The Olympics are truly an amazing event. For two weeks they become the central focus for most people. The water cooler talks revolve around Shaun White’s big air, USA wining a sweet hockey game, or the fall of some ice skating couple. Never wanting to be left out, I too become consumed by the Olympics and my thoughts are overwhelmed in the spirit. But sometimes those thoughts don’t generate much and we wind up with some random musings, Olympic edition.

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We all know how hard athletes work and what they have to go through to be a part of the games, but what about refs, and judges, or Zamboni operators? Are there qualifying events they must go through? If so I would like to see what Zamboni drivers have to do to be selected for the Olympics. If I remember correctly, World Series umpires are chosen based on their performance throughout the season, is this technique in play for Olympic officials?

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I understand Scott Lago going out and celebrating a job well done. He’s young, having fun, and living the dream. I ain’t mad at that. But he should have realized how seriously people take the Olympics and all things pertaining to it. He also should have realized that even though it’s not as Orwell described it, there are cameras everywhere, especially around American medal winners. I don’t condemn his actions, I condemn his judgment. Also people need to calm down about the picture too, I mean it’s not like he was caught with a bong.

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Hey curlers, stop blaming the crowd for poor play. Yes I’m talking to you Germany and Denmark. Sure your sport is used to crowds being quiet while you throw, or showing some support towards the opponent. But you should understand your sport does not have a large fan base and there are a lot of new people watching. Be grateful there are so many people watching and making your sport more popular. You are considered the best curlers in your countries; prove it by not letting the crowd get to you.

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This is not a popular thing to say, but I really don’t care about ice dancing or figure skating. I am impressed by the skating abilities of these people, but I cannot stand to watch these events. The only difference I see between these events and a show like “Dancing with the Stars” is a sheet of ice. I don’t like watching people dance. I just don’t care and I can’t help but to recall the words of Jerry Seinfeld, “I can’t believe were going dancing.” “Why? You don’t go that much?” “No, because it’s so stupid.” If you like it, that’s fine, whatever floats you boat. But don’t look down on me for not liking it.

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The other day NBC interviewed Michael Phelps during their Olympic coverage. I don’t fully understand this. There is an entire Olympic village filled with athletes currently competing and instead of talking to one of them, NBC feels the time is best spent talking to a man who hasn’t really done anything of importance for a couple of years. What new question could you possibly have for him? Perhaps ask how he’s enjoying the winter games? Who cares? Maybe NBC could have used this time to air more sports as well. How quickly this station has become a joke.

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There has been a Canadian dude and Canadian chick calling the curling matches. These two have become my favorite sports commentator. The chick is a complete dork and I absolutely love her for it, and the dude has found a way to make that shit work. At one she kept calling the Great Britain team Scotland and the way he called her on it felt like he was making a drinking game. I started to play along and he was helpful in making sure we were aware of her constant mistake.

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While we’re on commentators, I gotta give props to Johnny Mosley for finding himself out the Real World/Road Rules Challenges and getting a more legit job. Can’t say that for anyone else from those challenges. Well the Miz, kind of.

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Long live sport.

lee.s.hart@crujonessociety.com

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