Even as I write this, I may be witnessing China’s triumph over western commercialism. The opening ceremonies of the Olympics are being broadcast with near-constant interruption by NBC — it’s jarring. The commercials are not well balanced and they are dramatically NOT beautiful, especially when compared to the opening ceremonies.
The opening ceremonies, on the other hand, are unbelievable. The art…. the music… the coordination… the precision… I’m not ignorant; I know that the show is carefully planned propaganda (as are all opening ceremonies for all Olympics), but this is unlike anything I have ever seen. Perhaps unlike anything else I will ever see in my life.
Now, if only NBC hadn’t tried so hard to destroy it….
Whomever offers the media contracts for the next Olympics, pay attention: Don’t give the contract to NBC.
Grace and peace,
`tim
It was the same with the Athens games. They had this spectacular opening with Bjørk singing. And Katie Couric and Bob Costas talking over her the entire time. If only I could have reached through the screen and bitch-slapped both of them.
TiVO, my friend, TiVO. It will change your life. If you do one thing this summer (aside from attending the fiber festival, which at first glance I thought had to be related to Kellogs and Battle Creek), get TiVO.
And if you record Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, you might be able to take it as a job-related tax deduction. Not to mention, you’ll never miss Bob Abernathy and Lucky Severenson again!