Summer Olympics

The last week of my life has consisted primarily of working and watching the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. I must say, China has done a phenomenal job in bringing the world together and creating a sense of international unity -- in spite of all of our differences. The festivities kicked off on 8/8/08 with the most spectacular opening ceremony (pics) imaginable. The sense of national tradition, the technology, the amazing performances -- all came together to make China rightfully proud.

I have greatly enjoyed watching beach volleyball (May-Treanor/Walsh & Rogers/Dalhausser), gymnastics (Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Jonathan Horton, and Justin Spring), and swimming (THE ONE, THE ONLY, MICHAEL PHELPS). I have had the pleasure of watching Michael swim every event in which he has participated in Beijing, and I must say he is the single most dedicated and talented athlete I have ever seen. He just won his seventh Gold Medal in Beijing, the thirteenth Olympic Gold of his career. Tomorrow, he competes for his world record breaking eighth Gold Medal, which would break Mark Spitz's record of seven Olympic Gold Medals in one year which Phelps tied today. I will undoubtedly be watching. The Olympics have really gotten my attention this year!