Friday, August 08, 2008

China Grove

Today is the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China and it promises to be an extravaganza. Things did get off to a somewhat shaky start earlier this week as some of the American athletes from the U.S. cycling squad arrived in China wearing black respiratory masks. Yes, we all know that the air quality in China isn't exactly the best and the athletes probably didn't mean any disrespect (I'll give them the benefit of the doubt) but come on, does one really want to walk around looking like Michael Jackson?

The athletes did apologize though not from any pressure from the IOC. The IOC did say, however, that athletes cannot wear masks in the sports venues.

More controversy erupted thanks to swimming gold medalist Amanda Beard's anti-fur campaign poster. In the poster, Beard stands nude in front of the American flag.

As for the games, over 4 billion people are expected to watch, 91,000 watching the opening ceremony alone. Taking place at National Stadium, over 31,000 fireworks are expected to be set off. Now that's a lot of bang!

Let the games begin!

peace,

paul

No comments: