On this day: August 8

POSTED: 03:25 PM PDT Aug 06, 2012    UPDATED: 11:00 PM PDT Aug 07, 2012 

Napoleon goes into exile, Wrigley gets lights, the "Dream Team" clinches gold in Barcelona and the United States' debt rating takes a hit, all on this day.

OTD August 8 - 2008 Summer Olympics
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Tim Hipps/U.S. Army

2008: The Summer Olympics begin in Beijing, China. The ceremony is noted for its focus on ancient Chinese culture and for its creativity, as well as being the first to use weather modification technology to prevent rainfall. The final ascent to the torch features Olympic gymnast Li Ning, who appears to run through air around the membrane of the stadium.

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