Celebrate 23 June

On 23 June 1894, the International Olympic Committee was formed, largely under the impetus of Baron Pierre de Coubertin; the first modern Olympics were held two years later in Athens. Over the years the Olympics have had their political troubles, and certainly the IOC has not been the model of a well-run non-profit organization (or a well-run anything) of late. But the Olympics themselves have proven to be a special and worthwhile event, one that is certainly worth celebrating, even in the midst of anti-Chinese torch demonstrations and questions about air pollution, we can look forward to this summer's games and all the excitement and pageantry therein. I'll drink to that.