2012 Olympics

[JamesBuxton]

There was a worry that a lot of the opening ceremony could only be enjoyed by Brits, because there was a lot of stuff that was VERY British.

 

Great Ormand Street and the NHS stuff, as well as the industrial revolution could've been tricky for some that don't know the basics, but I'm just glad we took a new root and put a bit of comedy in there, something that Beijing lacked.

 

Most opening ceremony's are just hundreds of people banging drums, dancing and holding up colourful pieces of paper, really happy we did something more original.

[Ryda King]

Don't be f*cking stupid. If you don't have anything relevant to post then f*ck off.

 

E: The SAM sites have been set up on flats as a precaution against a potential terrorist attack. They were made public knowledge AMD have been there since March/April. In what way would a "False Flag" attack benefit the UK? Think things through before you post them.

It IS relevant. I said I don't know if it's true, but just to be safe you might wanna get outta there.

 

But I guess trying to help people is "f*cking stupid".

For a start, this isn't the appropriate place to be discussing a potential terrorist attack. Second of all, do you actually understand what a "false flag" attack/policy is? Apparently not so I will explain it for you. A false flag policy Is when the government of a particular nation, in this case the UK, stages an attack from another source in order to allow the justification for another policy i.e. an invasion of a foreign nation. A UFO attack would make no sense as that would imply we wanted to invade space. A terrorist attack would also make no sense since we are already involved in Afghanistan and the war on terror. Unless of course you were referring to the IRA. However, a British military occupation of Ireland would in no way benefit us so you "theory" is completely irrelevant.

 

Please take your conspiracy tosh elsewhere.

 

On topic, do all the boxing matches consist of 3 rounds or is it just the preliminary matches? Also, I had no idea that Handball was so cool. Those Macedonian chicks were bringing the pain to the GB team.

Where else would I post it? The f*cking steak topic?

 

I know what a false flag is. How am I supposed to know what the Government would wanna do it for? I'm just telling you what I, and several others, have heard. So don't go calling me an idiot and say it's "tosh", whatever that is, for simply trying to say "Hey, you might get hurt. Be careful if you're in London".

 

I even said I don't know if it's true, but you might wanna get outta there just in case something goes down.

[DarrinPA]

 

Be interesting to get an international perspective on this, but everyone in the UK (myself included) think this has been a f*cking good opening ceremony.

 

I'd expect people in the UK and Europe to enjoy it. From my point of view, I have been watching the opening ceremonies since Atlanta 1996, the England ceremony was spotty. The grassy knolls turning into the industrial landscape and creating the rings was cool because it could be understood by the world. The Queen / Bond thing was good, along with Rowan Atkinson.

 

The rest was not a good way to show the world what you are as a nation. Showing off your health care system mixed with fairy tales, many other countries are probably going to be confused. The house part mixed in with a british tv show was probably the worst part. It was too micro and not macro, I could careless about a popular tv show. I appreciate the fact that they tried to show the evolution of their music but it seemed really jumbled and filled with dancers who didn't know what they were doing.

 

England has a great history, present, and probably future. But the opening ceremony didn't do justice for the country or UK.

 

Many other countries like Bejing and Greece did a great job of showing what they are as a country in a world wide point of view. As Greece showed; it doesn't have to be extravagant, just focused.

 

 

[El Dildo]

it was a good opening ceremony, indeed.

 

it wasn't as good as China.

but nothing will ever be as good as China in 2008. that was something special.

[JamesBuxton]

Be interesting to get an international perspective on this, but everyone in the UK (myself included) think this has been a f*cking good opening ceremony.

 

I'd expect people in the UK and Europe to enjoy it. From my point of view, I have been watching the opening ceremonies since Atlanta 1996, the England ceremony was spotty. The grassy knolls turning into the industrial landscape and creating the rings was cool because it could be understood by the world. The Queen / Bond thing was good, along with Rowan Atkinson.

 

The rest was not a good way to show the world what you are as a nation. Showing off your health care system mixed with fairy tales, many other countries are probably going to be confused. The house part mixed in with a british tv show was probably the worst part. It was too micro and not macro, I could careless about a popular tv show. I appreciate the fact that they tried to show the evolution of their music but it seemed really jumbled and filled with dancers who didn't know what they were doing.

 

England has a great history, present, and probably future. But the opening ceremony didn't do justice for the country or UK.

 

Many other countries like Bejing and Greece did a great job of showing what they are as a country in a world wide point of view. As Greece showed; it doesn't have to be extravagant, just focused.

I agree, it was sort of relevant in that the UK has an excellent history of music, who didn't enjoy some of the songs that were played last night? The TV bit was sh*t, and I didn't get the digital bit, because it isn't just associated with the UK, the guy that invented the world wide web was okay because he invented something that is part of the routine of billions of people, but there was social networking stuff and phone references that weren't invented by Brits, and are used all around the world.

