Posting from this soul will be lighter than usual the next week or so.

Included in that time span will be a short family jaunt for some R&R. Meanwhile, my attention will be occupied as well by US Swimming Olympic Trials, the preeminent domestic contest of the sport that is one of my true passions.

I'll be watching to see if certain locals, including this man and this woman, can master the highly competitive field to land a spot on what looks to be one of the most talented US squads in many a year.

And of course, there is the return of Michael Phelps:

The throne is vacant in sports for the remainder of the summer. In [Tiger] Woods' absence, it's time to fit Phelps' head for the crown as King of All Athletes.

Over the next six weeks, while Woods is rehabbing and football is going through the preseason motions, the world is Phelps'. If all goes as planned, beginning here this weekend at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Phelps' broad-chinned mug will be the face of the Beijing Games in August. He'll dominate TV coverage, grace every magazine cover and pitch products like a mainstream sports superstar.

That's because the most gifted swimmer in history stands a solid chance of becoming the most decorated Olympian in history.

No pressure or anything.

With many a storyline to follow, including even controversial, cutting-edge swimsuits, and a short vacation to enjoy, politics will be going on the backburner for a bit.