Person of Interest

LONDON (AP) — The oldest 100-meter Olympic champion is back in London for the games — only this time as a celebrated athlete, not a scrawny kid from Cleveland who botched the hurdles only to win the gold in 1948. William Harrison "Bones" Dillard (born July 8, 1923) is a American former track and field athlete.

Harrison Dillard, 89, was honored at Britain’s Foreign Office where the 1948 torch from those London games is on display.

“It’s heavy!” the man, also known as ‘Bones’ because of his lanky youthful appearance, said as he held the silver torch.

As a world record holder, all eyes were on Dillard in 1948 to win the 110-meter hurdles. But when the day came, the American knocked down several hurdles and failed to finish the race.

He tried again in the 100-meter dash, winning in 10.3 seconds — a surprise to his teammate and favorite Barney Ewell, who did a premature victory dance thinking he had actually won.*

Four years after London, Dillard went on to win the 100-meter hurdles in Helsinki.

“That’s one of the beauties of the Olympic Games, that they occur every four years,” Dillard told The Associated Press. “The athlete who fails in the first, assuming that he can maintain the necessary physical ability plus the emotional and mental ability, has a chance to redeem him or herself. I certainly had that good fortune.”

Olympic Games
Gold 1948 London 100 m
Gold 1948 London 4x100 m relay
Gold 1952 Helsinki 110 m hurdles
Gold 1952 Helsinki 4x100 m relay

*Side note: "The 1948 games were the first time that Olympic judges had the benefit of using photo finish technology, which helps the naked eye in determining who crossed the finish line first."

~from your iconic avatar...

Pony Tails

Hello! Alistair Cookie, here.

Tally-ho, off we go! (Do they really say that stuff in England?) Pip-Pippa, no, that's the sister-in-law to Prince William... Duke William... Duke Ellington? (Being four years old has it's problems; largely I'm behind in history, etcetera, ad nauseam.)

So the Equestrian Competition was great, mostly. Our cameraman was at the volleyball park again and so purchased this photo. But  it is one amazing shot! (I thought only the cow jumped over the moon... silly me.) My summation of the event: lots of jumping; lots of turnarounds; lots of high stepping; lots of guard rails knocked off;  lots of 'OH NO!' and then, I got busy.

Over to my left lay a large field of lovely flowers; their scent rising up into my tiny nostrils. Delicate blossoms and amongst them a smallish creature, not unlike myself. We're off to ride The London Eye. Horses? What horses? All I see are pony tails. Tally-ho, Pippa!

London's Mayor, falling down

Musical interlude from the Olympics

A play is afoot

Dixie here, introducing Mr. Austin Playfoot. He was chosen as torch-bearer for the 1948 Olympic games. Originally scheduled for 1944, they were postponed due to the war. Mr. Playfoot at that time was a member of the Royal Air Force (RAF)... and took leave to answer the invitation sent from the Olympic Committee. How ironic and yet lovely, that he was chosen to relight the Olympic Cauldron for 2012. Here are some notes from The Daily Mail.


[["Although it didn't die by accident, the London 2012 Olympic flame had to be extinguished for security reasons on Sunday evening.

By tradition, the Olympic flame must be kept burning inside its cauldron for the duration of the games, but technicians had to put it out while they moved the vessel to a new location inside London's Olympic stadium, the Daily Mail reports.

Before cutting the gas, torch bearer Austin Playfoot transferred the flame to an Olympic torch. Playfoot, who was a torch bearer for the games in 2012 and 1948, re-lit the flame from a cherry picker once the cauldron was moved.

The cauldron now burns in the southern end of the stadium — meaning that the Olympic flame is still not available to the many visitors who lack tickets to the Olympic Stadium.]]

"'When I ran with the Olympic Flame in Guildford I never thought I would get this close to the Cauldron," Playfoot says in The Daily Mail. "It brought me to tears when it lit up."


Mr. Austin Playfoot, a person of interest, with some 64 years between the two lighting-s and it would seem to have the same warm appeal. Congratulations of another round well done.

Alistair does The Mall

The spectacular Mall at Buckingham Palace! One of my favorite thingss to do is get on my tryke and go! However for this event you had to compete while on two wheels; I'm not quite there but it didn't squelch my excitement.

