For tonight's Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, I predict...

[derby378]

...that Wayne Gretzky will indeed carry the Olympic torch towards the cauldron, but he will not light the Olympic flame itself. The Great One will instead pass the torch to another Canadian athlete - one who has competed in either the Paralympics or the Special Olympics.

This is just a prediction, though. For all I know, the cauldron will be lit by Neal Peart of Rush. He was still into long-distance cycling last time I checked.

[gateley]

1. It'll be interesting to see. And do you know what time they're actually going to

begin the Opening Ceremonies? Thanks.

[derby378]

4. They're now saying on NBC it'll be 9 Eastern / 6 Pacific

I suspect there's been some more last-minute retooling because of the death of that Georgian luge athlete.

[gateley]

9. Just checked -- not yet. But thanks!! :-) I'll keep checking, and it'll no doubt

be available on video everywhere!

[Jeanette in FL]

2. Oh what a great guess

I had forgotten about him.

My guess is/was Celine Dion? But your guess is much better. Either one Wayne or Neal.

[Drunken Irishman]

3. Canada. LOL

[derby378]

5. Well...

The Sopwith Camel, Wayne Gretzky, Jim Carrey, Lorne Michaels, William Shatner, Rush, Skinny Puppy, Venetian Snares, Maudite beer, and four-bean chili.

Just a few of the things that make Canada great. And I'm one of those ornery Texans that the rest of America makes fun of on a daily basis. :hi:

[HuckleB]

6. Not so much Jim Carrey.

Oh, he was funny, but he's now in Tom Cruise land.

http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2010/02/jim-carrey-jenny-mccarthy-definitely-not-anti-vaccine/

[whistler162]

7. You forget Michael J. Fox now a Gretzky to Fox handoff

would be great!

[derby378]

8. Doesn't the lighter of the cauldron have to be a bona fide athlete?

If Fox has been involved with any particular sport, then sure, go for it.

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. What's Canadian about the Sopwith Camel?

http://www.acepilots.com/wwi/sop_camel.html

[derby378]

15. I meant Roy Brown, Canadian ace who shot down the Red Baron

And he did so in a Sopwith Camel.

[njlib]

10. Anybody catch the opening sequence with the snowboarder?

That was AMAZING!!

:applause:

[derby378]

12. Sure did - now watching the First Nations greet the Olympians

I sure wish the Americans treated their First Nations with at least as much respect as Canada treats theirs. At least some of us are actually trying nowadays.

[njlib]

13. Yes, that was very cool!

And you're certainly right about the treatment of our Native Americans. Did you see Keith Olbermann the night after he publicized their plight in South Dakota? I thought he was going to cry when he said they were looking to raise $35,000 by the end of the month and Countdown viewers had donated $185,000 in 24 hours. At least some of our citizens have tried to help.

LOL...look at the Bermudans wearing their shorts in the parade!

[chollybocker]

11. It's got to be Rick Hanson.

I hope.

edit: Hansen?
Paralympic athlete, fund-raiser extra-ordinaire for amateur sports, Vancouverite (?), handsome as all get out....

Clara Hughes will carry the flag for Canada. She's won gold in both the summer and winter Games. AMAZING!

[derby378]

16. Well, shucks, I goofed

But at least Rick Hanson was on hand forthe final leg.