Olympic Fever and Still No Internet

Still having internet only on the computer that I have limited access to really prevents my ability to make posts as frequently as I'd like. Between that and the Olympics, I've not been getting much work done on Episode 14 (although the script is finally completed). But I mean really...can you blame me? It's the Olympics!

Any of you guys catch the opening ceremony? Ho-ly-shit, it was amazing! Of course, China really needed this badly in order to prove itself as a formidable economic power in the years to come, but even so, the fact that they pulled off something so grand was amazing!

The ceremony consisted of everything from dancing to martial arts artwork to drumming to people in lighted costumes creating dove images on the ground. What really blew my mind was how smoothly everything went. Every single act was done with unparalleled precision and unison between literally thousands of people per performance without a single repeat performer. Transitions were flawless, the displays were brilliant, costumes were superb, and the energy of both the artists and the crowd really delivered an Olympic opening without equal.

One oddity about the Olympics that I can't really wrap my head around, however, seems to be the inclusion of seemingly random sports and events that really don't get that much publicity in any other setting. I hadn't the slightest idea that the United States had a women's fencing team until I later read that it took home the gold, silver, AND bronze in said sport. Plus, whenever I try to catch a glimpse of swimming or tennis, I always wind up on something like handball, water polo, archery, or, get this...air pistol shooting. Olympic Nerf guns? No thanks. Not to take anything away from the participants of these events, but it just seems a bit out there for me.


Of course, a lot of the excitement has been placed on swimming. USA's own Michael Phelps is going for the title of best swimmer ever by winning more Olympic medals than any other competitor. And at 23 years old and with a total of 17 events in his sport this year, I'll bet my right foot that he'll achieve that (considering that as I type this post, he only needs one more gold).





Most of my focus, however, is on the men's basketball team, nicknamed the "Redeem Team" by many after a seemingly dominant USA team failed to achieve gold in its last 3 international competitions, including the 2004 Olympics in Athens. This year will be different, says me and every expert out there. Why? Because the players are finally feeling some shame after their
terrible performances AND because this year's roster is probably more talented AND more team-oriented.


Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwyane Wade: 3 of the biggest stars of the team so far. Kobe sadly hasn't been at his best in the first two games versus China and Angola, but Wade and Lebron have been monsters with Wade's nearly perfect field-goal percentage and Lebron's keen passing eye, not to mention his own scoring frenzies. The team beat China 101-70 and Angola 97-76. Future games are going to be tougher since they'll be facing European teams, many with strong NBA players such as Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol, playing for Germany and Spain, respectively. Still, TEAM USA's still got the best talent, and this year, the best team effort. I see a gold on the way and redemption for "LeBronze."

Before I part, I must let you all know that I will be out of town from tomorrow, Wednesday August 13th until Sunday August 17. During said time, I will probably have zero, if not very limited, access to a computer. So expect no posts during that time and no response to your YouTube comments and/or messages.