Houston, We Have a Problem!

Surprise, surprise, surprise. (Apologies to Gomer Pyle). Wayne Gretsky is the final torch bearer.

But wait. We have a problem.  Open the pod door, Hal. One of the four hatches in the stadium floor isn't opening. Wayne is standing there, beginning to perspire. The orchestra is covering up for the delay by continuing to play.  Steve Nash is trying to grin and bear it.  And it begins to dawn on Messrs. Lauer and Costas that the cauldron that the four athletes are going to light isn't emerging as planned.

At this point in the proceedings, I have stopped to write this post (note to self: get a laptop so you can watch and type at the same time).

A well-produced Opening Ceremonies may well come crashing down.  An luge athlete dies, now this????

Only three of the four columns (which look like giant crystals) are rising.  One of the four torchbearers is going to be odd person out (turns out to be Catherine LeMay-Doan).  Well, three out of four ain't bad.

The cauldron is lit but the air has definitely gone out of this balloon.

What an anti-climax. You win some, you lose some, some get rained out. (there's another one of those old baseball adages creeping into my blog again!).

Almost time for bed. A Chelsea v. Cardiff City FA Cup fifth round tie at Stamford Bridge to wake up early for.  Hoping to watch online, but if not, BBC London for the radio commentary. (much more about soccer/football after the break)