Olympinonsense

[mangerton]

Anybody know any countries beginning with I so I can win the family sweepstakes?

India, iraq, iran, ireland, israel, italy, iceland

[Anna]

I would love to be able to retain a copy of the ceremony without the fatuous and entirely superfluous commentary from Huw Edwards et al. Okay, they kept quiet for long periods - but it would be great to have it entirely without. Perhaps that will emerge on DVD in due course.

I think the commentary was for those overseas viewers who wondered what the hell was going on and what was it all about?? It was a bit crazy wasn't it (well, totally bonkers actually) I hope there is more to come after the parade of nations.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Indonesia, Ivory Coast

[tantris]

Estonia channeling the spirit of the costume designer for Doctor Who.

[antongould]

India, iraq, iran, ireland, israel, italy, iceland

Excellent I'll send you half the 15 quid.........

[Nick Armstrong]

It was a bit crazy wasn't it (well, totally bonkers actually) .

And hence very English... err... British... err... Welsh... err.... Well you know what I mean!

I know one thing: people were saying the Beijing opening thingy was unbeatable... But our wacky, kaleidoscopic ceremony eclipses all. I've had emails etc from France, Italy and the US and everyone thinks it was quite fantastic and totally inspired ("You must feel proud to be British" was one comment).

Anyway we have James Bond, Mr Bean and HM The Queen so we win anyway, quite apart from anything else

[Lateralthinking1]

Anyone know why Jeremy Hunt and Mr Bean are now indistinguishable?

I congratulate Boyle on his artistic version. The pop numbers were too lengthy but the rest of it was pretty close to how I dream most nights. Mythical England is a lot more palatable than the real thing. A shocking waste of money, mind.

[kernelbogey]

It was a bit crazy wasn't it (well, totally bonkers actually) I hope there is more to come after the parade of nations.

[Nick Armstrong]

Anybody know any countries beginning with I so I can win the family sweepstakes?

anton...! no wonder we don't see you much on the AA thread....

[Nick Armstrong]

I congratulate Boyle on his artistic version. The pop numbers were too lengthy but the rest of it was pretty close to how I dream most nights. Mythical England is a lot more palatable than the real thing. A shocking waste of money, mind.

Brilliant post, Lat!

[Anna]

I know one thing: people were saying the Beijing opening thingy was unbeatable... But our wacky, kaleidoscopic ceremony eclipses all. I've had emails etc from France, Italy and the US and everyone thinks it was quite fantastic and totally inspired ("You must feel proud to be British" was one comment).

Anyway we have James Bond, Mr Bean and HM The Queen so we win anyway, quite apart from anything else

Exactly Cali. British eccentricity at its best, and as I said, totally bonkers, as befits our GB Nation!! Bless them all, English, Scottish, Irish or even Welsh!

[gurnemanz]

I would love to be able to retain a copy of the ceremony without the fatuous and entirely superfluous commentary from Huw Edwards et al.

I switched to Five Live sound which is a bit more entertaining - they've just had Brian Blessed and Michael Fish on the phone.

[DublinJimbo]

The forging of the Olympic rings was the highlight for me. Rather disappointing apart from that so far, long-drawn-out and somewhat boring in spots, and certainly nowhere near as memorable as Beijing.

Perhaps the lighting of the flame will compensate.

[antongould]

And hence very English... err... British... err... Welsh... err.... Well you know what I mean!

I know one thing: people were saying the Beijing opening thingy was unbeatable... But our wacky, kaleidoscopic ceremony eclipses all. I've had emails etc from France, Italy and the US and everyone thinks it was quite fantastic and totally inspired ("You must feel proud to be British" was one comment).

Anyway we have James Bond, Mr Bean and HM The Queen so we win anyway, quite apart from anything else

Totally agree Rumpole - the whole family gathered here thought it was/is brilliant.

[Lateralthinking1]

Brilliant post, Lat!

Cheers Caliban.

(It feels like the kind of night I'm going to regret in the morning).