Topic: Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee approved the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Games, noting that climate change is shrinking the number of viable host cities. New research from the National Academy of Sciences claims that melting polar ice is redistributing mass toward the equator, slightly slowing the Earth's rotation and lengthening days by milliseconds. The hosts remain skeptical, citing the "Climate Gate" controversy.

The 2018 Winter Olympics coverage highlights Nathan Chen's record-breaking technical score in men's figure skating after he landed six quadruple jumps. The discussion shifts to the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) designation, noting that Russian athletes are competing under a neutral flag due to state-sanctioned doping. The hosts also comment on the heavy corporate sponsorship visible during medal ceremonies.

The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang face criticism regarding restrictive media coverage and the inclusion of "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) following doping scandals. NBC commentator Katie Couric is criticized for inaccurately claiming that residents of Amsterdam use frozen canals as a primary mode of transportation. A personal anecdote involving a Kenyan Uber driver in Austin, Texas, includes a claim that Barack Obama is fluent in Swahili but hides it for political reasons.

North Korean figure skaters Ryom Tae-ok and Kim Ju-sik qualified for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed hope that North Korean participation would serve as a "message of peace" to the world. However, security concerns remain, with France suggesting its athletes might skip the games if safety cannot be guaranteed amid rising regional tensions.

The discussion turns to the Sochi Winter Olympics and the negative media coverage surrounding the event. A clip features an American female ski jumper being interviewed on RT (Russia Today), where she praises the organization and scenery of the games, seemingly unbriefed on the negative Western narrative. The hosts also discuss the "ratings bonanza" of human-interest stories, such as a snowboarder with a brother suffering from health issues.

The discussion shifts to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, focusing on the technical failure of one of the five Olympic rings during the opening ceremony. A viral internet hoax is addressed, which falsely claimed the engineer responsible for the rings was found stabbed to death in his hotel room. The hosts also reference a "Red Book" prediction regarding a stray dog interrupting the event.

The ongoing controversy surrounding Russia's "anti-gay" laws is framed as a potential promotional vehicle for the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics. The discussion suggests that the international media focus has increased public awareness of the games' location.

The hosts correct a Tonight Show exchange where Jay Leno and President Obama incorrectly stated that Vladimir Putin headed the KGB, noting he only reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. They also mock Obama for mentioning "the balance beam" and "swimming pools" in the context of the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics.

Activists in Vancouver organized the "Olympics Resistance Network" to protest the Winter Games, citing concerns over indigenous land exploitation and the $7 billion budget. The hosts critique the broad nature of the protesters' grievances, which include poverty and the militarization of policing.