The isle is full of noises

Aw, I'm a bit sad that Le Guin didn't enjoy Britain's funny little postcard to the world. "Hello!" it seemed to be saying. "This isn't going to be as impressive as Beijing, because we're skint and a bit rubbish! But here's some stuff we like! You may like some of it too!" (I wonder if the notorious NBC coverage made it less than impressive viewing in the US?)

Personally, I was rubbing my eyes the moment I saw poppies and heard Jerusalem. I may have had a lump in my throat when the children's choir sang and signed the national anthem (sorry, Dad). I bounced gleefully at the TARDIS noise. OK, the parade of athletes went on a bit, but we had a pizza delivered then so I had other things on my mind. But I was back to being in full flow when I saw who was carrying the Olympic flag. I even forgave McCartney. (I suppose if there are Beatles to be had, you've got to have one.) The next day I discovered that the writer, Frank Cottrell Boyce, sneaked in my home town's motto (Ex Terra Luce), and I got all choked up all over again.

Proud to be British? Don't be daft, that's an accident of history and birth (OK, and a conscious decision). But I thought some good things were represented in that big silly old sentimental large-hearted show: things that are, of course, universal.

Anyway, must go and cheer on Beth Tweddle in the gymnastics.