General Discussion

MH1

(19,248 posts)

10. I don't get your issue with the anthem.

Fri Feb 7, 2014, 10:55 PM

Feb 2014

I thought back when the USSR broke up, Russia decided to keep the anthem music and change the lyrics.

I had studied a couple years of Russian back in high school (when it was the USSR) and we sort of "learned" the anthem as part of the class. I always thought the music itself was beautiful, even if the words and the politics were a bit off-putting.

Listening to it tonight - although I couldn't translate it, the words were definitely different than what we learned as the USSR anthem. But I still thought the music was beautiful.

So I don't get your comment about the anthem. There are plenty of other things wrong with Russia these days, and with this Olympics, sadly. I don't think the Russian anthem is one of them. (but maybe if I knew what the words meant I'd feel differently)

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Is anyone watching this ghastly OLYMPICS Opening Ceremony display on NBC? [View all] MADem Feb 2014 OP

WAIT for the second half, after the speeches and then wait for the lighting of the Olympic flame Fred Sanders Feb 2014 #1

Is Pootie's girlfriend THAT remarkable? MADem Feb 2014 #12

The escorts look like plug-in air fresheners. nt greyl Feb 2014 #2

Now that is funny....AND a perfect description. kelliekat44 Feb 2014 #23

I hope those ladies in the weird costumes are getting paid well. undeterred Feb 2014 #3

I think that's what Pootie wanted them to look like, sad to say. MADem Feb 2014 #15

The headdresses are stylized ethnic/folk headdress HereSince1628 Feb 2014 #16

If they looked like that, and had a costume to "go with," they wouldn't be so awful. MADem Feb 2014 #18

I feel compromised by the US Bad Xmas Sweaters HereSince1628 Feb 2014 #32

Well, Ralphie needs to GO as the designer of the US costumes. He sucks. He's had a couple of MADem Feb 2014 #45

Team Canada made up for the sweaters. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #48

The Russian coats were beautiful, imo. Control-Z Feb 2014 #130

I think I'd agree with that. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #204

Yeah, totally lost. undeterred Feb 2014 #36

The same was said of "Abide With Me" during the London Olympics. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #190

It's not a question of "Google." Or "American audiences." MADem Feb 2014 #195

Now you're the arbiter of taste... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #200

I don't know how old you are, but that's not "modern/futuristic." MADem Feb 2014 #207

Some have said they see "The Jetsons" or "Barbarella" in those outfits... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #213

Those costumes are entirely appropriate to the traditions of Rio. MADem Feb 2014 #216

This thread is gonna be full of Ugly American. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #26

Reminds me of Princess Beatrice at the Royal Wedding Tanuki Feb 2014 #40

That hat reminds me of a toilet seat. undeterred Feb 2014 #47

....... Tanuki Feb 2014 #52

.... undeterred Feb 2014 #58

OMG! adirondacker Feb 2014 #76

"Ushers"? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #88

I thought the opening sequence was cool, but the ring snowflake was funny--equality karma indeed. fishwax Feb 2014 #4

One snowflake refusing to conform? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #55

Yeah, but Pootie called him a SPECIAL SNOWFLAKE, arrested him, threw him in jail, and will MADem Feb 2014 #68

To the gulag... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #84

Snowden is confined in luxurious accommodations.... MADem Feb 2014 #87

Ooh, do post pics of Snowden's luxurious accommodations. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #91

He may well be living in that salmon-walled place where he was photographed in that shiny new suit. MADem Feb 2014 #93

From a musical (not lyrical) point of view... awoke_in_2003 Feb 2014 #5

Thank you, I just posted about it below. MH1 Feb 2014 #13

Agree. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #29

Did you notice the two men dancing together during the ballet ohheckyeah Feb 2014 #127

I missed that. What made me chuckle was the little... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #197

No, the Russian national anthem is not the same tune as the Internationale Lydia Leftcoast Feb 2014 #117

I completely agree. I think their Ilsa Feb 2014 #96

Agreed.. pangaia Feb 2014 #104

I think I heard a few notes from Trolololo as well! FrodosPet Feb 2014 #125

It sounds goofy flamingdem Feb 2014 #6

I was about to start the same thread! Pharaoh Feb 2014 #7

"They" say it is the most expensive opening in History. Auntie Bush Feb 2014 #24

I didn't make it past the Cost as propaganda piece with the Russian tennis star liberal N proud Feb 2014 #8