How do they stay balanced? How do they keep from falling or knocking into each other? Maybe that's what Mum means when she says, "Experience makes the man." No matter, I'll just ride along and keep out of their way!

Sitting on the fence

Alistair and I agree that this event was gruelingly unfair. The South Korean fencer, Shin a Lam, won the match; at least she did in our eyes! We're using some excerpts from the following report:
 

Shin a Lam: Fencing Controversy Exposes Embarrassing Olympic Flaws - By Sam R. Quinn on July 30, 2012

"Shin A-Lam's failure to advance on from her semifinal match against Germany's Britta Heidemann was through no fault of her own.

The South Korean fencer was tied at five with the defending Olympic gold medalist when the clock struck zero. She would have been awarded the upset victory and a chance at the gold medal if she lasted through the sudden death round due to a "priority ruling," but that was not the case.

According to BBC, "referee Barbara Csar reset the time with one second left after Shin was guilty of an infringement..."

The judges then presumably followed protocol and adjusted the clock accordingly.

Per The Telegraph: "The countdown clock in the 25-year-old’s contest against reigning Olympic gold medallist Britta Heidemann was reset from zero to one second with the scores tied on 5-5."

That seems reasonable enough, and well-warranted if Shin did indeed commit a violation that called for more time to be put on the clock.

What isn't reasonable is this next part (via The Washington Post): "It was during this third "second" that Heidemann scored the winning point, prompting the South Korean appeal."

In case you are having a hard to coming to a conclusion as to what happened, I offer you an explanation.

Shin allegedly committed a violation just before the buzzer. One second was added to the clock because of said violation. The match then restarted, but the clock stayed at one second. Heidemann took three swipes at Shin, the third of which connected as time expired to give her a buzzer-beating victory

Shin's camp appealed the ruling while the fencer sat in a heap of tears in front of the entire crowd.

My first, and most minor gripe, is that the violation that Shin was alleged to commit has not yet been revealed. It is skeptical at best, especially given that her competition was the defending gold medalist.

Secondly, the appeal absolutely should have been overturned because the clock froze. This shouldn't have been a tough call to make, seeing as the outcome was not affected by a judges ruling that could not be overturned, but rather a technical failure.

The most heinous crime committed by the International Fencing Federation and the International Olympic Committee can be seen in this next excerpt from a Telegraph report:

The crowd was then incredulous when just before 7.40pm - nearly an hour after the incident - that an announcer claimed that in the rules the Koreans had to lodge money for the appeal to be valid.

Jaw-dropping. Obscene. Inherently wrong.

Those are just three things that come to mind upon reading that ludicrous rule. In an amateur competition, the Koreans needed to pay for their appeal to be officially considered.

What kind of operation is being run here?

None of these competitions are about sustaining a productive business or bringing in money. They are about showcasing the greatest talents all over the world across various platforms. Yet the Koreans needed to pay what was essentially a bribe to question a ruling that was questionable at the very least.

We still don't know what the violation was. The clock froze. And the Koreans needed to put forth financial compensation for anybody to care about what they thought.

All of this was occurring while a visibly distraught Shin sat on the piste waiting for an answer. She was told that she couldn't leave the field of play, for if she did, it would have been seen as her accepting defeat.

Should Shin A Lam have won this match?

Yes

97.9%

No

2.1%

Total votes: 1,874

There's no reason for her to have to sit there in hysterics while her coaches fight for something that was rightfully hers. That is the least of the competition's problems, though.

Much to the chagrin of Shin and her camp, the ruling stood. Heidemann advanced to the gold-medal match, which she would lose. A dejected Shin went on to lose her bronze medal match.

Of course, the IOC hardly cares about what the public believes regarding this specific instance. Nothing will be done because nothing can be done.

Shin's chance at a gold medal are well in the past, and it is all because a cockamamie ruling that was not overturned for reasons unbeknownst to the general public." End of report.

dcrelief:
This is so upsetting, but not the first time we've seen questionable events connected to the Olympics. We want the athletes to enjoy their time as best as they can, in light of this unhappy situation.

