The Beijing Games' organisers were able to, in stunning fashion, weave into the opening ceremony China's significant cultural and technological achievements. Doubtless many stayed up to watch the event on television.

The silver and blue uniforms of the Australian team have launched a great fashion debate but really the colour and style of team trousers and jackets is a small matter in the greater scheme of the competition.

And now that the sporting events are in full swing the athletes have the opportunity to remind us what the Olympics are all about _ humans pushing themselves to the limit in a range of sporting disciplines.

So congratulations to Ballarat athletes who have made it to the Games and participated already.

While we as a nation hanker for medals it is easily forgotten that simply making the Australian team is a reflection of an athlete's standing in their sport.

And sometimes athletes are asked to make sacrifices for their team-mates.

Cadel Evans' tactical road race was said to have helped compatriot Michael Rogers get within striking distance of a medal, while the great swim by Ballarat's Shayne Reese in the 4 x 100m relay freestyle heat propelled her team

to the final in which Reese had to make way for Libby Trickett.

Decision time as report shows tanks save cash

NOW that it is equipped with a report that says rainwater tanks will save governments money, the Victorian Government has some decisions to make.

The economic study found that water conserved in the tanks was a bonus, but the real saving came in helping to manage stormwater.

The tanks, along with raised garden beds through which runoff from roofs or driveways passes, would slow or reduce the amount of water and pollutants entering drains.

Tanks and raised garden beds, "rain gardens", would help cut the incidence of flash flooding and perhaps the need to upgrade stormwater drains.

Although it was a Melbourne-centric report, the principles would doubtless apply anywhere.

Unfortunately the level of pressure on the government to act on the report will probably not be significant because the report has not been released publicly.