London 2012 – ‘As bad as the Bank of England!’

Welcome to the first Olympic Scrapbook installment, writes Paraic O’Brien. As well as Olympic news, I’ll be taking a “seriously sideways” look at the greatest sporting event in the world.

Here you’ll find video, pictures, commentary and news on the Games. You’ll also find the bizarre parallel sideshow that only a place like London can put on.

I want your input. So if you see or hear stuff that warrants broadcast on these pages, send it to me on Twitter.

Today I’m looking at the branding and sponsorship of the Games.

As “sideways” perspectives go, it doesn’t get any more “sideways” than the Reverend Billy Talen, from the Church of Stop Shopping. He’s an Amercian comedian/activist. In character, he’s an evangelical, anti-consumerism preacher.

I interviewed him last week out on the street in London’s financial district. It all got a little out of hand. Behold, my children…

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