We will see a representation of "the mythical British countryside: meadows, maypoles, picnicking families, toiling farmers, cricketers on the village green. There will be twelve horses and three sheepdogs. There will be Elgar, and the world’s largest harmonized bell, inscribed with the line 'Be not afeard, the isle is full of noises,' from 'The Tempest.'"
It will be — by design — quite the contrast to the big show they did in Beijing back in 2003. It will be "a bit warmer, and more inclusive, and more involving."
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We will see a representation of "the mythical British countryside: meadows, maypoles, picnicking families, toiling farmers, cricketers on the village green.
So...in other words, the Shire.
So I guess they're skipping over the line about "dark satanic mills" then?
Makes me think of Larkin:
It seems, just now,
To be happening so very fast;
Despite all the land left free
For the first time I feel somehow
That it isn't going to last,
That before I snuff it, the whole
Boiling will be bricked in
Except for the tourist parts -
First slum of Europe: a role
It won't be hard to win,
With a cast of crooks and tarts.
And that will be England gone,
The shadows, the meadows, the lanes,
The guildhalls, the carved choirs.
There'll be books; it will linger on
In galleries; but all that remains
For us will be concrete and tyres.
I had to go back to the lyrics to make the "Chariots of Fire"-Olympics connection.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
All that would make the fantasy complete would ba a mock fox-hunt.
The theme seems to be a complete rejection of Tony Blairs multi-culti "Cool Brittanica" attempt to erase all vestiges of traditional Britain. It is too late to turn back the clock on reality, though. The England portrayed in this pantomime is gone.
Went with 1, but can certainly see 3.
I say go with Imperial Britain. Nelson and HMS Victory in the Thames, avenging the Cawnpore Massacre in the Moslem quarter, the defeat of the French cavalry at Waterloo in front of the French embassy.
That sort of thing.
Tell the world, "We may be on our way down, but we beat everybody else at least once".
More Olypmic idiocy from a country that is rapidly going down the toilet:
A pair of Australian swimmers found themselves in some rough waters after posing with guns during a visit to the United States.
I'm counting on Eddie the Eagle to light the torch. My wife and I spent the first night of our honeymoon at the King Eddie in Banff while the canucks were gearing up for the Calgary Winter Olympics. One night at the King Eddie was all we could handle. After that we pitched our tent in the woods with the mooses.
"It will be — by design — quite the contrast to the big show they did in Beijing back in 2003."
Funny, I thought the Beijing show was in 2008. Whatever. These 'big shows' have become an exercise in extravagance for its own sake. People seem to like them, though, and presumably the folks who put them on and pay the tab think it's worth it.
The Chinese show was pretty impressive...unless I spent any time wondering if taking part in the performance was an honor or just another thing you were told to do, or wondering what happened to the performers who screwed up.
The Shire? I'm there.
...the mythical British countryside: meadows, maypoles...
In other words, Teletubbies.
And Mr. Bean to light the Olympic Torch -- hilarity would ensue.
And Mr. Bean to light the Olympic Torch -- hilarity would ensue.
I'd rather see an official, preferably a ranking one, from the Ministry Of Silly Walks do it.
Maybe they can replicate some Midsomer Murders.
Having lived in the UK for five years I am inclined to agree. Although of course it all depends on *how* they do it.
I think trying to "outdo" the previous Olympics - in this case Beijing - is just asking for trouble. Greece wisely chose to be Greek and not worry much about "outdoing" the previous host nation.
As long as they have yobs puking on the sidewalk at midnight.
Cue The Kinks.
WV: trueth (seems Englishy enough)
I hope Nigel Tufnel crashes the opening ceremonies.
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