11/21/24
February 10, 2006
Torino Games 2006 Opening Ceremony GameTime Locker Room Chat: Torino Games 2006 Opening Ceremony:Join in as we sit in amazement at all the Pagentry of the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony! God Bless Italy, you know how the Italians love a Goudy Display of Pagentry! Time for some Olympic Smack Talk. Don't forget to cast your vote in our GameTime Polls........ 8PM EST...Tonite
posted by skydivedad to gametime at 12:11 PM - 73 comments
Those skaters with the fire on their head were kinda cool, I'll give them that. Oh shit. SPOILERS!
posted by mkn at 01:25 PM on February 10, 2006
TOTAL spoilers! Gah! Not looking anymore.
posted by rainbaby at 01:28 PM on February 10, 2006
Radio-Canada (CBC in French) is on to something: the color guy is the figure skating analyst. Match made in heaven!
posted by qbert72 at 01:32 PM on February 10, 2006
Observation: I now know the Italian national anthem note for note, thanks to Michael Schumacher. Observation 2: I'm watching it live, now. Spoilers ahoy!
posted by qbert72 at 01:35 PM on February 10, 2006
Danielle Goyette walks in with the Canadian flag. I wonder if Don Cherry thinks she's a good soldier.
posted by qbert72 at 01:38 PM on February 10, 2006
I hope those Canadian uniforms are comfortable. Function over form, I guess.
posted by Amateur at 01:41 PM on February 10, 2006
I feel deprived. Gotta wait for the tape delay NBC coverage this evening, but give me a heads up for the hotties.
posted by skydivedad at 01:42 PM on February 10, 2006
The Koreas march in together; Peter Mansbridge comments "the two countries are technically still at war." Long silence from Brian Williams.
posted by Amateur at 01:42 PM on February 10, 2006
skydivedad, heads up -- the Olympic flag was carried in by some Italian supermodel.
posted by Amateur at 01:44 PM on February 10, 2006
Italian supermodel. How sweet is that!
posted by skydivedad at 01:52 PM on February 10, 2006
Brian Williams takes the opportunity, on Israel's entry, to make a political statement about the 1972 massacre. Silence from Peter Mansbridge. Williams follows with a mispronunciation of Kazakhstan.
posted by Amateur at 01:55 PM on February 10, 2006
About a quarter of the Canadian athletes, now seated in the "mosh pit" (?), appear to be on their cell phones. I gotta go! Have fun with the evening broadcast.
posted by Amateur at 02:00 PM on February 10, 2006
but give me a heads up for the hotties. posted by skydivedad at 1:42 PM CST on February 10 EXCUSE ME? Italian supermodel. How sweet is that! posted by skydivedad at 1:52 PM CST on February 10 Hope you like the couch tonight oh hubby of mine!
posted by skydivemom at 02:22 PM on February 10, 2006
So Roots went on to do the US threads? The US team looked very Canadian... I guess it's the Olympic equivalent of wearing a maple leaf on your backpack when travelling Europe.
posted by mkn at 02:26 PM on February 10, 2006
I now know the Italian national anthem note for note, thanks to Michael Schumacher. And lo and behold, there's Luca Badoer making doughnuts with a Formula 1 Ferrari.
posted by qbert72 at 02:59 PM on February 10, 2006
mkn, Roots has been doing the US outfits for a number of years now (along with Great Britain and, I believe, Bermuda), but yeah, I was pretty surprised when I saw those US caps. That ski jumper thing was pretty neat.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 03:10 PM on February 10, 2006
Get back to work, slackers.... CBC does have the re-broadcast in prime time tonight, right? Time for me to go home, set up the beer, chips, dips and rediscover why I named myself WeedyMcSmokey whilst enjoying the best the World has to offer. Mmmmm.... Weekend.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:15 PM on February 10, 2006
I work from home, sucker. Oh man, Yoko Ono. The dove thing was kinda cool.
posted by mkn at 03:27 PM on February 10, 2006
Say, anyone know if we're allowed to link to the official site this time around? Or is the IOC still being retarded?
posted by mbd1 at 03:35 PM on February 10, 2006
Tonites Poll Questions: 1. Team with the most Hotties? (Men and Women) 2. What warm weather, no snow, country will win the most medals. i.e. Israel, Jamica, Great Britan etr... ? 3. Worst marching team? 4. Best marching team? 5. Least interested in being here tonite team? 6. Most enthusiastic team? 7. How many times will we hear Bob Costas say he's "Proud to be Here"? 8. Country of origin of team with most facial hair? 9. How many Finn's will we see with frozen buggars in their mustache? 10. Worst Team Uniforms? 11. Best Team Uniforms? That's all I got if you want to add some more please do.
posted by skydivedad at 03:35 PM on February 10, 2006
I'd like to add "dumbest thing said by a commentator (international edition)."
