[jsbertram]

So they want the audience inside the stadium to sing the anthem?
What's wrong with that? It succeeded also in Torino where all the public sang the anthem together.

would anyone be surprised to see the lyrics to "O Canada" projected on the jumbotron so everyone can sing along?

[Yume-sama]

I think the French anthem sounds cooler. However, I don't know a single word of it.

Though, I can fake it. Much like Chretien mumbling to speak English.

[mr.x]

lolll....a pop/top 40 version???? how does that even work?



A sing-along would be similar to what Melbourne 2006 did:
igH2vTaKQ2g

[Yume-sama]

lolll....a pop/top 40 version???? how does that even work?



A sing-along would be similar to what Melbourne 2006 did:
igH2vTaKQ2g

Maybe T-Pain can auto-tune the anthem.

[vanman]

***SPOILER ALERT***


From spoilsport2010 @ Reddit:

Here's what I know so far. Anyone who was at the rehearsal, please feel free to correct me or provide additional information.

Overall my sources were impressed with what they saw saying the production was high-tech and innovative. The producers of the opening ceremonies are the same Aussie company who created the ceremonies for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha (which was incredible).

1. Everyone must wear white, they will be using the crowd as a projector screen.

2. Everyone might be given a flashlight, not sure if they will have wireless control to create patterns in the crowd.

3. Although Cirque du Soleil is not producing the event, there will still be Circus performers from Montreal.

4. There will be fake snow falling from the ceiling as well as paper maple leaves falling (I suspect a presentation depicting the seasons).

5. The ceremony does have elements of the Host 4 Nations and Totem poles will rise from the ground.

6. There will be a ski-jumper or acrobatic circus performer mimicking a ski-jump through the rings of an olympic logo.

7. One of the circus performers will be "running" (attached to wires) through fields on the prairies then rise above the ground.

8. The entire floor is white and looks like ice, projectors will show the ice "cracking" and whales will appear beneath the surface.

9. There will be projections of northern lights and other images, sources weren't clear weather or not they were on the domed roof of the stadium or on hanging screens.

10. Sarah Mclachlan is a confirmed singer, but there was a stand in for the final performer who will be a surprise come Friday.

[mr.x]

David Atkins, a miracle worker?



Cynic moved to tears by opening ceremonies preview
Olympic comment: Show took her breath away

By Lisa Bettany, The Province
February 10, 2010 8:27 AM

Tuesday, I had a sneak peek at the 2010 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.

When I arrived at B.C. Place Stadium, there was a medium-sized crowd bustling in front of the security tents. After about 10 minutes, we were directed toward the security checkpoints. People with bags had to form separate lines from those without bags who were able to go through "Express Security."

I only had my iPhone and some chewy cinnamon hearts stuck in the inside of my pocket, so I got through the express line pretty quickly. It was very much like going through airport security, except more smiley, with less interrogation. My security lady was sporting a vicious gang of embroidered cats on her handbag, so I kept my eyes forward at all times.

Once in the stadium, it was clear that this was a dress rehearsal, not only for the performers, but all the staff working at the venue. Each food and merchandise stand had at least 10 people standing around looking confused and somewhat bored.

I was starving, so I went on a hunt for food. My options, as it turned out, were not the most appetizing. I opted for some delicious $7 "spicy potato wedges." They tasted like an overcooked Wendy's baked potato with a slight hint of that red spice that doesn't really taste like anything. Exactly like that.

Moments after finishing my fries, I said to my friend, "Ohhh, I feel a sassy article coming on." This is how cynical I am now. I was ready to dismiss the opening ceremonies based on a few soggy potatoes. But once I walked into the stadium and saw the Olympic rings, I felt a flush of, dare I say, emotion pink up my cheeks.

I walked to the very top of the stadium, around the entire loop and took it all in. As a gadget geek, I was taken with all the technical details and gear, including masses of electrical cables, enormous spotlights, speakers and TV cameras.

I snooped around the stadium and took some iPhone snaps until I got asked to return to my seat politely several times, and then once more with a bit more gusto, so politely returned to my seat eventually. I am Canadian, after all! And then the show began with a bang!

Since this was a closed event, there were only about 10,000 people in the audience (full capacity = 55,000).

All ticketholders were asked to stay hush-hush about the performance they were about to see.

