58 Responses to:
OPENING CEREMONY SUCKED

# 1. 7/30/12 3:28 AM by Totally Unmutual
That is because socialism sucks, England sucks, London sucks, the Olympic committee sucks, the Olympic athletes suck, the Olympic events suck, NBC sucks, and the sponsors suck.

In equation form, that reads: (Suck x suck, suck x suck x suck x suck x suck x suck) = (Olympics).

But I did like the girls volleyball (but not the small boobs) and hope they eventually have naked girls volleyball and wrestling).

I'm almost positive they will soon have gay events. In fact, I have written suck so many times that right now I'm feeling a little gay myself.

Editor Note: Should be "tuned in" not "turned in". Or maybe was a Freudian slip because the erosion of our rights is on your mind lately. 30,000 drones for Homeland Security? We won't be able to pee in the woods for crying out loud.

# 2. 7/30/12 3:38 AM by cami - slc, utah
I noticed a UFO or blimp of some type hovering over the opening ceremonies. then another scene again I noticed it and I wondered what it was. It looked like a UFO space ship and like it wasn't part of the ceremonies. also like in wartime, rocket or missile launchers were set up on roof tops without permission pointing toward the sky like if the government was expecting something. There was so many lights and bright like fireworks going on but it was clearly hovering above it all.

# 3. 7/30/12 3:49 AM by Ann - Henrietta NY
What did you think of that giant baby head? I think that thousands of years from now, some scientist is going to dig it up out of some dump and claim it as the next biggest mystery since Stonehenge.

By the way, Queen Lizzie didn't crack a smile, much less clap when those kids in pajamas sang "God Save the Queen".

# 4. 7/30/12 6:32 AM by Rick G. - Olympic Village, Spencerport, NY
I only caught the part of the opening ceremony where they were rolling out sod. "Oh look, they're landscaping," I said to my wife. "Fancy.

As for the summer games themselves, i find them strangely addictive and prefer them over the normal televised barrage of football, basketball and baseball. I have no idea why, but I was sucked into the women's foil competition and don't even get me started on the thrill of watching a five-hour bike race over the English countryside. That was a nail-biter.

# 5. 7/30/12 6:48 AM by Mike
GB has been over run by the PC, liberal dhimmis.. Liberalism is a disease. And if you like Coldplay, then you might fit right in over there.

# 6. 7/30/12 6:54 AM by Dave - Fredericksburg, VA
Once again, you have managed to lower the bar for yourself.

# 7. 7/30/12 7:05 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
I was immensely impressed by China's production - and remember noting that China is now defining true "world class." The Brits seem to have justified that impression. China will be: Next to the moon, 1st to Mars and eat our lunch on the way and back. Related aside: Western schools and colleges are graduating a generation of unemployable, feeling-entitled ignoramuses...except for the Orientals and Indians - who are outpacing us in every respect.

# 8. 7/30/12 7:10 AM by Jeff - Rochester
You really missed it on this one Bob

The industrial revolution, old and new music, national treasures like the Queen, McCartney, Mr. Bean, James Bond, Beckham in a speedboat - these are things that are not boring at all. Children's literature and the NHS were celebrated with wonderful stagecraft and imagery.

Far from a national embarrassment, the NHS enjoys strong approval ratings. Not perfect of course, but is now going on 65 years.

Don't be such a curmudgeon!

# 9. 7/30/12 7:23 AM by hc
Although I laughed a bit over James Bond and the queen parachuting out of the helicopter, and the 204 "petals" coming together the caldron was awesome, the rest was pretty forgettable. I'm glad the commentators explained the petals. Instead of petals, though that those kids were carrying around bedpans during the parade of nations because maybe they didn't end up in the right place for the hospital sequence!

It was the "anti-Beijing."

China's 2008 opening ceremony was by far the best one I remember. and is the one all other openings should be judged by, in my opinion. It was one of the most spectacular things that has ever graced my TV.

London's was a little too "inside baseball" for me. It didn't effectively portray its culture. It made me feel like an outsider that "didn't get it." The show should have been able to play out on its own visually, without need for so much commentary. Even Paul McCartney stumbled a bit.

Heck, if you're gonna go through the trouble to be snooty, at least be a little bit more magnificent about it.

In other Olympic news, hooray for Ryan Lochte, and tears for Paula Radcliffe.

~xp

# 10. 7/30/12 7:31 AM by Ron - 716
I expected you 585'ers to declare war on Columbia over Lady Andrade hitting Abby Wambach.

# 11. 7/30/12 7:40 AM by Ann - Avon, NY
Thank you! From listening to your colleagues on the radio I kept thinking what did they see that I missed? I looked forward to the opening ceremony and just didn't get it. After the show China put on in 2008 this looked like a high school production.