Nope. Watching it on CBC. Barack_America Feb 2014 #9

I don't get your issue with the anthem. MH1 Feb 2014 #10

No--the first anthem of the Russian federation was quite different, and they had it for ten years. MADem Feb 2014 #33

Well, not being a Russian myself, I don't get a vote. MH1 Feb 2014 #42

It doesn't really matter what they think. It was an executive decision. MADem Feb 2014 #54

Well, I'm curious what they think. As I recalled it, the Internationale was quite popular, MH1 Feb 2014 #56

If they still hold Russian passports, they'd be well advised to say it's all WONDERFUL! MADem Feb 2014 #64

When was the vote on our national anthem? former9thward Feb 2014 #144

1931. MADem Feb 2014 #145

No vote by the people. former9thward Feb 2014 #148

A vote by the elected representatives of the people. MADem Feb 2014 #149

The same thing happened in Russia. former9thward Feb 2014 #151

You're not serious, are you? MADem Feb 2014 #161

Yes, and our system is so, so perfect. former9thward Feb 2014 #166

You can't even compare the two--and since you're actually trying to, all I can say is I feel sorry MADem Feb 2014 #170

I have spent a month of my life in Russia. former9thward Feb 2014 #176

How special! And now you're an expert on the place... MADem Feb 2014 #178

Russia has had a strong man type government for as long as it existed. former9thward Feb 2014 #181

You sound like those guys who claimed that slaves liked slavery, and women preferred to MADem Feb 2014 #184

I'm not trying to impress you sparky. former9thward Feb 2014 #188

Well, you haven't impressed me, but I get the distinct impression you were trying like hell. MADem Feb 2014 #193

Wow, Seven strawmen in two sentences! former9thward Feb 2014 #196

I don't think so. MADem Feb 2014 #198

No one gets to vote on it. The Wielding Truth Feb 2014 #80

I thought the Russian Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony was pretty spectacular..... democratisphere Feb 2014 #11

I agree. The second half projection technology combined with live performers was magical and the Fred Sanders Feb 2014 #17

The history of Russia is very interesting. democratisphere Feb 2014 #25

It's fascinating. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #34

Me, too. I'm very impressed by Basilica and the ship at sea.... TheDebbieDee Feb 2014 #21

The Ballet Dancers, Costumes, Staging and Music are exceptional! democratisphere Feb 2014 #31

That was breathtaking. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #39

"Fun" fact--the gouged the eyes out of the guy who designed that basilica, so it would be "unique!" MADem Feb 2014 #99

Legend has it... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #121

Ditto otohara Feb 2014 #152

I agree. It was captivating. Impressive LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #157

I won't be watching that davidpdx Feb 2014 #14

It isn't ghastly. I must be watching the other Olympics. kwassa Feb 2014 #19

Whoa, did you see those cool wave effects? JVS Feb 2014 #20

Agreed. Amazing! democratisphere Feb 2014 #22

Please don't watch the ballet. elleng Feb 2014 #27

Ha! I just tuned in to this. babylonsister Feb 2014 #30

Good timing! elleng Feb 2014 #37

Right now, theyre talking about Putin wanting an increased birthrate in Russia... MADem Feb 2014 #46

Red balloon? You really don't do symbolism, do you? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #59

Thanks!!! elleng Feb 2014 #61

Swan Lake was pretty cool. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #65

Swan Lake is ALWAYS cool!!! elleng Feb 2014 #67

I always think of Billy Elliot... breathtaking. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #71

Yes, GOOD explosions! elleng Feb 2014 #72

I do "do" symbolism...but I don't think it's particularly edifying to lift a child MADem Feb 2014 #62

You're difficult to take seriously with your use of "Pootie." WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #66

So are you with your championing of a bigot! MADem Feb 2014 #70

Take one of those psychedelic mushrooms, MADem. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #74

I don't do psychedelic mushrooms...sorry! MADem Feb 2014 #85

First world problems. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #98

I think running water that doesn't poison people is a priority in most countries. MADem Feb 2014 #103

There's no denying there are problems... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #110

Are we holding the Olympics in West Virginia? MADem Feb 2014 #115

It was "pulled off" tonight, and you don't like it. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #118

