The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.10

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 9; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-2022-winter-olympic-opening.html

Those Damned Doves.

It is one of the more arcane pieces of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Protocol. That each Opening Ceremony includes a section involving the release of white Doves.

White Doves supposedly being an internationally recognised symbol of peace. A reference to the Olympic Truce that all nations are supposed to abide by throughout the games.

Fortunately hosts are given a lot of artistic freedom in how they comply with this piece of IOC Protocol. It has certainly been a long time since anyone has used real Doves.

Here China took it as another opportunity. To remind us all how cute and adorable Chinese children are. In the hope of inspiring Chinese viewers to go off and make some of their own.

So the arena was filled with adorable Chinese children. Carrying illuminated Doves on sticks. 

These were supposed to resemble traditional Chinese paper lanterns. In which a candle is placed inside a paper bag. Sometimes with a bamboo or metal frame to help it keep its shape.

Specifically they were intended to be; "Sky Lanterns (Tiandeng)." 

In which the paper bag is sealed. So as the heat from the candle warms the air it is trapped inside the paper bag. Allowing the lantern to float.

As this is the Winter Olympics. The children were supposedly playing in the snow. As illustrated by the giant LED screen beneath the arena floor.

Further showcasing China's technological prowess. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used. To track the children's movements around the arena. Allowing their footprints to be illuminated

The 2018 Winter games were held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South). 

Their Olympic Opening Ceremony used five similarly aged children as a guides or; "Ciphers." A device to allow us to decode the story of the ceremony.

In a specific section of the 2018 Opening Ceremony. Which I entitled; "Beaten Black & Blue." 

An intense beam of white light energy rose from a recessed circle in the centre of the arena floor. Travelling up to a corresponding circle in the arena roof.

This was a reference to China's Quantum Experiments at Space-Scale (QUESS) satellite. Which had been successfully launched in 2016.

QUESS is the first and, so far, only communications satellite to use Quantum Cryptography/Encryption Technology.

All electronic communications/expressions. Be they lightbulbs, phonecalls, text messages, videos, photographs etc.

Are all just a pattern or code of either Electronic Current Present/On (I) or Electronic Current Absent/Off (O).

You may recognise that combined (I/O) from the On/Off switch on, really, all of your electronic devices.

What Quantum Cryptography/Encryption does. Is use tiny sub-atomic, quantum particles. Of, technically not even, light. To transmit that pattern of Current Present/Current Absent.

Somewhat like FibreOptic Broadband. Only much, much more complicated.

I think the most widely known form of electronic surveillance is the Classic Wire Tap. Traditional communications transmit that pattern of Current Present/Current Absent along a metal wire.

To intercept the communication. You literally clamp or tap another wire into that wire. 

Allowing you to, typically, hear the message before it reaches its intended recipient. When they hear the message the recipient has no idea that you've also heard the message.

With Quantum Cryptography/Encryption the quantum particles forming the pattern of Current Present/Current Absent. Are so unstable that if you try to intercept them you will destroy them.

Meaning that not only don't you get to see/hear the message. The people you are targeting will instantly know you are targeting them. Due to the message not getting through.

So Quantum Encryption is currently considered to be Utterly Unbreakable. 100% Totally Secure. Very few people even have the ability to do Quantum Encryption themselves. Let alone crack other people's.

In this stark contrast between QUESS and the Child-Like Ciphers. 

South Korea was trying to warn the US of how far it was behind China in terms of Cryptography/Encryption. Really all forms of modern military intelligence.

Something which is obviously concerning. If like South Korea and Japan. You are militarily allied with the US against China.

In 2021 the US/UK decided to try and hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. In what could only have been an attempt to prove to everyone just how far behind they are.

So this also became a major theme of the delayed 2020 Summer games. Held in Tokyo, Japan.

In the section of the 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony that I entitled; "Ichimatsu Moyo/Harmonised Chequered." Japan took an in depth look that the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Where these quantum particles exist.

In the Olympic Rings section of the Olympic Closing Ceremony. Japan recreated the sequence from the 2018 Olympic Opening Ceremony. In which an intense beam of light energy travelled from the ground to the sky.

This was immediately followed by a section I entitled; "Life Beyond The Wire." In which young women, slightly more advanced than South Korea's Child-Like Ciphers. Were used as Ciphers to guide us around the scenes of a typical Japanese park.

All a detailed Japanese mockery of the US/UK's attempt to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. In an effort to plead with their allies to at least try to catch up.

As China is the only nation currently able to do Quantum Cryptography/Encryption. The celebration of its QUESS satellite was a recurring theme of Opening Ceremony. 

So China took a really in depth look at the Sub-Atomic Physics of Light. 

How Photons can be created in Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). Along with how they can be manipulated, turning them from Natural Light to Lasers.

Present throughout the Opening Ceremony. Was a column running up the stage-rear arena wall. From the ground up to the sky. In my notes I dubbed this the; "QUESS Column."

The section I entitled; "Dandelion" ended with Light Projected Pollen Spores travelling up the QUESS column. 

When they arrived at the top they seemed to trigger fireworks. Spelling out the phrases; "Spring" and; "Lichun (The beginning of spring)" in English/Latin and Chinese characters.

An example of a message being transmitted in the form of light. From the Earth's surface to the heavens. Just like QUESS.

The section I entitled; "A Quantum Of Celebration." Featured data in the form of Augmented Reality (AR) and Light Projected snowflakes bearing the name of each competing nation. Falling from the heavens back to Earth.

As the children played in the snow. Light Projected snowflakes once again fell from the heavens to Earth. Down the QUESS column.

In that context. The balloons/lanterns the children were holding. Were a reference to US Tech companies Facebook/Meta and Google's efforts to provide Internet access to remote areas.

Known as; "Aquila" Facebook/Meta's program uses drones as an Internet antenna. Google's program, known as; "Loon" uses weather balloons as Internet antenna.

Neither Aquila nor Loon are as advanced as the; "Starlink" program of Elon Musk's SpaceX. Which uses a constellation of satellites as Internet antenna.

On May 8th 2021 (8/5/21) the US brought Miley Cyrus and Elon Musk together on the TV show; "Saturday Night Live (SNL).

An effort China spectacularly trolled at the time. Launching its Tiangong Space Station into orbit on April 29th 2021 (29/4/21). 

Then letting the Long March rocket used tumble back to Earth. Landing around 45 minutes before that episode of SNL was broadcast live.

There was only one possible reason for the US bringing Miley Cyrus and Elon Musk together. To introduce Miley Cyrus to Elon Musk. 

So the three of us could work together. To give the US a chance of catching up to even the Child-Like Ciphers.

Unfortunately the US are now so far behind. They couldn't even succeed in that simplest of simple tasks.

At around 18:05 on 26/3/22 (UK date) I will pick this up on Monday. 

Edited at around 16:30 on 4/4/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

As the cute and adorable Chinese children played in the snow. They were accompanied by even more cute and adorable Chinese children. All aged around 9 years old.

155 youth members of the Beijing Philharmonic Choir. Who sang the official anthem of the 2022 Winter games; "Snowflake."

As with the graphics used in the videos, along with the fireworks. Each line of the song Snowflake is sung in Mandarin Chinese. Then repeated in English. Another attempt to teach, particularly westerners, Chinese.

In keeping with the snowflakes used throughout the Opening Ceremony, featuring the name of each competing nation. The message of the song is all about thousands snowflakes joining together to compete in openness and a sense of family peace.

The choir were all dressed in blue and white outfits adorned with snowflakes. Officially a reference to traditional Chinese Porcelain. 

However they also very closely resembled the blue and white National Flag of Israel. Which has an almost snowflake shaped Star of David at its centre.

The 2018 Winter games marked the start of a very long stay for the Olympics/Para-Olympics in Asia. A near decade long stay which these 2022 Winter games mark the end of.

So the South Korean hosts took the opportunity to introduce us to not only aspects of their culture. But also things which are common throughout Asia.

They particularly introduced us to the Wu Xing. The five essential elements which make up everything in the Universe. A concept central to almost all Asian Animist belief systems.

Each of the five Child-Like Ciphers of the 2018 Olympic Opening Ceremony represented an element of the Wu Xing.

Unlike the western Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Asian Animist beliefs are not codified, written down in holy books. 

Instead they are a melting pot of philosophies handed down through the oral tradition. Something which can make them very difficult to explain.

While there are many large differences. I find the easiest way to begin to explain Asian Animist beliefs is through the Jewish concept of God and the Universe.

Unlike Christians and Muslims Jews believe that God is made up of two halves. The unseeable, unknowable Godhead. Along with God's body. The entire perceptible Universe.

So God is considered to be the Universe and the Universe is considered to be God. So everything within the Universe, people nature etc are also considered to be God.

Jews also believe that the Godhead is connected to God's body through the; "Tree of Life." A network of 10 nodes and 22 connecting lines this is similar to God's nervous system.

A way for the Godhead to communicate with the Universe. Manifesting God's will within nature to send messages throughout the Universe.

Perhaps betraying its Animist roots. The original symbol for Judaism was not the Star of David but the Pentagram.

The Pentagram is symbol used within European Animist beliefs. The five points of the Pentagram represent the five limbs or essential forces which make up the Universe.

An idea which is shared with the Wu Xing. An idea which seems to have sprung up in two completely different parts of the World. Completely independently of each other.

One possible explanation for why this notion of five essential forces is shared throughout the World. Is that it may actually be true.

Conventional Physics has long insisted that there are just four fundamental or essential forces of nature. Gravity, Electromagnetism, Strong Nuclear Force and Weak Nuclear Force.

However 2021 research out of the Fermilab Particle Accelerator in Chicago, US. On the Muon g-2 particle. Suggests that conventional Physics may soon have to acknowledge the existence of a fifth essential force.

In November 2019 I found myself discussing the Pentagram's role as the original symbol for Judaism with my mothers. Sitting in a restaurant in the British city of Salisbury.

Salisbury became extremely famous in 2018. In that gap between the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics. When Britain carried out a Novichok Nerve Agent attack against the city.

In no small part this was done to promote discussion about one of my mothers being admitted to hospital in the city with Severe, Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). During the 2017 COP23 Climate Change Summit.

Nerve Agents like Novichok attack the Nervous System, which really controls everything in the human body. So Nerve Agent poisoning really causes all the health problems.

However one the most immediate health problems it causes is SARS. It paralyses the chest muscles used to draw breath in and out of the lungs.

As my mothers and I were sitting in this restaurant, on November 14th (14/11/19). The Hong Kong police were raiding the Chinese University of Hong Kong. An effort to quell the months of rioting Britain had inflicted on the city.

In my efforts to explain how the Pentagram had been the original symbol of Judaism. I found myself drawing a rough Pentagram on a napkin.

