From the edge of the Olympic green

Been watching way too much of this global gold rush that is the Olympics. Did China just win the women's quadruple sculls gold? This is getting out of hand.

There has been a lot on Bolt and Phelps so here are a few thoughts from the edge of the Olympic green.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whuppin' that Team USA put on ESP yesterday. After watching a few well timed flops it was easy to tell that those whiners were raised on European football. This proves that the new NBA rule penalizing a flop with a tech was good for the NBA version of the game... even though it might neutralize Manu.

I took in a few handball games on the tube. I concur with Sean Gregory's (check out story here) strategic plan to get America competitive in this forgotten "sport" - it's about the glory of the medal not the glory of the sport. But then again, I'm wondering why we don't just petition to get dodgeball a sanctioned sport. Then we could field our fourteen year olds too.

Did you see the study in contrasts that was the women's archery finals? In pouring rain China's three (plain and down to business) took on the dominant Koreans - resplendent in full makeup, designer sunglasses, sun hats, and personalized guards decorated with cartoon animals. I didn't know Hello Kitty could be so deadly.

Lastly, I happened across Matt Emmon's in the finals of the 50m 3-position rifle. Let's just say I really feel for the guy. Last shot mistake...drops to forth...for the second Olympics in a row. Ouch. I collapsed on the floor mouth almost as agape as his wife's when his score came up. What got me off the floor though was his congratulating the medal winners even though he gifted it to them. That is olympic sized class.