Rant: Michael Phelps, NBC Golden Boy

Ok, I know you're probably thinking, how could anyone possibly have a problem with Michael "his hotness" Phelps?

Don't get me wrong, I think he's great and I like to think he has a secret dorky side to himself that, in my opinion, makes him even cuter. I don't take issue with Michael...more the media coverage he receives.

Is it just me, or is NBC completely obsessed with talking about him? I mean, why don't they just change their segment titles from "The Olympic Zone" to "The Michael Phelps Zone?"

Yes, he is a great swimming, amazing even. If I could think of even a decent comparison, I'd say he's the Roger Federer of swimming (R.F. is a machine!). However, when a network is referring to Phelps as the "greatest athlete ever," I have to stop and question that. Really, NBC? The greatest athlete EVER? Doesn't that kind of dismiss ALL the other athletes and ALL of the other athletic events participated in at the Olympics? Phelps could possibly be, and likely is, one of the top swimmers there has been. I would agree with that statement, and the guy has the gold medals to justify it. But has he ever run a marathon? Ever jumped fences on horseback or performed a balance beam routine? Umm, I'd have to ask him myself to be sure, but I'm thinking no.

Phelps' record setting wins shouldn't discount the coverage that all of the other athletes receive, which hasn't been much. In fact, in more than one interview, I've seen Matt Lauer and Meredith Vierra ask other athletes (particularly swimmers) about Phelps. I bet they felt really great, sitting down for an interview about their accomplishments to then be asked about Phelps.

My point is, perhaps NBC should get off the Michael Phelps train and jump onto the Team USA bandwagon.

Back to fantastic fashiony things...

-B

Past and Present: Olympic Fashion

Like I said, the Olympics don't have much to offer in the way of fashion aside from the opening ceremony. Here's a cool slide show that the New York Times put together of Olympic opening ceremony fashions from the past to the present.

My unlucky Chinese dollar, since I obviously did not win the Shanghai Tang $888 shopping spree.

Hope you're having a lovely morning!

-B

Weekend Update: The Late Edition

Photo [She Knows Best]

This weekend of course kicked off the summer Olympics. After watching the opening ceremony it seems there has been much controversy over the Ralph Lauren designed outfits for Team USA. Like I said before, I thought they looked okay, certainly better than some others. I think the hat looks ridiculous, and I understand those who say RL's design appears elitist and "yacht club" inspired. Honestly, I think the uniforms are pretty classic, traditional American. Not very modern, true and I'd prefer he left his polo horse logo off, but seriously, what did people expect? It looks exactly like something RL would do.

What does everyone else think?

Anyway, aside from the opening ceremonies, while patriotic, the Olympic forte is not really fashion. Luckily, there are cute boys to distract us.

I pretty much stick to watching swimming and gymnastics, my fav of the summer games. I saw Michael Phelps win his first gold so far and caught some of the men's gymnastics. The Chinese team is crazy good. Of course, I'm hoping that the Americans will at least score a medal in most of their events, and I think the chances are pretty good.

Other than that, I feel like I've been utterly lazy, and therefore my weekend attire has been lacking. Not to mention I've been a bit slow to post since my internet maladies continue.

I promised I'd put up a photo from dessert night at Serendipity III. You can so my massive banana split and C's frooozen hot chocolate. Yum! You can't really see what I'm wearing, but it includes one my favorite trends right now, bows! Or at least things that you can tie into bows or knots or whatever you like.

K, must do some actual work...if only I got paid for this! Will post more soon. I have some lovely photos from my "culture day" which I decided I needed over the weekend. So I went to the Met and saw some great exhibits and felt fabulous and free on the rooftop with such lovely weather.

Later amigos,

B

Live Blogging the Opening Ceremony

For as long as I can take it anyway...

8:05 p.m. - Announcements will be made in French and English, which are the two official languages of the Olympics, as well as Chinese because the games are taking place there.

8:18 - Stand for the Chinese National Anthem, "March of the Volunteers"

8:21 - Ceremony divided into two sections, Chinese history and modern times.

8:22 - Giant scroll unfolding to reveal ancient Chinese art of calligraphy. The three main Chinese art forms include painting, calligraphy and poetry. Two Chinese performers doing a routine which is supposed to express balance between mountains and water.

8:23 - Other dancers have joined. Using their bodies to create calligraphic images on a VERY large LED screen which will get progressively bigger throughout the night.

8:25 - Modern dance moves creating the most ancient style of painting. Scroll still unfolding and it is enormous!

8:29 - Confucius travelers portion of the show. About 810 "travelers" holding bamboo scrolls performing. Rising up from center of stage are Chinese movable printing blocks.

8:31 - The moving blocks evoke wind...very cool, I like them. (Note to self: find picture of this).

8:32 - Chinese symbol for harmony appears on the left and ride of the moving blocks.

8:35 - There were people inside the moving blocks!

Sorry! Ughhh, loss of internet connection. Will try to resume now.

9:48 - Cuba entering the arena.

Ughh, well due to internet troubles AGAIN this did not really work out. The U.S. got a nice reception upon entering I thought. They looked nice and classy, although I wasn't really thrilled with the hat. Although that certainly wasn't the worst fashion statement to be seen during the Parade of Nations.

Anyway, in the spirit of the Olympics and so many nations coming together, I'll just say that everyone looked excited and proud to be there representing their various countries.

Overall, I thought the opening ceremony was just fantastic. I have to hand it to the Chinese on this one, they really went all out and put on a really spectacular show for the world.

-B