Lian Dolan's Blog, page 27
August 6, 2012
Random Thoughts London 2012 #10: It’s all about the Landings
A theme commentary today in honor of Mars Rover Curiosity and the millions of Olympic-inspired headlines this morning. Congratulations to the Mars team there in Pasadena and La Canada. You make us all proud with your vision and focus.
And frankly, just how well you all seem to be able to do math.
Now, who stuck their landings and who did not:
Stuck: Olga Korbut. Great piece on 1972′s sweetheart Olga on NBC in morning coverage. Wonderful piece of history, sport and replays of her epic back somersault. Gave me chills to see the tape again and hear Jim McKay. My TV here appears to be from 1972, so nice symmetry.
Not Stuck: McKayla Maroney The collective gasp of audiences everywhere when Air Maroney landed on her backside must have been heard on Mars. Heartbreak.
Stuck: Usain Bolt. When you have a field that boasts the 4 fastest men of all time and everyone in the stands knows who’s going to win the race, you are a champion.
Not Stuck: Jenna Bush referring the to the race as “the a hundred meter” in a taped piece for Today Show. A taped piece, not an in the moment slip. Her interview with Usain Bolt was a crime against sport.
Stuck: Twin Cam shot in Synchronized swimming. Great technology. You can see the swimmer above AND below the waterline.
Not Stuck: Synch Swimming as an Olympic sport I know, an easy mark, but after watching the real swimmers last week, the synchro, with the nose clips and the jello, seems like a party trick.
Stuck: Sonya Richards Ross A gracious and talented champion who is now a gold medalist and her family, scattered all over the stadium, reacting to her win with tears and cheers
Not Stuck: Mrs. Murray and her freakishly cold reaction when her son Andy finally won some significant. Were they playing that match at the Oedipus Complex? Oh, no, Wimbledon. Wow, that explains why Andy Murray think his new head coach Ivan Lendl is warm and fuzzy.
Stuck: Team GB’s Stella McCartney wear Love these eye catching uniforms in their many versions.
Not Stuck: The Michael Jackson Synchro Suits There are no words….
Stuck: The Australian women’s water polo team taking down China in a shootout. I find I simply can not root against the Aussies.
Not Stuck: US Judo medalist Delpopo blaming positive drug tests on “unknown consumption of pot brownies.” People still make those?
Stuck: The Duchess of Cambridge enjoying herself at many events, cheering and smiling and talking to the US gymnasts.
Unstuck: That guy who threw a glass bottle at the 100 meters guys just before the gun went off. Sacrilympic.
Making plans to watch the US women’s soccer team v. Canada at lunch. Embracing my Chaos, Lian
August 5, 2012
Random Thoughts London 2012 #9: Micheal Phelps, Michael Phelps, MIcheal Phleps
We are kickin’ it Old Skool here in Mammoth Lakes, California with a large square TV and no DVR, no HD. But the couch is plentiful and the remote has new batteries, so let the viewing continue. Plus, Mammoth Lakes is the high-altitude home of many Olympians- marathoner like Meb Keflezighi- so we practicall feel like we’re in London. It even rained last night!
Let’s start with Michael Phelps because that was quite a moment last night when he wrapped up his Olympic career with a smokin’ relay. I thought he has going to cry before the race started, but he held his emotions for afterwards. Then we were all crying, weren’t we? Like the Phelps women, I wasn’t wearing mascara.
I’m sorry to have missed his interview with Bob Costas but I went to bed. And with no DVR, it’s like it never even happened. Tree falling in the forest and all.
In 2004, before the Sydney games, the Olympic Trials for swimming were in Long Beach. Liz, Sheila, the boys and I went down a couple of evenings to watch. We were lucky enough to have seen a then-15 year old Phelps qualify for several events. After each race, the qualifiers were given a medal, a towel with the Sydney logo and a teddy bear. All the other qualifiers smiled, waved and kept their loot. Not Micheal Phelps. After every race, he flung the towel and the teddy bear into the stands and then handed the medal to one lucky fan. It was charming. He didn’t care about the stuff, he just cared about the swimming.
