Memories of fine China

So much has happened in my life that it seems much longer than a year ago that I was covering the Olympics in China. Today actually marks the one-year anniversary of my return from Beijing, and to celebrate the occasion, I looked at some of the photographs I took over there. What a marvelous trip it was - from twice climbing the architectural marvel that is The Great Wall of China to writing about swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt to interacting with the Chinese people to being overwhelmed by the tour de force that was the Opening Ceremonies. (It took more than 12,500 performing artists to pull it off. By contrast, there were 10,000 athletes competing in the Games.) It was the fifth Olympics I've worked, and I'd love to cover a few more. Next time, though, I want to take my lovely bride with me. Three weeks is just too long a time to be apart.

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Any one else beginning to wonder if there is more than meets the eye (or should that be toe?) with T.O.'s injury? I know it's only preseason and veterans normally don't need a lot of reps. But Owens is new to the team and quarterback Trent Edwards needs to develop some on-field chemistry with his star receiver. Timing in the passing game only comes with repetition.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, it takes the average American roughly four years to earn $100,000. Meanwhile, it takes basketball superstar LeBron James just 21.2 minutes of playing time, slugger A-Rod just six pitches and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just 3.6 snaps. Poor Tiger Woods has to sweat through 11.2 holes to pocket his six figures. Obviously, these figures don't take into account Woods' endorsement money. If the beancounters had, they'd discover that Tiger cashed his first 100 G's shortly after pushing his tee into the ground at hole No. 1.

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Here's another reason why 35-year-old Derek Jeter should be strongly considered for AL MVP: The Yankees superstar has an opportunity to become only the second shortstop in baseball history to hit .330 or higher at his age. The only guy to do it was Honus Wagner, who hit .339 in 1909 and .334 in 1911.

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Since 2003 - post-season games included - the Yankees and Red Sox have played 141 times, with the Bronx Bombers holding a 71-70 edge. Now, that's what I call a rivalry.

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I was thrilled to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame veterans committee nominate Floyd Little as one of its two candidates for induction next year. Little's statistics are very good, but not great. Still, the former three-time Syracuse All-American running back is deserving of induction because he played an integral role in filling Denver's Mile High Stadium and helping the Broncos become the most popular sports option in Colorado. It wasn't that way before they drafted Little. In fact, the stadium was usually just half-full until the Orange legend donned Broncos' orange. Little was the face of the franchise long before John Elway received sainted status in Denver. I hope the voters do their homework and look beyond mere numbers.

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In all the discussion over Brett Favre has anyone thought that maybe Father Time has caught up with him the way He does with everyone? Athletes have been known to lose it quickly, just like that. Who's to say Favre will continue to defy time?