BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST,John Leeder
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 01:46 PM

I think that in this culture spectator sports are a branch of the arts, or at least of the entertainment business. Sort of like drama with a framework script, within which the participants execute more or less effectively. It becomes a personal preference. Some of us prefer symphonies to swimming races, some of us prefer football to opera. And some of us like both, to varying degrees.

To say that sports are all good, and music is all bad, or vice versa, is pretty shortsighted. Both can be good, bad or mediocre, on their own terms.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 12:10 AM

roo...someone else in Sydney!!!!Yahoo!!!!Welcome!!!Are you going to show up?!

Olympics is BIG money,and there's so much corruptions behind there...and how comes someone waving his arms in the water moves more people than good music,good arts!?Just wondering.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 07:55 PM

Thanks Susan and yes, I have been getting some sailing coverage. Of course to most people its about as exciting as watching grass grow, but............

The swimming has been really great. Super fast pool with lots of records and some upsets.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 05:51 PM

I want to clarify that I don't disagree at all with the Olympic ideal of international sporting competitions which bring people together in peace, and which challenge the world's best sportspeople to achieve their best, not just at one Olympic Games, but in succeeding games, Olympic & other.

I enjoy watching some of the Olympic sports, including sports I would not normally watch. I love cheering on the sportspeople, regardless of where they are from, and whether or not they are the winners.

I also empathise with them when misfortune occurs - the British cyclist, Hales, and other cyclists who had a crash in last night's Madison race, Svetlana Khorkina in the women's gymnastics seeing victory slip from her fingers due to a series of mishaps - personal and organisational.

It is a spectacular event, and well worth getting into the Olympic spirit, but I know that major cuts have been made in social funding over the last few years to fund the Olympics, and I very much doubt that a huge profit will be made, or especially that after it is all over, the government will suddenly, and without persuasion, re-instate the funding levels we had prior to the Olympics.

Just my 2(Aussie)-cents worth.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST,John Leeder
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 03:22 PM

The last sentence should start "If the Olympics are unsuccessful from a sporting perspective...".

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST,John Leeder
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 03:20 PM

To summarize, there seem to be three kinds of opposition to the Olympics intertwining in this discussion:

1. People who are against spectator sports in general, and either are indifferent or want to deny them to everybody else.

2. People who like sports, but not the Olympic variety, due to hype, hypocrisy, corruption, cost or whatever.

3. People who feel that the money could be better sent elsewhere.

On the latter point, it's not necessary that the Olympics lose money. The Winter Games in Calgary made a profit (and are reputed to have been the best games ever). (I don't take personal credit -- after the fact I regretted not having been a volunteer; however, I did give directions to the Rumanian bobsled team once...) The atmosphere in the city was exhilarating, especially in the evening in Olympic Plaza, where most of the medal ceremonies took place. Even my wife, who's generally indifferent to sports, got into the spirit.

I think if the games divert money away from social purposes, it's due to mismanagement or improper organization, not the fundamental nature of the Olympics themselves. If the Olympics are from a sporting perspective, this needs to be fixed, and it can be fixed if the people in charge want it badly enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST,roo
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 08:14 AM

re Jez Lowe... he's arrived in Sydney tonight about an hour ago on the eve of a VERY busy day at the Olympics. We have him at our house tomorrow for a house concert. Can't wait. Hope he doesn't get stuck in traffic.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 02:50 AM

I'd probably be watching the Olympics, if they weren't on NBC. Horrible coverage, and those damned soap-opera type stories... And I prefer the Winter Olympics.

---Lepus Rex (SLOVAKIA ROCKS)

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 02:43 AM

And Legs on the Wall is coming up like a half tragedy...the setting up was all wrong and the performers/engineers have been working later between anger and cries and despair,with many problems due to the crowd.So please,come over to support the show!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 02:40 AM

Callie,I have another one:the 29th of september,lunchtime at Homebush site in the Samsung area : Renassaince Italian Music,plus excellent accordionist(Ross...something...ahrg,names...),plus very very good dancers.Anyone coming?!