Security was insane during the performance. Anyone taking pictures or video was ushered away by the police in a matter of minutes. Even if you were seen taking your cellphone out of your pocket, an Olympic officer would politely remind you that there is no photography allowed.

Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil any of the well-kept secrets of the opening ceremonies, though I will say that the themes, lighting and performances by some of Canada's best performers were breathtaking, and even someone as cynical as myself felt truly moved and may have even shed a few tears watching the Canadian flag raised into the air during the national anthem. I felt a rush of pride for my country and remembered the true meaning of the Olympic Games.

With my Olympic doubts washed away by this moving ceremony, I am ready to experience our hometown Olympics as they should be — "with glowing hearts" and "open wallets," because official 2010 events ain't cheap.

Lisa Bettany is a Vancouver freelance writer.
© Copyright (c) The Province

[jsbertram]

I think the French anthem sounds cooler. However, I don't know a single word of it.

Though, I can fake it. Much like Chretien mumbling to speak English.

classic Chretien:
"A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof is a proof? A proof is a proof and when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven."

[Prometheus]

Does anyone remember that horrible, butchered version of the anthem that they would play during the medal ceremonies at the Athens (I think) Games?

There was a big controversy about it because the government had paid a lot of money to some critically acclaimed composer to come up with it.

[sacrifice333]

There's been no communication, to my knowledge, to ticket holders that they "must wear white".

I'm a ticket holder... I have the booklet... yada, yada, yada.

Hmm.... I'm wearing Black! lol.

[mr.x]

^ loll...until today. Just got my e-mail that i should wear white and come real early.

[touraccuracy]

^i figured they might hand out white, cheap, thin coat things, like some sort of poncho or something and only to certain sections

[Kodii]

You are not necessarily required to wear white at the actual ceremonies. But it might help.

[sacrifice333]

just got the email...

What to wear
All spectators are requested to wear white or light-coloured tops or jackets.

should look good on TV!

[djh]

There's been no communication, to my knowledge, to ticket holders that they "must wear white".

I'm a ticket holder... I have the booklet... yada, yada, yada.

Hmm.... I'm wearing Black! lol.

Why would you want to stand out? To have 3 billion worldwide audience look at you? They'll all say the same thing: "Look at that 1 black dot on the human projection screen? Is he a dead pixel?" LOL:haha:

[WaxItYourself]

During the first dress ceremony it was stated that not all the special effects would be shown. I don't think the reason for wearing white was shown because in the beginning they stated "The reason for wearing white will be known". I think the 'reason for wearing white' was one of the special effects that was not shown. They later stated that one of the special effects is going to be a surprise and will be shown for the first time at the actual opening ceremonies. What I think is going to happen, and the reason for wearign white, is that they are going to use soem form of blacklight.

[SpongeG]

2 more sleeps

[sacrifice333]

Twas a joke... but a pixelated audience would be kind of funny.

[mr.x]

There are internet rumours that there was another fireworks test just after 3 pm today....and of course, i would imagine they would do the entire fireworks sequence tonight.

[officedweller]

Didn't hear anything downtown.

[vancityrox]

There was no fireworks at 3pm. I didnt hear anything at all and im really close to the stadium..

What time does the rehearsal end today? I want to try and take a video of the fireworks...

[officedweller]

On Monday a friend said they went off at about 9:45 pm.

One friend in the Monday rehearsal said that they did the main part of the rehearsal, said "thanks" to the audience and asked them to leave - before the part when the torch would be lit - and Vanoc continued through the sequence of events. The fireworks went off as the audience was leaving the stadium.

[vancityrox]

Hmmm, okay i will try to get at it on time..

[mr.x]

^ no idea, but the fireworks will probably happen within the next 90-mins.

[Yume-sama]

I don't even own anything white :( Unless I wear a White team Canada jersey :D?

[Yume-sama]

Did the dress rehearsal start at the same time today as the other one? If they went off at 9:45 before... what now?

[mr.x]

^ it started at 6.

[Yume-sama]

Sooo... they both started at 6 :P?

[Yume-sama]

There are helicopters circling BC Place area. Maybe pre-filming for fireworks will happen tonight?

Quite a few helicopters out and about tonight, they're quite loud and flying pretty low :P

[vancityrox]

Haha yeah i just heard them now too. What tower you in?

[Yume-sama]

Haha yeah i just heard them now too. What tower you in?

L'Hermitage on Richards / Robson :)

There are about 5 helicopters that I can see now.

