Blogging Beijing: Day 1 of competition
August 8th, 2008Just a quick update and some links. What did you think of the opening ceremony? Here are some of my reflections.
Some other stories of mine that Baptist Press has published over the past couple of days:
At Olympics, believers carry hope onto Beijing streets
Olympic archer: Faith is most important
Archery became Olympian’s family sport
‘Buzz’ in China yields to elaborate opening ceremony
Cyclist’s perseverance lifts her to Olympics
By rowing, Olympian intends to worship
I heard reports of how good it was. So I tuned into the ceremony on NBC, hoping like that kid from “The Incredibles” to see “something amazing, I guess!” Indeed, it was! I couldn’t believe that final torch bearer took a full lap around the stadium from what seemed like a mile in the air. I was just glad he didn’t drop the torch!
Nice column, Tim. It makes me look forward to a more realized eschatology.
I haven’t watched the Olympics much since 1976, so I don’t know much about how the opening ceremonies have developed (although I do remember Muhammed Ali’s shaky torch lighting). The show was great, but the thing that struck me most this year was the cult of nationality, and how the ceremony’s message was all about how great China was, is and will be.
“Zhang Yimou was the artistic director for the performance. He is truly a master.”
He’s one of my favorite directors. If you ever get the chance, check out “To Live”
Glad you made it back in.
j razz
After Bibles seized, U.S. group won’t leave Chinese airport
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/18/china.bibles/