REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

Olympics. Good idea, bad idea?

POSTED BY: WISHIMAY
UPDATED: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 08:27
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 3302
PAGE 1 of 1

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 10:44 PM

WISHIMAY



http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/charles-lane-the-olympics-shoul
d-be-on-their-way-out/2014/01/20/cb610d62-820b-11e3-bbe5-6a2a3141e3a9_story.html


I admit it. I've come to dislike the Olympics. Besides draining countries of incomes and resources, there are far too many "sports" that aren't really "sports". Not to mention there isn't much to be gained in many of these actual sports because they are at the limits of what humans are capable of (ohh he finished a tenth of a second faster, wow). I agree they used to have a purpose, but where they WERE a uniting forces, I think they are more divisive than anything now and that that is going to get worse.

Also, we have a little thing called the internet now, I don't think traveling to the other side of the world when you can compete just as well in the country you are from and compare scores just as easily on a computer makes sense. But then people generally don't to me....




NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 11:22 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



The stories coming from Sochi are beyond anything I can recall in terms of a city NOT being ready for their games. As if the Russians didn't' have enough problems w/ the Muslim terrorists already now they have to deal w/ this PR nightmare.

It's almost like someone is TRYING to put and end to the games, and this is the blue print in how to do it. Spend ungodly amounts of money to then have a shoddy , underwhelming and ill prepared stage.

The place is ripe for all manner of shenanigans, or worse.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 11:32 PM

BYTEMITE


Allow me to answer with twitter images from the athletes accommodations in Sochi.

http://cheezburger.com/179717?ref=whatspopularvotes

On one hand, the olympics does give an economic boost to the country it's happening in. It's also symbolic of peace and unity between nations.

On the other hand, yet more nonsensical athlete worship that doesn't actually put anything back into society.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 11:39 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Athlete worship ?

So, years of training and sacrifice on their part, to earn a chance to compete against the best in the world means nothing to you ?

That's a rather dismal view of life.

As for Sochi, at least the honey is 'fresh'.



( Actual formerly live bee included. Yum ! )

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 12:24 AM

WISHIMAY


Quote:

Originally posted by AURaptor:


So, years of training and sacrifice on their part, to earn a chance to compete against the best in the world means nothing to you ?




I'm with her. Most of these people have already hit the physical genetic lottery...We should worship them too? Don't they have enough going for them? I should mention physical competition means absolutely nothing to me. It's akin to having televised exercise... BORING!!!! Any sport with a ball in it is like watching someone else play Pong. Doink, doink, doink. Snooooze.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:01 AM

BYTEMITE


Being an athlete is kind of an inherently selfish proposition, in that it's a focus on improving yourself and your physical condition, and getting accolades for it.

Doctors improve their minds, and save people's lives, but we don't see fans swarming around doctors.

Athleticism is actually a pretty shallow, meaningless thing. Sure, be healthy for yourself, but earning money for being extra healthy kinda seems like a whole lotta bullshit.

Frankly, I have similar problems with the worship towards actors. And models.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 6:09 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



How about less 'worship' and more appreciation for what they've sacrificed. Or least some basic acknowledgement ? I think what's on display here is a great deal of ignorance and baseless animosity.

Doctors ? Not in it for the money, or with ANY sort of a god complex. Naww. They're just in it for the good will.


Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 10:04 AM

BYTEMITE


Doctors are totally in it for the money. In fact, they're some of the most greedy people when it comes right down to it and they're a little bit like vultures because they basically profit from people suffering.

I don't have any problem with earning money. The difference is, at the end of the day, a doctor actually does something that has a long term effect on people's lives, even if it's more as a peripheral to their basic goal of sometimes literally making a killing.

An architect designs a building that might last long after they're dead. A construction worker helps build that building. A scientist makes a discovery. An engineer makes a robot. A song is preserved by pop-culture and it's relevance after it's popularity has faded. A good businessman might make a revolutionary invention that's still around a hundred years later.

What the fuck legacy does an ATHLETE have? You think two years from now I'm going to remember that the Seahawks won the Superbowl? You think I'm going to remember the names of any of the athletes that compete in these Olympics?

The only legacy an athlete has, just like with a model or any other profession based on the body, is a monument to living in the present and their ego. It will be gone someday, sometimes as soon as five years.

What I'm saying is, it doesn't MATTER, and yet we act like they're the best of us even though they don't actually DO anything important. Also, they cheat like hell, doping is ubiquitous in most sports, so it's not really even legitimately them.

