Whoa, Canada!
The cool fan’s guide to the 2012 Winter Olympics
by DeMarco Williams 
Vancouver, British Columbia, once only famous for being Hollywood’s film-producing stepchild and Seth Rogen’s hometown, will step into the limelight February 12 through 28 as the host of the 21st Winter Olympiad. NBC’s family of networks will undoubtedly do splendidly with its insatiable coverage of ice hockey, ice skating and icy relationships on the slopes. With so much to consume over 17 exhaustive days of action though, it can all seem overwhelming. But fret not, snow bunnies, for this handy guide to the Games lets you know precisely which 10 events you need to TiVo and which can be stowed away for another four winters…
Opening Ceremonies- February 12, 9PM, NBC
After 12 years of preparation and billions of dollars in expenses, Canada finally welcomes the world in glorious fashion with the first-ever indoor opening ceremony.
Men’s Downhill- February 13, 8PM, NBC
With more story angles than Lost –Will the skiing-obsessed Swiss win a medal? Can Austria continue its dominance? What’s in Bode Miller’s cup?- this really is must-see TV.
Men’s 1000m Speed Skating- February 17, 8PM, NBC
At the ‘06 Turin Games, Shani Davis rewrote history books by becoming the first African-American individual medal winner with this event. Here he writes the next chapter.
Women’s Halfpipe- February 18, 4PM, NBC
While the media obsesses over Shaun White, the snowboarding ladies, led by Gretchen Bleiler and Lindsey Jacobellis, will be smokin’ on their own pipes.
Men’s Free Skate- February 18, 8PM, NBC
With the male field as tight as anyone can remember (Jeremy Abbott and Evan Lysacek lead the acrobatic charge for the U.S.), cameras are sure to catch plenty of emotion around the rink.
Women’s Super G- February 20, 8PM, NBC
Most 20-something guys already know the name Lindsey Vonn. By the time these Games end, and gold medals in events like these are earned, the whole country will be tired of her winning smile.
Women’s Curling- February 21, 12PM, MSNBC
Our neighbors to the north obsess over curling (think: shuffleboard on ice) much like we do Brad Pitt’s love life. See what the fuss is about when Team Canada mixes brooms with Team America.
Women’s Ice Hockey- February 25, 6PM, MSNBC
Canada and the U.S. are not only a combined 23-1-0 over the past two Olympics, they’ve outscored the competition 168-17. It would take an upset of mythical proportions to keep the two from meeting here for gold.
Men’s Ice Hockey- February 28, 3PM, NBC
There are rumors that this might be the last time NHL players are allowed to participate in the Games. If so, this gold medal game takes on even more importance to the world.
Closing Ceremonies- February 28, 7PM, NBC
Guess that’s all, folks. See ya in Sochi in 2014… Wait, where’s Sochi again?!
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