Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Olympics - Then & Now

My kids have been very excited to watch the Olympic games this year, and their enthusiasm has been contagious.  For example, just check out Danny's art class depiction of the sport of Skeleton Racing:

I'm not going to lie.  Before I noticed the Olympic rings, I thought the kid was drawing Santa Claus. I never did have much of an eye for art.

Skeleton is a sport that didn't exist in the Olympics back when I was a kid, so it has been a lot of fun learning about it from my obsessed kids.

But you know what else didn't exist back when I watched as a child?

Mean-ass commentators.

Full story click HERE for my article in Chicago Parent.
Plastered by at

13 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2014 at 4:53 PM

    Marianne,
    Your gentle transition from humor that includes Skeleton Racing (the drawing), Olympic history, and into the present state of affairs is thought provoking. Your commentary belongs in the business section of the Wall Street Journal, posted in the Halls of Congress, and you know where else. The Chicago Tribune may also be worthy. Indeed! The cancer of selfishness in sport, business, and politics has a choking grip on the throat of our Nation. Do you know the telephone number to dial for an overdue major Miracle?

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    1. MarianneFebruary 26, 2014 at 11:19 AM

      Thank you - this is just about the nicest comment I've ever received, and it is much appreciated! :)

      Delete
  2. AndreaFebruary 19, 2014 at 7:12 PM

    Watercolors are no easy medium to work in. I love the sideways shifty glance! Those skeleton peeps need to be very aware!

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  3. bettyFebruary 19, 2014 at 8:29 PM

    I haven't been following the Olympics this year for some strange reason, so I haven't heard too many of the commentators; it is a shame though that they are not "classy" in their reporting and interviewing regarding the Olympics. Now I guess I'm really out of the loop because I'm trying to figure out if skeleton racing is indeed a real Olympic event?

    betty

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    1. Carol Noren JohnsonFebruary 23, 2014 at 9:10 AM

      I'm with you, Betty. Do not have time.

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    2. MarianneFebruary 26, 2014 at 11:20 AM

      I, too, probably would've missed a lot of the games, but my boys were obsessed! I just wish they had the quality of commentators of old.

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  4. andi filanteFebruary 20, 2014 at 7:44 PM

    Phil and I have been discussing how we watch the Olympics less and less as we get older. We reminisce about the "good ole days" and how we knew the names of all the Olympians. Now we're overloaded with information and nothing is a surprise anymore. We know who has won before we ever get a chance to see it on TV. We haven't watched any of the commentary, but your take sounds spot-on. And yes, Americans need another miracle. But I think we're far to deep in the soup to get it. But at least our clothes are better.

    -andi

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    1. MarianneFebruary 26, 2014 at 11:21 AM

      Deep into the soup is right. And although I haven't responded yet to your story about your son and his teeth (YE GADS), I've been wrapping my kids from head to toe in cotton balls since. Holy crap.

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  5. hi-dFebruary 22, 2014 at 11:27 PM

    I adore that painting!!!! This article you wrote is amazing and I agree with the comment that it should be published in The Wall Street Journal and the likes! For me, this Olympics I have had a real hard time getting into...it certainly has lost its magic. Hopefully 2016 will be better...

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    1. MarianneFebruary 26, 2014 at 11:21 AM

      Oh gosh, thanks, hi-d! I'm hoping 2016 is the year these Olympics finally get turned around!

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  6. Marianne (Mare) Baker BallFebruary 24, 2014 at 9:50 PM

    great artwork! I hated that they showed no medal ceremonies this year. I did not see one. that was always my fav part. Big gap on that. And the male figure skating....not that appealing anymore. Things have certainly changed.

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    1. MarianneFebruary 26, 2014 at 11:22 AM

      YES! What was with no medal ceremonies! It's like they were avoiding promoting nationalism. HELLLLOOO. That's was the Olympics are all about! And without picking on any individual male skaters, YES. I rather missed Brian Boitano.

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