the opening ....

Good day,

Sitting here on Sunday morning - reflecting on the first full day of Olympic competition - and the Opening Ceremony, that seems like ages ago.

So - what did you think of the choice of Wayne to light the outdoor cauldron? The conjecture in terms of 'who' would carry the final torch was main faire all over Van leading up to the final moment, when the crowded bar I watched in held its breath - with many spewing out "told ya so" when The Great One finally took off to jump in the back of the GMC pickup for that 'environmentally uncomfortable' trip to the water.

Don't get me going about that.

And ... I must say - of all the rumours ... I was rooting for the Terry Fox hologram.

So? How did you feel when Leonard Cohen's wonderful song played - with no Leonard? And didn't you love poet Shayne Koyczan's 'rant' that included the fact that Canadians "always say please and thank-you"!

The whales were my fave spec effect moment - and next for me was Sarah Mc. Nellie and Brian were fine but predictable. And Nikki Ys rendition of O Canada was very nice.

The themes were well threaded thru the night with a nice balance of First Nation focus as well as a focus on other cultures that make Canada unique. Finally - watching athletes walk into BC Place - especially those entering for the first time - is always special for me.

The even was as tasteful and as 'well behaved' as the peaceful protest. I found myself in the middle of an hour before. I actually got 'locked inside' the gates at Canada House when for a moment anyway - two-way radios buzzed with nervousness in terms of the mass of people speaking out against the Games occurring here and now.

I won't debate it here - but I feel that there are much better ways to make a point. The protesters have a point. Any spectacle that spends a $billion on security alone when people are rebuilding devastated lives in places decimated by the earth's force - can easily be viwed as senseless. But the next 17 or so days is really about the athletes - not the politics.

At least that's what I think.