If you are a sports fanatic like yours truly we are quite likely spending every possible moment watching all the super action from the 2008 Summer Olympics from smoggy Beijing. That first week was a little tough for our Canadian team, but we can be assured that they are giving their very best effort against the world’s best, and will get their share of the medals when all is said and done.
What a milestone day it was to start off the Olympic spectacular on Aug. 8, 2008, a rare sequence on our calendars that won’t be seen again for over 100 years. They claim that 8-8-8 was a lucky day to get married, to be born, to propose, to start a new job, to purchase your lottery ticket, and on and on. Whatever we all did to take advantage of the occasion, I guess we will just have to wait and see if the results will be fame, fortune, and all the best of the rest?
Like all of you I was really impressed by that fabulous mega expensive opening ceremony at those Beijing Olympics, that is until I found out that there were lots of very expensive empty seats, the little gal singing the Patriotic song was lip-synching, and the fireworks were taped earlier. No big deal! The venues are fabulous, the action is great, and Canada will do just fine hosting the Whistler Winter Olympics in 2010.
As always at these prestigious sports events we hear the same critics complaining about Canada’s poor performance, not enough funding for our athletes, part time coaches, and all the rest of the huff and gruff. Most of those talented athletes will stress that just the opportunity to compete in the Olympics is the thrill of a lifetime, while others like Kamloop’s shot-putter Dylan Armstrong, 27, was totally ecstatic to come up with his best ever effort at the games, despite finishing 4th and missing the medal podium by a centimetre, or just a few blades of grass!
I read a quote from one of our Olympic athletes stating that instead of always complaining about the results of the Canadian teams, that we should all encourage more of our young population to get up off the couch and get involved in the action. My humble opinion….I think that enough funding and corporate sponsorships should be made available so that our amateur athletes and coaches can devote their full time and efforts to represent our nation in their chosen sport. Bottom line. The success of our great nation will not depend on how many medals we win, but that our colours are always proudly represented at these competitions in a complete, honest and drug free fashion. That is all we can ask, and no matter what the results may be, we should always cheer loudly and be very proud that we are a part of that great Canadian team.
Lets have a little fun with puns
*Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love, and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent.
*“Doc, I can’t stop singing ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home.” “That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome.” “Is it common?” Well, “It’s Not Unusual.”
*Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, “I was artificially inseminated this morning.” “I don’t believe you,” says Dolly. “It’s true; no bull!” explains Daisy.
*I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn’t find any. Then I went to a seafood disco and pulled a mussel!
*Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it to!
The coolest place in town
If all this record-breaking heat is getting to you why not take a break and pop into the Ponoka Complex where the 24th edition of the Black Elk Hockey Camp is being hosted from Aug. 17 to the 25.
As well as staying cool fans can watch the professional hockey instruction sessions for boys and girls from tiny mites to teens, as well as scrimmage games and drills. Casual ice times are also available to rent by calling (403) 783-0118, and if you dare you could slip around to the back of the rink and roll in the snow from the Zamboni, or challenge someone to a good old snowball fight.
*A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. “I couldn’t help but noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret to a long and happy life?” “I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said, “I also drink a gallon of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise.” “That’s amazing,” the woman said. “How old are you?” “26” he gingerly replied. Take care of yourselves and have a great week, all of you.