04/24/24
February 10, 2006
Let the Games Begin: 2006 Torino Winter Games Opening Ceremony: With your guide, sportsfilter columnist skydivedad.
I'll be passing on the opening ceremonies. I'm rarely entertained (except for when Ali lit the torch) and I find them just too silly to watch. I'm sure if something really interesting happens, I'll catch the highlight on TV later. Instead, I'm going to be watching the last 4 episodes of "Arrested Development".
posted by grum@work at 11:02 AM on February 10, 2006
I'll probably try to catch a little of it. Then again, I'm a sucker for tradition.
posted by justgary at 11:07 AM on February 10, 2006
I like to sit and mock while my wife watches it.
posted by Amateur at 11:10 AM on February 10, 2006
See, what ya need is a good old Olympic Opening Ceremonies drinking game.
posted by gspm at 11:20 AM on February 10, 2006
I always liked the Biathlon. I guess it's because I know I would never be any good at it. I probably would shiver so much that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Skiing and shooting. How did they ever come up that?
posted by njsk8r20 at 11:23 AM on February 10, 2006
It's because in many mountainous/northern countries, there are (even today) skiing units. In Norway every member of the army gets cross-country ski training.
History of biathlon from CBC
Ski warfare from Wikipedia
posted by Amateur at 12:10 PM on February 10, 2006
Another vote for Arrested Development's swan song. The ceremonies always seem underwhelming.
posted by yerfatma at 12:18 PM on February 10, 2006
They aren't showing the Opening Ceremony live in the US? I'm watching it now and it's... typical. I don't know why I bother.
posted by mkn at 01:24 PM on February 10, 2006
mkn - now is the time you make bets with all of us US's who don't get to watch it live. I don't want a beret - I want one of those ear muff things with the braids.
posted by skydivemom at 01:34 PM on February 10, 2006
Be sure to visit the GameTime Live 8PM EST Opening Ceremony Chat (On Tape Delay) and participate in the Sportsfilter Poll, your Poll Vote does count. What it counts for I have no idea but vote anyway.
posted by skydivedad at 03:44 PM on February 10, 2006
Definately Arrested Development. Buster is one crazy mofo.
posted by Desert Dog at 03:45 PM on February 10, 2006
I'll be passing on the opening ceremonies. I'm rarely entertained (except for when Ali lit the torch) and I find them just too silly to watch. I don't know, sometimes the opening ceremonies are like a Pink Floyd Laser Light show gone wrong...which still makes for interesting TV. Thanks for the column, skydivedad. We'll be tuning in.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 04:03 PM on February 10, 2006
I never watch, winter or summer. It just doesn't seem "amateur" to me anymore what with the pro level training and even pro players in several events. I mean if the USA wins hockey, so what? Same with basketball in the summer games. The only real story is when they screw up. The wife watches the figure skating, so I'm sure I'll hear her from the other room.
posted by commander cody at 12:16 AM on February 11, 2006
Arrested Development? Did you forget that the Stargates and Battlestar Galactica were on or something? Really people, that whole Ron Howard voiceover schtick is so old already.
posted by billsaysthis at 06:00 PM on February 11, 2006
Congrats skydivedad, you talked me into watching the ceremonies. Of course I taped Arrested Developement and watched it afterward. I just have one question. Why did the prime minister declare the ceremonies over before the vertical dove dance and the lighting of the 'cauldron'?
posted by njsk8r20 at 07:13 AM on February 13, 2006
nordic combined is the bizarro cross-country-ski-combined-with-ski-jumping one.