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Susan from California
Date: 20 Sep 00 - 10:59 PM

'Spaw, do you get MSNBC or CNBC? They have been showing some sailing. To me, the spirit of the Olympics is exemplified by the swimmer from Equitorial Guinea, by the triatheletes who finish way behind the lead pack, by people who compete for the love of the sport. I prefer the events that are timed or have a total weight to those that have judges determine the winner, but I love watching all kinds of events. Makes me feel really old, tho.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 19 Sep 00 - 11:52 PM

If I'm not mistaken, the Circular Quay performances aren't by just ANYONE - they're by Martenitsa and Legs on the Wall!!!! No=one should miss out on this exciting collaboration. Martenitsa is a Bulgarian women's choir and Legs is an outdoor acrobatic company.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: SandyToes
Date: 19 Sep 00 - 07:18 AM

dang, i watched the USA women swimming the other night.....and who says we never walk away with any gold......by dang it....we walked away with the gold that night....and BROKE the world record......come on folks..where is your AMERICAN HERITAGE??? SandyToes

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Shambles
Date: 19 Sep 00 - 04:16 AM

The only events I could think of where men and women compete on equal terms, were the equestrian events? I could be wrong.....

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 19 Sep 00 - 02:18 AM

Lighthouse,you're right,sorry.I actually went down at Circular Quay yesterday and enjoyed the vibe of a huge crowd singing and clapping.I really had fun,and found myself winging about the all thing lasting just two weeks.I't just like summertime,like happiness given from one to another down in the streets.You really feel happy when you walk around because everyone is so excited.So,despite my cynical postings(I'm still keen in what I said there),I'd like to praise right now all the happy people Olypics-ing around.

And anyone down in Sydney for the thing,come over in Circular Quay from next thursday!!There is a great folk music/acrobatics show going on every evening at 10 p.m. and it's free!!

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: GUEST,John Gray / Australia
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 10:41 PM

Thank goodness for Cathy Freeman. If not for her lithe figure, the billions watching the Olympic opening could have gained the impression that the Australian aboriginals are the world's most obese people. The Ethiopians / Sudanese viewers must have thought there was something wrong with their sets. Later I heard that some NBC / CBS bloke commented on TV that the aboriginals don't get a fair go and, although it was a bit generalised, I tend to agree. But if anyone lambasts us for rigging the food scales, well....

Regards / John Gray FME

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 09:48 PM

While I enjoy watching the gymnastics and the levels these people achieve, I much prefer the non-judged events. It gets too nationalistic for my taste. still good to watch them.

I guess I won't be asking Bert though..........

Sailing has a different set of rules for "cheatin'" as opposed to drugs. Its much like auto racing in "stretching" the rules. BTW, to my Aussie friends, you have one of the legends sailing this year....Colin Beashel. He was just a young man in '83 aboard Australia II and has now matured into what was expected of the son of the great Kenny Beashel, perhaps the greatest natural sailor we ever knew.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Shambles
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 06:25 PM

As I said earlier I am very pleased to see women's football included, but it started me thinking if the inclusion of events where women are competing against only other women, is moving us all on very much?

Would it not be better to have one qualifing level for all competitors, regardless of their sex?

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mbo
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 06:14 PM

No no, I meant the cute 19-year-old girl who sang the "Heroes" song...not that little flying kid.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 05:07 PM

As usual, points to both sides. I call it a tie for correctness, but I have to admit I do enjoy seeing where women's gymnastics has gone since I left it almost 30 years ago. I don't agree with all the political crap, and deprivations/pain/age disrciminations that have happened in the sport, but the things these little girls are able to do are nothing short of amazing.

Of course, their bodies will pay dearly for the privilige when they are 50+, as mine is doing. And, I couldn't even begin to do what they are doing when I was in the sport.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 04:59 PM

Jon, Jake walton played his Hurdy Gurdy with JEz Lowe at Warwick Folk Festival -wonderful stuff.

also to say we have had quite good sailing coverage here -

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Bert
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 04:51 PM

1: The Olympics has been consistently against working people from day 1 - The whole amauteur concept was brewed up to give an advantage to those wealthy enough that they didn't have to work. Every working class sport has had to fight for entry and some have still not made it.

2: So how long do you think it will be before 'darts' becomes an Olympic event? It requires just as much skill as archery and other kinds of shooting.

