And Like That...The Games are Over

The two weeks since I posted about the opening ceremonies of the Pyengchong games went by in a heartbeat.  I watched much more than I care to admit, because, well they are the Olympic games and there really wasn't much more on the telly during this fortnight.

As I write this I'm watching the closing ceremonies and the Chinese promotion for the 2022 games from Beijing.

These games have been entertaining and the South Koreans have been great hosts.  At this point in time I am ready to move on and get back to normal, but for the next few days I will miss seeing the 23rd Olympic games from Pyeongchang on my television 12 hours a day.  I know it sounds somewhat sarcastic but I really will miss the athleticism and competition.

So long Soohorang, you were a wonderful host.

It's been fun, so let's do this again in 2022 in Beijing.  It will be here before we know it!

"Let the Games Begin"

The 2018 Olympic Games are now officially open after today's ceremonies in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

I am a casual fan of the Olympics, especially the Winter games.  I don't watch most of these events outside of Ice Hockey at any other time than during the Olympics.  But, I am a sucker for the Opening Ceremonies.  I was out earlier tonight but did see the last couple of hours of the tape delayed event from Korea on NBC.

Here are a few thoughts on what I saw...

-The combination of athletes from North Korea and South Korea was lauded by the TV talking heads.  Tonight those TV heads were Mike Tirico and Katie Couric.  Yes, it would appear as if there is hope for the two Koreas if you watched TV tonight.  But, in the long run this is just a PR stunt by North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.  Remember how Vladimir Putin made nice four years ago at Sochi and then a week or two later his troops invaded Ukraine.  I don't trust Kim any further than I can throw him.

-Speaking of talking heads, it seemed strange not to have Bob Costas hosting NBC's coverage.  Couric has been there before and is steady.  But, Mike Tirico?  I have always though of him as a Sports Center host on ESPN.  This should have been Brian Williams, oops, Matt Lauer's, oops, chance to shine at the opening ceremony.

-What is this Athletes of Russia thing or AOR as they will be listed during the games?  If they cheated in the Putin games at Sochi why are they being allowed to compete this year?  If you failed your drug test no one wants to see you again.  Stay home.

-The torch relay reminded me that baseball is just around the corner.  The torch used in the relay and to light the cauldron reminded me of a Louisville Slugger.

-One thing I thought was really cool was the way the Korean organizers utilized Intel drones to animate the opening ceremonies.  What a great use of technology.  NBC reported the light show was pre-recorded but still, it was amazing.

Photo courtesy of Zeno Group

Hopefully, the next fortnight in Pyeongchang will be without incident and "Little Rocket Man" will behave himself while his fellow citizens are competing at the Olympics. Time will tell.  Keep your eyes on this blog for updates.