December 12
at the 1998 Asian Games

Began the day at one of the most impressive displays of atheleticism, grace, and focus I have ever witnessed - rhythm gymnastics.  These women would dance around like world class ballerinas while tossing, twirling and catching their ribbons or clubs. 
For more photos of this amazing sport, click here.

The average toss was in the air for four seconds.  If they missed the rod at the end of the ribbon, they could usually recover by grabbing part of the ribbon itself.  The clubs were much less forgiving.	South Korean fans were noticably cheering for their North Korean neighbers at this event.  As the fans cheered, the NK athletes smiled and waved back.	While I was quite dazzled by the artistic display, the judges were considerably more 'objective', often to the point of looking bored.

 
 

From there, I moved on to women's weightlifting - which provided a very different display of atheletic skills, focus, and body types. A world record was set by the Chinese Gold Medalist.

 
 

Next was the 15-man rugby competition, where Japan was trouncing Taiwan.  Rugby looks like a fun game to play, but not necessarily watch.  Between all of the injuries and out of bounds stoppages, there wasn't much of a flow to the game, and when things did get going it was hard to tell what was happening inside that those piles of bulky men.

 
 

At the Main Arena, the competition was surprisingly aggressive for amateur boxing. Every bout I saw was full of 'hard-hitting action'.  The Boxer in the lower right was very displeased with the decision and almost pulled a TaeKwanDo style protest by refusing to exit the ring.  His managers eventually pursuaded him otherwise.

 
 

Speaking of hard-hitting action, the Taiwanese and Korean mens volleyball teams put on a fine show before a full house of vball enthusiasts.  For more photos, click here.

 

Look of the Day There are a lot of Thai faces sporting the Red, White, and Blue these days, but this one seemed particularly intense. Couldn't tell if it was jealousy, concern, or fascination.

Hat of the Day Fashions are generally pretty casual and subdued at these games, but this guy and his two buddies (with matching hats) addes some distinctiveness to Asiad Style

Meal of the Day I don't think KFC has hit Pyongyang yet, but when it does there will be at least one guy ready to enjoy the finger lickin' goods of Western Imperialism.