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BEIJING-Normally smog-plagued Beijing bathed in blue skies and sunshine on Saturday in just the sort of weather the Chinese pray will grace their Olympics and banish athletes' health fears six days before the big start.Experts attributed a rare day of fine weather in the Chinese capital to overnight rain and-finally-the impact of strict anti-pollution measures such as ordering half the cars off the road and closing smoke-belching factories."You see, we have done it! You can even see the mountains," enthused one Chinese student volunteer near the magnificent, newly built "Bird's Nest" stadium that is the main venue.Pollution fears have clouded the build-up to China's biggest international event. Authorities here hope it will show off China's economic progress and modern face to the world.About half of Beijing's 3.3 million cars are off the road, $18 billion has been spent on clean-up measures, and major manufacturers in and around the city have closed down.Many of the more than 10,000 athletes are, however, delaying arrival for the August 8-24 games until the last minute to avoid bad air.With the 100 meters sprint usually the biggest race of the Olympics, Jamaican world record holder Usain Bolt confirmed on Saturday he would compete in that as well as the 200 meters.The decision, communicated to Reuters by his coach, sets up an exciting potential clash on August 16 for the title of 'Fastest Man on Earth' between Bolt, former world record holder Asafa Powell, and American world champion Tyson Gay.To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah...
