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You are here: Home / Interesting Target for Harsh Media Criticism

Interesting Target for Harsh Media Criticism

by John Cole|  August 8, 20125:59 pm| 114 Comments

This post is in: Our Failed Political Establishment

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WTF was the NY Times thinking? That’s some low rent shit they’ve done there.

*** Update ***

The POS NBC embed blew up the website temporarily.

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Previous Post: « Can I get a what what?
Next Post: Wednesday Evening Open Thread: Guaranteed to Be Less Interesting than the Titty Bars »

Reader Interactions

114Comments

  1. 1.

    jamie

    August 8, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    I think you’ve gone and broken the page formatting.

  2. 2.

    Michael Demmons

    August 8, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    What does the NY Times have to do with a story about a woman stealing a baby?

  3. 3.

    cathyx

    August 8, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    I’ll say. Something is just not right.

  4. 4.

    kindness

    August 8, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Nothing got embedded.

  5. 5.

    ooparts

    August 8, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    The New York Times does videos on NBCNews? Oh, and THIS IS AN OUTRAGE…I think?

  6. 6.

    Jeff

    August 8, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    Wrong embed. D’oh!

  7. 7.

    Amir Khalid

    August 8, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    @jamie:
    Actually, it looks rather intriguing this way.

  8. 8.

    jeffreyw

    August 8, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    I like the comment formatting.

  9. 9.

    nickgb

    August 8, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Typical nanny state bullshit, telling women they can’t carry babies around in bags. Especially other people’s babies. WOLVERINES!

  10. 10.

    Violet

    August 8, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    WTF is up with this post? And the whole front page is borked.

  11. 11.

    Foggy F Follansbye

    August 8, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    Captain, the page cannae take any more!

  12. 12.

    DC Refugee

    August 8, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    @Foggy F Follansbye: You win the Internets for today…

  13. 13.

    The Bobs

    August 8, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    Looks like there is a problem with the style sheet.

  14. 14.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Have we been hacked or something? Did a troll come by and steal this blog from a hospital?

  15. 15.

    Villago Delenda Est

    August 8, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    OK, Cole, what’s with giving a set of keys to this thing to the chuckleheads of the Rmoney campaign staff?

  16. 16.

    Hill Dweller

    August 8, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    It’s those f’n flip flops again.

  17. 17.

    God

    August 8, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    Here’s the start of the story Mr. Cole referrs to.

    His link above is the fallout.

  18. 18.

    Jade Jordan

    August 8, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    Telling everyone you are a 29 year old virgin and posing nude right before the Olympics is a very good way to get them to talk about something besides your hurdling.

    NOT telling everyone you are a 29 year old virgin and NOT posing nude right before the Olympics is a very good way to get them to talk about your HURDLING.

    Just saying!

  19. 19.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    NYT resents/hates black and biracial beauty.

  20. 20.

    ChrisNYC

    August 8, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    There was also an interview with other US hurdlers who were like, we thought that our stories were pretty compelling and we um actually won medals but no one wants to talk to us, which sucks so we’re pissed about that.

    http://gawker.com/5932936/american-medalists-unleash-lolo-jones-coverage-in-awkward-interview

  21. 21.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    @ChrisNYC: I don’t really blame them for being pissed. During the semifinals, it was all, “LOLOLOLOLOLO–and by the way, Kelly Wells was raped by her mother’s boyfriend as a child and the mother and boyfriend were killed in a car crash–but back to Lolo!”

  22. 22.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Heather Mitts is a very attractive blonde on the US soccer team, and she gets a lot of ink. Guess what, she rarely plays because she’s 3rd string.

    But because she’s so friggin gorgeous, she get attention. Why isn’t NYT denouncing that?

    Lolo Jones finished 4th last night. The 4th fastest hurdler in the world. She would have won gold in China but hit the 2nd to last hurdle. She holds two world titles. She overcame a impoverished horrible broken family. She used to have to steal food to feed her family. And yet the Times treats her like dirt because she’s has the nerve to be a beautiful biracial woman.

