Back at the opening ceremony: the torch-bearer is doing his lap of the stadium, suspended in the air. Absolutely amazing spectacle.

It was pretty cool.

I don't yet know if it surpasses the archer in Barcelona, but it was pretty damned amazing.

The pictures I've seen online are spectacular. Can't wait to watch it tonight!

I've found my people. I've been an Olympics junkie since I was a kid. Can't wait to watch the Opening Ceremonies tonight. Even tape delayed.

Go Little Natalia!

God, these are incredible opening ceremonies. The sheer numbers are mind-blowing.

Also, the Olympics are what Tivo was invented for. I've only had my Tivo since Christmas and it is already making the Olympics a million times better.

I love CBC's coverage. I'm bummed that this is their last Olympics. I do NOT want more NBC-esque coverage of the Olympics, thank you very much.

Heh - my husband is convinced: nobody will EVER better the archer!

Aw. The Canadians sang O Canada as they came through the archway! Sniff. I'm such a sucker for that kind of thing.

I'm watching the parade of nations right now and because they are going in alphabetical order of the Chinese, not western, "alphabet" I have no idea if Canada is next or next to last and I have to go to work soon but I want to see Canada NOW!!!!

I was disappointed by CBC losing the Olympic rights also. They've done a lot to help promote amateur sport, and not just the big name ones either, and finally when the games come to Canada, they lose them to CTV.

So far, I'm enjoying this opening more than any of the previous ones (for Athens, I found myself asking WTF? more often than not). Of course, I LOVE fireworks and there are plenty.

I like it too so far. I especially liked the guys that were hiding in the boxes and made them ripple like water and then blossom at the end. I felt bad for the girls that danced throughout the Parade of Nations. Their arms must have been so tired.

Calling Taiwan, Chinese-Taipei was stupid.

ETA: If Bush slouches anymore his ass is going to fall out of his chair.

Bush looked bored.

Its all political. I can't remember the reason why its called that but there is some political reason. Its the same reason that Macedonia is called 'The Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia" The Greeks don't want them called Macedonia because they have their own region called Macedonia. They've vetoed Macedonia's entry into the European Union because of the name issue.

Muhammad Ali! Well for emotional impact anyway.

OK so I might have shed a few tears over the young earthquake survivor who walked in with Yao Ming. And when they presented the Olympic flag with the children's chorus singing the Olympic anthem. And when the Sudanese refugee walked in carrying the USA flag. Who knew the Olympics could be so gosh-darned touching?

My favorite part was the Tai Chi dancers. Precision!

truecrystal, I welled up about six times too, especially over the little boy with Yao Ming.

Of course, I also cry over Olympic commercials, so I am kind of a sucker for this stuff.

I had to work late and missed the entire artistic portion of the ceremony. Is it available online to someone in the US? NBC doesn't seem to have it on their website.

That little boy, Lin Hao, was so adorable. I thought he was a three year old at first and when I found out he was nine, I couldn't believe how short he was. Then I realized the boy wasn't short, it's just that Yao Ming is so tall.