BS: Avoiding The Olympics

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 07:52 PM

Joel Connelly, New York Times Service columnist, has an article here about the Olympics.

Among other things he reports that Steven Spielberg cancelled his commitment to help stage opening and closing ceremonies in Beijing.

He also says that the British Olympic Association had planned to require that "British athletes sign a gag order prohibiting them from criticizing China's human rights record" during the games.

I don't know if the BOA followed through.

I didn't know - or had forgotten - that Jesse Owen and Ralph Metcalfe, both Black, were inserted into the 1936 Olympics competition in Nazi Germany to replace Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, both Jews and evidently considered by the US to be too incendiary.

Hurray for Jesse Owen! Hitler got a real pie in the face that time.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: skarpi
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 12:01 PM

never mix politics with sports , dont belong together .

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 10:48 AM

Well that proved interesting....

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 10:42 AM

"What??!! Hey buddy, you try hittin them thar little spaces and counting backwards in various multiples after a dozen pints. That takes keen physical coodination and accoutantability!"

LOL Gnu! You got me there mate! I can't even count backwards sober :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 07:52 AM

"What would that be? Being aggressively annoying perhaps?"

Catspaw49,

I've never heard opera described as, "aggressively annoying" before. It can be annoying ... but aggressively so(?)

Oh, I see, you think I'M agressively annoying (or am I being paranoid?)! Well, I suppose I can be ... but there's no law against it. Do you find it annoying that my opinions are often different from yours and that I often express them forcefully?

As for your other remarks, concerning "folk in general" - do you find it boring? Just wondering ...

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 07:49 AM

Well the recent history of the Olympics is one of bribes, drugs, cheating and $$$$ it is probably a better way for nations to compete than total war. China hopes to gain stature by hosting them this year and they seem willing to trample their citizens to make it happen. I think that to pander to China is a huge mistake and the world could use the games to send them a message. Send the athletes but no politicians or dignitaries and no TV dollars.
However Bush says that he won't miss it. With luck Harper's rule will end before then. The Dali Lama holds honourary Canadian citizenship so perhaps we could send him to represent our government.
In the early Olympics the athletes were naked. That might make it a bit more interesting for some.
   Remember Tiananmen Square !

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: gnu
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 05:14 AM

Backwoodsman "... Darts - fat drunks playing pub games. No more a sport than crochet or quilting. Including Darts in sports programs is an insult to real sportsmen and women."

What??!! Hey buddy, you try hittin them thar little spaces and counting backwards in various multiples after a dozen pints. That takes keen physical coodination and accoutantability!

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 03:49 AM

"There is an insane notion among our Brit friends that they need to demean the sports that they cannot excel in - and it comes across as a defense against a lack of skills and a poor eduction."

I'm British, well-educated, an accountant, musician, ex-amateur footballer, ex-squash player, ex-competitive rower (all ex- due to age and health problems) and I love sports - ESPECIALLY the ones we cannot excel in at the moment, like Rugby, Football (the real version played mostly with the feet), Cricket and Athletics. Hell, I even watch American Football and Baseball during the night when its on Sky and sleep evades me! :-)

And I love the Olympics, no matter what the event, I'm glued to the Telly. Shame the next lot will take place overnight for us here, so I won't see it live, just the recorded highlights. But I'm due to retire in April, 2012, just in time for the London Olympics - what a great Summer that will be - Olympics and Cricket dawn-to-dusk! BRING IT ON! :-) :-)

The only so-called 'sport' I detest is Darts - fat drunks playing pub games. No more a sport than crochet or quilting. Including Darts in sports programs is an insult to real sportsmen and women.

BTW, why do Americans think we have no skills and no education? Many of us have those in abundance, and we also have grace, charm and a sense of humour. And we can spel. LOL.

IMHO, of course. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 03:14 AM

"As someone whose tax dollars will be helping to pay for the next winter olympics"

Bob the Postman - WILL be helping? Matey, we've been paying for the 2012's ever since it was announced we'd be getting them, nearly 3 years ago.

