Athletes are a superstitious bunch, but consulting a fortune teller might seem a little bit too "ancient Olympics" for many of today's athletes, who put more faith in hi-tech equipment and specialized training regimes.
The term has been inappropriately hi-jacked by the politically correct who mock it, the avant-garde who belittle it, the naive who discount it, and the public at large seems to be growing tired of hearing about it.
Graham Cluley, senior researcher at hi-tech security firm Sophos, wondered who would be tempted to use it.
Africa and South America are two regions with soccer-mad populations who could benefit from a less hi-tech approach to following the games.
"Microsoft's political giving philosophy is that we give to incumbent candidates who work on issues important to the hi-tech industry, and our political giving reflects that, " says Microsoft spokeswoman Ginny Terzano.
That said, if we assume the as yet unknown price isn't stereotypically high -- and that audiophiles don't mind a big, potentially noisy desktop as a home theater PC -- the Hi-Fi Z77x could be a treat for those who want to wring every nuance out of music and movie soundtracks.
But what about people who don't have access to the latest hi-tech gadgets, which are often expensive even in comparatively rich Western nations?
For those not in the know, the "Fancy Nancy" series of storybooks are about a little girl who likes to say "bonjour" instead of "hi, " is obsessed with extreme dress-up, and attempts to bedazzle the boring, plain world around her in a way that would make even Elton John go, 'Phh ... tacky.
Barcelona, Spain - The new range of Philips Hi-Fi micro systems with SoundSphere speakers is a revelation for those who want to hear all the original detail from their music, just as the artist intended.
ENGADGET: Philips breathes new life into home stereos with SoundSphere
When we educate Chinese citizens who then return home, it means American taxpayers are helping to educate and fund our emerging hi-tech competition abroad.
"Hi, I'm Christine Quinn and I'm running for mayor, " she told the man, who looked up at her, seemingly puzzled.
And those who hope that capitalist markets will foster personal freedom will be dismayed by the apparent co-operation of hi-tech American corporations in helping the Chinese state to stifle freedom of expression.
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