I’ve talked about how this week is my daughter’s first week in her toddler class. I may have mentioned it will require some changes for me. To break my habit of visiting the daycare unannounced, I have some things planned for the week.
First, it’s Speedo™ time. I’m heading back to the pool and I must say this excites me. The pool is a sacred place for me. It’s where I go the gather my thoughts and blog post ideas. It’s not about the Speedo though. It’s about the chlorine, backstroke, and very interesting locker room discussions.
Lunch date. I’m meeting a certain blogger for a nooner, I mean pizza. She’s lived in our fair city for almost two years and I’m just now getting around to meeting her in person. Sizzle, it will be great to finally meet you.
Errands will fill up the rest of my time. I’m a fairly important person so there’s always something to do, or at least I can pretend. One day I’ll go to a large home improvement store and stare at lightbulbs. Another day I might walk to the post office. I will see whatever the day has in store. No matter what, I will not result to crude drawings on poorly parked cars. That’s so 2006 of me.
Questions to consider, but not necessarily answer:
1) do the Olympics unify or divide?
2) what’s the American equivalent of a “walkabout”?
3) does anyone like Jessica Biel?
4) does anyone like me? (/pander)
5) Halloween ideas?
My Halloween ideas consist of slutty Boy Scout, Hillary Clinton, a Jonas brother, a clown, a dad, and news reporter. Seems like I might need to create a backup plan.
1. They unify while they’re on then everyone bitches about them.
4. CléaBot does. She told me all sorts of things.
5. Slutty Singe, open to interpretation.
Vive le Speedo!
You should by a spiral notebook to house all of your crude drawings. Let them out. No suppressing allowed. And swimming will be good. I’m feeling the call of the deep end. I think I need to just go for it sometime this year.
1) I don’t know … I think neither. I think that whoever wins totally deserves to, but at the same time, I am looking at what Canada is doing, not any other country.
2) I think I need to be a citizen to answer this one.
3) I do. I like her boyfriend more.
4) You’re not so bad yourself.
5) I allow my brain to really think about Halloween the week before. If you go as a dad, make sure you have a diaper bag glued to your hip, some spit up on your shirt, disheveled hair, and a squeaky toy occupying some space on your body. I think I might go as the Slutty girl scout. I’m sure my grade 8 students would appreciate that.
Yay for swimming!
Answers to questions:
1. They are supposed to unify. And that’s all I’mgoing to say right now. I have a whole huge rant about the Olympics with the TV announcers being the reason they divide so much. But I won’t get into that on your blog.
2. There is no American equivalent of “walkabout” – most of us aren’t smart enough to stop when we are stressed out and take a break to regroup.
3. You know my answer to this one.
4. Fishing, are you?
5. I’m voting for a Jonas Brother. Damn those kids are lame. Please no clown.
I don’t typically think of myself as liking Jessica Biel but I just saw I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and she was quite delicious in that picture.
slutty Boy Scout – definitely. Or how about that dumb manager guy with the suspenders in Office Space. Um, what was his name?
I like you, because you know, you’re a very important person and that makes me feel all snooty and capable of name-dropping because I sort of know you. At least I know the city you live in. Ok, I know what it was like about 10 years ago. All right! I don’t know much of anything about you, but damn let me name drop anyways.
Sheesh.
Cléa – vive le Speedo is right. It makes its triumphant return today. I hope I remember how to swim. CléaBot is naughty android. So people in Australia complain about the Olympics too?
Essentially Me – I can imagine your brain is on overload right now as you prepare for your grade eight students. Is your class ready? Canada did alright in the final week of the games, from what I could tell. Your grade 8 students are going to love you. End pandering.