Sacrifices? What a joke. Even the kids from the rough neighborhoods who go into sports eventually just skate on scholarships then they get endorsements from corporations. It's like it's not even a real life, it's detached from reality. And it fades away in time.

So no, I don't respect them, I don't "appreciate" them, or their "sacrifices". Animosity it is, but baseless and ignorant it isn't. I see people trying to live up to other people's examples, living vicariously through them, instead of living their own lives and seeing their own worth and having confidence in themselves. I hate the celebrity worship, and I hate that it's over something so POINTLESS and MEANINGLESS.

If they deserve respect, it's only when they've done something with their time and money BESIDES BEING A CELEBRITY.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 12:54 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



Quote:

Sacrifices? What a joke. Even the kids from the rough neighborhoods who go into sports eventually just skate on scholarships then they get endorsements from corporations. It's like it's not even a real life, it's detached from reality. And it fades away in time.


Not all athletes earn scholarships, or big fat pro contracts. In swimming, many actually step AWAY from the NCAA, because that limits the # of hours they can practice. So hell yes there's sacrifice. More than you know, it seems.

Quote:



So no, I don't respect them, I don't "appreciate" them, or their "sacrifices". Animosity it is, but baseless and ignorant it isn't. I see people trying to live up to other people's examples, living vicariously through them, instead of living their own lives and seeing their own worth and having confidence in themselves. I hate the celebrity worship, and I hate that it's over something so POINTLESS and MEANINGLESS.



You're confused. Most Olympic athletes live in obscurity and well outside of the public eye. They're not in it for the fat Nike contracts or to appear in Subway ads

Quote:



If they deserve respect, it's only when they've done something with their time and money BESIDES BEING A CELEBRITY.



So, as long as they lose, and stay out of the limelight, it's ok with you ?

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:08 PM

BYTEMITE


Quote:

In swimming, many actually step AWAY from the NCAA, because that limits the # of hours they can practice.


Oh gee, so I should think that their obsessively pursuing training in a manner of recreation, such as swimming, is a "sacrifice," much as the lunkheads who spend all their time at a gym have "sacrificed."

I am speaking of moderation in all things, and of imbalances.

Quote:

So, as long as they lose, and stay out of the limelight, it's ok with you ?


You really don't get it. No. That wasn't what I was saying at all.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:11 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



Not everyone thinks as you do. Some folks juggle geese. I may hate geese juggling, but of all the geese jugglers out there, if one is shown to be the BEST, why is that a bad thing ?

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:21 PM

BYTEMITE


Quote:

Not everyone thinks as you do. Some folks juggle geese. I may hate geese juggling, but of all the geese jugglers out there, if one is shown to be the BEST, why is that a bad thing ?


It's not a bad thing to acknowledge one is better than others at some skill or another. It's bad to worship them.

Big difference.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:28 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



" Worship " for athletic endeavors have been going on since the time of the Roman gladiators , and long before.

Competition, has always been a part of the human psyche.

David vs Goliath was one of the early, big UFC bouts scheduled.

They're still talking about that one.

And Pheidippides ? Ran the first Marathon, from...well, Marathon.

It was kind of a big deal.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:39 PM

BYTEMITE


And I'm saying it's UNWISE to do that. Any kind of worship sets you up for being exploited by some kind of authority. That's why in Roman times it was called bread and circuses.

Go ahead and enjoy it, but seriously, there are ramifications to all this focus on athletics and all this physical stuff.

Same thing with if you wanted to watch the Superbowl or the commercials. Enjoy what you want to but be aware of the people behind the curtains trying to manipulate you. Get me?

I mean I defended you guys when Mal4Prez and Sig called you all out for wasting your time on stuff, because it's your right to spend your time on whatever you want to, but that doesn't mean there aren't valid points on the other side of things.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 1:43 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!



There are all manner of distractions going on, none of which have anything to do with the Olympics.

And I have to agree, the intended motives for why we have the Olympics really don't sync with what actually takes place.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Thursday, February 6, 2014 2:09 PM

BYTEMITE


Fair enough.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 6:41 PM

WISHIMAY


I can honestly say not once in my life have I ever wanted to fly to Russia and watch people run around in snow...

Guess what I'm not alone!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2556121/Too-cold-Sochi-suffers
-distinct-lack-atmosphere-stadiums-revealed-seats.html


If I'm going somewhere it better be warm, sandy, and rum filled!

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 6:56 PM

BYTEMITE


The weird thing is Sochi normally tends to be a mediterranean palm tree climate. Another article mentions that they're having trouble keeping the snow from melting because it's 61 degrees there. Why they chose Sochi for winter games... Who knows.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 7:03 PM

1KIKI

Goodbye, kind world (George Monbiot) - In common with all those generations which have contemplated catastrophe, we appear to be incapable of understanding what confronts us.


