Quick Notes and Thoughts (Olympics)

OK, let's start with the Olympics because I have the road race on behind me as I write this. The opening ceremonies last night were very fun. As some of my friends have mentioned, it was reminiscent of the "Scouring of the Shire" - the overthrow of a "peaceful and happy" agrarian society to one of the Industrial Revolution. Of course, mentions of famine, Lords and serfs, and land entitlement weren't mentioned at all. So, the Industrial Revolution takes over and then we pass on to a major segment celebrating the wonders of Britain's health care system. I'm envious of some parts of the system, but have enough friends who have had difficulties with getting adequate and timely care through the National Healthcare System that I am a bit skeptical. It was fun though. Mary Poppins was fun, the Queen and James Bond parachuting into the stadium was marvelous, and the way that the torch was lit - yeah. Those were all good. In the main, I enjoyed spending several hours watching the opening ceremonies.

( pics, commentary and a little bit of AinA editing below the cut )