Forums > Social Discussion > london wins olympics!
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big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
Well, not quite, but London has won the bid to host the 30th Olympic Games
London last hosted the Olympics in 1948 and will become the first city to host sport's biggest event three times.
The news even warranted a City flyover from the RAF's Red Arrows - trailing three bands of coloured smoke that remarkably resembled the French flag...
The winning bid team will host a press conference at 1330 BST.
look - i used capital letters!
(but only because i wrote this for the intranet at work
)
cole. x
Well, not quite, but London has won the bid to host the 30th Olympic Games
London last hosted the Olympics in 1948 and will become the first city to host sport's biggest event three times.
The news even warranted a City flyover from the RAF's Red Arrows - trailing three bands of coloured smoke that remarkably resembled the French flag...
The winning bid team will host a press conference at 1330 BST.
look - i used capital letters!
(but only because i wrote this for the intranet at work
)cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Im also, well I was going to say dissappointed but to be honest Im not fussed either way as I dont know how much it will affect me. Possibly slightly more on dissappointed side for practically the exact same reasons that mark mark has stated.
The public did NOT get a say in if they wanted the games or not (I didnt see a voting slip anywhere) so once again the government decides to go for it. This si forcing so many people in London who are already struggling to cope with little or no money, and by putting the £20 increase in council tax every year for the next 10 years is simply going to make it even harder for people to pay. Why not charge the entire country and only put up the council tax by 50p?
would that not work?
I also think that Londons already STUPIDLY overcrowded transport system will simply not be able to cope with the significant increase in users over the time the games are on!
How long has it taken to rebuild Wembley stadium?
ow many more stadiums for the olympics are needed?
What almost made me wet my pants this morning on the tube was a sign that said: "We did it! TFL thank you for your support in successfully backing the bid and getting the Olympics in London" (or similar)... Did anyone actually do anything to help back the bid, other than simply read the stickers in the windows saying "London 2012: Back the bid" and wonder how exactly they were supposed to do that?
Im also, well I was going to say dissappointed but to be honest Im not fussed either way as I dont know how much it will affect me. Possibly slightly more on dissappointed side for practically the exact same reasons that mark mark has stated.
The public did NOT get a say in if they wanted the games or not (I didnt see a voting slip anywhere) so once again the government decides to go for it. This si forcing so many people in London who are already struggling to cope with little or no money, and by putting the £20 increase in council tax every year for the next 10 years is simply going to make it even harder for people to pay. Why not charge the entire country and only put up the council tax by 50p?
would that not work?I also think that Londons already STUPIDLY overcrowded transport system will simply not be able to cope with the significant increase in users over the time the games are on!
How long has it taken to rebuild Wembley stadium?
ow many more stadiums for the olympics are needed?
What almost made me wet my pants this morning on the tube was a sign that said: "We did it! TFL thank you for your support in successfully backing the bid and getting the Olympics in London" (or similar)... Did anyone actually do anything to help back the bid, other than simply read the stickers in the windows saying "London 2012: Back the bid" and wonder how exactly they were supposed to do that?
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
All I know is that London *DESPERATELY* needs a decent swimming pool.
All I know is that London *DESPERATELY* needs a decent swimming pool.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
old hand
1,024 posts
Location: london
1,024 posts
Location: london
Posted:
I know it is off topic everyone, but surley you realise that the military are a necessary evil, when the fire bregrade went on strike who picked up the slack, and do you think if we had no defencive capabilities that other not so nice countries would just leave us alone??
in a ideal world were no armys were needed, it would be wonderful, but untill then mabie show them a little respect for the job they do, becides its the government that orders them should we disband them too??
Written by: Sethis
. Personally, I'd disband the military and use that funding for education and healthcare, but thats wayso I won't say any more here.
I know it is off topic everyone, but surley you realise that the military are a necessary evil, when the fire bregrade went on strike who picked up the slack, and do you think if we had no defencive capabilities that other not so nice countries would just leave us alone??
in a ideal world were no armys were needed, it would be wonderful, but untill then mabie show them a little respect for the job they do, becides its the government that orders them should we disband them too??
geek, level 1
5,300 posts
Location: everywhere
5,300 posts
Location: everywhere
Posted:
incidentally i'm a voracious reader of newspapers, and in a whole, entire none (that i have read) has the olympics eclipsed G8 coverage. been there alongside maybe, but it is not possible(certainly in edinburgh) to get away from G8 information/news. the olympics is almost an aside - yesterday in the independent the first 8/9 pages were about africa and other g* issues. then 2 pages on the olympic bid. in the scottish papers EVERYTHING is about G8. i'm sure its more (than 2 pages)today, but tomorrow the focus wll shift back as the final day of summit is discussed. anyway.
way more to say, but not sure how to put it except:
dave: can it be that you think some children don't thrive on competitive sport?
