Don't rain on our parade

In Chinese culture, it is often considered a blessing when it rains - but not on August 8 next year.

Beijing Olympics organizers were dealt some bad news yesterday, when meteorological experts predicted rain at the opening ceremony at the National Stadium, the Bird's Nest.

Beijing's top meteorological experts calculated the prediction using rainfall data from the past 30 years, and said there will be a 50 percent chance of rainfall. But it's unlikely to be a downpour.