Olympic Observations

OK, I normally don't watch this much of the Olympics.  Basically, I normally watch track and field and a few swimming events.  If I can't tell who won, I generally don't watch.  However, I only have 6 channels right now, so I pretty much watch anything that looks like a sport.  I'm also currently in Europe so I actually know people from Great Britain, Germany, etc.  It makes the whole thing more interesting.  Here are a few observations from the first few days...

1.  Rowing crew - I definitely want to be the person sitting in the back not paddling.  I think I would be good at yelling, "Go Faster, we're getting beat by the Netherlands."  I'm just saying...I think I could pull that off.

2.  Equestrian Events - I'm completely confused by the scoring.  It doesn't seem to have anything to do with speed.  The commentary didn't explain anything.  Apparently they couldn't find broadcasters that understood it eaither.

3.  Women's Shooting - I watch a woman hit 99/100 clay pigeons.  There is absolutely no sarcastic comment I can make.  I'm a fan.

4.  I couldn't care less about Michael Phelps' "legacy."  If another friend of mine begins ranting about how he should have stopped while he was "untouchable" my head may physically explode.  I hope he wins (I do cheer for the US, obviously), but his "legacy" is his business.  I have no vested interest in how he goes down in Olympic history.  I just want to see someone from the US win.

5.  Not sure why a National Health Care System is included in the opening ceremony.  Some friends from Northern Ireland explained it (Thanks Broddles).  I still don't really understand it...sorry to any Brits that come across this.

6.  Water Polo requires a level of strength and fitness I cannot begin to fathom.  However, I have no idea what the official is constantly blowing his whistle about.  The best I can tell, the players all just keep going through 80% of the whistles.