Opening ceremonies by definition and nature are a marketing tool for the hosts — for future business possibilities and legacy programmes. And they are almost always accompanied by generous doses of 'sound-and-light' shows, which on other days would be offered to the public as 'son-et-lumières' at national monuments.
And, yes there are points, which make you think; inspire you and at times force you to reflect, too.
Here are some of those of moments from Glasgow's Opening Ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games on Wednesday night:
THE BRAVE ACT
But the bravest act of all was the dancing and prancing Barrowman, who kissed his 'male bride' at the Opening. It was a clear message to the anti-homosexual legislations that still exist in as many as 42 of the 53 Commonwealth countries at these Games.
THE SOMBRE ACT
If the 'male kiss' was the brave act, the sombre one, a reminder of the times we all live in, was a simple one-minute silence requested for Scottish first minister, Alex Salmond, who asked the entire crowd and dignitaries to mark the memory of the 298 people who died in the crash of MH 17 flight in Ukraine.
At the Parade of Nations, the Malaysian athletes sported black armbands and their flag was at half mast in honour of the victims of the two recent air tragedies.
THE CUTE ACT
Without doubt the cutest act of the Opening at Glasgow was the Scottish Terriers leading the teams in with their handlers walking ahead of the Flag Bearers. They drew a huge applause and it surely was a delightful delivery.
THE 'SLIGHT' GOOF-UP
It would be a toss between Susan Boyle and Prince Imran of Malaysia's 'struggle ' to open the Baton to retrieve the Queen's Message, which was to be read out.
Boyle, who revealed that she knew she would perform at the Opening Ceremony, as far back as two years ago, forgot the Opening Lines of Mull of Kintyre.
Once the Queen was welcomed to rapturous cheers, Prince Imran of Malaysia, the President of Commonwealth Games Federation, attempted to open the Baton to read the message, which was kept secret till last night, and which circled the world – all 71 countries of the Commonwealth – over the last nine months.
Finally, he managed 'open' and retrieve the message which the read out. It spoke of "shared ideals and ambitions' of the Commonwealth.
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