 

It would've been much better if the entire ceremony had been a timeline of the history of the country, starting the way it did was fine (agriculture, followed by industrial revolution), what I don't get is why it just stopped there. No mention of anything between world war one and the digital age, they really did miss out a massive proportion of our history.

 

World war 2 is a HUGE part of the way we, and most countries around the world today live. For obvious reasons they couldn't reinact the entire of WW2, from declaring war to Hitler shooting himself, but the tannoy playing some of Churchill's most brilliant speeces as well as a spitfire flying over would've been excellent. Following this they could have represented the 1966 world cup win, which wasn't the UK but England but it doesn't matter, it was one of the most significant and important sporting moments in the history of Great Britain. After that they could've gone onto the digital age.

 

Adding stuff like the war and removing stuff like TV would've made it much better for me. But on the whole I was happy with it, it was meant to showcase what was great about these islands, and I think on the whole it did. Apart from Harry Potter, I f*cking hate Harry Potter.

 

The GTA creators are based in the UK, should've done a half hour piece on that. Imagine.

[darthYENIK]

They had the f*cking Cosby show in it. And Wayne's World. I love Danny Boyle, he's an excellent director, but those things should be in an American tribute to television. The only thing that impressed me was the torch, it was pretty cool looking. And why did Daniel Craig have to be James Bond. Couldn't he have just been Daniel Craig? It's not like he did anything James Bondy, like electrocuting a man with steel teeth.

 

I'm already sick of NBC's bullsh*t delays. They're exploiting Americans by making us wait hours to see the gold medal matches and races, and making us choose to either stay off the internet to stay spoiler free, or be spoiled and considerably lessen the excitement. f*cking greedy pigs.

[El Dildo]

They had the f*cking Cosby show in it. And Wayne's World. I love Danny Boyle, he's an excellent director, but those things should be in an American tribute to television. The only thing that impressed me was the torch, it was pretty cool looking. And why did Daniel Craig have to be James Bond. Couldn't he have just been Daniel Craig? It's not like he did anything James Bondy, like electrocuting a man with steel teeth.

 

I'm already sick of NBC's bullsh*t delays. They're exploiting Americans by making us wait hours to see the gold medal matches and races, and making us choose to either stay off the internet to stay spoiler free, or be spoiled and considerably lessen the excitement. f*cking greedy pigs.

don't you have a DVR or anything like?

 

I'm recording all the major events when they air live in the middle of the night.

then I just skip reading the sports page when I wake up and watch them later in the day.

[AlexGTAGamer]

It would've been much better if the entire ceremony had been a timeline of the history of the country, starting the way it did was fine (agriculture, followed by industrial revolution), what I don't get is why it just stopped there. No mention of anything between world war one and the digital age, they really did miss out a massive proportion of our history.

 

World war 2 is a HUGE part of the way we, and most countries around the world today live. For obvious reasons they couldn't reinact the entire of WW2, from declaring war to Hitler shooting himself, but the tannoy playing some of Churchill's most brilliant speeces as well as a spitfire flying over would've been excellent. Following this they could have represented the 1966 world cup win, which wasn't the UK but England but it doesn't matter, it was one of the most significant and important sporting moments in the history of Great Britain. After that they could've gone onto the digital age.

 

Adding stuff like the war and removing stuff like TV would've made it much better for me. But on the whole I was happy with it, it was meant to showcase what was great about these islands, and I think on the whole it did. Apart from Harry Potter, I f*cking hate Harry Potter.

 

The GTA creators are based in the UK, should've done a half hour piece on that. Imagine.

I agree, but when you mentioned that I really began to think (well, more remember) the old Hovis television advert depicting the last 122 years of British history (well it would be more now).

 

 

 

If they did something like that, I would be awfully impressed.

[darthYENIK]

They had the f*cking Cosby show in it.  And Wayne's World.  I love Danny Boyle, he's an excellent director, but those things should be in an American tribute to television.  The only thing that impressed me was the torch, it was pretty cool looking.  And why did Daniel Craig have to be James Bond.  Couldn't he have just been Daniel Craig?  It's not like he did anything James Bondy, like electrocuting a man with steel teeth.

 

I'm already sick of NBC's bullsh*t delays.  They're exploiting Americans by making us wait hours to see the gold medal matches and races, and making us choose to either stay off the internet to stay spoiler free, or be spoiled and considerably lessen the excitement.  f*cking greedy pigs.

don't you have a DVR or anything like?

 

I'm recording all the major events when they air live in the middle of the night.

then I just skip reading the sports page when I wake up and watch them later in the day.

