Today's song is Hypnotized by Fleetwod Mac, released in 1973.

I watched the fantastic opening ceremonies of the Beijing hosted Olympics. I was stunned by the sophistication and beauty of the artistic segment of opening night.

I really enjoyed the drummers, Tai Chi circle participants, and the unbelievable giant LED screen. The entire ceremony was more than I could have ever expected. I think I will never see it equaled in my remaining lifetime.

China announced its arrival into the 21st century with the discipline instilled by their 5,000 year-old culture. If you watched the show you had to understand the message, China is ready to assume a leadership role. Maybe western nations need to wake-up and pay more attention? But I'm not holding my breath that western nations will get their act together to compete with China in the decades to come.

China, I noticed. I applaud all the work your nation has done to prepare for these Olympics in 2008. I hope the internal changes taking place in your nation place you on the peaceful track among nations. That you continue to embrace freedom for all people under your umbrella. That your symbol of harmony is indeed just that.

I added the True Grit music video to my Don's YouTube Picks page.

As America realizes it must drill in places it hasn't before, including previously protected areas, some people will increase their wealth. Until a majority of Americans tell their elected representatives to drill in all the places we need to drill, most Americans will see a decrease in their wealth. It's pretty simple to understand.

And while we drill in the new places, we also move towards an economy to free ourselves of foreign oil dependence. We can do it, but we need to start on both solutions now.

Found on the web links for August 9, 2008

Here is today's Digital Insight.

Where Peace Prevails (Created in July 2006)

I created this image during a war raging between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah factions. The concept of this image is far from that conflict. In fact the nearest galaxy is closer than peace is to the Middle East in general.

There are other parts of the world that seek peace and it remains a distant gratification in their hearts too. So many people want peace on their terms and thus it remains elusive for that very reason. Peace seems to come in glimpses and they only last a very short period of time.

A line from the series, "Kung Fu" is so true. In that episode Master Po tells Caine:

Evil cannot be conquered in the world. It can only be resisted within oneself.

We all should try to remember that more often.

Using my own words, I quote a portion from that page's narration:

"There is a place of eternal peace and it's waiting for all of us to discover."

Don