Olympic countdown: 498 days

Only 498 more days to the Olympics and we have a better idea of just what will be hanging around Chinese hurdler-cum-heart throb Liu Xiang's neck after he sprints to victory in the men's 110m high hurdles on a clear Beijing summer's day. The Olympic medals were unveiled in Beijing on March 24th, heightening anticipation for what will surely be the highest quality of games, as Comrade Hu Jintao called for on March 23rd. Notice the jade inserts on the backsides of those bad boys — they can only be described as "Olympic medals with Chinese characteristics." Are you excited for the Olympics now? Only 498 more days... only 498 more days...