Though technically the opening ceremony was yesterday, it was broadcast this evening in the USA. I don't really remember the opening ceremony to Vancouver in 2010, or for Turin in 2006, but I recall a good deal in Utah in 2002 and Nagano in 1998. I do have to say that I did enjoy the opening ceremony and display that the Russians put on; I have to admit that it was very cool, especially with what they were able to do with all of the projectors making it seem like holography at times. They had a good choice with music ranging from Igor Stravinksy, Peter Tchaikovsky, John Philip Sousa, and Daft Punk even. One of my favorite sequences during the opening was during the telling of Imperial Russia which was done with ballet and dance, very lovely. Then came the dark times; communism, Lenin, Stalin and eventually the Soviet Union of Socialist Republic. That was a very interesting retelling of history. I did like the dream like aspect of the overall performance. The lighting of the torch was very anti-climactic, although of every opening ceremony I've seen, nothing has matched or topped the Utah Olympics in that regard. I really wish that I could have seen Beijing in 2008; I just keep hearing about that constantly about how great it was. The entire opening would have also been better without the announcers interrupting and commenting on everything that was happening on screen, one of them even insulted the Russians, and I think he realized it because they were much quieter after that. Well over the next couple days it should be nice to see how things go for all of the athletes participating, and hopefully nothing bad happens. Go team USA! Even though it's small pickings compared to the Olympics, tonight, for the Oscars, I am featuring the nominees for Best Supporting Actress: Sally Hawkins, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o, Julia Roberts, June Squibb. As the trend continues I have seen none of the films which these performances are attached to, however I am going to roll the dice yet again and stated that Sally Hawkins will win for Blue Jasmine. It is mostly gut, but I wouldn't be surprised if Julia Roberts snagged the Oscar as well. The weekend is here, so time for some fun, and of course what would it be like without some homework to stress me out with. Have a good night everyone, and don't forget to tune in to watch the Olympics.Sally Hawkins on Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence on American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o on 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts on August: Osage County
June Squibb on Nebraska
