London 2012 - The Olympic Thread

[Sebastian Michael]

You probably know about this, but great source for watching here:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/liveextra/index.html

NBC not in our good books here, I'm afraid.

They censored the '7/7 memorial' part of the Opening Ceremony as irrelevant to Americans. Then, in a statement of supreme arrogance they said: "Our program is tailored for the U.S. television audience. It’s a credit to [opening ceremony producer] Danny Boyle that it required so little editing."

I'm not sure when I've last heard anything quite so patronising and offensive.

Don't know if you can watch them here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/

since NBC have exclusive rights for the States, but if you can, do, because sadly not only are you getting coverage timed to benefit the broadcaster and their advertising revenues (the Opening Ceremony with a three hour delay), your broadcaster is also taking it upon themselves to give you their version of events...


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/2 ... on+Post%29

[Dexter]

NBC not in our good books here, I'm afraid.

Yeah, I've heard about their coverage, I'm not defending them. Luckily, I'm not really that interested in trying watch most of it. If I hear of something worth watching, and I can find it, then I'll watch it.

[Penelope]

Then, in a statement of supreme arrogance they said: "Our program is tailored for the U.S. television audience. It’s a credit to [opening ceremony producer] Danny Boyle that it required so little editing."

I'm not sure when I've last heard anything quite so patronising and offensive.

I don't think this is patronising. One of our own MP's accused the depiction of the Industrial Revolution as socialist propaganda. I think he's an ignoramus, but that can't be helped. It is wicked to mock the afflicted.

[Sebastian Michael]

Then, in a statement of supreme arrogance they said: "Our program is tailored for the U.S. television audience. It’s a credit to [opening ceremony producer] Danny Boyle that it required so little editing."

I'm not sure when I've last heard anything quite so patronising and offensive.

I don't think this is patronising. One of our own MP's accused the depiction of the Industrial Revolution as socialist propaganda. I think he's an ignoramus, but that can't be helped. It is wicked to mock the afflicted.

What's patronising is not their opinion to which they are entitled and which wouldn't bother me if that's all it was.

What's patronising is to say "It's a credit to Danny Boyle that it [the Opening Ceremony] required so little editing." They shouldn't be editing it at all. Who are they to say what 'requires' editing. Are they Oscar winning directors? Are they Artistic Directors? No, they're men in suits.

Anyone can like or dislike something and anyone is allowed to express that but they took it upon themselves to cut one of the most touching and meaningful moments, and replaced it with and interview with Michael Phelps. And that's what's arrogant.

Imagine New York had won the bid to host the games and had put Stephen Spielgberg in charge of the Opening Ceremony. He then incorporates a memorial segment in honour of 9/11 victims into the show and the BBC decides: actually, that's just a bunch of Americans being murdered, that's kinda boring, so we'll go to an interview with Ben Ainslie instead. Now you have, in approximation, the type of offence we're talking about.

[Penelope]

I do see what you mean and understand your contempt. The media do edit what they show us and how they word items in the UK too. 'Manufacturing Consent' is what Noam Chomsky calls it.

We get loads of news about the US in our newspapers, but hardly anything about Europe, which we find maddening.

I suppose it's best to be aware of this anyway, and make it known when it is discovered as you have done in this case.

[Sebastian Michael]

I suppose it's best to be aware of this anyway, and make it known when it is discovered as you have done in this case.

I've now written an "Open Letter to NBC" and posted it to my blog:... http://sebastianmichaelon.blogspot.co.u ... o-nbc.html

[Penelope]

Sebastian, I like your blog! Thanks for that.

I am just reading 'On the Duty of Civil Disobedience' by Henry David Thoreau, an A.M.E.R.I.C.A.N.

Would anyone like to read it with me? It is a very short essay, but relevant and thought provoking.

[karend2007]

Has anyone been watching the Paralympics over the last few weeks? I've been addicted to it! I love watching all of the events and have been introduced to some new sports throughout the coverage of this.

[Penelope]

Paralympics!!


It is wonderful isn't it? I've had tears in my eyes so often....and they don't want that...they don't want tears. But they are so genuine! We don't get enough of 'genuine', do we?


I am Full of admiration. I'm not into competitive sports...but this is the acceptable face of competition. IMO.

Have you noticed how they 'help' one another, more than compete?

'They' - What do I mean by 'They'? People who have been forced to look life in the face.....and just get on with it.

[karend2007]

Paralympics!!

We don't get enough of 'genuine', do we?

'They' - What do I mean by 'They'? People who have been forced to look life in the face.....and just get on with it.

What do you mean by 'genuine' exactly? As a person with Spina Bifida, I hope that the Paralympics helps to lower the barrier between 'us' and 'Them'. After all, everyone is capable of great things, we only have to put our minds to it. I think that's what the Paralympics has taught me.