It was in that very moment. I managed to harness the essential forces of the Universe. To bring forth the SARS Pandemic that we are all now so familiar with.

A claim certainly no less credible. Than the former US Biden regime's 2013 claim. That it is the popstar Rihanna's mood swings, rather than Greenhouse Gases (ghg's), which cause Climate Change.

However the choir weren't really referencing Jews and Judaism in general. With the blue and white colour scheme of their outfits they were referencing the nation of Israel specifically. Both its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens.

In contrast to the choir. The children playing in the snow were wearing red hats and scarves. Like the Malanhua Children's Choir featured in the earlier; "Fun With Flags II" section.

In both instances this red could be viewed as a reference to blood, particularly menstrual blood. However it could also be viewed as a reference to the red of the National Flag of China.

Aside from the Wu Xing. The 2018 Winter games also introduced us to the very cheeky Korean sense of humour.

It is one of the great contradictions of Korean society. That it maintains this very cheeky sense of humour. Alongside a very rigid, very polite, very deferential culture.

At the 2020 Summer games we learned that Japan has an even more rigid, polite, deferential culture. One which makes even the famously manners obsessed British seem like oafs and loudmouths in comparison.

We also learned that Japan still looks back at its Edo Period as its golden age. This was marked by the; "Locked State" or; "Sakoku" policy. In which foreigners were strictly banned from Japan and most Japanese people were forbidden from leaving.

As a result Japanese people still have this deeply ingrained distrust of foreigners. They seem to be particularly distrustful of Black people. Due to the stark cultural differences.

Insofar as "Black Culture" exists. It tends to be dominated by West African culture, nations like Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana. Having been exported to the Caribbean and then to the Americas and Europe through the African Slave Trade.

West African culture seems to involve a lot of pushing, shoving and yelling. Really the polar opposite of Japanese culture.

Israeli culture, amongst its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens. Is another culture which seems to involve an awful lot of pushing, shoving and yelling. Something which can be very shocking for non-Israeli Jews visiting Israel for the first time.

This is one of the key areas where China differs from Korea and Japan.

China most certainly does not share that very rigid, very polite, very deferential culture. As with Israel Chinese culture seems to involve an awful lot of pushing, shoving and yelling.

This has long been something of a sore spot for, particularly the Chinese Communist Party. What is seen as a lack of good manners is also sometimes seen as a lack of education, sophistication and intelligence.

It was certainly something China touched upon. During the section of the 2018 Olympic Closing Ceremony which they produced.

In 2014 there was something of a scandal on Chinese Social Media. A mainland Chinese family were visiting Hong Kong when their two year old daughter needed to use the bathroom.

So the girl's mother did what they would do at home. Got the girl to squat down and urinate in the street. 

Something which appalled the more sophisticated, westernised Hong Kong Chinese people. While mainland Chinese people couldn't see the problem.

On the day of the 2018 Closing Ceremony the issue was once again all over Chinese Social Media. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security posted surveillance footage of an elementary school aged boy urinating on the buttons of an elevator. Causing it to break down.

On this occasion mainland Chinese people did seem to be appalled by the public urination. A sign of Chinese Communist Party efforts to educate their population paying off.

Obviously it's not really my place. To tell some 1.4bn Chinese people how they should behave and what sort of culture they should adopt.

However I think there is a difference between things like public urination and spitting, so much spitting. Which have obvious public health implications. Compared to things like how you talk to each other, general manners.

I'm actually of the opinion. That if you have an opinion about someone. Then it would be ruder not to let them know your opinion. 

At around 17:00 on 4/4/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 16:20 on 11/4/22 (UK date) to tidy all of the above and copy & paste;

China is a Socialist country. A Totalitarian Socialist or Communist country.

Provided you are Jewish. Then Israel is also a very left-wing country.

Modern Israel was founded by the Labor Party. Its first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion was born in the Russian Empire and rose through the Labour Zionist movement. Which itself was born out of Russia's 1917 Communist Revolution.

Even the Israeli right-wing is still to the left of what would be considered the centre ground in most western nations.

As with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Women have always served in the Israeli military. Since before the Israeli military officially existed. Both out of necessity and that core Socialist value of equality between the sexes.

Israel is also extremely tolerant on a host of social issues. Having decriminalised homosexuality in 1963. Only 14 years after it became a nation and took control of its own laws.

Marriage within Judaism is an extremely complicated issue. With there being much religious debate over who can even perform marriage ceremonies. Let alone who can participate in them.

So Israeli doesn't allow same-sex marriage. Just as it doesn't allow many opposite-sex marriages. 

However it legally recognises same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. It also recognises couples, both same and opposite sex, as family units without marriage.

Israel also allows gay parenting both through adoption and surrogacy. It's only concerns about surrogacy centre around the very non-Socialist exploitation of the surrogates. Rather than any of the fire and brimstone issues that exist in western nations.

The 2020 Summer games were rather marred by the slower nations; New Zealand, Canada and the US. Their belief that Transgender athletes are still an ongoing debate within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

Israel famously won the Eurovision Song Contest with the Transgender performer Dana International. Way back in 1998.

Obviously Dana International's entry and eventual victory was pushing the boundaries within Israeli society at the time. However not as much as you would think. Certainly not as much as it would push the boundaries in western nations now, nearly 25 years later.

I am not Jewish. Let alone a Jewish scholar.

However it is hard not to wonder. Whether Israel's very inclusive, Socialist attitudes stem from the rather Animist Jewish concepts of God and the Universe.

That God is the Universe and the Universe is God. So to go against things which occur in the Universe such as gay or Transgender people is to also go against God.

As a Totalitarian country China doesn't really have a concept of Human Rights. Let alone gay rights. Although the attitude of the Chinese Communist Party is not as bad as some people might believe.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1997. It stopped being considered a mental disorder in 2001. Same-sex partnerships have been recognised in law since 2017.

China doesn't allow same-sex couples to become parents. Nor does it allow foreign same-sex couples to adopt Chinese children or use Chinese women as surrogates.

As was discussed in the previous; "Fun With Flags II" section. That though is far from the only restriction that the Chinese Communist Party has placed on parenting.

However, as with the issue of equality between the sexes. There seems to be a conflict between modern Socialist values and traditional Chinese values. With homophobia and discrimination still being widespread within Chinese society.

By pointing to the example of Israel. It's similarities to China.

The hosts seem to be questioning whether that homophobia and discrimination not only conflicts with modern Socialist values. But also traditional Chinese Animist values. That gay and Transgender people are part of the Universe. So, therefore, are also part of God.

Although they seem to share Animist and Socialist values. Along with cultures rather centred around pushing, shoving and yelling. In many ways Israel and China could not be more different.

China is a Totalitarian one party state. Chinese people do not get to choose their government and even if they did. Then there is only one party for them to choose from.

In contrast Israel is a Democracy. In many ways a very extreme Democracy.

In the most basic form Democracies have two political parties. One in government and one in opposition. Every few years the people get to choose which party is in power and which one is in opposition.

In some, more advanced Democracies. Not only are there more than two political parties. It is common for two, sometimes three, political parties to join together to form a Coalition government.

At times it seems as though Israel has more political parties than people. It is extremely common for several Israeli political parties to join together to form a coalition. Then form together with other coalitions to form a multi-dimensional Coalition government.

Even by Israeli standards its current government is an extreme example. Made up of 11 political parties forming an 8 bloc coalition. However it is hardly unusual for an Israeli Coalition government to be made up of 7 or 8 political parties. 

A large part of Israeli agriculture is still done on Kibbutz collective farms. These are Anarcho-Syndicalist or; "Anarchist" in their structure.

So not only is Israel Democratically Socialist. It frequently flirts with full on Libertarian Socialism or; "Anarchism."

This comparison between Chinese and Israeli approaches to Socialism. Again highlights the contrast between Totalitarianism and Libertarianism. Which was raised during the earlier; "Fun With Flags I" section.

Be they in support of women's rights, gay rights or environmental protection. The Chinese Communist Party has long tried to suppress this type of Libertarian grassroots activism.

In part this is because the Chinese Communist Party views any idea which isn't their idea. As a challenge to their authority.

It is also because China has endured a long history. Of western nations either hijacking these Libertarian grassroots campaigns or inventing fake, astroturf campaigns. In order to destabilise China. I'm particularly familiar with the opposition to the Three Gorges Dam.

So again. The organisers seem to be posing the question. Of whether the Chinese Communist Party could, perhaps, be more tolerant of this type of Libertarian grassroots activism.

Particularly when it is genuine Chinese activism. In support of both modern Socialist and traditional Animist values.

Although. As always when talking about Israel's tolerant Socialist values. I cannot overstate that; "Provided You Are Jewish" part enough.

It is the great contradictions of Israeli society. How they can have this very tolerant, inclusive Socialist society. Yet still behave the way they do towards the Palestinians.

At around 16:45 on 11/4/22 (UK date) I will pick this up again when I can. 

Edited at around 17:35 on 12/4/22 (UK date) to tidy all of the above and copy & paste;

I share an interest with China. In increasing economic development. Particularly in the Middle-East and Africa.

As a result. I use the Chinese Xinhua news-site almost daily.

It is the go to place for really dry reports. About fertilizer import tariffs in countries you've probably never heard of.

My use of this Chinese website has become rather central. To the US/UK's efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

The US/UK have long claimed that Miley Cyrus and I cannot be permitted to speak to each other directly. Using electronic communications such as email or Social Media direct messages. 

As that would be a secret.

Initially both the US and the UK genuinely believed that to be true.

I then though used the opportunity to teach my paywall readers Japanese. Along with Reiner Klimke's Cavaletti method of horse training. Causing much hilarity at the delayed 2020 Summer games.

Realising that it wasn't a secret then prompted the US/UK into a panic. To find out how and why it wasn't a secret. 

So they could make it a secret and go back to their claim. That Miley Cyrus and I cannot be permitted to speak to each other directly. That thing humans do.

This was The Great American Bell Ringing of October 2021.

I tend to use the Xinhua news-site on my PC. Mainly because when I sit down at my PC to start my day. Then Europe is also sitting down to start its day. While the Americas still haven't woken up.

Whereas Asia has already finished its day.

So the US got it into their heads. That because I use a Chinese website via an outdated browser China is able to access beyond my paywall.

The US/UK really did think that hijacking my relationship with Miley Cyrus would make all of their dreams come true. 

However China is a significant strategic rival of the US/UK. So a priority target for their efforts to weaponise Miley Cyrus.

So in October 2021 they blocked my ability to access Instagram via my PC. Only allowing me to access Instagram on my Tablet.

