The Remote Island : Summer Olympics

Oprah Got Her President. Can She Get Her Olympics?

Jake Kalish — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Let no one ever doubt the power of Oprah Winfrey. She's a one-woman empire of kindness, and probably the single most influential person in American pop culture. We read what Oprah tells us to read. We voted for who Oprah told us to vote for. (Yes, that one's more complicated. But Winfrey was Obama's biggest endorsement - far more than political figures like Ted Kennedy or even Colin Powell.) Hell, one woman devoted an entire year to doing whatever Oprah says.

So will Oprah's support of Chicago's 2016 Summer Olympics bid get Chicago the 2016 Summer Olympics?

Ms. Winfrey talked up Chicago to the 13-member Olympic Committee - and was met by protesters:

"What I'm hoping is we can have a real, honest conversation about how great this city is and the possibilities it will bring not only for the citizens of Chicago, but the citizens of the world," Winfrey said.

A red carpet was rolled out for Winfrey and other luminaries at a Columbus Drive entrance. Winfrey was greeted by a crush of reporters and more than 30 protesters chanting: "Hey Oprah can't you see, we don't want the IOC," referring to the International Olympic Committee's evaluation team.

"It's huge, it's enormous, I don't know what they're complaining about," said Winfrey before heading into a night of lobbying, entertainment by Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor and a dinner by award-winning Spiaggia chef Tony Mantuano.

"It's only going to be good for everybody," she said of the possibility of bringing the Games to Chicago.

Maybe. It's hard to calculate the worth of Summer Olympics to cities, because often the changes implemented for the games have gigantic effects - both positive and negative - for decades. Los Angeles 1984 was a huge financial success, but Montreal's 1976 Olympics damn near destroyed that city's economy. Literally, the effects are still being felt, greatly, almost 33 years later:

The Mayor of Montreal said when the city was preparing for the 1976 games that the Olympics "can no more have a deficit than a man can have a baby".

Three decades later, it's a statement that still provokes sardonic laughter among Canadians where smokers continue to pay taxes on their cigarettes to finance the games.

So no, Oprah, it won't necessarily only be good for everybody. We're not saying a Chicago Olympics would fail, but hosting the Olympics carries enormous risk for a city - risk that should not be ignored.

Chicago is competing against Tokyo, Madrid, and Rio De Janiero - and Rio's initial budget for the Games, 14.4 billion, is almost as much as that of the other 3 cities combined. This 13 member committee reports back to the full 107-member IOC, and the official decision comes in October. So it'll be interesting to see if Oprah can again work her magic...

PREVIOUSLY:

The Summer Olympics: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

Olympics 2008: The Actual Opening Ceremony In 30 Seconds

Another Sex Scandal At Oprah Winfrey's South African All-Girls School

Today On "Oprah": Q&A With Polygamists

Today In PSA's: Oprah's Broadcast Is For "All The Rihannas" -- But Tyra's Got Something To Say Too

The Weekly Rewind: Summer's End

Ben Kallen — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:35:00 GMT

Man, what an action-packed few days! We had the Olympics finale, a political convention, the start of a big holiday weekend, and -- most important of all -- the buildup to the new fall TV season. So how 'bout we look back on it all with the highlights of the week:

We counted down the top 10 new shows and the top 10 returning shows for the upcoming season. That's, yes, 20 shows worth watching. We know that some critics are worried about the overall quality of the fall schedule... but, really, if 20 isn't enough for them, they should maybe start thinking about reading more books.

We found 18 "memorable TV moments" that the Emmy people left off their list. And yet they still won't let us present the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy!

We met the new American Idol judge, and she's attractive, articulate and successful. Let's hope she keeps her Coke cup away from Paula.

We watched some hilariously terrible music videos featuring TV stars. If you've ever wondered what the Internet was made for, this is it.

We thought we'd lost Denise Richards, and then we maybe got her back, but then we weren't sure we really wanted her after all. Just like Charlie in that one episode of Two and a Half Men!

We learned that even after all this time, we're still amused by the phrase "Stifler's mom."

We saw Mackenzie Phillips get in trouble with drugs, and David Duchovny get in trouble with sex. Where the hell is Dr. Drew when you need him?

