Some thoughts on the Olympics so far...
I feel terrible for the Republic of Georgia. Losing a team member in such a brutal way, and at such a horrible time. Kudos to the team for marching in the Parade of Nations, and I felt such pride in my countrypeople for the resounding standing ovation this team was given.
I loved the Opening Ceremonies. LOVED them. I know they hit every stereotype people have of Canada and Canadians (we're all First Nations that live in igloos, run through wheat fields, and are all kilt-wearing fiddlers), but it was nice. The Poet? LOVED HIM SO MUCH!!! And the technology that brought those whales almost to life? Wow.
I hated the lighting of the torch. Really? I mean, I loved Rick Hanson, Nancy Greene Raine, Catriona Le May Doan, Steve Nash and Wayne Gretzky, but I was waiting for the final pass off to... someone. I don't know who, but I wanted something more. (The technical problems with one of the torches aside, I was a little disappointed.) And then Gretzky taking that long ride to Stanley Park and lighting the outside torch? Really? That was it? Very disappointed in that whole sequence. I know Gretzky was a phenomenal hockey player, but doesn't he seem, I don't know, a little too commercial for the Olympics?
I loved the Parade of Nations. Watching all those teams come in, listening to Canadians cheer for all of them, hearing the roar when Canada came in. Too cool.
I was astounded by my brother in law, who, when Greece led the parade, said "Why does Greece get to come first? What did they ever do in the Olympics?" (Seriously, he said this.) I looked at my husband, who told his brother "Well, they kind of INVENTED the whole thing"...
I watched as much of the Olympics as I could this weekend at the cottage - in between spending time outside. It was beautiful - clear and snowcovered. The lake was frozen sold, kids were running and sledding everywhere - the perfect winter cottage weekend. (Broken toe aside - I hate the coffee table up there...)
Alexandre Bilodeau. Jenn Heil. Mike Robertson. Kristina Groves. Just the beginning...
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8 comments:
What I saw the of the opening was very, very catchy.
I also loved the ceremonies; all but one Canadian friend has liked them, my American friends called Wayne in a pick up truck a "red neck" thing to do, LOL. The lighting effects were great; even my engineer husband was asking if the water was real. Also loved the poet--what was his name?! The only things we didn't like were the opera singer, the French singer, and the placement of KD Lang's song; it didn't exactly get one in a competitive spirit, LOL.
I agree about Gretzky. Way too commercial - and American now.
Nancy
I loved the use of Gretzky because more than just being a hockey icon he's a gentleman. His nick name is "The Great One" and yet he has no visible swagger or arrogance. That, along with the hockey connection - very Canadian I think.
Plus that ceremony was being beamed to the whole world, the U.S. included and I think its great we highlight our own as being just that - wherever they live.
The one that creeped me out was the PM - I can't see one thing that's reflective of Canada in that guy!
It is so interesting to see the different opinions about the opening ceremonies. I hated the version of the national anthem. The show, I thought, excelled at technology but otherwise presented a very limiting and outdated picture of Canadians. Good thing we're all different!
I kept saying to my DH that Gretszky was to obvious and it had to be someone else. I guess I was 3/4 right. I love the parade of nations every Olympics. I love hearing the little snippets of stories about the people from tiny countries who will never win a medal but complete because they love what they do. That is what the Olympics are all about to me.
My heart was bursting during the opening ceremonies, too. 98% because I'm proud to be Canadian, and 2% (maybe a bit more) because I've worked withone of the set designers at the theatre.
i am with you on your comments about the opening ceremony!
wonderful!
you didn't mention nelly whatshername's dress though...yech.
helga
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