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

[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.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

I knew you'd be watching the cycling, though without the crowds it doesn't worked very as well for me (I like the shrieking!). How have the indoor events been? They are one of the things I have missed in my mostly boycotting.

I've been editing Harry Potter fic, playing chaseys with the cats and watching documentaries when I need a telly fix. That and developing a deep hatred for Michael Phelps, which is just because he is So Boring. I'm sure he's secretly a pleasant chap and will learn how to have a life after these Olympics.

AND YES! Silver is no stunned mullet! GAH! Oh Australia, let's have an Australian Institute for Scientists. Gah!

How goes the treadmill?

[shu-shu-sleeps.livejournal.com]

I haven't watched the velodrome stuff at all - that whole sloped surface thing just freaks me out - its an horrific accident waiting to happen.....
Poor Michael Phelps - the classic introvert - don't hate him, he will get a life at some point.
Treadmill - yes used it yesterday afternoon for the first time, might try again later this evening when the worst of the dairy and gluten binge of last night has lessened its grip on me - ugh - still feel icky.

[blamebrampton.livejournal.com]

At least it was delicious food that has laid you low. OK, I hate the press obsession with Phelps. And hope he gets a girl or boyfriend soon.