The Dalai Lama is not advocating a boycott of the olympics even though he acknowledges that the Chinese government is treating Tibetans unfairly. In an interview posted on his web site his position is described as follows:

He keeps stressing how pro-Chinese he is. He has never urged a boycott of the Beijing Olympics and wants other countries to go to Beijing. He supported China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation and has consistently supported all reasonable outside engagement with China. However, he also tells the truth about China’s behaviour inside Tibet, which is frankly appalling. He believes about 200 Tibetans were killed in the crackdown following the Tibetan demonstrations in March, although even he finds accurate information incredibly difficult to come by.

So, even though I disagree strongly with the Chinese position regarding Tibet and the Dalai Lama, I am considering watching the olympics this year. I also heard a rumor that Keith Olberman is going to be there. Another good reason to follow the developments in China as the games are being held.

NBC and MSN have implemented an excellent web site, and are providing really good quality digital coverage of the US olympic trials that are in progress now, and they are advertising extensive live web coverage of the games themselves. As an avid sports fan, and dedicated user of the Internet, I am very favorably impressed by the extensive, well designed, feature rich web site. Also impressive are the widgets that are available on the site. Some are available now, like the one below, and others will be available once the games begin. Kudos to NBC and MSN for this excellent web site. If the TV coverage is as well done as the web site, we are in for a treat.

You can also get a couple of widgets from this site. Check them out.

Update: Widgets are no longer available and have been removed.

Rafa is down 5 games to 2 now in the fifth set, and it looks like Roger will prevail, but it ain’t over till the fat lady sings, as my father liked to say.

Thank you Roger and Rafael for another incredible match!

Roger reminds me of a boxer, specifically Ali in his young years, the way he moves his feet on the court, lining up his body to the ball in order to ‘throw the perfect punch’. And what a punch he can throw! He executed his game plan completely and convincingly in the second two sets. Always winning the crucial points, nailing the second set win with a clean ace, even though his serve was one of his weakest weapons during the first set.

The third set was a veritable showcase of all of the talents that Federer brings to the game. I don’t have words for how special it is to watch this guy play. Add to this how special a human being he is, gracious, thoughtful, intelligent, honest, open, simply beautiful.

Thanks for another great tournament Roger!