Thoughts of Olympic proportions

Despite my TV feed cutting out for A to E during the parade of nations I managed watch the entire opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. So my games started with Estonia…

I was in a bad mood today so I think I should start by telling you everything I loved about the ceremony!

• First of all, the cultural component I thought was AMAZING! The colors, the puppets, the video, the actors, the music, EVERYTHING combined to put on a mesmerizing display!
• Second, and I hate to admit this but… I think tonight was the first time in my life that I was truly impressed and can say I enjoyed a K.D. Lang performance. Though I have always loved the song she performed. It was Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Good Job Kraft Dinner!
• I thought the carrying in of the Olympic flag was very dignified and well done.
• I stood for the moment of silence for Nodar Kumaritashvili from Georgia. Very tragic event and good of organizers to commemorate it tastefully in the opening ceremonies.

Now for two thoughts that crossed my mind…

• I always worry about the athletes with their excessive waving and flag carrying. I can’t help but think about how that might affect their results in the days to come. I know, it’s silly but think about how your arm or hands feel after clapping or cheering at a concert.
• The lady that belted out the Olympic hymn made me think how it must feel to be the loudest thing on the planet at that moment.

And now onto my list of things I DID NOT like…

• At the beginning the crowds looked stunned and it was driving me insane to watch the camera pass over people with their mouths open and a blank expression on their face. I thought they were told to smile? Luckily they got it right later.
• I felt they butchered the Canadian Anthem. Some things shouldn’t be slowed down, sped up, or turned into a Pop Ballad.
• It really bugged me that the 4 Aboriginal Chiefs didn’t make it to the podium on time. What’s up with that? Did they miss their SkyTrain? Forget today was the day? Get stuck in traffic? The rest of their people made it.
• Stephen Harper is a tool! Enough said!
• I can understand lip syncing at these events when necessary but an event of this size you would think wouldn’t have had the screws up that Nelly Furtado and Brian Adams so noticeably had during their performance.

There you have it, my first report on Olympic coverage. Now let’s get out there and win some Gold medals!