I love the Olympics, especially the Summer version. On that note, only one more month until the opening ceremonies. Just like 2004, we will be able to watch them in the comfort of a condo at North Coast Village with Keith providing continuing commentary on each country as they enter. I think NBC has him on the payroll this year, since 2004 was so entertaining. The actual events start August 6, since soccer players feel they need more than a day off between games, that is when womens soccer starts. NBC released their coverage schedule today and it blows my mind how things can change in 4 years. They are showing 3,600 hours of coverage this year, more than all previous summer olympic years combined. Of that 3600, 2700 is live. They are using all of their channels, including, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo (will it be in english?), bravo, oxygen and a few specialty channels on cable and satellite that will be sport specific...like showing all soccer or basketball games. I will have to empty our tivo for that month, as most of the live coverage will occur during the day.
I know some dont share my love of the games, but watching an american stand on the top of the podium with the national anthem playing is an amazing experience. It gives me chills just thinking about it. I love my country so much! It brings me such pride to see members of our military bring out a massive American flag out, as we witnessed at the Stadium of Fire last week. Then to see families able to talk to their dads overseas was more than I could handle. To be able to represent your country whether playing games or protecting the principles that we believe in has to be such a great experience. I understand the olympics are supposed to stand for good sportsmanship and such, but the way the Chinese keep trying to regulate every little thing, I hope we open a can on them in every sport! If they want to be a superpower, they have to get through us, what a great way to start by having Lebron dunk of Yao! We know there is a higher power watching over us if our Table Tennis team can win a medal. That is like Moses parting the Red Sea.
A month from now, take some time to watch the Opening Ceremonies, even if you dont recognize the names of some of the countries. Maybe we will set up a webcast from the beach so everyone can experience Keiths analysis and thoughts about the athletes from Djibouti!
