2008 Summer Olympics

Seems like we have been hearing about the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics for four years – oh, right we have been! Really, I’m a big fan of the Olympic games, particularly the summer games. So I’m really excited for non-stop Olympic action for the next 16 days.

I enjoy the competition and the sports in general, but what I really love are the back-stories of the athletes. Most of whom have spent their entire lives training for the chance at gold. Some athletes in Beijing that I find inspiring:

Lopez Lomong - The US flag bearer for the opening ceremony. Lomong was born in Sudan and spent 10 years in a refuge camp in Kenya. He came to the U.S. as one of "The Lost Boys of Sudan" and is one of three naturalized U.S. citizens on the Olympic 1500m team.

Dara Torres - A 41 year old mother and 9 time Olympic medalist in swimming. What more is there to say?

Sara Khoshjamal - Khoshjamal is the first Iranian woman to qualify for the Olympics. In keeping with Iran's conservative religious rules, Khoshjamal trains and competes in Taekwando wearing a headscarf and a protective helmet.

Amnat Ruenroeng – Reunroeng was starting his third stint in a Thai jail, when he signed up for a prison boxing program in to pass the time. He says it was his salvation and just a year after stepping into the prison ring, he won a national title and was released from jail on good behavior.

By the end of the games there will be many stories of inspiration for me to enjoy. Tell us what you are looking forward to. Are any of you rooting for a hometown favorite? Tell us about it!

Summer Vacation

Wow, I can’t believe it’s August already. I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. I certainly am and I still have a lot planned for the remaining weeks. Around here September is usually still warm and sunny, so I’ve got quite a bit of time left to enjoy it.

Due to the high gas prices, I’ve heard that many people are staying close to home this summer instead of traveling across country or abroad. The latest buzz word is ‘staycation’ – basically a vacation in your home town. All the news markets are talking about it since early spring.

Get away on vacation — at home
Staycations: Alternative to pricey, stressful travel - CNN.com
U.S. cities tout merits of less costly 'staycations'

How about you - have you changed your summer vacation plans this year? Have you enjoyed a ‘staycation’ this year?

Since August can get hot in many parts of the country, we are featuring “cool recipes” from our members. We have some really great recipes to keep you cool including popsicles and Mile High Pie. Also, be sure to check out the latest quick poll and survey results.