Here we go. Once again, the IOC has gone with an authoritarian government in a city not exactly known for winter sports (remember Sochi?). As long as the proper bribes, accommodations, and privileges are provided, who cares about human rights being crushed. Norway was looking like a more likely candidate eight years ago but the gov't refused to accede to all the IOC demands. But I digress. Hey, look at the venues:

Competitions for luge, bobsleigh and alpine skiing will be held in Xiaohaituo Mountain area northwest of Beijing (in the West Dazhuangke village[1] of Zhangshanying in Yanqing District), 56 miles away from the city centre of Beijing and 11 miles away from the town of Yanqing. All other skiing events will be held in Taizicheng Area in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou, 140 mi from downtown Beijing and 81 mi away from Xiaohaituo Mountain Area.

Nonetheless, I'll tune in for most of it. I'll probably skip the propaganda-laced opening and closing ceremonies but who knows. My wife, who was sputtering about "not another Olympics to sit through" remembered that figure skating is on the weekend and cripes, she has already picked out which female skater is her favorite (and by the time the blades hit the ice there will be one who she just wants to drop through the ice). My wife does not get into sports often but when she does it is at a level of emotional involvement that makes Shadow's Baltimore Ravens fetish look tame.

I am going to assume that NBC's coverage will suck - it always does. I'll ignore the sob stories and hope for events where an underdog takes home the gold.