The thinking being that because my Tablet uses a more up-to-date browser and I tend not to use it to access Chinese websites. Then that would prevent China from gaining access to beyond my paywall.

All completely idiotic of course. 

I responded by simply deleting Instagram from my Tablet. Something I actually had to do several times. As they kept reloading Instagram onto my Tablet.

I have absolutely no interest in helping the US weaponise Miley Cyrus against China or anyone else. Despite everything I actually still quite like her.

However unless she and I are allowed to speak to each other directly. Then I think the relationship has gone as far as it can.

As part of their preparations for these 2022 Winter games. China responded to the Great American Bell Ringing. 

In late December 2021 they updated the Xinhua news-site. Removing the Middle-East section. Or, technically, making an 'error' in the link to the Middle-East section. Rendering it inaccessible.

This was done to serve two main purposes.

China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). As such it is heavily involved in negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) commonly known as; "The Iran Nuclear Deal."

The JCPOA negotiations were another particular target. Of the US/UK's attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

The thinking being that there would be a big show of negotiations. Over what Miley Cyrus and I could do together, under what conditions and with what permissions. Talking to each other directly for example.

That would serve as a disruptive metaphor for the JCPOA negotiations. While both Iran and the US are participating in these negotiations. They are not talking to each other directly. 

This is something that only intensified after the Great American Bell Ringing.

In both situations the US has done something incredibly stupid. Leaving them in a position where they have no way out. Other than making a humiliating climbdown, completely reversing their mistake.

This is really a universal lesson. One which can be applied to just so many situations.

Xinhua is really the only news-site I use which has covered the JCPOA negotiations in any level of detail. In their Middle-East section.

This put China in the rather uncomfortable position. Of being the ones who brought the US' unwelcome, disruptive attempts at metaphor into the negotiations. Through my comments on it.

As a permanent member of the UNSC China also has to involve itself in The Israel/Palestine Conflict. Really the longest running dispute that the UN has ever had to deal with.

With its government of 8 political blocs made up of 11 political parties. Israel's domestic politics is just next level complicated.

Residents of America's New York City are still proud of the famous showbiz phrase;

"If you can make it in New York. Then you can make it anywhere!"

When it comes to politics. The truth is that if you can make it in Israel. Then you can make it anywhere.

Israel's government has just lost its majority. Following the resignation of a minister. In a dispute over whether products containing yeast can be brought into public buildings like hospitals.

Which must sound utterly incomprehensible. To people unfamiliar with Israeli politics.

So by blocking my access to their coverage of Middle-Eastern affairs. China also seemed to be attempting an elaborate Jedi mind-trick. Getting me to resume my commentary on Israeli coverage of Middle-Eastern affairs.

The reason why I've stopped my commentary on Israeli coverage of Middle-Eastern affairs is itself quite complicated. 

The Israeli news-site I prefer to use is Haaretz which is very left-wing. Unfortunately they've moved much of their coverage behind a paywall.

This has forced me to rely more on the Jerusalem Post. Which although centrist is certainly more right-wing than Haaretz.

Particularly at things like the Eurovision Song Contest. I think it is important for westerners to learn that this other very tolerant, very Socialist side of Israeli society exists. 

The side you never get to see in their treatment of the Palestinians.

However like that very tolerant, very Socialist side of Israeli society. I know that is not the side of Israeli society which is dominant at the moment.

So while I'm opposed to the destruction of Israel. A nation of 8 million people most of whom have known no other home. Just as I hope I would have opposed the destruction of Palestine in 1948.

I'm not comfortable promoting that other side of Israeli society as normal. Acting as something of their global cheerleader.

So I hope this wasn't a genuine attempt by China to use their magical super-powers. Manipulating my behaviour through an elaborate Jedi mind-trick.

So much as an attempt to mock the US/UK's belief that they have magical super-powers. Such as making sure I only use Instagram on my Tablet.

The US/UK really should know by now that they don't have magical super-powers.

I've actually got a much newer PC, with a much more secure browser sitting in front of me now. It makes for a useful footstool.

The only reason why I don't use it. Is a stubborn attempt to prove to the US/UK that their efforts to use their magical super-powers to get me to use it. Really aren't working.

The fact they're still insisting on thinking they can talk to me like that is just insulting. Hardly the sort of behaviour which is going to get me to do them favours. 

China's changes to the Xinhua news-site were accompanied by a sophisticated cyberattack/hacking of the global news conglomerate News Corp.

Within Britain, perhaps, globally. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is famous for publishing the News of the World tabloid.

It was the News of the World which was at the centre of The Rolling Stones drug arrest. Which formed much of the basis for the earlier; "Dandelion" section. 

Something which was really considered the birth of tabloid journalism.

News Corp were forced to end publication of the News of the World in 2011.

Following the; "Phone Hacking Scandal." In which its journalists were accused of hacking into the cellphones and private communications of celebrities and other public figures.

It is exactly that type of tabloid intrusion that I was hoping to use my skills to protect Miley Cyrus from. 

I don't think even her most ardent fans remember every phonecall, text message and email between her and her ex-husband being simultaneously published on Social Media.

Judging from the backlash against the News of the World. Along with the, still ongoing, Coleen Rooney/Rebekah Vardy libel case.

Britain, along with many of Miley Cyrus' celebrity peers. Seem quite interested to learn what my skills could achieve in that particular field.

Also. While it's not nice to boast. If someone else is saying it. Then it's only right that I agree.

Some of us are entitled to look at Rupert Murdoch's life work and think;

"Well. It's not actually that impressive of a global network now, is it."

Miley Cyrus has actually been back in the news recently.

In no small part due to her plane having to make an emergency landing on March 22nd (22/3/22). After being struck by lightning.

Very much in the style of the song; "Catch-22" by Pink. From her 2001 album; "Misundaztood."

Sadly through that we discovered

That nothing which has been said, no pity which has been shown to the US/UK over the intervening five months. Throughout the 2020 Summer games and these 2022 Winter games. Has registered.

They have learned nothing.

They are still stuck at the point they got stuck at during the Great American Bell Ringing.

Thinking my use of Xinhua has anything to do with China's ability access beyond my paywall. Not that there is a paywall to access beyond any more.

 

To be continued in Part 11.

18:30 on 12/4/22 (UK date).

 

 

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.9

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 8; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening_19.html

Fun With Flags II.

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) Protocol that each Opening Ceremony contains a section. In which the Olympic Flag is raised and the Olympic Anthem/Hymn is played.

In the raising of the Chinese National Flag, in the earlier; "Fun With Flags I" section. China used at least 68 Flag-Bearers all passing the flag hand-over-hand.

In order to highlight that core Totalitarian Socialist or Communist value. The crushing of the individual for the benefit of the collective.

Here China took a more traditional approach, using just 6 Flag-Bearers;

Luo Zhihuan: He is China's first World Champion in Speed Skating. Winning at the 1963 World Championships.

Lia Jiajun: A Chinese short-track Speed Skater. He won three Bronze Medals at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics. Held in Nagano, Japan, Salt Lake City, US and Turin, Italy. Along with two Silver Medals in Nagano and Salt Lake City.

Shen Xue: A Chinese Figure Skater who, along with her husband Zhao Hongbo, won Gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Held in Vancouver, Canada. Adding to the Bronze Medals the pair won in Salt Lake City and Turin.

Han Xiaopeng: The first Chinese man to win Gold at a Winter Olympics. Doing so at the Mens Ariels at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Zhang Hui: A Chinese Speed Skater who won Gold in the 3000m Relay at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Rather famously getting cut in the face by her team mate Wang Meng's skate as the team celebrated their victory.

Zhang Hong: Another Chinese Speed Skater who won Gold in the Womens 1000m at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Held in Sochi, Russia. 

She is currently an Executive Board Member of the Chinese Olympic Committee and a member of the IOC.

In opting for just 6 Flag-Bearers. China could have been highlighting how the IOC promotes the individual over the collective. 

Or indicating its own desire to shift away from the Communist crushing of the individual for the collective.

Primarily though I think this is just how flag ceremonies are normally done at Olympics/Para-Olympics. I don't think anyone could cope with another collective mass of Flag-Bearers.

This section was merged rather seamlessly with the previous; "Family Portrait" section. 

So the Drifting Snow/Quantum Dust Particles still covered the arena floor. As did the grooves the Speed Skater performers had cut into them.

As the Flag-Bearers made their way across the arena those grooves arced in the form of waves. A further reference to Wave, Particle Duality.

The Flag-Bearers were accompanied by the strains of Ludwig van Beethoven's; "Ode to Joy."

As was discussed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. Held in Tokyo, Japan. In a section I entitled; "Life Beyond The Wire."

Beethoven's Ode to Joy is now probably most famous as the Anthem of the European Union (EU). The reason why it is the anthem of the EU is really the story of one interesting family. The Coudenhove-Kalergi's.

The Coudenhove-Kalergi family was formed in 1857. 

When Count Franz Karl von Coudenhove. A member of the aristocratic Coudenhove family of Bohemia, now The Czech Republic. Married Marie Kalergi. A member of the equally aristocratic Kalergi family of Crete/Greece.

The marriage produced six children, including the first-born son, Count Heinrich von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Who went on to be a diplomat for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Count Heinrich's final diplomatic posting was to Tokyo, Japan. One day he fell off his horse, only to be rescued by Mitsuko Aoyama. A Japanese woman of high, Samurai, birth who had trained as a Geisha.

They soon married and returned to Bohemia. To raise their seven children. 

The eldest of those children, Count Hans von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Enthusiastically embraced the ideology of Nazism. 

Allying the Coudenhove-Kalergis with Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Eventually being imprisoned for his efforts. 

The second eldest son, Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi. He went in a very different direction. Thoroughly rejecting Nazism and fleeing to Britain during the Second World War.

There he set about promoting his own version of a single European Empire or Reich. Outlined in his 1923 book; "Pan-Europa."

This became the founding manifesto of the "Paneuropean Union." Which adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.

Inspired by the Paneuropean Union, when it came into being. The EU also adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.

One of the main differences. Between Hans Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich and Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich. Was the issue of race.

Han's Pan-European Reich was the same as Hitler's. The superior Aryan race ruling over all the inferior races.

Richard's Pan-European Reich was very different. He envisioned the elimination of the races. 

It's great replacement with a single Caucasian-Negroid race. The "Kalergi Plan" he laid out in his 1924 book; "Praktischer Idealismus." 

This battle of ideologies is one that is increasingly being played out again. On the edges of the EU and the Eastern European nations it borders.

The Nazis and Neo-Nazis that the Biden regime has enthusiastically allied itself with in Ukraine. Obviously subscribe to Count Hans and Hitler's vision of a Pan-European Reich.

