Well, another smog-enshrouded day in Beijing. The heat and humidity are oppressive and it's probably going to be uncomfortable at tonight's Opening Ceremonies.

But there is a noticeable excitement around the stadium and fans began lining up early in the afternoon.

I still haven't caught up on my sleep, so I hope to take a mid-afternoon nap (that's early-morning to you) before heading back for the Big Show.

So you want to see how I spent my day?

Okay.

First I got my ticket to Opening Ceremonies from the USOC. That's a very big deal. Then I hit some press conferences.

The U.S. tennis team was actually entertaining, from James Blake joking around to the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, looking at each other like they just said the craziest thing ever.

The team will participate in the Opening Ceremonies march. As Blake said, "At 28, there aren't many firsts to my career, and I am a first-time Olympian. The memories I'll have from this will last forever.''

Serena Williams said playing for the U.S. means more to her than any Grand Slam title. "For me, of all the medals I have, the Gold I won is my favorite.''

The U.S. then brought out flag bearer Lopez Lomong, a naturalized citizen who was originally from Sudan, taken from his family by soldiers at the age of 6 and, after escaping his kidnappers, raised for the next 10 years in a Kenyan camp.

Many believe this is a political statement by the U.S., aimed at China's ties with the Sudanese government and the conflict in Darfur.

Lomong, who was selected in a vote of team captains, sidestepped the politics, saying he simply hopes some child watching will be inspired by his story.

And finally we had the U.S. men's basketball team, in what quickly became a circus. The players spread throughout an auditorium, and then the media swarmed whoever they could get. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James drew the biggest crowds, as you might expect.

James said the team is ready and confident, but won't overlook anyone. They're not calling this the Redeem Team for nothing.

Let's hope the sky clears for the Opening Ceremonies.

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