  23. 23.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    @Darkrose: Well duh, if Kelly Wells was raped it means she’s not a virgin which makes her boring in NBC’s eyes.

    The natural progression of this story is for Lolo Jones and Tim Tebow to get married and lose their virginity live on the Today Show.

  24. 24.

    Catsy

    August 8, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Yeah, I’m not exactly dripping with sympathy for a world-famous athlete who makes a point of tweeting about her religiously-mandated virginity (bleah), poses for nude photos (nothing wrong with that), and then gets butthurt when the media focuses on her image rather than her athetic accomplishments.

    That said, the NYT article was some seriously catty shit. I don’t even disagree with it and I was meowing at some of the lines there.

  25. 25.

    Snowwy

    August 8, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    This is always the way of it. The major media always encourage these madonna/whore athlete stories (and yes they do it with attractive men, too, just not with the full measure of hateful intent) to set women up as a target to beat down. I’m not surprised. Would that Ms. Jones had the sense not to fall into that trap- but if she hadn’t they wouldn’t be talking about her at all, so…

  26. 26.

    Dennis SGMM

    August 8, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    @beltane:

    I think they should lose it on the Big Bang Theory.

  27. 27.

    Colleeniem

    August 8, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    I think the nyt times misfired, by placing all of the blame on Jones herself, but really, why hadn’t we heard as much about her teammate who WON the last Olympics and beat her in the trials? Why wasn’t the story about both of their abilities, a la Dan and Brian , the us decathletes from Atlanta?
    I love Olympics, but this years coverage has been terrible for recognizing athletes and their accomplishments. Par for the course at NBC, or any sports coverage of women athletes in general.

  28. 28.

    Comrade Jake

    August 8, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    @Jade Jordan:

    Sure, to a degree you’re right. Still, comparing her to Anna Kournakova seems pretty fucking lazy.

  29. 29.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    @beltane: Besides, who cares about a very dark-skinned black woman’s story?

  30. 30.

    spudgun

    August 8, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    This just sounds crazy to me! Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m under the impression that the *media* created this sexy image/persona, not her. Yes, she’s attractive, so naturally people are going to want to find out more about her – why is this her fault?

    ETA: Oh, I didn’t know about the nude photos. Okay, well, derpity-derp to me!

  31. 31.

    Quarks

    August 8, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    You know, much of this could be avoided if NBC would, for a change, try to focus its attention on, you know, ATHLETIC EVENTS. What we are tuning in for.

    I get that every athlete has worked damn hard to get to the Olympics and all of them (well, maybe not the Queen’s granddaughter and that Saudi prince in the equestrian events, but everyone else) has a compelling story, probably a compelling sob story. Which is precisely why I want to see them PERFORM and do the athletic feats they’ve practiced so hard at.

  32. 32.

    pseudonymous in nc

    August 8, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    @ChrisNYC:

    There was also an interview with other US hurdlers who were like, we thought that our stories were pretty compelling and we um actually won medals but no one wants to talk to us, which sucks so we’re pissed about that.

    Sorry, ladies, you’ll need better backstories and/or to get your waps out before NBC gives you a callback for Reality Olympic House.

  33. 33.

    brent

    August 8, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    I guess its hard to know how one would react to being publicly criticized in this way but it all feels a little overly dramatic to me. Regardless of the results, Lolo Jones is one of the greatest athletes in the world. She will be getting the chance to reap some great benefits as a result and she has overcome a lot to get to this place in her life. She has overcome much worse than having someone say some less than kind things about her in the paper. Everyone reacts to the world differently but I feel like she should just let this one roll off her back.

  34. 34.

    JPL

    August 8, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Okay.. so I’m confused.. tell me again who is the person and why should I care?

  35. 35.