They frequently rally themselves as the resistance to the Kalergi Plan. Which, obviously, is a Jewish conspiracy(!)

The fact the Coudenhove-Kalergi family is from the Bohemia region of what is now considered The Czech Republic. Also touches the issues behind US/UK-led NATO's desire to attack Ukraine during these games.

At the end of the First World War. The Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic declared themselves to be an independent nation, Czechoslovakia. Within the territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

It was amongst many other new nations to do so amid the end of the era of European Colonialism. Eventually leading to the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. Establishing the right of Self-Determination.

In 1938 Nazi Germany annexed the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia. Including the Bohemia region where Hans von Coudenhove-Kalergi was Count.

This annexation of the Sudetenland was approved by Britain, France and Italy at the 1938 Munich Conference. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin's infamous; "Peace in Our Time" moment.

Obviously Nazi Germany didn't honour the Munich Conference agreement to stop at the Sudetenland. Quickly invading all of Czechoslovakia and then Poland. Triggering the start of the Second World War in Europe.

It was this inability to contain Nazi aggression, particularly in Europe. Which led to the collapse of the existing World Order, in the form of the League of Nations.

Eventually prompting the establishment of a New World Order. In the form of the Bretton Woods agreement and the formation of the United Nations (UN). Which adopted the 1933 Montevideo Convention as part of its charter.

At the end of the Second World War Czechoslovakia was liberated from Nazi Germany by Soviet Russia. Bringing it into the Soviet Bloc of Second World, Communist states.

In 1968 the people of Czechoslovakia rebelled against Communist rule. Prompting Soviet Russia to invade. 

Causing a huge split in the Second World. Particularly between Soviet Russia and China. Allowing US President Nixon to bring about the US' Vietnam War.

As was discussed during the Athletes Parade section. Between 1988 and 1992 the Soviet Bloc ceased to exist.  NATO then encouraged Czechoslovakia to once again exert its right of Self-Determination.

Something which Czechoslovakia achieved peacefully. Reverting to The Czech Republic and Slovakia in the famous Velvet Divorce of 1993.

Then NATO encouraged Yugoslavia's Croatia region to exert its right of Self-Determination. 

Unfortunately that wasn't enough for NATO. So they started the Yugoslav Civil War or; "Balkan Wars." Creating six tiny nations where Yugoslavia used to stand.

In 1998 NATO decided that also wasn't enough. So partnered with Islamist Mujahedeen fighters from Afghanistan to attack Serbia. In an attempt to create a seventh tiny nation.

One of the main architects of this European bloodbath was Madeleine Albright. Who was also born in what is now considered The Czech Republic. Before emigrating as a child to the US. Where she became Ambassador to the UN and then Secretary of State.

Apparently it took her until yesterday (23/3/22), a month into NATO's attack on Ukraine, to finally die of shame.

In their use of Ode to Joy in the 2020 Olympic Closing Ceremony. Japan were also referencing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

How its striking notes correspond to the Morse Code for the letter; "V." Something which became a large part of the Allied Powers Sharp Power/Propaganda efforts during the Second World War.

In mockery of how Child-Like the US/UK have been. In their efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. To use her as some sort of Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

So best they hurry up and apologise.

A message China also seemed to be restating.

The Olympic Flags was raised by an All Male Flag-Detail. Made up of members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

As it did in the earlier; "Fun With Flags I" section. This all male Flag-Detail touched on that recurring theme. 

The conflict between the Modern Socialist value of Equality Between the Sexes and the Traditional Chinese Confucian Values.

The Olympic Anthem/Hymn was sung live, in Greek by the Malanhua Children's Choir. A specially selected choir of 44 children all aged around 10 years old. From the rural Fuping County in Hebei Province.

The Malanhua Children's Choir were all dressed in red hats and scarves. Blood red hats and scarves. Menstrual blood.

It is a core Totalitarian Socialist or Communist value. The crushing of the individual for the benefit of the collective.

Perhaps the most globally known way that Communist China has embraced that value. Is through it's "One Child Policy."

In the 1960's and 1970's much of the World, particularly the Capitalist First World, was gripped by fears of Overpopulation. 

Driven, in no small part, by two books; "The Limits To Growth" by Donella H. Meadows et al. "A Blueprint For Survival" by Edward Goldsmith and Robert Allen. 

This was really a repeat of the problem proposed by Thomas Malthus in the 18th Century. That the human population would grow to a point that the environment could no longer feed everyone. Triggering a mass die-off event, a famine.

The Malthus Problem was something that Japan addressed in the 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony. In the section I entitled; "Ichimatsu Moyo/Harmonised Chequered.

As was discussed then. The Malthus Problem was overcome by technology. The industrialisation of food production during the Second Agricultural Revolution.

As was also discussed. These fears of overpopulation in the 1960's and 1970's prompted the US to launch the Third Agricultural Revolution, the; "Green Revolution."

Eventually China did join the Green Revolution. Led by scientists such as Yuan Longping.

However Communist China first tried something different.

The Vice Minister for Aerospace Industry, Song Jian decided that China's ideal population was 700 million people. 

Song Jian also decided the best way to achieve this was for each couple to only have one child. Effectively halving the population through each generation.

Initially the Chinese Communist Party set about achieving that voluntarily. 

Raising the minimum age for marriage and educating couples on the benefits of only having one child. Encouraging them to take pledge to only have one child.

At around 18:45 on 24/3/22 (UK date) I'll try and pick this up after dinner. 

Edited at around 19:20 on 24/3/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

From around 1980 onwards China discovered that the voluntary approach wasn't working. So the One Child Policy became mandatory.

By law, four months after giving birth to her first child a woman had to be fitted with an Intrauterine Device (IUD). A form of contraception surgically implanted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

If a woman became pregnant for a second time. Either because the IUD failed or because she'd had it illegally removed. Then she was strongly encouraged, but not forced, to have an Abortion.

If the woman declined to have an Abortion and gave birth to a second child. Then, by law, she would undergo steriilisation. 

A hugely invasive surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied. Permanently preventing pregnancy.

Alongside forced sterilisation the woman's family would have to pay a; "Social Child Raising Fee." Essentially a massive fine. At least three times the below annual income for the region plus at least one times the above average annual income.

If they could not pay the fine then the second child would be denied a; "Hukou (Mouths To Feed)" certificate. Similar to a Birth Certificate a Hukou is essential to attend school, access medical care, find employment. Even get married.

The reason the Chinese Communist Party felt able to do this. Is that they have no concept of; "Bodily Autonomy/Integrity." The concept that the human body is the sole possession of the human that lives in it.

Instead the Chinese Communist Party believes that each human body is the property of the Chinese Communist Party. So they can do whatever they like with any Chinese human body.

This is an attitude which has been, worryingly, increasingly embraced in the west during the Pandemic. With Mask and Vaccine Mandates.

"It's for the good of the collective!" is always the excuse used by Totalitarians. Be they Socialist or Capitalist.

One of the points China has been trying to make through this Opening Ceremony. Is how vast and culturally diverse China actually is. 

So it's actually a myth that the One Child Policy was enforced as a one-size-fits-all policy across China. Different regions and provincial governments were actually given a lot of freedom in how they would apply it.

So in rural areas like Fuping. Where children are often required to work on family farms. There was often a two, even three child policy. Or no restrictions whatsoever.

Exemptions were also applied in cases of; "Practical Difficulties." Such as if the father was a disabled ex-serviceman or if a couple's first child was intellectually, physically or mentally disabled.

However those exemptions had to be formally granted in advanced and were usually subject to; "Birth-Spacing." The couple had to wait for a period set by the government, normally 3-4 years, before they could try to get pregnant again.

The One Child Policy is actually another good example. Of the conflict between Modern Socialist values and Traditional Chinese values.

Traditional Chinese beliefs are dominated by the concept of; "Ancestor Veneration" or; "Filial Piety." Described by the Chinese symbol; "Xiao."

The symbol Xiao is made up of the symbol; "Lao" meaning; "Old" literally being carried by the symbol; "Zi" meaning son. Making it quite clear that the ancestral line is carried by male children.

So if a modern Chinese government forces traditional Chinese parents to have only one child. Then they will choose to have a male child rather than a female child.

It is actually one of the exemptions you could be granted to have a second child. If you had suffered the terrible misfortune of having a first born daughter.

However the risk of not being granted one of these exemptions. Drove many Chinese parents to abort a child if they knew it was a daughter. 

If they weren't able to find out it was a girl before birth. They would either kill the newborn or abandon it. Leaving it to die.

This has massively screwed up the gender demographics of China. In most societies the male to female ratio is around 100:100 or 50:50. In China it's about 117:100 with there being 17 men for every woman.

Making China a very attractive place to be. For young, single women. But an extremely competitive place to be a young, single man.

Although the One Child Policy has been appalling for women. In terms of their chances of surviving beyond infancy. It has actually been beneficial for those women have been lucky enough to be born.

Aside from combating overpopulation the One Child Policy was also intended as poverty alleviation measure. Poor families would be able to concentrate their limited resources on just one child.

Due to the Xiao interpretation of Ancestor Veneration. If a traditional Chinese family had a son and a daughter. Then they would spend all their money on their son. 

Giving them the best diet, schooling and healthcare they could afford. That son would also inherit the family property upon the death of the father.

If a Chinese family only has a daughter. Then they will spend all their money on that daughter. Who will inherit the family property upon her parent's death.

So those Chinese women who do exist. Tend to be healthier, better educated and with better jobs than any Chinese women in history. Along with having their choice of potential husbands.

At around 21:40 on 24/3/22 (UK date) I'll try and pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 16:40 on 25/3/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

As with Thomas Malthus in the 18th Century. The overpopulation panic of the 1960's and 1970's was largely overblown. If not entirely fictional.

It was certainly solved by the technological advancement. Of the Green Revolution and Yuan Longping.

This left China facing a much more real problem.

In the Chinese symbol; "Xiao." A single; "Old" is carried by a single; "Son."

In reality societies actually function due to something called the; "Population Pyramid." In which you have a large number of healthy, working age people. Carrying a small number of elderly, retired people.

By design China's healthy, working age population is half the size of its elderly, retired population. Their population pyramid is almost inverted. Making it unsustainable with there not being enough young to carry the old.

So in 2015 China scrapped the One Child Policy. Instead adopting a; "Two Child Policy." With each couple being allowed to have to children. In the hope of at least building a population square.

Then in 2021 China abandoned its restrictions on childbirth entirely. Announcing that parents were allowed to have three or more children. Really as many children as they wanted.

To say this announcement came as a shock was an understatement.

I remember the stunned look on the British TV newsreader's face as she read out the newsflash. Then turning on Chinese TV news and seeing the same stunned look on their faces.

