Mook wearing a wife beater, gold chain and driving an IROC.

All I know that the Vancouver 2010 mascots on this webpage talk, and if they didn't freak me out before, THEY SURE DO NOW. I mean, COME ON, people! IT'S A MONSTER.

Oh, my God. Where can I get one of those? Must have Quatchi.

Robin Williams?

Quatchi looks cute as a drawing, but that plush toy is of Satan.

Paul Hamm will not compete in Beijing.

The Hamm brothers and their squeaky voices freak me out, but I feel bad for him.

As long as Little Nathalia is okay.

Aw, I was hoping to see Paul compete again, especially since I think he got a raw deal with the controversy concerning his 2004 all-around gold medal. He and Morgan do have creepy helium-like voices, but they're really good competitors.

Well, well, well, looks like China's going to censor Internet access during the Olympics, after all. And the IOC's ok with it.

So, who's surprised?

*crickets*

China's going to come out of these Games either looking really good, or really, really bad. And it's still a toss up as to which one it will be.

I feel badly for the Chinese people themselves, but as for their government, I hold about as much love for them as I do my own these days.

It is, but its its last time (unless they get back in next year) Its an aboustle disgrace that the only all female sport and one of the few sports where ameture status is the norm is kicked out. Especilly for all the bullshit reasons. Softball dosen't have enough national orginisations? It has more than a number of others (including field hockey) The Americans have won all the gold medals? Is that supposed to be a BAD thing? I'm Australian and I think if that's the reason they're kicking softball out, its a goddamn disgrace. Why should the entire sport, let alone the American team, be punished because they're just that good? I think it was Lopez who said "Is wanting to be the best against the Olympic spirit?"

I played top level competitive softball up till around three years ago. I got to face Jennie Finch and Lisa Ferndendez. and oh dear God. I almost shit myself for both of the first balls from those two awesome women. My 12 year old self died at the thought I was batting against Lisa Fernendez. Didn't touch either of them, but just the experience was enough for me!

Most of the speed of the motion comes from the torso. I've personally never understood how the baseballers can throw like they do, but its just different perspectives. Softballers get the whipping motion which brings the speed. Baseballers are very laconic looking to me.

THREE DAYS TO GO!

That is so cool! While I personally quit playing after 5th grade, softball has always been in my life because my sister is a pitcher (she's actually in South Carolina right now for a tournament). I really hate that they are going to get rid of softball as an Olympic sport.

I'm so excited for the Olympics, but Friday I'm going to Myrtle Beach with my family for a few days, and I'm worried I won't get to watch my usual 345234 hours of Olympic coverage like I do every time.

Normally I don't get all excited about the summer Olympics - it's all about the winter sports for me - but then I remembered the swimming and diving and rowing. I'm shallow.

Also, opening ceremonies are always really pretty and well done. At least, usually.

I am so excited about the Olympics, there's something about the spirit of international athletic competition that I love. And I'm so having an Opening Ceremony party.