On behalf of viewers everywhere, thank you, Michael Phelps.
Okay, now, to Andy Murray who is currently battling Roger Federer. Let’s go, Murray! Do something with that home court advantage of yours. For once. Nice wristbands on Andy. Nice Swiss shirt on Roger.
Mrs. Murray is scary. She needs a Chico’s makeover.
Yesterday morning, I packed, cleaned and watched the women’s triathalon. That was a fantastic race with a photo finish and heartbreak for the American who came in fourth . NBC is doing a fine, fine job on all the road racing events. And I loved that the women race loops around Buckingham Palace.
The revealing tri suits were both super cool and super depressing. Nothing feakin’ moves on those women when they run. Nothing.
After so many years of seeing photos of South African runner Oscar Pistorius, with his blades and his shades, I expected him to be a typical cocky sprinter. But what a lovely, soft-spoken man. Very moving to see how moved he was to run.
Speaking of cocky sprinters, I love Usain Bolt. Loved it when he said,referring to his anticipated 100 meter performance, ”I want people to turn off their TVs after the race and say, whoa, what just happened?” hahaha.
Sadly, we missed the 10,000 meter race. When was it on? Where? Congratulations to Mo Farah and American Galen Rupp.
Always funny: Mary Carillo in a full-dress kilt
Raise your hand if you want The Red Hot Chili Pipers to play at your next family reunion.
Paging Mike Powell and Carl Lewis. A British guy wins the Olympic Long Jump with a distance of barely over 27 feet? A British guy? 27 feet? That was a sad day for long jump.
My husband said with disgust, “Carl Lewis could wake up tomorrow morning and jump 27 feet before breakfast.”
Then, we found the classic 1991 World Championship long jump duel between Mike Powell and Carl Lewis on YouTube. Lewis had the best 6 jump series ever and Powell went on to break Bob Beamon’s record with a jump of 29 4 1/2. THAT is long jumping.
What a field for the women’s 100 meter and what a finish. Is it me or do all those female sprinters have a LOT of names. Like 3 or 4 names per person.
Bolt, Bolt, Bolt!
Off to do some high-altitude training myself.
Embrace your Chaos, Lian
August 3, 2012
Random Thoughts London 2012 #8: Missy, Mike and The Myth of the Magnificent 7
Good news/bad news. My son Colin, who has been down with mono for 6 weeks, finally felt like going to see The Dark Knight today so THAT really cut into my daytime viewing. Plus, my sister Julie and my mother can out to Pasadena today and that required chicken salad and chitchat, again, another timesuck. ( Kidding, Jule!)
My 85 year- old mother is VERY enthusiastic about the US Men’s Water Polo team. Paging Betty White.
The Dolan ladies agree that London looks wonderful and overall, the television coverage has been plentiful and enjoyable.
When I arrived home from the movie, my husband “produced” a fine highlight show of women’s soccer, men’s weightlifting, archery, volleyball and women’s basketball. His commentary was not as polished as my man Liam McHugh, but pithy nonetheless.
Listening to the CVs of many of the female athletes in the games, especially in team sports, swimming and track, is a reminder of the importance of Title IX in the Olympic movement. So many of the female athletes from other parts of the world have played at American colleges. Populating the world with strong female athletes was probably not the intent of Title IX, but a wonderful side effect.
And now to the ribbon dancing cheerleaders during the breaks in women’s basketball. Wow, pink legwarmers. Again, GB, I’d stick with Wellies. (which are very sexy, BTW.)
US Women’s soccer vs Canada at Manchester United’s Old Trafford on Monday. How great for them.
To fully enjoy the weightlifting, I had to resort to the kilos to pound converter on my phone. Did you know that each kilo is roughly 2.2 pounds? Wowser. These men are lifting 450 lbs!
The Korean Gold medalist archer said, “Archery is like air for me. All people need air every day, I need archery.” I feel that way about peanut butter.