So far, all we've seen is an increase in migrant workers - despite the promise that a vast percentage of the work would go to local firms. We've seen an increase in traffic - despite promises that this would not be the case. We've had an increase in air pollution - especially after the major fire there last summer, where the sun was blotted out by a huge pall of smoke, hundreds of people were evacuated and thousands more with chest problems told to stay indoors with the windows shut, on one of the hottest days of the year. We've had one delay after another, the bill has already doubled and it's our council tax that's being diverted to pay for it.

I live only a few miles away from what will be the 2012 Olypmic Park... I have no chance of avoiding the Olympics in life - the wretched torch arrives next Sunday - but at least I can turn the television to a different station, or off altogether and go read a book.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 03:02 AM

Barry, in my opinion it is not an either/or proposition. Music and writing and teaching the art of thinking will always remain important but an active, healthy body is also important. As for your hypothetical kid who learns "too late" that focusing on reaching a professional level in his or her chosen sport- I don't think it is ever too late.

I think it's a matter of interests- you gravitated to activities of the sea. Wonderful. But another person may love anything to do with cars (even NASCAR!) and another person may love everything to do with horses or perhaps fishing in the solitude of wild places.

In the best of all worlds we would have a balance in all things at the same time as we enabled and encouraged each person to pursue their own dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 11:49 PM

I haven't the slightest interest in watching any sports, the Olympics, any of the college or pro sports games on TV, nor world challange of poker, etc. I do mind that they take up space on the airwaves, newspaper type space, the events cause traffic tie-ups, smog & useless noise. I also mind that it's pitched to kids as a way towards a better life & that the development of the body is Spartan & prosperous economically & far above the development of the mind & intellect. When I see that structures are build for kids that compete in Science Fairs & centers of learning cease building state of the art gyms while completely neglecting Writing Halls & Art Centers & coaches & teachers & schools train/teach kids to actually suceed in the ways of the world that would make them productive as well as happy & focus more on world citizenship than whose car is faster & whose jumps higher.
I've always loved any water sport & when in better shape & when younger I would sail, scuba, water ski, para-sail, snorkle, I also love martial ARTS & enjoy watcking good practioners but the body is only at it's prime for a short time & few ever are able to make mega bucks at it. Well the mind lasts a lot longer & there's more potential for making money & being happy with the development of knowledge than for the body. All the very poor inner city kids & the backwood yokels that see basketball or any other sport as a way out of poverty get sick to death when the find that the pill they've been sold is nothing more than a bitter dream that they've swallowed & it's to late for them to focus on the development or their best asset, the brain.
When society gives the brain as much limelight as it gives the sports body then I won't care a hoot about which one causes a traffic jam or who gets a broken leg.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 09:41 PM

At least one world-class distance runner has already announced his intention to skip this one, based on his belief that the polution levels could permanently damage him.

Most teams are arranging practice sessions considerably removed from the "performance areas" to avoid as much of the polution as possible.

And the latest threat to unhindered performance is the announced concern that virtually all toilets that will be accessible in the area are "squat toilets." Arrangements are being made to provide "more conventional facilities" for VIPs (the Olympic Committee of course) and to some athletes, but for the rest ...

Without cable, in the US about the only athletic event I get on TV is "high stakes poker."¹ Even a good golf match has more action ...

¹ Unless one counts screaming preachers as "athletic." Some of them do appear to get more exercise than the wall-to-wall "infomercials" on "ab-builders" and weight reducing exercise machines.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 05:50 PM

I am in Spaw's corner. When I get the chance I watch the Olympics. I only wish they showed entire events and more of them. I have only basic cable and it tends to air only snippets of selected contests and participants.

The reason(s) I watch when I can is the afore-mentioned knowledge that these people have worked hard for years to get there. Honest effort and persistence is not to be sneezed at by the likes of me.

As for China this summer-

*I can't imagine how they are going to pull it off, what with the air pollution. I'm afraid that many wins will be compromised by reactions to the particulates and allergens.

