Olympic nights

Don't know about everyone else, but so far I've thoroughly enjoyed the Olympic Games so far. Unfortunately, my enjoyment has come at the price of getting to bed on time, since they have kept me up constantly past midnight. On the positive side, most nights have been rewarding by yielding some of the best moments so far. It also dawned on me that this year's Olympics really benefit the West coast due to the time delay. Most people I've talked to have not stayed up to watch the later events. I blame this on two major things, the obvious is how late they run, but the other is a little less obvious. So far each night has started with sports that are not exactly high on folk's excitement meter. I mean, synchronized diving is very impressive, but I personally don't know enough to get along with out the commentator's guiding hand. Which, when you think about it, kind of defeats the purpose and decreases the awe. If I was to watch a home run, and have it slowed down so I could see how it went down every time, the spectacle of watching it happen in real time would be slightly dimmed. Which is too bad, but once you make it past those pitfalls, the rewards have been plentiful. Michale Phelps' race for Olympic immortality has yet to disappoint. The 4x100m relay was one of the most exciting sporting events I've witnessed, it was simply that good!
As much fun as I've had watching the games, there have been points that still hang over the entire spectacle like a dark cloud. I always had reservations about China hosting the Olympics, and while some of those fears may have been unfounded, there are have been others that struck true. The opening ceremony was a sight to behold, but elements have been leaking out that put a definite tarnish on. I can understand using a lip-synch for part of the show, I didn't agree with it, but from a stage presentation point of view I can see how the call was made. But, trying to gloss over a major accident that left a dancer possibly paralyzed for the rest of her life, and digitally enhancing the fireworks, that's just poor form. There are a few things that also have gotten under my skin (The Chineese "women's" gymnastic team for one) but all and all, I've been having a good time.

I'll be the first to admit, with the way the rest of the world has been acting the past couple days, any distraction, tainted or not, is welcome. Even if it only lasts a few short weeks.