Ah, yes, let’s relive The Magnificent 7. They are great athletes, don’t get me wrong, but a lot of their mythology was orchestrated by NBC . Did you know that Kerri Strug did not even have to do that famous one-legged vault for the gold? They had already secured their top spot, thanks to the Russians’ sub-par performance on floor. She could have skipped that vault altogether. But watch any NBC tape and you’d think that Kerri’s vault and Bela Karolyi’s famous pep talk were the clinching moment.
Bob Costas alludes to the “no vault necessary” situation but all agree to blow it off in the studio interview, writing it off to “chaos.” But my sources (don’t laugh, I have sources!) in the arena that night say it didn’t go down like that at all. And in the programming that night, heavy editing built the drama.
Here’s the thing about 1996, the US Women Gymnastics team, a team comprised of athletes from all different backgrounds, goes out and wins the gold for the first time in Olympic history is a great story. Sports doesn’t need re-writing – or editing– to be dramatic. What really happened in 96 was good enough.
I totally don’t trust these Karolyis. Sorry.
But watching the piece made me think, “I miss John Tesh announcing the gymnastics.”
Holy Cow, star-studded night at the pool! King James and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
I like Mike.
Back to diving and to quote my sister Liz, “Cynthia Potter scares me.”
One person diving is a totally fine TV experience.
Hannah Starling is the name of the youngest British diver. Hannah Starling will also be the name of a character in my next book. Because it’s a fabulous name.
I have not taken enough movies of my children competing in athletics. You know, should they make an Olympic team.
Smiling ear- to- ear after Missy Franklin’s world record. It’s so exciting to be at any sporting event when a world record is set and you can see it on the faces of all the celebs in the stands. It is something special to see the best EVER in the world.
And Missy’s coach. Sob.
Ma Schmidt there in Iowa will start tipping cows if I don’t mention the warm-up gear on the Russian Team. Hey, Russia, 1982 called! They wanted their gear back. You can keep those white pants, just the jackets.
An RT from one of my network sources: With all the technology, are the safety pins & the paper names still necessary for the track athletes?
Ah, Track & Field in the excellent hands of Tom Hammond, Ato Bolton and Lewis Johnson et al. Calm, Knowledgeable, Professional. The best.
RIP Janet Evans American record. All hail, Katie Ledecky.
More good news/bad news. Headed off to 4 days in the mountains with my in-laws. I will be feigning injury to avoid the hiking, but I can’t guarantee the cable situation. I’’ll do my best to view and post when I can. In the meantime, Keep Calm and Carry On.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
Random Thoughts London 2012 #7
Random Thoughts London 2012 #7: Judo Nation, Golden Gabby and More Today Show Questions
I know that Gabby is the Golden Girl and Phelps made a statement, but the highlight of the day for me was Kayla Harrison, the American who won the gold in Judo.
I sat down at 4:30 for a 10 minute break from my own personal Cleaning Olympiad. Forty minutes later, I was a sobbing mess on the couch, thanks to Kayla and her story. All I can say is that after the emotional profile where she discussed her sexual abuse at the hands of her coach at the age of 13, I was rooting for her on every level. By the time the match was won and she had hugged her new coached and leapt into the stands to hug her big, handsome fiancée with the strains of David Bowie’s “Heroes” in the background, I was blotchy and red-faced.
I wasn’t the only one in tears. The guy doing the Judo analysis could barely choke out any words when Kayla held up the American flag.
And to top it off, in a charming interview with Liam McHugh over there at the NBC Sports Network, Kayla revealed that she’s applied to become a firefighter after the Olympics. A firefighter!
I don’t understand Judo, but I heart Kayla.
Another Top Moment for women in Sports: A great race and wonderful emotion from the understated Rebecca Soni in the Women’s 200 Breaststroke.
From the inspirational to the insipid. I had to turn off The Today Show when Al Roker started to quiz his co-hosts on hilarious British expressions. Really? You’re in London. At the Olympics! And the only segment you can come up with is, “ You know what they call the hood of a car? A boot!”