# 12. 7/30/12 7:48 AM by Joe Racalto - Charleston WV
Compared to Bejing, London was brutal to watch. Very embarrassing.

# 13. 7/30/12 7:49 AM by Fong
There's so many people in China they could stand on each others shoulders to get to Mars.

(Adapted from a 1960's joke when the Pentagon stressed that we needn't worry about the fact that China had the bomb because they lacked a delivery system, i.e. bombers or ICBMs, "because there's so many of them they could carry the damn thing over here".)

# 14. 7/30/12 7:51 AM
Watching the athletes is always more interesting than the show. You realize there are beautiful women from every part of the world, and judging by body language and facial expressions, we all have a lot in common. Even the athletes from North Korea seemed to be very human.

# 15. 7/30/12 7:57 AM by Lori - Rochester, NY
where did your article go on Penn State?

# 16. 7/30/12 8:09 AM by RC - Bloomington
Would love to see a column on the Olympics and why they won't pause for a moment of silence for the Jewish athletes murdered at the 72 Olympics. I read over the weekend that a comment was made to the wife of one of the athletes by an Olympic official that if they paused because Israelis were murdered that they would also have to pause because Palestinians died that day as well...meaning they would have to have a moment of silence for the terrorists as well.

Are you kidding me?

# 17. 7/30/12 8:11 AM by Bart - Webster
The remedy for something you find annoying or offensive on TV is the OFF button.

# 18. 7/30/12 8:13 AM by GEORGE (THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

The opening ceremonies were a mess. Claiming that children's literature and national health care were England's crowning glories was just plain stupid. Obviously the product of the left wing intelligentsia.

I am a Royalist. My second home is England although I have never been there, it is England's green fields from which my family came. My uncle flew Spitfires in England's blue, blue skies and another who flew for Bomber Command never came home. Only one other flag will stir my heart like Canada's.

These opening ceremonies were an embarrassment; an example of what liberal England thinks important and a colossal failure as a presentation of England to the world.

# 19. 7/30/12 8:19 AM by Poplar Beach
I did not watch it, but your and other reviews tell me I did not miss much.

My first chance to watch summer Olympics since 2002 and women gymnastics athletes even more like little automatons than they were then.

Did not know that women's softball was out and other obscure "sports" were in.

As in the past way too much time spent on cutesy segments and reruns with almost zero coverage of archery and shooting. A US woman wins fourth gold in Skeet and we watch 2008 swimming replays, or 4 hours of bike race instead of even the last ten minutes of her event.

Also noticed that parents of a swimmer who won were relegated to row 59 nosebleed seats while there were rows of empty seats poolside, something odd about that.

Love the Olympics, but international PC is out of control and judging by all the empty seats Mitt may have been right to say lets see how it goes.

# 20. 7/30/12 8:23 AM by NascarDad - Richmond, VA
I enjoyed the ceremonies, there were many memorable moments, but they did leave much to be desired.

Leaving out the Magna Carta and their courage in WWII struck me as rather major omissions, reminding me of when History Channel's "America, the Story of US" left out the making of the Constitution.

Then the opening ceremony focusing on some kids in a house seemed more than a bit daft.

And really, the World Wide Web wasn't that much of a leap forward from the internet. Basically his work is just a nice way of displaying and organizing stuff that is sent by the Internet Protocols (TCP/IP) created by Americans like Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn.

# 21. 7/30/12 8:30 AM
Ya see, this column is what we get for England having the danged nerve to call our GOP presidential candidate, "Mitt the Twit" after he insulted them.

Another, liberalism is a disease diatribe from a kind, decent, fun-loving conservative with a heart as black as coal.

How do you square your passionate hatred for universal health and that overwhelming public approval of it. You righties continually degrade Canada for their healthcare for everyone while Canadians vote the man who created it as the greatest Canadian who ever lived. How can that be after hearing our conservatives tell us how awful it is.

Speaking of Mitt the Twit and "entitlement healthcare" do you all realize that because of you conservatives Mitt the Twit has had to dump his greatest achievement in order to kiss conservative hiney. And lo and behold guess what, Massachusetts also loves their "entitlement healthcare" and wouldn't trade it for anything.

But, conservatives say it's bad, bad, bad. I can say this, you conservatives aren't as bad as that opening ceremony of the Olympic games.

Don't blame a whole country and culture for what a few people failed at.

When Mr. Bean is the star of an epic opening ceremony the creators should publicly apologize to the world.

Editor's Note: though he was the only funny part.

