Less than 24 hours to go...

The 2010 Winter Olympic games are finally here. Notwithstanding the whining of those individuals who insist on raining on this parade (as if there was not enough of the real stuff), The Olympics are a real feast, and not only for the athletes, coaches, supporters, the countless media, sponsors, etc. The Olympics give the host city, and country, an opportunity to welcome the world into their home. To celebrate together as one collaborative entity with the main objective (besides the medals, of course) being the best possible experience available anywhere without getting too hammered to do it all over again tomorrow. To celebrate cultural differences and banish intolerance. To share.

I was fortunate enough to have experienced the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, so I speak from experience. Quite simply the games rock. And snow or no, these games, with their live music festivals, performances, art, theatre, light shows and spectacular pavilions, will blow the world away.

So for those who have already complained that Irish House is too loud (seriously!), the lights and strobes that blast into the night sky are too bright, and that the Olympics have nothing to offer them, I say wake up and get thee a camera, a stiff beverage and a sense of community. This only comes around once, my friends. Drink it all in. You can sleep in March.