Too hot! (AP)So, the computer-generated fireworks in Beijing have come and gone, and while the NYT is whining that the games were "devoid of playfulness, passion and festive spirit", I think you'll all agree that they were at least kind of mindblowingly amazing on television. Which leaves this blog to ponder the inevitable next question: Vancouver, how are you going to pull this off without looking cheap and embarrassing in comparison?
The man to ask is, of course, John Furlong, CEO of VANOC (the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games). Furlong spent the last two weeks in Beijing alternately watching the games and crapping his pants, then held a news conference on Friday to explain to the world just how awesome Vancouver will be in 18 months. Give the guy boldness points: He didn't hold back from pointing out the areas where he thought Beijing got it wrong:
- It was too hot in the Bird's Nest.
- Volunteer staff was too rigid in adhering to protocol.
- The venues were too big; too many seats were empty.
- Pretty lame party vibe.
- Not enough protests.
Ah, that's better. (AFP/Getty)
So, John, I guess we can expect a cold, chaotic, cramped riotfest in 2010? I kid, but all things considered, that actually doesn't sound all bad. In fact, the raucous, scrappy approach is probably exactly what VANOC should be shooting for. If you can't match the spectacle, at least you can throw a better party, right?
Then again, your alterna-prom's no good unless you can convince all the cool kids to show up. So who brings the better party, winter or summer athletes? A little unscientific research is due here.
| SUMMER | WINTER | WINNER! |
| Swimmers: After competing, proceed to get it on like jackrabbits in the Olympic Village | Skiiers: Bode doesn't have to wait until the events are over to party at an Olympic level | Winter |
| Runners: Two words: Nuh Linga | Speed skaters: Ohno won Dancing With the Stars; Jenner can't even keep up with the Kardashians | Summer |
| Gymnasts: I present to you Lyudmila Grebenkova. Oh, and Alicia Sacramone | Figure skaters: Ice dancers are fierce, and taller than four feet. Also, Kristi won DwtS, too | Winter |
| Basketball players: Lebron and Dwyane get first class-service in Macau | Hockey players: Can trash a hotel room with the best of them | Push |
| Beach volleyball players: Prone to excessive celebration after winning | Snowboarders: Prone to excessive celebration before proceeding to not win | Winter |
| Equestrian riders: Proper etiquette is to reward your horse after a competition | Curlers: Proper etiquette is to buy the losing team drinks after a competition | Winter |
Looks like the summer Olympians got served! In the meantime, it's up to Vancouver ... to step it up and dance.
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