2008 Olympics

Well, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing certainly have been exciting - both on and off the field!

Tragedy struck early-on when an unidentified assailant killed and severely wounded members of the men's volleyball team, and now we learn that not only were some of the fireworks displays faked at the opening ceremonies, but the pretty, little 9-year old girl who sang was China's own Britney Spears. Obviously, the first event is tragic and in no way compares, but we all knew going in that this was a dicey situation. To their credit, the American media has not focused on all of the bad stuff as much as they normally would.

Still, one of the bigger stories is how NBCU is racking-up the ratings; apparently most everyone is watching the 2008 Olympics! And why not? Once every four years, the very, very best of the best - from around the world - compete; like I said, I don't watch (any) sports, but I always watch everything to do with the Olympics, every two years.

And I am always reminded of the sports that I'd forgotten were part of the Olympics. I would watch water polo; I would watch handball (or whatever the game is where they're running and dribbling and throwing the ball into the nets); I do not care to watch football or basketball, etc. But the Olympics are really the only time you get to see some of these cool sports that are so popular around the world.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008