What a pathetic assertion. MADem Feb 2014 #122

Hey, if the, ah, um, valenki fits, eh? WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #172

The Chinese didn't approach the press in a bullying fashion and boast about their MADem Feb 2014 #177

No one is championing Putin... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #186

Well, Obama isn't championing him--and good for him. MADem Feb 2014 #189

It wouldn't have mattered if every hotel LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #179

Yup. And the stray/abandoned dog situation saddens me to no end... WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #212

Running water that doesn't poison people isn't much of LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #163

I'd say they are treated qazplm Feb 2014 #165

Poisoned water is poisoned water no matter where LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #173

We aren't holding the Olympics in West Virginia, and we don't beat the MADem Feb 2014 #171

Isnt Russia qazplm Feb 2014 #164

LOL WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #169

The Swan Lake? MADem Feb 2014 #60

The LONDON opening ceremony was truly "ghastly." WinkyDink Feb 2014 #28

I thought that was OTT as well, but by comparison to this thing, it was restrained. MADem Feb 2014 #35

It looks like "Triumph Of The Will" meets "Barbarella" friendly_iconoclast Feb 2014 #43

Hee hee! That's about it... MADem Feb 2014 #49

Russian history was't pretty----especially for the Russian people. WinkyDink Feb 2014 #134

Welcome to Sochi! William769 Feb 2014 #38

He washed his face in the sink instead of in bottled water...fool! nt MADem Feb 2014 #50

That will teach him! nt William769 Feb 2014 #53

I like the lights everyone in the crowd have. They just glow without lightening Auntie Bush Feb 2014 #41

Watching it now pipi_k Feb 2014 #44

It will be interesting to see the world feedback Pharaoh Feb 2014 #51

Good grief--I think that bathroom takes the cake! MADem Feb 2014 #57

Heck it looks a lot fancier than our barracks in Fort Gordan 1968 n/t doc03 Feb 2014 #77

You should see barracks these days--you'd confuse them with condos. MADem Feb 2014 #89

Wow I would have stayed in if we had luxury digs like that. doc03 Feb 2014 #100

HA! The BOQ I stayed in at Fort Gordon was the same .... oldhippie Feb 2014 #147

It was joyless tavernier Feb 2014 #63

Please tell me: I am on the west coast, when do they start? potone Feb 2014 #69

I dunno-I tuned in at eight-ish, east coast time. MADem Feb 2014 #73

Watching the alphabet on the West Coast flamingdem Feb 2014 #75

They have a brilliant culture and a fascinating and long history. MADem Feb 2014 #123

Hey ! It's a different world and culture there ! I loved the Russian singer/music. nt Laura PourMeADrink Feb 2014 #78

What I saw of it was an awesome show, I guess I am doc03 Feb 2014 #79

I'm with you Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #159

+ 1000 LibDemAlways Feb 2014 #180

The part where the Russian Olympic Chairman Spoke Was Hysterical Vinnie From Indy Feb 2014 #81

I watched with someone who is hard of hearing and unwilling to get an assistive device. MADem Feb 2014 #124

Maria Sharapova is also beautiful, remember in the Cold War when all the doc03 Feb 2014 #82

OH NO YOU DIDN'T Skittles Feb 2014 #92

I thought it was an awesome opening ceremony. Miles sufrommich Feb 2014 #83

The dance segment done to... 3catwoman3 Feb 2014 #86

Swan Lake as performed by a pod of jellyfish, Tanuki Feb 2014 #90

Jellyfish-mushrooms! MADem Feb 2014 #94

Yes I did! TexasTowelie Feb 2014 #133

It was pipi_k Feb 2014 #146

Rank amateurs. Bennyboy Feb 2014 #95

I will confess it's been many years since I've been to a concert of that type.... MADem Feb 2014 #97

I think it kind of works, design wise flamingdem Feb 2014 #101

Unfortunately, TV viewers in Mother Russia didn't get to see that! MADem Feb 2014 #129

seriously that is the first thing the lights do.... Bennyboy Feb 2014 #105

Shows what I know about modern lighting and staging!! MADem Feb 2014 #108

It got a lot better... Bennyboy Feb 2014 #112

The band MOE last night Bennyboy Feb 2014 #183

I liked it. And Putin's girlfriend- babylonsister Feb 2014 #102

She (how appropriate) carried a TORCH!!!! MADem Feb 2014 #109

the ballet was very nice... chillfactor Feb 2014 #106

Apparently you have not noticed that ALL Olympics Opening Ceremonies are Ghastly. madinmaryland Feb 2014 #107

