Lucky Number Eight Works Out Well For the Olympics

In China the number eight is considered lucky. The word for eight in Mandarin, "ba," sounds very similar to the word for wealth. Trying to garner as much luck as possible, the opening ceremony started at the time with the most eights in it. The ceremony began at 8:08:08 p.m. on 8-8-08. It is the date and time with the most eights in it for the next 80 years.

The plan worked. The opening ceremony was spectacular. My only real complaint was the camera angles. When you have masses of people moving in sync, do not zoom in on a select five. Pull out and let the viewers see the synchronicity the performers practiced for so long to perfect.


CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/08/china.eight/index.html

"Eight is a lucky number in China. The word for it -- ba -- sounds so close to the word for wealth that many people believe eight is a number that is linked to prosperity.

So it is no surprise that the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games begin at 8:08:08 p.m. on 8/8/08."