Alistair:
NO! What are the judges... bonkers? Even I know a second when I hear one. Mum often says, be there in a second, hun.... and five minutes later... there she stands, catching me with a handful of cookies.(smile). My 'Mickey Mouse' watch says it's time to get off the fence!

Seeing is believing?

Such an amazing athlete. Alistair and I wanted to showcase him on our blog. We really hope you saw the Archery competition.

This is a Korean name; the family name is Im.

Im Dong-Hyun (born May 12, 1986) is a South Korean archer. He competes for the South Korean national team. He has 20/200 vision in his left eye and 20/100 vision in his right eye, meaning he is legally blind in his left eye and needs to be 10 times closer to see objects clearly compared to someone with perfect vision.

2012 Summer Olympics

On 27 July 2012 at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London he set a new world record score of 699 in the ranking round at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Does anyone know something about "Lord's Cricket Ground," or have you been there?

Coming to you - almost live!

This is what we saw:

~dcrelief will be posting the 'inside scoop' later... gee wasn't it great?!!
So ~ what did you see?

Deadline 7pm, will we make it??

The Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London has begun. It will begin televising in the U.S. in NOW!!!

The $41 million presentation entitled "Green and Pleasant" will reportedly involve more than 10,000 volunteers, 100 farm animals, mosh pits, electronic music, rain-making machines, and Paul McCartney of course.

At 7 p.m. ET, join our gold-medal sports columnist Alistair Cookie along with our major avatar icon, 'dcrelief' who will watch and not provide commentary as the big event unfolds on the U.S. of A. Hey we'rer not stupid... we came to see the stuff, not yack all night!!

Twit or Tweet

All the turmoil that the world seems to be experiencing, yet the Olympics bring a few together in hope. Hope that a playing field or a swimming pool affords a better way to view each nation. Idyllic, yes, and let's leave it at that. Today is about the view: "The London Eye"

Alistair Cookie, our Olympic narrator, is on his fifth ride at this time. He's under four years old and can free! Following is his report.

"Alistair Cookie here -  'Twit or Tweet' - it might sound like a holiday for children. A special night for collecting treats - but NO! It's a giant Ferris wheel turned into a fan-based reader meter. Yes, well... Now for some spectacular shots from our cameraman. That's all... HEY, HOLD THAT RIDE!!!"

Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August  ~  LONDON

Summer and the need...

Summer and I find myself outside
in the sun, in the heat,
and the wind arrives and blesses me.


Summer and the plants grow
in the sun, in the heat,
and rain arrives to quinch their thirst.


Summer and the children play
in the sun, in the heat, in the rain
and their laughter is contagious.


Stay peaceful, oh tiny neighborhood;
my small world of races, creeds, and colors.
You fuilfill Summer and the need...

Rant - number 364

Outsource politicians? Oh why not? What a great idea! The thought of sending some of Washington's finest to Siberia... gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ah, let's not be greedy and send a few to Darfur... gives new meaning to, 'made in China'.

And maybe, just maybe, we'll insource some politcians from other countries for ourselves... but who? Whom? (Never could get those two right.) I for one would accept Prince Harry in a heartbeat! No he's not a politician, but he makes me smile. That's more than Washington's affect on me.


Speaking of outsourcing... USA Olympic uniforms were made in China? Outragious! To those 406 atheletes, I say, put on something from your own closet that says, 'made in USA' and wear it!!!! We are a diverse nation, so our clothing does not have to match. Better yet, send Ralph Lauren's outfits to Washington's politicians. At least they'll look nice when they arrive overseas.

Ralph Lauren promises 2014 Olympic Opening Ceremony outfits will be American-made.

wrong bridge ~ wrong garden

A problem had perplexed me ~
and wouldn't let me go.


The reason it upset me ~
was a reason I didn't know.


It came upon a showy day ~
with a bridge I sought to cross.


But when my feet touched earth again ~
I felt tremendous loss.


I turned and crossed the bridge again ~
not knowing why, yet feeling lead.


Whatever reason perplexed my soul ~
had left my weary head.

Isn't she lovely? A real wonder, but not Stevie!