I gave up on the Olympics over 3 decades ago. I just couldn't see the point.

Every now and then someone will give a performance/ run/ game that's just so damn awesome it's a joy to watch. But usually the things that make it special don't accumulate points. A skater with a graceful carriage going into a toe-loop (instead of a nervous-looking power-generating squat), a gymnast whose moves are fluid (rather than a technically superior but mechanical routine), an exchange on the hockey rink (that nevertheless loses the point) ... in the judging it was interesting watching the judges struggle to award points to the person whose performance they 'liked' better but simply didn't have the technical merits ... but it's interesting only so many times. And spending all that time watching isn't worth the rare reward.

If something truly worthwhile happens, I know I'll hear about it, and I can always catch it on the internet.

Plus I'm not all that invested in joining the chorus of USA! USA! USA! USA!

I'm curious who does find it worthwhile.

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 7:12 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
The weird thing is Sochi normally tends to be a Mediterranean palm tree climate. Another article mentions that they're having trouble keeping the snow from melting because it's 61 degrees there. Why they chose Sochi for winter games... Who knows.



Might it be because it has a bit higher latitude than Boston Mass ?

43° 36' 0" N - Sochi , Russia

42° 21' 29" N - Boston, MA. USA

Quote:


Plus I'm not all that invested in joining the chorus of USA! USA! USA! USA!



Real shocker there. Stop the presses !


Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 7:26 PM

1KIKI

Goodbye, kind world (George Monbiot) - In common with all those generations which have contemplated catastrophe, we appear to be incapable of understanding what confronts us.


So, the Olympics are merely an opportunity for your jingoism? Why does not not surprise me?

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 9:24 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by 1kiki:
So, the Olympics are merely an opportunity for your jingoism? Why does not not surprise me?



USA! USA ! USA! Wooooo!

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 10:21 PM

JONGSSTRAW


The Olympics are great. Been watching them since Tokyo 1964. Nothing else in sports compares.

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Monday, February 10, 2014 11:05 PM

BYTEMITE


Quote:

Might it be because it has a bit higher latitude than Boston Mass ?


It's on the shore of the black sea, elevation sea level, 200 km north of Turkey. Climatically, it being further north than Boston makes pretty much no difference.

The climate is mediterranean.

Quote:

It is one of the very few places in Russia with a subtropical climate, with warm to hot summers and mild winters.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sochi

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 12:35 AM

AGENTROUKA


I don't know. I'm very ambivalent about Sochi.

Considering Daylight issues, time zone issues, realistic temperature issues, later usability... Sochi is probably well chosen. Siberia as a location is simply out.

But yes, it is utterly embarrassing that they didn't manage building decent hotels. Or decent anything. It's insane that anyone thought this wouldn't become a huge issue. You don't get away with shoddy details like that at the Olympics, especially if you're Russia and spent a record sum. Fail.

I approve of high-level politicians or celebrities who chose not to go for political reasons. But I also don't mind those who do go, because the fact that the Games are happening is putting and keeping Russian issues on the front pages.

But as an idea I like the Olympics. Athletic events don't have a language barrier and aren't prone to cultural disconnect. The only similarly transferable activity would be dance.

So unless we start the awesome International Winter Dance-a-thon tradition, sports will have to serve as an excuse to get a metric ton of countries together for the purpose of entertainment and the higher purpose of reminding everyone that other countries exist. That they exist in a positive way. That they consist of people. And yes, it's as good an excuse as any to bitch about Putin. That is how it should be.

I think there is a positive effect, overall. Now if only they were a LITTLE more attentive of how a country prepares for such events. Exploitation of foreign workers, shoddy craftsmanship and sub-par amenities should be subject to some form of official consequence, honestly.


NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 12:38 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
Quote:

Might it be because it has a bit higher latitude than Boston Mass ?


It's on the shore of the black sea, elevation sea level, 200 km north of Turkey. Climatically, it being further north than Boston makes pretty much no difference.

The climate is mediterranean.

Quote:

It is one of the very few places in Russia with a subtropical climate, with warm to hot summers and mild winters.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sochi



Some have referred to it as the Florida of Russia, to which it may be, in relative terms. But for comparisons sake, I remind folks it's more on par w/ Boston than Miami.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 1:03 AM

BYTEMITE


...

