Closing thoughts on the Olympics...

The opening ceremonies were awesome...literally! Almost flawless[The little girl who actually did the singing should have been out there in the spotlight.]
My opinion remains solid that it was 'stupid' to declare a winner by a hundredth of a point, and it got 'stupider' when a tie happened in gymnastics and yet there were gold and silver medals awarded. However, the 'stupidest' award goes to the rowing races and the fact that a photo finish declared that one of the tieing teams won by three thousandths of a point. How flippin ridiculous is that?

Moving on...
Flo and I happened to see the coverage of synchronized swimming. It was amazing choreography, costuming, athletics, and...hello...teamwork! I know that some people think it is silly or such, but some amazing routines were exhibited!
Also, synchronized gymnastic teams[ like 5 people] who performed beautiful routines with hoops and baton- like projectiles flying through the air, and they made it look easy! It was quite a show of choreography, costumes, athletics, and...hello...teamwork!
And yet, synchronized swimming and synchronized gymnastics did not get the attention that solo swimming and solo gymnastics did.

I have a very difficult time accepting the veracity of the '16' year old Chinese gymnasts.
Doesn't seem believable to me.

Thank God for the safety of all of the Olympians, and in the year 2008 which has violence as an everyday occurrence. Yet, prayers to the family of the coach's father-in-law who was the victim of a random act of violence.
The coverage was often fun. Matt Lauer and Al Roker's skit with the big hoops and twirling ribbons was laughing out loud entertaining. The background info on all of the contestants proved to be inspiring in what it took to get there. 'Family ties' abounded.

Most of all, it was refreshing to see everyone pull together for their country. In the waiting room of the hospital where I volunteer, it made my heart smile when someone would ask me if I would change the channel to the Olympics, and then watch total strangers gather around to witness history as conversation flourished. I'd have to pry them away when it was their turn to have their scheduled medical procedure done!

Onward to 2010 Winter Games. I'll be sipping the hot chocolate with marshmallows while skiers are flying thru the air in the snow. Second thought...maybe some Baileys in coffee. I'll have to think about that!