Opening Ceremonies About to Begin

We're just moments before the start of the Opening Ceremonies and Chinese President Hu Jintao and International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge are due any minute. Fans in this 91,000 seat venue are already chanting, waving flags and flashing hand-held lights.

As the crowd assembled, the security presence outside the National Stadium appeared stunningly light--not that anyone thinks it was. There was not an uzzi or camoflauged soldier in sight. The dominant presence? Security officials in white collared shirts, white baseball caps and khaki pants--who did not appear to be carrying weapons. Fans poured in with no apparent disturbances.

Officials note that only 204--not 205--nations will march tonight. Apparently Brunei neglected to register any athletes for competition and was thus excluded.