Party in a Bird's Nest

The 2008 Summer Olympic games opening in Beijing, China yesterday. And it was one of the coolest ceremonies I have ever witnessed in my (short-ish) life.

The ceremonies weren't just about people doing artsy interpretations of their nation's culture and heritage. These ceremonies were about telling a story, not showing performances. And if it was a little avant garde, the announcers made sure to tell you what was going on. The only time I needed that was when millions of LED and stage lights were flashing all over the stage in a performance designed to show that we must not waste the earth's resources. (Starting right after that performance, I'm sure.)

Speaking of LED, that "magic carpet" was sure incredible, wasn't it? With it's magical touch screen in the middle, it had some resemblance to an oversized Nintendo DS. While I'm sure it did nothing to save the earth, it was an incredible performance piece and added to the overall awe and mystery of the night.

The ceremonies had an amazing dignity and openness about them. I realize this is by design. After all, the Chinese want to try their hardest to make more nations like them, and not remember some of the crappier things they do. (Every nation does this when they host the Olympics, but China had to do even more, it feels like.) But these ceremonies were safe, familiar and entertaining. They did not scare me like the Nagano games. (I was only 11, but still, I remember the little devils skating all around, scaring up a storm. Creepy.) They were memorable, which is better than Sydney. (And much better than Turin, which I cannot remember, and that was two years ago!) And they were not even delightfully campy, like the terrific Salt Lake City ceremonies. This was like a great magician's act, full of technological wonders while making sure that you leave entertained and exit in good spirits.

I'm sure it could have taken "more chances" and been "edgier," but I don't think they had to. Not this year. The simple dignity was more than enough to give the games a terrific start.