That would be great if the final events were aired live. But they're not. They are delayed, so they force us to watch them in prime time. Meaning hours later so they can squeeze extra ad revenue out of it.

[Jimothybuxton]

They had the f*cking Cosby show in it.  And Wayne's World.  I love Danny Boyle, he's an excellent director, but those things should be in an American tribute to television.  The only thing that impressed me was the torch, it was pretty cool looking.  And why did Daniel Craig have to be James Bond.  Couldn't he have just been Daniel Craig?  It's not like he did anything James Bondy, like electrocuting a man with steel teeth.

 

I'm already sick of NBC's bullsh*t delays.  They're exploiting Americans by making us wait hours to see the gold medal matches and races, and making us choose to either stay off the internet to stay spoiler free, or be spoiled and considerably lessen the excitement.  f*cking greedy pigs.

don't you have a DVR or anything like?

 

I'm recording all the major events when they air live in the middle of the night.

then I just skip reading the sports page when I wake up and watch them later in the day.

That would be great if the final events were aired live. But they're not. They are delayed, so they force us to watch them in prime time. Meaning hours later so they can squeeze extra ad revenue out of it.

I've heard that during the part of the ceremony that remembered the people who died in the London terrorist attacks, NBC cut away to an interview with Michael Phelps. Is that right?

[darthYENIK]

 

They had the f*cking Cosby show in it.  And Wayne's World.  I love Danny Boyle, he's an excellent director, but those things should be in an American tribute to television.  The only thing that impressed me was the torch, it was pretty cool looking.  And why did Daniel Craig have to be James Bond.  Couldn't he have just been Daniel Craig?  It's not like he did anything James Bondy, like electrocuting a man with steel teeth.

 

I'm already sick of NBC's bullsh*t delays.  They're exploiting Americans by making us wait hours to see the gold medal matches and races, and making us choose to either stay off the internet to stay spoiler free, or be spoiled and considerably lessen the excitement.  f*cking greedy pigs.

don't you have a DVR or anything like?

 

I'm recording all the major events when they air live in the middle of the night.

then I just skip reading the sports page when I wake up and watch them later in the day.

That would be great if the final events were aired live. But they're not. They are delayed, so they force us to watch them in prime time. Meaning hours later so they can squeeze extra ad revenue out of it.

I've heard that during the part of the ceremony that remembered the people who died in the London terrorist attacks, NBC cut away to an interview with Michael Phelps. Is that right?

I don't think I saw that part. But it sounds like something NBC would do.

 

EDIT: This is what we have to deal with... http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/lo...elps/56556494/1

Edited July 29, 2012 by darthYENIK

[Dragonjack]

I just seen the London Olympics open Ceremony....This is what i saw which was kind of scary.

 

[pauliux2]

Anyone's watching the swimming? We just took the first place + the Europe record! Yeeaaa! Ruta Meilutyte can do everything!

[BondTrader]

I have a question regarding Soccer (football)... why is it that the IOC only allows three players over 23 to be on each 18 player squad? It's ridiculous that they do it and other sports like Basketball have all the good professional players in it? Is it something that involves FIFA not allowing the IOC to create a tournament that has similar attributes to the WC?

[Jimothybuxton]

I have a question regarding Soccer (football)... why is it that the IOC only allows three players over 23 to be on each 18 player squad? It's ridiculous that they do it and other sports like Basketball have all the good professional players in it? Is it something that involves FIFA not allowing the IOC to create a tournament that has similar attributes to the WC?

The World Cup, Copa America/Euros etc. are the biggest and most prestigious awards in football, an Olympic gold isn't. So fielding senior sides wouldn't make sense. Its like how in boxing only amateurs compete, because the professionals are too busy trying to get awards they care about.

[BondTrader]

I have a question regarding Soccer (football)... why is it that the IOC only allows three players over 23 to be on each 18 player squad? It's ridiculous that they do it and other sports like Basketball have all the good professional players in it? Is it something that involves FIFA not allowing the IOC to create a tournament that has similar attributes to the WC?

The World Cup, Copa America/Euros etc. are the biggest and most prestigious awards in football, an Olympic gold isn't. So fielding senior sides wouldn't make sense. Its like how in boxing only amateurs compete, because the professionals are too busy trying to get awards they care about.

Well, yes it's not worth much but if they picked up senior players they'd gain more interest in it. For instance the Brazilian professional soccer team is all under 23 except for some players so this year we were able to bring in all of our actual players rather than some amateurs. This has led to larger amounts of people watching it.

 

 

But my question remains unanswered... why are teams not allowed to bring in more senior players while sports like Basketball and Volleyball the entire squad can be brought in? Does FIFA have some sort of agreement that they get to host all important football competitions?