Helloooo, Mr. Phelps! Goodbyyyye, Mr. Bush!

We got ready to spend the waning days of summer with a nice long weekend of TV. Hey, it's our job -- what's your excuse?

Photo: AP

Previously:
The Weekly Rewind: We Want Our Fun TV

Pres. Bush's Beach Volleyball Back-Slap: The Inside Story

Ben Kallen — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:25:00 GMT

Everyone enjoyed the photos like the one above of President George W. Bush clowning around at the Olympics with American beach volleyball champs Kerry Walsh and Misty May-Treanor. (Say what you will about his politics, the guy is as ready for a good time as any president since... well, since his immediate predecessor.)

But as May-Treanor explained when the pair appeared on Late Show With David Letterman last night, that wasn't the first time she had shown him her tattoo. Click here for the clip.

Photo: AP

Previously:

The Weekly Rewind: The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of TV

The Weekly Rewind: We Want Our Fun TV

Ben Kallen — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:35:00 GMT

The Olympics are coming to an end, and the new TV season hasn't started yet. What the heck can we do with all that extra free time? Maybe we should just sit back, relax, and spend it on the highlights of the week:

We learned that George and Izzie are TV's most annoying couple, but then we remembered Ross and Rachel.

We were alternately thrilled and disappointed by Michael Phelps, and Bigfoot.

We heard Hurley sing, and it was awesome.

We remembered the most terrible game shows of all time, and it kind of made us want to watch them again. But the most memorable moments in TV history? Eh, seen 'em.

We heard that Kelly Bundy's just fine, and that made us happy.

We saw what The Bachelor's ex Shayne Lamas is like at a party, and it's pretty much what we figured.

We discovered that many TV stars don't watch TV, because they're too busy sipping expensive champagne with fashion models.

We figured out how to get MTV's original stars cable-ready again.

We wondered why this statue of Fonzie looks so much like Christopher Walken.

We learned why Canadians think the beaver is a proud and noble animal.

We learned who might be on Dancing With the Stars this season, and hoped Kim Kardashian wouldn't have center-of-gravity issues.

We discovered that the Internet is nothing but a gathering place for Knight Rider and Baywatch fanatics. But then, we knew that already.

Previously:
The Weekly Rewind: The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of TV

Michael Phelps Backlash Begins!

Ben Kallen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:32:00 GMT

Barely a few days after Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals and brought massive ratings to NBC's Olympics coverage, a minor backlash is already developing.

The world's greatest swimmer is being criticized for his desirability, his childish personal style, and even for "a general aura of doucheyness." Meanwhile, nutritionists are complaining that Phelps' professed love of Big Macs and endorsement of Frosted Flakes cereal will contribute to the obesity epidemic among kids who don't burn off 12,000 calories a day the way he does.

Next thing you know, they'll be making fun of his ears! But that would never happen, would it?

Oh, right.

Previously:
The Summer Olympics: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

The Weekly Rewind: The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of TV

Ben Kallen — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:20:00 GMT

What a week! That Aquaman guy won a bazillion gold medals, our Russian gymnast from Texas beat their Russian gymnasts from Russia -- while China's 14-year-old 16-year-olds beat everybody -- and our beach volleyball players were surprised to learn that any other countries even have beach volleyball. Still, none of it did a damned thing for world peace... and all we cared about was how it looked on TV.

Now that we have our priorities in order, let's get on with the highlights of the week.

Well, before the week had even started, we lost a couple of greats: comedian Bernie Mac and TV's singing Chef, Isaac Hayes. Sad news, America, indeed.

To cheer ourselves up, we watched the late-night talk shows go sex-crazy. Jay Leno made with the sexy talk to guest Scarlett Johansson, while guest Kate Mara was seduced by Craig Ferguson. But watching David Letterman's cool old morning show was almost enough to make us forget about him smooching with Gillian Anderson. (P.S.: Welcome, Fark readers! Feel free to take a look around.)

We chose ten guest stars for Friday Night Lights, cast the upcoming Hawaii Five-O remake and put a little comic relief into Heroes -- but also learned we were losing the only new 90210 cast member who could keep things in the family.

