Opening Ceremonies

Tickets were hard to come by (if not impossible) so it was a dilemma - how to best see the event?

USOC to the rescue. They put together a viewing party in our dining area that was great. Simple - just dinner - but the cameradie was fantastic. We were all glued to the TV. I could have gone to the Green or to the area right outside of the Birds Nest or any one of a hundred places - and may of our folks did. But the atmosphere at BNU was relaxed, excited and familial all at the same time. Plus, we got to bed a helluva lot earlier!

If you didn't catch it you missed something. It might be that it was more topical to me (us), but I think it's the best one I've ever seen. It was just so impressive in so many ways - technologically, logistically, creatively and the incredible coordination and training of all those good folks involved - wow.

I heard that the guy who is in charge of opening ceremonies for London 2012 left immediately following the event bound for his desk to revise his plans. Just kidding, I made that up. But, you know he was watching this going "Blimey - enough already!"

Got a few laughs at the expense of some poor guy who was shown talking on the phone while marching. I know, I know, lots of athletes were on the phone. Well, this guy was no participating athlete for sure, and it looked like he was having a conversation with his boss or something. Dude, a freaking BILLION people saw your very underwhelimg reaction to your time and place.

Ran into a reporter from a certain European country whose main reaction to the ceremony was "They played the KID card too much" and "I've seen better". Alrighty then. What do they say opinions are like?