Medal counts annoy me.
Bigger countries are going to do better. Duh. Richer countries are going to do better. Duh. Basically, a high medal count means "we're a big rich country" and we really didn't need an Olympics to tell us that. What are you bragging about, Bob Costas?
Its neat to see what different countries excell at. China's long history of acrobatics is pretty clearly seen in gymnastics and diving. I'm pretty sure that nobody can skate like the Dutch STILL -- are they still getting around on skates part of the year?. The British have thrown a lot into their cycling program -- is there something particularly beloved and British about bicycles?
equestrian
There are a fair number of equestrian events that really aren't subjective. My daughter is a horse nut, so I've seen a lot of equestrian.
There are a fair number of equestrian events that really aren't subjective. My daughter is a horse nut, so I've seen a lot of equestrian
The one I saw the other night didn't seem to be -- you lost points if you knocked over a gate, landed in the water, or went over time. I didn't see any style or form points.
And it was GRIPPING! I could have watched for hours.
< geek moment>
I'm reading through the December 1963 issue of Vogue and I'm dying over some of the ads, both for the products advertised and the copy used.
The Deluxe Redi-Dryer Hair Dryer
For fashion minded girls. Salon type dryer... in travel case with mirror, nail dryer, tray. Bit hood fits over any hairdo. Whisper-quiet motor. Can be personalized with gold initials. $19.95
My mother had one of those.
Can't even close tag, because I'm a geek of giant proportions. Back to research with me.
Of the three equestrian events: dressage and the dressage phase of eventing are the only subjective tests. Cross Country and show jumping are purely based on getting over obstacles cleanly within the time allowed.
Seriously, it was fascinating.
And it was GRIPPING! I could have watched for hours.
I love the horses in events-- they seem, I don't know... so much more real than racing thoroughbreds. I love that these horses aren't considered in their prime until they're in their teens.
Thoroughbreds muscle up nicely by the age of 10. So even the thoroughbreds seem more substantial than the racehorses. Of course, some of the dressage horses look like they could actually carry a knight in armor. (The Brazilian rider's Lusitano for example.)
