# A Canadian flames the whole Canadian Olympic Mess! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 14, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922 "2010-02-14T03:35:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/201 "2010-02-18T22:39:00Z")
> [@slowmovingvehicle](#): > > I wholeheartedly agree. I always thought that a bronze medal means that, of all the thousands or tens of thousands of people who play your sport, there are only two that are better at it than you. > > Personally, _my_ Olympic hero is Lolo Jones, who fell in her race at Beijing, was completely devastated, yet had the guts to face an NBC interview and then the amazing grace to stop to congratulate the woman who had beaten her. _That’s_ an Olympian. I’ve never been so proud of an American athlete. Yup–or Michelle Kwan for another example. Frankly, I was thrilled that Finland won silver in snowboarding last night. It’s not that I wanted the American to lose, but I like rewards and medals to be more evenly distributed (I also dislike shut out games in other sports). Obviously, the medals should go to the most deserving, but I’m not comfortable with the inyourface type of celebrating I sometimes see in Americans. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/202 "2010-02-18T23:02:24Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > More bad news for friend **Valteron**! > > Someone wake him up from his nap. **Valteron**! **VALTERON!** > > It seems that Canada is in the medals yet again > GOLD for Christine Nesbitt in the Women’s 1000 m long track speed skating. > Not bad for a “loser” country. Yah - we’re actually 3rd in the medal count behind only the US and Germany. Not bad for a bunch of losers. Anyone else notice that Mr. Teron has not been back. I think he gets a gold medal in eating crow. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/203 "2010-02-18T23:33:01Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > More bad news for friend **Valteron**! > > Someone wake him up from his nap. **Valteron**! **VALTERON!** Wake him when it’s over. He needs his rest. ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/204 "2010-02-19T00:12:53Z")
> [@BMada](#): > > I saw most of Maelle’s interviews, she is SO bubbly and giggly it’s cute. How can anyone be a curmudgeon when hearing her speak with a giggle at the end of everything she says. I’m glad she won the gold, and I’m hoping for more. Canada’s men’s Ice Hockey team just thumped Norway 8-0 too, Team Canada is out to prove Valteron wrong. If you think a series of gold, silver and bronze medals for Canada will keep me from being a cranky, vicious, hypercritical, negative old curmudgeon, ya gots another think comin’! I waited six decades to be a grouchy old fart and nobody is going to deprive me of it! ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/205 "2010-02-19T00:32:25Z")
> [@Valteron](#): > > If you think a series of gold, silver and bronze medals for Canada will keep me from being a cranky, vicious, hypercritical, negative old curmudgeon, ya gots another think comin’! I waited six decades to be a grouchy old fart and nobody is going to deprive me of it! We don’t expect you to stop being cranky, vicious, hypercritical, or negative. We just expect you to admit that you’re cranky, vicious, hypercritical, negative, and in this case, _wrong_. ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/206 "2010-02-19T00:49:04Z")
> [@ianzin](#): > > Have _you_ ever bothered to learn what this phrase actually means? It does not mean ‘pointing to one exception validates the truth of my assertion’. Look it up. “The exception that proves the rule” originally meant “that tests the rule”, back when “prove” meant “test” (as in “proof” in whiskey). It meant “We find out if the rule is effectively enforced when someone attempts to derogate from it.” The expression “proof is in the pudding” was originally, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating of it”. In other words, if you want to test if the pudding is good, eat some. But as proverbs often do, it has taken on a new meaning as the original meaning of “prove” has become obsolete. In its more modern meaning, it is used to signify: “Yes, that exception does appear to counter what I have said, but the very fact that that exception springs to everyone’s mind shows that it is remarkable by its rarity.” For example, one person says that the Chinese are generally short. Another counters that one of the tallest men to ever play professional basketball is Sun Mingming who stands 236 cm (7’9"). While such a height would be remarkable in a man of any race, we especially note that he is amazingly tall “for a Chinese”. He sticks in our minds because he is such an exception in a group that we generally expect will be short. The exception does not really “prove” the rule, but then proverbs never make perfect sense. When I used the expression in its modern sense, I KNEW some pedantic nitpicker would come back at me with that objection. Didn’t know it would be you, though. ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/207 "2010-02-19T00:57:45Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > We don’t expect you to stop being cranky, vicious, hypercritical, or negative. We just expect you to admit that you’re cranky, vicious, hypercritical, negative, and in this case, _wrong_. I have never pretended to be a nice guy. I am a despicable old fart, and I hate you as much as you hate me. Okay, so they won some gold medals. Let’s hope they don’t get so carried away with Canadian pride that they take the damned things out and have them bronzed! ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/208 "2010-02-19T01:10:38Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Yah - we’re actually 3rd in the medal count behind only the US and Germany. > > Not bad for a bunch of losers. > > Anyone else notice that Mr. Teron has not been back. I think he gets a gold medal in eating crow. The people who really should be complaining are the Norwegians. They usually dominate the Winter Olympics, but at the moment they are way down in the medal count. ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/209 "2010-02-19T01:13:17Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Anyone else notice that Mr. Teron has not been back. I think he gets a gold medal in eating crow. I was away for a few days because I have other stuff to do, Alice. It’s called having a life. Try it sometime. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/210 "2010-02-19T01:22:43Z")