[vancityrox]

Yeah i see them ..they are gone now it seems...freaking loud!
louder then the skytrain lol

[Yume-sama]

That was anti-climatic. I bet they are practicing circling to film :P

[vancityrox]

LoL...my camera is video recording the stadium...hopefully it starts soon!

[vancityrox]

looks like everyone is leaving the stadium...maybe theywill start soon!

[mr.x]

I'm hearing helicopters right now, and I'm at UBC...

[Yume-sama]

I can see them testing spotlights at the VPL / BC Place. The sky is lighting up!~

[vancityrox]

i guess they aren't doing them tonight?

[Yume-sama]

Guess not :(

[Rusty Gull]

OK, no spoilers here with the show (and it is very good), but the dress rehearsal did reveal some major problems tonight with LOGISTICS - at least in my opinion

1. Beer logistics. Line-ups in the 4th level for beer and snacks were TOO slow and TOO long. Come on. Doesn't Vanoc understand that the higher the seat, the more beer is consumed? Ridiculous. Nosebleed seat customers are people too! :drunk:

2. Exit logistics. You have a crush of people heading for the exits, and they have absolutely no idea where to go. The signage doesn't help and the volunteers are friendly but absolutely clueless. Note to Vanoc - you are insane to try and funnel a stadium of 30,40,50,60000 people through a narrow opening in your security fencing. And forcing those who just want to go to Robson Street to wander through a maze under the Cambie Street Bridge is equally troublesome.

3. By the way, the moron factor was evident tonight - people getting busted for taking photos, one guy was trying to videotape the damn event. For shame.

[Yume-sama]

lol, so, is there only one entrance, too?

Say I am walking down Robson towards BC Place... where do I go?

[Rusty Gull]

Everyone is funneled through a long and winding entranceway, before being dispersed through various security checks, and then onto the stadium for ticketing. It's basically like an airport - and it actually seemed to work quite well, since people were filtering in over the course of 1, 2 hours.

On the other hand - after the show there was massive confusion outside of the stadium about how to get anywhere. There was an exit towards Stadium Skytrain station that was literally not moving. There was a Canada Line route that also was not moving. And there was no information for people trying to get anywhere else.

I hope they resolve it for Friday. Whoever is lucky enough to go (or to other BC Place events), wear comfortable sneakers -- NOT Italian loafers like I did!!

[djun]

Apparently volunteers are being told to tell spectators to walk over to Main St skytrain station rather than Stadium...

[mr.x]

Should I get to BC Place by 2 pm? Like, do I really need to be in line that early??

[ozonemania]

Went to tonight's rehearsal. Very, very good. I can't wait to see it televised... I think it will be a different experience but from what I saw it will be just as satisfying, if not more so, on TV too.

No spoilers but damn, very innovative, and it should ignite the patriot heart in every Canadian.

I also saw a couple ppl that were quickly spotted by volunteers/staff taking pictures. I think once they realized they were caught they complied no problem.

I have to agree the exiting part after everyone poured out of the stadium was chaos. It was like water draining out of a tub and you had no control over where to go you just followed the flow. I ended up nowhere near where I wanted to go.

One sad thing I saw was people stealing from the concession area refrigeration units for beverages. I'm not sure if it was oversight or not but no one locked/guarded these appliances after the concession areas were closed.

[djun]

Should I get to BC Place by 2 pm? Like, do I really need to be in line that early??

Don't think so. I know people who left Richmond at 3pm and got seated within the next hour. So as long as you're in the express line, it moves pretty quickly.

[Waders]

Don't think so. I know people who left Richmond at 3pm and got seated within the next hour. So as long as you're in the express line, it moves pretty quickly.

How many people went to the rehearsal? Friday night should have a lot more people, 50000?

[Yume-sama]

Somehow they expect 61,000 spectators. Along with 4,000 performers, some 2,500 media, and a couple of thousand athletes, it will be a ZOO! :D

[nova9]

Here's my experience (minimal spoilers, no specifics):







Just came back from the dress rehearsal. Had to eat after that, it was a long night.

Without spoilers, I LOVED it!!!! It's not Beijing good (nothing will be) but it definitely was creative with MANY moments of 'did I just see that?!?!' and cool visuals.

