I loved the madcap opening ceremony of 2012 Olympics. Danny Boyle’s extravaganza was full of bookish references. I loved the fact that J.K. Rowling read Peter Pan. I loved the fact that P.L. Travers’ most famous character was celebrated. I loved the giant Voldemort. I loved James Bond walking into Buckingham Palace. I watched the event on Sunday evening on the PVR but my kids watched the whole thing live on Friday and I’m told they went bonkers when the Queen jumped out of the helicopter.

I loved the homage to the NHS and Great Ormond Street too. What on Earth did the American Republicans make of that? I loved the fact that many viewers outside the UK would have been completely baffled for long periods of time during the ceremony. Great stuff.