BS: Avoiding The Olympics

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Aug 08 - 07:39 AM

Well the closing ceremony will soon be the end of avoiding it for another 4 years.

But it won't be over till The Fat Lady Sings... in secret, and is mimed to by another far more Prettily Acceptable Lady...

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:48 PM

Picture in local paper:

Group of Aussies on top of Great Wall.

Holding sign.

"Built by Emperor Nasi Goring to keep the rabbits out"

Editor note: Only Australians could understand this.


Also

The other day, Aussies swimmers, now finished, toured the great wall. Was shown on the National News. One lady said "Musta worked, Don't see any rabbits"



Now THAT's Aussie Humour...

:-P

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 10:46 AM

A cartoon in the newspaper today after the news that Britain actually won something...

'Funny how everyone has stopped feeling sorry for the Dali Lama all of a sudden'...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Folk Form # 1
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:14 AM

This thing will be coming to London in 4 years. Oh no! I'll read a good book instead.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 11:40 PM

http://au.sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news/article/-/4924862/olympics-beijing-olympics-medals-table

ROFK - but you might have to be quick to catch it...

QUOTE
Olympics: Beijing Olympics medals table
AFP - August 19, 2008, 12:52 pm

Olympics medals table at the start of Tuesday:
UNQUOTE

The rest of the page shows that SOMEBODY can't write HTML.... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: DannyC
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 05:47 PM

A Boxer's Story:

Jimmy

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: KB in Iowa
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 05:30 PM

I wouldn't even bother watching the remake of Psycho myself (not that others should avoid it as well). I guess if I heard from reliable sources that the reamke was masterful I might give it a go but such is not the case here.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 06:30 PM

Hi Poppagator - I was aware of Alfred's English roots - he was born not too far away from where I live in east London, in Leytonstone, and there is still a funeral directors nearby called Hitchcocks, who are related (but I'm not sure how... might be interesting for a BBC film crew to investigate one day).

I've been a fan of his films for many years, but never had the money or space to make a complete video collection. With the issue of his works on DVD, I can at least start with the well known ones.

I also think you're right in that he did mature and improve on his previous works. But I don't think anyone could improve on his 'Psycho'.... the colour remake and the subsequent movies just didn't have that nervy edge that the original has. Somehow stage blood just never gets that same depth or frisson of horror as that shot of the chocolate sauce going down the plughole...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: KB in Iowa
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 01:09 PM

Thanks PoppaGator for the Taiwan info. I didn't (never do) watch the opening ceremonies.

I was against letting pros into the Olympics until I found out about the origin of the amateur ideal coupled with the pro-in-all-but-name status of eastern bloc athletes.

LtS, sorry about adding Olympic content to the thread about avoiding same. You do make a good point.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: PoppaGator
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 12:49 PM

Liz the Squeak has a point. This particular discussion was started by and for folks with no interest in watching, or even thinking about, the current Games. There are several other threads wherein those of us who enjoy various events are sharing reactions with each other.

If this thread were really confined to Olympic avoidance, it would probably have dropped off the bottom of the page shortly after the Opening Ceremonies. And maybe revived again, but maybe not.

Big Phil, you like that Women's Beach Volleyball, huh? Me too. I really get into any Olympic volleyball match, even men, even indoors, probably because it's the one sport I was able to continue playing until well into my 40s. When someone dives for a dink shot placed just out of reach, I'll involutarily jump up out of my easy chair with an audible grunt, as though I were able to reach out and save the ball myself!

But of course, the pairs of bikini-clad babes adds another whole dimension to the viewing experience. Six-foot-two-inch-tall Kerri Walsh, in particular, really caught my attention during her first Olympic appearances, back and she and I and all of us were eight years younger. I finally got over my fascination with her this time around, observing her too-too-genuine enthusiasm at meeting with President Bush (not a favorite of mine).

I've got a few things to say about the phony, irrelevant, and historically elitist concept of "amateurism," which has popped up here and in several other threads. When I work up the energy and have the time, I might start a separate thread to sound off on that volatile topic.

Liz, enjoy those movies. I assume you know that the great Alfred Hitchcock began his career in England. Here in the states, we have a cable channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) which airs a huge collection of great old films with no commercial interuptions 24/7; I've seen many Hitchcock films, old and new, British and Hollywood, since we began receiving TCM.

Hitch made two films called "The Man Who Knew Too Much." The more recent is the better known, filmed in color in Hollywood and starring Jimmy Stewart. Last night (during a dinner-hour lull in the Olympics telecast) we had a chance to see the much earlier British black-and-white version. Very interesting to consider the similarities and differences. I think Hitch made a much better film the second time around, partly thanks to a bigger budget and more advanced film technology, but also thanks to his own increased maturity and artistry.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 09:07 AM

I saw the syncro dives
WOW the only differences sometines were the skin tones.

IT does open up dozens of new events by just offering a sycro version. The syncro hammer throw, the syncro javilin, the syncro skeet shoot
all announced by a pair of moderators speaking in unison.
Watch it all with 3D glasses in stereo.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 04:25 AM

Hey, this is AVOIDING the Olympics - go talk about it on one of the many other Olympic threads if you must - leave this one to us who are happy for them to happen but don't want to watch or read about them.