I couldn’t stand it. I knew all the results by 3 pm. No video, just results.
Micheal Phelps, on no you didn’t.
Glad to see that gymnastics carries on its tradition of suspicious scoring and stupid rules. I am dreading the Daggett/Schlegal/Trautwig outrage.
Team Handball looks like the game my kids made up in the backyard.
I love the names of the venues. Horseman’s Parade. Earl’s Court. Downton Abbey.
And the city looks wonderful, the crowds are enthused and the weather hasn’t been awful. Way to go, GB.
But I feel the need to question the cheerleaders’ outfits and the bikini-clad ball bearers at the beach volleyball. Stick to rain gear.
Solidly behind Team GB to win Men’s Soccer.
Yeah! Volleyball and Rowing on at night! Apparently, the divers have synchronized all that could by synched.
Considering NBC is going to delay that interview with the gold medal Women’s 8 team by like ten hours, you’d think they let those women catch their collective breath.
Insane Fit Posse: US Women’s 8.
Our clicker is suffering from overuse. Not as responsive as it was a week ago.
I loved the Nastia Lukin voiceover on the intro to the gymnastics. Over the top? Yes. But it worked.
And then Al Trautwig started talking.
But the Extreme Close-Up of the other Gymnasts of Yore, not as successful.
Those Russian are so Russian. Their uneven bars are off the hook, as the kids used to say like last year.
Who are those guys driving the Mercedes in that ad? Are we supposed to know them?
That John Cleese Direct TV ad gets funnier every time I see it. He’s playing pingpong with a Sherpa! Hahaha.
Can’t make it. This is what happens when you know the results, you lose your resolve to stay up until midnight to watch a race where you already know the winner. High fives to all the winners.
It’s morning and my husband is watching women’s soccer live. Gymnastics at lunch!
Track and Field starts!
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
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August 1, 2012
Random Thoughts on London 2012 #6: Fab Five, Matt Lauer’s Skinny jeans and Women’s Weightlifting
Today, I actually had to get some work done so THAT really cut into my viewing time. Plus, I’m exhausted from staying up until midnight to watch that relay. But I was able to use multiple sources -sons, Facebook posts, internet– and reduced viewing to put together today’s Random Thoughts…
Saw the Fab Five on The Today Show. Talented, wonderful, and media-trained within an inch of their personalities. No matter what the question, no matter who responded, the answer was: “I’m so proud of all the girls.”
Very different from the swimmers.
But then the gymnasts moms and dads showed up and that was sweet. And real.
I think Mrs. Wieber has a Chicos deal, too. Statement necklaces and layers animal prints. She looked very Chicolicious.
Props to Janet W who coined the word “sacrilympics” on my Facebook page. She used the term to describe Hoda and Kathie Lee entering the set to the Olympic theme music, drinks in hand. Sacrilympic, indeed. See below, Janet.
Guess what, Janet? Hoda is headed to London because of weak rating for the morning show. ( Ann Curry’s Revenge?) Bottoms up, Hoda!
Frantic Posting on Facebook this morning from Jane. She wanted confirmation that Matt Lauer was indeed wearing skinny jeans on the Today Show. Jane, after Fab Five interview, I had to turn off the show. But Matt’s jeans did look tight under the desk.
They don’t call it BADminton for nothing: Tanking is sacrilympics! Tankers, go home.
Love the US Fencing stars-and-stripes helmets. But I don’t get the sport at all.
I do appreciate that the fencing is staged and lit like a Hollywood movie. Nice art direction, Fencing.
Totally sorry to hear that US faves in archery and fencing suffered upsets. I’d feel better knowing that when the Zombie Apocalypse happens, we have some gold-medalists who can handle sharp objects.
My sister Monica emails me in the middle of the day: I am streaming live. I’m never going back to TV.
Loved to see Mom/Cyclist Kristin Armstrong take home the gold in the cycling time trial. Again. I missed the race but saw the delightful post-race interview with my new sportscrush Liam McHugh over there at the NBC Sports Network. Three cheers for the 39- year old mom with 22 -month old son.