So as the Malanhua Children's Choir performed. In their menstrual red hats and menstrual red scarves. At one point they pointedly looked to the child to their left. Then to the child to their right.

As if to say;

"Yeah. Under the old rules. You wouldn't be here."

Although China now has no restrictions on how many children people can have. They've found themselves encountering the same problem that South Korea and Japan have.

Chinese people just don't want to have that many children.

In part this is because over 40 years of restrictions Chinese culture has changed. Chinese people have been socially conditioned not to want more than one child.

Also as in most other countries. As China has become more economically developed urban dwelling professionals just don't want as many children. There's certainly no farm work for them to help with.

The problem seems to be particularly acute in China. Due to the One Child Policy improving women's place in Chinese society. Well, the ones who were lucky enough to have been born in the first place.

With women only being allowed one child fewer of them have dropped out of the workforce to raise more children. Not facing competition from brothers more women are better educated and have better, more fulfilling jobs.

It turns out most of them don't want to give that up. In order to stay home raising dozens of children.

So much like South Korea and much like Japan;

China Wants Grandbabies!

Clearly the Opening Ceremony production team think. That showing Chinese viewers how cute and adorable Chinese children are. It will encourage them to go off and make some of their own.

Oath Taking.

As is IOC Protocol. The Olympic Oaths were then taken. By a selection of Athletes, Judges and Coaches. Representing all Athletes, Judges and Coaches.

On this occasion all the representatives were Chinese;

The Judges were represented by Aerials Judge Tao Yongchun. The Coaches were represented by Ji Xiao'ou, the head of the Chinese Snowboard coaching team. 

The male Cross Country Skier Wang Qiang and the female Snowboarder Liu Jiayu represented the Athletes. In a suitably gender-balanced pairing. 

It is not known if they were inspired to go off and make babies together.

Champions Of Tomorrow.

We were then shown a short video entitled; "Champions Of Tomorrow." With that title being clearly shown onscreen. In both English/Latin and Chinese characters.

The video featured lots and lots of cute and adorable Chinese children. All trying and failing as they attempted Winter Sports for the first time.

It was understandable that they were failing. All aged between 1 and 3 years old they were only learning to walk for the first time. 

Making them, what's known in Britain as; "Toddler."

"Toddler" has got to be one of my favourite words in the English language. It's almost onomatopoic. The sound it makes is almost the same as the action it is describing.

I don't care where you are in the World. Or what language you speak. 

If you're ever watched a very young child learning to walk for the first the first time. Then you know what the word; "Toddler" means.

Likewise if you've ever watched a child of a similar age. Throw themselves to the floor and start wailing in tantrum. 

Then you know what it is like trying to deal with US/UK-led NATO intelligence.

The video was accompanied by a simple tune. One which is known in the west as the children's nursery rhyme; "Frere Jacques."

Although its origins are unknown. The French lyrics commonly used in the west are about a (presumably) Catholic Christian Monk named Jack. Who is sleeping through the bells calling him to morning prayer.

The melody is so simple. That it is another example of one of those things that are common throughout the World. Even having travelled between societies and peoples or having spontaneously appeared.

In China the nursery rhyme is known as; "Liang Zhi Lao Hu (Two Tigers)."

"Two little tigers."

"Two little tigers."

"(They) run very fast."

"(They) run very fast."

"One has no eyes."

"One has no tail."

"Very weird."

"Very weird."

A version of the melody, in a minor key, is used in Gustav Mahler's Symphony No 1.

In light of US/UK-led NATO's well known plan to attack Ukraine during these Winter games. Gustav Mahler is something of an interesting character.

As with the Coudenhove-Kalergi's he is from Bohemia in what is now The Czech Republic. Although dying in 1911 he lived there when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Born Jewish Gustav Mahler converted to Catholic Christianity. 

So his version of a more funeralistic use of the Frere Jacques melody. Has been seen as something of a mockery of Jews and Protestant Christians. Calling on them to wake up and join the Catholic bells. 

It was certainly in that spirit that Gustav Mahler was adopted as an icon of the Austrian Nazi Party, the Fatherland Front (VF). Some 20 years after his death.

They viewed him as an example of the Jew who could be saved. Civilised in the ways of Christianity.

The German Nazi Party saw things differently. 

Not only banning Gustav Mahler's music as; "Degenerate," along with music of Black origin like Jazz. They also banned the Fatherland Front.

It must be said though. That Mahler's journey from Jew to Catholic, then to posthumous Nazi icon.

Isn't anywhere near as dramatic. As Madeleine Albright (nee; Korbelova) journey from self-hating Jew to enthusiastic Nazi.  

The big "Legacy" element in awarding Beijing these Winter games. Was to increase Chinese interest and participation in Winter Sports.

So the video ended with these toddlers rising to their feet and finally being able to master Winter Sports. 

With the help of Coaches clearly wearing the Olympic Rings logo of the IOC. 

 

To be continued in Part 10.

17:20 on 25/3/22 (UK date).

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.8

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 7; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening_15.html

Opening Speeches.

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) Protocol that each Opening Ceremony contains a section.

A section in which speeches are given. By a representative of the IOC and a representative of the host nation.

As is tradition the hosts, China, were represented by the Head of the Organising Committee. Cai Qi.

Cai Qi is also the Chinese Communist Party Secretary for Beijing. Along with being a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo. Essentially the political cabinet of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Cai Qi is probably the most senior member of the Chinese government to use Social Media in a personal capacity. Describing himself on Weibo as a; "Bolshevik." 

He has long being accused of using Social Media to boost his personal profile. In order circumvent the power structures of the Chinese Communist Party. Giving him a louder voice than his rank affords.

Annoyingly I can't find a full text of Cai Qi's Opening Ceremony speech online. While I made comprehensive notes at the time. They weren't that comprehensive.

However it is said that he addressed the Pandemic. How Beijing and China have boldly risen to the challenge. Not only of hosting a games during the Pandemic but also managing to host a games with spectators.

Cai Qi is also said to have echoed the main theme of the Opening Ceremony and the games. Peace and Unity. Speaking of people forging ahead into the future. Building a community based on the shared future of mankind.

A reminder to western nations. Particularly members of NATO. That the Cold War ended more than 30 years ago. We are now living in an interconnected, globalised multi-polar world.

The IOC were represented by their President, Thomas Bach. Whose full speech is available on the IOC's website.

The main "legacy" element behind awarding Beijing the 2022 Winter Games. Was to increase Chinese interest and participation in Winter sports.

So Thomas Bach was keen to emphasise the success in achieving that legacy. 

No doubt thinking of kick-backs from sponsors. As he spoke of the 300 million people newly participating in Winter sports. At China's 2,000 new Ski Resorts and Ice Rinks. 

Thomas Bach also acknowledged the challenge China had faced in hosting the games during the Pandemic. Thanking not only volunteers but also Doctors, medical workers and scientists. Both in China and around the World.

Having thanked China for setting the stage. Thomas Bach then welcomed the athletes to it.

In doing this Thomas Bach was very clearly aware of NATO's plan to attack Ukraine during the games. 

Very much talking up the issue of peace. Both the Olympic Truce and reminding athletes to live peacefully and respectfully in the Athletes Village.

Thomas Bach also spoke directly to political authorities across the World. Reminding them of the Olympic Truce and urging them to; "Give Peace A Chance."

All of which proved to be highly ironic.

As I discussed during the Athlete's Parade section. The big story of the games turned out to be Russian Figure-Skater Kamila Valieva's magnificent performance.

It was Thomas Bach's own IOC, along with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Which became so consumed by anti-Russian hatred.

That they ripped up their own rulebook. In their rush to expel Kamila Valieva from the games. An attempt that was overturned by the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS).

You can't help but wonder whether if it wasn't for Thomas Bach's own inability to behave in a peaceful and respectful manner. Shutting down discussion of one of the most important topics of the day.

Whether NATO would still have had the confidence to launch its attack on Ukraine? Starting on February 19th (19/2/22). Two days before the end of the games, in clear violation of the Olympic Truce.

It then fell to President Xi to officially open the games. With the ten word declaration laid down in the IOC charter;

"I declare the (number) Olympic Winter games of (location) open"

The opening of the games was marked with a firework display. 

First in the shape of the snowflakes which had featured so heavily in the previous section. Then in the shape of the branches of the Huangshan Pine tree.

The Huangshan Pine is native to the south-east of China. Provinces such as Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Fujian, Hunan and Hubei.

It is particularly common within the mountainous regions of Anhui Province. Especially around the Huangshan or; "Yellow Mountains." From which the; "Yellow Mountains Pine" gets its name.

The 2018 Winter games, held in South Korea. Introduced us to the Wu Xing. The five essential elements which make up the Universe and everything within it. A concept that is common throughout Asian Animist religions.

One of the original meanings of the Wu Xing refers to the movement of celestial objects. 

Although there is some debate over whether it refers to the five major Planets in Earth's Solar System. Or the five major constellations visible from Earth.

Specifically it is a reference to these celestial objects movement around the Celestial North Pole. 

An imaginary line that extends from Earth's North Pole out into Space. Within Chinese theology this is known as the; "Heaven's Gate (Tianmen)."

It is represented by the Swastika. A symbol now most commonly associated in the west with Nazi Germany.

The Swastika has Polaris, the North Star at its centre. It then shows the Chariot constellation (The Plough/Big Dipper) as it appears to rotate around Polaris. What is actually the Earth's rotation.

It is from this movement that the Wu Xing gets its association with the changing seasons. "Xing" actually means; "Moving."

The 2020 Summer games, held in Japan. Looked at things which are common to people throughout the World. 

Things which have been invented by one culture and then shared. Along with things which have emerged spontaneously in different cultures, independently of each other.

The Swastika is one of those things which have emerged spontaneously in different cultures. As all of those cultures share the same planet and the same sky.

The Swastika is used heavily within Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It is actually a character in both the Chinese and Japanese written languages.

It also appears widely across Europe and northern Africa. Along with being used by the Navajo Native American tribe.

The Swastika is even used within Judaism.

The Nazism of Adolf Hitler is much more than just a political ideology. It also has this large, quasi-religious element to it. 

The 1981 "Indiana Jones" movie; "Raiders of the Lost Ark" does have an element of truth to it. 

Nazi Germany did conduct expeditions to find ancient relics like the Lost Ark. In the hope these relics would grant them supernatural powers.

It was in that desire for supernatural protection that they adopted the Swastika as their symbol. Ruining it for everyone.

The 2020 Summer games also introduced us to the Kami (Gods, Holy Spirits, Holy Forces). From the Japanese Animist practice of Shinto.