# 22. 7/30/12 8:43 AM
It was like watching interpretive dance or going to a modern art show. Unless there is someone there to explain what's going on or what you're looking at, nobody, not even the dance and art afficianados would have a clue. Some of the old Benny Hill shows presented a more realistic insight to socialized medicine. The Brits dilema right now (along with just about every other European country)is how to get rid of the 'diversity' they thought would invigorate their country nd economy. NBC's coverage is tedious. No sooner does an American Olympian conplete and event than some twit named Andrea pops up on the screen to ask the 'how-do-you-feel' questions in hopes that soeone will say or do sonething stupid - like the Greek girl. Ryan Seacrest - how did he ever get to be Mr. NBC? I've heard way too much about Michael Phelps and his family. Sports that require 'judges' who compare performances and decide who will win seem predestined and are based more on past performance than current. I understand that pole dancing is being considered for 2016. That about says it all.

# 23. 7/30/12 8:57 AM by tom - penfield, NY
Well, I guess I'm glad I didn't watch the opening ceremony. I have to say I don't care a bit about the Olympics anyway, with the exception of Women's Soccer. Sports is suppose to be something that gives us pride in ourselves, then I think of the corruption of big time college sports and the likes of Penn State. Humans can corrupt anything, even throwing a stupid ball around.

# 24. 7/30/12 8:57 AM by C - Rochester
I agree. What was that nonsense about "they all love their national healthcare here in England"? Was it a BHO ad?

# 25. 7/30/12 9:14 AM by Rico - Roy, UT
No argument from me, you nailed this one.

# 26. 7/30/12 9:54 AM by Dave B - Fairport, NY
We watched the entire thing, and later wondered why. It was pretty bad, and the kids got bored quickly and left the room. I kept hoping it would make a turn for the better. The best part was the fireworks at the end that came up the streets and around the stadium. That was pretty impressive to watch. I, however, am an Olympics junkie, and enjoy watching the sports I'd never watch otherwise. Cycling, handball, field hockey, badmitton, just to name a few. It's intriguing to see the different competitions that we only see every 4 years. As a sports fan in general, it's a nice change from the same 3 or 4 sports we get every day.

# 27. 7/30/12 10:10 AM by DD
That the left loved the opening ceremony is telling enough.

# 28. 7/30/12 10:17 AM by Don - Fort Worth
For the rest of this summer, it's olympics, olympics, olympics. Just wait for the Winter Olympics. Being in the USA, would I be such a bad guy if I rooted for Germany, or Italy, or China? Watching some of those events is like watching a rerun every five or ten minutes. Bo-oring! I couldn't care less who got the gold medal or whatnot.

# 29. 7/30/12 10:18 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
Regardless of the bizarre and foppish celebrations,why would any Nation, large or small, go to such absurd lengths preparing for a swim meet and a footrace? I dont get it. And apparently neither do David Cameron, or the erstwhile mayor of London- Boris something-or-other,both of whom used the presence of Mitt Romney to assure their fellow Brits that they are still a power to be, well, reckoned with,at least in terms of preparing for-a swim meet and footrace.Thank God for the Mayflower.

# 30. 7/30/12 10:24 AM by mark
I am not watching the olympics. I'm very concerned about the olympic speech police kicking out Greece's triple jumper. She made a poor joke about their illigal immigration issue, which apparently was PC incorrect. Who decides what speech is correct and which gets you fired? A dangerous road we are going down. Her comment had nothing to do with the olympics.

# 31. 7/30/12 10:37 AM by Mark - Fairport, NY
I especially liked the British rock section with The Who, Beatles, Stones, Led Zep, and even glam rock of Mud (although they should have used TRex or Slade who more people outside the UK know).

I thought Paul McCartney did a pitiful job with Hey Jude. I love the Beatles and Wings, and this proves his time has passed. Pack it in Sir Paul, that was horrible.

# 32. 7/30/12 11:13 AM by JW - Pittsford, NY
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill

Thank God my ancestors had the foresight to leave England!

# 33. 7/30/12 11:34 AM by Patrick - Syracuse, NY
Welcome back, Bob. I'll never forget the guy running on the walls of China's "birdsnest" stadium. That was cool. Glad I missed these opening ceremonies.

# 34. 7/30/12 11:45 AM by Pink Pedal Pushers
OMG! I thought I was the only one who thought the opening sucked! So glad to see others thought the same.

# 35. 7/30/12 12:36 PM by Debbie - Byron
To me the only good part was how the Olympic flame was ignited at the end. That was pretty nice. You are right though the rest of it sucked!!!

# 36. 7/30/12 12:38 PM by Steve
My Freinds kids had it on and I was asking what the hell are we watching? I saw it up to the point of some farmers it something walking out of a tree? I left the room and watched something else. I knew it was crap the moment I saw the drums, for some reason modern art people love drums.

# 37. 7/30/12 12:41 PM by Iain Hamilton - Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland.
English's children literature?...

Peter Pan was written by a Scotsman, and Mary Poppins by an Aussie.

