Cynically Optimistic

Warning: herein lies a rant.

I've had this discussion with several people over the years, but what qualifies as a sport? ESPN often shows Cheerleading, Bowling, Billiards, Dance Teams, and Jump-Rope Competitions. Now these all require some physical exertion (well, except maybe billiards). I'm all for diversity of sport on ESPN. I'd really like to see them air DCI Finals, at the very least. It's at least as much of a sport as Billiards or Cheerleading. Tonight, to add to my disgust (and inspire this post) ESPN aired the US Open of Competitive Eating, sponsored by Alka Seltzer. How the HELL is this a sport? HOW!?! And if this qualifies, please can I get some Drum Corps International coverage?

Luckily this year they're showing DCI finals on the big screen in theatres around the country, if you're lucky enough to live near one. I think I'm going to watch it in NYC, rather than trying to drive up to Boston and sit in the nosebleed section. It's this time of year when the humidity and temperature are both oppressive and I think back to when I was forced to march around outside every day, getting a tan, and getting skinnier every day. Where's count 5? Indeed. The smell of diesel fuel, the fire ants, the crappy truck food. The stink of the tour bus. If I had some photos from that summer I might be inspired to scan them in and post them, but they're all at my parent's house.

Ok, so this rant turned into a trip down memory lane. I'm still mad I can't watch DCI on ESPN, though.

And another thing... the Spaniards have arrived again! OlŽ!