My friend Danny (who works for UCLA's Athletic Department) arrived in Beijing today. He will be working for NBC doing stats for Indoor Volleyball. He will be tallying digs, spikes or aces or something like that.

I went to the Crowne Plaze to meet him. The hotel has been pretty much taken over by NBC. Everybody was walking around with NBC badges. All these AMERICANS! All kinds of signage with the peacock. The TV monitor announced meeting rooms for logistics, wardrobe and production meetings. In the lobby I immediately saw an NBC celebrity - Billy Bush.

Danny was kind enough to bring treats. He brought me Diddy Riese cookies, and my favorite flavor, oatmeal raisin. It was still soft. It didn't get crushed in his luggage and it survived the 12 hour flight. Not only that, poor Danny had to endure and wait in line behind a big group of teen girls from cheerleading camp to buy these cookies for me. What a friend!!!

Okay, onto Olympic news.

heck out this video footage of the fireworks display on You Tube. This is from the dress rehearsal for the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday night. I've heard the Opening Ceremonies is an AMAZING show. I can't wait to see it.

The city is transforming and getting decked out for the international visitors. There are decorations everywhere. The Chinese are oozing with national pride. All the storefronts are hanging the Chinese flag. Taxis and private cars have little flags off their windows. It's like being in LA in June during Lakers run during NBA Finals and all the SUVs have flags on their windshields. Roads and bridges are covered with banners. It definitely brings a festive air to the city.

By Julie Chiu - UCLA