U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A.... u-s-a u-s-a.... u...s...a... gossip girl?

Two weekends ago I went out to celebrate some friends' birthdays. We started the evening by gathering at an apartment for some snacks and drinks. The Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics occurred the night before, so it was felt that the games should on in the background. Originally, the plan had been to only be at the apartment for less than an hour and to then head onto the first of two bars. The Olympics, however, had other plans for us.

Before we knew it, everyone was focused on the tv chanting U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A any time an American athlete was shown in an event. The behavior was addictive. Normally, I am not a particularly patriotic person, July 4th is mainly about fireworks for me, but being in that living room with 20 others cheering and throwing their arms up in excitement just got me going. I was excited to be an American citizen.

Eventually we realized we needed to move on as we had been cheering for almost two hours, and well sadly, bars close early in Boston so we needed to leave if we were going to be able to order a few rounds. :)

The next morning I thought about the great emotions that I felt while watching those first few Olympic events and wanted to get them going again. So, for the next week or so, I made sure to turn on the Olympic events every night I was home. Watching them alone didn't quite get me as excited as when watching in a group but still I became a loyal viewer. Once we hit week two, I realized I missed tv.

There were great moments during those first 8 or so days, then, I began yearning for Modern Family's quirky antics, Vampire Diaries mindless plot, and Biggest Loser's edge of your seat weigh-ins. NBC may have sole rights to televise the Olympics, but all other networks have taken note and opted to stop with their programming. I just need a little variety...

Gossip Girl, please come back!!! I miss you dearly. At least I almost got a Georgina fix while watching 17 Again.

CURLING!

Yes, figure skating is fun to watch. Yes, mogul freestyle looks like it might be the most painful thing to do to your knees. Yes, speed skating can result in some insanely bloody injuries. Yes, the biathlon has to be the weirdest two events meshed together ever imagined.

But

Curling is by far my most favorite sport to watch at the Winter Olympics. The event was invented in the UK and all the stones come from Scotland. The idea of sweeping ice with a broom to change the direction or speed of a huge hunk of marble on an ice rink that looks like a shuffleboard floor is just something that makes me smile immediately.

I was able to catch the second half of USA's female team playing against Japan. At one point the Americans had to take a time out. Which is a little crazy considering they are able to talk and stand next to each other the whole time. They needed to consult with their strategy coach - not to be confused with their main coach. All teams of four people need at LEAST two different coaches, duh. It came down to the last end (or inning if you will) before a winner could be declared. The last two stones were so close that a judge needed to come out with a special measuring device to determine which team was closer. If the Americans were closer there would be an overtime end, if it went to Japan, the game would be over. Sadly, it went to Japan.

I do hope there is another chance to watch this sport. There is just so much unnecessary shouting!

Does Lester Holt Go To The Jersey Shore?

Was it just me or did Lester Holt look to be a very strange color in his interview with Apolo Ohno.

First, remember what he usually looks like:



And here is the interview:

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Just wondering if it was just me...

Opening Ceremonies - Vancouver 2010

The American fans at these games will be will be unfurling with stars and stripes at every opportunity and chanting "U-S-A U-S-A." The Canadian Primeminster had to go before Parliment yesterday and urged canadians to engaged in what he called "an uncharacteristic outburst of patriotism" Saying "don't be afraid to wave those flags we will apologize to the world for our immodisty later". - Tom Brokow

The Opening Ceremonies began around 8 pm tonight. Unlike China, Canada decided to introduce the athletes before they put on their cultural show. The idea was that the show was for the competetors and instead of watching it from backstage, Canada wanted them in their seats in the stadium. Canadians are just so considerate!

While watching the introductions, the commentators gave viewers a number of amazing facts. It kind of reminded me of what goes one when I watch the Westminster Dog Show. Here are some of my favorite facts and personal observations...

Andorre is one sixth the size of Rhode Island and put in a bid for the winter games. It is no surprise that the games were given to Canada. I don't know if we could fit an Olympic village and facilities without having to kick out a good chunk of the 1 million occupants.

Azerbaijan is home to the head of figure skating. He opted to wear the most amazing pants - and amazingly enough the rest of the Azerbaijan citizens decided to follow suit. If I can find a picture, I will be sure to post it, just in case you missed it.

Finland holds an annual sporting event called, the Sauna Championship People sit in a sauna and see who can last the longest as the temperature is slowly increased. The sauna starts at 230 degrees and the winning time for the most recent competition was 3 minutes 46 seconds!

Germany doesn't have any facts that I found particularly amusing. Their outfits, however, need some attention. Mainly, I love how they help you identify the gender of the competitor. All individuals have a long sleeve yellow top, and then a colorful vest. Women wear pink, men blue.

Turns out if you need a figure skating partner and are having a hard time finding one, go to icepartners.com.

Hong Kong has 16,000 people per square mile. Canada has less than 10. Hong Kong only has one athlete competing.

Iran has first female athlete for winter games. Good job.

38 of the 82 nations in Vancouver have never won a winter game medal.

Mexico has one athlete, he is 51 years old and the oldest competitor at the games. Oh, and he is a prince.

In 1964 a group of Mongolian cross country skiers showed up and were unaware that countries had to apply to compete. Fortunately, the Olympics let them in.

Nepal is the only country here with a non-rectangular flag.

Spain has a skeleton competitor who simulates starts by using his boogyboard in the Mediterranean Sea. I would love to see how that works. I would also love to try it myself as skeletoning has to be the craziest thing out there and I feel simulating it in water would be amazing and safe.

Switzerland has an athlete who is called "The Wizard". He looks like Harry Potter.

Tajikistan flag-bearer did not qualify but was sent to the games so he could get some exposure. That is super cute! I like that the country is willing to do something like that for a young promising athlete.

Ukraine only medals are figure skating and biathlon. Could there be two different sports? One showcases glitter, jumping, and pop music, the other skis and shoots targets with a rifle.

The United States has the most amazing moose hats. No facts, I guess the announcers figure we know enough cool statistics about our country. Shaun White was just on screen. I'm glad he was identified as he has been in American Express commercials for a few months (maybe years) and I always wondered who he was and why I should be able to recognize him.

13 of 23 members are NHL all-stars and won't be in Canada until Monday as the NHL season will not be suspended until Sunday night. It is kind of sad that they couldn't be part of the opening ceremonies.

The commentators noted that Canadians, as a group, are the friendliest people out there and normally considered non-competitive. Canada has recently made a number of statements about how they wish to win the most medals this year. This shocked listeners as Canadians have never been depicted as competitive people. I am glad they are making these kinds of statements, I mean there is nothing wrong with being nice and having the desire to WIN.

TV has been suspended for the next two weeks for the Olympics. Honestly, I am most excited for the curling!