ENGLAND stood alone against the Nazis?.

Really?. And what were the Scots, Irish and Welsh doing?.

How can Bob lecture against bad history and ignorance when he dosent know that England and Britain/Great Britain/the UK are not the same thing?. And thinks only the English fought 1939-45?.

Editor's Note: sounds like a peeved irishman.

# 38. 7/30/12 12:51 PM by Lee K - Syracuse, NY
We may not be taking all the medals in shooting, but at least we're making history. Olympic history.

Eat that, world.

# 39. 7/30/12 12:59 PM - Hilton, NY
I thought the majority of the program was rather dumb. If the commentators hadn't been explaining everything, it would have meant nothing!

A friend of mine in England says they're very proud of their health care system. But it was a little strange to include it in the Olympics ceremony.

Mr. Bean was a riot. And I loved the Queen's Corgis! They are so cute! Those were the two best parts of the entire thing.

# 40. 7/30/12 1:07 PM by Margaret - Rochester, NY
Fell asleep...thought it was boring. And the U.S. team outfits were awful..looked like something out of the 1960s.

# 41. 7/30/12 1:12 PM by Mary E Quinn - Penfield, NY
FYI

OPENING CEREMONY SUCKED

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2912384/posts

# 42. 7/30/12 1:23 PM by Porter Rockwell - Lake Bonneville
I'm sure glad michelle obama found time in her busy vacationing schedule to permit yet another vacation to England and the Olympics...most likely on the US taxpayer dime once again. She's a hag...send the sleeveless one back to Chicago - never to be seen or heard from again.

I wonder if cell-phone texting will ever become an Olympic event? Or XBox gaming? Or drive-by shooting? Or McNugget eating? I'm afraid our children will begin to tune out if they keep having to watch events that require physical fitness...I mean if they can't relate...?

# 43. 7/30/12 1:41 PM by JC - South Carolina, USA
"Americans have the belief that, somehow, Brits are more educated, articulate and refined than most."

Well, I used to think that. Over the last decade or so I've come to believe England is filled with castrati, angry youths and Muslims.

Wait... did I repeat myself just then?

# 44. 7/30/12 1:55 PM by lonsberry fan
#32 sad you don't realize the US is still controlled by England. we need to get rid of anyone related to the royal family as most candidates are and boot them out! Wonder what connection Romney has to the royal family. why do we have to wait until they are elected to find out such as Obama being related to Cheney and Palin. What good actors they are.

# 45. 7/30/12 2:12 PM
Riddle me this:

Was Joker smitten by his female psychiatrist?

# 46. 7/30/12 2:35 PM by WH - WX, UT
re: your poll. I DVR'd it. Turned it off and erased it within 2 minutes of the dancing doctors and nurses.

What a shame.

# 47. 7/30/12 2:38 PM by Victor
Regarding "# 29. 7/30/12 10:18 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY ... And apparently neither do David Cameron, or the erstwhile mayor of London- Boris..."

Uh, Boris is not the erstwhile mayor, he is the present here-and-now in-office mayor. Don't use big words if you don't know what they mean.

Ditto on boring opening ceremony. Ditoo the comment about Leslie what's-her-face. I _was_ encouraged by FINA and the Olympic committe reversing the South Korean swimmer's DQ.

And Abby shines through her shiner - she gots GUTS!

Welcome back, Bob!

# 48. 7/30/12 8:24 PM by Tom Bastian - Fairport, NY
Glad you are back. WHAM is best served when your substitute is a local personality like Bob Matthews, Rachael Barnhart, Scott Hesko or Evan Dawson. Your sub dumped on American Made Cars, GM and Chrysler in particular, The Buffalo Bills and I believe the Tea Party. After listening a couple of times I found other listening alternatives.

# 49. 7/30/12 9:18 PM by John
I don't know if the kids in the hospital beds represented a socialized health care system who seemed scared by a huge wizard who seemed like something out of Harry Potter. when you talk of moral decay, what about the corruption in NY? today I was reading about a 17 year veteran of the NYPD, a detective who was suspended without pay – but no charges filed – after a kidnapped man bound and being held for a $75,000 ransom was found in the officer’s garage. I would think he would have been arrested.

# 50. 7/30/12 11:26 PM by Jodi - Wayne County East
In sucessive and descending order from mainland western Europe to the British Empire to the U.S. Of A. The God of the Bible has been slowly lifting His hand of protection over them for the last five decades in proportion to the speed and magnitude of their perspective cultural decay.

My guess is that the coming implosion of current western society as we know it is knocking at our very door.

God will likley use the Muslims, Russians, Chinese, and the U.N. to judge us before He personally judges them and whatever's left of the west.

Are you Rapture Ready?

If you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior hang on. It's gonna be a bumpy ride.

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