The broadcast of the Olympics opening ceremonies seems to have shut down traffic on the forum quite a bit tonight.
 

Even me.<BR><BR>And that's nice.<BR><BR>Enjoy &lt;&lt;les Jeux&gt;&gt;...<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

How did you like them? Did you find them moving or hokey? Who would you have picked for the person/s to light the big torch?

I honestly thought that Rudy Guiliani was going to light the torch. I know he has nothing to do with the Olympics, but I figured since they had to parade the WTC flag around, they were going to have some sort of WTC/NYC tribute. Im just glad it wasn't that flying monkey from the Wizard of Oz, Tara Lipinski. If they had selected her I would have thrown up.<BR><BR>I liked how W sat in the stands with the American athletes, that was a nice gesture. However, someone needs to find him a new tailor because that overcoat he was wearing was too large for him. Either that, or he needs to fatten up by eating more pretzels.

Ha! I noticed the large coat also..maybe he needs room for the bullet proof vest? It was nice to see him sitting and laughing with the athletes.I thought that almost every athlete that they showed was so good looking-in that fresh healthy clean way..some more so than others of course.I thought the music was a touch too "religious experience happening"-and I wanted to smack Katie Couric and that joker she was blabbing away with, but I think it was ok.

No Fair. Here on the west coast, we see it all delayed, even though it says "live" on the screen. Who did (will) light the torch, by the way? Right now we're just watching Chile in the ceremony of nations, and it's all over for you, right? If only I worked at NBC....

A great Olympic opening. Meaningful entertainment!

I enjoyed them, especially seeing Sting and Yo Yo Ma on the same stage. I thought Katie looked goofy in that head wrap; she's so pretty otherwise, it seems like they could have let her look more natural somehow.

I agree, it was a great opening ceremony. Y'all should be proud. I won't give away who lit the cauldron except to say it was a good choice, and I hope the Canadians beat them this Olympics. Let the games begin...<BR>A.M.

The 1980 American Ice Hockey Team was given the tribute of lighting the Olympic torch. Actually, the torch lighter was Winthrop, Massachusetts native Michael Eruzione who scored the winning goal in 1980 that allowed the Americans to win the gold medal in ice hockey. If anyone noticed Mike Eruzione kissing his hand and looking toward the sky before igniting the Olympic torch it was in memory of his late mother.<BR><BR>This year the American womens ice hockey team is favored to win the gold medal.

Everyone was asking folks not to give away who carried torch to its destination out of consideration for those on west coast, then someone writes a big piece about it-- a little oppositional behavior, perhaps?

anyone note Jim McKay. Is he sick? On cough medicine or worse?<BR>Sounded like he should have stayed in bed.

Not to worry. I'm still enjoying watching, even if I know who'll light the torch. It's nice to see so many people smiling! If we're going to blame anyone, let's stick with NBC and its policy of delayed broadcasting!

glad to hear most of you enjoyed the ceremonies. I thought they were really done just right. Recognition of the important events and people, great music, & I especially thought they did a great job of portraying the theme throughout! LOVED the costumes & giant puppets! <BR><BR>We had a pretty nasty day here in Park City with lots of high wind. But we had snow too & it's still snowing so that's a good thing for us.<BR><BR>Off to the Cross Country events at Soldier Hollow EARLY tomorrow morning.<BR>I'm excited, my first Olympic event. I've been waiting years for this...

The ceremonies were magnificent; it must be a real thrill to be in SLC at this time!!

I see that fodors didn't stop working to watch the Olympics. Killed the towels and toilet paper thread.<BR><BR>Figures.<BR><BR>No loss, actually.<BR>

If I made a mistake, I apologize, but nowhere did I see someone saying not to say who lit the Olympic flame. I only saw the question asking who actually did do it, which is why I answered.

Like I said, not to worry. I did ask and your answer didn't spoil my fun. Just watched the Native American dance. It's 10 PM PST, and we're barely into the program!

Leslie<BR>It was just the post right before yours that mentioned he would not give away who lit the cauldron. You posted within 2 min of each other. I'm sure you had not read his. Anyway, I enjoyed reading about Mike Eruzione memorial tribute to his Mother. I did not see him do that, I find it very touching.

The Boston NBC affiliate interviewed Mike Eruzione's family at midnight EST. Eruzione's brother said that the family had received a telephone call at 8pm EST from Mike asking them to gather in front of the TV to watch the opening ceremonies. Mike's brother mentioned the reason why Mike kissed his hand and gazed toward the sky before lighting the Olympic flame. Also, both of Mike's sons were interviewed -- they were both very proud and excited -- both sons were born in the 1990s and have only heard stories about America's 1980 Dream Team.

