|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics
Copyright (c) 2008-2023 Jennifer Adams
When I watched the Opening Ceremony, I was entranced. It began with giant footprints in the sky made of fireworks, leading the way to the stadium. The stadium was built specifically for the Olympics in the shape of a bird's nest, which is considered a lucky symbol in China. Once at the stadium, fire appeared to race around the top edge of the structure before falling to the ground within like a comet. Two large rectangles full of what turned out to be drummers began performing along with a flickering light show that made patterns from the different drums. It was amazing.
The Opening Ceremony traced the history of China, featuring a huge LED screen that unrolled like a scroll upon the stadium floor. The idea of an unrolling LED screen that people could dance and march upon was ingenious. The screen had images and symbols going by as dancers painted on yet another floor screen, creating a landscape in the style of Chinese brush painting. Next, there were many people in flowing, costumes. A large amount of blocks were in place on the LED screen, and we were treated to a patterned dance by the blocks, first moving like ripples in a pond, then forming Chinese characters and the Great Wall. After it was over, people popped up from each block. They must have practiced for weeks to get the choreography right.
One of my favorite parts was the single dancer in the flowing neon costume who danced upon a moving floor carried by many other people in bright green costumes. She had long flowing ribbons that she waved as part of her dance. Many people then came out carrying large oars. They did what looked like the wave while images of ocean waves played on the top scrim in the stadium. The oarsmen eventually formed a boat around the enter LED screen, which showed images of Chinese ships.
The costumes were amazing. They looked like they were made of silk and other fine fabrics. They say there were 15,000 performers in this Opening Ceremony... and they all had marvelous costumes of vibrant colors. The bright dresses and traditional costumes added to the pageantry. The costumes were so detailed, from the perfect pleats to the tiny gold baubles in the dancers' hair. China has a reputation of being highly populated, and everything they did used masses of people, which helped bring that feeling to mind. The sheer numbers that performed so beautifully is mind-boggling.
The lighted suits were really cool. It was like watching stars running around. They made the shape of a bird, in honor of the usual pigeons that are traditionally released at the Olympic Games. The lights then formed a bird's nest, echoing the theme of the stadium.
The history of martial arts was honored with the Tai Chi exhibition, and then images of waterfalls covered the upper scrims while ripples of people made their entrance and got into place. Children sat in the middle of the screen. The masses of practitioners performing were amazing.
I think my favorite part was the astronaut portion. The lights looked like stars, and the astronauts floating in the air were really great as planets floated by on the upper scrims. The people running and tumbling around the circumference of the large globe was a great effect. The theme song was beautiful and haunting as images of whales floated by on the ceiling. The sea of faces they showed during the theme song brought tears to my eyes, as it brought individuality of all nationalities to the show.
The fireworks were amazing. So many colors, so many patterns. The usual parade of nations was done according to the number of strokes in the Chinese names for those countries rather than alphabetically, which made if interesting as you didn't know who was coming next. There were over 200 countries there to compete in the Olympic Games. They slowly filled the center of the stadium with all the athletes who were there to compete. The small child who came out with the China team was so cute, waving a little flag as he marched.
The speeches were nice, but I really preferred the pageantry of the earlier portion of the ceremony. China really set the bar high for anyone hosting future Olympic Games for the Opening Ceremony. I hope we'll see more imaginative and innovative ceremonies in the future. This one was very entertaining, touching and gave a true flavor of China.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Sports and Recreation Articles || Related Categories: Arts and Entertainment Articles and World Events Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Jennifer Adams
Most Recent "Sports And Recreation" Articles
Improve Your Golf Swing In 30 Minutes With Six Simple Golf Swing Tips
Written by: Sam White |
Distributed: 2011-12-07 |
Word Count: 1230 |
Page Views: 5716
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.40
In-depth article explaining how to perfect your golf swing
in six steps covering everything from the pivot to the
mental game.
