new beginning

WOW. I'm back...back in the USA and back in Atlanta. Beijing is a picture in my rear view mirror, slowly fading into the background now. I'll never forget the times there...the gold medals, the world records, the Chinese experience... Club Bud!

I went back to LA and finished up the tracks I had been working on with Glen Ballard...I'm VERY pleased, excited to release them!

I felt a strong pull to return to Atlanta for a while...family, friends, familiar, finances, FALL...

We're going searching for a new roof in town today...fun

I'm in no man's land...time to make new plans to finish up the record and get on the road...see you soon

peace ya'll!

michael

Final Days

Believe that? I got to meet Phelps---He has a King's share of gold! That's fitting...after all he does rule the pool!

I got to see my fellow Atlantan, Angelo Taylor win gold in the 400m Hurdles as well. I had a show at the Great Wall that night about an hour's drive from the stadium. I blazed out in a Volkswagon Minivan and made it to the track as the hurdles were being set up...and BAM! Angelo wins! Many times I remind myself that I'm actually here...as I'm used to watching it on TV.

Let me tell you there's nothing more energizing than watching a world record get broken and hearing 90,000 people explode with screams!

I saw Usain Bolt break both records ---100M and 200M...again pinching myself. The 200M was bittersweet as my new friend Wallace Spearmon was disqualified for stepping on the line...no forgiveness at the Olympics. I couldn't run between the lines even as slow as I go! He's has shown superhuman grace in accepting the tragedy of winning a medal...and losing it 5 minutes later. That's ok though, I have a feeling he just traded a bronze today for a gold tomorrow!!

I can't believe the Olympics are almost over...I had been thinking of it happening for almost a year, and now the 'dream' is wrapping up.

I look forward to returning home...and looking back on the memories with you....

michael

FASTEST MAN EVER!!!

No, not the guy in the picture... I think he's second or third! What an awesome 100m race last night...complete with a world record! Perhaps the race of the day however, was by our very own Anthony Famiglietti--a steeplechaser. He was up against VERY stiff competition, and instead of sitting in the pack waiting for the race to unfold...he ran out in front, built an 80 meter lead, and basically told the other dudes to come and get him. He held the field off, and qualified for the finals. Very gutsy and inspiring!

Hey...I met Bart Connor and Nadia Comaniche (two of the best gymnasts ever). They were at the USA House while I was performing... with their son, who was a-rocking to the beat. I took two, and realized who they were...then totally felt in the presence of greatness!

These are good times! I hope you guys are enjoying the acoustic preview 'See You Soon'!!

michael

August 12th 2008

What fun this is! I went to a weightlifting competition the other day... "I'm not impressed!!" I screamed out... Oh wait, those guys weigh like a 120lbs and are lifting 180 Kilograms...I get it. It looked liked these guys frames were gonna crack in half under all that weight (3 times their body weight). When the Chinese guy received his gold medal, and the crowd sang the national anthem I got crazy chills. The energy in the room is so proud and emotional you can't help but feel it on your skin.

I also saw one of the USA Women's beach volleyball team (walsh/may-treanor) put the smackdown on Cuba. They could have beaten several of the men's teams as well. Ok, I'm off to the gym ... I figure it's best that I stay in shape in case the USA needs me on the 4x400m relay team... I don't know...I guess someone leaked out my story to the press...geez, can't I just relax and enjoy the games?

michael

"Neen - Zow" ...that's how 'good morning' sounds on Mandarin. I went to the great wall yesterday and was ultra impressed with its story, size, and strength.

The views from the wall felt almost familiar...just like the pictures. It was surrounded by massive green mountains, and covered by a moving cloud. After soaking it up for an hour or so...we went to an old schoolhouse in a nearby town. There we watched a guy make dragons out of molten sugar...very similar to a glass blower. Neat. We watched a real-deal lion dragon performance...you know the multiple people in a costume with huge dragon heads? They danced and played music, and I swear I was hypnotized! We then had an interesting dinner of multiple unidentified, DELICIOUS meal.

Then it was my turn...I played 6 songs or so to a warmly attentive, well-wined and dined audience! We had a blast!

I have Hilton to thank for inviting me to join them over here...I know it sounds like a plug, but it's actually genuine appreciation I mean to express :) They're hooking me up with tickets to all the Track and Field events! You may not know... but I'm dizzy over some Track and Field! I once dreamed of being here and competing in the games...but honestly, I'll be psyched to be watching and feeling no pain!

Today, I'm going to a place called the Summer Palace, USA House, and then to indoor volleyball!

The Chinese people I've had the pleasure of encountering have been very welcoming and kind . I'm very suprised at how similar our cities are. Out my window, I could very well be looking at Chicago.

"Zee-Jee-ahn" -- sounds like good bye....

michael