A Third Perspective

Well we've heard Jay's criticism and we've gazed at Cips' snowbunnies (Damnnnn Claudia Toth!), now time for my thoughts on the Olympic Games. I'd like to look at it from the fan's point of view...why do we watch, do we enjoy what we're watching, how's oft-criticised NBC doing as our host?

First off, I must admit, I sweat (like a sausage wrapped in casing...sorry Hannah!!!!!!) the Olympics...the pageantry, the background stories, the nationalism, the side bets regarding who falls in the 500m speedskate (thanks Cips!)...I crave it like a Power Breakfast crafted by the caffeinated hands of Sven!

Now, it wouldn't be the Olympics without criticism and complaints...the tragedy of the Georgian luger, the objectification and sexification of women (i.e. Mrs. Vonn's well-toned rump on the cover of Sports Illustrated), the controversial outfits worn by the Russian ice dancing team, the constant questions of are we forcing these young athletes into too much at such an early age? What we've heard perhaps most from this particular Olympiad though is NBC's telecast. Ahhh, the ole' Peacock is at it again!

What's with all the tape delayed action!

I already know the outcome of this event!

I want to watch skiing live!

Folks, let's step back for a moment and realize the world we live in. A world of incredible technology and speed, a world where you can literally operate your life from your smartphone...guys, info is going to get out! You don't want to find out if Bode Miller missed a gate on the Giant Slalom? Go live in a f*cking hole for a day! Even then, the mice invading 501 Huguenot would probably tell you the often inebriated man failed to medal!

NBC and my main man Robert Costas (by the way, has the man ever worn the same suit twice!) continue to provide excellent journalism...fantastic personal stories of the athletes, in depth coverage, and as much live action as they could possibly provide.

I find it funny how so many people criticize the Olympics as boring and unimportant, yet it significantly out drew American Idol!! Hey, maybe Dick Ebersol does know what the hell he's doing!

I'm dumbfounded when I hear people complain on the radio about NBC's primetime package. They bitch about the network jumping from event to event, generally offering little bits and pieces of highlights from earlier in the day. Umm guys, those of us who have jobs and more importantly, a life, don't have time to watch the NBC coverage during the day. We love the small highlight package! So what if we know the outcome!

I liken the Olympics to the NFL...they give us just enough to keep us interested, and leave us wanting more. All these people wanting the NFL to add games? I think you're crazy...the weekend after the Superbowl, what did we all crave? Some more gridiron action! But now we must wait until August to see it again...this keeps the product fresh and viable. Unlike the regular seasons of basketball, baseball and hockey that are watered down and last an eternity.

The Olympics (including the summer and winter games) come around every two years. Imagine if we had skiing, swimming and God forbid, curling on every weekend? We'd get sick of it! But every four years? Sure, I'll tune into watch Johnny Weir's ridiculous man cleavage and to see if Apolo Ohno's soul patch got any longer!

Folks, ask yourself this question the day after the Closing Ceremonies? What could I use a little more of right now? Ahh, the Olympics! That's the beauty of it! Two weeks for us to rout for our home country (or Germany if you're me!), two weeks for your grandmother to get familiar with the snowboarding exploits of the "Flying Tomato," two weeks to learn how you and your Uncle Bill can freeze down your driveway, grab mom's best china, dad's favorite broom and dream of your Olympic curling debut!

The Olympics are a great thing my friends... and as we used to say in the Eastern Bloc...Brah, Brah!