What Caught My Eye Today

Georgia - Georgia's president Mikhail Saakashvili said that a column of Russian tanks and other vehicles was moving toward the country's second-largest city, and that Russian forces already control a third of Georgian territory. And like it or not, Russia could take the other two-thirds anytime it wants. Russia's foreign minister declared Georgia could "forget about" regaining two separatist provinces. I'm guessing it probably already has. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he saw no need to invoke American military force in the war between Russia and Georgia but warned that U.S.-Russian relations could suffer lasting damage if Moscow doesn't retreat. Is it just me, or does it seem like both Russia and the U.S. are looked for reasons not to get along? Take a look at this next item...

Poland - Poland and the United States reached an agreement to base American missile interceptors in Poland, going ahead with a plan that has angered Russia and threatened to escalate tensions with the region's communist-era master. Do you really believe this announcement is a coincidence given the flap in Georgia? I would wager not. As part of the agreement, the United States had agreed to help augment Poland's defenses with Patriot missiles in exchange for placing 10 missile defense interceptors in the eastern European country. The agreement also includes a "mutual commitment" between the two nations — beyond that of NATO — to come to each other's assistance in case of danger. That was an obvious reference to the force and ferocity with which Russia rolled into Georgia in recent days. The United States has also reached an agreement with the Czech Republic's government to place a radar component of the missile defense system in that country. While Washington says the defense system is meant to guard Europe against missile-armed states like Iran, the Kremlin feels it is aimed at Russia's missile force, and Kosachev told the Interfax news agency the deal will spark "a real rise in tensions in Russian-American relations." See what I mean. It's like everyone involved is just itching to start a new Cold War. I just don't get it.

Olympics - Here's a daily double for you. This first item goes out to my extended family north of the border.

Canada - (Courtesy of the Globe and Mail) True, it's now five days in Beijing and Canada is still without a medal. But remain calm. Not only is there a chance we might yet triumph at women's soccer, but even if we come home empty-handed, let's keep it all in perspective. To make you all feel better, here's the top ten reasons we shouldn't worry about the medal drought.

10. Five days without winning anything is still 15,020 days less than the Maple Leafs. For those of you who don't know, this is a reference to an NHL hockey team--sort of Canada's version of the Chicago Cubs.
9. We still get to watch Diana Swain on CBC's Olympics coverage and she's a fox when she does sports. For my money, I stick with Bob Costas. What a hottie.
8. So what if Togo has a medal and we don't? Their health care system is terribly underfunded.
7. There's no way Celine Dion will need to lip-synch at the opening ceremony in 2010. I think this one is my favorite.
6. Who cares about swimming when you've got curling? Spoken like a truly Canadian.
5. We might be terrible at sports, but at least we're not Spanish.
4. We can still watch Paul Henderson's goal on YouTube any time we get depressed.
3. That Canadian fencer who opened a can of whuppass on herself last night when she lost was far more entertaining than any medals ceremony. Seeing as I'm stuck with NBC's coverage of the Games, maybe I'll get lucky and find this footage on YouTube. I hear the tantrum this chick threw was priceless.
2. There's plenty of time to give Michael Phelps Canadian citizenship before the 2012 Games. What you've never heard of a country granting citizenship to someone who might give you a chance to win some Olympic bling. How about U.S. team's flag bearer?
1. Three words: IT'S. ONLY. SPORTS. Truer words have never been spoken.

Sweden - Now here is a guy that needs to remember that number one reason above. A Swedish wrestler accepted his bronze medal Thursday then stepped off the podium and threw it away to protest what he called "a corrupt system." He lost a 3-1 decision in the 84-kilogram Greco-Roman semi-final. After the match, he shouted at the referee and judges and had to be restrained by a team official. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the mat chairman has the ultimate say (in this case a Cuban). He can agree with the referee and judge or over-rule them. The post-match speculation was that he had been "screwed" but that it was unlikely filing an appeal would change anything. Perhaps dude got caught up in the moment and took temporary leave of his senses. Seriously, bro', you need to chill out. No one said sport was fair (heck just look at the nonsense that gymnasts put up with), but there is no reason to toss your medal on the ground. That just makes you look bad. Try to take the high road next time. In the long run, you'll feel better.