1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
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Welcome to Beijing!
August 8, 2008 — 5566, Beijing, Beijing National Stadium, Beijing Olympics, Beijing Olympics 2008, Beijing Olympics mascots, Bird's Nest, China, ETFE, Jackie Chan, Jay Chou, Liu Xiang, Mediacorp, Mediacorp Olympic coverage, National Aquatics Center, Official Album, Official Album Beijing 2008, Official Album Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Official Website Beijing Olympics, Olympics, Over My Shoulder, Qian Shan Wan Shui, Sydney, Sydney Olympics, VISA, Water Cube, Welcome to Beijing, Zhang Yimou
As far as I can remember, I’ve never been THAT interested in the Olympics.
I remember buying Olympic souvenirs though while living in Sydney in 2001 but that was after the games. Haha. That doesn’t really count as supporting the games, does it?
I think I can trace my lukewarm affinity to the summer games to the fact that there wasn’t much coverage in the Philippines when I was living there. There were only a few events that get shown on TV — boxing and basketball — and more often than not, the viewers would need to stay up really late and sleep in sorrow.
I’m trying to recall how I began developing an interest in the Beijing Olympics. Hmm.
1) The VISA advertisements in Golden Village cinema ? First, it was this famous Chinese hurdles champ Liu Xiang, then the one that features Jackie Chan.
Liu Xiang’s ad
2) 5566? They performed at the Asia Beatbox Championship and sang “Welcome to Beijing” which a lot of people seemed to know. I bought their album because of that song but here’s the video. I must admit I attempted to follow the Sunday variety show-inspired dance moves!
3) All the controversy surrounding the torch relay in Europe and the US? Olympics have a political angle too. So it was refreshing to see HK stars (and a few showbiz wannabees) battling it out to carry the torch.
4) Publicity generated by modern Olympic venues?
(Photo courtesy of Guo Lei/Xinhua) Bird's Nest / Beijing National Stadium. Took 5 years and US$500m (S$683m) to build. Capacity of 91,000 pax. Exterior built of steel.
National Aquatics Center or Water Cube. Cost : US$200m. It is the largest structure to be fitted with ETFE (lightweight version of teflon which allows more light penetration and heat absorption).
Interior of Water Cube. Has three swimming pools and a seating capacity of 17,000.
5) Official Olympic merchandise?
Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow
I also have a copy of the official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games soundtrack. Contains 2 CDs. My favorite track is Jay Chou’s song, “Over My Shoulder” / “Qian Shan Wan Shui” (video below).
We are moments away from the Opening Ceremonies (happening 08.08.08 at 08.08pm). Directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou. I’m sure it will be a grand spectacle that gives justice to the rich Chinese culture and heritage.
Enjoy China’s “Coming Out to the World” party!
My TV guide and DVD recorder are ready. “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (faster, higher, stronger). Let the Games begin!
Official Beijing Olympics site
Mediacorp TV Olympic coverage schedule (Singapore viewers only)
comments
Always good to read about Basketball, my ex was of olympic standards..
Can I ask though – how did you get this picked up and into google news?
Very impressive, is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?
Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..
Street fighting
August 15, 2008
Hi, thanks for visiting. I didn’t realise that it was picked up by Google news. I could only guess that it was due to the tags I’ve attached to the entry. No conscious effort on my part! Thanks too for your good feedback about my website. Hope to update it often with interesting stuff.