In scotland there is now a 1.4 million intiative to have circus taught in schools, bringing it alongside other minority sports in scottish funding levels. i think thats about the right place for it right now. if non-competitive sports were preferred by kids, then we'd see a lot more of them(and yes, i know the arguement that goes: 'but non-competitive kids don't stand up for themselves and say what they want(discalimer for generalisation)' but now there ARE adults in the education system who will do the standing up for them). just because YOU don't like them doesn't mean they don't provide an enormous benefit to an enormous amount of kids. as long as the non-competitive kids get a decent chance to do something that suits them, i say leave the mainstream sports alone. i gained an awful lot of confidence through playing (competitive)sports at school, and was lucky to have an enlightened teacher(or so i thought ) who did not look down on anyone for lack of sporting ability. that school has recently offered dance classes and circus as an option to its 3rd and 4th years(er. in english, thats GCSE level). i think the problem is not the curriculum, its often the teachers. so. i guess what i'm getting to in my ramble is that the system (in scotland)is not broken. a little squeaky perhaps, just that it requires human input and thats where the problem lies(isn't it always).
again, i've got more, but outside input is needed or i'll ramble for ever.
love
R
Written by: Firepoise
I stand by what I said...
"This Olympic nonsense is drawing media attention away from what should be the main news story this week - the G8 summit. "
(cheeky quoting of self there)
If this Olympic story had happened last week, or next week - I probably would have still disagreed... but not so strongly.
This week attention should have been set on Gleneagles... it Needed to be... to keep the slimy leaders under the spotlight. If anyone has been watching the coverage, with every news interview it appears that the opportunity for real change is being squandered.
The US still won't back down over the environmental issues, instead shoving the blame onto China and India (from where, coincidentally, most products are now imported because production 'is cheaper' - simultaneously forcing the closure of factories across the US and UK)
incidentally i'm a voracious reader of newspapers, and in a whole, entire none (that i have read) has the olympics eclipsed G8 coverage. been there alongside maybe, but it is not possible(certainly in edinburgh) to get away from G8 information/news. the olympics is almost an aside - yesterday in the independent the first 8/9 pages were about africa and other g* issues. then 2 pages on the olympic bid. in the scottish papers EVERYTHING is about G8. i'm sure its more (than 2 pages)today, but tomorrow the focus wll shift back as the final day of summit is discussed. anyway.
way more to say, but not sure how to put it except:
dave: can it be that you think some children don't thrive on competitive sport?
In scotland there is now a 1.4 million intiative to have circus taught in schools, bringing it alongside other minority sports in scottish funding levels. i think thats about the right place for it right now. if non-competitive sports were preferred by kids, then we'd see a lot more of them(and yes, i know the arguement that goes: 'but non-competitive kids don't stand up for themselves and say what they want(discalimer for generalisation)' but now there ARE adults in the education system who will do the standing up for them). just because YOU don't like them doesn't mean they don't provide an enormous benefit to an enormous amount of kids. as long as the non-competitive kids get a decent chance to do something that suits them, i say leave the mainstream sports alone. i gained an awful lot of confidence through playing (competitive)sports at school, and was lucky to have an enlightened teacher(or so i thought ) who did not look down on anyone for lack of sporting ability. that school has recently offered dance classes and circus as an option to its 3rd and 4th years(er. in english, thats GCSE level). i think the problem is not the curriculum, its often the teachers. so. i guess what i'm getting to in my ramble is that the system (in scotland)is not broken. a little squeaky perhaps, just that it requires human input and thats where the problem lies(isn't it always).again, i've got more, but outside input is needed or i'll ramble for ever.
love
R
Holistic Spinner (I hope)
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
I know for sure that some children do not thrive on competitive sports.
It's good to hear you benefitted immensly from them, I, and many others, experienced the opposite.
It's good to here that in Scotland circus skills are offered- this is not the case elsewhere; down here pupils are lucky if they get a occasional 'one-off' workshop, with no continuity/development or available school-owned equipment.
IMO, a prime factor in the popularity of competitive sports in schools is due to the fact that they are heavily promoted and because of the lack of alternatives.
Despite this, I'm totally OK with sports in school and do not want in any way to see them scrapped. What I do want is for alternatives to competitive sports being available to every child, and for those alternatives to be given a similar status to the sports (ie the school owns decent equipment and the pupils have access to good tuition).
I know for sure that some children do not thrive on competitive sports.
