]

It's official then, I'm an old fart.

Do you know the secret knock?     I hope so 'cause I forgot what it is.

[spidernat]

Do you know the secret knock?     I hope so 'cause I forgot what it is.

One of you is going to have to clue me in to what it is.

[mitlen]

One of you is going to have to clue me in to what it is.

If that's the case, you're in some deep ****.       

[spidernat]

Maame Biney did not advance to the semifinals in the 500m. After watching her blow away the competition at the US Olympic trials this is a rough wake up call for US short track.

[HalfSmokes]

this is a rough wake up call for US short track.

I'm sure their fan is utterly apoplectic

[spidernat]

I may not follow the sport except to watch the trials and the Olympics every four years but I'm a fan of the entire US Olympic team.

[HalfSmokes]

My sense of national pride isn’t diminished by a poor showing in speed skating (though if the figure skaters disappoint, they shouldn’t even bother getting on a plane home)

[skippy1999]

So you guys would prefer they not attempt any jumps at all so they don't fall at all?
Seems to be a middle ground here that you are missing.

yea, that's exactly what we're saying
We're here where we are because a male Russian skater got pissy he didn't win the gold in 2010.  The sport got bigger and better before that WITHOUT giving "Nice try! good effort!" points

[mitlen]

yea, that's exactly what we're saying
We're here where we are because a male Russian skater got pissy he didn't win the gold in 2010.  The sport got bigger and better before that WITHOUT giving "Nice try! good effort!" points

How will these people survive?    They've been gettin' "Nice try" participation medals since 1st grade.   

[Natsinpwc]

yea, that's exactly what we're saying
We're here where we are because a male Russian skater got pissy he didn't win the gold in 2010.  The sport got bigger and better before that WITHOUT giving "Nice try! good effort!" points

Sounds like they have turned it into the sport of low risk.  You know it's not all or nothing.  I am sure if you try a jump and fall on the landing you get more points than if you just fall taking off.  Or am I wrong? 

This goes back way earlier than 2010--remember Nancy Kerrigan and her "I was flawless" whining way back when.  She skated an easier program and made no mistakes.  Thought because she was pretty and had a hammer taken to her knee that she would automatically win.  No real good sports since Dorothy Hamill--short and sassy the way it should be.

In any event, let's be honest--it's not a real sport.  If it was a real sport would Johnny Weird be sitting there announcing with that hair.  I just want to go out and get the big garden clippers and lop it off!

[Natsinpwc]

How will these people survive?    They've been gettin' "Nice try" participation medals since 1st grade.   

Sounds like one of my performance evaluations!

[Natsinpwc]

Short track skating is much better--no judgment calls by the officials.