I'm on my second Hitchcock film of the week... HMV have a '2 for £10' offer on his classics. Limpit was impressed with 'The Birds'. I'm not sure if I want her to watch 'Psycho', she might get ideas.

I'm off to hide the carving knives.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Big Phil
Date: 14 Aug 08 - 02:43 AM

Just watched the "vollyball" jobby with four bikini clad babes jumping up and down in the sand chasing a ball. I cannot believe ANY hot blooded male would not take to watching this "event". More please.

Beach Vollyball Convert Phil*

As for the human rights issues, China should NEVER have been given the games. The decision to give China this opportunity was a complete and utter mistake.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: robomatic
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 11:58 PM

Let's see. It's the last year for women's softball but how long has "synchronized diveboard" been a sport? It's a hoot, but even more useless than most of the other events.

And the Chinese women's gymnastics team: jailbait with fixed passports.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Donuel
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:58 PM

NBC is still showing Bush at the Olmpics a full 4 days after he left.

This bush mania is a pustule on the Olympox

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: olddude
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:53 PM

I will never understand why pros are allowed. I mean in tennis they had the William sisters. If noone can beat them professionally then why the olympics? more money or trophies ... Not to mention the NBA stars ... geeze
takes something away from the games for sure to my thinking anyway.
We are luck Bruce decided not to compete this year. Was it swimming? or the pole vault Peace?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:41 PM

Re: Taiwan.

During the opening ceremony telecast on NBC, Bob Costas talked about this as the very small Taiwanese contingent marched into the stadium. The Chinese government conceded to the IOC on admitting all member nations, including this one that they do not recognize, but won the concession that it be called "Chinese Taipai" rather than "Taiwan."

I'm old enough to remember when we called it "Formosa." You?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: KB in Iowa
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:29 PM

I noticed today that Taiwan has two bronze medals. It got me wondering what sort of deals were made to allow a team from Taiwan into Beijing. According to China there is no such country, how can they be represented in the Olympics?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:58 PM

Thankfully, the W-adulation seems to be over with now that he's left Beijing.

The young competitors are generally, and very understandably, more-or-less awestruck at the position they're in, represnting the nation, and that feeling carries over to how they act and feel upon meeting the President in person. Even though I disagree stongly with GWB's policies (most of them) and consider him one of the worst, if not THE worst, President in history, I'm sure that if I were in their position I'd be civil to him in person, if only out of "respect for the office" and appreciation of the essentially non-political nature of the setting.

In a few cases, I've felt that certain Olympians have been overboard in "making nice" with the Pres. Respect and civility is one thing, but gushing adulation is quite another.

I used to have a serious case of the hots for beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh, but she cured me completely by the enthusiasm with which she greeted Georgie Boy.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 09:32 PM

The NBC Bush Olympics has become a never ending cutting to W BUSH or a BUSH family member. (8 times in the opening ceremony alone.)

Bob Costas got W to say "I don't see anything wrong with America"



I think thats our problem

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 08:07 PM

I like many Olympic sports...usually the ones which do NOT get covered in prime-time TV. Thus, it is almost scary to have just discovered today NBColympics.com, where I can see photos, videos and details of judo, archery, rowing...etc. Hours & hours of free videos ...*sigh*... technology giveth and technology taketh away my spare time - not that I had a lot to spare.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,DannyC
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 07:40 PM

I just watched my cousin Jimmy McNally ref a boxing match between redheaded kid from GBR named Joe Murray and a young Chinaman. Jimmy did a great job.   It was startling to me to see how much he has grown to take on the look of our shared grandfather - an Irish boxer (and eventually a Philly cop) named John Marlin. Joe Murray was brave but decisively defeated. Jimmy kept it a fair fight... proud of him.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 07:38 PM

An Upper class twit of the year marathon is one I would watch.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 10:18 AM

Liz, I find the Olympics stuff much more preferable to the idiotic news re-broadcasting that assume people are too stupid to find out about things without help.

Synchronized freaking out is a pretty good. We can send a Mudcat team. Well, after we declare sovereignty. I submit the "Hey Look At Me, I Can Fly" event. It would probably be better for everyone if there were bungies.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Raptor
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 10:08 AM

Fair enough!

I like the drugs idea. Syncronized freaking out.

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 07:39 AM

What Liz said.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 05:14 AM

OK, we'll quit bitching about it if those who are watching and supporting it can stop making new threads for every single bloody event!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: GUEST,MaddyThe Moocher
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:06 PM

They should allow drugs, it would make the whole thing far more interesting. Especially the hallucinogenic events.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 09:05 PM

Tom has a way with words alright. That whole tape is a riot.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Joe_F
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 08:54 PM

Tom Paxton had the right idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 08:41 PM

"Keep your god dammed TV's off, and don't watch, but for gods sake QUIT BITCHING about it!

This thread is unblievable.