Yes, everyone knows how much I've wanted to get back to the garden. The smell of wisteria and redbud carry me away. And this little beauty, in the photo above, needed more sun. Poor little plant with lovely tiny blossoms, begging for the sun. I was all too happy to make a wish come true!

By the way did any of you know that certain varieties of  Poison Ivy have flowers? I didn't know, but I do now. Yes, and an ever so light scent; ask my nose, cheeks and chin. Such lovely silky leaves; ask my hands, wrists, and fingers. 

With all the spots of liquid medication, I look like a polka-dotted human. So, maybe I should wait for winter before I go out again?!  :) Hmm?

Getting ready for the show!

It's almost time and I want to introduce our blog Olympic Avatar. She will do summaries and special interests stories, while her partner, Alistair Cookie mans the actual sporting events.

Good heavens... it's me! Twenty days and counting!!!

"Hello!! I'm Alistair Cookie. Normally I narrate great things about the great outdoors. I am so excited to be on board the 'dcrelief' Olympic team. I expect lots of choco-chip cookies as payment. In short I expect to be rolling in the dough(sorry Adele, no pun intended).

More will be revealed! Get ready for the show!

A mind is a terrible thing... to have

Yes, the appropriate quote states: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." But I think there might be something even worse than wasting it. Do you have any idea how many thoughts go through the human mind every second of every day? Neither do I but I'm guessing it's more than I want to know.(smile)

Oh there was a time when my mind was strong and fearless... or so I thought. Looking over the past has made me realize that maybe my life and all those thoughts were fractured. All the ups and down, like a carnival ride, oops, wrong story. Let me tell you about the "Witch and the Frog."

As a child I loved Saturday morning cartoons, specifically, "Fractured Fairy Tales". Those marvelous stories that always ended quite opposite of the 'expected' ending. So in this make-believe village there are too many witches and not enough people to cast spells on. So one witch sees a frog and turns him into a handsome prince. The frog-prince is miserable but cannot find the witch to turn him back into a frog. Meanwhile a lovely princess comes along, falls in love and they marry. Along comes another witch, thinking he's a handsome prince and changes him into, (wait for it), a frog! Of course there is no special kiss to change him, so his wife becomes a frog too. Blah-blah-blah and the rest is on YouTube.

Anyway I said all of that to say something I no longer remember... which proves my post... a mind is a terrible thing... to have.

Oh ~ The End ~

Speak

Fair one, your tears are all bottled and saved ~
the highest in heaven has opened your grave.
You shine as the brightness of daytime full sun ~
but tarry no longer, the leaving's begun.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
just one more chance to take in the view.
A look all around at the place where I leave
my tears are all bottled and no more to grieve.

Fair one, the stairway is closing so fast ~
too much time talking about this world's past.
We must make the light and climb to the top ~
then lightly touch down where earth is no thought.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
I hear what you're saying but can this be true?
That light from the top is actually a flame ~
and here, on this list, I don't see MY name.

Oops, I forgot to mention the 'speak' ~
how those would inherit the earth if they're meek.
The tares would be gathered and thrown in the fire ~
good thing we stopped and made it no higher.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
will this 'speak' to me as it speaks to you?
Alas I am feeling drawn to know more ~
and see that the 'speak' has opened a door.

Fair one, mistakes are easily wrought  ~
I almost condemned us to life without thought.
Small butterfly the 'speak' gave us grace ~
and now we will dwell with 'speak' in this place.

a positive thought ~

I'll be off of here for a day or two. Exterior doors need my attention... sanding, prime, and paint!

Britain's Got Trains

The most fascinating thing to me is the new transportation.

"Introduction of a new "Javelin" high-speed rail service, using  the Hitachi Corporation's "bullet" trains.  The platforms at Stratford International station (which are at a height designed for Eurostar trains) will be temporarily raised to accommodate the Javelin trains.  According to network rail an additional 4,000 train services will run during the Games, with train operators putting on longer trains during the day."  (UK Olympic web site)

Quite impressive, and if one of you gets the chance to ride one, let me know how it goes; other than very fast!!(smile)


Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August  ~  LONDON

Getting what I want by getting what I need

With illness or injury I always find myself wanting things to change faster than they do. Please help me feel better and right away. Can you relate? Patience in the face of adversity is often a tough accomplishment. ~And the rest is history for those of you reading my blog lately, concerning the injury to my shoulder and arm. I wanted healing. I needed healing. What to do?

