Let the Games begin!

Despite extensive efforts to keep key elements of the ceremony under wraps until the opening day, some details of the show, both official and unofficial, did make it to the media beforehand. In the most regrettable of spoilers, South Korean journalists who were given the opportunity to watch the first rehearsal on condition of confidentiality, taped a part of the show and aired it on television, ABC News, among others, reports. The television station subsequently apologized, CRI Nordic says, but only after the material had already spread like wildfire on the internet.

Official information has it that the ceremony will last about three-and-a-half hours and feature an unparalleled fireworks display, AIPS says. The musical lineup will include Chinese singer Liu Huan and British singer Sarah Brightman, who will perform the theme song for the Games, according to CRI Nordic. A blogger on BBC describes the spectacle as consisting of thousands of perfectly-choreographed Chinese men and women taking to the stage in an immense demonstration of power and unity. In his blog on Courant.com, Roger Catlin quotes NBC Sports executive producer David Neal as saying that "even if they pull off 75 to 80 percent of their plans they will t-ruly be over the top."

Although much has been revealed, some details, including the manner in which the cauldron will be lit and the identity of the last torch bearer, will remain under lock and key until the very last moment, Xinhua says. With everything going almost as smoothly as possible, the weather presents the biggest headache for the organizers, the same source continues. Let's hope the clouds will stay away as China gets this historical chance to bask in the international spotlight.