    JPL

    August 8, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    @brent: thanks..

  36. 36.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    Does this make Rafalca/Ann Romney the Anna Kournikova of dressage?

  37. 37.

    Jay C

    August 8, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    @God:
    @ John Cole, top

    OK: back to John’s point: this really IS an uncharacteristically harsh hatchet-job by the NYT: they may not always nail their sports coverage 100% (though I’m not sure who DOES); but they don’t typically print – what seems to be to be – outright shivving like Jere Longman’s re Lolo Jones. Yeah, maybe Lolo is something of a publicity-hound (and that would be astonishingly atypical of Olympic-level athletes, right?): but this piece is more like something you’d read on a particularly spiteful sports blog, not the “paper of record”. Weird it is…

  38. 38.

    arguingwithsignposts

    August 8, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    Aside from the opening ceremonies, i have missed all of the Olympics. Sounds like I made a wise decision by default.

  39. 39.

    WaterGirl

    August 8, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    Wow. That was a major hit job on this athlete.

    You know how in shows on TV, some cop ends up looking at the dead body saying: “This guy was stabbed 15 times and then shot in the face. This was personal.”

    That’s how that NYT article looks to me.

    WTF were they thinking?

  40. 40.

    The Dangerman

    August 8, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    In the spirit of bagging on Olympics or Olympians (seriously, NYT, WTF?)…

    …what’s up with the London Olympics logo? I get it is supposed to be 2012 in some strange block lettering, but it kinda looks like a flattened dog turd. Is it supposed to be Stone Hengey or something?

  41. 41.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    @beltane: but she’s not Tebow.

    Tebow is a joke in his profession. He can’t even get a starting job among 32 NFL teams. he’s a clown touted as a great white hope by those who resent their favorite game being dominated by blacks.

    OTOH, Jones is one the five fastest women in the world. Yes, Jones gets more attention then one of the other five women, but she’s still at the pinnacle of her profession.

    ETA: if NYT wants to call someone out it should be Tebow. But they won’t do that, it’ll piss off too many whites.

  42. 42.

    SatanicPanic

    August 8, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    This was a cheap attack. Sucks to be her, getting criticized this way. I’ll bet she’s going to come out of this richer than ever. I’m turned off by her religiousity. She is a legit athlete. I am thinking all these things at once.

  43. 43.

    MikeBoyScout

    August 8, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    WTF was the Gray Lady thinking?

    Can’t have anything to do with the fact that Jones is both a woman and blackity black black could it?

  44. 44.

    WaterGirl

    August 8, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    @Darkrose:

    “LOLOLOLOLOLO—and by the way, Kelly Wells was raped by her mother’s boyfriend as a child and the mother and boyfriend were killed in a car crash—but back to Lolo!”

    And that, in a nutshell, is why I don’t watch the Olympics anymore. It’s the the news people are vultures and are thrilled if somebody’s brother or mother is dying and they get to talk endlessly about how x is handling it. I HATE these people.

  45. 45.

    Brachiator

    August 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    @Darkrose:

    I don’t really blame them for being pissed. During the semifinals, it was all, “LOLOLOLOLOLO—and by the way, Kelly Wells was raped by her mother’s boyfriend as a child and the mother and boyfriend were killed in a car crash—but back to Lolo!”

    You could say the same thing about a lot of the NBC coverage, which looks for narrative hooks. And if you are not an American athlete who is not a name brand superstar like Bolt, good luck getting any camera time.

    The NY Times piece seemed gratuitiously cruel. Hell, even though the swimmer Lochte got mocked for being shallow, there was nothing even as remotely mean as this.

    The media practically begs for these athletes to say or do something “edgy,” and then turns around and slams them for being foolish enough to fall for their media honey traps.

    It’s fucked up.

  46. 46.

