OPENING CEREMONY

I got goosebumps when Yao Ming came out and the crowd went wild as they announced "China". I even got teary eyed when the little boy joined Yao and they told the story of how they had pulled him out of the rubble of the recent earthquake in China that killed thousands. That little boy was the only survivor from his school house that callapsed. What an amazing story and congrats to China for the awesome display. Fantastic, simply Fantastic.

king wrote:

Ok, that show was out of this world. Ok China you got my attention, you can put on a show. Only one question, why are they playing mariachi Mexican music as Jamaica, Belgium, Vanatu, Israel, and Japan were marching in. Don't get me wrong the mariachi music was beautiful but just out of place!!

The other annoying thing about the music during the parade was that they set up a very short loop. About every 20-30 minutes it repeated the same bagpipe tune, so we got to hear it over and over. You'd think with all the money they spent they could've sprung for a few more CDs...

uh oh...

come on, NBC

I was completely awestruck by that show. Especially the first 10 or 15 minutes with the drummers. That was 100% badass.

Sure, this production is partially tainted by the fact that it's the result of a controlling government. But that's not entirely what's happening here, cynics be damned. A message of harmony and unity is being sent here, and they are welcoming in the nations of the world. I loved watching 2,008 Chinese drummers chant "Welcome My Friends!". Maybe it is a political ploy, but the positivity of the message has to be reaching many people right now, the Chinese included. It is a step forward.

The Olympics have turned into something very political and commercial, but at it's core the Olympics are still a good thing for this world.

Yes, it was a spectacular show. Understand that there are some hillbillies here that have no appreciation for such things. And they have apparently posted on this thread. Well, maybe London will have a tractor pull and a minature nascar race.

west coaster too wrote:

still watching all these dilweeds beat the drums in the 1st 20 minutes...boring....zzzzzzzzzzzzz

They show the Olympics in trailer parks?

Listening to "Scotland the Brave" on bagpipes over and over and over while the athletes marched it was bizarre, and I am of Scottish descent! I noted that the music changed for team China. These Olympics will indeed be reflective of the old chinese blessing/curse "may you live in interesting times".

only tangentially related wrote:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=197/bio/index.html

uh oh...

come on, NBC

ha! first i just thought they had left of a bio for meb...big deal. then i read the text.

Finch is not only attractive, but an amazing athlete. She went 32-0 one college season and struck out some big-leaguers (men) in an exhibition.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=119/bio/index.html

This is real life wrote:

Yes, it was a spectacular show. Understand that there are some hillbillies here that have no appreciation for such things. And they have apparently posted on this thread. Well, maybe London will have a tractor pull and a minature nascar race.

This reminded me of something funny. I'm not 100% sure, but I vaguely remember a bunch of pickup trucks driving around the stadium during the Atlanta ceremonies. Quite sad if true... Does anyone else remember that?

I love The Bird's Nest. It's beautiful!

runamook wrote:

Listening to "Scotland the Brave" on bagpipes over and over and over while the athletes marched it was bizarre, and I am of Scottish descent! I noted that the music changed for team China. These Olympics will indeed be reflective of the old chinese blessing/curse "may you live in interesting times".

yeah, I thought that was a little weird too....last time I heard it was at the Scotish Games Festival in Costa Mesa in May.

runamook wrote:

Listening to "Scotland the Brave" on bagpipes over and over and over while the athletes marched it was bizarre, and I am of Scottish descent! I noted that the music changed for team China. These Olympics will indeed be reflective of the old chinese blessing/curse "may you live in interesting times".

An amateur pipe band from Scotland have described being hand-picked to perform at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony "like winning the lottery".

The small Dundee band were spotted by Chinese officials when playing abroad last year and thought it was a joke when asked to play at the prestigious event.

The Mains of Fintry Pipe Band, whose members include a decorator, a fireman and a meat inspector, had to keep their biggest-ever show secret ahead of the Games.

I thought the Ceremonies were totally incredible. I watched them twice (CBC/NBC), and I was moved even more the 2nd time around. In retrospect, I think we witnessed a special moment in World history.

what a waste of billions of dollars that could be used to improve and save the lives of so many people. it's sickening how over the top that was.

king wrote:

I got goosebumps when Yao Ming came out and the crowd went wild as they announced "China". I even got teary eyed when the little boy joined Yao and they told the story of how they had pulled him out of the rubble of the recent earthquake in China that killed thousands. That little boy was the only survivor from his school house that callapsed. What an amazing story and congrats to China for the awesome display. Fantastic, simply Fantastic.

actually he dug him self out of the rubble and instead of going for help he dug 2 other of his class mates out

These opening ceremonies were awesome and also just great to see Phelps win that first gold....

will someone please tell John Mccain that the olympics are not the proper forum for putting his political comercials on tv? Jesus, how about a break from politics and a chance to see people compete!!!!!