<p>Her name is “k.d. lang”, all lower case 
Agree about Cirque du Soleil - they could have had more of it, not just the flying boy!</p>
<p>I agree with the comments about the accoustics - it seemed too much of the time the music was covering up the spoken words.
After about 3/4 of the athletes had entered I began to worry about some of those middle-aged or older First Nations dancers. Nearly and hour of non-stop dancing in heavy costumes!</p>
<p>Missed most of it for other commitments, but when they announced k.d.lang was about to sing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” I called my spouse in. We were both knocked over by her interpretation, phrasing and delivery of that song. We’re U.S.-born dual citizens who no longer live in Canada, but the music recognized around the world still connects us. </p>
<p>When the torch didn’t work and the 4 athletes had to wait for some resolution, I noticed how they didn’t flinch. Impressive! Athletic discipline comes in handy in diverse situations.</p>
<p>My favorite parts were kd lang, and gretzky in the truck afterwards with the torch – it seemed so much more genuine, somehow, than the indoor torch lighting.</p>
<p>The rest, not so much. Like so many others, I think Olympics opening ceremonies are always boring.</p>
<p>The show Morning Edition on NPR had a nice piece talking with k d lang Friday morning, if I’m allowed to post a link here:
[k.d</a>. lang: An ‘Immortal’ Voice, Patiently Preserved : NPR](<a href=“http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123416193]k.d”>k.d. lang: An 'Immortal' Voice, Patiently Preserved : NPR)
Listeners got a preview of her Hallelujah.</p>
<p>I think the song was appropriate given what happened earlier. I have never heard of her until yesterday.</p>
<p>Watching the speed skating. Don’t think the shiny gold uniform is a good look. Especially the rear view - shiny gold bottom - not my favorite sight.</p>
<p>When I hear the Canadian National Anthem, I recall my kids singing it, first in French then English, as taught in the public schools, almost. Practicing it heartfelt at home, they belted out in earnest 6-year-old: “Oh Canada, we stand on God for thee!!” They meant “on guard.”</p>
<p>I wonder if they’ll bring in a good Stan Rogers tune for the closing ceremony? Northwest Passage is rousing.</p>
<p>Second time for k.d. lang to perform at the opening Olympic ceremonies - remember Calgary? Thought her “Hallelujah” was amazing.</p>
<p>I really enjoyed the elemental nature of the ceremonies - land, water, sky.</p>
<p>Apolo was amazing in that first race. After watching that footage of his training I can see why he’s so good.</p>
<p>Love k.d. lang. I think she has one of the best voices anywhere, anytime. I saw her years ago when she on her “Ingenue” tour and I had never and have never heard anyone any better live. She was absolutely flawless. People who were disappointed in the dreadful singing in the Grammy Award ceremonies this year should have a listen. </p>
<p>The speed skating is really exciting. I was afraid Apollo wasn’t going to make the finals. Those guys are all amazing. I fall down just watching them.</p>
<p>Big Apolo fans here in our house! My D who is now 21 fell in love with him when she was about 13 - we actually went to see him skate and we all met him, she got his autograph and picture with him - one of her most prized possessions. Watching short-track live, literally close enough to hear them breathe before the starting gun went off was absolutely thrilling!!!</p>
<p>Best of luck to him in the final tonight - I would love for him to simply place!</p>
<p>Someone was really watching over Apollo in that one. He is like a cat with nine lives.</p>
<p>True. Can’t believe the Koreans muffed it like that!</p>
<p>That was amazing. I was glad to see the other American get the bronze. Only 19 years old; he looks like a baby!</p>
<p>What masochist came up with this ski event? Oh my aching knees! The snow looks like they should pour some syrup on it and call it a snow cone.</p>
<p>So thrilled for Apolo to take the silver! The Koreans have a history of being totally anti-Apolo. He’s a real classy guy.</p>
<p>
One of the Americans that is skiing the event has had 3 surgeries on each knee!! I was just wincing watching her in the qualifying rounds after the commentator said that.</p>
<p>%$#@ NBC.We are 100 miles north of Vancouver, and we do not get to watch it live!!! Rats.</p>
<p>Did you mean JR got the bronze? OMG! Yessssss!!! His parents are going to be extatic! JR had a really bad accident just a few months ago. What a comeback!!!</p>
<p>^ Can’t you get CBC there, BB? We pick up NBC!</p>