It's good to hear you benefitted immensly from them, I, and many others, experienced the opposite.
It's good to here that in Scotland circus skills are offered- this is not the case elsewhere; down here pupils are lucky if they get a occasional 'one-off' workshop, with no continuity/development or available school-owned equipment.
IMO, a prime factor in the popularity of competitive sports in schools is due to the fact that they are heavily promoted and because of the lack of alternatives.
Despite this, I'm totally OK with sports in school and do not want in any way to see them scrapped. What I do want is for alternatives to competitive sports being available to every child, and for those alternatives to be given a similar status to the sports (ie the school owns decent equipment and the pupils have access to good tuition).
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
1,762 posts
Location: York University, United Kingdom
Pooh-Bah
1,762 posts
Location: York University, United Kingdom
Posted:
Brodieman, who exactly is going to invade us? If the funding for the military had been put into the civil services like Police, Fire and Healthcare then the strikes would not have happened in the first place.
The army is our politicians tool for enforcing our will overseas, not defending ourselves. We have the Police (and with the abolishment of the military, a counter-terrorist division thereof) to help prevent anyone from attacking us.
Brodieman, who exactly is going to invade us? If the funding for the military had been put into the civil services like Police, Fire and Healthcare then the strikes would not have happened in the first place.
The army is our politicians tool for enforcing our will overseas, not defending ourselves. We have the Police (and with the abolishment of the military, a counter-terrorist division thereof) to help prevent anyone from attacking us.
After much consideration, I find that the view is worth the asphyxiation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I may disagree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
I need to put my 2p in here...
On the olympics - Liverpool won the Capital of Culture in 2008, a tiny thing compared to the Olympics, and just look at the redevelopment being undertaken there. London's mass transit system, its infrastucture will be improved. It has to be, under the contract...
On the military - Without the British Forces, where would we stand? Without the proportionally immense power our armed forces have (due to training and experience) we would be a laughing stock. America may not invade, but remember Neville Chamberlain coming back from Germany in 1933 (?) with a piece of paper saying no more war... Heh, that worked! Oh and the Armistice after WW1... Treaties aren't worth the paper theyre written on... We get rid of our armed forces, and France invades... Anyone?
I need to put my 2p in here...
On the olympics - Liverpool won the Capital of Culture in 2008, a tiny thing compared to the Olympics, and just look at the redevelopment being undertaken there. London's mass transit system, its infrastucture will be improved. It has to be, under the contract...
On the military - Without the British Forces, where would we stand? Without the proportionally immense power our armed forces have (due to training and experience) we would be a laughing stock. America may not invade, but remember Neville Chamberlain coming back from Germany in 1933 (?) with a piece of paper saying no more war... Heh, that worked! Oh and the Armistice after WW1... Treaties aren't worth the paper theyre written on... We get rid of our armed forces, and France invades... Anyone?
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
Hmmm.
I guess this story has been given it's place now, in the wake of the terrible attacks on London.
Rob, I agree with you that sports and just a healthier way of life should be encouraged and promoted in schools. This should happen with or without an Olympic bid.
My experience with the newspapers was different, however. I imagine that the Scottish papers did focus on G8... that's understandable, it's on their doorstep. But they focused on the Olympics in the locals here, and they focused on the Olympics in the UK papers that were sold here.
(Bearing in mind that some of the big dailies can change their front page depending on edition - Scottish editions may have had a different front than the rest - also understandable, appeals to the readership).
Tis all a bit academic now anyways.
Take care lovely
Hmmm.
I guess this story has been given it's place now, in the wake of the terrible attacks on London.
Rob, I agree with you that sports and just a healthier way of life should be encouraged and promoted in schools. This should happen with or without an Olympic bid.
My experience with the newspapers was different, however. I imagine that the Scottish papers did focus on G8... that's understandable, it's on their doorstep. But they focused on the Olympics in the locals here, and they focused on the Olympics in the UK papers that were sold here.
(Bearing in mind that some of the big dailies can change their front page depending on edition - Scottish editions may have had a different front than the rest - also understandable, appeals to the readership).
Tis all a bit academic now anyways.Take care lovely
Getting to the other side 
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Do you not think that if any country tried to invade another country, that other countries would jump up and cause a hoo har?
Im trying to think of recent examples of one country invading another, but I cant think of any...
Do you not think that if any country tried to invade another country, that other countries would jump up and cause a hoo har?
Im trying to think of recent examples of one country invading another, but I cant think of any...
old hand
1,024 posts
Location: london
1,024 posts
Location: london
Posted:
iraq invaded parts of iran, russia invaded parts of afganistan we invaded iraq,
the miletry are also restoring order to central london at the moment, but this debate seems small and insignifivcent at themoment
iraq invaded parts of iran, russia invaded parts of afganistan we invaded iraq,
the miletry are also restoring order to central london at the moment, but this debate seems small and insignifivcent at themoment
SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
indeed...
indeed...
