Games Give Sap-O-Meter a Workout

Viewers can track 'adversity,' 'miracles,' and NBC schmaltz
By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 12, 2008 6:06 PM CDT
Games Give Sap-O-Meter a Workout
Slate will be measuring the sentimentality of NBC's Olympic commentating with its new 'Sap-o-Meter.'   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

NBC is known for laying it on a little thick in the heart-tugging category of its Olympic coverage, so Slate thinks it's about time we quantified things. Its new Sap-O-Meter will keep track of sentimental buzzwords such as "adversity," journey," "sacrifice," and  "miracle," and announce a daily winner for sappiest story.

The site also will bestow honors on the sappiest line of the night, for which it needs viewers' help. The current winner, courtesy of Al Trautwig in a profile on the women's gymnastics team: "Behind the smiles, they'll never be able to explain the sacrifices made, or adversities overcome.” Pure gold.
(More NBC stories.)

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