    Dennis SGMM

    August 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I’m more impressed by the courage and hard work of those who lost their jobs, then lost it all, and who still maintain a good attitude for the sake of their kids while mom and dad work three or four jobs and pretend that living in a one bedroom apartment is an adventure.

  47. 47.

    John

    August 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    @Quarks:

    Hell, even the Queen’s granddaughter and the Saudi Prince. Do you know how easy it is to come from privilege and be totally fucking useless? Sure, they compete in a sport where you have to be massively rich to have an opportunity, but they still had to work incredibly hard to get where they are, something which lots of people in their position can’t be bothered to do. There’s a whole shitload of Saudi princes, but only one of them is an Olympic athlete.

    And of course you’re right that the best way to honor all that hard work is to show the damned events instead of trying to make us cry with soft-focus profiles.

  48. 48.

    Mnemosyne

    August 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    @Jay C:

    The “no chance of medaling” part was especially harsh since she came in fourth, ie one spot below getting a medal.

    Part of the problem is that NBC seems to be treating their Olympics coverage like a reality show by anointing the “heroes” ahead of time (makes it easier to assemble all of those teary interviews, don’t’cha know). It was a problem with Gabby Douglas as well — one of the other gymnasts was the designated media “hero,” but she didn’t perform nearly as well as Douglas did, so the media had to try and switch their coverage in midstream.

    Hey, here’s an idea — maybe the American media should wait and see who does well at the Games before they declare this or that person is America’s Greatest Champion.

    Yeah, I crack myself up sometimes.

  49. 49.

    The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of compassion

    August 8, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    @WaterGirl: It’s not just the news people. This is becoming common practice. I can’t tell you how many games shows I’ve flipped through lately on which the disembodied voice of white assholery was filling everyone in on which contestant’s wife was dying in the hospital as he competed. I wish I were kidding. Grief as a product placement.

  50. 50.

    jl

    August 8, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    @John:

    “cry with soft-focus profiles ”

    or ??? with inaccuratte hatchet jobs.

    Edit: this story on Jones is so worthless it would really be more at home with election coverage. It is unworthy of a sports section, even for that up close and personal bellywash they try to sell during the Olympics.

  51. 51.

    SatanicPanic

    August 8, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    @Quarks:

    ATHLETIC EVENTS. What we are tuning in for

    Nah, most of us are tuning in for the drama. Sports are just a form of theatre, and backstory is part of that.

  52. 52.

    pseudonymous in nc

    August 8, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    BTW, if any Americans were wondering why Michael Johnson, one of their greatest Olympic athletes, works for the BBC and not NBC, here you have one example.

  53. 53.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    @The Dangerman: Someone described it as looking like Lisa Simpson going down on Bart.

    WHAT HAS BEEN SEEN CANNOT BE UNSEEN.

  54. 54.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    @David Koch: Tebow plays in the NFL which is the type of “joke” most high school players can only dream of being.

    The fault lies mostly with NBC, who have managed to make these games nearly unwatchable: neverending coverage of Misty May’s ass, a few selected clips of other Americans, and way too much Bob Costas.

  55. 55.

    The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of compassion

    August 8, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    @Dennis SGMM: Amen. I work in one of the poorest school districts in the country, and I am continually gobsmacked by the quiet heroism of the people I encounter every year. Most of them are facing circumstances every day through no fault of their own that would cripple the average middle-class straight white male in a matter of hours. They do this while loving their kids, working like mules to barely scratch by, and being the absolute best human beings they know how to be.

  56. 56.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    @pseudonymous in nc: I’ve heard Greg Lougainis has also been doing outstanding commentary for the BBC. American exceptionalism has come to mean nothing more than the willingness to rejoice in mediocrity.

  57. 57.

    The Moar You Know

    August 8, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Oh hooray, it’s been a while since we had a Carrie Prejean “virgin” publicity whore hogging the spotlight. Can’t wait for the inevitable cell pix/movies.

    Except this one is not remotely attractive, so on second thought I’ll just forget about this payday-seeking runner and pay attention to something I might actually give a shit about.

