For the figure skating fans of DU... Olys SP Commentating Competition:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

Just thought I'd post this in here. I found this on another discussion board I frequent this morning and I think it's totally hilarious. I contacted the author of this piece and he gave me permission to pass it on.

"Well, the Olympic Short Program Commentating Competition was just brutal.

Scott Hamilton was the first to talk, but the Morozov inspired commentating was overly simplistic and repetitive. He attempted to cram his talking with as many adjectives as possible in an effort to boost his component remarks, but they were of juvenile difficulty and rushed in execution. While not disastrous, they do Hamilton no favors as he has the worst basic talking skills in the group. Scott is currently in second place with a score of 25 points.

Sandra Beizic came into the event verbally outfitted in a Moskvina program. She attempted to go lip-to-lip with the veteran, Dick Button, but her elements were under-thought and downgraded to a level one, with a negative GOE. No doubt she had a packed program planned, but Dick Button's verbal games made her lose concentration, and reduced her to a blabber. This was disastrous as her interpretation was already out of sync with the program and caused her to falter through the final straight-line talkwork sequence; perhaps she was too over-ambitious. Sandra is currently in last place with a score of -39.

Dick Button, gold medalist at the 1988 Olympic Commentating Competition, made a surprise comeback for these games. However at the advanced age of 76, many questioned whether he would be in fighting form to win back the title from the scandalous co-gold medalist losers of 2002. Dick's comments were devoid of the flailing verbs of Scott Hamilton, and the elements were perfectly timed with the programs. He incorporated a variety of difficult analogies and smooth transitions, giving him a significant boost in the program component remarks. Most notable was his wit, which had a deep outside edge; Sandra's flutz and Scott's flat paled in comparison. Dick is currently in first place with a score of 47."

:rofl: :rofl:

P.S. I adore Dick Button!!!

[joeybee12]

1. Yuk-yuk!

You know, Dick Button's commentating used to drive me crazy UNTIL Scott Hamilton started! Dick is a prince compared to him!

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

2. Did you catch Uncle Dick's comment last night during the men's SP

about Lambiel's costume? He said the costume reminded him of his "dining room curtains". Classic Button...

The one I cannot stand is Sandra Bezic. I wanted to strangle her Monday night during the LP of the pairs. She was so condescending to T/M, the gold medalists. I was shouting at my TV, STFU Sandra, but Uncle Dick did get a few good zingers in at her and made her look like the tool she is.

Scott Hamilton's been all-right so far. I think he's just overwhelmed by the fact the Dick Button is in the same booth with him.

Needless to say, I think this is Dick Button's last go-round. He'll be 77 next July and I do think he's going to retire. God knows he deserves it, but I'll miss him. I've been listening to him for 42 years and Uncle Dick will always be, for me, the voice of American figure skating.

[joeybee12]

3. I have not watched any of the skating, nor any of the Olympics so far...

...I'll probably catch the men's long program tomorrow night. Will boycott the women's. I know Sascha will fall at some point. With any luck the Japanese lady (whose name I can't recall right now) will do well, and Slutskya will skate on her butt, and the judges will be forced not to annoint her the winner.

[DinahMoeHum]

4. Methinks American Idol (tonight) and Survivor (tomorrow night)

will garner higher viewer ratings than NBC's Olympic coverage.

:evilgrin:

[joeybee12]

5. Probably...

...I haven't seen any of it yet...just really can't get into it this time. Seems like the Americans are under-achieving and that doesn't help with viewership.