Greetings…

Although the weather has been the big news in the U.S., all eyes
are on Vancouver, British Columbia for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Vancouver wishes they had as much snow right now as many cities
in the U.S.

The opening ceremonies were Friday and unfortunately, were marred
by the death of a 21-year-old Luger from the Republic of Georgia,
who suffered a fatal accident while practicing for the event…

While every country does their best to “one up” the opening
ceremonies from the last country that hosted an Olympics. It
was going to be an impossible to come close to the extravaganza
China put on a few years ago…

Before I continue, let me say that the next statement isn’t to
offend and Canadians because we love our “neighbors to the North”,
and I have thousands of readers that are Canadian and have been
“with me” for years…

That being said, I hate to say it, but I found the opening ceremonies
rather dull and boring. Sure there were a few parts that were “OK”,
such as the whales and fish “swimming” across the floor, but I,
personally found it hard to keep interested in most of the “flow”,
or lack of, for the few hours the show was going on…

Even the torch lighting ceremony was a bit of a disappointment due to
a technical problem that left four athletes waiting to light it stand
and wait with us while the problem was fixed, only to have it cut
down to three because the malfunction couldn’t be fixed…

And, because the Olympic cauldron has to be visible throughtout the
Olympic village, there was another torch lighting ceremony outdoors
with Wayne Gretsky doing the honors again. We got to watch his car
ride to the official spot for the lighting. By this time I almost
forgot why I was sitting in front of the TV…

I have no doubt the Olympics will be exciting and Canada will do
itself proud. The Winter Olympics are my favorite, and filled with
talent and excitement. I love the figure skating and I would gladly
sit for hours just to get a look at that cutie patootie Apolo Ohno!

I like the speed skating, the ski racing, bobsledding among many events
and call me crazy, (like you need permission), Curling caught my attention
a few years ago and while mesmerized by this sport, I even questioned
my own sanity while watching it!

So, for the next two weeks, millions will be sitting in front of the TV
watching the 2010 Winter Olympics and millions won’t. Which category
do you fall into and which events do you follow and love to watch?

And again, neighbors to our North…

We love ya!