3: It doesn't interest me one little bit to see a load of folks running around in circles.

4: The only sport that I was ever interested in was cycling and when I was a young man (in the Late Fifties) the 'sport' was so riddled with drugs that it wasn't worth a 'clean' cyclist's time to consider racing. It seems that performance enhancing drugs are a worse problem now than they were then.

5: If that's what other people want to do, that's fine, just keep it out of my way.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 05:01 AM

Now Jeze Lowe, that is a different story we booked him once several years ago and they were superb. He was playing with someone called Jake Walton, a hurdy gurdy player, at the time. I've not heard of Jake since but assume he must still be around.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Bugsy
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 03:48 AM

I'm sure you'll enjoy working with him. He's a thoroughly nice guy.

Cheers

bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 02:11 AM

Bugsy: Jez Lowe is on his way East. He's playing on Sydney on Sat night and a group I am in is his support act. Can't wait!

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 12:19 AM

Well, I'm enjoying watching the events. There's just something about the exhilaration of physical achievement that really intrigues me...(kinda like Jonathon Livingston Seagull) and the training that goes into all the preparation, truly inspiring...and so many participants who have overcome injury through "aggressive rehabilitation"...and the adversity that many have known which is completely foreign to me...

The press coverage of various feature articles can be a bit hokey, but I have a sincere desire to know the personal story behind as many participants as possible. I too was very cynical about a local person who achieved what I thought was a frivolous physical endeavor...until I learned more about her personal history and character. It made me realize that there was much more to her than I had made the effort to see and understand.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Bugsy
Date: 18 Sep 00 - 12:01 AM

'Spaw!

Just heard that our tv coverage will presenting som sailing in the next hour or so. Maybe yours will too?

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Bugsy
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 11:33 PM

Hi 'Spaw, the Friday and Saturday gigs were very poorly attended but those who came said they enjoyed themselves.

The gig with Jez Lowe was great! Though only a small venue, it was packed to the rafters, and the atmosphere was dynamite.

I got a few photo's that I'll send to the resources page when I get them processed.

So far we have not had any sailing coverage here. However the coverage of the other events has been very good. I'm not sure if the sailing events are being contested yet. There has been no news of them on the updates here.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 10:52 PM

How'd the gigs go Bugsy? I'm enjoying the swimming alot. Are you guys getting any sailing coverage? NBC here isn't showing squat, but I stay logged on the net to Quokka Sports Sailing section and NBC Olympics site. I just keep my fingers crossed that I tune in at the right times. Today it could have been anywhere between 3 and 9 on CNBC and it must have been on in the half hour I missed!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Lighthouse
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 10:21 PM

Jon and Callie............................................................................................................................................................................................nothin else to say as a response to your posts.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Bugsy
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 09:37 PM

I'm sitting here on the other side of Australia, watching the olympics and enjoying every minute of it.

The general feedback I'm getting over here from friends around the country is that we're doing a pretty good job of hosting, and that most people are having a ball.

I had a gig on Friday (opening ceremony day) and the town where I was performing, you could have dropped a bomb in the main street and not sustained any casualties. They all stayed home to watch the spectacle. (so would I have done if it wasn't for the gig.

enough of this, I'm missing the olympics!

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 08:55 PM

No Lighthouse, the loss is not mine. I am sitting pretty in the UK.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 07:59 PM

Yeh - where was SNAC when we needed them? Their National anthem is fantastic!!

I forgot to mention something that non-Australian Catters probably wouldn't know about. Because of the Olympics and S11 (the protest against the World Economic Forum gathering in Melbourne), a bill was passed allowing army intervention at public protests. So much for freedom of speech in this country. A friend was at the demo last week - a peaceful, intelligent guy who always puts his money where his mouth is. The riot police moved in on him and people around him and trampled the sitting protesters. Paul was dragged along the floor (while the Police screamed 'get up!', trampled and kicked, and later taken to hospital. Stories such as this are not covered by the press.

Thanks for your sentiments, Jon. I'll send you a special Olympics souvenir swaggies' hat so Wales can own a little bit of the Olympic spirit too!

