Heading Back to Shorter

Okay, I'm heading back up to Rome today. Getting my bags packed and getting the hell out. I had a lot of stuff that I wanted to write about...but I'll stick with something simple. There may be a lot of posts in the next few days as I unwind from the end of the summer and get prepared for school. I'm doing a massive voter push soon and I'm trying to get that all straight in my head.

Basically, today, I want to talk about the Olympics. I know, I tired, trite subject that everyone's been talking about...that is if they care about them. I don't understand how there are people who don't like the Olympics. They happen once every four year, complete jazz up NBC's primetime line-up, and provide an unparalleled exhibition of the best athletes in the world.

"But I don't like watching that sport."

I could give a shit. Watch it to root on your country. If you don't like your country, root for the teams that are playing against them. But these are the best athletes in the world competing in things that I could never dream of accomplishing, much less doing in world record fashion. They deserve your support.

Also, if you expect it to be stupid, then the Ameri-hipster ideal will find you and you won't enjoy yourself. When China scores a point against America in court volleyball, start cussing. When somebody lands a winning shot that looked like it was going on, cheer. Invite friends over and eat fried food. Pull out the uncomfortable couch bed. It'll be worth it.

"But America isn't winning this year."

Could give a shit. We've won tons. And it's not the American Games...it's the Olympics. Everybody gets a chance to win. If you want America to win more, train in an event and go get the gold.

"But now that Michael Phelps is done..."

Okay, great, he's the most accomplished Olympian ever, but we have a week of Track & Field, Basketball, Beach and Court Volleyball, Individual Gymnastics, and dozens of team event finals coming up this week. Michael Phelps had his time and he did fantastically. But there are other athletes doing incredible things. Don't tune out just because you've never heard of them.

We have four days left. Make them count. You don't get anything like it again for another two years.

"But I don't like the closing ceremonies."

That's fine. Nobody likes the closing ceremonies. See if MTV is doing an ANTM marathon.