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
How Olympics benefit areas outside of the city they are being held in... an essay by Pele
Let's all think back for a moment, to when Jamaica entered the Bobsled competition in the late 80's was it? That's right, 4 men stood with pride as the world laughed in their faces because "Jamaicans run, they don't bobsled". And they earned a tremendous amount of respect for them, and thier country by the amazing way they finished.
Let's look at the many underpriveledged countries who garner that pride by sending even 2 or 3 athletes to the Olympics.
Let's think about how many athletes are not in it for themselves, and who go on to win money in other competitions or through endorsements, or who get additional "gigs" which they in turn put back into thier countries. Yes it is under contract because their government arranges not only for them but their families to be cared for during their training. Several from Slavic nations have this arrangement.
Let's for one second stop and look at what happened in the last summer games. A MUSLIM WOMAN was allowed by her country not only to compete, but to WEAR A SWIMSUIT! It would not have happened without the Olympics. She admitted it, and so did her male coach. It was AMAZING and so beautiful.
Look at how many nations are equals, or betters, on the playing field where they are not in the military field.
Look at what having the Olympics as a goal has done for the advancement of women. There are soooooooo many areas where women were not allowed to compete, or wear certain things, and now they are, on a global scale!
The Olympics are not just about sports. They are about nations coming together in the spirit of sportsmanship and "friendly" competition, on an even and fair playing field where all are treated as "equals".
It is about pride..pride in oneself, pride in ones team and pride in ones country, all without using militant power to have a pissing contest.
It is about doing your best, and the achievements that can be reached when you do, not just athletically but in any aspect of life.
About drive, honour, hard work, dedication and being part of something not only historic but bigger than all the "issues".
It is about overcoming obstacles to be better and stronger, even if you lose (anyone remember the speed skater who had nothing but traumas and finished all his races anyway? Or what about the cyclist who kicked cancer to race in the Olympics? Or the gymnast who did a vault on a broken ankle and landed it?)
Oh no. Anyone who reduces the Olympics to a mere "athletic competition" I do not believe has ever sat and watched them.
They are something that instills faith in humanity, and sometimes in country, when all else is going wrong in the world.
To see the stories of passion and endurance that come from the Olympics is inspiring, and I am not an athlete. I am also one of the *least* patriotic people in the US, but when I see what some of our athletes go through (and the small city I live in has sent many people to the Olympics, mostly in fencing but last time in soccer) I absolutely tear with pride.
I do think that countries go overboard in their attempts to make thier Olympics "the best ones ever". It has reprocussions leading up to the event, but then, what I understand is that they continue to reap benefits from the stadiums and arenas long after they are gone. They are not a one shot deal and then everything is taken away. Greece is still making a tidy sum money off of that "river" they built alone, as it is the best training facility of it's kind in the world.
My only thought on the wheres of it all is, instead of the same nations passing it around, wouldn't it be cool for some of the larger countries to pool money and help a smaller country sponsor the Olympics, and then teach them how to manage the money being brought in to gain more money? That alone may help boost an economy for years, and give it a good start in tourism. I would think it would be much better than the supposed "aid" being sent to many of these countries now. But I am a realist. I know that has the chance of happening almost as much as Bush being Dr. Mike's boyfriend. 
* to Mike*
How Olympics benefit areas outside of the city they are being held in... an essay by Pele
Let's all think back for a moment, to when Jamaica entered the Bobsled competition in the late 80's was it? That's right, 4 men stood with pride as the world laughed in their faces because "Jamaicans run, they don't bobsled". And they earned a tremendous amount of respect for them, and thier country by the amazing way they finished.
Let's look at the many underpriveledged countries who garner that pride by sending even 2 or 3 athletes to the Olympics.
Let's think about how many athletes are not in it for themselves, and who go on to win money in other competitions or through endorsements, or who get additional "gigs" which they in turn put back into thier countries. Yes it is under contract because their government arranges not only for them but their families to be cared for during their training. Several from Slavic nations have this arrangement.
Let's for one second stop and look at what happened in the last summer games. A MUSLIM WOMAN was allowed by her country not only to compete, but to WEAR A SWIMSUIT! It would not have happened without the Olympics. She admitted it, and so did her male coach. It was AMAZING and so beautiful.
Look at how many nations are equals, or betters, on the playing field where they are not in the military field.