On the verge of giving in to a lackluster continuation of the same daily thing, it was appointment time with my surgeon. He has let me remove the sling three weeks early, saying he's amazed because I'm two months ahead of his other patients. (I can also drive now, though I don't often anyway.) He stated that he didn't understand yet the bone was completely healed.

Most of you know me by now, I suppose. When you tell a doctor that prayers were effectual, sometimes that don't respond. That's okay by me. Only the Creator knows other people's hearts and what they believe... and if they even believe in a creator. My goal throughout all of this has been to get the use of my arm back. So my focus was on what the Creator thought I needed. So even though the surgeon is sending me to therapy involving the use of machinery, the Creator provided a cookout and pool party this past Sunday. It was great.

"Britain's Got Talent"

According to my photographer who hasn't been seen for days ~ Britain's got talent. Hm, and where could he be? Occasionally I'll get a text message: "Traveling incognito; will send more photos as soon as I find my camera; ta-ta's."

This photo has a time date stamp of May 24, 2012. I suppose you can imagine my frantic search? After all we're now about 35 days away from opening ceremonies. It might help if I knew where this photo was taken. I'd call and say: I'm looking for a man lying on the ground, possibly drooling himself silly. Would you please see if there's anyone who fits that description and call me back?

Please, and thank you!

God looks different to me ~

I've gazed into the skies and tried thinking like an atheist.
Swirling masses of dust are formed into things of beauty;
Leaving me wondering why science touts with clenched fist ~
That God must bow down to rules of their duty.

Yet~ God looks different to me.
I see the stars He formed and recognize a childhood treasure.

Yes~ God looks different to me.
I see in Him the things that always give me pleasure.

I've gazed into the eyes of a precious newborn child.
Toes and fingers are counted, and yes, there are two ears!
The petrie dish is given credit, notes are made, reports are filed.
Yet I still see His spirit as the child grows through the years.

*For those who have children ~ Happy Fathers Day!

HRH ~ Queen Elizabeth ll

It's difficult to say 'why' this woman fascinates me. Sure, I could go and on about the accomplishments of the United Kingdom, with HRH as the Royal Monarch. But it's not just about her. It's about the combination of many lands, the people thereof, and their combined efforts to maintain a better life. Have they had success?  From where I sit, across the pond, it looks awesome.


Two different governing bodies have been established and though no one has 'voted out' the Queen from her position, the people have an avenue to choose who represents them from the other body of government. I don't pretend to know their feelings on this subject. There are lots of rumors of 'this and that,' but I chalk it up as something I've read. It doesn't make it so.


My experience, meeting people from the UK via blog sites, has been heart-warming; a treasure trove of information and great 'humour'. (Spell check is prompting me to make a change to the word, humor.)


When I saw this photo of HRH, I saw the face of my Dad's Mom. Her bright blue eyes, soft porcelain skin, and 'contemplative' facial expression... well... memories run deep. I wonder what she was thinking as this photo was taken? (Look at that crazy fellow passing on the starboard... he can't do that... I'm the Queen!) (smile)


I hope that the UK is happy with HRH. Sixty years and and a lifetime ago, she could have said no. There might be some who wished she had. If the crowds at the various Jubilee events is an indicator of sincere support, then the UK is a place I'd love to visit. If the crowds were merely for show, for the historical significance, I would not fault them. This Jubilee is one of the most rare events of it's kind.


~And my fascination for the Queen?  I'm not sure, but should she invite me for tea and a chat ~ I'll have more to write about.

Is someone in trouble? Did anyone get the background on this photo? Just curious. :)

Letter from cousin K (#131)

Dear Cuz,

Just couldn't wait to return home – had to forward pics of China's Yellow Mountains. It's height and and beauty are astounding. Let's begin with the taxing, yet spectacular climb up Heaven's Gate.

I know!! Such an exhilarating climb. J was hanging onto the rail the last half mile. Look closely on the left and there's our boy, head down, struggling, water bottle in hand, favorite vest, followed closely by our personal guide, Chewbokah. Climb J climb!