  58. 58.

    scav

    August 8, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Am I understanding this correctly? An athlete is being called out because she’s pretty, has a carefully crafted, if internally inconsistent, image but a lack of gold medals (winning races)? Didn’t Clint Eastwood endorse a Presidential Candidate with nearly exactly similar characteristics, apparently based on looks alone as best anyone could tell?

  59. 59.

    The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of compassion

    August 8, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    @Darkrose: Rule 34!

  60. 60.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Hey, here’s an idea—maybe the American media should wait and see who does well at the Games before they declare this or that person is America’s Greatest Champion.

    And there you go with that damn Earth Logic again.

  61. 61.

    Villago Delenda Est

    August 8, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Hey, here’s an idea—maybe the American media should wait and see who does well at the Games before they declare this or that person is America’s Greatest Champion.
    __
    Yeah, I crack myself up sometimes.

    Just had to see this again.

  62. 62.

    scav

    August 8, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    @scav: And, let me be clear, this has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality, talent or ability of the athlete, I’ve never heard of her and don’t much care. I’m just goggling at the NYT suddenly getting all OMGOMGOMGOMG over carefully crafted, internally inconsistent and pandering image-management.

  63. 63.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    @beltane:

    neverending coverage of Misty May’s ass,

    Really? Ah, damn. I missed it. Her milk shake really brings all the boys to the yard.

  64. 64.

    trollhattan

    August 8, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    Speaking of trying to avoid NBC’s ham-handed coverage, anybody know how to get around the “we can’t show this video/live program to your region” restrictions? I’m aboard the SS Failboat on this one.

    Also, too, let’s take a moment to remember FloJo. American track & field used to have some gen-you-wine superstars. That is all….

  65. 65.

    Tony J

    August 8, 2012 at 7:15 pm

    @The Dangerman:

    what’s up with the London Olympics logo? I get it is supposed to be 2012 in some strange block lettering, but it kinda looks like a flattened dog turd. Is it supposed to be Stone Hengey or something?

    No, it’s Lisa Simpson performing fellatio on Bart. It shouldn’t look like that, but that’s what it is.

    Like Darkrose said @ 53. Internet Slap! That was – my – revelation!

    And as to the topic and general theme of the post, I’m really, really happy that I’ve only seen BBC coverage of these Olympics.

  66. 66.

    Dennis SGMM

    August 8, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    @The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of compassion:
    Thank you. Those who are up agin’ it and who hold their mugs despite won’t ever get any accolades. Those who skip dinner so that the kids can eat won’t get any medals. To me, those people are the most courageous folks on earth because they’ll never get any recognition for what they’ve done. They sure as hell aren’t in it for the money and they will never get a medal, but they’re worth more than all of the Olympic athletes put together.

  67. 67.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    @trollhattan: Try Expat Shield for the BBC coverage.

  68. 68.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    August 8, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    Cueball went to the Rainbow Bridge today. I am sick with sadness. For the first time in 20 years I do not have a dog in the house.

  69. 69.

    sharl

    August 8, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    @The Dangerman:

    Assuming you haven’t seen it already, you might be interested in this possibly nightmare-inducing graphic, obviously the product of a critic of the creepy commercialization in the big London sports thingie.

    Bonus, totally OT graphics link – Straw Feminism, anyone?

  70. 70.

    whidby

    August 8, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    Yes, the NYT has made the unpardonable error of speaking the truth.

    Don’t they know that the proper attitude is to bow before the Virgin?

  71. 71.

    Darkrose

    August 8, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: :( I’m so sorry.

  72. 72.

    muddy

    August 8, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    The media are not very self-aware. I was listening to them carry on one day about how people believe Rmoney’s lies, and saying that’s so weird. As though Rmoney is coming to their houses and telling them secrets personally. Or possibly a nice hand-written note? If the media did not keep repeating what he said, no one would have heard about it in the first place. Oh noes! How did they come to get this biased view?