Who knew kayaking could be so sexy?
I loved when the commentator described a maneuver that required the kayaker to cross the rapids and go upstream around a gate as “challenging.” I would have used the words “freaking impossible.”
Holy cow, did you catch the Women’s Weightlifting? The winner from North Korea lifted like 325 pounds! I don’t know exactly because like a Global Loser, I don’t know the metric system. But it was a LOT of weight.
More synchro diving. I’m not gonna make it tonight.
Hey, Bob Costas, NBC actually let you talk tonight! Great taped pieces on Team GB golds in Rowing and Cycling. You’re pretty good, Bob. They should let you do more stuff.
The Mayor of London is the new Mr. Bean.
Thank goodness, swimming starts before men’s gymnastics.
Like Rowdy Gaines, I believe in “getting under the convoluted water” and “finishing strong.”
Looking good, Lochte.
Way to go, American women.
And Nathan Adrian, you are the man. What a stud! With a priceless reaction. That was a 10 on the Rowdy-Blows-a-Gasket meter.
Tarzan won a gold in the 100 free?
Thanks to Ryan Seacrest, I know the origin of the Leyva towel.
When I look at the top Japanese gymnast, I see the hair separately from the body. It’s like the hair is its own entity.
Living La Vida Leyva.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
July 31, 2012
Random Thoughts on London 2012 #5: Zara Phillips, Women’s Gymnastics and Camilla
Day 5 and my No Internet discipline breaks down. Phelps. Gymnastics. Volleyball. I had to look…
but first…
Hat’s off to Zara Phillips, a Royal who can actually do something! Now that the dressage is over, I can actually enjoy the equestrian events without the mocking comments from the men in my house.
My man Tim Ryan is doing the job on the eventing play-by-play and analyst Melanie Smith-Taylor adds to the high-mindedness with just the right amount of Locust Valley Lockjaw and a hyphen in her name.
The horses are so lovely, except that one. Oh, wait. That’s Camilla.
That rain poncho is the most flattering thing Camilla’s ever worn.
Loved the ‘jumps” on the cross country, like the mini Tower of London. I only wish Mr. Bean had been in the Tower.
Kidding. Calm down.
There’s a lot of trashtalking in judo.
I love when the athletes go crazy when they win a bronze or silver. We get so focused on gold, sometimes you forget what an accomplishment any medal is.
I already feel bad enough about my aging body, I’m not sure watching the Brazilian and German women play beach volleyball is helping.
That Cullen Jones seems like such a lovely young man.
Concerned about Jordyn Weiber’s mental health, I looked up the women’s gymnastics results. Good for them. Good for her.
Once you go down that path, you have to go all the way. Good day for US swimming. Can’t wait to actually see the races.
I hope Rowdy Gaines took his meds before the broadcast.
Something happens mid-day in the NBC coverage that is egregious. Poor Dan Patrick who couldn’t care less about social media is forced to engage in a discussion about the top tweets of the day. I’ve never made it through a whole segment because it’s so painful to watch. Hey, NBC, make Ryan Seacrest do that, will ya?
Dalhauser and Rogers need a stylist.
The crowd is having some fun at that Beach Volleyball venue.
My apologies to Mrs. Kobe Bryant for yesterdays remark about her husband. Oops! I thought the Bryant split was permanent, not temporary. I’m sure he was there for the fine volleyball, not Destinee.
ARGHHHH! I think I’ve been generous and patient with Synchro Diving. But what is it doing on again? What could they have left to synchronize?
Air Maroney! Wowowowowow!
Who is that grown women performing for Romania? She looks like she entered the wrong event. Hey, Lady, the Masters Gymnasatics is down the hall.
That being said…If Tim Daggett makes one more condescending remark about Jordyn Wieber needing her mommy I will scream. Sure, it’s terrible what happened and she is under lots of pressure ( from people like you, Tim!). But Jordyn is a world-class athlete and even though she’s young, she’ll cope. It’s called Women’s Gymnastics, not Gymboree.
