The Olympics

[jon0844]

Why such negativity over the games? They're happening and there should be a real feelgood factor attached to them, as well as a great opportunity to be seen in a positive light by the whole world.

I know we're seen as a nation of moaners, but why not try and prove people wrong just this once? Our money has been spent and the event isn't going to be cancelled!

 

[Deerfold]

Why such negativity over the games? They're happening and there should be a real feelgood factor attached to them, as well as a great opportunity to be seen in a positive light by the whole world.

Why should there be? There's money galore being spent on them whilst worthwhile projects around the country get nothing. At least half of the Olympic buildings are planned to be taken down again afterwards. The largest building at the site has no events taking place - it's for corporate events for the sponsors. I think it's fundamentally wrong associating McDonalds and Coke with the peak of sporting achievement.

I'll be surprised if there's anything gained in the long term in UK (or even London) sport from the billions spent.

I know we're seen as a nation of moaners, but why not try and prove people wrong just this once? Our money has been spent and the event isn't going to be cancelled!

I hope it goes well (and I'll be out and about providing travel guidance to visitors whilst its on which I'll try my best to do with a smile), but I don't like being repeatedly told just how excited and/or honoured about it I should be.

 

[jon0844]

You don't need to be honoured, and I'll be out of the country too (my cousin who lives in east London decided it was the right time to get out and get married abroad!) but I still think it's going to be a good thing overall.

 

[anthony263]

Supposed to pass near to where I live on saturday and I already know it has forced the diversion of the buses in Bridgend town Centre on saturday afternoon so thats going to cause some issue's especially since First Cymru's volvo's are going to struggle since the road being used for the diversion is very narrow in parts

 

[Schnellzug]

Why such negativity over the games? They're happening and there should be a real feelgood factor attached to them, as well as a great opportunity to be seen in a positive light by the whole world.

I know we're seen as a nation of moaners, but why not try and prove people wrong just this once? Our money has been spent and the event isn't going to be cancelled!

possibly that's one reason why there's an onslaught of negativity and Moaning; an astonishing lot of money (money that in a lot of cases has been diverted from many other Good Causes) has been spent on it.

Another might be the way that LOCOG and their leader, lord Coe, have completely over-ruled the interests of everything else (any small businesses that aren't Official Olympic Partners, for instance) and everyone else (anyone living in areas governed by LOCOG, who have made it quite clear that they're not interested in one slightest bit about anything other than squeezing as much money out of everyone as possible). Then there's the fatuous Torch (invented for, be it not forgotten, the Berlin 1936 Olympics, and thus, effectively, an initiative invented by Herr Doktor Goebbels' Ministry of Propaganda). What, precisely, should the People be feeling Good about? An amazing celebration of Sporting achievement? Then scrap all the Official Sponsors, all the Official Partners, LOCOG and the International Olympic Committee and strip it all back to basics, for those really interested in Sport.


Oh, and have i mentioned the Cultural Olympiad? Now there's something that sounds as if it came straight out of Chairman Mao's Little Red Book, doesn't it ..

 

[DavidBrown]

I can understand why people aren't interested in the Olympics - it's the same with all sports. That's fine. But I cannot stand people, of which there are FAR too many on these forums, who have nothing better to do than constantly moan about the world's biggest and greatest sporting event coming to the UK. It's a one off event that lasts for four weeks in the summer. If you love it, they will be four weeks to savour and enjoy. If you're indifferent, then there's plenty to keep a passing interest going, but plenty else to not be overloaded. If you hate it, there's plenty of places you can go and plenty of TV you can watch so that you wouldn't even know the Olympics took place.

As for the money, yes they do cost a lot. But the games were won in a very different world, with a Labour government and not much in the way of a recession. If we didn't have the games, I'd be pretty certain that the money saved wouldn't have gone to any good causes, construction schemes, tax relief or anything like that - it would have gone to pay off Labour's debt. If there's any good causes that have directly suffered from the Olympics, then please link us to them, because I don't know of any.