I have my doubts about the audience bit but it's not a wirelessly controlled thing, it's more of a, your props will have a number, do this when this number shows up. But I won't divulge what the effect will be. Many AMAZING performances.

Cool thing, for this final dress rehearsal, any singer who will be singing was present and did their set. So the audience saw the full deal, the ONLY thing that we didn't get compared to the real thing on friday is the cauldron and the final torchbearer. And we didn't see the audience effect (because we don't have the props/souvenirs) but we were told to mimic the actions. oh yeah, and no speeches, they had stand-ins reciting history of olympics and vancouver to fill in the time that the VIPs would be speaking. Haha, it was a very funny moment.

It definitely makes you love Canada. I had a few teary-eyed moments and there were many crazy applauses.

Also, during the pre-show, we got performances as well as speeches from (real) John Furlong (who got a standing ovation), Gregor Robertson, Gordon Campbell, and Stephen Harper.

I cannot believe how much fun I had.

Also, to be honest, if you bought the A or B seats, the $1000, you're not going to see the full visuals. Honestly, the 400 levels had the best view (unless you're on the east side, the jumbotron is blocked and you'll have to look at either the smaller jumbotron across from you or turnaround to the one behind you.)

[Waders]

Somehow they expect 61,000 spectators. Along with 4,000 performers, some 2,500 media, and a couple of thousand athletes, it will be a ZOO! :D

I remembered a news article mentioned that Monday's reheasal only had about 10000 people attended? So on Friday there will be 6 times the number of people?
I am expecting Skytrain to be jammed. I may arrive in Downtown at 2pm to check out how bad the lineup is before deciding whether to lineup right away.

[SpongeG]

video about the anthem

global (http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html?releasePID=KHm9zsDSaDYeYhMqNkc7bYwVxE0GpG86)

[Yume-sama]

Here's my experience (minimal spoilers, no specifics):







Just came back from the dress rehearsal. Had to eat after that, it was a long night.

Without spoilers, I LOVED it!!!! It's not Beijing good (nothing will be) but it definitely was creative with MANY moments of 'did I just see that?!?!' and cool visuals.

I have my doubts about the audience bit but it's not a wirelessly controlled thing, it's more of a, your props will have a number, do this when this number shows up. But I won't divulge what the effect will be. Many AMAZING performances.

Cool thing, for this final dress rehearsal, any singer who will be singing was present and did their set. So the audience saw the full deal, the ONLY thing that we didn't get compared to the real thing on friday is the cauldron and the final torchbearer. And we didn't see the audience effect (because we don't have the props/souvenirs) but we were told to mimic the actions. oh yeah, and no speeches, they had stand-ins reciting history of olympics and vancouver to fill in the time that the VIPs would be speaking. Haha, it was a very funny moment.

It definitely makes you love Canada. I had a few teary-eyed moments and there were many crazy applauses.

Also, during the pre-show, we got performances as well as speeches from (real) John Furlong (who got a standing ovation), Gregor Robertson, Gordon Campbell, and Stephen Harper.

I cannot believe how much fun I had.

Also, to be honest, if you bought the A or B seats, the $1000, you're not going to see the full visuals. Honestly, the 400 levels had the best view (unless you're on the east side, the jumbotron is blocked and you'll have to look at either the smaller jumbotron across from you or turnaround to the one behind you.)

Did Celine Dion show up? I wanna see Celine. Call me crazy!

[nova9]

The ONLY downside I had tonight was leaving BC Place. It was way too crowded. Tip/advice for people, navigate to the correct gate INSIDE the stadium, don't exit the stadium until the last possible gate - you'll save yourself 15/20 minutes.

[nova9]

Did Celine Dion show up? I wanna see Celine. Call me crazy!

Ummmm........no. She isn't a performer. (that's not breaking the 'rules, I didn't tell a secret, just shot down a rumour)

Anyways, no Celine aside. There are some AWESOME performances. And I am thinking of one in particular, odd choice, but BOLD and classy choice.

As for the anthem, the singer is young and I thought she rocked it! It was a good rendition - just because people don't like smoother, RnB versions doesn't make it a bad rendition, it just makes it not THEIR taste.

[djun]

Monday had around 25-30000 and Wednesday had around 55-60000.

The security lineup shouldn't be too bad. As long as you don't have a large bag and you are in the express line, it will keep on moving steadily.

nova9: Good to see you enjoyed the show! Even with minimal visual effects from audience leaders and spectators, it looked impressive from down below!