posted by Amateur at 03:44 PM on February 10, 2006
12. Commentator with the stupidest comment? (Give quote example)Thanks Amatuer
posted by skydivedad at 03:47 PM on February 10, 2006
13. Best singing performance? 14. Worst singing performance of a John Lennon song?
posted by skydivedad at 04:37 PM on February 10, 2006
Hats people hats ... best head-topper ... looks most uncomfortable et.al. Just another thought
posted by Folkways at 04:49 PM on February 10, 2006
Great Folksway 15. Best appearance of a Hat? 16. Ugliest Hat Sighting
posted by skydivedad at 04:57 PM on February 10, 2006
Ugliest team clothing: Italy. Silver bubble jackets? For the host team? WTF?
posted by mkn at 06:29 PM on February 10, 2006
I especially liked the Springtime For Mussolini theme. Like a Family Guy intro that just won't stop. Watched as much as I could live, (it was 3AM when it began), and it is on again now, 9AM on Saturday. Looks like the countries are just coming out. Again.
posted by geekyguy at 06:59 PM on February 10, 2006
OK I guess that's Jim Lampley our Torino host, Mr. Lampley surpasses ABC legend Jim McKay with his 13th Olympic appearance. I guess we get a dose of American Homerism before the Parade of Nations. I'm American so kewl
posted by skydivedad at 07:18 PM on February 10, 2006
To hear Bob Costa utter the Immortal words "Here come the tree men" well that's priceless.
posted by skydivedad at 08:24 PM on February 10, 2006
This whole skier guy is pretty cool.
posted by skydivemom at 08:28 PM on February 10, 2006
Here come the flaming skaters!!!
posted by skydivemom at 08:29 PM on February 10, 2006
posted by justgary at 08:34 PM on February 10, 2006
Cool justgary. Hey what's up with the Canadian outfits? Just wondering "does my a$$ look big under this maple leaf?"
posted by skydivemom at 08:48 PM on February 10, 2006
I seem to be asking that about every country.
posted by justgary at 08:49 PM on February 10, 2006
Wow and I heard that Italy's was the worst. It has to be pretty bad to top some of these.
posted by skydivemom at 08:50 PM on February 10, 2006
jg Did you see the Italian Goddess delivering her countries flag? :)
posted by skydivedad at 08:51 PM on February 10, 2006
Our son Nate likes the Chile outfits because his favorite color is black.
posted by skydivemom at 08:51 PM on February 10, 2006
I liked the Austrailian outfits
posted by skydivedad at 08:52 PM on February 10, 2006
China's hats look like someone ran over them with a truck.
posted by skydivemom at 08:52 PM on February 10, 2006
I want a flaming skater helmet for my Birthday!
posted by skydivedad at 08:53 PM on February 10, 2006
11. Worst team uniforms: the CBC broadcasters. I wish I had a photo, but I don't.
posted by Amateur at 08:53 PM on February 10, 2006
a little off topic here but fyi US vs Japan soccer match starts at 10 pm cst. I do want one of czech toppers
posted by Folkways at 08:54 PM on February 10, 2006
What's with Denmark's moon boots?
posted by skydivemom at 08:55 PM on February 10, 2006
I like Germany's colors and hat style.
posted by skydivemom at 09:02 PM on February 10, 2006
I personally think most of these commercials are better than the ones during the SuperBowl.
posted by skydivemom at 09:07 PM on February 10, 2006
Anyone know how come Mexico isn't participating?
posted by skydivemom at 09:18 PM on February 10, 2006
OOooo Norway comes marching in to the Buggles ... Their my new favorits
posted by Folkways at 09:21 PM on February 10, 2006
Anyone else want to hear "Betty Davis Eyes"?
posted by skydivemom at 09:23 PM on February 10, 2006
Not a kim Carns fan at all
posted by Folkways at 09:26 PM on February 10, 2006
What's up with the cell phone Kelly Clark? I have seen annoying people using cell phones in strange places but this has to top them all.
posted by skydivemom at 09:34 PM on February 10, 2006
I like the American outfit and the beret
posted by skydivedad at 09:37 PM on February 10, 2006
Did you see the Italian Goddess delivering her countries flag? :) No! At least I don't think so. What's up with the cell phone Kelly Clark? She's representing the typical american teenager ;) (I actually don't know her age) What is it with the music? Van Halen?
posted by justgary at 09:43 PM on February 10, 2006
Anyone know how come Mexico isn't participating? From wikipedia: Mexico will not be sending any athletes to the 2006 Winter Olympics. The Bobsleigh team and the Skeleton team both failed to qualify for the games. Alpine skiier Hubertus von Hohenloh had gained enough World Cup points to qualify for the Olympics, but the Mexico National Olympic Committee decided not to send a one man team to the Games.
posted by justgary at 09:47 PM on February 10, 2006
Thanks justgary.
posted by skydivemom at 09:51 PM on February 10, 2006
Parts of this is just bizarre, floating balloon heads..... the dancer with the mohawk now that's creepy bizarre...... Love the Ferrari...
