Opening Ceremonies - Vancouver 2010

The American fans at these games will be will be unfurling with stars and stripes at every opportunity and chanting "U-S-A U-S-A." The Canadian Primeminster had to go before Parliment yesterday and urged canadians to engaged in what he called "an uncharacteristic outburst of patriotism" Saying "don't be afraid to wave those flags we will apologize to the world for our immodisty later". - Tom Brokow

The Opening Ceremonies began around 8 pm tonight. Unlike China, Canada decided to introduce the athletes before they put on their cultural show. The idea was that the show was for the competetors and instead of watching it from backstage, Canada wanted them in their seats in the stadium. Canadians are just so considerate!

While watching the introductions, the commentators gave viewers a number of amazing facts. It kind of reminded me of what goes one when I watch the Westminster Dog Show. Here are some of my favorite facts and personal observations...

Andorre is one sixth the size of Rhode Island and put in a bid for the winter games. It is no surprise that the games were given to Canada. I don't know if we could fit an Olympic village and facilities without having to kick out a good chunk of the 1 million occupants.

Azerbaijan is home to the head of figure skating. He opted to wear the most amazing pants - and amazingly enough the rest of the Azerbaijan citizens decided to follow suit. If I can find a picture, I will be sure to post it, just in case you missed it.

Finland holds an annual sporting event called, the Sauna Championship People sit in a sauna and see who can last the longest as the temperature is slowly increased. The sauna starts at 230 degrees and the winning time for the most recent competition was 3 minutes 46 seconds!

Germany doesn't have any facts that I found particularly amusing. Their outfits, however, need some attention. Mainly, I love how they help you identify the gender of the competitor. All individuals have a long sleeve yellow top, and then a colorful vest. Women wear pink, men blue.

Turns out if you need a figure skating partner and are having a hard time finding one, go to icepartners.com.

Hong Kong has 16,000 people per square mile. Canada has less than 10. Hong Kong only has one athlete competing.

Iran has first female athlete for winter games. Good job.

38 of the 82 nations in Vancouver have never won a winter game medal.

Mexico has one athlete, he is 51 years old and the oldest competitor at the games. Oh, and he is a prince.

In 1964 a group of Mongolian cross country skiers showed up and were unaware that countries had to apply to compete. Fortunately, the Olympics let them in.

Nepal is the only country here with a non-rectangular flag.

Spain has a skeleton competitor who simulates starts by using his boogyboard in the Mediterranean Sea. I would love to see how that works. I would also love to try it myself as skeletoning has to be the craziest thing out there and I feel simulating it in water would be amazing and safe.

Switzerland has an athlete who is called "The Wizard". He looks like Harry Potter.

Tajikistan flag-bearer did not qualify but was sent to the games so he could get some exposure. That is super cute! I like that the country is willing to do something like that for a young promising athlete.

Ukraine only medals are figure skating and biathlon. Could there be two different sports? One showcases glitter, jumping, and pop music, the other skis and shoots targets with a rifle.

The United States has the most amazing moose hats. No facts, I guess the announcers figure we know enough cool statistics about our country. Shaun White was just on screen. I'm glad he was identified as he has been in American Express commercials for a few months (maybe years) and I always wondered who he was and why I should be able to recognize him.

13 of 23 members are NHL all-stars and won't be in Canada until Monday as the NHL season will not be suspended until Sunday night. It is kind of sad that they couldn't be part of the opening ceremonies.

The commentators noted that Canadians, as a group, are the friendliest people out there and normally considered non-competitive. Canada has recently made a number of statements about how they wish to win the most medals this year. This shocked listeners as Canadians have never been depicted as competitive people. I am glad they are making these kinds of statements, I mean there is nothing wrong with being nice and having the desire to WIN.

TV has been suspended for the next two weeks for the Olympics. Honestly, I am most excited for the curling!