Olympic fever is in the air. All around the world folks will be gathering in front of television screens to watch this year’s Olympic games, cheer on their athletes and exhibit their national pride. One of my favorite things about the Olympic is getting to hear all the different National Anthems when different countries win medals.  There’s actually a lot behind anthems, did you know for example that

there are basically two categories of national anthems — the hymn, which usually has to do with “God save our country, or our ruler,” and a type that’s more martial and combative. [NPR]

China and France’s anthem as it turns out are of the violent variety.

Read the rest of this entry »

The potential effect of China’s pollution on the 2008 Summer Olympic Games is becoming more and more obvious, as the world record holder in the men’s marathon stated a few months back he will not compete due to pollution, and now the woman’s world record holder says that the pollution could force her to wear a mask when not competing.  Yesterday, Paula Radcliffe stated that the use of a mask while in Beijing may be necessary to help keep her asthma in check.  In an interview with BBC Radio, she said,

“I think the biggest factor is going to be runny eyes, runny nose and sore throat after the event - and if things go according to plan in the race, I don’t particularly care. The biggest thing for me is to make sure my asthma is under control - which it is - and minimise the effects of pollution in the lead-up to the race.” [news.scotsman.com]

Read the rest of this entry »