* Secondly, I truly do think they should cancel the games this summer if China persists in its efforts to suppress Tibet's protest.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 01:47 PM

Right on Spaw!!!   

I felt bad after I postged my remarks, but reading some of the new posts, it seems the ignorance continues. It is a lack of tolerance and poor education that contributes to their isolated view of the world.

Bob the Postman makes some good points, and I respect anyone who will boycott the games for political reasons. I also respect anyone who doesn't care for the sport - I've watched and felt bored by exhibitions of rugby and cricket. Yet, I am not going to demean those who excell in those sports, nor try to make someone who enjoys watching those sports feel bad.   

There is an insane notion among our Brit friends that they need to demean the sports that they cannot excel in - and it comes across as a defense against a lack of skills and a poor eduction. What would possess someone to contribute negative comments that serve little purpose?   Does it make you feel better about yourself?   Maybe it is a cultural thing. The empire has been lost and clinging to a feeling of superiority might be the only joy left in their lives.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 01:03 PM

LOL......What would that be? Being aggressively annoying perhaps?

I understand your point of course, but understand mine as well. Everything is boring as hell to someone.......including shanty singing, folk in general, Morris dancing, and researching the 4th word in the 17th line of the 92nd verse of "Lord Randall" or something approximating that title.................

Spaw---NASCAR Voter

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 12:31 PM

"Some fat fuck stands on stage in front of an orchestra screaming out words in a foreign language for seemingly an hour and then does it again and again til the program ends."

As it happens I don't find opera very entertaining either. But at least there's something happening for most of the time!

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Walrus
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 12:26 PM

I am arthritic, I detest televised sport, I have no interest in the olympics at all, I live in South West London, so will get no advantage from 2012 (not even the much promised 'improved infrastructure'), the only sport I am interested in will receive no advantage from the games, and I didn't want the bloody thing here in the first place.
How do I avoid paying for the Olympics?

crabbily

Walrus

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 09:38 AM

As someone whose tax dollars will be helping to pay for the next winter olympics I say to hell with the olympics, they globalise elite athletics, enclosing the commons of individual achievement so that media herds can be fattened for market. Whatever the olympics used to be, now they're just something on TV. Every sport has its own world championships, that oughta do. No need for a warehouseful of fresh pork barrels every two years, there's venues aplenty already. As to whether the Americans or the Europeans are more responsible for debasing the olympic ideal, the real guilty party is us, the folks who watch it on TV. Avoid.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 06:35 AM

Some fat fuck stands on stage in front of an orchestra screaming out words in a foreign language for seemingly an hour and then does it again and again til the program ends.

Why is this interesting?




Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 06:20 AM

What I call "the chucking stuff (javelins, discuses etc.) events" are mildly diverting, for about 5 minutes, if there really is nothing else on the telly ... and I'm really, really bored. But most of the TV coverage seems to be the running round a track stuff. Now that is REALLY boring:

A few thin, wiry people hop around for ages (in fact whole geological epochs often go by while they do this). Then they they slowly, slowly get into blocks and assume uncomfortable positions with their bony bottoms in the air. Then some bloke fires a starting pistol and they all start running. Then a mis-start is declared and they go back to hopping about some more whilst adjusting their shorts over their bony bottoms ... and on and on and on. Eventually, days or weeks later the race starts and someone from Ethiopia wins.

Why is this interesting?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 06:10 AM

I'm just an ignorant shitkicker myself so although I hate much of what has happened to the Olympics I still tune in sometimes to both the winter and summer games.

There's never enough coverage of sailing or the other less popular sports as some of you have mentioned. And I figure that "Wide World of Sports" changed the way sports was covered over 40 years back and the very thing that made it work, the sappy personal stories, still drives the dollars today. I guess a few folks like that stuff. Its sorta' like running long threads on Curling and Cricket and Football and Hockey and ............oops, sorry, that never happens does it?