Look at what having the Olympics as a goal has done for the advancement of women. There are soooooooo many areas where women were not allowed to compete, or wear certain things, and now they are, on a global scale!
The Olympics are not just about sports. They are about nations coming together in the spirit of sportsmanship and "friendly" competition, on an even and fair playing field where all are treated as "equals".
It is about pride..pride in oneself, pride in ones team and pride in ones country, all without using militant power to have a pissing contest.
It is about doing your best, and the achievements that can be reached when you do, not just athletically but in any aspect of life.
About drive, honour, hard work, dedication and being part of something not only historic but bigger than all the "issues".
It is about overcoming obstacles to be better and stronger, even if you lose (anyone remember the speed skater who had nothing but traumas and finished all his races anyway? Or what about the cyclist who kicked cancer to race in the Olympics? Or the gymnast who did a vault on a broken ankle and landed it?)
Oh no. Anyone who reduces the Olympics to a mere "athletic competition" I do not believe has ever sat and watched them.
They are something that instills faith in humanity, and sometimes in country, when all else is going wrong in the world.
To see the stories of passion and endurance that come from the Olympics is inspiring, and I am not an athlete. I am also one of the *least* patriotic people in the US, but when I see what some of our athletes go through (and the small city I live in has sent many people to the Olympics, mostly in fencing but last time in soccer) I absolutely tear with pride.
I do think that countries go overboard in their attempts to make thier Olympics "the best ones ever". It has reprocussions leading up to the event, but then, what I understand is that they continue to reap benefits from the stadiums and arenas long after they are gone. They are not a one shot deal and then everything is taken away. Greece is still making a tidy sum money off of that "river" they built alone, as it is the best training facility of it's kind in the world.
My only thought on the wheres of it all is, instead of the same nations passing it around, wouldn't it be cool for some of the larger countries to pool money and help a smaller country sponsor the Olympics, and then teach them how to manage the money being brought in to gain more money? That alone may help boost an economy for years, and give it a good start in tourism. I would think it would be much better than the supposed "aid" being sent to many of these countries now. But I am a realist. I know that has the chance of happening almost as much as Bush being Dr. Mike's boyfriend.
* to Mike* Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
GOLD Member
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA
Posted:
for Pele
I know that for tiny countries such as Thailand. *is Thai. Winning 2 medals in events such as "Women's weight-lifting" divisions instilled huge pride in the country. (Did they just prove themselves to have the world's most manly women? Maybe.)
But either way. Yes, much of the commercialism behind the olympics is crap, but the spirit behind it still stands.
for PeleI know that for tiny countries such as Thailand. *is Thai. Winning 2 medals in events such as "Women's weight-lifting" divisions instilled huge pride in the country. (Did they just prove themselves to have the world's most manly women? Maybe.)
But either way. Yes, much of the commercialism behind the olympics is crap, but the spirit behind it still stands.
To do: More Firedrums 08 video?
Wildfire/US East coast fire footage
LA/EDC glow/fire footage
Fresno fire
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Excellent idea; I'd much rather see the Olympics in a disadvantaged country than in London.
Written by: Pele
My only thought on the wheres of it all is, instead of the same nations passing it around, wouldn't it be cool for some of the larger countries to pool money and help a smaller country sponsor the Olympics, and then teach them how to manage the money being brought in to gain more money? That alone may help boost an economy for years, and give it a good start in tourism. I would think it would be much better than the supposed "aid" being sent to many of these countries now.
Excellent idea; I'd much rather see the Olympics in a disadvantaged country than in London.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
Sadly hosting the Olympics usually leaves the host country owing huge amounts of money. The costs spiral out of control.
Sadly hosting the Olympics usually leaves the host country owing huge amounts of money. The costs spiral out of control.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
An Olympic cost for Greece:
https://mutualfunds.about.com/od/news/a/2004_olymics.htm
https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5604020/
An Olympic cost for Greece:
https://mutualfunds.about.com/od/news/a/2004_olymics.htm
https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5604020/
Getting to the other side
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
good links claire
here are more:
the african angle.
business week olympic cost comments.
economic analysis in usa today.
the olympic charter <-- well worth a read i reckon
i understand the arguments presented on this thread and i agree with some of the sentiments they promote.
but i think the suggestion to disband the ioc and postpone this event (and all the other events that entertain westerners/the world) until we end poverty and achieve world peace is a very short sighted, idealistic view and is not only completely unworkable, but is also detrimental to the world's cultures at large - the olympics are one of the few truly international events that are not primarily about power or money.