Learn How To Overcome Your Subconscious Mind To Improve Your Golf Game And Handicap
Written by: Winchel Blanc |
Distributed: 2010-02-03 |
Word Count: 1465 |
Page Views: 5598
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Obviously, the goal in golf is to get the ball into the
hole, in as few strokes as possible. More important than
learning a specific technique, to enable the possibility, is
to understand the learning process in the game of golf. If
you learn to hit the ball fast and straight the first time,
then you will naturally lower your handicap. So, for those
who are truly interested in improving their golf game, one
should strive to make the first stroke hit its mark. This
article will guide you through a different way of thinking
about how to improve your golf game.
Pitching Hot Stuff Derek Lowe
Written by: Lynda Belcher |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 568 |
Page Views: 4071
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
As a bonafide Atlanta Braves fan, let me just say that I don't
easily excite over specific players. The whole game is so diluted
with the comings and goings of various players, it's hard
sometimes to keep up with who is on what team this season. I
mean, you know the drill...
Fantasy Baseball - Fool Proof Strategies To Win
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-23 |
Word Count: 693 |
Page Views: 5015
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.20
Fantasy Baseball is a popular game. The players involved in this
game work towards managing imagining team of baseball. This is
totally based on the baseball players' real life performance.
The players in Fantasy Baseball compete against one another using
those players' statistics in order score points.
The NBA's Western Conference at the Start of '09
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2009-02-26 |
Word Count: 2137 |
Page Views: 3992
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.00
At the beginning of 2009, the Western Conference has it all: a
very dominant team, parity and a lot of NBA Lottery contestants.
As the season creeps towards the mid-way point, the Lakers hope
to stay consistent and healthy, while the contenders hope to
position themselves for a post All-Star-break run into the
playoffs.
Is Your Favorite Team in the AL East? Then Read This
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2009-02-24 |
Word Count: 979 |
Page Views: 3891
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.50
The American League East is arguably the toughest division in
Major League Baseball today. The New York Yankees and the Boston
Red Sox alone are enough to earn that reputation, but now you can
add the pennant winning Tampa Bay Rays to the A.L. East's
competitive teams.
Playing Golf - Pain or Pleasure?
Written by: Claus Jensen |
Distributed: 2009-01-21 |
Word Count: 709 |
Page Views: 3709
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.67
I turned to golf when my knees had had enough of soccer and all
its unpredictable injuries. So here I am, an amateur golfer with
a handicap of 22, and stuck at that level for quite some time
now. That explains the title of this article! I have learned that
there are three key elements to help one perform well on the golf
course. Read on as I discuss each one.
2008 NFL Season Outlook
Written by: Mark Anderson |
Distributed: 2008-10-29 |
Word Count: 1233 |
Page Views: 4111
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.17
The 2008 NFL season is upon us and as always, there is plenty of
excitement in almost every NFL city across the country. Every fan
is hopeful about their team at the start of the season, but when
it comes down to it, the best teams will always end up at the top
of the heap. Only 12 teams can make it the playoffs out of 32, so
the odds aren't always on your side. But as the Giants showed
the world last year: once you're in the playoffs, anything can
happen and anybody can win the whole thing and go home as Super
Bowl Champion.
The Wild Wild NFC West
Written by: Kurt Schumacher |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 1645 |
Page Views: 3781
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
It will be a tight division race, coming down to St. Louis or
Arizona. The value play is on St. Louis, at 6.50 to 1 odds, to
win the division (the pre-season number on Arizona is 3.25 to 1
odds to win the division). The better play here is St. Louis to
win OVER 6.5 games. Our scorecasting models have the 2008 Rams
winning 9 games; a deviation of 2.5 games from the Vegas total -
which correlates to a strong betting line play.
Fly Fishing 101: Learn Everything You Need to Know to Get Started on a Fly Fishing Adventure
Written by: Christine Beals |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 1043 |
Page Views: 4024
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.36
Fly fishing is an ancient angling method in which artificial
flies are tied onto a hook to imitate naturally occurring food.
These artificial flies are made out of materials such as fur and
feather. Rods are generally light while the lines are heavy in
weight, providing the proper weight and momentum for casting.
Because of the ease of learning, fly fishing has become an
enjoyable past time for many people of all ages.
Most Viewed "Sports And Recreation" Articles
Fish Southern Alberta: Lakes, Streams, Rivers and More
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-01-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 10332
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 2.43
Angling in southern Alberta involves casting for trophy fish amid
a vast and spectacular landscape of lakes, streams, reservoirs
and one of the world's best fly-fishing rivers.
