Not since the new seasons of Mad Men and Breaking Bad have I been excited about anything on television.

I’m talking about the Summer Olympics in London. As I write this early today I am watching the jumping phase of equestrian and on our Facebook and Google Plus pages have been posting medal counts and important milestones made by the American team.

The Olympic games are important because they are the largest international sporting event held every four years and the work the athletes put in to get there can be amazing and sometimes heart wrenching.

The games aren’t for everyone because they consist of events many, including me, wouldn’t watch if they were held weekly like football. Put on an international stage every four years, however, it’s hard to look away.

That said, here are the things I have liked thus far with highlighted links:

Team handball: Not a popular sport in America but I think it should be. It combines the speed of basketball and the strategy of soccer in a very fast and rough sport. It’s something I would have enjoyed playing in PE if it had been offered.

Kim Rhode: An American shooter who won her fifth straight medal in her Olympic career by capturing gold in women’s skeet Sunday, nailing 99 out of 100 clays. The tears in her eyes as she stood on the stand and the fact she invited her competitors to take the stand with her was inspiring.

The U.S. Archery team: The first American team to win a medal, taking silver, is made up of young men who cut their teeth on bow hunting. It makes me think there are young hunters right here who could succeed on this stage.

Badminton: Forget the cheap plastic sets we had as youngsters, this game is fast.

Missy Franklin: The 17-year-old American swimmer who won the gold in the 100-meter backstroke 20 minutes after competing in the 200-meter freestyle. Her smile is infectious.

Field hockey: A game usually played here by girls in prep school, this is a fast and rough sport and the U.S. women play their second game today after losing to Germany.

The opening ceremonies: It took a hit by many for being confusing but I thought it was an inspiring and fitting tribute to the history of Great Britain. The athletes singing along with Paul McCartney was also cool.

Women’s beach volleyball: Might as well be honest, right?  — Lance Martin