Have you noticed how many gymnasts are performing to James Bond theme music?
I’m loving all the Parent-cams. Kills me everytime.
Chinese swimmer and Chinese badminton players with some sketchy athletic stories. At least they did a good job on the US uniforms~!
Micheal Phelps looked crushed after 200 Butterfly. Again, underscores the impossible achievement of Beijing.
When the Satellite Sisters went to Russia to host a charity event, we were treated to hair and make-up by Russians! Our producer got the full “hair sparkle” like the Russian gymnasts. Except our producer Corny was a grown-up and was seated next to an Ambassador at dinner.
Channeling Dick Button: Good girl, Gabby.
I love the fact that the US Women went out there and won that medal. Sometimes, gymnastics is a war of attrition. Or an international incident with horrible judging. But the US Team was just flat out better.
And the Gold Medal for Using Every Sports Cliche in the Book to Tiresome Effect: Al Trautwig.
Why are we still up? Why won’t NBC put on the marquee events near the middle of the coverage and make the Synchro Diving fans stay up late? Why ask why?
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
July 30, 2012
Random Thoughts on London 2012 #4: Missy Franklin, Tom Daley and a suggestion for NBC
London 2012. Day #4. MISSY!!!!
I’m officially lost in the Olympic Time/Space continuum. Is this live, previously recorded, just “recorded” or a promotion for The Today Show?
Tell me if this sounds familiar:
Son: Is this the final?
Me: No, it’s the semi-final. But the final is happening now.
Son: Where?
Me: In London or online.
Son: But not on TV?
Me: No, It will be on TV in 8 hours.
Son: What?
NBC, can I make a request? I know you’re doing nine million hours of TV, but would it be possible to have a highlights show a la Sportscenter for the one person in America who can’t watch TV or the Internet in the middle of the day but wants to see events like men’s water polo and kayaking?
That one guy in America is my husband and he’s now “producing” his own highlight show by fast forwarding through 12 hours of recorded video in about 20 minutes and doing his own commentary. Help me, NBC.
NBC, can that cute young Liam McHugh host it?
I’ve discovered that I can tape Mary Carillo’s late night show and watch in the morning, so I can avoid the commercial-fest they call The Today Show.
Mary had a really fun interview with the silver Medal Synchro Diving girls. Very appealing young women.
Now that I spent an afternoon Stand-Up Paddleboarding, I think I’m ready for Olympic kayaking.
It appears the Kobe Bryant has a date with destiny. Or make that a date with volleyball star/supermodel Destinee Hooker. He is certainly watching her very closely at the women’s volleyball game.
And I’m enjoying the occasional shots of volleyball coach/legend Karch Kiraly. Karch, looking good.
My mother said that if she got in a fight, she’d want to US Women’s water polo team on her side.
I love water polo captain Brenda Villa’s story.
But, somebody needs to explain the women’s water polo suits to me. Is there a competitive edge to the butt floss? Because there certainly isn’t a aesthetic advantage. Plus, they look painful.
The driveway table tennis tournament is in full swing at our house.
Competing against Chinese divers at the Olympics is like competing against Kate Winslet at the Oscars. Why bother to show up?
How does British diver Tom Daley get so tan? In all the British sun? Hmm…
Are the divers’ swimsuits getting smaller?
Whoa, the diving super slo-mo- slash- stop motion in the diving coverage is both fabulous and slightly embarrassing. Where is that arrow pointing?
The NBC profile of totally normal Missy Franklin and her totally normal parents should be required viewing for every American sports parent.
And thank goodness, somebody got those Franklin parents some better tickets. Last night, they were in the nosebleed section. That’s what happens when your daughter chooses to swim at her high school instead of signing a sponsorship deal: you gotta pay for your own tickets.
Missy Franklin, you are something special.
Team GB, way to go in gymnastics. Word of advice: find that tanning salon Tom Daley uses, boys.