Lighthouse: when something this big is happening in your back yard, it's impossible to just swallow the sugar pill and not think any deeper.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Lighthouse
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 07:57 PM

Jon Freeman - sorry then but the loss is yours! PS Here's to you finding the spirit again

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 07:27 PM

Well Mbo, she might have been cute, but I'd sooner have seen Oasis meself.

But since it was all happening in OZ, the Sensitive New Age Cowpersons would have been my choice.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: alison
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 06:58 PM

I sat in a TV room on a camp site in Sligo with 2 German cyclists and watched the ceremony.... I wasn't going to ... but I did.... and it looked great...

seems a bit odd... coming all the way to Ireland to avoid the games only to sit over here and watch.....

I never thought I'd say that Julie Anthony brought a lump to my throat... but she sang the national anthem and Ryan (my 6 year old ) sang along..... it was very moving.....

I liked the olympic flame too...... imagine the panic if it had stuck lower down with Cathy Freeman in the middle of it.......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:55 PM

I was very pleased to see that women's football appears in the Olympics for the first time. Not too sure about the women's wieght-lifting though.

Not because it may be considered not to be 'lady-like', but because the men's sport appears to be one where drug taking is accepted.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:53 PM

"Sure it's all about money and denying other services in the meantime, but it's the SPIRIT of the whole thing..."

Sorry Lighthouse, that goes against my spirit.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:50 PM

Yeah, I'm watching. I like some sports and I like to see people who are trying to achieve some personal bests. The nationalistic thing has become way overplayed and the cost od staging the events has become ridiculous, but then again, so has everything else. Been to a ballgame lately?

The Betty Cuthbert story was also inspiring. Certainly a neat lady and one who makes you feel that life is worth the effort.

My biggest regret is the lack of sailing coverage, especially since this is in Sydney, Australia.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mbo
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:38 PM

Amen, Lighthouse.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Lighthouse
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:35 PM

Wow this thread started out so nicely and ends up being just another cynic's dream. Why can't people just focus on the games themselves? Sure it's all about money and denying other services in the meantime, but it's the SPIRIT of the whole thing and just watching people give it their all that attracts people to it. There's enough to bitch and moan about in the world so why can't anyone ever give it a rest - just relax and enjoy it for once.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 08:10 AM

I was told this funny story from a friend visiting from Canberra.On monday night he got in Canberra's worst pub to kill time while waiting for the nightride bus.There he helped a group of foreign people to buy a beer.They started chatting in some language,and they told him they were visiting for the Olympics.Actually,they were working for the Olympics.Actually,they WERE the Olympics:the Judo Olympic team from somewhere.My friend thought they were bullshitting,so they brought him in their hotel room and showed all the uniforms and the papers.He was wordless.Apparently,the first thing they told him after that was:"Do you know where we can find some pot here?!"

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Lena
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 08:04 AM

A couple of pearls from the Olimpic Arts Festival.
I used to work in the lighting crew at the Opera House,I'm still called up every now and then.A few weeks ago I showed up at the O.H. to have a look.I went up at the Green room to catch up with some mates,instead there was this apocaliptic mess going on:hundreds of children jumping up and down the tables,screaming,running ,many of them wrapped in big heavy brass instruments.
I asked around and I wastold that that was a big brass school band from USA."Why do they get it from a school in USA?Australia has excellent kids bands"Well,apparently some wise guy promessed that particular school a gig at the Olympics.When aus school bands came to know it,they pressed to be given the gig instead.But when that was settled down,the US school band kids were reduced in tears and their parents sued the Ol.Commettee.And in the same time,aus school bands sued those guys as well.Of course the USA school band won.So,in the end,someone had to get out the thousands of dollars from the fines after the court,plus the money to fly over a good thousand noisy screamy kids.And I didn't enquire if this all was for a five minutes performance or a ten minutes performance.
As for Cathy Freeman,who knows why I had no doubht she would have been the one.First of all,because she's getting quite a big hit lately,she was even talking to run in politics.Second,because Keep Taking Your Medication,Our Olympic visitors must suspect nothing...once again,overseas they'll think White and black Australia are some sort of Dynsey-like happy environment.Provare per credere.They do that All the time.Have a check at Quantas' advertisement campaign.That's what people sees of the issue from outside Australia.It took me to see an aboriginal man dragged away from the police for no apparent reason to erase all that touristic(didgeriddos and dreamtime and cute aboriginal girls smiling from billboards)crap I came here with.