Sicilian Mama – okay, I’ve got to ask this because you put it out there. How on earth do tv sports commenters divide? Are you saying they make generalizations about other countries athletes and that’s what creates divisions between countries/perceptions? I sort of see it, but ultimately aren’t we responsible for our own interpretations? I’m just saying. Rowdy Gaines is Rowdy Gaines. If he gets super excited about Michael Phelps, that’s how Rowdy operates. I’m mean the guy isn’t named Rowdy for nothing. See, you thought you could escape this topic. I hope you didn’t have anything on the agenda today.
Chris – I’m telling you, she’s a looker alright. I don’t know that I consider her a crush, but she’s definitely in the top 10.
Maggie – I like you because you’re very adept at virtual rambling. In fact, it’s quite charming to read your words. Name drop all you want, it makes my cheeks red. Sheesh.
That’s how I feel about running. it’s my meditation, my exercise AND my free high.
Churlita – yes, running does the same trick for me. I even like hear my steps as opposed to wearing an iPod. It’s soothing to watch the pavement pass under my feet. Running is awesome.
You are right – individually we are responsible for how we interpret commentation. Also, I totally think it’s great when they get excited about when certain athletes do well in their events. If they didn’t get excited, I’d be kind of worried (why are they even commentating the event?).
However.
What’s not cool is something that I heard way too many times through the Olympics and for a myriad of events. The comments about how “interesting” it is that the US gymnasts and the Chinese gymnasts are seeming to get along so well on the sidelines. What do they want? A brawl or something? Do they want Shawn Johnson to bitch-slap the little Chinese girl who everyone suspects not being 16? Or how “interesting” (these are actual words that the commentators used here!) it was that that one US swimmer who lost first place to, I believe, a Japanese swimmer congratulated him for winning. What did you want him to do? Jump out of the pool and throw a tantrum that he lost? WTF?
These “interesting” and snide comments about the opponents went on through many events that I watched (diving, beach volleyball, track, etc.). Some were subtle and some were pretty damn obvious and rude. These kind of comments are polarizing and unnecessary in Olympic commentary because they serve no purpose.
Sicilian Mama – here’s my take on why they point out the kindness stuff witnessed in the pool or on the gymnastic sidelines. Professional sports in America have a very ugly stigma. Heck, globally there are issues. On any given night of the week there seems to be a basebrawl, a hockey fight, some drunk football player punching out a bar patron, etc. In this country we’ve become numb to this nonsense. We almost expect opponents to hate each other. So maybe they’re just shocked when Phelps can shake hands with the guy who lost to him by a hundredth of a second. Who knows.
My brother and I were talking about the unify/divide thing when it comes to the Olympics. I definitely think they unify. I weep for other countries when they win gold. I cheer for the underdog, regardless of their country. I get all my happiness from the Morgan Freeman Visa commercial talking about this. My brother however, completely disagrees. But he always does. It’s his jobs as a brother.
Also? Biel? You know my thoughts.
But why do we (should we) expect such poor sportsmanship? Could it be because of offhand comments made in shock that there is actual sportsmanship being made rather than a fight? Maybe that’s not the whole reason, please don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t help. Yeah – every night on SportsCenter you can probably see at least one fight during their broadcast. Why? Why give it the attention? Why make witty banter about these actions and make it seem like a joke, but make offhand comments when something good happens? Why expect the bad and be amazed by the good? It just doesn’t make sense to me and frankly, I don’t like it. Therefore, I stand by my statement of sports commentators contributing to the division between countries.
I do have to say though, I have a friend who totally feels the same way as my brother. She has this… unnatural dislike for the States (she had some bad experiences when she was younger and it’s turned her off. I don’t understand it and can’t really explain it but her dislike is intense), and it really comes out during the Olympics. She will cheer for anyone but an American and I practically had to tackle her just for her to admit that Phelps was an amazing athlete. (The fact that we are friends considering my love for America is something we both marvel at). So… I don’t know. I guess your personality plays a huge part of how you are going to view the Olympics. Which just makes sense and isn’t a revolutionary statement but I thought I would make it just the same.
