No, no, no.

That’s how I feel about any conversations regarding the recent deluge of snow storms we’ve been subject to these past few weeks. I don’t care about the snow as much I care about the conversations. I don’t want to hear anymore about it. We’re all sick of it. All of us! I can’t imagine there are many people left enjoying this winter. We’re all suffering. We’re all cold. We’re all tired of shoveling.

That’s it.

Let’s move on.

Let’s talk about something else.

Let’s talk about the Olympics. Specifically, let’s talk about the games and not the warm weather, the dogs, Putin or anything not related to the actual competitions. Have they been the most exciting Olympics ever? No, not really. But there’s been some interesting moments- for better or worse and I’m digging the Slop Style events, both in skiing and snowboarding. Although what I’m not digging is the looming dark cloud of spoilers that are hovering above these Olympics. Thanks to the time difference and wonderful social media, by the time NBC starts it’s coverage at 8pm eastern time, most of the suspense is shot. I actually think this tweet sums it up perfectly:

It’s led to numerous debates between My Darling Wife and I about what constitutes a spoiler and what constitutes news. All of these debates have ended with me apologizing and a moratorium on Olympic talk before we watch any of the events.

But hey, random thought- you have to imagine Skeleton athletes are the only athletes who can really question the toughness of Luge athletes, right?

Let’s talk about these “jackass” sports. And the jackass label comes from Johnny Pink Eye, NBC’s Bob Costas, who before the games, called the Slope Style events jackass sports and that the president of the IOC should be Johnny Knoxville. Well sir, if not for these events, as well as snowboarding events, the US would have only four medals, as opposed to 12. Granted these events are largely American-created events, but it’s not just Americans competing and whatever man, isn’t figure skating Russian-dominated? The Winter Olympics seem pretty secular to me- with only one or two countries usually laying claim to each sport. And the Americans are dominating the “jackass sports,” resulting in some of the more degrading and insulting commentary to come out of the Olympics when reporters covering the game are covering something else besides the deplorable conditions of their hotel rooms- making fun of the language of snowboarders (i.e. stoked,) their clothes and their way of life. Snowboarding is a sport, man. A very popular sport. It deserves way more recognition that it’s currently getting.

Let’s talk about Shaun White a bit, too. Bottom line: fans love him, other snowboarders don’t. All seems rooted in jealousy to me. I don’t think he’ll be truly appreciated until he retires.

Let’s talk about the return of The Walking Dead. The fourth season resumed this past Sunday with an episode that was pretty good, slightly better than an average episode of the show. Carl is 14 going on asshole and Rick looks like a walking dumpster fire. And while Carl and Rick navigated the dicey terrain of parenting in a post-Zombie Apocalypse world, Michonne exercised some demons in the only practical way a gal wielding a samurai sword can…

Let’s talk about the new Band of Horses’ album. The band recently released a live acoustic album, Acoustic at the Ryman. It’s frequently beautiful, totally soulful and completely memorizing. I listened to it twice yesterday morning while watching snow turn to rain and it all turn to slush. Made the whole thing easier to take. Just a really great album from a really great band.

Let’s talk about True Detective. Now I don’t understand half of what Matthew McConaughey is saying on this show, but I can’t take my eyes off of him. He’s amazing on it- the way he carries himself and the way the words slide and flow out of his mouth. This week’s episode was highlighted and capped off by this scene…

And finally, let’s talk about Lake Street Dive. I don’t really no squat about this band other than last night, right before bed, My Darling Wife mentioned them and today I decided to check them out. And I like it. I like it a lot. They released an EP in 2012, consisting mostly of covers- but they’re fun covers- covers of “Faith” by Limp Bizkit (kidding, George Michael…relax,) and “Rich Girl” by Hall and Oates. It’s old school jazz-ish with dips of country and old-time goodness. Definitely worth checking out.

Right there, seven things to talk about besides the snow. And I didn’t even mention the NBA, pitchers and catchers reporting, Michael Sam, Chris Christie- all worthwhile things to be talked about besides the snow.

You’re welcome, America.

Categories: Current Events

Tags: 2014 Winter Olympics, band of horses, bob costas, Hall and Oates, jackass sports, Johnny Knoxville, lake street dive, matthew mcconaughey, Olympics, shaun white, slope style, snow, snowboarding, snowboarding events, the walking dead, true detective, winter