i guess i'm disappointed that many people here can't see past the money angle and that a dislike for competitive sport can translate to outright negativity for something that has as many positive aspects to it as the olympic games have
imo, the olympics are a shining example, not only of human endeavour but also that, as pessimistic as the world may sometimes seem, there are ways for us all to exist in harmony and that we should never stop working towards that utopian goal.
i still like this article from ages ago: kofi annan on olympic ideals.
so, as you can probably tell, i'm still chuffed about it - especially after yesterday.
i've started saving for tickets already!
i plan to go see boxing, gymnastics (women's floor, men's rings, any rg), judo and of course, beach volleyball
cole. x
EDITED_BY: coleman (1121093489)
good links claire
here are more:
the african angle.
business week olympic cost comments.
economic analysis in usa today.
the olympic charter <-- well worth a read i reckon
i understand the arguments presented on this thread and i agree with some of the sentiments they promote.
but i think the suggestion to disband the ioc and postpone this event (and all the other events that entertain westerners/the world) until we end poverty and achieve world peace is a very short sighted, idealistic view and is not only completely unworkable, but is also detrimental to the world's cultures at large - the olympics are one of the few truly international events that are not primarily about power or money.
i guess i'm disappointed that many people here can't see past the money angle and that a dislike for competitive sport can translate to outright negativity for something that has as many positive aspects to it as the olympic games have
imo, the olympics are a shining example, not only of human endeavour but also that, as pessimistic as the world may sometimes seem, there are ways for us all to exist in harmony and that we should never stop working towards that utopian goal.
i still like this article from ages ago: kofi annan on olympic ideals.
so, as you can probably tell, i'm still chuffed about it - especially after yesterday.
i've started saving for tickets already!
i plan to go see boxing, gymnastics (women's floor, men's rings, any rg), judo and of course, beach volleyball
cole. x
EDITED_BY: coleman (1121093489)
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
SILVER Member
Tosser
1,712 posts
Location: Bristol,UK
Tosser
1,712 posts
Location: Bristol,UK
Posted:
I'm really pleased the Olympics is coming to the UK- I think its good for British sport and good for South East London. Also, things of this scale tend to draw the home nations community together- anything that draws British people together in a little bit of national pride is a good thing; our sense of national community is sorely lacking.
I'm really pleased the Olympics is coming to the UK- I think its good for British sport and good for South East London. Also, things of this scale tend to draw the home nations community together- anything that draws British people together in a little bit of national pride is a good thing; our sense of national community is sorely lacking.
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
Wait, did you read my post or the one after it?
We definately see way past the money angle and see no negativity in it.
Written by: coleman
i guess i'm disappointed that no-one can see past the money angle and that a dislike for competitive sport can translate to outright negativity for something that has as many positive aspects to it as the olympic games have
cole. x
Wait, did you read my post or the one after it?
We definately see way past the money angle and see no negativity in it.
Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Having read all the posts i'm going to say that I'd be more pleased if the Olympics weren't coming to London.
Especially now it's apparent that tax payers are going to have to subsidise the thing, IMO, they should be asked if they want it if they're paying for it.
Where comunity is concerned, IMO, two types need support. firstly, immediate local community; secondly, human community.
National community/national pride, IMO, comes way below those in priority.
Strong local community needs involvement and choice for those who make up that community, so that would mean Londoners being consulted about whether they want to host/subsidise the olympics.
Human community means recognizing the plight of our African brothers/sisters and putting them first; maybe via Peles idea of nations paying to hold the Olympics in Africa.
As for the London Olympics being good for British sport- how much more help does British sports need?
It's already part of every childs school curriculum (whether they want it or not). It may be generally seen as under-subsidised, but sport recieves way more money and status than the arts, and way, way more than circus.
I guess we'll have different opinions on this, and I'm not going to get into an argument over it- I'm simply stating my view; I feel no desire whatsoever to give competitive sports more funding or status; nor do I feel anything good about the Olympics being held here.
Written by: Mr Chutney
I'm really pleased the Olympics is coming to the UK- I think its good for British sport and good for South East London. Also, things of this scale tend to draw the home nations community together- anything that draws British people together in a little bit of national pride is a good thing; our sense of national community is sorely lacking.
Having read all the posts i'm going to say that I'd be more pleased if the Olympics weren't coming to London.
Especially now it's apparent that tax payers are going to have to subsidise the thing, IMO, they should be asked if they want it if they're paying for it.
Where comunity is concerned, IMO, two types need support. firstly, immediate local community; secondly, human community.
National community/national pride, IMO, comes way below those in priority.
Strong local community needs involvement and choice for those who make up that community, so that would mean Londoners being consulted about whether they want to host/subsidise the olympics.
Human community means recognizing the plight of our African brothers/sisters and putting them first; maybe via Peles idea of nations paying to hold the Olympics in Africa.