And hem...I'm here after passionalety whatching the Games on tv.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 07:15 AM

I don't have a TV so the Olympics don't bother me :-)

Seriously, if it wasn't for the cost in staging them and the issues that Callie raised, I would have no objections to them. Suffice it to say that I am always (selfishly) pleased to hear that UK bids have failed. Sorry they had to come to you Callie.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 17 Sep 00 - 05:44 AM

To each their own. Lots of folk are having a hoot at the moment. In fact by a strange turn of fate I got free tix to the basketball last night and had a good time. It doesn't change the way I feel about the Olympics, but I did enjoy it. I especially enjoyed the crazy Swedes dressed up as Vikings running about (half the Swedish population must be in Sydney).

Mbo: there's a free outdoor concert this weekend starring Neil and Tim Finn, Mark Seymour and Paul Kelly. Why don't you come on down?

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mbo
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 09:03 PM

How to annoy Mudcatters, Chapter 1. Today I'm watching the Olympics, while listening to Oasis. I kept complaining that cute girl should have sung "Live Forever" by Oasis instead of that dork-pop thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 07:40 PM

Olympics? Again? Didn't we just get done with them? Geez, it's like fundraising on NPR! Just when they get done here they come again!

In case you missed it I can't see what all the hoopla is about. I agree on the better use of the money for health care and affordable housing. At least the Aussies did that right. the Olympic village has already been sold. I imagine it wasn't to poor people but we can't have everything.

Sorry about the cynicism.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 07:38 PM

I just caught a bit of the big opening. Unfortunately it was the bit where some young lady sang what was supposed to be an inspirational song. The chorus was all about how Heroes Live Forever.

But I'd switched on the subtitled version, and some genius had put it down as "Heroes liver for ever"

I'm with Shambles wife on this - I like seeing the opening ceremonies in these big events, but rapidly lose interest in the running and jumping and standing still show. I quite like the medal ceremonies mind you. They aren't the same though since they ditched the stirring Soviet national anthem. I used to reckon it went really well alongside the US one.

Too much happening at the same time, that's the trouble. The good thing with a big sports championship is that you get a chance to build up an understanding and an interest. With the Olympics it's just highlights, and on to the next event while you are still trying to puzzle out what the hell they are up to, especially in the weirder sports.

If they're going to stick in new events, I'd vote for hang-gliding and bungie jumping.

Actually it's my understanding that the original Greek Olympics, and the present ones when they started back in the 19th century, were supposed to be as much about music and so forth as about sport. Somehow the operation got sidetracked. A great shame. I'd like a triathlon in which you had to swim across a lake, climb up the wall of a building, and serenade your loved one atbthe end of it all. A bit like It's a Knockout/Jeu Sans Frontieres I suppose...

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 07:17 PM

Suggested events for the NEXT Olympics:

A Sea Shanty Marathon
A lute tuning extravaganza (lute to be tuned perfectly without electronic aid)

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 06:08 PM

I was going to say weare bitter about the olympics because we never win any gold medals -but bugger me, Great Britain has got one in the cycling. I thought the opening ceremony was fantastic and Sydney is certainly an amazing backdrop. I do think that they should expand events to include the likes of people like ourselves -say for example, Fastest restringing of a guitar, or sycronized Bodrhain beating (that would be a first!)

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 10:34 AM

Would'nt bother me if they did Mbo. I dont watch or support the Olympics at all. The judged events must be one of the most rigged and corrupted affairs I have ever seen (other than politics in general) yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mbo
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 10:17 AM

So I guess you should just tell all the athletes who've worked their asses of to get there to go home?

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 10:09 AM

What's wrong with the Olympics?

A nation cuts funding to basic human needs such as education, hospitals and social security to pay for the games. Those hit are the most vulnerable.

A nation wins the games partly due to its commitment to human rights. Our Government has not acknowledged the attempted genocide of our Indigenous people, who currently have a mortality rate three times higher than other Australians.

