Archive for August 2008
Nice To Meet You, Too!
So, my friend Lisa is here in Beijing writing stories for th IOC website. Most of the stuff she is doing is behind-the-scenes reporting. She helped author the athlete handbook and was taken behind the walls of the athlete village. But the only people reading many of the cool stories she’s written are folks at…
Read MoreDay Nine: Here Comes The Sun
Since I’ve been a slacker up to this point and haven’t posted any photos in my updates, I decided to shorten my daily post in favor of some of my favorite shots. So here’s a recap of my ninth day, in nine sentences. I woke up to the most beautiful day we’ve had since I…
Read MoreDay Eight: Lucky Day
Today is my friend (and editor) Alison’s birthday. Since today is also our eighth day here, I consider this a sign she is about to have an extremely fabutastic year. Starting with a birthday lunch (I tried peking duck for the first time! It’s the most daring thing I’ve eaten in a long time and…
Read MoreDay Seven: Flipping Gymnasts
This morning, I thought I was going to watch the Magnificent Seven go down in history as the second-best U.S. women’s gymnastics team of all time. As you all know by now, that didn’t happen. Sure, it was disappointing to watch our five women lose control of the meet. But it was even more disappointing…
Read MoreDay Six: A Golden Day
This morning, I went to my first swimming event. I’ve been dying to get inside the Cube ever since I saw the first photos of the arena months ago. It looked like such a cool place to watch swimming. Well, it was. Especially the way I experienced it: sitting 14 rows from the pool with…
Read MoreDay Five: Fun Day
Since I arrived in Beijing four days ago, my friends, family and co-workers have asked me one question repeatedly: Are you having fun? It has been a difficult question to answer. Yes, I am having an experience. Yes, I am excited and grateful to be here. Yes, I am enjoying the events and the infinity…
Read MoreDay Four: Sunday, Sunday
This morning, I experienced my first Beijing rain (it lasted about 15 minutes and no, it did not clear up the air) and spent several hours watching women’s gymnastics. Check out my story. Plus, few observations … * The Chinese gymnasts are too small. One girl’s bio lists her at 68 pounds; the average weight…
Read MoreDay Three: Excitement and Sorrow
Last night, I attended the Opening Ceremonies of the XXIX Olympiad. The first hour was the most amazing feat of choreography, precision, artistry and engineering I have ever seen. This wanabe circus girl was impressed. The athlete precession was long. The torch lighting was the coolest thing I have ever seen. It gave me chills,…
Read MoreBeijing Smog Blog
This will be updated frequently, so check back often. It’s the ESPN Climate Blog, live from Beijing! Or, click the “continue reading” link for my most recent post.
Read MoreBeijing Day Two: A Few Observations
A bit of the weirdness I’ve noticed in less than 24 hours on the ground … The “grounds” (maze) our hotel is located on are peppered with statues of topless women playing sports. The grounds are also infested with the loudest cicadas on earth. The hotel pillows are stuffed with dried rice. (Q: What’s louder…
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