As for the London Olympics being good for British sport- how much more help does British sports need?
It's already part of every childs school curriculum (whether they want it or not). It may be generally seen as under-subsidised, but sport recieves way more money and status than the arts, and way, way more than circus.
I guess we'll have different opinions on this, and I'm not going to get into an argument over it- I'm simply stating my view; I feel no desire whatsoever to give competitive sports more funding or status; nor do I feel anything good about the Olympics being held here.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
Groovy ga watashi no namae desu!
1,530 posts
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Groovy ga watashi no namae desu!
1,530 posts
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Posted:
i thikn paris should have won it, such a much nicer place, looking at the truck loads of olympic shite they had to move out quickly was amusing though, still paris should have won
paris beaaaaaauuuutifffffuuull london (no offence to anyone who loves london) is a shitwhole copared to paris lol
i thikn paris should have won it, such a much nicer place, looking at the truck loads of olympic shite they had to move out quickly was amusing though, still paris should have won
paris beaaaaaauuuutifffffuuull london (no offence to anyone who loves london) is a shitwhole copared to paris lol
I like Languages.
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
BRONZE Member
I wear yellow on monday
551 posts
Location: Farnham Ahoy, United Kingdom
I wear yellow on monday
551 posts
Location: Farnham Ahoy, United Kingdom
Posted:
lets not forget the poor sods that will be 'compulsory purchased' out of their homes just so ken livingstone can build a swimming pool.
What about poor 80yr old Mrs Smith (an example, though their maybe an 80 yr old mrs smith) who will be moved out of her house for the duration of the olympics so that the athletes can stay in her home because its closer to the stadium!!!
what is britain coming to? seriously?
lets not forget the poor sods that will be 'compulsory purchased' out of their homes just so ken livingstone can build a swimming pool.
What about poor 80yr old Mrs Smith (an example, though their maybe an 80 yr old mrs smith) who will be moved out of her house for the duration of the olympics so that the athletes can stay in her home because its closer to the stadium!!!
what is britain coming to? seriously?
You'll find me on the dance floor
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
YAY LONDON!!!
Thank GOD New York voted down two stadium proposals that effectively killed the NY bid. Kind of cracks me up that New York City had a large amount of organizations rallying against building stadiums and such so we wouldn't have to deal with the traffic, chaos, and worst of all... the tourists.
Congrats to London. And if you all start saving up now, you might be able to afford a ticket for the preliminary qualification for archery or something.
YAY LONDON!!!
Thank GOD New York voted down two stadium proposals that effectively killed the NY bid. Kind of cracks me up that New York City had a large amount of organizations rallying against building stadiums and such so we wouldn't have to deal with the traffic, chaos, and worst of all... the tourists.
Congrats to London. And if you all start saving up now, you might be able to afford a ticket for the preliminary qualification for archery or something.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Yeah, because tourism never made New York a cent of money...
Yeah, because tourism never made New York a cent of money...
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
Tourism, sure. But taxpayer money to build a new stadium while shutting down fire houses and cutting education money?
No thanks.
Tourism, sure. But taxpayer money to build a new stadium while shutting down fire houses and cutting education money?
No thanks.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
sorry pele.
my post should not have said "no-one".
i have changed my post so that it reads better and more accurately
very diplomatic nate!
cole. x
Written by: Pele
Wait, did you read my post or the one after it?
We definately see way past the money angle and see no negativity in it.
sorry pele.
my post should not have said "no-one".
i have changed my post so that it reads better and more accurately
Written by: nate
london (no offence to anyone who loves london) is a shitwhole copared to paris
very diplomatic nate!cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
lord high king of swingers *(now defunct)**(but will rise again ! !)*
165 posts
Location: wild wiltshire
165 posts
Location: wild wiltshire
Posted:
sorry to have to say it but i think that competition sucks ! Is juggling competitive ? not in the u.k, and thats what i love about it and what i hated about sports at school as i yet again got pounded into the cold mud by some big hoon with something to prove ! and we all seem to take the piss outof joggling in the states ?
the olympics will see a bunch of capitalist make a fortune out of the event whilst we all pay the bill !
and for what ?
how do we as a pro active community actaully benefit from this, will this mean more money for the things like schools/hospitals that actually need the money, no it won't it just means a bloody big swimming pool, yet another exspensive, "impressive"(?) stadium and ask your self wether these structures will be freely available for all members of the public to take advantage of or wether they will be used as yet another white elephant to help the rich get richer ? will they give the houses in the olympic village to the poor or will they sell them of at a premium to those who can afford and aspire to greater personal comfort, at the whatever cost ?