As a hypocrite, I admit I would watch the SHIT out of math and engineering olympic event. They could do both long term competitions - you could have four years, now build something that wows us all - and a timed event.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 1:04 AM

BYTEMITE


Quote:

Some have referred to it as the Florida of Russia, to which it may be, in relative terms. But for comparisons sake, I remind folks it's more on par w/ Boston than Miami.



If Boston had palm trees.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 1:15 AM

AGENTROUKA


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
...

As a hypocrite, I admit I would watch the SHIT out of math and engineering olympic event. They could do both long term competitions - you could have four years, now build something that wows us all - and a timed event.




..!!!! AH! :D I love that idea!

Not so much the math part. But the engineering part! It'll be like a big international science fair! Seriously, something like this, all televised and marketed and well-explained would be such a boost for getting kids excited about the sciences. Or, you know, people. I could do with a world of celebrity scientists.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 1:16 AM

AGENTROUKA


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
Quote:

Some have referred to it as the Florida of Russia, to which it may be, in relative terms. But for comparisons sake, I remind folks it's more on par w/ Boston than Miami.



If Boston had palm trees.



I think it's important to consider the dramatic differences in altitude available in Sochi. It's just a multi-faceted place.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 1:42 AM

1KIKI

Goodbye, kind world (George Monbiot) - In common with all those generations which have contemplated catastrophe, we appear to be incapable of understanding what confronts us.


People I know who are genuine athletes tell me that the differences in people at the top echelon are virtually zero. So immediate factors are weighted more heavily at any one event. If someone didn't sleep well the night before it could throw their entire effort. That means one-time winner take all competitions aren't really representative of true talent, but more of uncontrollable random factors. So I think that a system that compares people over time is far more representative of who's better. That said there's problems with ranking systems. It depends on what you think is the metric of greatness. Is it wins? Total points? Total time in the top 5? Over a lifetime? A year? Four? In any case, my disinterest in the Olympics remains. I don't find it meaningful.

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 8:54 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by 1kiki:
People I know who are genuine athletes tell me that the differences in people at the top echelon are virtually zero. So immediate factors are weighted more heavily at any one event. If someone didn't sleep well the night before it could throw their entire effort. That means one-time winner take all competitions aren't really representative of true talent, but more of uncontrollable random factors.



It's called " competition " for a reason. There's no universally neutral or unbiased means by which to gauge 1 athlete or 1 performance to another, but head to head competition is the best means.

Quote:


So I think that a system that compares people over time is far more representative of who's better.



One of the great debates in all sport. Most would agree that Peyton Manning is the better QB than his brother Eli, though the latter has 2 Super Bowl rings. Not a fair comparison , as football is a 'team' sport ? What about when a lower ranked athlete comes out of no where to win a competition ? Well then, there's a reason why they're called 'upsets'. All things being equal, on that day, place and time, one was better than the other. That's the very nature of competition. To be the man you have to beat the man.( or woman )

Quote:



That said there's problems with ranking systems. It depends on what you think is the metric of greatness. Is it wins? Total points? Total time in the top 5? Over a lifetime? A year? Four? In any case, my disinterest in the Olympics remains. I don't find it meaningful.



Then stop telling us how much you aren't interested, and just let it go.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 8:55 AM

WISHIMAY


Quote:

Originally posted by G:


Oh, and there's also the Russian women... paid professionals at this point and playing in their home venue. Come on, that's drama.



Someone says Russian women and I automatically go HERE. Damn you Wendy's...




Damn, it's not working
try

"Wendy's Russian fashion commercial"
It's from the eighties, but it's always stuck with me...

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 8:57 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


" Very nice! " ?

* Ha! I figured it out as you were fixing link.


Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 8:59 AM

WISHIMAY


Geez, gimme two seconds ta fix it Sparky

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:34 AM

BYTEMITE


Quote:

To everyone: here's a concept - the Olympics aren't for us, they're for the athletes.


That's pretty much exactly why I don't like them. They try to involve everyone else via a sense of nationalism and unity, but that sort of propaganda doesn't work on me. So the Olympics fail to pass the "why should I care?" test.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 3:33 PM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Quote:

Originally posted by Wishimay:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/charles-lane-the-olympics-shoul
d-be-on-their-way-out/2014/01/20/cb610d62-820b-11e3-bbe5-6a2a3141e3a9_story.html


I admit it. I've come to dislike the Olympics. Besides draining countries of incomes and resources, there are far too many "sports" that aren't really "sports". Not to mention there isn't much to be gained in many of these actual sports because they are at the limits of what humans are capable of (ohh he finished a tenth of a second faster, wow). I agree they used to have a purpose, but where they WERE a uniting forces, I think they are more divisive than anything now and that that is going to get worse.

