Congrats to our neighbors to the North. It wasn't pretty at times, but they pulled off the Winter Olympic Games with all the trimmings. The Canadians (finally) showed up as hosts to their own games with an impressive 14 gold medals. The US had their best performance ever in getting 37 medals and leading in the overall count. Some highlights for me were the moguls (how 'bout Bozeman MT's own, Bryon Wilson, getting bronze in the men's event!), speed skating, esp. J.R. Celski (Biggest Loser fans will appreciate that), first or long time waiting medals won in Nordic combined and bobsled. Tho, Nordic still looks about as fun and appealing as trying to swim up a waterfall. I was moved watching Joannie Rochette of Canada win bronze and fight her emotions to honor her mom who had passed just days before her Olympic dream began. I was glad to see that Bode Miller had grown up and performed at top level. Eye rolling was induced when Julie Mancuso and Lindsay Vonn did what girls tend to do when they have their eye on the same prize. To me, tho, unfortunately, the biggest memory will be the sad and tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger from Georgia. I bet when his parents said their goodbyes the thought he'd be coming home in a casket never even crossed their minds. Granted, the sport is dangerous: they travel at speeds not even legal in a car with seat belts and airbags! But to think any sport could be deadly... well it just casts a gloomy shadow over what should be a joyful event. I do not fault the construction, the organizers, the coaches in that accident. I truly believe, while still devastating, what happened was driver error. I feel so sad for the family of that young man, tho. That really set a tone for the whole games, and while there were many highlights, great moments of victory and celebration, the sudden and tragic death of someone so young just coming to realize his Olympic dream is hard to get over so easily. However, there was such a sense of pride every time I saw our flag being raised and our national anthem play. Could it kill a couple of people to place your hand over your heart for the Star Spangled Banner?! Show some respect folks! Anyway... now you have some of my perspective. Can't wait for London 2012... how cool would it be to actually be there?! (I am accepting donations for tickets) ;)