Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports.

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---I love everything about the Olympics. For the next two weeks, Beijing is the center of the sports universe.

---The opening ceremonies on Friday night were nothing short of astonishing. Truly one of the most visually mesmerizing extravaganzas ever orchestrated.

---You couldn't ask for a better debut for Team USA basketball, as they cruised past Yao Ming and China. Coach K's Redeem Team put on a great show in front of 19,000 passionate fans. Anything short of a gold medal for this team would be a major disappointment.

---Michael Phelps' quest for eight gold medals is still alive, thanks to a miraculous finish in the relay by teammate Jason Lezak. Lezak's amazing performance created one of the most exciting moments in Olympic history.

---I can only think of one word to describe synchronized diving: Wow!

---Padraig Harrington is having his own Tiger-like year. Yesterday's exciting win over Sergio Garcia at the PGA Championship gives Paddy two straight Major championships. Harrington has also won two consecutive British Open championships.

---Don't expect Sergio Garcia to be sending Padraig Harrington a Christmas card this holiday season. Just like last year at Carnoustie, Garcia's hopes for a Major win were dashed by Paddy this past weekend at Oakland Hills.

---The Yankees are deflating with every loss. After getting swept by the Major League-best Angels, New York is now 8 1/2 games back of first-place Tampa Bay. Even A-Rod admitted after Sunday's loss that Joe Girardi and company are running out of time.

---I am having tough luck with my recent predictions. First I said repeatedly that Manny Ramirez would not be traded. Wrong. Then I wrote a column saying that the Brewers were on the verge of collapse. It appears that I'm wrong again, as Milwaukee is riding a five game winning streak. Still, I do not envision the Brew Crew playing in the postseason. Prince Fielder, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Corey Hart, Ryan Braun, and company could very well continue to roll; It still will not be enough. After a relatively easy August, Milwaukee will struggle in September with multiple games against the Cubs, Mets, and Phillies.

---Thank you, Gregg Doyel. The CBSSports.com columnist is one of the few people who is right on the money regarding Brett Favre.

---As a Niner fan, I'm a little worried about the quarterback situation in San Francisco. Whether it be Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan, or Shaun Hill, let's hope Mike Nolan's team has a playmaker throwing the passes this season.

---Speaking of quarterbacks, I would not want to be Chad Pennington right now. Released by the Jets and signed by the Dolphins, Pennington might be the second-string quarterback on the worst team in the NFL.

---Barry Bonds did the right thing by coming back to San Francisco over the weekend. It was great to see the Home Run King back at his old stomping grounds, standing amongst the greatest outfielders in franchise history, including his godfather, the great Willie Mays.

---Speaking of the Giants, what a fun weekend against the Dodgers. Take that, L.A.!

---I'll leave you with one final thought: Is Phil Mickleson still on the PGA Tour?