I was delighted that the good old Chinese rightly cheated in the opening ceremony - session singers (girl), fake computer generated fireworks - good for them!

If it's going to look good, go for it.

I wish I did not dislike the Olympics but I always find it dull sadly.

I hate opening ceremonies of any kind and I think I may have put my finger on it there, with that thought. I find them too lacking in genuine human spirit and just over organised to be artistic for the individuals involved.
The community spirit is great, yes, but I don`t "do" , or get, flag waving.

Concerning the opening ceremony, and the Olympics as a whole, the options for viewing parts again are very limited - if not non-existant. My Mum asked to find online the opening ceremony - or highlights of it - but even the official Olympics website has no footage. The BBC has nothing and even YouTube says 'not viewable in your area'. The Olympics website movies are really very poor - alot of buffering and Chinese script.

In 2008 it should be possible to view any moment of the Olympics online. It is an important event and is not being given the support it needs.

RT

Have you tried the BBC website, it's fairly comprehensive

Yes and the BBC TV coverage has been comprehensive to the point of annoyance for anyone not into the games - though I must admit I've been hooked.

What a sad world we live in when a talented young girl is elbowed for a "prettier" face. Shallow in my book.

How about that incredible Chinese girl weight lifter?

Wow.

JK2006 wrote:
Yes and the BBC TV coverage has been comprehensive to the point of annoyance for anyone not into the games - though I must admit I've been hooked.

I'm one of those who has no time for the Olympics and so the extensive coverage is something I find irritating and tedious beyond belief! Problem is, when the Olympics are not on, TV is dire at best. Just read today ITV's autumn treats... another series of "I'm A Celebrity..." and an attempt to revive the variety shows of old a la "Sunday Night At The London Palladium". Hopeless!

I take some of my comment back.
I love the table tennis, which is also one of my hobbies. Great coverage, but probably not really a TV sport unless you know the game as it can be so fast.

JK2006 wrote:
Yes and the BBC TV coverage has been comprehensive to the point of annoyance for anyone not into the games.

Indeed !

Even the Chinese cannot be bothered (judging by the total lack of supporters at the events). The Opening Ceremony got 5 million viewers - only slightly better than Ready Steady Cook !

Still it will make a nice (expensive) and free holiday for the presenters (and after all, isn't the BBC actually run for the benefit of its own staff?)