The theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, “Beijing Huan Ying Ni” (”Beijing Welcomes You”) was released this week amid much fanfare. On the 100th day before the games begin, 100 music artists will gather in Beijing to perform the song during the 100-day countdown festivities.
Frankly, I’m not blown away by it, but maybe it’ll grow on me. Listen for yourself:

Image details: China Prepares For Chinese New Year served by picapp.com
The Fuwa (”friendlies”) are the five mascots of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Each of the them represents one of the Olympic rings as something associated with the Chinese landscape and/or culture. Below is a little more about each of them:
Beibei, the fish. In Chinese culture, the fish represents prosperity and harvest.It is also a symbol of a good year and a good life. Beibei is adorned with water-wave designs and represents the blue Olympic ring.
Jingjing, the panda. The panda is a Chinese national treasure and a worldwide favorite. Jingjing’s …read more

As the Olympic torch makes its way around the world, amid much demonstration and protest, there has been an increasingly vocal discussion about whether the United States (and Canada…and many Western European countries) should boycott the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics or even the games entirely.
The United States boycotted the Games in 1980, to protest the Soviet Union’s involvement in Afghanistan and robbed hundreds of atheletes of the chance to compete for an Olympic medal. History reminds us that few situations are as black and white as they may at first seem. (e.g. In 1980, the US …read more