The Greatest Thing In the History Of Everything

I've watched the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics three times now and I still cannot get over how fantastic it was. Despite all of my issues with the Chinese government, I must admit that the first 90 minutes of the show is quite simply the most amazing thing I have ever seen on any screen. But aside from the stunning technology on display, one comes away with a very simple message, depicted over and over again by thousands of precisely synchronized young men. That message: "Do not fuck with China." And when the mass of adorable children handed the Chinese flag over to a group of goose-stepping soldiers? Intimidating, and not a little bit, terrifying.

The Boston Globe has some gorgeous photos here.

ADDENDUM: You totally have to feel sorry for Vancouver. There's no way the next Olympics can come close to what the Chinese did.