Ok, thanks ISiddiqui. BTW did you see the skiing quals for the extra US guys? And the snow-board practice? How did it look to you? We’ve been watching the winter O’s on TV since the 70’s and never seen such bad video. It was like the producers had never filmed snow in sunshine before. Blamed it on HD because it seemed like the only new variable.
The only thing I saw on SD is the opening ceremonies. But they looked ok. Maybe someone else is watching the whole thing on SD.
The only thing I noticed on SD was that the NBC logo was messed up. Aside from that, decent picture. Nothing great, but not horrible either.
Not sure I enjoyed the Borg ballet…
I’m sorry, but I thought the whole Alpine segment was incredibly lame. I may have been seriously influenced by the fact that we were switching back and forth from Arrested Development but it almost looked like some sort of post-modernist parody.
So I’ve got the Parade of Nations on in the background here, and one very important question has come to mind, and it is this:
Doesn’t Italy have any music of its own?
I think the pertinent question is whether anyone wants to hear Italian pop music ;). I guess they could play some famous classical pieces, but you don’t want to seem too elitist.
I’m always curious who they pick for flag-bearer.
I kept track, missed at least two.
Alpine skiing wins by a long shot with 25 countries
Cross country skiiing is next with 8
Figure skating:7
biathelon: 6
5: speed skaing and luge
4: curling
3: freestyle skiing, snowboard, hockey, short track speed skaing
2: chief de (something)
1: skeleton, coach*, bobsled
- biathelon coach.
Countries with 1 athelete:
bermuda, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Virgin Islands*, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Nepal, Portugal, San Marino, Senegal, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbeckistan, Venezuela
- I believe VI is theone with the 56 year old female luger.
Brian
Sophia Loren still looks awesome!
Yoko Ono?!! Wtf?!
That’s the usual reaction, yes…
Followed quickly by a thorough flipping off
Anyone else think the whole “born in a warm climate, move as an infant, compete in the Olympics in your 40’s” thing is getting a bit old?
I couldn’t watch the opening ceremonies in real time, so I’m watching the NBC re-broadcast in the US.
There have been some good bits. but on the whole it’s been boring. Just now Yoko Ono finished, and John Lennon’s “imagine” is on, sung by Peter Gabriel, who can’t seem to sing on key. That followed some performers on ropes making a dove, and yet another choral presentation.
I like seeing the athletes march in. some of the early presentation, like the sparks of “passion” were cool. And seeing the Olympic flag is good, and hearing the oath. I just want the torch to come in so I can go the bed, as I have to go to work early. That’s supposed to be good.
For my taste there’s just too much foo-fraw so far, and it’s taking too long. Oh good, here comes Tomba.
Awesome torch lighting. 
WOW! That was an amazing torch lighting.
Torch lighting was really cool. Wasn’t it Italy that had the archer shoot the flaming arrow to light the torch? That has been my favorite so far.
8 notable female flag Olympic Flag bearers
I can understand Sophia Loren - local celebrity
Not sure as I would place Susan Sarandon as being one of the 8 notable women in the world (or with Olympic ties), but then again I wouldn’t have included Yoko Ono in the ceremony either.
Spain, wasn’t it?
Woot! Pavarotti!