That's the problem with me though 'cause I'm a NASCAR voter........NASCAR is all caps btw. I actually prefer dirt track racing with Sprint Cars and Midgets which is really pathetic huh? Yeah...Sucks to be me..........Jackie Stewart liked it too though. He was taken to his first dirt Sprinter race in Indiana one year and all the racers in the pits were excited to meet him. After watching several heats he went through the pits shaking hands. Someone offered him their car to run in a heat but Jackie said, "Thank you but nooo....I left me helmet in Indianapolis." Someone offered a helmet and the wonderfully quick witted Scot answered, "Nooo, I left me balls there too."

Gotta' go now as another daily early AM NASCAR show is on The Speed Channel.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Jeanie
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 05:08 AM

For those of us in the UK, it's going to be harder than this time around to avoid the Olympics in 2012. I must admit, it is not something I am looking forward to, and my heart sank when London won the bid instead of Paris.

*However*, people are already planning some alternative/parallel British events for 2012. This one is already getting under way. How about nationwide "British Tradition in Music, Dance and Song" events for 2012, on the lines that the Shakespeare people are planning ?

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 12:25 AM

But since the Chinese have suggested that they may prohibit live broadcasts of "some events" the political implications should drive us all to watch just to see if they do it.

The headlines, of course, imply that it's an oppressive political decision probably related to the Tibet situation and with moral implications related to the "one child per family" policy, etc. ... etc. ...

Maybe if I get really bored, I'll read one of the articles and see if that's what the Chinese said (if they said anything).


But later.



Maybe much later.


John

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 06:49 PM

Good job Rapaire! Nothing better than going out and doing it for yourself.

Your note reminded me, the Olympics makes all sports available - and not everyone is seeing the same show as we get in the U.S., and I am sure the Brits are seeing something different as well. Each country can bid on the rights to the sports they wish to show, and would be of interest to their own citizens.

It should also be noted that revenues from broadcasting, while I am sure is lining a few pockets, is also going to enable amateur sport around the globe.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:36 PM

There are also the "nearlys" -- those who try and try but never get quite good enough.

But at least they try. It's those who sit on their duff and complain and who have always done so that annoy me.

And let's face it: the networks only broadcast what they feel to be the most politically and economically astute sports. How many people actually ride? Or shoot skeet? Or fence? And let's face it: some sports, such as shooting targets, are simply boring to watch -- someone standing up shooting holes in paper with a VERY expensive .22 rifle hardly has the action appeal of, say, a gymnast, even if it does take the same amount of training and ability.

Also, shooting, archery, fencing, wrestling, tae kwan do, judo, boxing and similar sports are considered by many to be "politically incorrect" because of violence. Never mind that discus, shotput, javelin, and even marathon are just as violent in their ancestry.

But it doesn't matter -- it's unlikely I'll be watching. I'm more likely to be out and doing.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:58 PM

I'm sorry... my last post was probably harsher than it should have been, and I certainly did not mean to knock Sinsull or shanty singing, which I love.   

My problem is the negativity that seems to still rise here on Mudcat. Even the title of this thread smacks of a smarmyness that just doesn't help anything. I loath the fact that everything seems to be blamed on the U.S. and there is an air of superiority that comes across - as if our friends overseas were never guilty of crass commercialism.   I hate the fingerpointing at the expense of others.

Sinsull's comments, which I am sure were meant innocently, struck a nerve because out of all those atheletes from around the world - there are many hard working "kids" who work very hard to reach their goal. There always seems to be a snobbery about atheletes, and perhaps it is because of all the high profile clowns who tarnish the image, but at the heart of it - the Olympics is still about the kid down the street who excels at something and works hard to be a success.

Again, my apologies for my own addition to the bile that get spewed around around here. It did not help.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:39 PM

"The Olympics rate along with football, basketball, and hockey in my world. Giant YAAAWWNNNN. "

Sort of the effect that shanty singing has on others.