[Crokey]

 

But my question remains unanswered... why are teams not allowed to bring in more senior players while sports like Basketball and Volleyball the entire squad can be brought in? Does FIFA have some sort of agreement that they get to host all important football competitions?

It's a sort of Gentleman's agreement, there is no set in stone agreement in place that would actually prohibit it, but by the time Football had been introduced to the Olympic games The World Cup, Euro and Copa America were so big that adding them as a full Olympic sport would not have been a welcome addition, especially as Olympic years are in the same year as the Euro's.

 

Other sports like Basketball and Volleyball as you mentioned, more so Basketball are popular sports but do not have the wide international interest like Football does. So that is why they made Olympic Football a sort of Lite version of the game, it also acts as a proving ground for the younger players to get more international experience so it's kind of win win.

[nightwalker83]

Stupid question, but how many countries are at this years games?

[AlexGTAGamer]

Stupid question, but how many countries are at this years games?

205 nations/countries in this year's Olympics.

 

147 in the Paralympics.

[BondTrader]

 

Stupid question, but how many countries are at this years games?

205 nations/countries in this year's Olympics.

Just to add, this includes territories and islands that are ruled by other countries since technically there are only 192 countries in the world I think.

[El Dildo]

 

Stupid question, but how many countries are at this years games?

don't worry.

there's no such thing as stupid questions.

 

only stupid people

 

does anyone else find it kind of funny that Michael Phelps sucks this year?

he should have stayed retired

[Nah Tso Gud]

Sort of.. I definitely would if I didn't see his ESPN interview.

 

He probably is being forced to suck by some group because of his whole "bong incident".. can't let someone who does That be an Olympian now can we?

/conspiracy

 

Edit: Catalina Ponor from Romania...... Yummy....

Edited July 30, 2012 by Nah Tso Gud

[nightwalker83]

Stupid question, but how many countries are at this years games?

205 nations/countries in this year's Olympics.

 

147 in the Paralympics.

Thanks! The reason I asked was because on the Australian ninemsn new site it shows the medal tally with the top ten I think. However, they also have a link to list all the countries but when you click that link it only lists 30 countries.

[ilovebender.com]

This was the best bit of the opening ceremony and, I thought the whole world saw it still.

 

 

[Doc Rikowski]

 

But my question remains unanswered... why are teams not allowed to bring in more senior players while sports like Basketball and Volleyball the entire squad can be brought in? Does FIFA have some sort of agreement that they get to host all important football competitions?

It's a sort of Gentleman's agreement, there is no set in stone agreement in place that would actually prohibit it, but by the time Football had been introduced to the Olympic games The World Cup, Euro and Copa America were so big that adding them as a full Olympic sport would not have been a welcome addition, especially as Olympic years are in the same year as the Euro's.

 

Other sports like Basketball and Volleyball as you mentioned, more so Basketball are popular sports but do not have the wide international interest like Football does. So that is why they made Olympic Football a sort of Lite version of the game, it also acts as a proving ground for the younger players to get more international experience so it's kind of win win.

Also, the Olympics calendar usually clashes with other major football tournaments held every 4 years, like the European Cup.

Having top players involved in the Olympics would also cause many issues to the main European clubs that start to train for the season during the Olympics.

I think it's ok how it is.

 

Btw, Spain eliminated by Honduras in football...

[Robinski]

Looking at some of the British papers today really annoyed me. They're celebrating Lizzie Armistead winning silver in the cycling roadrace (and publications with the later print time with Rebecca Adlington winning a bronze too), but kind of being snarky about it. Two headlines that stood out to me were "SILVER LINING" and "ELIZATBETH THE SECOND". Now if you asked any of the editors they'd say the former was a play on the amount of rain during the race and the latter a reflection of how "British" this all is, but they're obviously having quite a sly dig at her not getting the gold. It's absurd. She had an amazing race, as did Vos who took the gold, and it's just a bit childish to point out she came second.

 

I'm usually a cynical, roll-my-eyes-at-anything-patriotic kind of guy, but I was genuinely proud watching Armistead take that medal. Devoid of all nationalism and politics, the Olympics is a good opportunity for us to show how this country can do great things, and in my book winning an Olympic silver medal is pretty f*cking great. It just annoys me how some people will say "Well she didn't exactly get gold". F*ck those guys.

 

Also, someone in the opening ceremony stashed a camera in their costume. Pretty cool:

 

Edited July 30, 2012 by Robinski

[El Zilcho]

Gymnastics is fantastic; power and subtlety combined for fantastic athleticism. Some of the performances so far have been quite exemplary.

[pauliux2]

Damn, Argentina killed Lithuania in basketball... It's actually a shame to lose to Argentina..

[pauliux2]

IN YO' FACE! Our girl has the Olympic gold!

[El Zilcho]

I heard a 15 year old won gold, what event was that in?