I really don't mean to bitch about something so trivial considering everything that is going on down in FL and NC but did anyone watch the Opening Ceremonies last night?
There were commercials (and a lot of them) every 6 to 7 minutes!!! I'm not exaggerating - I started looking at the clock after a while because it seemed so out of control. It was virtually impossible to watch. I really wanted to see the torch lighting so I stuck it out. I guess it's my own fault for not turning the channel. I realize that it is a huge moneymaker for NBC via the commercial revenue but that was insane.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
yes, I used to love watching the ceromony. But its been turned into a commercial venue. NBC ruined it even more this time. I turned it off, couldnt stand it either..
The ratings have been falling and fell even more this time. Its so sad. Way too many commercials. Way too few sports, way too many personal development stories on too few athletes.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Kim,
I lasted about 20 minutes into it and gave up when I head how expensive the games will be to Athens and everyone in Greece. I found it apalling to hear that the International Olympic Committee nearly told Greece, the founding nation of the Olympic Games, that they were not "up to date" as a nation and nearly told them to take a hike.
Worse yet, the cost of the games will be nearly $1000 for each Greek citizen when all is done and gone, caused mostly by the incredible pressure to outdo the last games with opening ceremony shows and overblown statium costs.
The networks are making a killing on advertising time, but in all honesty, we see more of the sponsors than we do the games themselves.
Personally, I would prefer that the games forever stay in Athens. Since they now have the facilities, maybe it's time that the money lords in bed with the IOC back off and restore what was once a noble and meaniful event in the land of it's birth.
In short, "let the games begin"...without commercial interruption. Rapid
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
quote: caused mostly by the incredible pressure to outdo the last games with opening ceremony shows
Yes, while I was watching the ceremony, I got the distinct impression that they were trying too hard. It all came off like a hokey B movie.
Oh and while I'm on my China rant (see Wal-Mart post)...whose brilliant idea was it award the 2008 games to Beijing? They've even said that they're hoping that by giving them the games that it will force them into better human rights compliance. Yea right. Let's reward them for treating their citizens like dirt. Do you know that no one has ever seen or heard from the guy who stood in front of the tanks in Tiananmen Square?
Okay, I apologize in advance to anyone who dislikes this vaguely political post. I just had to vent.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I don't even watch the Olympics anymore.
Most of it is boring and it's a huge crock of crap that they allow professional atheletes participate.
Apparently, NBC knows they don't have any decent shows on anymore so they don't mind pre-empting everything for the Olympics.
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...I think the olympics are boring also. ...However, I "accidently" tuned in last night and the opening was (surprisingly) very spectacular and extremely well produced. Fer sure the commercials sucked, but the show had groovy visuals.
... I'm with Ray that the event should always be held in Greece. AND it should also be held (as of old) ALL NUDE. Then this commerce fest will become quite interesting again.
...Yo...Where is it next year, ...SEOUL South Korea ? Now THAT will be wacky.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
That Eye CAndy was well produced to keep u interested in them commercials. That show was not produced to entertain or showcase any one
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Interesting Kimberly. I hadn't heard that. I just googled a few sites & got another look at the Tiananamen tank man video.
Also found varied reports of what happened to Wang Wei Lin ,like this opinion or this one.
...either way, I'd have to agree that Beijing hasn't earned any "rewards" from the global community yet.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Life might be a bit more equitable if the $millions paid for the broadcasting rights went to the host city, instead of going to the rort-filled IOC itself, who seem to think they 'own' the games, and the rights to all money made from the games. Virtually no host city has ever come off well, as a result of hosting the games, except perhaps the very commercialised LA Olympics & possibly Sydney2000. All others are left for decades, mopping up the bills & expenses.
I do enjoy the athletics, swimming & gymnastics though, but I'll happily skip the ceremonies.
Posted by Ron Costa (Member # 3366) on :
My wife and I watched the opening ceremonies. I didn't know there were so many mimes in Greece. What's a Greek Mime Urn? Posted by DONALD THOMPSON (Member # 3726) on :
One of the things that surprised me was that we(the USA) don't have a baseball team participating. Our national sport and we can't qualify for the Olympics.
Posted by Periandros Damoulis (Member # 4473) on :
American and the other Visitors from arround the world , in Greece talk about the best orginising and hospitality and perhaps about the best Olympic Games. Moreover about the opening Ceremony , i think you should know the history of Greece.....for understanding !!
And also i agree with you who have good impression about the Olympic Games.
Greetings from Sunny Olympic GREECE.!! Posted by Jane Brubaker (Member # 4908) on :
Hi new member here. Agree with ray . the games should be kept in Greece. Have enjoyed using the site. Old time sign painter but new member. Have been out checking into other fields of interest like: Concrete pattern and mold making, Corian countertop installation and fabrication, Interior finishes on aircraft cabinetry. But now I am done with college of life and ready to go on with my own company again and explore the possibilities and hope to travel alot in the long run. Will return to the site for more fun and info
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