We learned that America's Next Top Model is getting a girl with something extra, and that Dancing With the Stars might soon have a contestant who can bring his own tights.

We went back to Animal House, and thought Ernest Borgnine would have fit right in. But we also learned stuff about Alanis Morissette and Dave Coulier that we oughtn'ta know.

We found out what would have happened on the canceled Journeyman, and it made us want to time-travel. But we'd still rather watch the Olympics in real time.

And finally, we learned that Bigfoot, Julia Child's spy career, Britney Spears' entertainment career and Donald Trump's heart might be more than just myths.

Previously:
The Weekly Rewind: Is Couch-Surfing a Sport?

The Weekly Rewind: Is Couch-Surfing a Sport?

Ben Kallen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:20:00 GMT

Before we all put on our moisture-wicking athletic socks and prepare to watch eight billion hours of Olympics coverage, let's take a look back at some top stories of the week:

We watched a bunch of Calvin Klein Obsession ads and decided not to go to film school.

We marveled at scenes from the never-made Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Animated Series and wished there were more.

We found out what happened to Joe Schmo and Joe Millionaire, and it wasn't pretty.

We learned that Charlie Sheen earns twice as much as Mariska Hargitay -- and that Lauren Conrad "earns" 30 times as much as us.

We watched supposedly funny campaign ads by John McCain and Barack Obama, and decided that at least one of them should get a new day job. (Preferably, one that doesn't involve Tyra Banks impersonating your wife.)

We watched as Nashville Star and Last Comic Standing and So You Think You Can Dance crowned new winners, and wished we were watching American Idol instead. Especially after a brand-new Claymate entered the world.

We saw two Christian Slaters, after almost forgetting there was even one.

We wondered if it's possible to make singer Joss Stone unattractive enough for English royalty.

We realized that no Bob Saget roast would be complete without Olsen-twin sex jokes, but were still kind of shocked by Uncle Jesse's.

We developed a crush on a newscaster. And saw a newscaster get an inappropriate crush of his own.

We got jailhouse survival tips from Jack Bauer.

We heard about some place overseas where a bunch of sporting events are about to begin.

Previously:
The Weekly Rewind: Baby, I Love Your Way

Video Weekend: Classic Olympic Comedy

Ben Kallen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:59:00 GMT

Yes, the Olympics are going to completely dominate the airwaves for the next couple of weeks. To help get you in the mood, here are a few of our favorite comedy sketches related to the games. (Note: If you're trying to access this from Olympic Village in China, the videos may be replaced by The Happy Government Fun-Time Hour.)

Saturday Night Live's much-loved "Men's Synchronized Swimming" sketch, with Harry Shearer, Martin Short and Christoper Guest.

From Da Ali G Show, Ali G interviews Olympic official John Nabor.

"Olympic Moments You Missed," from Mad TV.

Previously:
Video Weekend: Eight Great Standup Comics

Olympics 2008: The Actual Opening Ceremony in 30 Seconds

Ben Kallen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:05:00 GMT

Thanks to time differences and all, the BBC has already shown today's spectacular Opening Ceremony for the Summer Olympics. Check out their 30-second recap -- it's like a broadcast from the future.

Previously:
Olympic Opening Ceremony Leaked Online -- Watch It Before It's Gone! (Note: It is gone.)

Watch the Olympics for Free Online

Our Latest NewsCrush: Amy Robach

Ben Kallen — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:25:00 GMT

We happened to catch the NBC Nightly News last night, when national correspondent and Weekend Today host Amy Robach was anchoring for the first time while Brian Williams was off to cover the Olympics.

Say, Brian? You just stay in China as long as you want.

Previously:
Sunday Morning Coming Down: Brokaw To Fill in for Russert
Our NewsCrush Lara Logan Got Herself a Sex Scandal

The Weekly Rewind: Baby, We Love Your Way

Ben Kallen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:29:00 GMT

In the warmth of midsummer, here at The Remote Island our thoughts turned to the celebrities we love.

We heard that beautiful, sensible young Topanga is all grown up and ready to steal our jobs. And so, apparently, is A.C. Slater.

