The news media thrive on streaming information - and gossip - about the exploits of high visibility couples The general public has been well informed about the infidelity of John Edwards, the visits to call girls by Eliot Spitzer, the on-going splits of Hollywood couples

The full range of female athletes on the 2008 Olympic teams makes it clear that age and family responsibilities are not the barriers to participation in the Games they used to be Stories from Beijing highlight the courage and resolve of the mothers of the world - as they demonstrate their athletic prowess and win gold or silver medals

This summer, billions of fans are watching athletes from around the world compete in the Beijing Olympics With political controversy and global tensions currently running rampant, these diverse games reflect the delicate balance between reality and entertainment