I thought the Opening Ceremonies were great! I was watching very closely because I will be at the Closing Ceremonies! And, going to the Women's final Ice Skating, 4-man bobsleigh, Women's Giant Slalom, and Ski Jumping!<BR>This is my big "event" this year. We leave in one week.<BR>I hope the Closing Ceremonies are just as exciting!<BR>Shadow

John G; you bad boy you. Maybe you should help him find a new tailor! Brioni here we come!!!! I noticed that you are from Philly. Me, too! Well, not for 20 years but originally. Still have family there. It seems that there's a few girls who want to go shopping with you. Oh, come on!!!!!! Happy Olympics to everyone.

I'm watching it here in Basel, Switzerland, on a French tv channel. It's quite interesting to listen to European commentary rather than the usual relentlessly gung-ho American coverage. I didn't care for the opening skating show that much but I'm looking forward to watching it through the week and also hearing the European perspective (via UK, French, German, Italian, Austrian and Dutch tv channels).<BR>BTilke

I see that fodors didn't stop working to watch the Olympics. Killed the towels and toilet paper thread.<BR><BR>Figures.<BR><BR>No loss, actually.<BR>

John, I wondered if it might be Guiliani too, but I *think* the person is always an athlete. Don't know if his large jacket was because of a bullet-proof vest, but I'm sure he was well protected underneath his clothing. Eruzione was a good choice. <BR><BR>Overall, I really liked the ceremony. The U.S. had wanted the Olympic team to carry the WTC flag and, apparently, the IOC balked at this idea (rightfully so, IMO.) I thought the compromise they arrived at was good. <BR><BR>Jim McKay seemed to stumble over his words quite a few times; don't know if he wasn't feeling well, or is just getting a bit old. I remember him well from the Sarajevo Olympics, and it's so sad to think of the horror that eventually visited that lovely city. <BR><BR>I think Bob Costas is brilliant, and loved his occasional droll comment, my favorite being when the young boy skater was surrounded by the skating icicles: "Looks like it's not going so well for the Child of Light." :~) Speaking of which, the choreography, and costumes, of the ice skaters was wonderful.<BR><BR>I loved the voice of the French announcer. There's something about a woman speaking French... <BR><BR>And, speaking of the French, very nice touch by the French team (the French, after all, having presented the U.S. with perhaps our greatest symbol, the Statue of Liberty), with their double-sided flags: the French tricolor on one side, the Stars and Stripes on the other. Vive la France! <BR><BR>It's always fun to see the Jamaican team, and I liked the smiles on the faces of the troops in Kandahar when they showed this team; how can you not love Jamaicans at the Winter Olympics? <BR><BR>I LOVED the five Native nations of Utah, the blessings they bestowed upon the athletes, and the absolutely beautiful native costumes, but found the whole settler thing that came afterward a bit disconcerting, a striking reminder of how those very Native nations who welcomed the athletes were overrun by these settlers. Oh well, might makes "right"; that's pretty much been the history of the world, and few of us would be living in the U.S. if European immigrants hadn't conquered the native people. <BR><BR>On that note, I give great credit to Australia for selecting Cathy Freeman to light the Olympic flame for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Not only is she an Aboriginie, but one who is also very outspoken in demanding respect for Australia's indigenous people. Ms. Freeman was also one of the eight people carrying the Olympic Flag, along with John Glenn, Lech Walesa, Desmond Tutu, Jean-Claude Killy, Stephen Speilberg, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Japan's ski jumper Kazuyoshi Funaki.<BR><BR>Everytime I hear "The Star-Spangled Banner", with its militaristic images ("bombs bursting in air"), I wish that "America the Beautiful" -- which, IMO, is a far more beautiful song -- was our national anthem. <BR><BR>Salt Lake City's setting, nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, is stunning, and this is sure to be a great Olympics.

I was so stupid about the Winter Olympics this year. I have about 16 friends who live in Salt Lake City and all of them invited me to come and see the Olympics. But, I declined. Oh, now I regret it. My ultimate goal, however, is to return to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games. That should be the ulimate experience.<BR><BR>Did anyone see Prince Albert of Monaco? He looks terrible for his age. He should lay off the Champagne or he is going to go the way of Princess Margy.