Comeon, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I'm not a big fan of the Olympics either, but what sort of jollies do people get from knocking what gives others pleasure? Around Mudcat, that seems to be a huge pastime.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:35 PM

The Olympics rate along with football, basketball, and hockey in my world. Giant YAAAWWNNNN. Sorry - I know young people break their hearts trying to get there but I still can't care about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: open mike
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 04:23 PM

the sanskrit heart mantra "The All is a precious jewel in the lotus flower which blooms in my heart".
hear it here: http://www.iloveulove.com/spirituality/hindu/omaum.htm

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 03:51 PM

Yeah, the Olympics haven't been the same since Homer & Jethro.

I'd like to see some new sports, too. Like javelin catching and tenniskeet and skate fencing.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 02:49 PM

"Actually I blame the USA (why not!?) - who lavished heaps of money, turning it into a Circus..."

Yeah, the USA fucked up the Olympics. I guess that is what happens when you offer money to the European whores that run the event. It seems like on that side of the pond that folks are willing to grab their ankles and bend over at the promise of a few Euros.

Short term memories. Look at the lavish spreads that have been put on for decades.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Becca72
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 12:37 PM

I've made it 36 years without ever watching the Olympics...why change that now?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 11:55 AM

The only sport is "Who dares to take the most drugs?"

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 11:54 AM

The Olympics have been nothing since Steve Ovett & Seb Coe!!

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: redsnapper
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 11:43 AM

No I shall be playing music instead. Like Rapaire, the things I have done (e.g. fencing) and do now (archery) are almost neglected. Recent Chinese activities in Tibet have made me even less inclined to watch.

Hi Saul! You got the answer? Hope it was a good one! Aum mani padme hum is generally considered to have a very broad meaning indeed as each of the syllables has a broad meaning of its own.

All the best,

RS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: fat B****rd
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 11:31 AM

What's wrong with The Olympics? I thought "Western Movies" was a    great record.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 10:46 AM

Nevermind. A quick Google search turned up the answer. Thanks anyway.

Saul

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 10:44 AM

I don't think I'll be watching much, either. Good reasons given here.

But hey, what does this mean: aum mani padme hum? I have heard it before. Either from "Hair: the Musical" or from Firesign Theater. Whatsit mean? Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Michael
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 10:42 AM

Sorry,did someone mention Olympics? they only happen every 4 years so we aren't due for any for a while yet.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: bankley
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 10:23 AM

and don't be fooled by those fancy Reboks that China wears for the Games... there's Jack-boots underneath.






aum mani padme hum

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 09:51 AM

And while we're talking about the decline of the Olympics, please don't forget that the Soviet Union fielded what were in essence professionals, only they were disguised as "Army officers" and others.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 09:50 AM

They show little or nothing of the sports I am interested in: fencing, shooting, modern pentathalon, archery and so on. Why should I bother?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 09:29 AM

I don't think I'll intentionally watch any of it. Not interested in sports. The way it's presented on TV, you'd think USA was the only team competing.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 07:38 AM

So glad to see I won't be alone then!

How about an online music session? :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:13 AM

I shall not be watching. Shall we lump those who do in with "Nascar Voters"?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Peace
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:11 AM

Shan't.

How are you, John?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:08 AM

Hopefully that means I'll be able to catch up on the videos I haven't watched, the CD's I haven't listened to and the tidying I haven't done.

Never been a sports fan... and never been a big fan of China in Tibet either.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: irishenglish
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:00 AM

I used to love the Olympics, but now sadly, with the influx of professional atheletes into the mix, and even the "professional" way almost all of the events are handled makes it unenjoyable. Between the sappy US coverage-focused more on the drama, than the events (why can't we just watch an entire event, maybe something we normally don't get to see on tv?) and the quest for gold by someone who sees it as a moneymaker, rather than a reward for dedication just turns me off.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 10:55 AM

I HEARD IT DESCRIBED RECENTLY AS A GLORIFIED SPORTS DAY, WHICH JUST ABOUT SUMS IT UP, AND I HATED SPORTS DAY.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 10:55 AM

The shan't you say!