Then you lot moan about the sponsors. Well, if it wasn't for sponsors, you'd be paying billions more through taxes. You can't have it both ways, you know. If you don't like McDonalds, then don't go there. Simple. Don't you dare tell me though where I should ethically go to eat. And why should the Olympics be any different to any other sport? Absolubely everything, from the big events like next weeks Monaco Grand Prix and last weeks Champions League final, to the smallest of events like Luton v York, or the 3.30 horse race at Newton Abbot, has governing bodies, official sponsors, official partners, rules and regulations, licences, broadcasting rights and regulations....it's simply impossible for the any sporting event to take place without them, let alone the Olympics.

As for moaning about the Olympics because a few extra trains will be going to Weymouth or the buses in your town will be on diversion for a couple of hours, for goodness sake, GET A LIFE! Just look at yourselves and look at what a miserable bunch you are. If you wern't told that the Olympics were coming through the media, the chances are you'd not notice anything at all. That train you catch on another line will still exist even if it is a little shorter than usual, and that bus will still take you to your destination even if it is via a slightly different route. Just carry on with life as normal and get over yourselves.

I saw the torch relay in Ilfracombe today with Jonathan Edwards, and what a fantastic event it was. We did have the bonus of the tour having their lunch break in the town, but we made the most of it with sporting events taking place at the rugby club, the local schools getting a visit from the torch and Jonathan, and the sunshine bringing a real carnival atmosphere to the town, even on a Monday lunchtime. Fantastic stuff. It's good to see that many people have a far more light-hearted approach to the Olympics than the miserable sods on here.

Rant over.:roll:

 

[bnm]

Some American rapper bloke in my home town today carrying the Olympic™ torch:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18151244

 

[NY Yankee]

Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

 

[twysta]

I am pretty excited about the games. I live right next to Stratford and I know the atmosphere is going to be amazing! I'm just about to start training as a CSA for London Underground and I hope I'm put on the Stratford group for the Olympics!

 

[SS4]

Problem is this government and the last one have basically told us you either like it or you're not worthy of an opinion.

It is not dissimilar to the way the lottery is used by the Party in nineteen-eighty four to control the proles.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Some American rapper bloke in my home town today carrying the Olympic™ torch:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18151244

Anyone want to call irony on that

 

[jon0844]

Nobody is forcing you to like the Olympics, but I can still question why people have such a downer on it.

I'd like to know why people feel that way. Like the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, this sort of 'feelgood factor' is good for all of us - or should be.

 

[Oswyntail]

Problem is this government and the last one have basically told us you either like it or you're not worthy of an opinion.

It is not dissimilar to the way the lottery is used by the Party in nineteen-eighty four to control the proles......

I don't think you are right about that. As a heck of a lot of public money is going in to the event, you can barely expect the Government to be anything other than ultra-positive about it. In this instance, I am afraid your slightly pinko tendencies are letting the paranoia take over
However, from the viewpoint of someone within the sporting world, I do believe there is cause for concern, which I have expressed forcibly in the appropriate circles. Relevant sports have been flooded with money, and that has been used, in some cases wisely in some not. However, after August, at the time when public demand has been whetted to its peak, that money will be turned off. Sports will not be able to cope, and many will see severe financial difficulties. In other words, there appears to have been little or no legacy planning. Now i am a firm believer in the benefits of participant* sport in this country - and i am aware that that is itself a matter for debate - but I suspect that irreparable damage is about to be done.

* As opposed to spectator sport - "I am a sporty person because I watch Aston Villa once a week"

 

[jon0844]

I don't think any country has done as well post-Olympics as hoped. Can anyone give any examples of where things worked out better for sport?

I suppose there will be some legacy buildings and facilities, but the real benefits will be the infrastructure improvements around the village, plus the new housing.

Nevertheless, for the time the event is on - it will give many benefits to our economy and the feel good factor. I'm quite disappointed to be out of the country, especially given it's on my doorstep and I was in China for the 2008 games. Somewhat ironic really.