Brandy’s comment is testament of what the Olympics should be for everyone. Like her, I get excited for other countries, just as I would my own. Sometimes moreso. Some of my favourite athletes are from other countries (I was sad that Ian Thorpe wasn’t swimming this year…he is one yummy Australian…and he almost shares my birthday!). Sadly, not many people can honestly say the same thing. They are only interested in what their country is doing.
Oh, while I”m on the whole Olympics thing…I think they should do away with medal counts. Who cares who has more medals?
I love the Olympics, but I hate some of the things that occur during them. And I’m done for now. Unless you say something else that gets me going.
Brandy – I think for the most part they unify people. However, I’ve also overheard people make some rather staggering generalizations about athletes based on where their country. I also overheard Bob Costas saying something about how Chinese are very precise and detail oriented. why does that even need to be mentioned? Can we simply say they did a great job and leave it at that? I think I might have to meet your brother. I might even introduce him to Biel, I bet he likes her.
Sicilian Mama – really? Okay, you’re entitled to believe this. I personally believe there are some announcers who aren’t so great. Largely though, I don’t think we can blame them for divisive remarks and the impact of their commentary. We have to take accountablity for our own actions/beliefs. If I hear some crap I don’t believe, it’s in my nature to disagree. Actions speak louder than words. Nowhere is this more true than in the Olympics where language is a substantial barrier. I don’t need a commentator to see body language between opponents.
Brandy – those Visa ads really great. They hit a home run with each of those. I like the swimmer one with Cullen Jones. I totally related to that one the most being a swimmer and all. You know, I can’t blame your friend though. Americans in the Olympics aren’t shy about showing off. One could even related to us as a bunch of playground bullies. I think Americans during these Olympics were much more mellow than previous outings.
Sicilian Mama – Ian Thorpe is past his prime. He wouldn’t even stand a chance at making the finals in any event. He was on the decline in Athens.
You crack me up today. Who cares about the medal counts? Well, you get quarterly reviews at work don’t you? Medal counts are tangible marks for countries competing in the Olympics. It’s what motivates athletes. Most people don’t just compete to compete. It’s about inspiring people to do superhuman performances.
oooh… i spy some feisty-ness re: medal counts and such. i care not to engage in this conversation but i do have to say that that michael phelps character is pretty flipping awesome. he deserves all of the credit, for EVERYTHING.
okay, now i can comment on your post some more.
i remember one time when you did sketches of your neighborhood… who was single or something, or who had kids vs. who did not, but i dont know if i remember the parking visuals?
i like jessica biel. i know brandy will disagree, but she does have a rockin body- she ranked as vh1′s like, top ten beach bodies. i mean, that’s saying something, right?
speedo time! it’s not about the speedo, clever. is it about the bike?
send my best to miss sizz.
So so jealous you get to meet Sizzle. Could you please send my regards to her.
Oh, please please, please go as Hillary for Halloween. And do post pictures, PLEASE!
We luv yah! Can’t think about Halloween yet we’re still in Summer!
Cheers
I’m with Diane in thinking you should go as Hillary. There’s just so much you could do… also… I think I need to put up my celebrity crush formula so people understand where I’m coming from and don’t think I haven’t given it serious thought. Also, I love Sicilian Mamma even more than I already did for mentioning the Thorepedo.
Ian Thorpe is still yummy. Way yummier than Jessica Biel.
Ok, this is the final thing I say. I swear. The way I feel about commentators comments is similar to how I feel when actors, for example, make comments about things that are emotionally charged for a lot of people (like politics). They are almost in a position of power (power of words, perhaps?) and while actions speak louder than words, words still hurt and still make impacts. And not everyone is as responsible or smart as you to figure out the difference.
Also, I find your responses to this particular issue kind of odd in comparison to the conversation we were having the other day about commenting on blogs with differing opinions. You are all about not liking someone’s blog and saying something if they say something you disagree with or is polarzing, yet with a sports announcer you just take it for what it’s worth? Really? I must be missing something.
