/customerservice/
|
On your mark, get set . . . for the Summer Olympics
Elite amateur athletes from around the globe begin moving into the Olympic Village in Beijing, China's capital, near the end of this month so they can do on-site training. And in just over three weeks, teams from about 200 countries will parade behind their flags at colorful opening ceremonies for the Summer Olumpics - held every four years in a different city.
Thanks to the Internet and other new technology, there are more ways than ever to catch the action and keep track of who wins bronze, gold and silver medals during the Aug. 8-24 event. Because Beijing is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time in America, online video sometimes will be available here a half-day before NBC-TV broadcasts the competition during evening. prime time For that reason, the network also will stream 2,200 hours of live coverage online with interactive features and user control. Separately, serious fans can get text alerts and video feeds to their mobile phones. And those who miss anything also can find the action on YouTube by the next day, naturally. As with other forms of news and entertainment, the old approach of simply watching the Olympics on TV at night is no longer the only game in play.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2013
We welcome comments or suggestions for future topics: Click here to Comment Front Page Talking Points Archive►Federal safety board urges tougher drinking-and-driving cutoff limit to match other nations ►Northeast braces for noisy invasion: Flying cicada bugs return after hiding for 17 years ►U.S. military prison at Guantanamo, Cuba, remains a tricky problem for President Obama ►Doctors warn about serious health risks from 'The Cinnamon Challenge' video craze ►Earth Day on April 22 focuses attention on how we can protect the natural environment ►Thousands of past players take on the National Football League over brain injuries ►North Korean missile threats create concern and U.S. show of military force ►South Africa reflects on the huge legacy of Nelson Mandela, hospitalized at 94 ►They come from space: NASA seeks money to spot and deflect risks from large asteroids ►This 'March Madness' basketball tournament season is special – the 75th in history |
Look for coverage of area athletes or coaches heading to Beijing. Start a wall display or scrapbook to keep track of any from your city or state.
Find an Olympics feature or column that's not directly about athletics, such as reports on souvenirs, business, volunteers, visitors, Beijing's environment or political issues. 
Although there are lots of ways to learn who wins medals and to see dramatic competitions, local papers and their web sites will provide distinctive Olympics coverage. Talk about what sets the paper apart from network TV or other national media. 
Popular events: Swimming, basketball, baseball, beach volleyball, water polo, gymnastics, track and field, mountain biking and - a newcomer - bicycle motocross (BMX).