    I’m glad my current dog does not mind me shouting at the tv. The last one took it personally so I was always having to stifle. I hope I’m loud enough that my neighbors who watch Fox and call it “the news” can hear me.

  73. 73.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    @The Moar You Know:

    Except this one is not remotely attractive,

    yeah, she’s hidious, she should really shave off the beard.

  74. 74.

    sharl

    August 8, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Condolences, Litlebrit. RIP, Cueball.

  75. 75.

    Dennis SGMM

    August 8, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt:
    My deepest condolences. I have my first dog in over fifty years (US Navy) and I knew when I adopted him that my heart became a hostage. Beaming good thoughts your way, kid.

  76. 76.

    The Dangerman

    August 8, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    OK, I saw a lot of things in the logo (it took me a couple seconds to make out the numbers), but I wouldn’t have ever imagined the Simpson Scenario. I surely hope the Graphic Artist doesn’t put that in his/her portfolio.

  77. 77.

    Jay C

    August 8, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt:

    So sorry, Brit: must be extra-awful to have to deal with a dogless void after so many years. Hopefully, Doggy Heaven has readied a puppy with your name on for future delivery….

  78. 78.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Here’s wishing his soul a great afterlife.

  79. 79.

    trollhattan

    August 8, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    @Darkrose:
    Thanks for the tip; I’ll give it a go!

  80. 80.

    WaterGirl

    August 8, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: I am so sorry. So very sorry.

    I lost my Bailey last September, and that was the first time I hadn’t had a dog in decades. I did not last long, the world was just wrong, and I got my Tucker 4 weeks later. It’s rough feeling all that on top of desperately missing the guy you just lost.

    My niece sent me a card that really helped.
    It said something like this:

    Peace to soothe you, Grace to hold you, Love to comfort you

    After I got Tucker, I realized he was the Love to comfort me.

    So sorry.

  81. 81.

    trollhattan

    August 8, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt:
    Very sorry :-(

  82. 82.

    Ron Beasley

    August 8, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    John, are you using Chrome? When I’m doing blog posts that include embeds I have to use Firefox or I have problems. This is in both Typepad and WordPress.

  83. 83.

    Garbo

    August 8, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: I’m so sorry. There’s no love like pet love.

  84. 84.

    SiubhanDuinne

    August 8, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Oh no oh no. Oh sad, I am so sorry. I know you were expecting and dreading this day, anguished for you that it came so soon. But Cueball is a happy healthy active vibrant pup again.

    {{{Big hugs}}}

  85. 85.

    beltane

    August 8, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    @Darkrose: Thank you! I wish I knew about this when the games started.

  86. 86.

    Gex

    August 8, 2012 at 7:43 pm

    What I really love is that she has no control over whether or not others find her attractive. But because she is found to be attractive, it is easy to attack her for trying to be attractive.

    But doesn’t everyone do that?

    If she is working hard enough to win those medals, who exactly should get to demand that she work harder? Who do these people think they are?

    Our Village is fucking junior high over and over. A bunch of quality kids that end up popular, and a bunch of sniveling sycophants who make sure they have elevated status by beating everyone else down.

  87. 87.

    blueintheface

    August 8, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    Apparently I’m the only one who thinks it’s ironic that an Olympic athlete is being ripped apart by the NYT and some in this thread for being physically attractive (and using it for endorsements and publicity, quel horreure) when Olympic athletes used to compete naked.

    So for those keeping score at home, it was ok to run and pose for statues with your dick hanging out if you lived in 700 BC, but in 2012 if you do a nude spread for Sports Illustrated with your genitals strategically covered, you’re a poseur and not a real athlete.

