I miss the Olympics.
Worse than that, I think I’ll miss ’em some more when they’re over. The Winter version of the Olympics starts on NBC in about a week. But so far, I’m just not feelin’ that Olympic spirit yet. Are you?
What is it about the Winter Olympics? The United States is one of only 12 countries that has participated in every Winter Olympiad. We’ve sent the most athletes there for the last 13 of ’em. We had a record 203 Olympians at Salt Lake City eight years ago. But, the bummer is, America likes a winner, and we often don’t come out the big winner!
But that’s not the only reason I miss the Olympics. I suppose it’ll never be as it once was: the family together around the television, rushing for snacks and the bathroom at commercial, anxious not to miss anything. We were somehow comforted in the knowledge that the rest of our family–and the country–was watching.
Today, there are too many channels, too many choices, too much technology and, well, not enough interest. I wish that would change.
I don’t even really know much about who the American stars will be. But I’m gonna go to work on getting fired up for these Olympics. A good introduction is here so I’ll read that and try to get excited.
I can also plan some nights at home according to the TV schedule.
In fact, you could find out just about anything you’d want to know here and here.
My memories of the Winter Olympics are many, the top five of which are listed here.
I hope some more good things are on the way, moments which help Americans across the land go to work and play more inspired and hopeful, with a sense that we’re less alone than we thought we were. That would be “Must See TV.” I hope we get some!