|
|
This is in regard to
a quote from a commentator on NBC during
their presentation of the Closing Ceremony of the Twentieth Winter
Olympics in Torino [Turin] Italia [Italy], February 26th, 2006.
Now, come on, I'm not making a big deal about it, but it's just
something I heard that caught my attention and I decided to write it
down.
The Setting:
It came during a segment of the ceremony that featured Italian
automobiles, highlighted (somehow) by people performing non-acrobatic,
skydiving maneuvers above a very strong wind source (125 mph according
to the commentators).
Though I really like driving, and though I very much appreciate the
history and advance of 'the automobile', the wind column performers
certainly captured my attention more than the cars.
I was quite memorized by the thought of doing what they were doing. It's
not like it's magical to me or anything (I know that we already know how
to fly), but no matter how much we do it as a species, as a society, I
will most likely always long to be in flight.
The quote:
Referring to the 'flying' antics of the wind column performers, one of
the commentators remarked,
"shattering the rules of gravity it self".
I know, the commentator was not even attempting to make any sort of
scientifically accurate description of what they were actually doing,
but come on... "shattering the rules of gravity it self" ?
No, they were not shattering the rules of gravity at all. It's not that
I'm expecting everyone in broadcasting to always be scientifically
accurate, but this is just ridiculous.
If they really were "shattering the rules of gravity", then the fan
wouldn't be needed to create the column of wind for the performers to be
suspended in.
Again, I'm not saying that everyone in such positions 'should' always
make sure not to say things that haven't passed scientific testing, but
I just think it's really things like this that show how really willing
most people are to just put up with intellectual mediocrity.
I'm sure most people reading this will conclude that I'm just too damn
up-tight, and that I need to lighten up.
If you only knew.
Oh well. I'm 'still smiling' as I mosey on down from my soap box.
[entry added
20060226]
p.s. Don't get me wrong (though I'm not sure if
we'd even agree with what 'wrong' would be in this context)
... I actually really enjoyed the presentation of the Ceremony (especially
the vocal performance of Andrea Bocelli) and was not thrown off by the
one goofy comment I heard from the well-meaning and otherwise very
knowledgeable, informative and entertaining hosts of the NBC program.
|
|