Tim Dagget, if it was “obvious” to us, we’d turn the sound off . We don’t know jack about gymnastics because they keep changing the scoring and making up stupid rules. Please stop staying “obviously.”
Get it together, Ryan Lochte. Please.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
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July 29, 2012
Random Thoughts #3 London 2012: Fab Five, Brendan Hansen and My Dream Team
I could never leave this couch today and be perfectly happy, but unfortunately we are out of food. And I have to record a podcast. So, I’m woking the DVR and avoiding the internet to bring oyu Random Thouhght London 2012:
Chris Collingsworth is in London. But appears to be on NBC boondoggle, not actually working.
The women’s road race make great television. Sport and Spectacle.
Cyclists are dropping like flies. But the spectators keep on cheering. Great aerial shots of London, the crowds, the venues, the cyclists and the rain.
While watching the US men’s volleyball game , my husband announced,”I’ve never liked Serbia!” Huh?
Every athlete profile is getting to me, even the one about the investment banker who became a cyclist after the fall of Lehman Brothers. Must be PMS.
I wish I could do the floor excercises just once in my life. I’d like to feel what doing a tumbling run feels like.
There appear to be cheerleaders at the volleyball venues who come out during the breaks. Cheerleaders in London? Who knew?
Dan Patrick and Al Michaels on the same set is my idea of The Dream Team.
I don’t really get Synchro Diving but when those American women learned they won the silver, I became a fan. Great moment for two American girls.
Loving the archery and shooting teams (Way to go, Kim Rhode! And love the Archery Boys!) but those brown jackets have got to go.
Ditto with dull grey medal stand jackets on the swimmers.
Poor Andrea Kramer. Still in the golf shirts. Why, NBC, why? She is such a good interviewer. Doesn’t she deserve a better neckline.
Love the Dana Vollmer Comeback Story. Wow, was the crowd loud.
The Gold Medal for Most Charming Post-race Interview goes to… Brendan Hansen.
Air Maroney is a great nickname.
Aly Raizman’s parents “doing” her uneven bar in their seats was unbelievable. I know I do the same thing when my sons takes a PK, but not on national TV. You stuck the landing, Mom and Dad.
I predict that Lifetime will pick up Gymnastics Moms after the Games.
Aaron Piersol has still got it.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
July 28, 2012
Random Thoughts on London 2012 #2: Ryan Lochte, Archery Rules & Misty and Kerry
First full day o’ competition and that meant a full day of TV viewing. I can’t believe I’m saying this: there are almost too many sports and TV options. We were temporarily overwhelmed while we worked out our system of viewing/DVRing. We’ve hand to write out a channel cheat sheet for more efficient clicking. By Monday, we’ll be world class in TV management.
So, here we go…
Note to self: Put badminton net up for backyard Olympics. Everybody enjoys badminton.
There is a 14 year- old American female fencer who is fierce. Keep your eye on her.
Though we’d like to see the IOC explore the idea of Swashbuckling in the Olympics.
Loved that Vinakorov takes the road race! Very exciting. But what happened to the Brits? Too many nightmares of Big Creepy Baby to make your move?
Hey, Mr. Romney. This is England. We got a million people watching a bunch of cyclists. How you like me now?
The striped jerseys of US soccer are growing on me.
Michael Phelps doesn’t look like himself in prelims. He sez he felt “awful.” If I was a betting man…
The non-stop mocking by the men in my house have made dressage unwatchable.
Most unexpected pleasure of the day: The nail-biting archery competition with the adorable American frat boys/archers taking home the second
One of the archers was wearing high-top Cons in red, white and blue. Righteous.
Johnny Mac and Ryan Seacrest in the studio? And no Chris Collingsworth? An Olympic miracle.
Two thumbs up for the highlight reel of Chinese gymnastics mishaps. Remember, I’m the same person who roots against Tiger.
Totally onboard with all the volleyball this year. Even the beach Volleyball that I believe has gotten too much airtime in the past. But Misty and Kerry are an even better story this year. Go, mamas.
And loving the surf shirt/bikini bottom look, Ladies.