[Waders]

Monday had around 25-30000 and Wednesday had around 55-60000.

The security lineup shouldn't be too bad. As long as you don't have a large bag and you are in the express line, it will keep on moving steadily.


Great! Thanks for the info.

[Yume-sama]

Ummmm........no. She isn't a performer. (that's not breaking the 'rules, I didn't tell a secret, just shot down a rumour)

Anyways, no Celine aside. There are some AWESOME performances. And I am thinking of one in particular, odd choice, but BOLD and classy choice.

No Celine?! What?! When will she come around, I wonder.

I'm guessing the bold and classy one wasn't Drake with "Best I ever had". :haha: Would have been bold, though.

[mr.x]

Well, if you want the real numbers:


- 60,000-65,000 spectators (they added floor seats)
- 1,000 media (the rest are at the IBC)
- 4,500 performers
- 1,000 ceremonies operations volunteers
- paid staff at BC Place
- 10,000 people at Live City Yaletown watching it on big screen
- possibly tens of thousands more watching it on big screens, restaurants, bars, etc. elsewhere in Downtown


All together, they expect 100,000 people to be in Downtown for the Opening.

[nova9]

No Celine?! What?! When will she come around, I wonder.

I'm guessing the bold and classy one wasn't Drake with "Best I ever had". :haha:

Hey, I know you joke, but I would have like that - maybe for the pre-show and not for the ceremony.

No, this singer, is not one of my personal faves, but they are a legend, a canadian icon, a bold figure, and an effing great lyricist and singer.

[Yume-sama]

Hey, I know you joke, but I would have like that - maybe for the pre-show and not for the ceremony.

No, this singer, is not one of my personal faves, but they are a legend, a canadian icon, a bold figure, and an effing great lyricist and singer.

That's Celine Dion!

But, assuming not, is it a guy or girl? Group or... solo? :sly:

Time to play Guess Who
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2595375755_5a368a4eba_m.jpg

[Rusty Gull]

"All together, they expect 100,000 people to be in Downtown for the Opening."

^HOLY!!!

Well, this is the big one, then. For anybody going, I would recommend bringing an iphone/crackberry/ipod/crossword puzzle/homework etc. There will be lines, and people will get stuck, if tonight is any indication. Tonight didn't even feel like 50,000 - I thought it looked more like 30,000 or so. I could be wrong, but there were lots of empty seats.

[ozonemania]

Ummmm........no. She isn't a performer. (that's not breaking the 'rules, I didn't tell a secret, just shot down a rumour)

Anyways, no Celine aside. There are some AWESOME performances. And I am thinking of one in particular, odd choice, but BOLD and classy choice.

As for the anthem, the singer is young and I thought she rocked it! It was a good rendition - just because people don't like smoother, RnB versions doesn't make it a bad rendition, it just makes it not THEIR taste.I think the 'no Celine' thing is a bit of a spoiler... SPOILER ALERT!!! shame on you... j/k

I agree about the AWESOME performance, I am probably thinking of the same one as you are nova. It must be the one where when the performer first started out, ppl had to pause for a moment to figure out who it was, then once the voice came out it was like OMG and the reaction was amazing.

[mr.x]

i'm a bit surprised no fireworks were tested tonight...

[SpongeG]

Celine was on Oprah today too busy to be here

[Yume-sama]

Well, I hope you don't mean Sarah McLachlan or Jully Black. Cuz that's not a surprise.

Celine was on Oprah today too busy to be here

Oprah isn't taped and aired on the same day :P And Celine can afford a plane ticket.

[djun]

No fireworks, cause it'll be perfect! :haha:

Yes indeed, stunning performer. Still trying to figure out name, missed it on screen unfortunately...

[Rusty Gull]

No Celine?! What?! When will she come around, I wonder.

I'm guessing the bold and classy one wasn't Drake with "Best I ever had". :haha: Would have been bold, though.

Here's the weird thing. Monday night's Victory Ceremony for which I bought tickets is still listed as To Be Announced. What does this mean??

Given that it is Quebec night, my guess is that they will either go big (ie, Celine or something of that nature) or that they simply ran out of money and can't even bring in anyone at the level of Loverboy or Barenaked Ladies.

By the way, there is also a To Be Announced show in Whistler, and the rumour (it is -just- a rumour at this point), is that it might be the Tragically Hip.

