Olympic Ordeal!

And so it has begun. Just in case you are not aware of that which I speak I do mean the London Olympics. 

 

I will admit that I have been, at times, somewhat less than enthused about the whole thing. That all changed last night. 

Opening ceremonies can be, well, a little dull to be honest. This was "our" chance to show the world what we would like you all to see. I say "our" chance because "we" are not actually involved. Danny Boyle was the man at the helm of it all. I have enjoyed his work in the past. Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, not The Beach, Sunshine and Slumdog Millionaire. So I was pleased he was in charge of the showcase. I think he nailed it!

Highlights for me were a skydiving Monarch and the introduction of Mr Bean. His film wasn't that good but you find Mr Bean is actually appreciated better abroad. I think the  focus on music was a good one. It has been one of our most successful cultural exports since World War 2. Some of our humour doesn't translate into other cultures (except, it seems, Mr Bean - Mind you Norman Wisdom must run him close).

There was a quote from an LA Times reporter (quoted by the Beeb) that i Thought summed it up pretty well.

  Robert Lloyd in the LA Times who said the ceremony "had at times a quality of seeming completely random".

"If there is a through-line to be untangled it might be something like, 'Sorry for the unintended consequences, but we did give you steam engines, great pop music and comedy and the roots of social networking. It was ugly there for a while, but we're all right - and everybody dance now'."

So I have watched 3 events so far. Two lots of soccer and the 250km road cycle race. I was, perhaps unrealistically hoping Mark Cavendish would get a medal but perhaps the Olympics came too soon after the Tour? Shame the group got away at the end as it could have been an interesting finish still that is sport. As for the Soccer? well the quality of refereeing has been a little dodgy. Team GB in 2 games failed to get stone wall penalties and in both instances the player was injured, the GB lass getting a face full of laces from a Camerooninan. And then, within 5 minutes of this incident the ref was sharp eyed enough to see our Goalie get a foot out of the penalty area! 

I have not been very supportive of the games at times because I have a chip on my shoulder about how much investment London attracts to itself. There is an economy within an economy. London and everywhere else. I know the IOC told the British that only capitals would be supported for games in the future (after Manchester puts itself forward after staging the Commonwealth Games). 

Still, here they are and I now hope to enjoy them. A good time to be in England despite an incompetent Government.

As Kenneth Branagh reprised last night : 

Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,

Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.

Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments

Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices

That, if I then had waked after long sleep,

Will make me sleep again; and then in dreaming,

The clouds methought would open, and show riches

Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked

I cried to dream again.

Enjoy