 

[NY Yankee]

The Docklands Light Railway will receive upgrades for the Olympics. It's not like Londoners won't reap the benefits of the Olympics...

http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/docklands/

 

[LE Greys]

I don't think any country has done as well post-Olympics as hoped. Can anyone give any examples of where things worked out better for sport?

I suppose there will be some legacy buildings and facilities, but the real benefits will be the infrastructure improvements around the village, plus the new housing.

Nevertheless, for the time the event is on - it will give many benefits to our economy and the feel good factor. I'm quite disappointed to be out of the country, especially given it's on my doorstep and I was in China for the 2008 games. Somewhat ironic really.

I don't know, Barcelona did OK, although that may have been the Catalan economy picking up. Atlanta and Beijing didn't really, not sure about Seoul and Sidney, and we've all seen what happened to Athens.

 

[Clip]

The Docklands Light Railway will receive upgrades for the Olympics. It's not like Londoners won't reap the benefits of the Olympics...

http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/docklands/

Been open since August last year. Quire jolly it is too - though not as quick as the jubilee line to stratford but the tunnel to international has more twists and turns then a really good novel. Its nice too.


Id like to point out that it is the Olympic movement themselves who choose the sponsors not the host city IIRC.

 

[Schnellzug]

I don't think any country has done as well post-Olympics as hoped. Can anyone give any examples of where things worked out better for sport?

I suppose there will be some legacy buildings and facilities, but the real benefits will be the infrastructure improvements around the village, plus the new housing.

Nevertheless, for the time the event is on - it will give many benefits to our economy and the feel good factor. I'm quite disappointed to be out of the country, especially given it's on my doorstep and I was in China for the 2008 games. Somewhat ironic really.

I honestly would give anything to be. Why should being told by the Government to wave flags and cheer make anyone feel good? it's all so futile. I suppose what it is is the classic attitide of governments; give the People some reason to wave flags and distract them from the pig's breakfast that the Government is making.
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If you hate it, there's plenty of places you can go and plenty of TV you can watch so that you wouldn't even know the Olympics took place. :

We will actually, because Lord Coe and LOCOG Take Control of the entire place during the duration of this Incredible experience.

 

[SS4]

Last night Central Tonight devoted at least one third of their 6pm bulletin to the Olympic torch arriving in the Midlands although slightly more because they have to have the weather and adverts (can't remember if there are any in local news) would push it down to 25mins total.
Needless to say everyone was happy and, naturally, virtually nobody cheering was over the age of 12.

On an unrelated matter children are easy to brainwash due the tendency to not question what an adult tells them.

This is what I mean by oppressive media saturation, I wouldn't mind as much if they at least acknowledged and interviewed people who thought it was a waste of time although given the frenzy it wouldn't have surprised me if said people were subsequently bullied
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I honestly would give anything to be. Why should being told by the Government to wave flags and cheer make anyone feel good? it's all so futile. I suppose what it is is the classic attitide of governments; give the People some reason to wave flags and distract them from the pig's breakfast that the Government is making.

Because the proles need to be told what to like and what to hate: the tabloids fully understand this.

Usually I find it's to distract from something less palatable so expect some bad news during the olympics

 

[Oswyntail]

Last night Central Tonight devoted at least one third of their 6pm bulletin to the Olympic torch arriving in the Midlands although slightly more because they have to have the weather and adverts (can't remember if there are any in local news) would push it down to 25mins total.
Needless to say everyone was happy and, naturally, virtually nobody cheering was over the age of 12.

On an unrelated matter children are easy to brainwash due the tendency to not question what an adult tells them.

This is what I mean by oppressive media saturation, I wouldn't mind as much if they at least acknowledged and interviewed people who thought it was a waste of time although given the frenzy it wouldn't have surprised me if said people were subsequently bullied
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Because the proles need to be told what to like and what to hate: the tabloids fully understand this.