Who knows. Anyways, between Surrey, Whistler and Vancovuer, there are some amazing musical acts coming through town in the next 2 weeks.

[SpongeG]

i know that

I was trying to dispell the spoiler

[SpongeG]

Here's the weird thing. Monday night's Victory Ceremony for which I bought tickets is still listed as To Be Announced. What does this mean??

Given that it is Quebec night, my guess is that they will either go big (ie, Celine or something of that nature) or that they simply ran out of money and can't even bring in anyone at the level of Loverboy or Barenaked Ladies.

By the way, there is also a To Be Announced show in Whistler, and the rumour (it is -just- a rumour at this point), is that it might be the Tragically Hip.

Who knows. Anyways, between Surrey, Whistler and Vancovuer, there are some amazing musical acts coming through town in the next 2 weeks.

don't forget Richmond also big names there

[vancityrox]

hmm is it Bryan Adams?
Shania Twain?
Alanis?

cmon spill it!

[SpongeG]

bryan adams had a feature in today's paper...

[djun]

Vancouver Olympic Committee CEO John Furlong criticized spectators for leaking details of Friday’s highly anticipated event.

“I don’t think it’s classy,” he told media on Wednesday.

There's less than 48h to go, so let's not ruin the element of surprise!

[Yume-sama]

Hmm, I wish I could find these leaked details so I could scold the leaker. :D ;)

[SpongeG]

people were tweeting about it if u know anyone on twitter who went maybe they would know and have leaked

[jsbertram]

hmm is it Bryan Adams?
Shania Twain?
Alanis?

cmon spill it!

We were playing a game at Christmas speculating which Canadian musicians would be in the opening or closing ceremonies.

(in no particular order)
Brian Adams
Celine
Gordon Lightfoot
Randy Bachman (with or without Turner Overdrive)
Burton Cummings (with or without the Guess Who)
Rush
Triumph
Lighthouse
Shania
Saga
Stompin Tom
Ian Tyson
Sylvia Tyson
Anne Murray
April Wine
Loverboy
Chilliwack
Tom Cochrane
Dalbello
Corey Hart

(anyone else who had a video on MuchMusic, but we can't think of their name)

Some of these are somewhat too obscure & too canadian to register with world audience.

Someone on the list will be right.
Someone will make a surprise appearance.
Someone on the list will be at the other entertainment stages.
Someone on the list won't be here at all.

In any case, we'll be bursting with pride for 17 days.
(or longer)

[WarrenC12]

I'm pretty sure Brian Adams was already confirmed for the opening ceremonies. Then he's heading to Molson Canadian hockey house right after that. It was a thinly guarded secret all over the news yesterday. The hockey house has nightly bands playing, but they're all a mystery. I'm sure he's the biggest name and they're still trying to sell tickets. :D

[SpongeG]

did NBC today just show some footage of the rehearsal?
they showed some opening cermeony and it was inside a domed stadium :O

[slurrey]

I went to the dress rehearsal too it definitely did not disappoint. While we didn't have the audience kits to participate, at one point everyone pulled out their cell phones to use instead and it was pretty epic.

[Overground]

I was watching the Today show as well and that was definitely some video footage of the rehearsal. It looked pretty cool.

[s211]

"All together, they expect 100,000 people to be in Downtown for the Opening."

^HOLY!!!



Not really. That's not much different than for the fireworks, is it?

[dreambrother808]

Neil Young?
Joni Mitchell?
kd lang?
Leonard Cohen?

[hammergirl]

Neil Young?
Joni Mitchell?
kd lang?
Leonard Cohen?

Avril Lavigne
Suzie McNeil
Jann Arden - she's running with the torch
Michael Buble - he's running with the torch too
Nikki Yanofsky

[Kodii]

In other news, Wayne Gretzky is in town, and I don't think it's just because his dad is running the torch.

A friend of mine ran into him. He's definitely doing SOMETHING big. Either carrying the Olympic flag or lighting the cauldron are my guesses.

[WarrenC12]

Nickelback? (I hope not, but they were named band of the decade or something)

:notacrook:

[hammergirl]

In other news, Wayne Gretzky is in town, and I don't think it's just because his dad is running the torch.

A friend of mine ran into him. He's definitely doing SOMETHING big. Either carrying the Olympic flag or lighting the cauldron are my guesses.

He's also a special advisor to the Men's Hockey Team.

