London Olympics

[Cogidubnus]

But Monty, isn't your tongue always in your cheek?

All the best

Dave

[Monty]

That's not true. Plenty of Americans have a good grasp on British history, if not necessarily the personalities involved. Of course, try to major in British History as an American, and there is a swift and brutal intervention where they won't let you out of a tiny little room until you are convinced that you will never be able to get a career in the field, and move on to another concentration.

I have a pretty good grasp of British history for someone who doesn't live there. I got it. And that's the problem. A good Olympic Opening Ceremony should make you feel as though someone is clearly mad. Whether it's the director of the ceremony, or you, there should be a point in time where you check your drink for a partially dissolved tab of acid. It should be like watching The Wall sober. Very perplexing.

I also think that it should focus on the host country's culture not it's history. More Arthur, more Shakespeare, Celts, the Scottish Highlands, Nessie, the birth of Vaudeville, Monty Python, Marble Arch, the incredible folklore, and my god the pigeons. The little ships of Dunkirk, Kindertransport, the music halls during WWII, Land Girls, all of these things are a part of history, but also show the generosity of spirit that London was trying to highlight. So while the Industrial Revolution makes a good light show, it doesn't mean "Britain".

But James Bond skydiving with the Queen does, so well done there.

Note the very last words on my post...the very last words.

However I will state this. I know my country, and know that the Industrial Revolution is very much British.

Monty

[Graham]

Plenty of Americans have a good grasp on British history, if not necessarily the personalities involved

If history isn't abour 'personalities', then what is it about?

the birth of Vaudeville

I'd say Vaudeville was American anyway, and not British. Or do you mean 'music hall'?

and my god the pigeons

Pigeons? What pigeons?

Kindertransport

What the hell is 'kindertransport'?

Still, at least we have a history. I once did a degree course in American History. It began at 9.00am one foggy morning, and I was all finsihed at just before lunchtime, and I got a first.

This, I feel, is going off-thread again.....

Graham

[Errata]

To be honest, I wouldn't expect an American told hold a good grasp on British history.

Anything outside the US holds no interest for them.

Therefore the birth of the industrial revolution, the changing of the old agricultural ways to the new industrial age (under Brunel..not Dickens) and so on to the Digital/social revolution may be a bit lost on our American cousins.

As for Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden, really? That old tosh.

Monty

That's not true. Plenty of Americans have a good grasp on British history, if not necessarily the personalities involved. Of course, try to major in British History as an American, and there is a swift and brutal intervention where they won't let you out of a tiny little room until you are convinced that you will never be able to get a career in the field, and move on to another concentration.

I have a pretty good grasp of British history for someone who doesn't live there. I got it. And that's the problem. A good Olympic Opening Ceremony should make you feel as though someone is clearly mad. Whether it's the director of the ceremony, or you, there should be a point in time where you check your drink for a partially dissolved tab of acid. It should be like watching The Wall sober. Very perplexing.

I also think that it should focus on the host country's culture not it's history. More Arthur, more Shakespeare, Celts, the Scottish Highlands, Nessie, the birth of Vaudeville, Monty Python, Marble Arch, the incredible folklore, and my god the pigeons. The little ships of Dunkirk, Kindertransport, the music halls during WWII, Land Girls, all of these things are a part of history, but also show the generosity of spirit that London was trying to highlight. So while the Industrial Revolution makes a good light show, it doesn't mean "Britain".

But James Bond skydiving with the Queen does, so well done there.

[curious]

I caught only bits of it. Opening ceremonies are not among my favorite things to watch, but I loved the royal corgis and that entire clip. The one little fella rolling over, apparently doing his one big trick for the camera was adorable.

Plus, listening and watching the children sing the national anthem and to see how emotional the queen appeared to be created a lump in my throat.

Oh, and seeing the names of countries that I have never heard of (I'm not a whiz on current geography, as you can tell) was very interesting.

[Monty]

To be honest, I wouldn't expect an American told hold a good grasp on British history.

Anything outside the US holds no interest for them.

Therefore the birth of the industrial revolution, the changing of the old agricultural ways to the new industrial age (under Brunel..not Dickens) and so on to the Digital/social revolution may be a bit lost on our American cousins.

As for Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden, really? That old tosh.

Monty

[Damaso Marte]

Speaking from America, the consensus going into yesterday was that China's opening ceremony was never going to be topped. The discussion now is whether or not London topped it.

I personally was impressed, even if the early part of the opening had bizarre moments.

[Cogidubnus]

It was supposed to be Glastonbury Tor, apparently

Think I just had a moment of deja vu there!

Dave

[Magpie]

Managed to watch about 45 minutes before being bored rigid and going to listen to some of MY musical heritage. Where were the likes of Black Sabbath,Deep Purple,Pink Floyd.Iron Maiden? Think Led Zeppelin may have got about 4 seconds but then we got a full performance from Dizee Rascal??

They did play Pink Floyd for the fireworks display.

It's a bummer that the Iron Maiden rumour turned out to be false.

[Magpie]

Was that grassy hill thing with the tree on top supposed to be The hill of Bilbo baggins?

I thought it was cool when the queen spoke.

It was supposed to be Glastonbury Tor, apparently.

[Cogidubnus]

I'm a bit of an old cynic myself, but I drifted out of my den into the sitting room for the opening ceremony and it blew me away...I thought it was great...far better than my expectations! A good start anyhow...

All the best

Dave

[Errata]

See, I have a thing, nay a passion, for lavish displays that are completely inexplicable. So I love me an Opening Ceremonies. And maybe it's because I'm too familiar with British culture, but I didn't spend nearly enough time absolutely baffled. Sure there were bits... Branagh dressed as Dickens reading Shakespeare was confusing. And the whole army of Poppins descending from the heavens to defeat Voldemort and ninjas(?) was a real wtf moment. But other than that... I mean if I want a huge spectacle that I understand, I'll go to a circus. Or Williamsburg. Or Vegas.
Come on London... I know you've got it in you... where was the crazy?

P.S. Mea Culpa on the off topic rant. It's a pet peeve and I got sucked in. Won't happen again.

[Robert]

It seems to have garnered a generally positive reaction worldwide. So that's the first hurdle successfully negotiated.

[Cogidubnus]

Respectful Remembrance

Was that grassy hill thing with the tree on top supposed to be The hill of Bilbo baggins?

No it was meant to represent Glastonbury Tor...

My big disappointment this morning was to read that NBC cut out the very short and touching 7/7 memorial...If you're left-pond you can't appreciate how that sounds to Brits unless you envision cutting out a 9/11 memorial...

7/7 was the same morning we heard the Olympics were being held in London, so there's that instant connection in our minds...

Sad...

Dave

Added disclaimer...just re-read the Admin posting and do trust this doesn't contravene the ruling...I have no idea of the nature of the deleted postings, so I can't be sure...

[Monty]

Thank you Admin,

Appreciated.

Monty