2008 Olympics: Opening Ceremony goes well and with a hitch

Approximately 15 percent of the world saw the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony in at the architectural marvel, National Olympic Stadium, a.k.a the Bird's Nest. For the American-centric number that us "pig headed" Americans care about, 34.2 million Americans tuned in. On that note a charismatic President Bush was in attendance to honor the American Olympians. But the night celebrated all of the beautiful Olympians, representing 210 countries.

Nine-year-old heroic earthquake survivor, Lin Hao and a towering seven and a half feet tall, Yao Ming, hoisting a huge Chinese flag led the host Chinese team around the stadium. The ceremony culminated with former Olympic gymnast, Li Ning from the middle of the stadium, flying up like Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man (being held by wires) and running a lap around the stadium then lighting the huge spiraling Olympic torch at the top of the stadium. Folowing that a myriad of fireworks engulfed the stadium and surround areas of the river banks.


Perfect right? That could depend on your perspective. If you’re a fan of efficiency or an environmentalist then, your answer may be yes. If you are a pyrotechnic purist, your answer may be no. That is because some or even all of the fireworks were graphically animated in real time through the use of industrial-sized light projectors, provided by a visual effects company, Christie Digital Systems USA.

I was almost willing to disregard a flimsy looking internet rumor that some of the fireworks that NBC showed were computer generated. It looked to likely just be an attack on NBC and consequently the greed of one of our many faceless corporate entities. Although some people might argue that Bob Costas is the face of NBC. Nonetheless, it is not a symbolic face we are talking about and that is niether here nor there.


But then I found a comprehensive article detailing how Christie was able to provide the most extensive graphic lighting in Olympic history. Originally this idea made me feel like the powers that be are over sensationalizing our senses once again. As I had already viewed fireworks engulfing the stadium and sat in awe, wondering how they avoided creating any fires. That was a disappointment to know that my eyes deceived me, or rather Christie projectors had decieved me.

But then another thought came to me. This means that the future of lighting shows has arrived. For now on we will be able to go to public events and we will be able to see amazing lighting entertainment at lower costs than what the major fireworks cost. Of course the projectors likely require good amounts of energy, so this is just one more reason for us to get excited about investing in alternative energy solutions.

All 2008 Olympics Shots Heard Coverage

2008 Olympics: Opening Ceremony goes well and with a hitch
2008 Olympics: The Amazing Race
2008 Olympics: The Amazing Finish
2008 Olympics: NBC's dirty pool
2008 Olympics: Lucky Eight for Phelps
2008 Olympics: Down goes Franco! Down goes Franco!
2008 Olympics: Usain Bolt - A bolt of lightning or steroids in a syringe?
2008 Olympics: Final Thoughts