Of course they are, but some are more ghastly than others. MADem Feb 2014 #111

I am curious why you found the "production" ghastly? I have been seeing the Olympics going back madinmaryland Feb 2014 #113

Never mind, indeed. MADem Feb 2014 #114

I'm offended by what I consider to be your "GO USA" mentality and your madinmaryland Feb 2014 #116

Where, pray tell, have I said "Go USA?" I haven't. MADem Feb 2014 #119

Dubya's nickname for Putin... isn't that clever?! WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #120

They aren't "those" headdresses, though. The "stylized" aspect is lost when paired with a skirt MADem Feb 2014 #131

LOL @ "slit up to where ever". WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #185

Russia is in the midst of government incited porgroms against gay people Hippo_Tron Feb 2014 #219

I thought this was one of the best. Control-Z Feb 2014 #132

At least their anthem sounds nice, ours is a British drinking song davidn3600 Feb 2014 #126

Theirs is the old USSR one, with different words.... MADem Feb 2014 #128

I think our anthem sounds just fine qazplm Feb 2014 #167

Absolutely dreadful. Paladin Feb 2014 #135

China's was quite a spectacle. MADem Feb 2014 #136

China's show was impressive to the point of being a little ominous. Paladin Feb 2014 #137

Fair point. MADem Feb 2014 #138

+1. Japan's starting to worry me more than China. (nt) Paladin Feb 2014 #140

They're talking about changing their constitution to support military conduct MADem Feb 2014 #142

I thought it was great B2G Feb 2014 #139

Nope - TBF Feb 2014 #141

I also thought it was great! Owl Feb 2014 #143

the whole point of the olympics NM_Birder Feb 2014 #150

Pity that didn't happen. MADem Feb 2014 #153

I love the Olympics, NM_Birder Feb 2014 #191

I cannot be bothered to watch it. The overly dramatic burlesque is to be expected. JDPriestly Feb 2014 #154

One of the best opening ceremonies I have seen. Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #155

I thought it was gorgeous Baclava Feb 2014 #156

I agree Puzzledtraveller Feb 2014 #160

LOVED IT ! NM_Birder Feb 2014 #192

IMO, best ever Olympic torch... 3catwoman3 Feb 2014 #158

I have to agree. I don't know if it was "for real" or a bit of artistry, MADem Feb 2014 #162

I liked the dream sequence marlakay Feb 2014 #168

Yeah, the most disturbing pipi_k Feb 2014 #174

I understand your point, but realistically they are the world champions. goldent Feb 2014 #215

**Snap out of it!** frazzled Feb 2014 #175

It would be nice if they could, but you haven't been following the thread if you MADem Feb 2014 #187

And you didn't follow my post frazzled Feb 2014 #201

You're saying you took attendance? Or are you saying that because you believe MADem Feb 2014 #206

MHO of the opening ceremonies: northoftheborder Feb 2014 #182

I thought it was beautiful. egduj Feb 2014 #194

Thank goodness for the innocence of children Blue_Adept Feb 2014 #199

Hate blinds you whatchamacallit Feb 2014 #202

Well, I suppose it takes one...? You're obviously speaking from experience. MADem Feb 2014 #210

Wow, how two people watching the same thing have totally different reactions.... Swede Atlanta Feb 2014 #203

I don't think you will get your wish (about a post-Soviet Russia). MADem Feb 2014 #211

Post removed Post removed Feb 2014 #205

I refuse to watch AndreaCG Feb 2014 #208

I can't say as I blame you. nt MADem Feb 2014 #209

"Sorry Putin, the Sochi Opening Ceremony Was Totally Gay" WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2014 #214

Late to the party, but I liked the opening ceremony. FSogol Feb 2014 #217

I liked the opening ceremony Harmony Blue Feb 2014 #218

I'm boycotting the Winter Olympics. Rex Feb 2014 #220

I am watching snippets, and clucking disapprovingly! MADem Feb 2014 #221