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     Today is a day to celebrate youth.

     Today is a day to be hopeful about the future of the planet.  One thing the Olympics remind us is that we CAN get along, if only for two weeks, if only in a sporting setting.  But, it is a start.  One of Baron Coubertin's original aims was to bring together countries that had recently warred, in an effort to aid a healing process.

     People have every right to complain that the Olympics are a sham, that the billions of dollars spent hosting are a waste, that the nationalism shown by TV networks is jingoistic posturing.  I get it.  But we need the Olympic Games, as a reset, as a reminder, as a world party.  To me, it is vitally important that this tradition continue.

    I'm excited for these Games, I think they have great potential.  We are going to meet some amazing people in these next 17 days and nights.  It is a unique opportunity.  I'm thankful that both my Mother and my Father shared their enthusiasm for the Games with me.  I recently found a copy of a board we played at home when I was in high school called "Decathlon."  My father knew the track athletes so well he knew exactly who to choose, when -  Bob Mathias will win this event, Rafer Johnson will win that one.  I'd love to play that game with my Dad again, but I'll be very happy to share the London Games with the young.  It was suggested recently that the American youth don't carry the "buzz" for the Games that my generation did.  The thought is that their leisure hours are so devided, so full of choices that the Games don't count as much.  No disrespect, but I hope the thought is not true.

    I do know a subset of young people who are looking forward to the Games, and I hope they will carry the spirit and fun forward to their next generation.  From Dylan's euphoric tweet two months ago, "So psyched for London 2012!", to Brigid's joy at the slam poet in the Opening Cermonies in Vancouver, to Megan's collection of USA Todays during the Beijing Olympiad, to Razz's excitement with this summer's Trials......

   Welcome, young folks.  Thanks for showing us how really great a people we can be.

    Bring It!

SSILATO -  (Silly Stuff I Learned About The Olympics)

                 Every Olymipic badminton shuttlecock has 18 feathers, each plucked from the left wing of a goose.