And in other news, China was stripped of a bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics for fielding an underage female gymnast, with the women’s team medal now going to the U.S.
Funny. China built every Olympic venue in less time than it took the IOC to determine the actual age of an athlete.
And this just in, Tour de France officials have determined Bernard Hinault was ridin’ dirty in the 1985 Tour.
Christopher Hitchens, prolific, ballsy writer, interesting cat. Author of God is Not Great and a top ten most influential columnist. Krugman, #1, had a good line in response, “Why would God allow that?”
A month ago he switched from religion to sports and wrote an anti-Olympics screed. Hitchens plays an important role if for no other reason than by comparison I’m nowhere near as cynical. When it comes to cynicism, Hitchens has the gold wrapped up.
Makes me wonder, given his bleak worldview, what inspires him to get out of bed in the morning? His wikipedia essay provides some possible clues: George Orwell, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Lenin, Trotsky, cannabis, and alcohol. Hard to play golf with those guys. Note to self, stay away from the cannabis and limit the alcohol.
Hitchens is busy putting the final touches on his “Summer Vacations are Not Great,” “Motherhood and Babies are Not Great” and “The Natural World is Not Great” essays.
Hitch, keep bringin’ the doom and gloom so I appear downright cheery.
As you know, my grandmother was born and raised in Bern, I lived in Hamar for a few months a few years ago, I loved Elling, Out Stealing Horses was brilliant, my wife drops mad kroner on lefse every Christmas, and my conservative friends think I’m a closet socialist.
I’m writing because I couldn’t help but notice Sweden kicked your ass in the 30K combined.
I’m not applying for the soon-to-be vacant x-country coaching positions, I’m writing to offer my services in the relays.
As your scouts no doubt informed you, I trained under Tore’s expert supervision at Gasbu. Granted, I’m prone to fall when descending, I have a hard time getting into and out of tracks, I’m often off-balance, and I don’t know how to skate.
On the other hand, I can get to Whistler in six-seven hours depending on the border and I may be just the spark the team needs. Car’s packed and I’m awaiting your call. Call now and I will have time to learn how to skate.
In Anticipation,
Ron
p.s. Tell the equipment and clothing peeps that I’m 188cm with a 86cm inseam. And could I get a couple extra tics to the closing ceremonies?
Taking the Call
Pressing Pause 