I am in Dubai and I watched it with Arabic commentary, which was odd, sounding like the commentator was trying hard to explain things. For some unexpalined reason the only English language channel showing it on my package had  vertically a split screen with the same picture on both halves, which gave me a headache. so I flipped channels

Nice to See Mike Oldfield and Evelyn Glennie up there. Macca pops up everywhere now.

My Welsh roommate turned it on, watched 30 seconds of it, declared that "This is stupid.  I hate this stuff, this is rubbish!" and flipped the channel to something else.

So, needless to say, I didn't watch any of it.  *Sigh*

I though he was going to modernize it and sing "Hey Dude" instead.

If it wasn't my roommate's house, TV and birthday, I probably would have talked him into watching but, until I move (SOON), I'm not doing anything to upset the apple cart.

Old55

I thought it was supposed to be Hey Moob.  

Could be the next CHC special!

Also the choice of Underworld to create the music for the ceremony was totally inspired. Listening on our 7:1 cinema system (and actually prompted by the BBC to crank it up) it was powerful, relevent, massively punchy when it needed to be and was a total musical and emotional triumph. I understand they are going to officially release the Opening Ceremony music now.

I didn't see it... I hear it was ..... ummmm, politically biased. 

Such a shame the Olympics have to be used for political theater.  I thought the spirit of the Olympics was to celebrate the abilities and talents of the athletes from all the nations, coming together as one, if only for a few days. 

From the opening, to the hair trigger knee jerk responses to issues where the athletes have walked off the field, to others refusing to practice next to another nation to dropping out of their sport competition because they would have to compete against athletes from a nation they do not like...... I'm sorry to say, this Olympic competition is off to a less then acceptable start for me......

Where did the Olympic Spirit go? 

I didn't see it... I hear it was ..... ummmm, politically biased.

Herb, I'm a pretty cynical guy, and I was absolutely blown away by it. Don't read about it, watch it and make your own mind up.

craigb


I though he was going to modernize it and sing "Hey Dude" instead.

If it wasn't my roommate's house, TV and birthday, I probably would have talked him into watching but, until I move (SOON), I'm not doing anything to upset the apple cart.

Your room mate is an "apple cart"? That's a new slang on me. Is it a snap on him or a praise?

bapu

craigb


I though he was going to modernize it and sing "Hey Dude" instead.

If it wasn't my roommate's house, TV and birthday, I probably would have talked him into watching but, until I move (SOON), I'm not doing anything to upset the apple cart.

Your room mate is an "apple cart"? That's a new slang on me. Is it a snap on him or a praise?

paulo

bapu


We have it on DVR, will probably watch it tonight.

Turn the sound up. :)

I shall.

The only bummer about seeing more of London is that I was originally scheduled to go back next month. Finances got in the way via being laid off in October 2011 and I have yet to find another job.

I don't think it was particularly political.

We all know Danny Boyle's leanings, but the stuff he 'slipped in' (like the CND logo) seemed to be completely relevant to the era that the music was portraying. In any case, I'd argue that you can't (or indeed shouldn't) airbrush out politically sensitive or embarrassing events as if they'd never happened. The CND marches, Greenham Common etc were valid, if maybe misguided, reactions to the very real threat of a nuclear holocaust and I can't see any problem in alluding to them.

I thought the whole tone was kept just right, and never strayed into "political theatre" at any time. And there was definitely no trace of any jingoistic/triumphalist slant coming through in the events depicting the history and heritage of Great Britain. If anything, most of the history lesson was given with a wry sense of humour, slightly self-deprecating and definitely tongue-in-cheek.

There was, for me anyway, a slightly uncomfortable irony with the passage dedicated to the NHS - I couldn't help thinking that it could be viewed as slightly obscene when, as a nation, we can find billions of pounds to fund an Olympic Games when said NHS is on its knees. Mind you, having said that, even if they poured that amount of money into public healthcare it would make little more than a dent.

But on seeing the collosal expenditure, it must appear quite repugnant to anyone on a three-year waiting list for a life-saving operation, or being told that they can't get funding for life-changing medication because they live in the 'wrong' postcode.

bapu


The only bummer about seeing more of London is that I was originally scheduled to go back next month. Finances got in the way via being laid off in October 2011 and I have yet to find another job.

That's a shame Ed, hope things improve soon. Plus, I still owes you a pint...

daryl1968

craigb


My Welsh roommate turned it on, watched 30 seconds of it, declared that "This is stupid.  I hate this stuff, this is rubbish!" and flipped the channel to something else.

not enough sheep?

Is there ever enough sheep?

bapu


The only bummer about seeing more of London is that I was originally scheduled to go back next month. Finances got in the way via being laid off in October 2011 and I have yet to find another job.

Very sorry to hear that Ed. Best to you in hopes you find what you're looking for...and soon.