The Daily Whim
A Photo Gallery With An Attitude
Sat. Aug 14, 2004
The XXVIII Olympiad Begins
The Opening Ceremonies have just concluded with a very dramatic lighting of the torch, and I’m a bit awestruck. That’s OK, it’s one of my favorite feelings.
I could write about the amazing special effects and artistic direction by Dimitris Papaioannou, the Olympic rings of fire rising up out of water, the incredible 5 story tall dividing hanging sculpture that eventually became the islands of Greece, or 10,500 athletes supporting a giant map of the world, standing in a spot that an hour before … had been a giant lake.
I could write about the interminable parade of nations (except I already did in 1996), an extended ennui broken only by the appearance of the teams from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the closing welcome for the host team.
I could write about the fantastic symbolism, from a civilization that perhaps epitomized that entire concept. I could talk about the simple human achievement of 2,780 years of gathering for athletic competition, and the near miracle of its return home to where it all began.
But it wouldn’t mean much if you didn’t see the ceremonies firsthand. It would sound silly to say parts of it moved me nearly to tears. But it’s OK to be moved by beauty.
In fact, I find it to be a welcome change. I look forward to 16 days of it.
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Would it be out of place on this celebratory entry to complain about the inane commentary during the opening ceremonies from Bob Costas and Katie Couric?
Not at all inappropriate. It was notable. Here at home, we’ve recently solved some remote control … control ... issues via an Avermedia TVBox, which allows me to watch TV on my second monitor. Susan and I both had the Opening Ceremonies on, but when Katie Couric opened her mouth, Susan changed channels. Much to my amusement.
I tried to tune them out in my own way, mentally, while focusing on the visuals. But it’s a dilemma. As someone who watched the ‘96 Opening Ceremonies live without any benefit of “narrative,” I can say that the “handholding” Costas did is beneficial in explaining some of the symbolism and roots.
I guess I’ve come to think of him like some machine, like the robotic voice on MARTA or the ATL airport trains … “please move to the center of the vehicle, the doors are closing.” Robotic, slightly irritating, but essentially useful.
Couric, however, should be completely filtered. In fact, someone could probably make a mint by marketing an electronic filter that targeted the very specifically irritating frequencies of her voice. All you would see is her mouth moving.
I can report that CBC didn’t talk over Bjork’s song (!) nor was the commentary inane. They were more interested in explaining the symbolism of the parts for the ceremony, and I think they largely stuck to a script (or at least the info) that the Olympic ceremony organizers gave them. The dividing sculpture was indeed awesome, but other than that I think my favourite part was the couple’s dance. Simple and beautiful.