Usually I find it's to distract from something less palatable so expect some bad news during the olympics

I realise Blair (Eric, that is) is a hero of yours, but this is taking curmudgeonliness a bit far. It may well have been the biggest news in the area that day (very little usually happens anywhere); adults tend not to cheer much; would you have expected those who were not happy with the event to be there; children always like a tad of mob hysteria, and I very much doubt the teachers who would have organised their presence would have considered themselves the lackeys of the government. And there are other areas of "blanket" coverage where dissenters are not regularly given a spot - dare I mention the hysteria given over to coverage of football for ten months of most years, where, presumably, for every "look away now" moment, you would like to see an interview with someone who cannot stand the game. And surely the idea that the proles cannot really think for themselves is somewhat at odds with socialist thinking.

 

[jon0844]

Perhaps the Government only allows football to keep the poor, uneducated, fans under control...

Surely the kids cheering were with their parents? Perhaps the parents put their children first, so they could get the best view (and being smaller than the adults).

I'll probably be out to see the torch carried through Hatfield, and will be with the wife and members of her gym (all upwards of 35-40 years old). We'll probably grab a beer after and make a day of it.

There was a time people used to see anything as an excuse to have some fun - but now I suppose it's better to just be depressed and think of 'doom and gloom' and stay indoors sulking. Always a good way to get the country back on its feet.

Sod the Government. Besides taxing me, I don't really think any Government has any real control over me or others. There's no big conspiracy. We have politicians with short term views, out to look after their own interests. Not one big secret organisation that wants to control our minds.

The Olympics is a pretty crap way to control the people, as no sooner has it begun it will be over and we'll carry on.

 

[chris89]

Yesturday in the West Midlands Surely got the Severn Valley Railway and the West Midlands Safari Park a lot more visitors.

Also Next week at least the Torch will go through (one of) the birth places of the Modern Games being Much Wenlock. Which is the second closest it will come to my area (Was Bewdley the closest)

Also don't believe many people know the origins of the torch?

For the games the only bits i will watch is the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Also all the cycling events as really the only sports bits im intrested into.

Chris

 

[Clip]

Last night Central Tonight devoted at least one third of their 6pm bulletin to the Olympic torch arriving in the Midlands although slightly more because they have to have the weather and adverts (can't remember if there are any in local news) would push it down to 25mins total.
Needless to say everyone was happy and, naturally, virtually nobody cheering was over the age of 12.

On an unrelated matter children are easy to brainwash due the tendency to not question what an adult tells them.

This is what I mean by oppressive media saturation, I wouldn't mind as much if they at least acknowledged and interviewed people who thought it was a waste of time although given the frenzy it wouldn't have surprised me if said people were subsequently bullied

The news is full enough of bad things thanks very much. whats wrong with trying to promote something that should be seen as a positive for this country as a whole rather then get some miserable sods who just moan about anything and everything.

Where is your thread on the Olympics saying its a waste of money when we first won them?

 

[SS4]

Perhaps the Government only allows football to keep the poor, uneducated, fans under control...

Surely the kids cheering were with their parents? Perhaps the parents put their children first, so they could get the best view (and being smaller than the adults).

I'll probably be out to see the torch carried through Hatfield, and will be with the wife and members of her gym (all upwards of 35-40 years old). We'll probably grab a beer after and make a day of it.

There was a time people used to see anything as an excuse to have some fun - but now I suppose it's better to just be depressed and think of 'doom and gloom' and stay indoors sulking. Always a good way to get the country back on its feet.

Sod the Government. Besides taxing me, I don't really think any Government has any real control over me or others. There's no big conspiracy. We have politicians with short term views, out to look after their own interests. Not one big secret organisation that wants to control our minds.

The Olympics is a pretty crap way to control the people, as no sooner has it begun it will be over and we'll carry on.

Can't fault what you've said but would it kill them to actually show the adults?

