Author: Jackie Grady

Jackie Grady is a civil trial attorney in South Florida. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA she's an active cyclist and outdoor enthusiast. One of her true passions is writing and she often ghost writes for various professionals.
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Blimp bits

Jackie Grady

This morning I was able to tour Wingfoot One, the Goodyear Blimp, stationed out of the Pompano Beach Airfield.  The size is massive and the photos will not do it justice.  But here are some interesting facts I  learned about the blimp.  It’s max speed is 90 mph, but rarely sees that.  It averages around 40 mph. There is no special course or flying school to learn how to fly the blimp. Rather, you must have a resume of flying various types of aircraft. There’s a crew of 25 that travel with the blimp.  So when the blimp is overheard, … Continue reading Blimp bits

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Quick bits

Jackie Grady

1.  The merchandise for the Olympics is sparse.  Perhaps I’m used to American consumerism in which they will stick a logo on just about anything, but not the case here.  There’s only about 5 styles of t-shirts and you better like white or blue.  Same thing with hats; white or blue.  Thought I was going to crush my Christmas shopping here but that’s not going to happen. 2.  I tried the brigadiero…it’s a dessert.  Tastes like chocolate icing but smoother.  Delicious. 3.  I have yet to see that obnoxiously drunk guy.   Hope I don’t. 4.   Security is everwhere … Continue reading Quick bits

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Quick bits – tourist edition

Jackie Grady

1.  Not a lot of commercialism here.  Maybe a few drug store and fast food chains, but everything seems like a mom and pop shop. 2.  We had dinner tonight at the bar where the song   “Girl from Ipamena” was written. 3.  Salads are not really a thing here.  We ordered a salad and it consisted of leaves of lettuce with a dozen tomato slices and half of a sliced onion on a serving tray.   4.  Sugar loaf mountain was a great experience.  Stunning views. 5.  The drivers here are insane.  They pass cars within inches at fast … Continue reading Quick bits – tourist edition

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A few of the sights

Jackie Grady

That boy got some height After setting a new Olympic and World Record in the hammer throw, everyone chanted Anita’s name.   After the men’s 3000m steeplechase heat, a little sportsmanship. What happens to the hammer (the ball on a string) after the athlete throws it and it’s measured? Why they place it in a remote control truck and take it back. Simone, before the individual vault competition, looking at the women she’s about to crush. I would like to apologize to the British family in front of me as I apparently hit them several times with the flag.  But … Continue reading A few of the sights

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Quick Bits

Jackie Grady

1. I’ve seen the southern cross constellation. 2.  Watched a Polish athlete set a new world record in the hammer throw. 3.  I’m still amazed at the size of the crowds.  Everywhere we go it’s a steady stream of people.  I’m talking 5-6 people across for as far as the eye can see.  There’s a lot of walking but not a lot of waiting. 4.  We are officially Olympic veterans: we saw an American family standing confused, map in hand, trying to get directions.  We were able to help them decipher all the stops, subway, busses and trains. 5.  Speaking … Continue reading Quick Bits

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Quick bits …Gold edition

Jackie Grady

1.  A monkey pooped on Jen this morning. They are small and behave like squirrels. 2.  Jen made fun of this girl on the bus next to her.  At one point Jen said that she loved the fact that no one understood English so she could speak freely.  The woman sitting next to her spoke English. 3.  Our dining experiences are an adventure.  We think we order 1 thing, and something else is delivered. 4. A little boy followed me around a store.  His mother asked me to speak o him in English.  I did and gave him a fist … Continue reading Quick bits …Gold edition

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Cam-a-ROON

Jackie Grady

I began to think that many of the stories from the Olympics and the idea of the Olympic spirit was hyperbole.  But it’s not.  The Olympic Spirit is actually a thing, it exists and it permeates everyone.  On Friday we had tickets for indoor volleyball.  The first match was Serbia versus China and the Serbs were impressive.  The next match was Argentina versus Camaroon; both winless in their first Olympics.   Knowing we had 2 more events and that time was tight, I figured we’d catch a bit of the 1st set then leave.  Then Camaroon entered the arena, exuberant … Continue reading Cam-a-ROON

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Quick bits

Jackie Grady

I really want to tell you about yesterday’s volleyball match between Argentina and Camaroon but we start our day at 7 am and don’t get back to the room until 9 or later.  With spotty internet, it’s taking longer than expected.  But here are the highlights/ observations from today.  1.  I’m pretty sure we made Iranian tv as we stood directly under the Iranian flag during the 94kg men’s weightlifting medal ceremony.  2.  It is challenging to find our way around.  Every street seems like it’s named after a General.   3.  We saw the Olympic cauldron with 300,000 of our … Continue reading Quick bits