For the American sports fan, the Olympics are often less enjoyable than they might be due to the TV coverage, with its "endless sob stories, the desire to impose a narrative arc on sporting events, and the boosterism that gave short shrift to non-U.S. athletes."

That plus tape delays, bane of my existence.

Here's hoping (against hope, perhaps) that it will be different this year, especially on the cable NBC affiliates where our basketball will be shown. Just show me the games live and in their entirety and I'll be happy.