Forum Topic

'The Magic of the Olympic Torch' - Oh No!!

What exactly is all this nonsense about the 'magic' of the flame of the Olympic Torch. Have we actually reached the equivalent of the Bread and Circuses phase of the Roman Empire?The City is saying that we await the economic lift of the Olympic Games effect. So is the whole thing to do with generating revenue and giving us a few weeks relief from the double dip recession?Oh yes and you can throw in the Queen's Jubilee as another bit of artificial 'magic' that might stimulate sales of all kind of stuff.Or it is that I'm just a grumpy old man.

Eric Alan Leach ● 5065d4 Comments

I could be more grumpy and point out that the London Olympics has starved funding for grass roots sport throughout the country in recent years. I could even point out that the Olympics itself is primarilly a TV event which could take place anywhere. I'm not the only one to think that it should take place in the same venue every time. For all kind of reasons a venue in Greece would be my favourite.As for The Jubilee I suppose it's all innocent fun for Royalists, but it's important to realise that it doesn't actually mean anything.

Eric Alan Leach ● 5064d

The Magic for me will be when the events actually start. The first starting pistol in the early rounds of the sprints is the time to get excited. Magic is an over used word. Maybe Paul Daniels as a Torch Bearer might be magic!!

Peter Chadburn ● 5064d

http://www.thanet.gov.uk/leisure__culture/sports_clubs__centres/london_2012_olympics/the_olympic_torch.aspxEric, here's why someone thinks the torch magical. I expect you may be grumpy because the style of hype is very different to that in the past, and for me basically a complete turnoff. I have never been much of a sport spectator type, but sport is so important, and so let people get carried away if they so wish - and even be motivated to do sport rather than nothing. Not clear if you are being grumpy about the monarchy as opposed to a presidency, or just the hype. I favour the state giving us a day off to think about something other than work or the euro or the stench of politics. If it needs a jubilee for many to enjoy themselves then go for it. I hardly think it is going to bankrupt the country.

George Knox ● 5064d

i think you're half a grumpy old man...I joke of course, i see your point, and i agree to some point. but things like this tend to bring some people hope or something like that. there's a lot of people out there that these kind of celebrations really mean a lot to. The Jubilee is important to me as i am a proud Englishman and this is a big moment for our monarch. im totally on your side about the torch business though

marcus talbot ● 5064d