400 IM: Ryan, Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.
Micheal Phelps was uber-gracious in his post-race interview. Good for him.
Mrs. Phelps, Chicolicious.
Here’s a phrase you don’t here very often: an inspirational Irish gymnastics story. And it was. Young Keiran even looked a touch like a leprauchan.
Good Spidey-suits on American men gymnasts. Let’s go, boys.
The gymnast from the Bronx tape? Sob, sob. Up Close and Personal lives!!!
I have never seen so many gymnasts actually fall.
They could explain gymnastics scoring to me every night for the next year and I wouldn’t get it. Plus, it always does seems a little fixed, yes? Or “predetermined” at any rate.
Re: Brandi Chastain v Hope Solo Twitterwar: Brandi talks way, way too much during the game. And she’d too much of a fan, not an analyst. She should be allowed to criticize US play, Hope, that’s her job. But Brandi just goes on and on like she is afraid of silence.
Off to bed. Gotta rest up for Sunday.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
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Random Thoughts 2012 #1: Opening Ceremonies
July 27, 2012
Random Thoughts on London 2012 #1: Opening Ceremonies, The Queen and John Cleese
Day #1 of the London Olympics and we are ready for 16 more fabulous days of sporting, gaming and Random Thoughts. I heard speculation today that Queen Elizabeth might actually light the Olympic torch. I almost drive off the freeway thinking about her, the pocketbook and the torch in the same shot. Ah, England, please delight me. Let the Games begin…
I’m worried about the Opening Ceremonies. One of the comments on Facebook by a Britisher included the word “eccentric” which is not exactly confidence-building.
Opening Video overwrought and awesome with vaguely poetic copy. Perfect.
Is it wrong to see Tom Brokaw and remember him in that flak jacket at the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989?
Ryan Seacrest is the same size as the gymnasts. How nice for him.
Once again, I miss Katie Couric but glad to see Meredith Viera.
Wow, the Royals looked fairly bored. Maybe because so far, the show has the quality of a junior high production of Oliver.
Kenneth Branagh arrives and raises the bar with Henry V music behind. Okay, here we go
I feel bad for the peasants taking away the pasture . Haven’t they endured enough through the course of history?
Downer or awesome? My husband loved smokestacks and suffrage. I’m thinking downer.
I bet this is great in person. But on TV, um, a little rough.
Kenneth Branagh is in the zone.
JAMES BOND & HER MAJESTY!!!!! HIGH-LAR-EEE- OUS. Way to go, QE2.
And those corgies. Love’em.
Speaking of downers: Camilla.
Peter Pan and Healthcare? Okay, now I get why the Britisher called it eccentric. When do the athletes show up?
Even Mary Poppins can’t save this.
Was Atlanta worse? I think so. But not much.
Oh wait! The Big Creepy Baby just showed up! London wins.
The British have lost their minds.
When do the athletes arrive?
Apple ad is a highlight which isn’t saying much.
I’m sure the Queen is enjoying the music. She looks like a Frankie Goes to Hollywood fan.
The fact that David Beckham isn’t playing for England is just stupid.I watched that team play last night and really, they could use some Becks.
Oh, there are the Air France flight attendants. Oh, wait, It’s Team USA.
Greece arrives and my son Colin sez: You really can’t base an economy on olive oil and yogurt.
The face dresses that the placard bearers are wearing are creepy.
The Direct TV ad with John Cleese is better than almost anything else tonight.
Love the Braziliian outfits and attitude. Both sexy.
Wacky boots, Czech team.
We are now reliving one of our favorite Simpson episodes of all time, the one set at the Vancouver Olympics. Who ya gonna call? Burkhina
Fasso.
Wow, they are really gonna need that one Beatle to salvage this mess.
I’m considering going to bed and just watching the torch light in the morning.
Still up. The women athletes from the country of San Marino dress exactly like the women from the town of San Marino, right down to the fab handbags.
US looks great. LeBron looks funny in the beret.
Now, I’m going to bed. Will watch torch lighting in the morning.