Finally, you don’t need a medal count to help motivate athletes to do well. Also, your comparison to a review at work doesn’t make sense. My boss doesn’t post our names on the wall to let people have a running total of how we’re doing. Just saying.
Brookem – ha, very funny. I think Michael Phelps would be the first to deflect any attention. I’m sure it’s nice for his bottom line. The guy will have endorsement deal the rest of his life. I mean look at that loser Bruce Jenner and how he’s featured on some reality tv show. Bruce Jenner was nowhere near as talented as Phelps, but yeah. We know you love Lochte and we’ll leave it at that. Medal counts are just that, a count.
Lover of Ryan Lochte – I used to scribble notes on windows in the Starbucks parking garage. Typically I’d scribe something about penis size. You don’t remember that? VH1 is all knowing. I need a good beach bod.
Diane Mandy – I’ll make sure to give a warm hello to Sizzle for you. She just might get around to reading your comment on this very blog. But I know she’s a very busy blogger.
Maddy – you may be in summer on the other side of the Pond, but here it feels like late October. It’s been kind of ugly weather-wise as of late.
Brandy – I will give the Hillary thing some serious thought. I really do like your celebrity crush formula. Feel free to copy and paste what you wrote on my blog and use it on yours. See how generous I am? Thorpeedo!
Sicilian Mama – So actors aren’t allowed to speak their minds? Ugh. I give up. I’m simply sharing my point of view and we happen to disagree. No hard feelings.
My point about the medal count is motivation. Your quarterly reviews are in theory motivation to keep you working hard. Do you think you’re not being compared to someone else at work?
By the way, I’m not saying I agree with what commentators are saying necessarily. I’m simply saying we can’t hold them accountable for dividing cultures. They’re only the messengers. We have to decipher the message. Now this final paragraph sounds like something you’d hear in a sermon. Praise Jesus!
You know what? It really doesn’t matter. We’re both entitled to our opinions and I’m obviously not really explainging myself here properly. I’m not looking for you to agree with me, obviously, but it’s apparent that you aren’t fully understanding what I’m trying to say either. Like you said, no hard feelings. Me done.
Sicilian Mama – it’s all good yo. We can still agree on 90210. In fact, we’ll always have 90210 as long as Soap Net is in business.
First, I’m really disappointed you won’t be leaving crude drawings on poorly parked cars, but I will continue the tradition in your absence.
Yes, I like you, but Jessica Biel isn’t really my type. She seems too high maIntenance.
Halloween? Definitely Larry Craig. Use a hot water heater box to create a cardboard “stall” Make the door operational, and don’t forget to walk using the wide leg stance. When people swing open the door, you can flash them with your pants around your ankles.
This inspires me to get my arse back into the pool. Now that i have all that free time too.
#4)No one likes a panderer, but we all like pandas.
I used to love 7th Heaven. But then again I am totally hopelessly in love with Barry Watson, and watch any and every show I know he is in.
I am jealous that you get to meet Sizzle, and jealous that she gets to meet you.
Thanks for giving me permission to use my own words. You’re a gem Egan, a gem.
Ms. Chica – is she high maintenance? That could kill my celebrity crush. I’m not about high maintenance in any form. I like your Larry Craig idea very much. I heard some dressed as him last Halloween.
Meno – I like swimming pandas even more. Let’s find one and see how it goes. Free time equals more (or less) time to do the things we love.
Tori – meeting Sizzle will be cool. Um, is Barry Watson the dad? I’m so out of the 7th Heaven loop.
Brandy – I thought you’d like that.
Barry Watson is the oldest brother. I can’t think of his name on the show right now though. Matt? I think that’s right?
Damn you. Now I want a plate full of Swedish meatballs and a jar full of ligonberries.
