The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina kicked off Friday with a dazzling opening ceremony, featuring fireworks, a performance by Mariah Carey, and even a dancing stovetop espresso maker, according to NPR Politics. The games, however, are already facing controversy, with rumors of a scandal involving male ski jumpers and potential advantages gained through cosmetic enhancements. Meanwhile, shoppers looking for deals can find discounts on tech gadgets, including TVs perfect for watching the games and Valentine's Day gifts.
The opening ceremony, held at Milan's San Siro Stadium, also included simultaneous celebrations in Livigno, Predazzo, and Cortina, as reported by NPR Politics. The Parade of Nations saw women escorting athletes wearing floor-length puffy coats and oversized sunglasses.
However, the games have been overshadowed by allegations of "Penisgate," as Ars Technica reported. Rumors suggest male ski jumpers may have injected their penises with fillers to gain a competitive edge. The alleged goal was to increase the size of their bulges, potentially allowing for more material in their jumpsuits and, consequently, increased surface area for gliding. A 2025 study cited by Ars Technica indicated that every 2 cm of extra fabric could improve performance.
Amidst the excitement of the games, consumers can find deals on various products. According to The Verge, Valentine's Day shoppers can find discounts on a range of gifts, including smart home gear, soundbars, smartwatches, e-readers, Bluetooth trackers, and Lego sets. The Verge also reported deals on Apple AirPods, with discounts available on every model, from the entry-level AirPods 4 to the Pro 3. The entry-level AirPods are available for around $100, according to The Verge.
For those looking to enjoy the Winter Olympics, Wired recommended the Samsung 77-inch S90F QD-OLED TV, currently on sale for $2,000. The outlet noted that the TV is a "gorgeous display" and one of the best of the year, making it ideal for watching the games in 4K, especially with a Peacock subscription or a good VPN.
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