When the Olympics are held in the United States or Canada, or London or Australia, the overridsing feeling an observer gets is one of desperate, depressing commercialism.

I don’t know, there’s a certain too-rigid structure in China - but there’s so much history, tradition and they treat things seriously - other than the military. It gives the Olympics more heft in my eyes.

So at this moment on the USA Network I am being introduced to women’s fencing and it’s the sabre competition. I won’t go into the usual complaint that coverage is to USA-centric, but I do wish there was a much more rounded approach to coverage. After all, this is a gobal event.

I fenced in college for one elective. I loved it becauxe of my reach. The riposte and perry and lunge, words we all know and use - bu tnot in there correct context.

In the padded suits they all look larger than they are.

I want to watch the womnen’s sccer USa vs. Japan but I’m pretty sure I’m going to fall asleep befor eit starts r soon after. i oly had about 90 minute sof sleep last night.

I didn’t bother watching the Opening Ceremonies. It’s seriously boring, and its one occassion where still photos rule over video.

I’ll post more on sources n how to follow the Olympics that come from different countries, as well as the best of the best. ….

UPDATE - Groan - they just showed three American victories in a row - and nothing else in fencing. Now it’s to women’s air rifle. .. And what’s with all the women’s events up first?

UPDATE2 - Ah, I forgot. Watching on DISH Network there’s an enhanced interactive element to the coverage, including athlete bios, medal counts - eventually and video highlights and more. I don’t have a phone line attached so I miss a lot of enhancements that are offered through that.

The University of Alaska-Fairbanks has one of the best rifle programs in the USA? Who knew.The G,S,B medals are about to be awarded from this air rifle competition. They’re shooting at a target about half an inch across from 33 feet away. Awesome.