Banff Hiking Trails
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 984 |
Page Views: 8229
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.58
From trekking into classic teahouses and charming backcountry
lodges to around-town strolls, Banff's hiking trails are one of
the most extensive hiking networks on earth.
A Stingray Tale
Written by: Vincent Bossley |
Distributed: 2007-04-19 |
Word Count: 2442 |
Page Views: 7630
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
The head of Queen Charlotte Sounds are tidal. The tide range is
not huge, but the water being as shallow as it is, low tide
reveals a great expanse of brownness. Ringed by lush native bush
to the waterline, this little corner of Marlborough is paradise
to a small boy.
Improve Your Golf Swing In 30 Minutes With Six Simple Golf Swing Tips
Written by: Sam White |
Distributed: 2011-12-07 |
Word Count: 1230 |
Page Views: 5716
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.40
In-depth article explaining how to perfect your golf swing
in six steps covering everything from the pivot to the
mental game.
What Is A Ticket Broker, and Can They Really Help Me Get Playoff Tickets?
Written by: Triston Nielder |
Distributed: 2007-06-18 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 5622
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.70
If you've ever tried to get sports tickets, concert tickets or
theatre tickets, only to find them sold out five minutes after
they went on sale, then you may need to locate a ticket broker.
Learn How To Overcome Your Subconscious Mind To Improve Your Golf Game And Handicap
Written by: Winchel Blanc |
Distributed: 2010-02-03 |
Word Count: 1465 |
Page Views: 5598
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Obviously, the goal in golf is to get the ball into the
hole, in as few strokes as possible. More important than
learning a specific technique, to enable the possibility, is
to understand the learning process in the game of golf. If
you learn to hit the ball fast and straight the first time,
then you will naturally lower your handicap. So, for those
who are truly interested in improving their golf game, one
should strive to make the first stroke hit its mark. This
article will guide you through a different way of thinking
about how to improve your golf game.
Easily Access Alberta's Fly-In Fishing Lodges
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2007-01-08 |
Word Count: 888 |
Page Views: 5526
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.50
Northern Alberta's fly-in fishing lodges offer some of the best
fresh-water fishing in the world. They're remote, pristine and
professionally managed and run.
Understanding Which Horses Make The Best Barrel Racing Horses
Written by: Robb Fowler |
Distributed: 2008-02-26 |
Word Count: 725 |
Page Views: 5506
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 0.89
Contrary to what some people believe, not every horse is an ideal
candidate for barrel racing. Though there are fewer particulars
than there are when looking for a Thoroughbred that will be a
winner on the race track, there are a number of different
characteristics that will be found in great barrel horses.
NFL Training Camp - Is It Too Long?
Written by: Jay Nault |
Distributed: 2006-08-10 |
Word Count: 719 |
Page Views: 5501
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 1.85
The demands on NFL teams have grown exponentially over the past
couple of decades. It wasn't too long ago that many NFL
players, even starters, felt the need to get or hold a
"regular" job during the offseason, and used the time spent in
training camp to get into playing shape for the regular season.
It also used to be that teams played up to six preseason games as
opposed to the current four or maybe five exhibitions.
Canada's Top Indoor Rodeo: Cowboys Ready for Action
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-12-13 |
Word Count: 1057 |
Page Views: 5395
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.69
Saddle Bronc rider Jess Martin will measure his first Canadian
Finals Rodeo by eight-second intervals as he struggles to stay on
a bucking horse bent on giving him the ride of his life in
Edmonton, Alberta. Eight seconds is all he needs on the leaping
and twisting animal to score during the country's biggest indoor
rodeo. Eight seconds in front of 16,000 cheering fans packing
Rexall Place as this Canadian gateway city goes hog wild from
Nov. 8–12.
Highest Ranked "Sports And Recreation" Articles
Red Sox Offense For 2007 Season Ready To Strike
Written by: Patrick Hickey Jr. |
Distributed: 2007-04-19 |
Word Count: 720 |
Page Views: 3860
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.40
Despite winning 86 games last season, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein
knew that his team needed a bigger infusion of power and speed.
