Silly Little Country

The Flush of Glory

Media saturation here in England, as the medallists return and fill the talk shows.
Boris Johnson, flush with his appearance at the Olympic closing ceremonies, cannot help making promises!

Labels: London, Olympics

posted by Alan Adamson @ 4:01 AM 0 comments

Afghanistan roars onto the the Olympics Medal Table!

First ever!

And in taekwondo!

(h/t Terry Glavin.)

Labels: Afghanistan, medals, Olympics

posted by Alan Adamson @ 8:59 PM 0 comments

The CBC and Long Names

Somehow or other, Canada has entered into the Olympic Heptathlon an individual with a very long name.

She is doing well and I am impressed. Her name appears to be "Jessica Zelinka of London Ontario". (The "of" might be "from".)

She is currently very happy, though her name is misleading as she seems to live now in Calgary, Alberta. Two personal bests in four events. Way to go!

Labels: CBC, Jessica Zelinka, Olympics

posted by Alan Adamson @ 11:36 PM 0 comments

The Olympic Ideal, Golden Age Version

Mary Beard reminds us that we are following brilliantly in the footsteps of our predecessors.

But were the ancient games much better? Were the ancient Greeks up-standing and honest sportsmen, honouring the gods rather than their own ambition?

Not really.
...
They also cheated, mostly through bribery. [ed. technological limitations, no doubt]

As always, read the whole thing.

Labels: Olympics, purity not

posted by Alan Adamson @ 5:07 PM 0 comments

The Olympic Ideal

I had no idea the Council on Foreign Relations did anything like this - utterly excellent!

A long history of the intertwining of politics and the Olympics. This presentation documents nicely how some of the great 'traditions' have been added to the whole show. The torch run is described wonderfully as the "only Nazi symbol that survives proudly to this day".

h/t Kate Heartfield

Labels: Olympics, politics

posted by Alan Adamson @ 5:30 PM 0 comments

CBC Describes Olympic Opening Ceremonies as 'Stunning'

I agree utterly. at least with these synonyms offered:

—Synonyms 1. stupefying, numbing

Labels: Olympics

posted by Alan Adamson @ 5:32 PM 0 comments