The Games begin!!

If you missed the Opening Ceremony........you missed a really awesome show.........2008 Guys doing Chen Taiji.........and Li Ning flying up to light the Cauldron.....2008 drummers......and a light show that was fantastic........ they did put the emphasis on the athletes........as they took forever to march in.............I got home after practice at UC......it was testing nite........only two students tested.......an all time low........but in time to see the start of Badminton, Boxing, and  Fencing.  The Games have begun.  It was kind of funny though the TV commentators kept saying they did not know why some of the countries were so enthusiastic....as a t least 97 countries will not win anything........shows these guys were never athletes at the world level.........it is just a fantastic high to walk into a world competition representing the hopes of your country......after .the long hours of training finally getting there.......that's actually more important than winning......everyone knows the competition will be tough.....cause it's the best in the world.........an opportunity to be on the world stage is reward enough for most athletes........it's just the big countries that turn the event into a medal hunt........in any case a big jiayo to all the athletes!  Kind of kool....Mic hael Phelps starting out with a gold in his search for more medals than any other athlete in history........and the most compelling....perhaps Torres of the US Swim Team....the oldest woman swimmer to ever compete in the Olympics.......a spry 41.............all ready got a Silver for her relay team!  Lot's of stuff to watch.....the gymnastic competition also looks tough.......the China and Japanese Teams look awesome...some of the srongest athletes I have ever seen.......and these guys are doing real nandu!

On another front, today was our turn to help Lion Dance to raise money for Self Help for the Elderly...........Corey and Kei Lun did most of the organizing........but Ryan, CF,and Glenn joined them from our team to help out........thanks to everyone!!

Ray and Mel did the drumming and gong playing all day........relax after a long day.

Ryan got to dance the head...and CF played the cymbals..........Glenn standing in back with the sifu shades........lol.

Also, going on today was the first day of the Nihonmachi Street Fair.......I sort of forgot about it until I crossed the Peace Plaza.  The Fair began with Safari Jamming their tunes.........lots of crafts, games, and food....if you're in J-Town do drop by and take part in the festivities!

All right I'm going back to the TV...watching the US Volleyball Team play....... later hope you all enjoy the Games!! Cya!!