You know those Olympic gold medals? If they were made of solid gold, they’d each cost $21,200. And so they’re not. That doesn’t make them cheap, because they’re made of silver plus about 1.2% gold, and they’re worth $565, which … Continue reading →
Seriously. Actually, I’ve noticed recently that a lot of the female athletes are beautiful, and I don’t remember that being so true in previous years. Male pulchritude has always been a feature of the Olympics, but the females have lagged … Continue reading →
In a recent thread on gymnastics, commenter “CV” recommended watching this astounding video. I can’t seem to figure out how to find the embed code, so you’ll have to go there in order to watch it. It’s well worth the … Continue reading →
…here’s an introduction. In yesterday’s thread on this year’s American artistic gymnastics team, I described their powerful “cannonball” bodies and “ferocious will.” In the comments, “Ed Polacko” mentioned a contrast with the balletic quality of rhythmic gymnasts, and I decided … Continue reading →
I’ve pretty much turned away from watching international sports, but the Olympics sometimes draw me in. This year it happened again, beginning with the women gymnasts. As gymnastic tumbling has grown ever more difficult and demanding, the sport has changed … Continue reading →
Muhammed Ali’s death is the sort of news that will be covered in the media for weeks, with tributes and reminiscences. He styled himself “The Greatest,” and boxing aficionados say that he certainly was one of the greatest, or maybe … Continue reading →
Ah, now it’s all clear to me. I’d heard about how well the Cubs are doing this year. I used to follow baseball assiduously (see this), but since I’ve been in baseball recovery I hardly pay attention. But in addition … Continue reading →
…Yogi Berra, who has died at 90. One of a kind. A witty guy, a great catcher, a true character. Go here to read some of his bon mots. A selection: I really didn’t say everything I said. If people … Continue reading →
…wears earplugs when he races. Why? Because he’s sensitive to noise. And so he was wearing his earplugs when he made history on June 6 by being the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. I don’t follow horse racing much, … Continue reading →
What a loser: Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and five-time heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield squared off in the ring at a charity fight night event in Salt Lake City. Romney, 68, and Holyfield, 52, sparred, if you could … Continue reading →
Yes, you read that right. It will be an exhibition match in Salt Lake City to benefit a charity that treats blindness and other vision problems. Aside from demonstrating that Romney’s not quite the inhibited guy he was often portrayed … Continue reading →
I don’t ordinarily write about football, except for the obligatory open thread for the Superbowl—and I don’t always even do that. So this may be the lengthiest football thread I’ll ever write. I’m not a football fan, although I know … Continue reading →