[Yume-sama]

Celine Dion will light the cauldron. :P

She can't COMPLETELY punk out on us.

[hammergirl]

What about the 8 people who carry the Olympic flag? Any idea who those people might be?

[Yume-sama]

Will they be having Closing Ceremony dress rehearsals :P? Never even thought about what that might be.

[mr.x]

Will they be having Closing Ceremony dress rehearsals :P? Never even thought about what that might be.

There's no rehearsal crowd for the Closing Ceremony rehearsals, which take place during the day before the Victory Ceremony after the Opening Ceremony.

[AdrianT]

Nikki Yanofsky

I'm guessing she's singing the CTV I Believe song?

[SpongeG]

I was watching the Today show as well and that was definitely some video footage of the rehearsal. It looked pretty cool.

okay i thought so it was only brief but wow

[Yume-sama]

Likely the IOC released some footage to networks around the World to get people pumped up to actually watch it. Does anyone have the clip :D?

[SpongeG]

nope i don't know how to view nbc videos since they don';t allow it outside of the usa

[SpongeG]

Opening ceremony secrecy breached by iPhone sneak peeks

VANCOUVER (Reuters) - The traditional shroud of secrecy around Olympic opening ceremonies has some gaping holes in this age of digital downloads and social networking.

Sports | Technology | Media

The 2010 Winter Games open on Friday night in Vancouver's BC Place arena, the first ever indoor opening ceremony in the history of Winter Olympics, and organizers are struggling to keep a lid on preparations to wow a worldwide audience as high as 3 billion people, according to their estimates.

Over 60,000 have attended two dress rehearsals this week, promising not to divulge details of the spectacle in keeping with Olympic tradition.

Confidentiality agreements are no match, however, for society's addiction to iPhones and Blackberrys, to Facebook and Twitter, to instant communication gratification.

"In this day and age where people can disseminate information internationally at the push of a button from anywhere ... it has been a real task trying to maintain confidentiality," said David Atkins, the Australian producer of the Vancouver opening and closing ceremonies.

Atkins also produced ceremonies for the Sydney Summer Games in 2000, when people had mobile phones, but could not do much with them other than make a call.

Now, phones not only take good quality photos, they also offer instant access to the Internet and fast messaging via 140-character "tweets."

Photos from Wednesday's dress rehearsal were on Twitter by nightfall and some traditional media were threatening to publish them before the International Olympic Committee reminded them of their signed confidentiality agreements.

'MARSHMALLOW IN BONDAGE'

Keeping the Olympic ceremony under wraps is meant to increase the "wow factor," a sensation that hit a new high at the spectacular opening of the Beijing Summer Games in 2008.

With Beijing a tough act to follow -- and one that may not be matched for years to come -- Vancouver organizers have doused down expectations.

Atkins has told viewers to expect more emotion than spectacle in the two-hour show under the souffle-like pressurized roof of the BC Place, lovingly referred to as a "Marshmallow in Bondage" by some locals.

Canada's opening ceremony will probably showcase its vast wilderness, its long winters, its fondness for cold-weather sports and maybe even its cutting-edge aerial acrobatics a la Cirque du Soleil, the famous Canadian troupe.

The native peoples in this country of around 33 million are also likely to get center stage as their cultures have shaped everything in these Games from the logo to the medals.

Despite all the leaks, one very big secret remains: who will be the Canadian to light the Olympic flame? Speculation ranges from ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky to an anonymous aboriginal athlete.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61A56B20100211

[nova9]

Nickelback? (I hope not, but they were named band of the decade or something)

:notacrook:

thank god not. i would have walked out if on the dress rehearsal if they showed there sorry faces.

[nova9]

Avril Lavigne
Suzie McNeil
Jann Arden - she's running with the torch
Michael Buble - he's running with the torch too
Nikki Yanofsky

since we're so close, we can play mastermind to this. 1 out of 5 correct. muahaha.

[Yume-sama]

It has to be Michael Buble. He's boring enough to put everyone asleep, but rich old people LOVE him.

[SpongeG]

specualtion is wayne gretzky will hand it off to an aboriginal athlete

[Yume-sama]

He better be handicapped.

[wrenegade]

specualtion is wayne gretzky will hand it off to an aboriginal athlete

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

That's even worse than Betty Fox.

[WarrenC12]

Buble is already confirmed. :D