At the top we rested; a gorgeous temple with restaurant inside. J complained of starving until he saw the huge platter of Hoong-wey-shooe, I ordered. Delicious, crispy earthworms are served on a bed of saffron rice, with a delicate side order of monkey brains. I was almost done with lunch when he finally returned from the bathroom. 

We continued on, our personal guide leaving us in the competent hands of a local resident, Hooasshue. A lovely creature who spoke 37,000 languages... with incredible agility to climb!

 

Hooasshue brought us to a natural bridge, made of round stones. Like giant doughnuts, they had formed a natural tunnel as well. He explained that over 6,000 years ago, “The Immortals” of the Yellow Mountains had tunneled through all of the mountains; a continuous maze of excitement. The was the only natural one in existence. Smilingly, I glanced over at J, who was now hanging his head over the wall. Poor sick baby; I saw him later when the med-helicopter deposited him at the base of the mountain.

We approached an area known as, “The Fairy Bridge”; Hooassshue told a marvelous tale of fairies chasing men to their deaths. Unfortunately they lived to come back up the mountain and kick the fairies off. I had tears in my eyes when the tale was finished.

Finally, from a distance, I glimpsed the treasure of the tour: “The Bridge of the Immortals.” My heart began to pound as I anticipated crossing that rare and spectacular creation. No mere human could have built it (you think?), but tales of the Immortals describe their every gift to the Yellow Mountains. I was not going to pass this up; I had to cross.

Cuz, it was a delight, and I hope one day you'll visit. You're welcome to join me when I return in three years for the ancient “Festival of the Earthworm.” Did you know there are 37,000 ways to serve earthworms? I'll call when I get stateside; J is still in Howcomesic Hospital.

Ta-ta, with love, Cousin K

The Councillor is in... shut-in

Ah, the happy days of being a shut-in; a person convalescing from an injury, surgery, or illness... home bound to my heart's content. (Oh, Dixie, please go on; we await your elaboration on this most interesting subject.) Yes, stay at home and every survey, presidential candidate, local politician, friends and even family call. They present questions, questions, and might even ask my advice... or what vice I prefer. I especially enjoy being the 'sounding board'... listening to their every problem. Hearing a voice drone on and on about something I can do nothing about... only listen.

I've made the selfish decision to not answer the phone unless I have the energy to listen. It appears to be working well for me, though I am assured by those, of the telephone world, that they simply must have my attention. Take, for instance, political calls; those lively, 'surely you have time and nothing to do,' advertisements requesting my support. "Vote for me and I'll set you free!" At the end of the call, you press #1 if you would vote for this person; press #2 if you would not. I can also press #3 to add a comment. That was fun for awhile, but it also put me on a continuous loop of getting return calls on other issues.

Here's the hardest part... those who call and want me to take responsibility for their feelings. As if somehow I were even able to do that, why would I? Encouraging/expecting me to 'choose a side' in a family disagreement. The shut-in councillor advises them to talk to each other and leave me out of it. It's been my policy to let family members take care of their own personal business, and I'd handle mine. But get 'laid up' for eight weeks and suddenly they think my policy has somehow changed?!  What to do, what to do?

After getting physically and emotionally sick when hearing one particular issue, I took a step back to re-evaluate my needs. The Creator who supplies my needs is foremost in my life. It's taken a journey to get to this point but I finally 'get it'. (Dixie has had to find her voice and express her boundaries with many; this is no time to stop and leave the path I journey on.)

I could feel flattered and have an ego the size of a house, but that's simply not me. For me, true happiness and peace have nothing to do with ego. (E.G.O. meaning, 'easing God out.') My lifestyle has afforded a great many blessings. Remaining positive and maintaining real faith gives me joy. But I'm not a councillor.  I'm not a teacher. I'm a person who loves freedom to believe the way I choose. I have no judgments for those who choose differently; each has their own calling.

Making myself a 'sounding board' for others is not too hard, yet at the moment I have issues I must focus on.  And isn't that life; sometimes we have time and sometimes we don't? And isn't it okay to say, 'not now - I'm working on healing'? And yes, I'm a convalescing shut-in, not a councillor.

Thank you for reading.