Particularly the Kotomatukami, the; "Distinguished Heavenly Kami." Who created the Plane of High Heaven and then the World. 

Along with the Kamiyo-nanayo. The; "Seven Generations of the Age of Gods" who were the first Kami to inhabit the World.

Within Shinto it is believed that the Kami are nature and that nature is the Kami. They can manifest themselves within natural objects.

The 2020 Cauldron was in the shape of Mount Fuji. Which is believed the be the manifestation of Kuni-no-Tokotatchi. The first generation of the Kamiyo-nanayo.

Traditional Chinese beliefs have a similar concept.

There is the; "Supreme God of Heaven" who exists in a different dimension from the Universe. A dimension which is viewed through the Swastika, the Gate of Heaven, Tianmen.

The Supreme God of Heaven communicates with this dimension through the; "Five Deities (Wudi)" or; "Five Gods (Wushen)." The five Planets or five Constellations of the Wu Xing.

These are comparable to the Kotomatukami within Shinto.

Within Chinese beliefs the Supreme God of Heaven and the Five Gods sent into this dimension demigods and sages. To help humanity by giving them essential skills and knowledge.

The demigods are known as the; "Three Sovereigns" or; "Three August Ones." While the sages are known as the; "Five Emperors." A representation of the Five Gods.

Collectively known as; "The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors." These are comparable to the Kamiyo-nanayo within Shinto.

Lead amongst the Five Emperors is the; "Yellow Emperor." He is represented by the Chariot Constellation or the Planet Saturn. He is also represented by the Sun.

The Yellow Emperor has the power to shape the material world. Such as conjuring a Pandemic. Along with gifting humans morality, marriage and language.

In a belief system built around Ancestor Worship or; "Filial Piety." The Yellow Emperor is considered the original, and therefore most important, ancestor of all (Chinese) humans.

Chinese beliefs differ from the Japanese practice of Shinto. In that they are much more concerned with things that happen in this dimension. Rather than journeys of spirits between dimensions.

So there is some differing interpretation within China. 

Over whether the Yellow Emperor is a spirit manifested in the Yellow Mountains. Or whether the Yellow Emperor was a real person who lived on the Yellow Mountains.

Either way Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is deeply associated with Huangdi (Yellow Emperor).

That, along with its incredible natural beauty. 

Is why when people across the World think of an image of China. Provided they don't think of the Great Wall. They are thinking of Anhui Province and Huangshan.

Huangshan has been the inspiration for many artists and poets over the years. 

It's said to have had more than 20,000 poems written about it and has school of painting named after it. Works which have been exported worldwide.

As such Huangshan is one of China's main tourist attractions for both domestic and foreign visitors. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its immense natural beauty Huangshan has also been subject of much discussion of how to protect that natural beauty. 

This has come both internationally. Due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Increasingly though it has come domestically. As China's increased economic development has spurred a burgeoning environmental movement. 

An environmental movement which, like the women's rights movement. Has, sometimes, come into conflict with the Chinese Communist Party. Fearing western astroturf campaigns like those used against the Three Gorges Dam.

These Chinese environmental groups have been particularly concerned with the air pollution which comes from burning Coal. Spoiling the clear skies and views of Huangshan.

Aside from producing visible air pollution Coal is also a major source of Greenhouse Gases (ghg's). Which drive Climate Change. Huangshan was formed by Glaciers which have long since melted.

So much like; "The Level" in the British city of Brighton. Where now two roads sit in a valley formed by a long since melted Glacier.

Discussion of Huangshan also allows ample opportunity for discussion about Climate Change and environmentalism more generally.

The biggest peak in Huangshan is; "Lotus Peak (Lianhua Feng)." On the eastern slope of Lotus Peak stands the most famous tree in all of China, possibly the World.

The; "Guest Greeting Pine (Yingkesong)." 

This 800 year old, 14 metre (45ft) Huangshan Pine has a crown of branches resembling a human head. Along with two branches which reach out as if offering visitors a welcoming embrace.

It was this particular Huangshan Pine that China was invoking. With its fireworks welcoming people to the newly opened games.

At around 18:20 on 19/3/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up on Monday.

Edited at around 18:05 on 21/3/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Family Portrait.

At the Closing Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. The South Korean hosts introduced us to the concept of; "Wave, Particle Duality." In which particles can behave like waves and vice versa.

Through the 2020 Summer Olympics, particularly its "Ichimatsu Moyo/Harmonised Chequered" emblem. The hosts expanded on the concept of Wave, Particle Duality.

Looking at the Electromagnetic Spectrum. In which streams of Electromagnetic Particles repeat in the form of Waves.

At these 2022 Winter games the Chinese hosts have expanded on the concept even further.

Looking at Visible Light part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum, commonly known as; "Natural Light." How it differs from Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation (LASER). 

In a Laser the Photons of Natural Light are collided with Electrons, both types of sub-atomic particle. Creating a new flow of Photons which have Spatial Coherence. Which allow them to be more tightly focused.

Light Projection is a technique commonly used at things like Olympic ceremonies. In which Natural Light lamps are used to draw simple images on surfaces like the arena floor and walls.

This is something China did in earlier sections of this Opening Ceremony. Such as the pollen spores that travelled up the column along the stage-rear arena wall. Or the Satellite Snowflake with fell back to the ground along that same column.

China also used Lasers. Using their much more tightly focused beams to draw more detailed images. Such as the 'Laser Etching' of all 24 Winter Olympics in the Olympic Rings section.

China also introduced a third element to the discussion about the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The arena floor was itself, essentially, a giant TV screen.

The World's largest LED TV screen. Being some 10,552msq (113,580 ftsq) in area, made up of 40,000 LED modules. All hidden beneath a protective screen.

When we talk about; "Electricity" we're normally talking about; "Electrical Current." The movement of electrically charged sub-atomic particles, normally Electrons, through a medium or material.

The Electrons in some materials are very easy to move about. So are very good at carrying an electrical current. These are known as; "Conductors."

In other materials it is very hard to move the Electrons about. Meaning they are very bad at carrying an electrical current. These are known as; "Resisters."

Then you have a third category of material. These are not as good at carrying an electrical current as Conductors. Nor are they as bad as carrying an electrical current as Resisters.  

These are known as; "Semi-Conductors."

What is particularly interesting about Semi-Conductors is that they can be manipulated in how they carry an electrical current. A process known as; "Electron Doping."

You remove all the Electrons from the Atoms in one area of the material. Creating what are known as; "Electron Holes."

When you then pass an electrical current through the material. All the Electrons rush from the side of the material where there are still Electrons. To the side of the material where the Electrons have been removed.

In the case of LED's or; "Light-Emitting Diodes." The Electron Holes are slightly smaller than the Electrons trying to fill them.

So in order to fit the Electrons need to shrink down, shedding part of their mass. Which they do in the form of a Photon. The tiny sub-atomic particles of Light.

The Photons emitted by LED's are not fully Spatially Coherent. However they are more Spatially Coherent than the Photons which make up Natural Light.

Meaning that LED's are sort of midway between Natural Light and Lasers. In terms of how sharp and focused the beams of light they produce.

LED's are just one, relatively simple, example of what you can do with Semi-Conductors. With computer microprocessors being the most complicated example.

Any modern electrical device like a cellphone, computer or car is really just a collection of different Semi-Conductors. 

Semi-Conductor technology is always advancing. That, along with how crucial they are to modern technology. Means that they have become a major source of geopolitical tension. Particularly between the US and China.

The US is currently the lead developer and manufacturer of Semi-Conductors. While China is a fast catching up second. 

So under both President Trump and the current Biden regime the US has introduced restrictions on Chinese Semi-Conductors. In order to protect its market share and restrict China's growth and global influence.

Stuck in the middle of this is Taiwan. Which is recognised by both the US and China as part of China. Yet considers itself to be an independent nation.

Taiwan supplies both the US and China with Semi-Conductors. With what are actually Taiwanese Semi-Conductors being counted in both the US and China's Semi-Conductor production totals.

Semi-Conductor production has been particularly hard hit by the supply-chain disruptions caused by the Pandemic. Along with the restrictions the US has imposed on China's Semi-Conductors.

This has particularly affected the automotive industry. Which is from where you've probably heard about Semi-Conductors in the news recently.

Also the process of Electron Doping in Semi-Conductor manufacture. Can serve as a metaphor for; "Doping" or drug cheating in sport. And vice versa.

Images like the child's head in the earlier; "Dandelion" section. Along with the Ice Wall surrounding it. Are the type of image you can achieve with Light Projection.

The images of the pollen spores travelling up the column. Along with Satellite Snowflake travelling down it. Were certainly achieved through Light Projection. The LED screen didn't extend along the column.

However the image of the Earth's surface, complete with the Aurora Borealis, in the; "Quantum of Celebration" section. That was too detailed for either Light or Laser Projection. Giving the first hint of the LED screen.

This section allowed the Chinese hosts to really show-off the LED screen.

It began with a line of young people walking across the arena floor. They were university students and young people selected from across both China and the World. Representing all races and ethnicities.

The earlier; "Fun With Flags I" section featured at least 68 flag-bearers. All passing the Chinese National Flag hand-over-hand.

This was done to highlight the core Totalitarian Socialist value. The crushing of the individual for the benefit of the collective.

Here great pains were made to point out. That none of the people in this section were celebrities or people of particular achievement. Just normal, everyday people.

Another example of no individual standing out from or rising above the collective. Here it was being done in reference to how the human race is a collective. In our increasingly interconnected, globalised World.

From an environmental, particularly Climate Change perspective. The human race has always been an interconnected collective, united by the globe we all call home. 

Even if in the past. We've failed to realise that.

As the line of people walked across the arena floor. Behind them the LED screen revealed pictures and video of many other ordinary people, from all across the World. Supposedly overcoming hardship in their everyday lives.

This was very much in the style of Zoom meetings and video calls which came to dominate during the pandemic. 

Allowing for not just discussion of the Pandemic. But also of how much human interaction is now the private property of a handful of Big Tech companies.

These pictures and videos were framed by Traditional Chinese Knotting. An ancient Chinese form of art. In which elaborate, decorative knots are tied. Then, often, given as totems and goodluck charms.

The 2020 Summer games looked at things which have emerged spontaneously in different cultures. This Opening Ceremony expanded on that. Looking at the Swastika as an example.

Intricate knotworks, either drawn, carved or tied are another example. They appear in almost all cultures, independently. They also almost always tend to be associated with protection and the goodluck that comes with such protection.

I myself have a knotwork tattoo on my back, between my shoulder-blades. It's based on a symbol used by the ancient Pict tribe in what is now considered the Scotland area of Britain.

It symbolised protection. In the sense that the Picts were an extremely violent tribe. So anyone living in their territory, marked by this knotwork symbol. Was unlikely to come under attack from outsiders.

