I will put aside all feelings towards the Chinese Government’s treatment of those in their own country, the support of genocide in Darfur, blatant disregard for the environment and the plight of the Tibetans while relaying my feelings on the Olympic games as a whole.

First of all, the Opening Ceremonies were fan-freaking-tastic! What a spectacle! But also, how intimidating was that? I remarked to the sig other how regimes such as those in China and North Korea scare the bejeezus out of me and the Opening Ceremonies showcased why. Their people, their children are just so…well…disciplined and organized. Most people here can’t even get their kids to take out the trash and they get theirs to move in perfect rhythm. Imagine what else they could, and would, do. The Opening Ceremonies were basically a Chinese version of North Korea’s Arirang Festival, or “Mass Games”. The only difference being, of course, the lack of brainwashing and celebration of a dead “Forever” ruler. There are some pretty sweet pictures of the ceremonies here in case you missed them.

Women’s gymnastics is just going to anger me. A couple of us noted how the announcers seem hesitant to pick on the Chinese gymnasts while being extremely tough on the Americans. Shawn Johnson got completely screwed on her balance beam score, by the way. I am just going to assume that any event that involves judges will be a win for the Chinese.

Speaking of gymnastics. There is an age restriction stating that you have to be at least 16. If most of those girls are 16 then I’m, oh, 50 or so. Holy 12 year old!

Possibly the best moment of the Olympics thus far, however, was the 4X100 Men’s freestyle relay. That was, without a doubt, one of the most exciting moments I have ever witnessed in all of sports. The sig other and I were jumping off the couch and screaming in our living room. What a finish! What a stupid thing to shoot your mouth off like that, France. Wow.

The shooting off of the mouths by France is just one element making swimming so dramatic. Of course, Phelps has a chance to make history, and that in itself is potentially quality drama, but I mean scandalous, soap opera type drama.

I give you the story of French swimmer Laure Manaudou. Manaudou was dating Italian swimmer Luca Marin and, long story short, ran away to be with him. After all kinds of issues and drama, she finally returned to France to swim. Her boyfriend ditched her and hooked up with another swimmer, who happens to be Manaudou’s rival. Then, seemingly out of the blue, naked photos of Manaudou appear everywhere. The ex and the rival are blamed to try to throw her off. They, of course, deny this. So, if you cannot watchfor the thrill of competition, you have some good “The Hills” type drama to occupy your time.

I’m hoping for some more excitement as the game progress! I’m sure I’ll update soon as I absolutely love the Olympics and feel like an uber-geek every 4 (ok, every 2 with the winter games) years.