    And while I’m on a rant, playing “March Sadness” on Matthew Perry’s show may have gotten a chuckle out of me during the first of 100 times I saw that ad, but you’re an f’ing tool if you think that Kelly Wells getting raped by her mother’s boyfriend > Lolo Jones having to sleep in the basement of a Salvation Army. If only Lolo Jones had gotten raped in the basement, maybe some of you would have more respect for her.

  88. 88.

    FlipYrWhig

    August 8, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Oh, damn it all. So sorry and our thoughts are wth you. Especially today. We just came in from burying our cat in the corner of the backyard.

  89. 89.

    muddy

    August 8, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Oh, that’s terrible. That’s just how I felt when my last old one passed, and I had not been without at least one dog, usually more, for decades.

    I just felt invisible entirely. No one gave a shit where I went or what I did anymore. The first quality that came to mind in meeting new dogs was that I wanted one who would mind my business. Once you are accustomed to the canine entourage, you just feel naked without it.

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  90. 90.

    Violet

    August 8, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Oh, I’m so sorry. Sending healing thoughts your way.

  91. 91.

    Jay in Oregon

    August 8, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Hey, here’s an idea—maybe the American media should wait and see who does well at the Games before they declare this or that person is America’s Greatest Champion.

    The unfortunate legacy of all of the crap “reality” programming we’ve had to endure is this: networks seem to think we apparently can’t decide for ourselves which contestants or athletes we want to root for, so they have to pre-chew it all for us.

  92. 92.

    Turgidson

    August 8, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    @beltane:

    way too much Bob Costas.

    Ain’t that the truth. When will that guy just go away.

  93. 93.

    bemused

    August 8, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt:

    It’s too damn quiet. We lost our older dog a few weeks ago and thank goodness we have the younger dog but it’s still too damn quiet around here. I feel for you.

  94. 94.

    PurpleGirl

    August 8, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    @The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of compassion: Sob stories have been a staple of game shows since way back. Did you ever hear of, or depending on your age, watch, Queen for a Day? The woman with the most sobiest of sob stories got declared Queen by the audience and won all this stuff.

  95. 95.

    ruemara

    August 8, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: My condolences, LilBrit. No matter when or how it happens, you’re never ready.

  96. 96.

    burnspbesq

    August 8, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    @The Moar You Know:

    not remotely attractive

    I can refer you to my ophthalmologist if you’d like.

  97. 97.

    kdaug

    August 8, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    @The Dangerman:

    …what’s up with the London Olympics logo? I get it is supposed to be 2012 in some strange block lettering, but it kinda looks like a flattened dog turd. Is it supposed to be Stone Hengey or something?

    It’s Lisa Simpson giving Bart head.

    Ain’t sure what it’s supposed to signify.

  98. 98.

    Arclite

    August 8, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    @Jade Jordan:

    Telling everyone you are a 29 year old virgin and posing nude right before the Olympics is a very good way to get them to talk about something besides your hurdling.
    NOT telling everyone you are a 29 year old virgin and NOT posing nude right before the Olympics is a very good way to get them to talk about your HURDLING.
    Just saying!

    I’m glad it’s not just me who thinks this.

  99. 99.

    Catsy

    August 8, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Can someone explain to me whence all the stuff about the media treating Lolo differently because she’s biracial?

    Because I’m just not seeing it. And I mean that literally as well; she looks like a stereotypical tanned California white girl to me. Not unattractive at all, just… I never would’ve twigged that she had any brown people in her family tree if no one had said, and I’m just not seeing the racism here. Shittiness and sexism, yes. Racism, no.

  100. 100.

    raven

    August 8, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Aw, I’m so sorry to hear that. You did your best, know that.

    We who choose to surround ourselves
    with lives even more temporary than our
    own, live within a fragile circle;
    easily and often breached.
    Unable to accept its awful gaps,
    we would still live no other way.
    We cherish memory as the only
    certain immortality, never fully
    understanding the necessary plan.
    — Irving Townsend

  101. 101.

