Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots: February 26th
Friday, February 26, 2010 03:48 AM
The Vancouver 2010 Olympics, which amazingly wrap up on Sunday, has been riveting to watch on television.
If there was any doubt about interest in the Winter Games, it was quickly erased when the television ratings surfaced. In fact, more than 96 per cent of all Canadians, a staggering number, tuned in to watch, at least part of the Olympics. In addition, approximately 152 million Americans (about one in two) watched some fraction of competition during the first week, an increase of six million over the Torino Games in 2006.
On the Wednesday (Feb 17th) snowboarder, Shaun White, speed skater, Shani Davis and downhill skier, Lindsey Vonn, all won gold medals, Nielsen Media statistics showed that 30.1 million U.S. residents watched the Games (from 9-10pm) on NBC while just 18.4 million tuned in to American Idol on Fox, ending six-year supremacy for Fox television ratings. This is the first time that American Idol has been beaten in U.S. TV audience ratings since May 2004. Despite some well-documented logistical problems and media criticisms, particularly from the U.K., the Olympics have caught the attention of North Americans.
Now, let us take this one-step further. Most people have enjoyed the Games from the friendly confines of their home, in front of the TV. However, many Prince George residents traveled the 500 miles to witness the Olympic experience, first-hand.
Gary Clarke, Branch Manager, Raymond James, enjoyed the first nine days in the heart of the action, along with his wife, Rhonda, and daughters Rebecca Worthington and Stephanie Clarke. (His son, John Clarke, who lives in Vancouver, was there as well). The hoopla of Vancouver 2010 triggered memories of a lifetime for Clarke, which started with the thrill of day one:
“The opening ceremonies are hard to describe in words. The level of performance. How they put that thing together. It is hard to believe. It's marvelous. I was at the gold medal presentation for the first Canadian gold on Canadian soil. I went up to Whistler to see the men's combined but that was canceled so I went to biathlon instead and that was very exciting. I went to short track, which was exhilarating. It blows your mind. You watch it on TV but it is incredibly exciting when you are there in person. I went to curling and I went downtown. A big event here is just going to see the people shopping at the Bay, which is Olympic Centre. You have never seen such a frenzy of shopping in your life. The other big event here that I never realized was so big is pin trading. Olympic pin trading is massive. Of course, I got swept away in that.”
Comparing the magnitude of the Olympics in your own province to other major events is not really a fair comparison as stated by Clarke:
“There is so much to be proud of. They have done a marvellous job of putting this thing together, I have been to events all over the world, and this is just excellent. It more than met my expectations at every single level. It's just overwhelming and marvellous. This thing is like putting on a few Super Bowls every day. The crowds, the organization, and the level of execution. I always knew the Olympics were big but I had no concept of how big they really are. It's massive, just massive”.
The 59-year-old Clarke is a Canadian sports fanatic that pumps his chest every chance he gets. “I'm overwhelmed because I am an unabashed Canadian fan anyways and just proud of everything they have done here. The only thing I have been disappointed in is the fence around the Cauldron. That wasn't thought out real well, stated Clarke.”
Clarke thinks it is not too late to make a last second decision to attend this excitement. In fact, if one is thinking about going to Vancouver to catch the final weekend live, but does not have tickets, well, that should not hold you back. “I think the best way to buy tickets is that at every event just go to the scalpers. There are tickets available for everything, if you are willing to pay, and many of them go for just a little over face.”
Yes, the Olympics are terrific on television; however, even this does not capture the true spirit of being there. Just ask one certified financial advisor from P.G., who admits he blew his budget and overspent. Nonetheless, every penny was worth it.
From the quote rack:
Top five reasons David Letterman is slamming Canada’s Olympic Winter Games
# 5 Still mad Canadian Paul Shaeffer is the known as the talented one
# 4 The gap in his teeth froze over
# 3 Dick Assman from Regina won’t return his calls
# 2 He is getting beat in the ratings by Lloyd Robertson
# 1 His Canadian intern gave him the cold shoulder
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
The latest Olympic glitch was NBC’s broadcasting Shaun White’s profanity filled conversation with his coach after White had been assured his first half pipe gold. Snowboarders use vulgar language. Next thing we’ll hear is that some of them have been known to smoke a little something too.
Tiger Woods admitted infidelities but denied his wife had hit him with a two iron. Actually, Elin used a sand wedge.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' caddie, says that he will allow no heckling when Tiger returns. 10,000 reservations for next year's Masters were immediately canceled.
Serena Williams is going to school to learn how to be a nail technician. Man--if she has a bad day at the salon, better hide the pliers.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Golfer John Daly has been signed to endorse Slix Closer brand of underwear. They’re perfect for the man who likes to stop and take a leak three feet off the fairway.
Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/
With the putting, I don't have anywhere to put my elbows now.
John Daly on the downside of losing more than 100 pounds.
And in case you missed it:
Although pitchers and catchers reported only days ago, the Mets already have five players on the disabled list with spring fever.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.
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