Synchronized Swimming: Sport, Not a Sport?

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This will probably come as no surprise to anyone, but we are big synchronized swimming fans. We know all the arguments. It’s not a sport. It’s entertainment. It doesn’t deserve to be in the Olympics. It trivializes the games with their extravagant costumes and heavy make-up. It’s more Esther Williams than Serena Williams. But hear us out. Can you do splits and backbends? Can you do ballet? Can you tread water? Can you lift your own body weight? Can you hold your breath for three and a half minutes? Now try doing all of that under water. Upside down. At exactly the same time as seven other people. Gracefully. That’s all we’re saying.

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

Hairdressing: A Hazardous Duty

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One thing’s for sure. You don’t want to get bitch slapped by an Angel. That’s what happened recently on Bravo’s "Shear Genius," the reality show about drama queen hairdressers hosted by Jaclyn Smith. Her old pal Kate Jackson acted as guest judge while the usually talented stylists butchered three sets of "Charlie’s Angels" wanna-be’s dos in an attempt to give an update to their classic cuts. It’s the first time that no one was told their work was “shear genius” and the Allure Wall of Fame went faceless for a whole week. Scandalous.

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

Is the Wedgie Technology Proof?

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There have been many high tech advancements in gymnastics – wrist supports and vaulting tables among them. So why can’t they build a leotard that doesn’t ride up? Rumor has it that some judges give a .05 deduction for any girl who picks her wedgie in the middle of a routine. That could win or lose a gold medal. Alpha Factor Aerials is said to make a spangly suit that doesn’t pucker. We’ll see. But in the meantime, may we suggest some double-sided tape?

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

Swimming’s New Era Starts Now

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Michael Phelps is five for five…for five. Five races. Five golds. Five world records. He’s already surpassed Mark Spitz and four others as the greatest Olympian of all time, winning 11 golds to their nine. With one more world record, he bests Spitz for the most individual world swimming records (Spitz has 25). And with three more wins, he beats Spitz’s, seemingly unbeatable, most golds in one Olympics (Spitz got seven in ’72). It makes us wonder two things. One, if Spitz was competing in today’s aero-dynamic, shaved-body world of swimming, what would he achieve without that moustache? Two, why the heck isn’t Spitz in Beijing to watch Phelps take him on? Answers: the world will never know and the IOC didn’t bother to invite him. Talk about adding insult to injury!

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

Can Supermom Bring Home the Gold?

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17-year-old Janet Evans jumped into the pool at the Seoul Olympic games in ’88 to win three gold medals and set a new world record in the 400-meter freestyle event. A kid swimming fast. No one batted an eye. A few weeks ago, 41-year-old Dara Torres shocked the world by qualifying for the Beijing games and breaking an American record for the 50-meter freestyle along the way. A “middle-aged” mom in the Olympics? She must be doping. So she’s been undergoing random drug testing to prove she’s clean. Everyone seems to forget this makes her a five time Olympian with ten medals to her name, including four golds and a silver she just one the other night in the Women’s 4x100 meter Freestyle Relay. This weekend she’ll be doing it for 40+ year old women everywhere when she goes for an individual gold in the 50 meter Freestyle.

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

It Sucks to Be Morgan Hamm

Who? Exactly. Morgan. Paul Hamm's twin brother. Remember him? The twin who DIDN'T win gold at the 2004 Olympics in one of the biggest comebacks ever. The twin who almost didn't go to Beijing after a doctor shot up his injured ankle with steroids. The twin who finally was going to get his moment in the spotlight when his brother, and reigning champ, Paul, withdrew from the games after breaking his hand. Well, poor Morgan was forced to withdraw from the games himself last week after months of rehab didn’t fix his ankle enough to compete in today’s events. He says he’s done. Looks like he’s moving on to Ninja warrior battles.

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com

Rock ‘n’ Roll Remake Makes us Want to Sniff Glue

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Howard Stern is remaking "Rock ‘n’ Roll High School." We know, a travesty. There’s no replacing the Ramones. No argument from us. The blogs are buzzing with predictions on who the band will be — from the Black Keys to the Jonas Brothers (God help us all.) So, we won’t venture to guess. But we do have an equally important question. Who will play Riff Randall, Principal Togar, and Eaglebauer? Though we love both Mary Woronov and P.J. Soles, we think Francis McDormand and Ellen Paige could fill their modern day shoes. But Clint Howard? No replacing. End of story. And if you mention the dude from Superbad, we’ll hurt you.

Written by Amy & Nancy Harrington
Originally for GetBack.com