ProgressOhio

With five days to go, it may be premature to say this, but what a great event the Chinese have pulled off. Good hosting job, China.

The Olympics so far have been so carefully managed, I believe that some of the "controversy" stories coming out of Beijing, such as the Jon-Bene-Jing lip-synching girl, were premeditated news events. The Chinese have finally blossomed in the world meedya scene. They get it.

It can't be easy in a huge Communist country of sibling-less group-thinkers. They're real good at drummer displays, but individualism and a free press are awfully hard for them to accept. Now the Chinese have proven that they are up to the task of hosting an Olympics. Congratulations to China and to NBC for putting the show together here.

That said, how about those tiny not-16-year-old Chinese "women" gymnasts? You have to feel for these little overachieving Tools of the State. The New York Post said the silver-winning American gymnastics team looked like the "babysitters" of the gold-winning Chinese team. The Americans weighed an average of 30 lbs. more!  Clearly, this is fodder for an investigative journalism team or two. Stay tuned!

I like the survival-skills type of Olympic events like the Steeplechase (not just for horses anymore) which involves running over high hurdles and through water. It's hard to imagine a life-or-death situation where Synchronized Diving would come into play.

I've learned a lot sitting on my couch. I learned that Team Handball is sort of a hybrid basketball-soccer game. (My theory is that this event was invented by an international committee as a means of bypassing American team-sports powerhouses. They should call it "No Yankee Ball.")

I've become very impressed with not only the athletic abilities, but also the personal humility of both Michael Phelps and LeBron James. James is one great Ohio athlete -- he doesn't make promises, he just delivers.

Having grown up in a family of girls pre-Title IX (that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it), I have very limited experience with team sports. How uplifting to see so many beautiful women athletes in Beijing! I mean, these chicks are hot. It really shakes your stereotypes of girl jocks.

Personally, I have come to appreciate the Olympics for the body displays -- not much "T," but plenty of "A" of both genders.

Ah, butts -- humanity's great equalizer.