^^^I didn't mind the Russian girls crying so much after the silver (although you'd think at this point they'd have been somewhat prepared for that possibility) because team medals are such a big deal and it's once every four years, but crying every stinkin' time they had issues on an event....c'mon. Pull it together.

I felt bad for McKayla since she really is the best vaulter out there, but it happens. I was frustrated with Al, Tim, and Elfie (I usually am) because they continually emphasized how "in the bag" this was. However, anything can happen on any day...that's why we watch, and we can't win them all. It would get boring if we did (back to the US basketball team situation), so if it's going to be someone else, I'm glad it was a Romanian. I want to see them improve and get back to where they were or at least closer to it.

I don't think Phelps had an orthodontist. My kids were going through expanders and braces during the 2008 Olympics and every time he was interviewed one of them said something along the lines of: "He needs an expander! His jaw is too narrow! There isn't enough room for his tongue!"

This time they were saying, "He still didn't get braces?!"

It really is a shame...his mother is a school principal and she must have had excellent dental insurance. With all of her nurturing and support, I don't see how she overlooked this.

Spoken like a true North Carolinian....what DO they put in your Bar-b-que sauce?:).

As addictions go - I don't mind that one so much. When we had a tv in the kitchen, he'd volunteer to do dishes all through March Madness, so he could watch the games in peace, free from all of our distractions. We, in turn, didn't have to hear as many sudden outbursts from him....which usually had to do with his conviction, contrary to TonyB06's sentiments, that the refs lacked....um...training...or competence...or a high degree of intelligence...we'll leave it at that. ;).

Well, that would explain it, but I thought (could be totally mistaken) that I saw a picture of him when he was younger with braces on. If so, something clearly went wrong, but if I were him, I'd be using some of that endorsement money to get it taken care of pronto.

My daughter was not known for being a great sport. She was/is competitive to a scary degree and handled winning well (not braggy), but not losing. It was an issue we dealt with for many years, and we had some unpleasant podium experiences because of it.

Anyway, I've found it funny that given this, she has been very critical of some of the gymnasts' behavior (read: THE RUSSIANS). I pointed out to her that this seemed a bit hypocritical given her own issues. She conveniently and completely absolved herself by stating that she wasn't being viewed worldwide and she was only 7-12 years old at the time. Whatever.:rolleyes:.

I don't know about in Maryland, but I don't think school employees get dental insurance around here.

ETA: Per his autobiography, he wore braces for 3 or 4 years. He was not, however, good about wearing his retainer.

Absolutely no tomato, that's for sure. ;)

AXOmom is right...Phelps did have braces when he was 12. I think I can use this as extra incentive to get my son to wear his retainer at night!

Does it involve vinegar and something made from corn and brewed in a kettle back in the woods?

Vinegar, sugar, peppers and Texas Pete are mandatory. The other ingredient of which you speak is optional, but can be an excellent addition if done properly. Or so I'm told. ;)

I'm shocked! I've said the same thing about Phelps - he needs a palate expander. I had one when I was 13. Then I got braces. Phelps' teeth look like he never had braces or an expander. I've noticed that several swimmers - from the U.S. and different countries - seem to have messed up teeth, and I've wondered if they delayed fixing them because it screws up their breathing.

That's a good point. We were watching the British swimmer Rebecca Adlington, and I thought that she would be a good candidate for a nose job, and no one would think she was being vain for doing it. But, it could really affect her breathing. She's really an attractive girl, but the hook in her nose is pretty pronounced. Now I feel so mean....

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/...ington-006.jpg
http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/peopl...-806995089.jpg

https://www.google.com/doodles/hurdles-2012

Best doodle ever.

Well, I stink. I knocked over every hurdle but one. Fail!

women's USA teams are kicking butt! gold in pretty much all the big sports with a few more to follow.