Some people need to get a grip - why is it that americans in particular throw a hissy fit at any mention of the NHS or "socialized medicine"? The NHS for all its faults is still a fantastic organization which has saved countless lives.
For those that may not be aware the "GOSH" thing they showed refers to the Great Ormand Street Hospital for children, and its charity, which treats the very sickest children (for free), some of which were actually there taking part in that section of the show and no doubt had the time of their lives. Also with them were real NHS nurses.
So a charity and hospital which saves childrens lives just got prime position on the biggest advertising space on the planet for free.. damn those money grabbing corporates eh?
Also the NHS was founded the same time as the olympics was previously held in London so that's another connection.
40 billion pounds just moved from public to big companies.The average joe has nothing from it
40B didn't just land in some fat-assed CEO's pocket. Who do you think built all those stadiums? Also the roads around them, the electricity cables, IT, water and sewage infrastructure servicing them? Who installed all the equipment? Who cleans them every day? Who cooks and serves the food there? Who is providing the (private) security? All that would be the average working joe.. tens of thousands of people earning salaries. Those salaries which they then spend so the money also goes around their communities. Also think of all the tourists flocking to London now who are no doubt spending masses of cash - hotels and B&B's, restaurants & cafes, pubs, taxis, tickets for all sorts of local attractions and on on.. that also doesn't all go to the fatcats.
Overall I thought the opening show was EPIC. So different, so many surprises along the way, bizarre at times and also very distinctly British and ultimately great entertainment for those able to keep an open mind. Oh and it also cost a fraction of the Chinese opening show.