posted by skydivedad at 10:05 PM on February 10, 2006
I went to see the olympics and a pink floyd concert broke out. I think it was Amateur who said it could happen, and it did.
posted by justgary at 10:07 PM on February 10, 2006
I like the blue man group better than these guys
posted by Folkways at 10:30 PM on February 10, 2006
Oh no no Yoko no you didnt
posted by Folkways at 10:32 PM on February 10, 2006
O.k. The lighting of the fire...cool.
posted by justgary at 10:43 PM on February 10, 2006
We thought so too. Don't know if I can stay awake for Pavarotti. Women's hockey starts tomorrow at 7am. USA plays at noon followed by the Canadian team. Let the games begin. Good night all!
posted by skydivemom at 10:47 PM on February 10, 2006
way kewl torch lighting, I'll review the opening ceremonies in the Am and give my picks.... nite
posted by skydivedad at 10:57 PM on February 10, 2006
That was a fantastic acid trip of an opening ceremony. Kudos to you Italy, where apparently it's always 4:20 and never beer:thirty.
posted by NoMich at 11:01 PM on February 10, 2006
11. Worst team uniforms: the CBC broadcasters. I wish I had a photo, but I don't. 
posted by mkn at 11:03 PM on February 10, 2006
I'm glad I watched it. Thanks for getting me psyched to see it skydivedad. (and those are ugly)
posted by justgary at 11:35 PM on February 10, 2006
What's up with the disco music? They don't have any good Italian music? wtf? "I Will Survive"? "YMCA"? Who picked this?
posted by worldcup2002 at 12:37 AM on February 11, 2006
What's up with the disco music? They don't have any good Italian music? wtf? "I Will Survive"? "YMCA"? Who picked this? FWIW, and admittedly, that's very little, I found myself at an after-hours discotheque in Rome about 7 weeks ago, and that was quite the status quo, but with a whole lotta Madonna thrown in. From the bit I saw of the ceremony, I admit, the Slovenes looked the most dapper. Hats off to 'em.
posted by Ufez Jones at 01:19 AM on February 11, 2006
OK, This explains it. Turns out the person responsible for the surreal production of the opening ceremonies was none other then former wonder boy rock promoter Marco Balich. A former European-American exchange student from Venice Italy, Mr. Balich ,a trained lawyer, is best known for swamping Venice's Municipal Stadium with 250,000 Pink Floyd fans in 1989. This Production cost an estimated 20 Million Dollars, with 1500 lights, 27 special stages involving 8200 props pieces and custumes. The Fireworks alone cost 3 Million to stage. Mr. Balich's co-conspiritor in all this was none other than Opening Ceremonies impressario Ric Birch (Austrailian) best known for his use of pyrotechnica gadgetry to stage Olympic Torch lightings, he is the man responsible for having a wheelchair bound archer lighting the Cauldron in Barcelona-1992 and having Aboriginal Olympian Cathy Freeman step from a suspended pool of water to light the Olympic Flame at Sydney in 2000. I must say it was quite a show and at times, well plain bizarre. However, given the backgrounds of Mr. Balich and Mr. Birch I now understand why.
posted by skydivedad at 07:07 AM on February 11, 2006
China's hats look like someone ran over them with a truck. Or a tank.
posted by yerfatma at 09:00 AM on February 11, 2006
great investigative reporting, skydad, looks like there really was a pink floyd connection.
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:30 AM on February 11, 2006
Poll Questions 1.Sweden 2.Great Britian 3.Poland 4.China 5.Korea 6.Italy 7.11 8.Italy (did you see the full beards) 9.3 (already saw 1 in the 20km biathlon) 10. I was going with China or Canada until I saw the Italian version of a Mao Suit, now that's ugly (Italy) 11.USA I liked it and of course it was designed by a Canadian Co. Roots 12. Bob Costas (here come the tree men) did he sound stoned all evening or was it just me 13. Pavarotti Excellent ending to the evening 14. Peter Gabriel- There was only 1 John Lennon and you not it! I was going to go with Yoko but she didn't actually sing, she did manage a high creep factor however... 15. Best Hat Appearence- Tie-Team USA Roots Beret-Loved the Colorful Brims worn by the German Team 16. Ugliest Single Hat- The creepy solo dancer with the Fake Mohawk hat! Ok I'm done now! 16. Worst Hat Tie- China and the Danes
posted by skydivedad at 10:02 AM on February 11, 2006
Or a tank. Ouch....
posted by smithers at 01:19 PM on February 11, 2006
What's up with the disco music? They don't have any good Italian music? wtf? "I Will Survive"? "YMCA"? Who picked this? My vote for the best song is "Video killed the radio star"
posted by njsk8r20 at 08:06 AM on February 13, 2006
Ah, I guess it's OK if I watch a little bit while I eat lunch (and it's snowing here to put me in the right mood). I don't know how to describe what I'm seeing, and it seems like Peter Mansbridge and Brian Williams aren't sure either. They're being awfully quiet.