It is one of the strangest lies I've heard told about me. That this is some sort of Neo-Nazi tattoo.

Something like the; "Sun Cross." Which is a Swastika with the arms extended to form a circle. 

The Sun Cross was also used by the; "Zodiac Killer." Which is one of the main ways the US tells this lie about me these days.

It just isn't. In the same way it just isn't a picture of an Elephant. Doing a Google image search of an; "Ulbster Cross" and a; "Sun Cross" should give you an idea of how different they are.

Although even Miley Cyrus will have to ask extremely nicely. To get to see the original.

Also. I had this tattoo done in the home of my Israeli Jewish girlfriend. The bisexual one who also had a Black British girlfriend.

Which has got to be the least Neo-Nazi situation imaginable.

The framing bars which held the Chinese Knotting. Then gave way to bear the slogan of the 2022 Winter games. Written in both English/Latin and Chinese characters;

"Together For A Shared Future."

A slogan chosen to remind people, particularly the NATO nations. That the Cold War ended more than 30 years ago.

We are now living in an interconnected, globalised multi-polar world. A World which can cooperate rather than fight with itself.

At around 18:30 on 21/3/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 18:10 on 22/3/22 (UK date) to tidy all of the above and copy & paste;

The way that these images of people overcoming hardship. Seemed to emerge from behind a line of people spooling across the arena floor. Was intended to resemble a computer printer, photocopier or fax machine.

A reference to how my father found himself in Beijing. In and around January 28th 1973 (28/1/1973). The date on which US President Nixon's recognition of the People's Republic of China helped bring the US' Vietnam War to an end.

Officially my father was part of a British trade delegation trying to sell fax machines to the Chinese. Something which was only made more suspicious. By the fact that at that point China hadn't even begun to open up to trade with the west.

The entire sequence seems to have been inspired by two songs by the US popstar Pink. "Family Portrait" and; "My Vietnam." Both from her 2001 album; "Missundaztood."

When my lesbian best friend and I met our girlfriend, forming the; "World Famous Thrupple" in 2001. She had the same shocking pink hair which was Pink's signature look at the time.

Something which really made it all the more embarrassing. How long it took us to work out that our respective girlfriends, both with the same given name and the same shocking pink hair. Were, in fact, the same person.

Having already seen glimpses of her strong personality. In early press appearances to promote her 2000 debut album; "Can't Take Me Home." 

I was already something of a fan of Pink. Owning both her debut album and that highly personal second album.

So, from her perspective. The World Famous Thrupple clearly looked like some sort of weird sex game. Something all three of us paid for on her third, 2003 album; "Try This."

By the sounds of things though. The third of the World Famous Thrupple with the pink hair. Was the third with the least in common with the popstar.

All of which served as a further reminder to, particularly, the US/UK;

There's only one reason for any potential relationship I might have with Miley Cyrus.

So best you hurry up and apologise.

As the line of ordinary people left the arena. The arena floor became covered with what could be interpreted as either drifting snow. Or quantum particles of light energy. 

Produced by the LED screen they were, on a technical level anyway. Definitely quantum particles of light energy.

Performers wearing inline skates then appeared. Representing the Winter Olympic sport of Speed-Skating they carved grooves into the white powder covering the arena floor.

This was a further reference to; "Laser Etching." Again I don't think people really think of light as a physical object. Let alone one capable of carving grooves into another physical object.

It was also a reference to that History of Music theme. Which was really the only non-Pandemic topic of conversation in all of 2020.

It was the making of records. By using a stylus to carve grooves into discs of vinyl. Which changed the history of music. From something that could only be experienced live to something that could be experienced in private, any time you liked.

Vinyl records went on to be replaced by Compact Discs (CD's). Which are an example of Laser Etching. 

A Laser is used to cut voids or pits into a medium, aluminium or gold. Creating the pattern of; "Electrical Current Present (1)" and; "Electrical Current Absent (0)." The binary code in which all electrical communication is transmitted.

That code is then read by a small Semi-Conductor Laser. Then converted into music by a Semi-Conductor microprocessor using a Cipher algorithm.

Both vinyl records and CD's are now really redundant technologies. Having been replaced by Digital Memory Chips in computer servers, mp3 players and cellphones.

Digital memory chips which are, themselves, Semi-Conductors.

Are you beginning to understand yet?

Why Semi-Conductors. Along with the Rare Earth Minerals they're made from. Are so important in the modern world.

Really highlighting the three aspects of the Visible Light part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum being discussed.

The Speed-Skaters were accompanied by a Laser Projected Ski-Jumper, representing the Winter Olympic sport of Ski-Jumping. Leaping across the sky between the arena floor and the arena roof.

Along with a Light Projection of Downhill Skier, representing the Downhill Skiing events. Projected onto the column on the stage-rear wall of the arena.

In the grooves that had been cut out by the Speed-Skaters. The LED screen showed, in English/Latin and Chinese characters, the new Olympic motto;

"Higher. Faster. Stronger. Together."

This was all done to the strains of John Lennon's 1971 song; "Imagine." A sort of internationally recognised anthem calling for peace and harmony.

Imagine was controversial on its release and, to some extent, still is. Due to its Humanist message imagining there's no religion, no heaven, no hell.

A message that is very in keeping with China's Confucian Values. Unlike Japanese Shinto Confucian Thought is much more concerned with human's actions here in this human dimension.

Leading to some debate over whether Confucianism can be considered a religion or a Humanist Philosophy. Particularly during the Yiheguan or "Boxer" Rebellion.

The lyric about; "No need for greed or hunger." Seem inspired by Siddhartha Gautama. the first Buddha's; "Third Way." Of neither extreme wealth nor extreme poverty.

John Lennon largely credited the lyrics for Imagine to his Japanese wife, Yoko Ono. It does seem to show the melting pot of Confucian, Buddhist, Hindu, Shinto and Taoist beliefs which make up Asian Animist religions.

A large part of Imagine's seemingly timeless global appeal. Comes from the simplicity of its lyrics and message. There are few complex words and certainly no in depth discussion of how to achieve these dreams.

So it is easy to mock Imagine as a sort of cheesy drivel. A sort of nursery rhyme for adults.

This was certainly how it was used by the very cheeky South Koreans. In their 2018 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony. 

A section I entitled; "Cowardly Cheese." Which was referenced so heavily by the US. At both the alleged inauguration of Joe Biden and the 2021 Super Bowl.

China seemed to be using Imagine in the same mocking way here.

What a joke it is for us to be sitting around talking about the Olympic Truce. Living together in respect and harmony. Giving peace a chance.

When we all knew that US/UK-led NATO were going to attack Ukraine during the games.

Just as US/UK-led NATO attacked Ukraine during the 2014 Winter Olympics. Held in Sochi, Russia.

Just as US/UK-led NATO attacked Georgia during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Also held in Beijing.

 

To be continued in Part 9.

19:05 on 22/3/22 (UK date).

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.7

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 6; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening_8.html

A Quantum of Celebration.

The previous section, which I entitled; "Dandelion." Ended with light projected pollen spores travelling up a column at the stage-rear wall of the arena.

As they reached the arena roof they set off fireworks. Spelling out the phrases; "Spring" and "Lichun (The Beginning of Spring) in English/Latin and Chinese characters.

An example of a message being communicated in the form of light. From the Earth's surface to the Heavens.

A reference to China's Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite. Which makes China the first and only nation to make use of Quantum Encryption/Cryptography.

This sequence began with data returning from the Heavens to the Earth's surface. 

In the form of Augmented Reality (AR) snowflakes. Each bearing the name of a competing nation. In English/Latin and Chinese characters.

Another opportunity for China to boast about QUESS. As the only nation able to do Quantum Encryption/Cryptography they are entitled to boast about it.

As the "snowflakes" reached the arena floor. They were joined by a cast of all female performers. 

Each carrying a physical "snowflake" bearing the name of a competing nation. In English/Latin and Chinese characters.

In this digital age; "Augmented Reality (AI)" refers to any scenario where real life, reality. Is augmented by digital data.

The problem is that you need a digital medium in order to access the digital data. Such as the TV screens we were all using to view the Opening Ceremony.

Without that digital medium. Such as if you were physically in the arena crowd. Then you can't access the digital data. Meaning you would have just seen an empty arena rather than the falling "snowflakes."

The use of the physical "snowflakes" solved that problem. Being reality rather than Augmented Reality. Viewable to all.

At the 2018 Winter Olympic Opening ceremony the South Korean hosts faced a similar problem. Incorporating the first ever AR Olympic Rings. 

These looked amazing to everyone watching on TV. However it left the people who were actually there just staring into the emptiness of the night sky. Wondering when the Olympic Rings would appear.

At the 2020 Summer Olympic Closing Ceremony the Japanese hosts also included an AR sequence. During the section in which the Athletes Arrived.

There the Japanese hosts solved the AR problem by giving Athletes and others in attendance a special Smart Phone App. Which allowed them to view the AR elements.

While giving Japan an opportunity. To show off about being ever so slightly more technologically advanced than their great South Korean rivals.

The quality of the digital animation used by China was not quite as good as that used by either South Korea or Japan. 

Their solution to the AR problem, physical lumps of metal being carried by human beings. Certainly wasn't as advanced as Japan's.

This was China acknowledging that while it is fast developing. It is still and Economically Developing Nation. So despite its QUESS satellite China is still not as technologically advanced as either South Korea or Japan. 

As was discussed during China's section of the 2018 Winter Olympic Closing Ceremony. Along with the Olympic Rings section of this Opening Ceremony.

China is very keen to move beyond its current status of; "Workshop of the World." Increasingly developing its own technology rather than simply manufacturing everyone else's technology.

Eventually the all female cast of performers carrying the physical "snowflakes" converged around the recessed circle in the centre of the arena floor. Forming a circle of their own.

That circle then expanded out to form an Extraterrestrial Sunrise. That is to say a sunrise viewed from outside of planet Earth. Such as if you were standing on the Moon and watching the Sun emerge from behind the Earth. 

Or if you were watching from an artificial satellite orbiting the Earth. Such as China's QUESS or its Heavenly Palace (Tiangong) Space Station.

When viewing an Extraterrestrial Sunrise you are able to see the; "Geocorona." Or the Earth's Corona. The gases which make up the outer layer of the Earth's atmosphere.

As I'm sure we've all learned during these Pandemic years. The word; "Corona" is Latin meaning; "Crown." It is derived from; "Korone," Ancient Greek for; "Wreath" or; "Garland."

The; "Coronavirus" takes its name from the way its Spike Proteins appear on a 2 dimensional Electronic Scanning Microscope image. In which they appear to encircle the main body of the virus in a circle or wreath.