Personally I’m pleased with what Canada has done, and I think they have a lot to be proud of. And I’m gld to see **Valtron** is capable of self-deprecation. That he’s a self-aware grouch puts him head and shoulders above the usual nay-sayers around here. As for my one irritation about him, other than the fact that it seems like 90% of what he’s posted has been negative, rarely if every what he finds pleasant or hopeful, see above. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/211 "2010-02-19T01:40:53Z")
> [@Polycarp](#): > > Personally I’m pleased with what Canada has done, and I think they have a lot to be proud of. > > And I’m gld to see **Valtron** is capable of self-deprecation. That he’s a self-aware grouch puts him head and shoulders above the usual nay-sayers around here. > > As for my one irritation about him, other than the fact that it seems like 90% of what he’s posted has been negative, rarely if every what he finds pleasant or hopeful, see above. 🙂 I put them at the top of my messages. If you don’t like them, would you like me to suggest where you can put 'em??? ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/212 "2010-02-19T03:00:30Z")
You seem a right dick, you do. And bloody rude to boot. I demand some evidence that you are really a Canadian. I think you’re just a rude yank pulling our chain. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/213 "2010-02-19T03:01:39Z")
> [@Valteron](#): > > I was away for a few days because I have other stuff to do, Alice. It’s called having a life. Try it sometime. Oh - aren’t you a cute little pudding of a man! What were you doing chasing kids off your lawn and stocking up on BenGay? ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/214 "2010-02-19T03:12:52Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Oh - aren’t you a cute little pudding of a man! What were you doing chasing kids off your lawn and stocking up on BenGay? They were all out of Ben Gay. They told me some woman named Alice had bought their entire supply. Seems she uses it as a personal lube. It’s the only way she can get her rabbit hole to feel anything after years of over-use with every Tom, Dick and Harry. ---
**Author:** ![Valteron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f17d59/32.png) [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/215 "2010-02-19T03:15:03Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > You seem a right dick, you do. And bloody rude to boot. > > I demand some evidence that you are really a Canadian. > I think you’re just a rude yank pulling our chain. 😉 I am Canadian enough to know that expressions like “a right dick” and “bloody” are not Canadian. If you really live in London Ontario, then go back to the UK, and do us all a favour. ---
**Author:** ![ToeJam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@ToeJam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToeJam)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/216 "2010-02-19T03:45:48Z")
Valteron, You deserve a gold medal in Snarking… Well played for a Canadian Old Guy! ---
**Author:** ![BMada](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@BMada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMada)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/217 "2010-02-19T03:46:06Z")
> [@Valteron](#): > > If you think a series of gold, silver and bronze medals for Canada will keep me from being a cranky, vicious, hypercritical, negative old curmudgeon, ya gots another think comin’! I waited six decades to be a grouchy old fart and nobody is going to deprive me of it! come on! watch any interview of Maelle Ricker and tell me it’s not cute whenever she ends her sentence with a girly giggle. It always brings a smile to my face. It’s an endearing giggle. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/218 "2010-02-19T04:08:57Z")
> [@BMada](#): > > come on! watch any interview of Maelle Ricker and tell me it’s not cute whenever she ends her sentence with a girly giggle. It always brings a smile to my face. It’s an endearing giggle. I couldn’t stop staring at the weird eyebrows. Why do modern women hate their eyebrows so much? ---
**Author:** ![BMada](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@BMada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMada)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/219 "2010-02-19T04:17:16Z")
weird eyebrows? All I can see is her big smile and all I can hear is the giggle at the end. [http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-snowboard-videos/](http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-snowboard-videos/) there are better interviews on CTV’s website but it’s hard to get atm. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922/220 "2010-02-19T15:13:58Z")
> [@Valteron](#): > > They were all out of Ben Gay. They told me some woman named Alice had bought their entire supply. Seems she uses it as a personal lube. It’s the only way she can get her rabbit hole to feel anything after years of over-use with every Tom, Dick and Harry. Heh - yer funny. Seriously though I’m by no means an expert on the stuff, but I don’t actually think that Ben Gay would work in the manner you describe. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canadian-flames-the-whole-canadian-olympic-mess/528922.md?page=12)