Dazzling

I’m doing something completely out of character this morning… watching the “Today” show on NBC and actually enjoying it… even considering the numerous moments that made me wince, most of which involved the obnoxious throngs of “Hi Mom!” idiots hanging around behind the anchor people. It makes one wonder why NBC perpetuates this sort of madness, as it’s highly distracting. But, Hey! I suppose I should put that phenomenon in the “Ain’t that America” category and forget it.

Silver medalist Shawn Johnson of the United States, gold medalist Nastia Lukin of the United States and bronze medalist Yang Yilin of China pose together after the women's individual all-around artistic gymnastics final. Photo: Getty Images

So… I fell asleep last night watching the “overnight” coverage of the Olympics on my teevee and awoke to “Today.” The best bits on the show this morning have all revolved around America’s new sweethearts: Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. Just in case you’ve been under a rock for the last 16 hours or so, here’s why:

American Nastia Liukin has broken China's stranglehold in the gymnastics competition to win the women's all-around Olympic gold medal.

The 18-year-old put in a dazzling display on all four apparatus to win the title with a score of 63.325 and emulate the feat of fellow Americans Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson.

Liukin edged out compatriot and world champion Shawn Johnson by 0.6 of a point. China's Yang Yilin picked up the bronze.

“Dazzling display” is understatement of the highest order. The entire performance… by all the competitors… was full of beauty, elegance, and amazing athleticism, not to mention the incredible suspense and tension surrounding the performances by each of the eventual medalists… on each and every apparatus. The LA Times has a more extensive article about Liukin and Johnson… it’s a good read.

And then there was Michael Phelps, who continues to dominate the swimming events and the entire Olympiad. Six gold medals, six world records. And the man isn’t finished. About which I can only say: Wow. Just… Wow! Like everyone else on the planet.

―:☺:―

Hey, Jenny! You can thank me for all that rain we got yesterday afternoon and last evening. I had an appointment to get The Green Hornet detailed yesterday afternoon… and that storm blew in just as the guys finished washing the car and before they waxed it. Actually, they didn’t wax it; I have to take it back in today to get the job finished. The interior is done, as is the engine compartment…which had accumulated an un-bee-leeb-able amount of dust and grime over the past five and a half years of P-Ville living. It’s all clean and shiny now, though… as the exterior will be by the end of the day. But, it's true... want it to rain? Wash the car.

―:☺:―

Today's Pics: Speaking of yesterday’s storm… here are a few pics I took last evening after the worst of it had passed, and before we went into round two.

You can see just the slightest hint of a rainbow here… looking NNE.

Note the dust clouds in this pic, even after some significant rain!

I love the light in this pic… the vibrant green against the nearly black storm skies. Looking ENE.