You act like it would be fatal if you see any coverage of it at all"


I started this thread. Once again, I put the proposition that Aussie humour does not translate well internationally.... :-P

After all on 911, when Little Fascist Johnny was in the hotel over the way, the general feeling (after noting that he was unhurt) was "Missed Him by THAT MUCH"... we did finally vote him out... one of the first serving Prime Ministers to ever lose his least in an Aussie election...


"You act like it would be fatal if you see any coverage of it at al"

Close, but no cigar... :-P

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 05:17 PM

Today, I turned the TV on and counted 10 channels with sports. So, I'm on the computer.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 10:51 AM

I'd watch Michaela Breeze (Mudcatter Breezy's daughter) in the weightliftig, but it looks like she'll be on (on Tuesday) when I'm normally avoiding being awake.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Raptor
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 10:39 AM

I'm sorry, I'm reading that people don't want the olympics at all, not just that they won't be watching.


Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 10:11 AM

Raptor, no one is advocating doing away with the sports. We are simply swapping opinions.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Peace
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 09:40 AM

When are the Olympics starting?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Raptor
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 08:13 AM

Keep your god dammed TV's off, and don't watch, but for gods sake QUIT BITCHING about it!

This thread is unblievable.

You act like it would be fatal if you see any coverage of it at all.

Some people enjoy watching it.

You would have anything you don't like or understand banned.

What kind of Natzi crap is that?

I agree it shouldn't be in China but I like the games.

I'm sorry I opened this.

Raptor

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:47 PM

Bugger.. I saw a picture of the opening ceremony today - it was on the freebie trash newspaper being hurled around the London Underground.

We went to the pictures instead and saw 'The Mummy - Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' instead. Much better value for money (don't tell me I'm not paying for the Olympics, our rates have been paying for the bastard things for 2 years now).

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Stringsinger
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 02:06 PM

The Olympics has little to do with physical health. There are plenty of steroid users
they haven't caught yet.

Jesse Owens won under the Hitler regime.

China's human rights record is being ignored by the US because there is still
a Bush human rights record to be addressed. Yes, the US does torture.

I'm not interested in the Olympics except maybe for the ice skating during the winter.

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 01:28 PM

"Now that I'm older, I thought it was great that I seem to have more patience."

Seems to whom, Captain? I haven't noticed an improvement.



SINS, on her way to the cellar.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: kendall
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 09:36 AM

Now that I'm older, I thought it was great that I seem to have more patience. Turns out I just don't give a shit.

Sports? I'd rather watch cans rust. So, is there anyone out there who gives a damn what I think of sports?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 08:46 AM

The TV is on .... Agh!

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 02:20 AM

"I want a counter-Olympics. Anyone is encouraged to compete. ... Anybody with me?"

Most of that is covered by the Paraolympics... :-0

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: RangerSteve
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 08:21 PM

Just saw the Yahoo home-page, there's Lance Armstrong staring at me, endorsing some crap. Maybe I should just ban handsome, athletic people from my olympics altogether. I would at least discourage product endorsement by competitors.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: RangerSteve
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 08:14 PM

I want a counter-Olympics. Anyone is encouraged to compete. The games will include Monopoly, Jacks, Simon Says, Knock Hockey, Pick-up-Sticks, Go Fish, a yo-yo competition, bobbing for apples, eating contests, charades - anything that doesn't require physical fitness to play. No official beverages, cameras, cars, toilet paper, dog food, or any of that other crap. The only prize will be the satisfaction of a job well done and the knowledge that you had a good time. Photogenic people will not be featured over others. Really touching stories of competitors triumphing over tragedy will no be mentioned. You won't be competing for your country, just for yourself. Games will be held in small towns that most people haven't heard of. Anybody with me?

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: pdq
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:43 PM

Well, out here in God's country, "reefer" may mean sumpthin' different that it does to you city boys.

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Peace
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:40 PM

'"will my old reefer keep the beer cold in 100 degree weather?"'

I don't get it!

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: pdq
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:37 PM

So, China is hosting the Limp Dicks.

Almost as exciting as Nixon playing ping pong.

My 12" black'n'white TV will stay in the closet where it has been for most of the last ten years.

Back to some important qusestions like "will my old reefer keep the beer cold in 100 degree weather?"

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: Joe_F
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:28 PM

...I am always amazed when I hear people saying that sport creates goodwill between the nations, and that if only the common people could meet one another at football or cricket, they would have no inclination to meet on the battlefield. Even if one didn't know from concrete examples (the 1936 Olympic Games, for example) that international sporting contests lead to orgies of hatred, one could deduce it from general principles.

...On the village green, where you pick up sides and no feeling of local patriotism is involved, it is possible to play simply for the fun and exercise: but as soon as the question of prestige arises,... the most savage combative instincts are aroused. Anyone who has played even a school football match knows this.... But the significant thing is not the behaviour of the players but the attitude of the spectators: and, behind the spectators, of the nations who work themselves into furies over these absurd contests, and seriously believe -- at any rate for short periods -- that running, jumping and kicking a ball are tests of national virtue.

-- George Orwell (1945)

Subject: RE: BS: Avoiding The Olympics
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 07:48 PM

A Techie friend said that a mate gave him all the episodes of Hogan's Heroes on CD - about 100+. He's been saving them up to watch starting 8/8/08...