We learned that Lisa Bonet and Gretchen Mol will be joining the cast of Life on Mars -- a show that had better be good, or the sheer wastefulness of it all will make us sad.

We watched the appealing, flawed, doomed people of Mad Men celebrate Valentine's Day in 1961, then attempt to pick up new fans in Grand Central Station.

We learned that someone on Ugly Betty is going to start dating Kelly Ripa's handsome husband -- and we don't mean Regis.

We listened as lovely Lindsay Lohan got a special shout-out from the chief of police.

We got jealous when we saw Dave Letterman and Agent Scully making out. But we thought those kids from Gossip Girl should get a room.

We watched 10,000 beautiful and graceful Chinese performers at the Olympics, even though we weren't supposed to.

We watched Dr. Horrible for the 20th time, and put it on the site so you could, too. Then we watched Felicia Day's new project -- or maybe we were just watching Felicia Day.

We saw Sharon Osbourne try to check under the hood of an Ozzy impersonator to make sure it wasn't really her husband.

We were shocked to hear that Brooke Hogan doesn't vote, then decided it's probably for the best.

We were surprised to hear that Torchwood's John Barrowman is in talks to play Captain America, then decided no one would mind.

We saw a Judge Judy plaintiff hang on to her wits, and her clothes, in the midst of the L.A. earthquake -- which is more than we can say for these Big Brother contestants.

We didn't know what to think about J.Lo and that hooker lady's respective future plans, but we wished them well.

And we decided that the best way to end the week would be to hear Lisa Bonet sing -- in a French-dubbed clip from High Fidelity, naturally.

Previously:
The Weekly Rewind: Endless Summer

Olympic Opening Ceremony Rehearsal Leaked Online -- Watch It Before It's Gone!

Ben Kallen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:25:00 GMT

Les Jeux Olympiques de Beijing
by Markbel

The video above is a rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony of the upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing, which was filmed by a South Korean TV station and leaked to the web. Which, apparently, has made Chinese Olympic officials furious. It's been taken down from YouTube and other sites, but still available -- for now! -- on Dailymotion, whose copy we've linked to here.

The ceremony, directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou, reportedly cost $300 million to put together and features 10,000 performers. The preview clip is pretty incredible, complete with whales, floating dancers and multiple martial artists. It's also -- let's say it -- just a little bit scary in the way it presents artistic movement with such perfect military precision

Of course, we have no idea if watching this video online counts as a vote for Internet freedom, or will just convince the Chinese government to crack down on web access even further. (As for NBC, they probably see it as the best viral promotion ever.) The actual ceremony will air a week from today at 8 p.m. -- and we know we'll be watching.

Previously:
The Summer Olympics: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

The Summer Olympics: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

Ben Kallen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:27:00 GMT

Looking forward to NBC Universal's coverage of the Beijing Olympics in August? You'd better be... because escape will be impossible. The entertainment conglomerate is planning to broadcast 3,600 hours of Olympic programming, far more than has ever been shown before. That's more than 200 hours per day.

And it won't just be on NBC stations, either, but also on USA Network, MSNBC, CNBC, Universal HD, the Spanish-language Telemundo, and even the recently purchased women's channel Oxygen (which will feature female-skewing programming such as tennis and gymnastics highlights). After all that, if there's still any time left in your day, you can also watch streaming events, replays and highlights on the Internet.

Because of the 12-hour time difference from Beijing, NBC plans to air a lot of popular morning events live during prime time, instead of tape-delaying them as in the past. (That's on the East Coast of the U.S., anyway -- West Coast viewers will still get a three-hour time delay, just as they do with the Emmys, the Grammys and Saturday Night Live.) There'll also be constant coverage in the afternoon and late-night hours, just in case you were planning on working or sleeping.

So clear off your schedule, empty out your DVR and get ready for a long month. Either that or find a cave to hide in somewhere to avoid the whole thing. But if you do, make sure it doesn't get cell-phone reception -- because there'll be Olympics programming on those, too.

Previously:
Paper Covers Rock, Fox Sports Network Covers Rock Paper Scissors