    Anne Laurie

    August 8, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: My condolences. You gave him a better life than most dogs can dream of — heck, IIRC, you gave him a life when his breeder rejected him — and I hope that the good memories of your time together will soon replace the pain you’re feeling now.

  102. 102.

    Anne Laurie

    August 8, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    @FlipYrWhig: Oh dear. Condolences to you, as well.

    (Excuse me, I have to go hug a furbuddy now… )

  103. 103.

    sb

    August 8, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    @Anne Laurie: Took the words out of my mouth (who am I kidding–Anne said it better). That wonderful animal had a wonderful life because of you.

    Monday through Friday of this year, I’m going to drive to my job in South Central Los Angeles. On the vast majority of those days, I’m going to see an abandoned dog or cat–often more than one. I always think our Puddle could be among them and I always think that with a little more money and space, I could pick up one of those dogs or cats (allergies be damned) and do something. You did something. That won’t be forgotten in these parts anytime soon. Godspeed to Cueball.

  104. 104.

    Joel

    August 8, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    Sorry, but I’m loving Dawn Harper and Kellie Wells.

  105. 105.

    Joel

    August 8, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    @Catsy: I think the treatment – both the increased exposure and increased scrutiny – is because she’s pretty. Simple as that. The Kournikova comparison is apt, for what it’s worth.

  106. 106.

    Joel

    August 8, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    @Catsy: I think the treatment – both the increased exposure and increased scrutiny – is because she’s pretty. Simple as that. The Kournikova comparison is apt, for what it’s worth.

  107. 107.

    David Koch

    August 8, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    @FlipYrWhig: It’s so hard to say goodbye. I’m sure your cat led a good life and in the end thats all we can ask for.

  108. 108.

    kc

    August 8, 2012 at 10:21 pm

    I flipped the channel this a.m. when the Today Show trotted out Jenna Bush.

  109. 109.

    kc

    August 8, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    Condolences to librit and FYW. Going to hug my old (17 yrs) kitty now.

  110. 110.

    Cacti

    August 8, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    The self-appointed Virgin Mary/Christian Martyr of US Track and Field got some negative publicity? The poor dear.

    I couldn’t help but notice she has a much lighter complexion than her more successful teammates. I’m sure that has nothing to do with the extra attention though. I deserve four pinnochios for suggesting it.

  111. 111.

    BigSouthern

    August 8, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    The only thing I think is wrong is the statement that posing nude automatically equates to being a vixen, which makes her a hypocrite. The human body can be beautiful without being sexualized and there’s nothing inherently contradictory about a virgin being willing to celebrate the beauty of her own body.

    That said, everything else was correct, and is incredibly frustrating. Wells and Harper both have fascinating stories to tell, but no one seems to care. I notice Ricards-Ross and Felix are getting a little more attention, but that only highlights the racial/colorism aspect of the whole thing. It was equally vexing that every time Gabby Douglas or Aly Raisman performed during the all-around they just couldn’t stop themselves from giving us a shot of Jordyn Wieber.

    Honestly, the best commentary I’ve heard so far has been Teddy Atlas and Bob Papa over in the boxing. They’re both insightful, clever, and subdued. And I have to give them credit for calling the women’s matches the same as they’ve called the men’s. Paul Sunderland and Kevin Barnett have also done a solid job with volleyball.

  112. 112.

    Paul in KY

    August 9, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Just like to set the record straight. Ms. Jones stated in the linked article that she was the American record holder for 100 m hurdles.

    She is not. Gail Devers holds the American record at 12.33

    I’m wondering if she sincerely thought she was or was it some kind of dig at Ms. Devers (who has faced accusations of steriod use in the past).

  113. 113.

    brantl

    August 9, 2012 at 9:39 am

    @Litlebritdifrnt:Very sorry for your loss, understand it completely.

  114. 114.

    Lordwhorfin

    August 9, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    @beltane: Grrr I love Greg!

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