NBC had a shot of the Olympic flag and the Olympic cauldron just after it was lit that I really would like to have as my wallpaper.

I'm excited for the Olympics y'all

I want to attend one before I die.

I was eating at a restaurant and saw on a clip that the Chinese girl in the 48 kg weight class lifted 117 kg of weight

How is that even possible

Great opening especially the lighting of the torch.

First gold goes to China (I think it was first, if not 2nd). Great job China! Some Canadians might be in contention for cycling... I hope they win

I can't wait until swimming! I hope the US does well, but I always cheer for Australia for some reason... too bad Ian Thorpe is not here this year

OMG I'm just watching the first hour for the first time.

This is SO MUCH BETTER than Sidney is not even funny. I'd put this on par with Athens, but in terms of productions values this is above Athens too.


Oh Zhang Yimou

Box you're up as well... I have a feeling that my sleeping pattern is going to be all messed.

Ostensibly I'm up because of essays, hah! But who are we kidding?

caught the end and it was beautiful. I loved it.

Czech won the first gold (women air-rifle). China won the next two (one from weightlifting and one from shooting).

Brilliant Opening Ceremony, I wouldn't expect any less from China.

Sydney's was down to earth and fun, Athens was elegant and poignant, Beijing was grand and all about the "awe" factor. Fantastic.

My favourite piece was the one in the middle with the traditional south eastern chinese opera evolving into the royal dragon palace scene....the music was marvellous here, the maids where beautiful, the costumes were great and it was truly grand. Classic Yimou and reminds you of Curse Of The Golden Flower.

This would definately have to be my favourite so far out of the ones i've seen since Barcelona 1992.

The order of rankings for me....

1) Beijing
2) Sydney
3) Athens
4) Barcelona
5) Atlanta (truly boring opening ceremony if you ask me).

The whole calligraphy bit was gorgeous. So nice.

This is so epic! I love it!

Very nice. The wall being torn down and replaced with flowers symbolizing openness, and then another kind of opening, whereby this supposed technological creation turns out to be, after all, just humans working together.




The Chinese dancer is so beautiful.

London 2012

or (if we're lucky)

Chicago 2016

We'll know next year if Chicago beats out Madrid,Tokyo & Rio De Janeiro.



That was brilliant! dude flying around the whole stadium with the scroll unfolding behind him and the great music playing........WOW!

I loved it. It was BEAUTIFUL. China put on an AMAZING ceremony.

China has already won 2 gold.

yup

they are going to give USA all we can handle in teh medal race.

I can't believe how great this is. So awesome.

Crouching Tiger, FlyingTorch Man


beautiful

2004 Athens Olympics Medal Counts

USA 35 39 29 103

RUS 27 27 38 92

CHN 32 17 14 63

Eww....let's hope not....not another US Olympics.

I would love to see either Madrid, Tokyo or Rio De Janeiro get the 2016 Olympics.

Spain last hosted the Olympics in 1992, Japan in 1964.....so I think it's time they either go back to Tokyo or for the first time ever, Rio De Janeiro (the first time a South American country will be hosting the Olympics).

It makes perfect sense to go to Rio De Janeiro....Brazil is a member of the rising BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China).

And don't be surprised if India or Qatar gets the 2020 Olympics...both have expressed their interest

London 2012! I'll be there as much as humanly possible. Start planning your trip now!

I can only imagine how much more expensive London will be at that time...