Also, we have a little thing called the internet now, I don't think traveling to the other side of the world when you can compete just as well in the country you are from and compare scores just as easily on a computer makes sense. But then people generally don't to me....







Interesting post Wish. I never would have thought of the comparing scores thing.

Personally, I think it's all just virtually scripted, but then I think that's the case of every professional sport in America too. WWF mentality in every sport in existence.

Russia was our enemy in the Cold War. We made a movie about that 80's US Hockey team that beat them...... Wasn't that right around the same time Reagan demanded that Gorbachev tear down that wall?

All of the sudden China beats us at virtually everything but any X-Sports that Tony Hawk is affilliated with in some sort of 3-degrees-from-kevin-bacon type way? Kinda funny since we supposedly owe them Trillions after giving them copper, steel and iron for two decades in return for plastic shit we don't make here because, well let's face it, who can afford Union Wages?



Everything is fake and everything is scripted.

I'm okay with that.

I'm in it for the curling.

Goddamned awesome sport, curling. ;)






NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:42 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
Quote:

To everyone: here's a concept - the Olympics aren't for us, they're for the athletes.


That's pretty much exactly why I don't like them. They try to involve everyone else via a sense of nationalism and unity, but that sort of propaganda doesn't work on me. So the Olympics fail to pass the "why should I care?" test.



It's like Kaylee says, " They've all got stories... ". Meaning the athletes. Aside from the #'s, stats and gold medal count, it's neat to hear what so many have sacrificed over the years, some of them their entire lives, to finally get a chance just to COMPETE !

Jamaica bobsled team ? Hell yeah, I'm buyin' that!


NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 6:03 PM

BYTEMITE


The reason Kaylee's quote is sweet is because she means everyone has stories and so she's interested in everyone, as opposed to just celebrities.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 7:57 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!


Quote:

Originally posted by BYTEMITE:
The reason Kaylee's quote is sweet is because she means everyone has stories and so she's interested in everyone, as opposed to just celebrities.



Exactly ! And that's what the Olympics is SUPPOSE to be, celebrating the "everyones" and not the multi million dollar celebs.



Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 7:24 AM

JAYNEZTOWN


Japan: Woman 'opposed to Olympics' tries to douse torch with squirt gun during relay

https://www.tokyoreporter.com/crime/ibaraki-woman-opposed-to-olympics-
tries-to-douse-torch-with-squirt-gun
/

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 3:17 AM

JAYNEZTOWN

NOTIFY: N   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 8:27 AM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Yeah... I don't envy Japan right now.

Their economy is going to take a double hit from Covidmania soon.

--------------------------------------------------

And he who is not sufficiently courageous to defend his soul — don’t let him be proud of his ‘progressive’ views, and don’t let him boast that he is an academician or a people’s artist, a distinguished figure or a general. Let him say to himself: I am a part of the herd and a coward. It’s all the same to me as long as I’m fed and kept warm.

NOTIFY: Y   |  REPLY  |  REPLY WITH QUOTE  |  TOP  |  HOME  

YOUR OPTIONS

NEW POSTS TODAY

USERPOST DATE

OTHER TOPICS

DISCUSSIONS
Salon: NBC's Ronna blunder: A failed attempt to appeal to MAGA voters — except they hate her too
Thu, March 28, 2024 07:04 - 1 posts
Russia Invades Ukraine. Again
Thu, March 28, 2024 05:27 - 6154 posts
In the garden, and RAIN!!! (2)
Thu, March 28, 2024 02:07 - 3408 posts
Russian losses in Ukraine
Wed, March 27, 2024 23:21 - 987 posts
Elections; 2024
Wed, March 27, 2024 22:19 - 2069 posts
human actions, global climate change, global human solutions
Wed, March 27, 2024 15:03 - 824 posts
NBC News: Behind the scenes, Biden has grown angry and anxious about re-election effort
Wed, March 27, 2024 14:58 - 2 posts
BUILD BACK BETTER!
Wed, March 27, 2024 14:45 - 5 posts
RFK Jr. Destroys His Candidacy With VP Pick?
Wed, March 27, 2024 11:59 - 16 posts
Russia says 60 dead, 145 injured in concert hall raid; Islamic State group claims responsibility
Wed, March 27, 2024 10:57 - 49 posts
Ha. Haha! HAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!!!!
Tue, March 26, 2024 21:26 - 1 posts
You can't take the sky from me, a tribute to Firefly
Tue, March 26, 2024 16:26 - 293 posts

FFF.NET SOCIAL