The physical "snowflakes" then became Laser or Light Projected "snowflakes." Seeming to melt from the hands of the women carrying them onto the arena floor. Then form a circle of their own around the recessed circle in the centre of the arena floor.

This was another example of a recurring theme of the Opening Ceremony. The contrast between Ancient/Traditional and Modern. In this case old, physical snowflakes giving way to the new, high-tech snowflakes.

The Opening Ceremony. Along with the games themselves were very interested in one particular contrast between Traditional and Modern.

The traditional, Confucian attitudes towards women and their role with in society. Its conflict with the modern, core Socialist value of Equality Between the Sexes.

Having gathered around the recessed centre circle. These individual "snowflakes" joined together to form a giant, single "snowflake."

Now definitely being formed by Laser. This giant "snowflake" then rose into the air between the arena floor and the arena roof. 

It then began to arc its way across the arena. In the wave-like shape of an; "Ecliptic."

The Ecliptic is the path taken by one object as it orbits another. Or appears to orbit it.

Both QUESS and the Tiangong Space Station have their own Ecliptics as they orbit the Earth.

It is from Jupiter's apparent Ecliptic around the Earth. That we get the 12 Earthly Branches. Which, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems make up the Traditional Chinese Calendar.

To really emphasise this giant "snowflakes" path along an Ecliptic. The female performers were still forming the shape of an Extraterrestrial Sunrise. 

Above and beyond that Extraterrestrial Sunrise on the arena floor was projected stars. While a Moon appeared on the column running up the stage-rear wall. 

The Satellite Snowflake then took the place of the Moon on the column running up the stage-rear wall. In then tumbled down the column.

This was reference to the ill-fated Miley Cyrus episode of; "Saturday Night Live (SNL)." Where she appeared alongside Elon Musk on May 8th 2021 (8/5/21).

On April 29th (29/4/21) China put its Tiangong Space Station into orbit. The Long March 5B rocket then began a supposedly uncontrolled, unpredictable and dangerous descent back to Earth.

The World, especially Elon Musk's SpaceX then watched. As China's rocket twisted and spun over 425,000m and 11 days before safely splashing down in the Indian Ocean.

Around 45 minutes before that episode of SNL was broadcast live.

At which point. China won all of the Diving medals at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

It was Team GB's Tom Daley being donated a Diving Gold Medal. On July 26h (26/7/21). Which was really the first warning sign that the Summer Olympics had lost touch with reality.

China was bringing it up here to allow for all of those issues to be discussed. While taking a deserved opportunity to show-off a bit.

At the same time reminding the US. There was only one possible reason for Miley Cyrus and Elon Musk to appear together on SNL.

To introduce Miley Cyrus to Elon Musk. So the three of us could talk directly. Me using my skills as a Military Intelligence Officer, Elon Musk using his Starlink communications satellite constellation.

To work through a menu of options and outcomes. To keep Miley Cyrus' deepest, lightest secrets out of tabloids like TMZ.

While doing the US the massive favour. Of at least giving them the chance to catch-up to the Child-Like Ciphers which featured so heavily at the 2018 Winter games and 2020 Summer games.

The US is, clearly, still a very long way off something like China's QUESS satellite.

At around 19:45 on 15/3/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow.

Edited at around 17:45 on 16/3/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

As the Satellite Snowflake reached the bottom of the column. It seemed to turn into quantum particles of light energy. Which spread out across the arena floor.

These particles of quantum light energy then reformed. In the shape of the Earth's surface as seen from space.

This image of the Earth's surface also included swirling green lights. Representing the Aurora Borealis or; "Northern Lights."

The term; "Aurora Borealis" is made up of; "Aurora," the Greek goddess of Dawn or Sunrise. Along with; "Borealis," the Greek god of the North Wind.

Which rather sums up what the Aurora Borealis are. They are solar winds colliding with the; "Magnetosphere," the Earth's magnetic field. 

This changes the paths of electronically charged sub-atomic particles such as Electrons and Protons. Allowing them to enter the Earth's atmosphere. 

Within the Earth's atmosphere these electronically charged sub-atomic particles collide with atmospheric gases. Increasing their electrical charge and causing them to emit light. 

Red and Green for Oxygen, depending on its altitude. Blue for Nitrogen. Along with colours such as Yellow and Pink. Which are a mixture of Red, Green and Blue.

A process which is similar to that of the function of a Laser.

Amid this image of the Earth's surface rose a single giant physical Snowflake. A physical version of the Satellite Snowflake. Again marking the transition between Ancient/Traditional and Modern.

Apparently to be made up of the small physical "snowflakes." Each bearing the name of a competing nation.

This giant Snowflake stood on a frame of Olive Branches.

At the Ancient Greek Olympics victory was rewarded not with medals. But with a Wreath or Korone of Olive Branches. 

The Silk Road Awaits.

We were then shown a short video. Featuring people across a wide variety of locations. First preparing to watch, then watching the Olympics as they got underway.

As was a main theme at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. Which was expanded upon at the 2020 Summer games.

Between the 3rd Century B.C and the 19th Century A.D. Global trade was dominated by the; "Silk Road."

Built around the trade in silk this was a vast network of trade routes centred around China. Stretching from Japan in the east. Across Europe and down into Sub-Saharan Africa in west, south-west.

For around 2,000 years absolutely all exchanges between different cultures, nations and people occurred on the Silk Road.  Not just goods like silk. Also technological advances. 

The earlier Olympic Rings section reminded us that China was one of the first cultures to use ink. Along with inventing paper. It is along the Silk Road that paper spread throughout the World.

What is commonly known as; "India Ink" is actually a Chinese invention. Using materials such as Carbon Black imported from India to China via the Silk Road.

The two "Opium Wars" were fought by Britain. To force Chinese people to recreationally use Opium grown in Britain's India colony. Then imported to China along the Silk Road.

The Silk Road was also a vital route for the transfer culture and ideas. Such as Aristotle's notion of "Heartstrings" or Arab/Persian concepts of Mathematics and Astronomy.

As we learned during the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. It was the start of the European Colonial Era which marked the start of China's decline. 

The Portuguese Black Ships arrival in Japan opening up much faster maritime trade routes. Making the Silk Road obsolete.

China is now trying to restore its place in the World by re-opening the Silk Road. Under its "One Belt, One Road Initiative (Belt and Road Initiative)."

The purpose of the One Belt, One Road Iniative is to build a network of modern transport infrastructure, including air and sea ports, along the path of the Silk Road. Japan to the east. Across Europe and down into Sub-Saharan Africa to the west, south-west.

This video is supposed to represent the Belt and Road Initiative.

So you had people standing on a road in what seemed to be a European city. People at a railway station in an Asian city. 

Along with people in hardhats surrounded by heavy equipment such as cranes, shipping containers and dumper trucks. In sandy, deserty conditions. 

These could represent a variety of both wet ports used by ships and dry ports used by trucks and trains. Across a host of nations in China, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

There were also a lot of young people watching the games on satellite TV. Both in places like barbershops and cafes. Along with in schools.

This was to highlight that alongside transport infrastructure. The One Belt, One Road Initiative also includes social infrastructure.

Things like the building of upwards of 1,200 schools across Sub-Saharan Africa. Along with the; "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages" project. The name of which rather neatly explains its objective.

Most of China's Belt and Road Initiative projects, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are built around the principle of; "Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT)."

That means that China will build something like a sea port. Then operate it until local people can be trained to do it themselves. At which point it is transferred to the control of the country where it is located.

A principle which obligates China to make a long-term commitment to educating the local population. In order for them to be able to run the project themselves.  

These people in hardhats in sandy, deserty conditions. Surrounding by heavy equipment like cranes, shipping containers and dumper trucks.

They could also represent mines and quarries. Particularly for Rare Earth Minerals. Such as Cobalt, Lithium, Niobium, Tungsten and Tantalum. Which are essential to all modern electronics. Particularly their batteries. 

So China has a huge appetite for these Rare Earth Minerals as it makes all of you all of your electronic devices. Such as computers, cellphones and, increasingly cars.

Both in its role as the Workshop of the World. Where it builds everyone else's designs. Along with building more of its own designs as China increasingly hopes to do.

As this variety of people watched the games get underway. In their variety of locations. They started performing interpretive dances representing Winter Olympic sports. Interspersed with footage of the actual sports.

So the young people in the barbershops and cafes seemed to attempt Curling. 

The (African) children in their (Chinese built) school would lean to the left and to their right in their seats. As the Bobsleighers would lean to steer down the track.

There seemed to be a particularly focus on skating sports. Things like Ice Hockey, Speed Skating and Figure-Skating.

The entire concept itself seemed to be heavily inspired by Figure-Skating. Where athletes have to choose a piece of music then use it in an interpretive dance routine to tell a story.

Somewhat worryingly. It was a woman at one of these Rare Earth Mineral mines who was attempting Biathlon. Particularly the opening fire with a rifle.

A comment on the business model the west has long used to obtain Rare Earth Minerals and other commodities. Particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

First give one group of people some guns. Then get them to attack another group of people who you have also given guns too.

Once the fighting is well underway. Force both groups of people to buy more guns from you. In exchange for Rare Earth Minerals and other commodities. For a tiny fraction of their market value.

This is a business model the west has particularly used in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Using nations to its north; Rwanda, Kenya and Somalia as its supply route out to sea.

It is a business model that China is concerned that the west is going to start using in Afghanistan. China's immediate neighbour.

Aside from being able to import raw materials. China's other main objective from the Belt and Road Initiative is to export Chinese made goods to countries like the DRC.

Something which can only happen if those nations are given a fair price for their raw materials. Allowing them to develop economically.

So the business model the Chinese are employing to the south of the DRC, through nations like Tanzania. Is very different to the one the west is employing to the north of the DRC.

Towards the end of the video. Both the people doing the actual sports, along with the people doing interpretive dance versions of the sports. 

They would fall, struggle to get up. Then triumphantly rise again.

The video ended with the slogans. In both English/Latin and Chinese characters;

"Every Rise."

"Every Fall."

"We're In This Together."

"#StrongerTogether."

Alongside the long-term commitment China has made to its partners along the One Belt, One Road Initiative. "All Weather Friends" as it's known in the jargon.

This was a reference to how Global Supply Chains ground to a halt during the Pandemic. The challenges of getting them up and running again.

Unfortunately. US/UK-led NATO have decided that they don't want to engage with China or anyone else in that rather important discussion.

Choosing instead to launch their current attack on Ukraine. 

So again. Here I will respect NATO's choice. No matter how insane. 

 

To be continued in Part 8. 

18:10 on 16/3/22 (UK date).