Let The Games Begin
First, I know. I know. It’s been too long. I’m busy. Sue me.
Secondly what a poor logo they’ve made for this years Olympics. I mean really London? The birthplace of so much amazing graphic design work and you pick a logo that looks like the 35th anniversary box of “The Game of Life?” Not a good look.
As everyone is well aware, the 30th Olypiad is upon us. I love nothing more and I mean NOTHING more than the Olympics. I’m a big fan of any international competition, but the Olympics is something special. The granduer, the prestiege, the fleeting celebrity that comes with the title Olympian. There’s a sense of global connectedness that the games produce that I can’t help but get caught up it.
But more importantly, the Olympics provides a valid excuse for all of humanity to hole up indoors for two weeks in the summer and watch the best athletes in the world compete while you inhale junk food and drink beer. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I’m rarely visible to the outside world during the games as I like to watch everything, and I mean everything. Rhythmic Gymnastics? You bet your ass. Table Tennis? Of course. Ladies Fencing? What else would I do on a Friday night?
I remember during the 2010 Winter Olympics sitting at home watching the Ice Dancing qauter-finals on a surprisingly tolerable winter day. Did I for a second think about venturing out of the house to interact with the world. Never. I didn’t even know what Ice Dancing was until 6 days beforehand but I was gonna be damned if I missed even a second of it.In case you’re wondering Ice Dancing is like figure skating, but you have to keep on foot on the ice at all time. It’s like speedwalking on ice. Exhilirating.
I always love that everyone really gets caught up in the Olympics, from learning the backstories of your countries hopeful’s to reading up on all the hot gossip about what shenanigans are going down in the Olympic Village. What’s most hilarious is that everyone some how becomes subject matter experts in regards to proper techinique by the end of the games. You’ll always hear “Yea, her turn out on the balance beam was too off center, she’s gonna be marked down for that”, or “The reach of his arch is simply not up to par”. Usually by the semi-finals I’ve figured out exactly what qualifies as medal worthy in all events and would have no problem reviewing the days highlights with Bob Costas.
Speaking of Bob Costas. What a man. For the non-American’s reading, Bob Costas has been the velvetly voice of the Olympics in the states since the early 90’s. He’s the best sportscaster in the world. It’s impossible to prove that statment wrong. I can sit and listen to him talk forever. Literally. I think what excites me most about the Olympics every two years is the fact that I know that Bobby C is going to be in my life everyday for two weeks. The man is perfect. He’s got cool hair, a voice that is made for television (Getting him to record my voicemail message is on my bucket list) and is in my opinion a flawless human being. I met him in St. Louis once. I actually shrieked. Classic Thomas.
Anyhow, back to the games. I’m a little bummed that I’ll be at work during most of the actual live games, but thankfully eveything is streaming and what’s not I’ll be having freinds with DVR recorders handle my business for me. Also I’m deep in the midst of planning my schedule. I’ll post it here once I’ve finalized my decisions. Also NPR’s put together a really snazzy posting of how to best catch all of the events whether they be online, on tv or mobile here. Check it out.
I’m super excited for things to get underway. If anyone wants to join me for my Olympic viewings in the morning, aptly titled “Breakfast of Champions”, please let me know! It’ll likely just be me sitting at a bar at 9 am eating Oatmeal and staring intently at the screen until I have to go to work. Fun Stuff.
