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The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have officially begun.
I have never seen anything like it. Look at what discipline, perseverance and dedication can do.
One word -- amazing.
When you see ceremonies like this, participated upon by the nations of the world, not to mention, well-attended by prominent world leaders -- even vocal critics of China and its foreign policies, you can't help but be optimistic that world peace is indeed achievable. China, amidst protests on the issue of Tibet, accusations of being a "knowing and willing accomplice" in the Bashir regime’s genocide in Darfur due to economic and geopolitical reasons, pollution issues, criticisms on its foreign policy and many more, has showed the world exactly what they are made of. They are made of people -- endowed with skill and passion for their culture, their religion and convictions. China is indeed a force to be reckoned with -- economically, politically and socially. There is indeed power in numbers. The sleeping giant has awakened. And the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games has set the stage for the grand announcement.
The opening ceremony was a marriage of human talent and technology -- which, by all merits, eventually go back to the power of the human mind and heart. If efforts in pursuits such as this is poured into urgent and relevant issues of today, then we can only expect nothing less than success and lasting harmony -- as envisioned and promoted by this year's theme -- "Friends Forever". The olympics is, after all about harmony and cooperation.
My ardent wish is that this cooperation go beyond the appreciation of the "spectacular", the "amazing" and the "breath-taking". Entertainment is a universal human pursuit. And I believe that harmony is too. So, let the games begin, and let the harmony follow.
EDIT: There were attempts to remove all videos related to the Beijing Olympics due to copyright issues to the point of a news blackout. It's a shame that these may not be seen by many because they are truly magnificent.
The Countdown:
Done magnificently by a sea of drummers, all 2008 of them.[flash http://adayinthelifeofrj.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/2008_beijing_countdown.flv caption={Countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games} f={backcolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xCCCCFF&lightcolor=0xAAAAAA&screencolor=0x999999}]
The Torch/Cauldron Lighting Ceremony:
Watching it evokes pride and appreciation of the human spirit.
[flash http://adayinthelifeofrj.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/2008_beijing_torch.flv]
Suggested Further Reading:
- There’s No Easy Way: Peace and Its Price
- So You Think She Can Dance?
- The Case of the “Ex”
- Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) MOA-AD
- Cory: The Making of an Unlikely Hero
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4 comments ↓
Nice but what can you say about the proxy singer of the opening ceremony? Is it ok if it is lip sync?
@bleuken, hello! :) i was shocked the first time i heard of the news. i find the singing girl pretty but to use her simply for aesthetic reasons is as unacceptable as denying the original singer of exposure solely because they don’t find her “cute” enough. i’ve seen photos of the true singer and she looks pretty and cute to me. it is disheartening that no matter how far we’ve gone to promoting inner beauty and talent, the fact remains taht society as a whole still go gaga over physical traits and judge people from what’s on the exterior. i am very disappointed with it.
@rj, reality really bites. somethings really can’t change by simple values education in school only. But I have heard that they will allow the true singer to sing on the closing of Olympic games. Well the damage has been done, bloggers all over the world already flocking and ranting about this.
Bleukens last blog post..Cebu Seo Contest 2008
@bleuken, true that, man! :) the damage has indeed been done and no amount of saving-face will do them any good. they should have made the right decision in the first place. although, the effort seem too little and too late, it is still good that they will let the one with the true singing voice reclaim her honor and enjoy the audience’s appreciation. she deserves it anyway. i guess, moving forward, let a valuable lesson be learned from this — that in our attempts to put our best foot forward, let us not even consider deceiving people, because no matter how you hide it, the truth is out there and for people to discover it is only a matter of time. and most times, it gets discovered earlier than you can ever imagine. so be truthful, in everything. it will do all of us good. :)