As much as the fans at Fenway respected the hard-working Alex
Gonzalez and loved long-time Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon,
Epstein knew that in order for his team to get to the next level,
they needed more.
Pitching Hot Stuff Derek Lowe
Written by: Lynda Belcher |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 568 |
Page Views: 4071
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
As a bonafide Atlanta Braves fan, let me just say that I don't
easily excite over specific players. The whole game is so diluted
with the comings and goings of various players, it's hard
sometimes to keep up with who is on what team this season. I
mean, you know the drill...
Banff Springs Eternal
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-12-13 |
Word Count: 590 |
Page Views: 3889
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.91
Designed in 1928 by Canada's most revered golf course architect,
Stanley Thompson, this incredibly scenic golf course was the
first golf course to cost $1-million. It was money well spent,
and today Sports Illustrated calls the Banff Springs (along with
the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course) one of the two greatest
mountain golf courses ever built.
Making The Cut
Written by: Robert Middleton |
Distributed: 2007-06-20 |
Word Count: 552 |
Page Views: 3917
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.88
One of the hardest working groups of Independent Professionals
out there are professional golfers. It may look like they have an
easy job just hitting a ball around while enjoying the outdoors,
but as Paul Harvey says, 'Here's the rest of the story...'
The Wild Wild NFC West
Written by: Kurt Schumacher |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 1645 |
Page Views: 3781
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
It will be a tight division race, coming down to St. Louis or
Arizona. The value play is on St. Louis, at 6.50 to 1 odds, to
win the division (the pre-season number on Arizona is 3.25 to 1
odds to win the division). The better play here is St. Louis to
win OVER 6.5 games. Our scorecasting models have the 2008 Rams
winning 9 games; a deviation of 2.5 games from the Vegas total -
which correlates to a strong betting line play.
What Is A Ticket Broker, and Can They Really Help Me Get Playoff Tickets?
Written by: Triston Nielder |
Distributed: 2007-06-18 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 5622
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.70
If you've ever tried to get sports tickets, concert tickets or
theatre tickets, only to find them sold out five minutes after
they went on sale, then you may need to locate a ticket broker.
Divisional Outlook for June - AL Central
Written by: Jay Nault |
Distributed: 2006-09-26 |
Word Count: 597 |
Page Views: 3531
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.68
The past month has been one of change atop the division
standings, and the World Champion White Sox have been issued a
challenge by the surging Detroit Tigers, who enjoyed an amazing
month. The rest of the division has been mostly status quo, but
each team has made the news for different reasons since the
beginning of May.
Playing Golf - Pain or Pleasure?
Written by: Claus Jensen |
Distributed: 2009-01-21 |
Word Count: 709 |
Page Views: 3709
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.67
I turned to golf when my knees had had enough of soccer and all
its unpredictable injuries. So here I am, an amateur golfer with
a handicap of 22, and stuck at that level for quite some time
now. That explains the title of this article! I have learned that
there are three key elements to help one perform well on the golf
course. Read on as I discuss each one.
Heroes Host Camps - Grrrl Power Ascends
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-11-10 |
Word Count: 920 |
Page Views: 3900
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
You can play with the big boys when you learn how to jib your
first rail or hit your first large jump or nail a cab 540 spin.
Better yet, if you're a girl, you can play with the big girls
and leave those boys on their own. And if you're a boy – hey,
you up for the competition? There are killer camps coming to
Alberta and full-on schools that will provide all ages and skill
levels (and genders!) an opportunity to get better. Here's a
look at what's available.
Big Ben Guides Young Bulls
Written by: Patrick Hickey Jr. |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 717 |
Page Views: 4196
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
Finishing the 2006 season with more than 40 wins for the second
year in a row, the Chicago Bulls knew they were still missing
that certain something to shoot themselves through the ranks of
NBA mediocrity. Something along the lines of the six foot nine,
240 pounds of grit, hustle, unshakable determination and power
the likes of Ben Wallace to be exact.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 750
Total Views: 4981
Article Rating: 1.82 of 5
Votes Cast: 11
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2008-09-02 16:12:00
Internal ID: #6244
|
|
|
Home