Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/ but not necessarily in that order Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:01:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16832 Gina Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:41:56 +0000 http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16832 I used to be a HUGE follower of the Winter Olympics, particularly the figure skating. It seems like all real skill was removed from Olympic events about 20 years ago. The 1988 Winter Olympics was the last one where figure skaters were graded on the compulsory skate, which was the skater's repetition (3-5 times, I think) of loopy, complex version of a figure 8. These had to be done on top of each other to gauge the skater's level of control, skill, precision, and strength. It counted for 20% of the overall score. The tossed it after 1988. Dumb idea. Plus, once they started with the alternating Summer/Winter thing every 2 years, it really cheapened the Olympics, I think. Now it's all these cities/sponsors clamoring for a chance to be in the spotlight. Sigh. I used to be a HUGE follower of the Winter Olympics, particularly the figure skating. It seems like all real skill was removed from Olympic events about 20 years ago. The 1988 Winter Olympics was the last one where figure skaters were graded on the compulsory skate, which was the skater’s repetition (3-5 times, I think) of loopy, complex version of a figure 8. These had to be done on top of each other to gauge the skater’s level of control, skill, precision, and strength. It counted for 20% of the overall score. The tossed it after 1988. Dumb idea.

Plus, once they started with the alternating Summer/Winter thing every 2 years, it really cheapened the Olympics, I think. Now it’s all these cities/sponsors clamoring for a chance to be in the spotlight. Sigh.

]]> Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16827 Marsha Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:37:51 +0000 http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16827 @Katie: I hope you wished for something good! Winning lottery tickets for all of your friends, perhaps? :) . @Frank: You are right about the sense of perspective. I just read a study that revealed that Olympic bronze medalists (who are just happy to have a medal) tend to be much happier than Olympic silver medalists (who torture themselves with "If only I had..." thoughts). . @Jen: I saw that shortly after it aired in the UK last spring. I like the use of the "missing season" to explain some gaps. Overall, I thought it was fairly clever. Thought it was weird to see how much everyone has aged (except Kryten, who's been covered with makeup the entire time). @Katie: I hope you wished for something good! Winning lottery tickets for all of your friends, perhaps? :)
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@Frank: You are right about the sense of perspective. I just read a study that revealed that Olympic bronze medalists (who are just happy to have a medal) tend to be much happier than Olympic silver medalists (who torture themselves with “If only I had…” thoughts).
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@Jen: I saw that shortly after it aired in the UK last spring. I like the use of the “missing season” to explain some gaps. Overall, I thought it was fairly clever. Thought it was weird to see how much everyone has aged (except Kryten, who’s been covered with makeup the entire time).

]]> Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16808 Jen Anderson Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:38:04 +0000 http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16808 I love Red Dwarf. Have you seen the 3 part special they did a couple of years ago? I just watched it this weekend and it was all kinds of weird. I love Red Dwarf. Have you seen the 3 part special they did a couple of years ago? I just watched it this weekend and it was all kinds of weird.

]]> Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16028 Frank Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:44:24 +0000 http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-16028 Even though I love the Olympics, you're right about the technological aspect of it (swimsuits, skeleton helmets, bobsleds, etc.). I also think there is too much emphasis on the medals. Seventh place out of 6 billion people is pretty darn good too. The Olympics are way too commercial, but I figure that at least it gives McDonalds and Coca Cola somewhere to sink their money besides Congress! :) Even though I love the Olympics, you’re right about the technological aspect of it (swimsuits, skeleton helmets, bobsleds, etc.). I also think there is too much emphasis on the medals. Seventh place out of 6 billion people is pretty darn good too.

The Olympics are way too commercial, but I figure that at least it gives McDonalds and Coca Cola somewhere to sink their money besides Congress! :)

]]> Life update | First things first http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-15782 Katie J Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:29:51 +0000 http://first-things-first.net/2010/03/10/life-update-11/#comment-15782 This was the first month I remembered to say "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit"! This was the first month I remembered to say “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit”!

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