My favorite part of any opening ceremony is counting the number of countries represented that I have never heard of. This year it was three: Nauru, Kiribati, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Sure, I've heard of Macedonia, but apparently they have to use that unusual name in the UN (see this Wikipedia post http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_naming_dispute).
As for the rest of the show, I loved seeing Frank Turner as a warm-up act (might not have been televised in other countries). Liked the sheep (and the sheepdog), and the whole Industrial Revolution sequence was entertaining. The "Salute to the National Health Service" only makes sense if you know that there are few things the Brits are more proud/fond of than their health care system. Rowan Atkinson in the "Chariots of Fire" bit was a hoot. Emelie Sande singing "Abide With Me" was moving. The torch lighting sequence, with James Bond and the Queen, Becks bringing it by boat, and that amazing cauldron, was the highlight for me.
As for Sir Paul, I'd always rather see someone sing live rather than lip-synching, but in this case, ouch.
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