trust, i'm not against the spirit of the games, but if the spirit is truly what they say it is then why does it have such negative conotations to it in certain aspects?
we are a country at war slaughtering innocent children as i debate this meaningless isuue, really i have to ask myself what is important and ask wether in the history of the games they have made any significant advancement to mankind or towards ending the multitude of problems that are here now with us !
love you all don't mean to offend, just my opinion which at all times is like an ars**ole, everyone got one, and therefore not that special !
love yah !
especially you cole !
xxx
b
EDITED_BY: bairie fen (1121104599)
sorry to have to say it but i think that competition sucks ! Is juggling competitive ? not in the u.k, and thats what i love about it and what i hated about sports at school as i yet again got pounded into the cold mud by some big hoon with something to prove ! and we all seem to take the piss outof joggling in the states ?
the olympics will see a bunch of capitalist make a fortune out of the event whilst we all pay the bill !
and for what ?
how do we as a pro active community actaully benefit from this, will this mean more money for the things like schools/hospitals that actually need the money, no it won't it just means a bloody big swimming pool, yet another exspensive, "impressive"(?) stadium and ask your self wether these structures will be freely available for all members of the public to take advantage of or wether they will be used as yet another white elephant to help the rich get richer ? will they give the houses in the olympic village to the poor or will they sell them of at a premium to those who can afford and aspire to greater personal comfort, at the whatever cost ?
trust, i'm not against the spirit of the games, but if the spirit is truly what they say it is then why does it have such negative conotations to it in certain aspects?
we are a country at war slaughtering innocent children as i debate this meaningless isuue, really i have to ask myself what is important and ask wether in the history of the games they have made any significant advancement to mankind or towards ending the multitude of problems that are here now with us !
love you all don't mean to offend, just my opinion which at all times is like an ars**ole, everyone got one, and therefore not that special !
love yah !
especially you cole !
xxx
b
EDITED_BY: bairie fen (1121104599)
fly fairies, fly high, fly wide and take no prisoners !!!!!!
lord high king of swingers *(now defunct)**(but will rise again ! !)*
165 posts
Location: wild wiltshire
165 posts
Location: wild wiltshire
Posted:
oh and nationalism ends up with people like my father thinking that this is our country and we should defend it from all those bloody blagging foreigners out there who want all the good things that we have ! and i struggle to believe that he is an isolated case, and how exactly does the games bring us all together ? what about the people who hate sport and resent the fact that their usual television programming has been disturbed ?o.k tough for them for being so hooked on tv but hey they have as much right as we, don't they ?
let alone those who direct pure venom towards anyone who defeats the mighty glorious english sporting heroes, who all always set such a good example with the impossibly affluent lifestyle and often enough disgracefull behaviour, especially when it is in their home land, don't believe me go to a rougher pub without all the nice stylish comforts when england are playing football and they lose, trust me the atmosphere becomes very ugly, very quick and for what ? I've seen innocent people beaten just because someone elses team lost !
Quote from the right honourable bill hicks regarding nationalism specifically nationalism.
scene: a public demonstration where flags are being burnt.
person a to bill hicks : hey don't burn that flag, my daddy died for that flag !
bill : sh*t dude, why ? i just brought mine at k-mart !
another bueatifull quote that i can't remember where it came from : " football is only an excuse for grown men to cry in public "
once again no offence meant just my two pence !
xxx
b
oh and nationalism ends up with people like my father thinking that this is our country and we should defend it from all those bloody blagging foreigners out there who want all the good things that we have ! and i struggle to believe that he is an isolated case, and how exactly does the games bring us all together ? what about the people who hate sport and resent the fact that their usual television programming has been disturbed ?o.k tough for them for being so hooked on tv but hey they have as much right as we, don't they ?
let alone those who direct pure venom towards anyone who defeats the mighty glorious english sporting heroes, who all always set such a good example with the impossibly affluent lifestyle and often enough disgracefull behaviour, especially when it is in their home land, don't believe me go to a rougher pub without all the nice stylish comforts when england are playing football and they lose, trust me the atmosphere becomes very ugly, very quick and for what ? I've seen innocent people beaten just because someone elses team lost !
Quote from the right honourable bill hicks regarding nationalism specifically nationalism.
scene: a public demonstration where flags are being burnt.
person a to bill hicks : hey don't burn that flag, my daddy died for that flag !
bill : sh*t dude, why ? i just brought mine at k-mart !
another bueatifull quote that i can't remember where it came from : " football is only an excuse for grown men to cry in public "
once again no offence meant just my two pence !
xxx
b
fly fairies, fly high, fly wide and take no prisoners !!!!!!
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