It's about Performance-enhancing drugs, dubious international politics (a singular example: Tibet is not represented as it is not recognised as a country in its own right), IOC corruption at every level, evicting ordinary citizens to make way for a three-week party, moving the homeless people of the city out to the Blue Mountains by train (once the games are over, they'll train them back and they can resume being homeless), turning Colleges and Universities into commuter car parks and sending students on extended breaks, not being able to get to or from work/rehearsals/social for many people due to road closures, permanent environmental damage caused by monstrosities such as the volleyball stadium being built on Bondi Beach, .

This big whinge needs to be read in conjunction with my earlier post (the party atmosphere throughout the city is electric and there's live music everywhere!)

Callie (does that answer your question, Mbo?)

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 08:59 AM

It's just the hype, Mbo. The original intent and spirit of the Olympics still move me. I might even watch a little tonight- but today is too lovely to spend much time in front of a screen- even this one!

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 02:02 AM

Don't know if bitter is the right word. There are those of us (My wife), who will never watch any of the sport but is a huge fan of opening ceremonies. The bigger, tackier and more absurd the better.

I would like to see the emphasis changed a little from winning and nationalistic ferver, to personal achievement.

If an idividual trains like stink, goes to the Olympics and performs better there than they have ever achieved before, I would like to see a medal awarded for 'personal bests'.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Mbo
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 01:49 AM

I'm not even going to ask why all you folks are so bitter about the Olympics! And I mean it.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 01:44 AM

It lasted for over 4 hrs!

Kinda missed the kangaroos on bicycles though. Poor old Kathy, waiting there for that big ice-cream cone to move up.

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Callie
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 01:29 AM

Ha! I thought I'd managed to avoid all the Olympics nonsense. I didn't watch the opening on the tv. Then this morning I gave a colleague a lift to work and he proceeded to give me a blow by blow description of the whole event.

By the sound of it, it sounded pretty good. The only real embarassment was the giant screen that dropped out of the sky, painted by Ken Done and reading "G'DAY!"

Although I'm not the remotest bit interested in the games, it's great to have such a party atmosphere in Sydney - free concerts, cafes open after midnight, people in the streets. And the roads are completely free of cars because everyone is afraid of being caught in traffic.

And hurrah for Cathy Freeman!

Callie (proudly wearing a t-shirt that reads : "Keep taking your medication. Our Olympic visitors must suspect nothing"

Subject: RE: BS: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 12:48 AM

Helen, I was elated to hear about Cathy Freeman on the BBC Radio news broadcast we get here. I don't watch much of the Olympics on tv, but that I would love to have seen.

Too bad it seems everything has to get reduced to money, doesn't it? I also heard that some of the athletes from tiny East Timor practised weight lifting with cinder blocks, just so that they could build up and qualify; their country has so little money to support their efforts. Maybe there should be some kind of fund to help out the athletes of smaller countries instead of so much being spent on the extravaganza of the openings.

kat

Subject: Cathy Freeman,women, 2000 Olympics
From: Helen
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 12:34 AM

I just want to let you know that one of the Sydney Olympics greatest cynics - me - was so happy the tears were pouring down her face as she watched the women from previous Olympics being honoured in last night's Olympic opening ceremony.

There has been a lot of secrecy and mystery about who was going to light the Olympic flame and I've been going around saying "Cathy Freeman, it should be Cathy Freeman, but it won't be Cathy Freeman will it? No! Because Cathy Freeman is a woman, she's Aboriginal, she caused a ruckus in previous international games (Commonwealth Games?) by doing a lap of honour around the track holding up both the Oz flag and the Aboriginal flag. Got into deep trouble from the games director over it, caused a national outcry. No, it'll be a white, Anglo-Saxon male, for sure."

Well I was wrong - yippee!! She did it, and I am so happy I am still crying when I think about it.

Helen

PS. I'm also happy that there were no kangaroos on bicycles in the opening ceremony - a bit of a worry after the Atlanta closing ceremony. Some pretty impressive stuff, I have to admit, and incorporating cultural diversity, surprisingly. But then again, my cynicism cuts in when I find it reported that the opening ceremony cost $AUD50million. God help us all - health care, education, police services, you name it all suffering severe price cuts over the last few years - and why? To pay for one big party lasting a few hours. Swings & roundabouts.