Author: Cheryl ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/09/2002, 12:38 pm<BR>Message: Trying to decided whether to travel to Ireland this July or go in the off season the last 2 weeks of April 2003. Very interested in weather as we are golfers. Help would be appreciated. THanks Cheryl<BR><BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR> <BR>Author: cd ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/09/2002, 01:21 pm<BR>Message: Shadow<BR>Were the tickets for the closing ceremony as expensive as for the opening? Have a wonderful time!!!<BR><BR> <BR>

Overall, the Opening Ceremony was pretty good, although I thought the "child of light" thing was kind of hokey. I loved the Native American piece, though...it was beautiful and gave me small glimse into the customs of marginalized people (unfortunately).<BR><BR>Was it just me, or were the US Olympic Team's outfits "militaristic"?? They looked more like Special Forces, than athletes. When holding the WTC flag, I couldn't tell who was who.

I thought the US team's outfits looked militaristic too. Their hats made them look like sea cadets.Sheesh!<BR><BR>I was not happy about the choice of the American hockey team lighting the flame. For me, I am tired of hearing about the glory days when they won the gold. It gets rehashed far to much in my humble opinion. <BR><BR>

Hey, didn't it look like Katie Couric had a nose job or a face lift, maybe that thing on her head was hiding the stitches. She just looks different, after not seeing her for a while. I liked her old (no pun intended) look better.

The opening show was beautiful and I would really have enjoyed being able to actually hear the music and the crowd, etc. without that idiot Bob Costas CONSTANTLY blabbing. He had to tell us everything we were seeing like we were blind or something. I don't know why the networks insist on this irritating constant barrage of verbiage. Was the same in Atlanta. Honestly, I'm sure NBC doesn't care, but I can't even listen, I have to turn off the volume.

Capo, I agree with everything you wrote. Why did we on the West Coast have to watch a tape rather than see it live along with the rest of the country?

I agree with the comment about the Star Spangled Banner vs. America the Beautful. However, I have to say that I thought the Mormon Tabernacle Chior sang the Star Spangled Banner beautifully.<BR><BR>I also wondered what was wrong with Jim McKay. He stumbled over his words constantly and seemed confused. Kind of sad. Thought Bob and Katie talked way too much. Their commentary reminded me of the insipid parade hosts we have to endure on New Year's day.<BR><BR>

Jim McKay had a severe stroke awhile back. I remember him from when I was young, when he hosted Wide World of Sports. It was nice of them to ask him into the booth and unfortunate he was not up to it.<BR>A.M.

I could care less but read the whole thread to feel the pulse of USA.

REgarding the WTC flag: I believe the IOC acquiesced, but the unexpected, severe winds forced the change in plans (with regard to flying it.) Or so said NPR...

Btilke, I envy you. I'm almost not looking forward to the games because of the jingoistic, smarmy commentary. The time we watched in France I thought we got much better rounded coverage and more of it (but then we missed some of the US coverage--can't have everything). I think I'll tape and fast-forward through the smarm (are there any athletes who haven't recovered from cancer/psoriasis, just lost a mother/guinea pig, overcome a handicap/ingrown toenail?) I guess I’m just cynical about producers seeking out 50 ways to tug at our heartstrings (yes, there are 50 up-close-and-personals this year).

A.M., thanks for the info on Jim McKay. I hadn't known that and that may account for the trouble he seemed to have.<BR><BR>Kit, likewise; thanks for the info about the WTC flag.

<BR>Sue,<BR>Thank you! I was thinking I might be the sole American who felt that way.<BR><BR>It's competition, it's sport - just show me the event, spare me the blather and let me make of it what I will. <BR><BR>

I do not mean to sound negative but,<BR><BR>Why was Manaco in with the countries starting with the letter F?<BR><BR>Why didn't anyone see that the icycle costumes looked like the KKK.<BR><BR>I liked the overall show, but I think Capo touched on it some, that the show copied Australia, puppets and natives alike.<BR><BR>At first I was skeptical, thinking the Native American's got a patronizing deal, in that it seems aborigines (sp) have more freedom/space, to continue their traditions. I felt the indians were used, to better the show.<BR><BR>But watching the dancing made me realize that they had something they wanted to get across, and were glad to be a part. I felt connected. They united us.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR><BR>

Sunday afternoon...the OLYMPIC MENS DOWNHILL...the ultimate in Olympic speed, technique, fearlessness...and NBC decides to tape it and show it on "prime time" Sunday evening!<BR>Two years ago NBC apologized for having to show tape delays because the Olympics were in Australia...<BR>This year NBC, being an honest company, (in the spirit of Enron) will no doubt have their excuses for not showing the event live...can we say MONEY????<BR>