A thread for the Olympics. 🏃‍♂️

Joseann

Do the French actually laugh at themselves though?? I wonder.

Well, certainly Dionysus was hilarious (perhaps not intentionally though).

Casdon

I have, and I’ve read about it in the news in UK and from other countries, and the take on it here is definitely more downbeat than it is elsewhere. Whether part of that is neighbourly rivalry, comparison with London because it was recent and memorable for Brits, the dislike we seem to have in UK for ‘staged’ events overseas, media outlets overseas being kind to the French, or what - who knows?

The DM headline and from what I can remember The Telegraph, were far from complimentary.
BBC on the other hand...

Callistemon213

I rather thought the French were sending themselves up in the tableaux but perhaps we were meant to take them seriously?

Lady Gaga - just why? She's not French and she looked like a pink ostrich.

Think Eurovision though Callistemon213, it’s what they do - Lady GaGa is the ultimate Europop icon.

www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/how-worlds-press-rated-pariss-olympics-opening-ceremony-2024-07-27/

Mixed reviews from around the world.

Much like GN.

Casdon

Callistemon213

I rather thought the French were sending themselves up in the tableaux but perhaps we were meant to take them seriously?

Lady Gaga - just why? She's not French and she looked like a pink ostrich.

Think Eurovision though Callistemon213, it’s what they do - Lady GaGa is the ultimate Europop icon.

Oh, I didn't know.
She's not really on my radar. She was miming anyway.

Someone questioned why Celine Dion. She has had many top-selling albums in French and French is her first language.

Callistemon213

www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/how-worlds-press-rated-pariss-olympics-opening-ceremony-2024-07-27/

Mixed reviews from around the world.

Much like GN.

Good article, I liked the Italian comment:
“something unprecedented, even extraordinary. A great show or a long, tedious work, depending on your point of view and sensibility."

Joseann

Interesting question Casdon.
There's always that certain pride in everything French which emanates from their countrymen. It almost verges on arrogance at times, so maybe our neighbourhood rivalry automatically incites criticism of their achievements?

I think the British are more honest in their appraisal and that’s all there is to it. We were prepared to enjoy the spectacle, even had popcorn 😃but….most of it was dire.

The BBC bigged it all up afterwards cos they had to! They had the filming rights for Britain, so no BBC presenter dare say anything critical.

Casdon

What’s really interesting about this thread is that the Gransnet take on this event is so different to that of the media worldwide, which has widely praised France for putting on an opening ceremony that’s so different to any previous ones, and had visually spectacular moments. I think it’s a bit like Eurovision, Brits take the Mickey out of it relentlessly, but the rest of Europe embraces it.

That’s cos we have good taste.

Oreo

The BBC bigged it all up afterwards cos they had to! They had the filming rights for Britain, so no BBC presenter dare say anything critical.

Good point.

Callistemon213

Casdon

Callistemon213

I rather thought the French were sending themselves up in the tableaux but perhaps we were meant to take them seriously?

Lady Gaga - just why? She's not French and she looked like a pink ostrich.

Think Eurovision though Callistemon213, it’s what they do - Lady GaGa is the ultimate Europop icon.

Oh, I didn't know.
She's not really on my radar. She was miming anyway.

Someone questioned why Celine Dion. She has had many top-selling albums in French and French is her first language.

I think that sums it up. I have always disliked Celina Dion songs, I’m not keen on the big ballads singers generally (Whitney Houston, yuck, no thanks), although I did admire her bravery given her illness. Never in a million years would I pay to see her, but I’d love to see LadyGaGa live.
The Italians have it I think, it’s all about your point of view and sensibility. What will endure will be the photographs, some of which even the most cynical would admit, are spectacular.

Casdon

Callistemon213

www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/how-worlds-press-rated-pariss-olympics-opening-ceremony-2024-07-27/

Mixed reviews from around the world.

Much like GN.

Good article, I liked the Italian comment:
“something unprecedented, even extraordinary. A great show or a long, tedious work, depending on your point of view and sensibility."

Yes!

Actually, I thought it was good in parts, hilarious (or ludicrous) in parts and rather long-winded. Planning something like that outdoors in Northern France, even in summer, was over-optimistic. If it had been a lovely evening with a cloudless sky, as it was here in Wales, it could have been so much better.
So planning for an indoor spectacular might have been more sensible.

I'll admit we did miss half an hour or so because we did get bored but was pleased to see the torch bearers, the lights and Celine Dion.

I have always disliked Celina Dion songs

Well, it was an Edith Piaf classic and I thought she did it justice. 😥

I’m not keen on the big ballads singers generally (Whitney Houston, yuck, no thanks)
Well, me neither but I don't think they can compare.

Oreo

The BBC bigged it all up afterwards cos they had to! They had the filming rights for Britain, so no BBC presenter dare say anything critical.

Is that why we have to have those stupid mascots perched on the studio sofa?

ixion🤔let me think….yes!😁

It was madness to have a huge outdoor ceremony and just hope for a fine dry evening in July.
Hope the Olympic competitors didn’t get a chill, all those long hours out in the rain.
DP said the whole shebang was like an extended version of Eurotrash.Anyone remember that?

I turned off the opening ceremony to watch something on NF. Clicked back on an hour later and those bloomin' boats were still going up the Seine.

But each to their own. Yesterday I switched on to see what was happening in the Olympics and it was cycling - watching cyclists pedalling through the streets of Paris in the rain. Totally boring in my view. Later I had a text from a male friend who said he'd been watching the Olympic cycling which was "very enjoyable".

Loving the equestrianism, judo, extreme cycling and the diving. Also watched women's rugby sevens and enjoyed it more than I thought. I won't be seeing much of the Olympics due to work this week, but will be catching up at night.

The setting for the Equestrian Cross Country was absolutely stunning!

Along with Dressage, I find that this year I am looking with slight unease at the Dressage and (women's) gymnastics. Looking perhaps over closely - are they happy, uncowed, adequately praised?
What exactly happens in your training out of the spotlight?
How much pressure are you under to perform?

And on a lighter note - do these young gymnasts have to have the 'regulation' hairstyles? Are there any girls out there with pretty soft heads of curls?

Extraordinary match and result for Murray and Evan’s. Even they seemed surprised they’d won.

I’m not a fan of Murray normally, but I was pleased that they won. Well deserved - a great comeback from behind.

Another nail biter from Andy Murray well done to him and Evans.

Cumbrianmale56

Loving the equestrianism, judo, extreme cycling and the diving. Also watched women's rugby sevens and enjoyed it more than I thought. I won't be seeing much of the Olympics due to work this week, but will be catching up at night.

Did they show the cross country on BBC at all? Not sure if it’s worth watching the whole of this mornings coverage on catchup.

Oh review on now!

tanith

Another nail biter from Andy Murray well done to him and Evans.

Absolutely!