One essay on them vs (ironically following at the same site by a different author) another. What do you think about all the hype? Are you looking forward to watching the Olympics, or are you so outraged at the Chinese government's treatment of various minority and dissenting groups you think them an obscene dressing for tyranny? Is it a mockery of environmental awareness to host them in a smog-filled metropolis, or a hopeful sign that the ChiComs are willing to do so much to improve conditions there, albeit for a short time?

I wouldn't want to be an Olympic athlete these days. I can't say I was "close," although I did go to Nationals while in high school and play at the varsity level at a Big Sports College. So at least I can relate to what athletes must do to and with their bodies to compete at the top levels. I'm also glad: I think I was part of the very last generation of top athletes who could compete safe in the knowledge that my competitors weren't regularly doping left and right. Read more…