Waaaay late to this post but I’ll just say – pencil me in for lunch on Monday, Tuesday…or Friday
tori- i watched the show with barry! it’s not on anymore though. sans season (series?) finale. what about brian!
brookem-I LOVED that show and am pissed it went off the air. The girl getting the divorce but then getting back together with her husband who opened the cupcake shop was adorable too. I am watching Samantha Who because he is in it too, but I am not crazy about the show or the lack of episodes he is in.
Ooo! Lunch with Egan and Sizzle sounds PERFECT! I bet you guys had a swell time. Wish I lived closer so I could’ve crashed lunch!
I don’t have strong feelings on Jessica Biel. Should I?
I am considering zombie polygamist for my Halloween costume.
I’m looking forward to our lunch date next week.
I’m glad a fairly important person like you still has time for the rest of us.
About the Olympics–I’m pretty pissed at Budweiser right now for the advertising that apparently works jedi mind tricks on 8 year olds. The kid just wanted to see some swimming and running and now she’s all like, “Dad, is that a Budweiser you’re drinking?” ARGH!!
Tori – I guess I don’t know a thing about the show. The last thing I wanted to watch on tv was a show about a big family. I lived it so that was good enough for me.
QT – I shot you an email to see what works best for you. We might be down to Friday now. I’m sure you’re booked solid. Have fun while you’re here.
Brookem – oh no, you know this show too? What about Brian? Are you referencing the show or is there a character named Brian on Seventh Heaven?
Tori – sounds like we’re talking about What About Brian. That show was alright, although it seemed to be missing something. Um, maybe it was anything good. Everything in the storyline was depressing. It was like watching that crappy Brad Pitt movie Legends of the Fall.
Pants – lunch with Sizzle will have to happen next week. Taking Baby Singe to the doctor today. Seattle is a great place to live and visit. You know the visit part. I like the zombie polygamist idea, you should go for it.
Sizzle – yeah, we’re on for next week. We won’t call it a nooner either. That raised an eyebrow by Mrs. Lessinges last night.
Gwen – damn, I missed those ads. Going to YouTube right now. I could only find Chinese ads. Hmm, looks like these Bud Ants are sort of a nuisance. Is your child a lush?
I don’t even care if What About Brian (and 7th Heaven, and Samantha Who) wasn’t good. I am loyal to Barry and I will watch anything he is in. Did you ever see the movie Teaching Mrs. Tingle? It was as sucky movie but I watched the whole thing because he was in it. But I suppose I should stop with my Barry lust since your post didn’t even mention him and I’m way off topic here.
All I have to say is I vote for slutty boy scout for Halloween. Or “speedo man” (whatever that is)
It’s easy to complain, n’est-ce pas?
I’m sure Speedos are like riding a bike, or having sex. You’d never forget either.
1) Any Olympics with Michael Phelps is a Great Olympics. Mmmm….
2) Mall-walking?
3) I can’t tell the Jessica’s apart.
4) Um…YEAH! I mean, duh. Especially when you talk French.
5) I vote for a Jonas Brother AS a slutty boy scout.
Tori – I know this actor you speak of. He’s a good looking guy. He has nice wavy hair, broad shoulders, a good smile, and seems kind. Do we need to organize a date?
JLee – slutty Boy Scout or Speedo Man. I think Speedo Man would be very similar to Aqua Man and he was my idol when I was young. I wanted mental telepathy so bad. Instead I got a blog.
Cléa – yes, complaining is easy. I’m guilty. I love the sex vs. riding bike analogy. Well played la fille qui a un prénom qui commence avec la lettre C.
Mona – well hello again. Je peux parler souvent si tu te plais. Comprenez-vous? I see we have a Michael Phelps lover in the house. He’s a talent. Mall walking is a perfect “walkabout” substitute.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could be a slutty Jonas Brother?
Princess Extraordinaire – I don’t know that I have their hair, but I might have to give it a stab. I’m not a fan of those Disney musicians. Cue the High School Musical music.