I snapped ...

[blamebrampton]

I have watched a few minutes of Olympics. The equestrian broke my resolve. I am telling myself that it's in Hong Kong, so it's not really breaking my China boycott, but I know this is a lie.

But.

The oldest debuting Australian Olympian this year is a 60-year-old named Laurie Lever. He is a showjumper. I just watched him jump a beautiful clear round, with just one time penalty. And it was a beautiful thing. At work today, my friend and I were in the cafe when the repeats of the German teams dressage came on. We watched Isabell Werth on Satchmo, and it was astonishing. I have heard people say that they don't 'get' dressage, but I defy anyone to watch a performance like that and not see the beauty in it.

To balance out my snapping, I have been watching more of the coverage of journalists hammering the IOC. Last night a British journalist asked a senior IOC official a question along the lines of "Is the IOC embarrassed by the fact that China has met none of its promises, either with regards to human rights or to press freedom?"

She replied along the lines of "The athletes and the visitors are all having a wonderful Olympics and we are very pleased with the way the Games are going."

He repeated his question. She repeated her answer. He tried again, same response. He tried one last time. She replied: "I think that some of the other journalists here would like a chance to ask some questions." and pointed into the press pack.

An American voice rang out. "Actually, I'd very much like to hear you address the previous question."

I do wholly love Americans some days.

Comments

[sarcasticpixie.livejournal.com]

Our brash rudeness does come in handy sometimes, I will say.

[eeyore9990.livejournal.com]

That's because we're cheeky. Without even trying to be.

[empress-jae.livejournal.com]

we're so damn pushy. you can't help but love our persistence. no matter how obnoxious it gets. ;)

i think the IOC is gonna be investigated after these games are over. i don't know by whom, but someone needs to figure out what those officials were smoking to allow this fuckery.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

Persistent little buggers aren't they?

[potteresque_ire]

Oh no oh no, it's not a lie! Hong Kong is very special place. It's important that the spotlight continues to be on the city, as it will be the forefront of pushing the limits of Chinese citizen rights. :)

I try to not say much about Chinese politics ... mainly because I don't want to start a fight. Sometimes, these things are so tied to the history, to the events that have shaped the psyche of the race ... what has worked for the new age countries may not work well for an ancient country with a very wounded past, where centuries of teaching emphasize on the hierachy of power structure (which is largely what Confucism is all about - not the stuff the yoga instructors tell people! :) )

[tomatoe18.livejournal.com]

Did she address the previous question, though?

Dressage is amazing! I like watching it.

[libby-drew.livejournal.com]

We do have our good days.

[brinian.livejournal.com]

From Oregon, USA...

Stupid mainstream media over here hasn't shown any equestrian. And I LOVE it and I'm pissed! I've been watching nothing but Michael Phelps. Now I think it's great that he's doing so well (aided by the latest technology in pool design, suit design, etc., etc., etc.) BUT there's more than just swimming and gymnastics going on and those folks deserve their 15 seconds on TV too DAMNIT! And I'm really sorry, but there's no way you can tell me he's the 'greatest olympic athlete of all time' when he only competes in one sport. I mean, what about triathletes and pentathletes...they're excelling at three to ten sports and only getting one medal for the whole thing? Take that f-ing pedestal down a a few feet and I'll agree he's a great swimmer.

OK, rant over.

I'm really happy to hear that SOME journalist somewhere is doing their job. I've been sitting on a political rant for weeks now that's about to blow. There's been only a nod to the situation in Georgia in the news (except NPR) and the candidates in the presidential "race" are sinking deeper into the mire of mediocrity with every passing day.

*is deeply depressed about the state of the nation*

[symetric.livejournal.com]

But isn't that what politics is all about? Sidestepping questions that actually sound reasonable? :D

I'm not following the Olympics like I did in Athens, but it has been fun seeing some of the drama unfold.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

You know, Brammers, and I've been meaning to say this for a while: your unfailingly optimistic view of the world, in the face of all kinds of adversity, makes ME a better person. I thank you for it!

(I realise this sounds like I'm drunk beyond all comprehension, but really I'm not. I can show you examples of what that's like if you want.)

What did her face look like? :D

[shu-shu-sleeps.livejournal.com]

You can be forgiven for crumbling and watching some equestrian stuff - I really enjoy that too. I have to admit to watching the cycling - road race and time trial (cycling tragic, that's me -just love those boys in lycra but velodrome stuff is a bit dull) but have been indulging in waaaay too many DVDs because there's nothing on TV except the Olympics and I find the whole sport obsessed nation thing a bit too much to take - I'd like to see some news that isn't all about the Olympics for a change.
Read on a news site that people are actually sniping at athletes who 'only got silver'... I find that attitude totally offensive.... even qualifying for the Games is a massive achievement!
Dressage - what can I say - yes it can be beautiful - I love watching it. And go Laurie Lever...... that is what the Olympics should be about, competing, and enjoying the experience.

[wenchilada.livejournal.com]

Damn! Wish I'd seen it (but that would be asking to much). Culturally, it's a great place and the shopping's great. Everything else sucks.

Now I'll probably get deported.