You Talkin' to Me? The Olympics vs. Tiger's media dance

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Sheridan, Phil; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Subject: Tiger vs. the Olympics 

The two of you will be surprised to learn this, but the Olympics continue today. All sorts of competitions are scheduled, from ice hockey to curling, cross-country to figure skating. There's also a major non-Olympics event slated for this morning: Tiger Woods' news conference, which, ironically, won't feature any questions from the press.

Which will make for more compelling television: the Winter Games or Tiger's choreographed media maneuvering?

From: Sheridan, Phil

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Tiger vs. the Olympics 

Gotta watch Tiger talk. If it does well in the ratings, I hear it's going to be a new fall series.

I'm hoping they use that technology that shows two Olympic racers as if they're on the course together. Maybe show Tiger and A-Rod and McGwire all doing their TV mea culpas at once so we can compare facial tics.

Fortunately for me, this will be well over by the time Allison Baver takes the ice. I hear she's fast.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Sheridan, Phil; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Tiger vs. the Olympics 

I thought you promised to stay away from fast women, Sheridan. I think everyone is anxious to get a look at Tiger, but a brief look will sate our curiosity, especially when it becomes clear we won't be hearing anything but well-rehearsed platitudes. Me, I'm up on the mountain today with most of the Aryan race.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Sheridan, Phil; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Subject: Tiger vs. the Olympics 

Careful. The Canadians have computers now, and a select few know how to operate them.

I doubt the Tiger presser will yield anything unexpected or shocking. We'll all be talking about it, but I suspect the conversation will be more about what he didn't say and the questions that were never asked than what was ultimately revealed.

I'll go with the Olympics. The skeleton nutbags go for medals today. Head-first down the luge track. Some might even open their eyes, though I wouldn't recommend it.