Olympic Observations

I walked to Kaufland yesterday to do my thrice weekly grocery shopping which involved purchasing potatoes for my fabulous chicken soup. I noticed that one brand of potatoes were called "dicke dinger" (pronounced dick-a dinger; try saying that three times fast!), which translates to "fat things". Bad in any language.

As I mentioned before, I am enjoying the Olympics. I like that the word medals in German is medallion...it sounds so elegant. I also like the man who does the German commentary for the swimming events. He is forever announcing a "welt rekooooooord" (world record). Initially his "welt rekord" pronouncements were excited, then after awhile they were routine, although when Michael Phelps won the 100m Butterfly in a photo finish, I thought the announcer was going to have a heart failure. I don't think I have ever heard so much enthusiasm. It is amazing how many swimming world records have been set during this Olympics games. The water must be extra slippery in China this year.

I always enjoy the Track and Field events as I am a frustrated sprinter from back in my school days (waaaaay back!). The male sprinters are always interesting to observe as they strut and posture looking like so many banty roosters all chasing the same elusive hen. Reminds me of watching Michael Johnson set the 200m sprint world record in the 1996 Olympics in Altlanta, a record which still stands, mind you. Michael had a very unique, upright running style. Frankly, I always thought he looked a lot like the cartoon rooster, Foghorn Leghorn, with his overly developed, puffed out chest, and muscular butt and thighs. He just needed a large, yellow beak and a tail to complete the look. Mind you, he is a phenomenal athlete and I probably screamed the loudest of all his fans when he set that record. I am glad to see it still stands. I am also thrilled to see that 1988 world women's records for the 100m and 200m sprints are still held by the incredible, late Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo Jo to those of you in the know). For her sprinting records to be standing after 20 years is an amazing testament to her athletic ability.

I am watching the Olympic coverage on a station called Eurosport which essentially has around the clock coverage. I enjoy a segment they do each evening setting bloopers and funny happenings to some musical numbers to maximize the humor. I was, however, mystified to see that they filmed one of the sprinters as he exited the automatic bathroom stall and made his way to the starting blocks. While they felt that was necessary is beyond me! Hey, world class sprinters are people too!

I have just 2 weeks left here in Rothenburg and will be making an excursion to Würzburg next week for a visit.