After Tragedy the U.S. Indoor Volleyball Team Wins First Match

The man killed in the Drum Tower was disclosed as the father-in law of the Men's Indoor Volleyball Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon.

Before their first match, the U.S. team observed a moment of silence, then went on to beat Venezuela in five sets for their first win in the Olympics.

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Olympics | Drum Tower Killing in Beijing

An American couple were at the famous Drum Tower in Beijing with their guide. A 47-year old Chinese assailant stabbed them. The man was killed.

The assailant jumped to his death from the tower.

No motives are established for the attack. The authorities say he was a lone assailant.

The American couple are relatives of one of the coaches of the U.S. volleyball team.

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Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

Well, the long wait is over. The Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony was a huge success, providing a stunning display. Viewers like myself, watching it on TV, were glued to the television screen. And it's estimated that this might be the single most watched event on television in history, given that China itself has about 1.3 billion people.

But credit must be given where it's due. Clearly China spared no expense and talent in preparing for the Opening Ceremony. It was magical. There were fireworks, but that's the least of it. It wasn't the noise that was impressive, but the beautifully crafted effects, both electronically, mechanically or by the sheer number of performers acting in flawless concert. You never knew what might come next, and when it came it was overwhelmingly impressive.

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