An Opening To Remember
Yesterday afternoon I got to hang out with my friend Tony for a late lunch/hanging out session in Burbank, CA. He and I were supposed to meet in London for the first Kylie Minogue concert (that David and I attended) but he couldn’t get a flight out there in time … yesterday, he told me all about how he finally did make it to London later on in the week and was able to see 3 Kylie shows at the O2 Arena :)
Last night I was supposed to hang out with Mike but I had to take a raincheck since I wasn’t feeling all that great … instead, I stayed home and watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games:
I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed by an Olympic ceremony, ever. The orchestration of so many performers, the use of technology and the orgy of fireworks that I witnessed last night was just awe-inspiring. The entire spectacle was just so amazing to watch, I can’t even convey it in words. I truly hope all y’all got to watch the ceremonies last night because it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime show to behold. I wonder how any country will be able to top it … the sheer cost and number of people utilized, it was just insane. If anything, it got me really amped up for the Olympic Games to be had over the coming 2 weeks. The sad news of the murder that occurred in Beijing was a cold slap in the face that not even the majesty of the Olympic Spirit can overcome the darkness of man :(
In the end, tho, I hope that only positivity can come from the rest of the Olympic experience this year.
Tags: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
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August 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
the opening was crazy! kinda makes you wonder if they could have used all that money for something better though…but very very cool as an artistic expression.
August 9th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Lol my uncle was suppose to go to watch it but he couldn’t because his friends kid was getting married yesterday, it’s a shame though it was a great show.
August 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I thought the Chinese did a wonderful job of the opening ceremony. Here’s hoping the rest of the games goes incident free and without a hitch.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
lol
August 9th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I have to admit, China did a phenomenal job. It was memorable, especially when Li Ning was hoisted up in the air and carried the torch around the stadium. ‘Sho nuff, China raised the bar.
August 9th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I was only able to catch about 10 minutes of it durning my break at work lastnight, but was really impressed. It was an amazing show.
August 9th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
How in the world will London top this in 4 years???
August 9th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
london wont be able to top it
August 9th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
If you missed it on TV, you can still watch the entire “Opening Ceremony Sights and Sounds” on nbcolympics.com.
August 9th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Was I the only one that read because of the HORRIFIC human rights violations, we’re supposed to be boycotting the opening ceremonies? It’s not fair to boycott the Olympics because the atheletes did nothing wrong–but as a statement of protest of the Chinese government’s INhumanity toward millions of innocent people, folks like George Clooney, Spielberg, etc are calling for a boycott of the opening ceremonies. That’s China’s time to shine, so it’s the best time to ignore them.
August 9th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
it was incredible! I agree….this opening ceremony can never be topped! It was the only one I can ever remember actually wanting to watch the whole thing. Plus, it was such an amazing mix of artistry and modernity.
August 10th, 2008 at 12:21 am
I bet some people did boycott the ceremony but I’m glad I watched a bit of it. Politics or not..it was amazing! :)
August 10th, 2008 at 1:49 am
I was there at the opening ceremony …. (I’m still here in Beijing right now) … and it was one of the most incredible shows I have ever seen!!! To be there in person and experience it all was phenomenal … once in a lifetime opportunity! GOOO USA (& CHINA)…
August 10th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Beijing’s torch lighting ceremony definitely surpassed Barcelona’s. I think I wept more this time around than I did back then.
August 10th, 2008 at 7:35 am
It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And the whole story telling and hope for the future and fight against global warming and the asking that we all come together was quite touching. As for the stabbing death – it doesn’t overshadow the event but it stands as a reminder of reality.
August 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
For those who say “let’s boycott it” for whatever reasons. Yes your reasons are valid but what about the all those athletes that trains for months, years for the event? And it’s the only world-wide event that actually brings the world together for a moment despise disagreements and show that we can play together as a world instead of be at each other throats. Even if the coming of together doesn’t solve anything and somewhat of in vain – it still shows the potential of what can be and that is to play with each other in peace. To take it away would be like taking cupcakes away from a child’s birthday party.
August 10th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I’m with BB on this one, I’d rather miss a great show if it means I’m standing up for something I believe in, and sadly for China this year, one of the things I will stand up for is human rights…of course it’s fun to watch, but it’s a shame Trent wasn’t aware (or didn’t care) about the political reasons (Tibet, Burma, Darfur, migrant workers who built the beautiful display you watched) not to watch the Olympics this year because this blog is read by a huge amount of people and talking about the unfortunate political descisions China is making these days on this blog could really make a difference! I was actually very surprised to see the Olympics so lauded on here! As for Lana’s comment, I think it’s a shame it takes sports to bring the world together and not our common goals for peace and equality. And as for comparing an important and much needed boycott due to the terrible consequences of China’s descisions to taking away a child’s cupcakes? No comment.
August 10th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Sorry, I’m not out to be a role model for anyone. Y’all are free to do as you wish as am I. I have no problem with anyone choosing to boycott whatever they wish but I can’t be responsible for anyone else’s decisions to do what they please. It’s a shame you can’t understand that.
August 10th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
If we boycott everything we are upset about, then we wouldn’t have much joy in the world. Boycotting the opening ceremony would achieve nothing. No one in their right minds likes to see any living creature being mistreated. That’s a fact. However, it’s an individual choice to either boycott or not. I guess more people chose not to. Me? I love the fact that even with all the crap going on in the world (Russia and Georgia fighting as I type!), people can come together in spirit of compassion and hope. That to me is far better than some person lying on the ground in protest. My Opinion.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
The Olympics is not about politics. It’s a celebration of us being as one.
Agree with Lana and Trent. If one boycotts the Olympics, fine, but stop judging people using your own standard. It’s sad to see people think they CARE, but they are simply small minded.