Right above the action

If, like me, you're both captivated and annoyed by the "skycam" used in virtually all football games now, here's an interesting explanation about the camera system from Thursday's New York Times. I'm sure you knew it was operated with cables too; all you have to do is look at hang above the field.

As I said, I have mixed feelings about the view. It resembles one of the Madden video games, and you can see more of the play unfold than you often do from the normal sideline view. But I also think TV directors are a little too in love with the shot. Has your stomach ever lurched as the camera switches abruptly from one side of the field to the other during a kickoff return? Pass the Dramamine, man.