Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Olympics...

Wow. Maybe I've never really "watched" the Olympics before but I'm finally starting to realize how big a "mind" game most of these sports are.

In fact, I'd argue that most of these sports are in actuality 95% mental, i.e. fucking with other people's heads).

Here's why:

1. It could be argued that all of these athletes are to some degree all very much equal. And if you were able to somehow measure it you'd see that the the athletes across averages (strength, training, flexibility, etc.) are all basically the same.

2. While its somewhat deceiving because of the way in which its broadcast, is that "through" the Olympic process you're only in fact "watching" the best, of the best, of the best compete for the gold medal.

For example, I've been watching the 100/200 meter sprints. In the qualifying rounds you'll see the leader purposely slow down, turn around and stare the other runners down before the race is even over. Why would you possibly have any other reason for slowing down in a race that only lasts 100 meters?

The best part is that the commentators continue to refer to the fact that these guys are slowing down because they're "saving energy". Really? Saving "energy" for a next race that's happening the next day? For a race that only lasts nine seconds?

So...let me understand. These finely tuned Olympic athletes need to "save" up energy to run another 100 meters. These are women and men who have "run" hundreds of practice runs a day in the YEARS leading up to this event. Something tells me two days in a row doesn't matter.

NO, the fact is the guys who win the races aren't in fact the guys who are the "fastest" on any given day they're just the guys who were the best at "psyching" out the most folks in the time leading up to the event.

Certainly interesting to see that the athletes who garner the most media time always winning.

I guess that Michael Phelps should thank his Coach AND his publicist.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A band worth a listen

Like jam bands? Here's one worth a listen:

http://www.madsweetpangs.com/

Saw them play at the Bell's Brewery in K-Zoo, and it might be the Oberon talking but it was a sweet time.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

An end in sight?

Worst move (at least in hours spent moving) is finally nearing completion.

Right now I'm borrowing some free wi-fi and trying to stay cool before I undertake the task of unloading the last of the five boxes staring me in the face.

Also, its surprising how interested you are in other things without cable.