There was the tremendous celebration in China as the Olympics opened, but the Shanghai market plunged 4.5%. Meanwhile on this side of the world, the dollar jumped close to 3% on Friday, and the Dow closed up over 300 points - its second 300 point rise last week! And finally, the war between Georgia and Russia started. At the same time, there is a huge American and European military buildup underway in the Middle East.

Is this the start of what Ron Paul was referring to when he said,

I have days—growing more frequent all the time—when I’m convinced the time is now upon us that some Big Events are about to occur. These fast-approaching events will not go unnoticed. They will affect all of us. They will not be limited to just some areas of our country. The world economy and political system will share in the chaos about to be unleashed.

What do you guys think is going on? How does it all fit together? Above I just listed the most obvious events that transpired. Are there more obscure details that I missed?

Let's try to work it out below. Thank you.