posted by
syncope at 10:24am on 24/08/2008
I think I'm spending JUST enough time w/ my family this go 'round that I won't want to strangle anyone--but we haven't had my mom's birthday party yet, so I could be TOTALLY WRONG.
missyjack just informed me that Matthew Mitcham is out and proud. That's lovely. Unlike, well, the rest of the world, I hate the Olympics. Mostly it's because I can't stand sports or jingoism and the combo of the two really just sums up to me why we have wars (the exception to this, as in all things, is HOCKEY--far be it from me to be other than absolutely hypocritical, however, I spend most of my time hating on other teams rather than rooting for anyone). I caught his winning dive somehow, though, and was happy to see the Australians winning something (as I am fond of Australians). These Olympics in particular are nothing more to me than bread and circuses. Look this way everyone and don't pay attention to WWIII happening in the former Soviet Union, and for godsake forget about anything going on in your own country that might be less than optimum!! Everyone loves a heartwarming story of the kid from a shack who grew up to compete in the Olympics next to all the children of privilege who went to swim camp from the time they were five, but at the end of the day I can't help wonder what better use all those billions of dollars could have been put to. It's sort of odd how cynical everyone has become about everything. I remember in my youth that the older people seemed to really think that the Olympics were about pure sport. This year I haven't heard much besides bitching about cheating and unfair judging. I think there's a complex system of the growth of cynicism combined with people realizing the realpolitik of any sort of international event where favor can be curried or bought.
However, my favorite story of these games is probs Michael Phelps having Marfan Syndrome. Like Akhenaten my very favorite wacky pharaoh.
Looks like I'm cooking all day (if you care: moussaka, pineapple upside down cake, saffron and honey cakes, homemade ice cream, and all the finger foods). I refuse to make moussaka more than once a year anymore because it's a fucking all day event, but you know how it is, I'm a sucker for the fam.
How was your Olympic experience?
However, my favorite story of these games is probs Michael Phelps having Marfan Syndrome. Like Akhenaten my very favorite wacky pharaoh.
Looks like I'm cooking all day (if you care: moussaka, pineapple upside down cake, saffron and honey cakes, homemade ice cream, and all the finger foods). I refuse to make moussaka more than once a year anymore because it's a fucking all day event, but you know how it is, I'm a sucker for the fam.
How was your Olympic experience?
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