Things that have crossed my mind:

1. This has been Michael Phelps’ Olympics. There have been dominant performances before, but just adding on to what he has achieved in the past is mind-boggling.

2. I was about to say that as usual, all the nay-sayers about how bad the conditions at the Rio Games would be, proved groundless. Then the reports of swimmers including Ryan Lochte were robbed at gunpoint started to make me think differently. That is, until no evidence has been established that there was a robbery, so I’ll go back to saying the predictions of doom were empty.

3. Goat of the Games. Unquestionably Hope Solo. First she allows a kick to go through her legs against Colombia which winds up as tie match for the Americans. Then she calls the Swedes “cowards” after their strategy to be physical and avoid open play against the more talented U.S.team works to the tune of a victory via penalty kicks. Not good. It will stick with her.

4. Remember a month or so ago when the Cubs hit a slump and people started getting off their bandwagon? Well, look at the Cubbies now! When will those who react to everything realize even the best in any sport have their slumps.

5. This could finally be a magical year for the long-suffering Wrigley Field die-hards. The Cubs are THE story on the field it seems this year. But the best story off the field is Vin Scully’s swan song. It’s been handled in a classy manner, which is no surprise if you know anything about Vin.

6. Speaking of over-reacting, how about definitive opinions about NFL teams and players after one pre-season game.  When the ball is kicked-off in the regular season, no one will ever remember what transpired in the exhibitions.

7. If you’re playing the Patriots in the first four games when Tom Brady is sidelined, don’t count on too many wins.

8. One last word regarding the Olympics. The US basketball team is far from being another version of the Dream Team. If Carmelo Anthony can score 30 points from outside, they can win, even though the game may be close. If not, they’re always on the brink.

9. Social media is the way of the world now. But I wonder if it’s really done more harm than good.

10. I can’t remember when those who serve in the political world in Washington, Senators and Congressmen are held in such low esteem by the American public, and rightly so.