The news is full enough of bad things thanks very much. whats wrong with trying to promote something that should be seen as a positive for this country as a whole rather then get some miserable sods who just moan about anything and everything.

Where is your thread on the Olympics saying its a waste of money when we first won them?

The news should never promote anything. I've no problem with them showing it but for one third of the show?
Also I joined in 2011 so didn't make a thread then Plus of course I don't have a crystal ball so couldn't have predicted the cost

 

[jon0844]

The BBC has the rights to everything to do with the Olympics (so much so that anyone else featuring the Olympic rings without permission can be in serious trouble).

I'd imagine that, given how the IOC works (and there's plenty of controversy there) that the BBC is required to give a certain amount of coverage. But, we can ignore it if we want - there are plenty of other channels to turn to these days.

When EURO2012 starts, we'll get that in our face too. But, again, people can tune out - I am sure Sky1 will be showing Simpsons and Futurama back to back...

 

[Seacook]

For the games the only bits i will watch is the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Also all the cycling events as really the only sports bits im intrested into.

Chris

I studiously avoid Opening and Closing ceremonies - they have nothing to do with sport and are not very much in the way of entertainment. Likewise the whole torch relay thing: it has nothing to do with the actual competitions and the hype is far more likely to put me off the whole thing than excite me. I'll watch some of the events on TV, but the non-sporting activities leave me cold.

From the point where the venue was announced, I have never quite understood why the 2012 Paris Olympics were being held in London.

 

[LE Greys]

I studiously avoid Opening and Closing ceremonies - they have nothing to do with sport and are not very much in the way of entertainment. Likewise the whole torch relay thing: it has nothing to do with the actual competitions and the hype is far more likely to put me off the whole thing than excite me. I'll watch some of the events on TV, but the non-sporting activities leave me cold.

From the point where the venue was announced, I have never quite understood why the 2012 Paris Olympics were being held in London.

Can't we just have a brief speech from Lord Coe (30 seconds max), followed by the Queen coming on, saying "I hereby declare these games open"? Cut a ribbon, light the flame, everyone walks off, first race starts in five minutes. Why bother trying to outdo Beijing, all that leads to is a continuous cycle of one-upmanship that will one day provide a whole opening week of ceremonials with no sport at all.

Still, they appear to be doing up the roads near by, so there's a chance the torch will go right past my front door.

 

[jon0844]

We will NOT be trying to outdo Beijing. I was at the closing ceremony, and watched the opening ceremony before I flew out there, and it was like nothing I've ever seen or am likely to see again.

As I was told at the time, the only people that could outdo China would be north Korea, and even though I won't be attending any events at Stratford, I am certain it will be nothing like it was when I was in China.

 

[anthony263]

Saw the tourch this afternoon pass through Pyle a bit later than planned due to some parked cars delaying the convoy in Bryncethin.

Any good job on those who carryied the torch over the Bwlch from treorchy to Nantymoel and up Bryntirion hill from Bridgend to Laleston

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Been open since August last year. Quire jolly it is too - though not as quick as the jubilee line to stratford but the tunnel to international has more twists and turns then a really good novel. Its nice too.


Id like to point out that it is the Olympic movement themselves who choose the sponsors not the host city IIRC.

Will the platforms at Stratford Main Station be renumbered to be in a more logigal order before the Olympics?, I was there yesterday, not been there for a while. They seem to have moved the LOL/NLL to the westfield side of the station in Platforms 1 & 2, right near to platform 12, and the old low level seems to used for a new docklands service, next to platforms 13-15 for JLE.

I can see visitors may be confused by the way things are there at the moment? I Did also see that they already have signs pointing towards exits for the olympic park.

In spite of the possible confusing platforms at Stratford, I was impressed by the changes/alterations that have been made there along with the westfield shopping centre, normally I avoid such retail complexes, but this seemed very roomy, plenty of eating places and decent loos.

I hope that as we have the London Olympics they are a success and the transportation system does work OK.

 

[Schnellzug]

So, then, how many people, having had an Incredible Experience having the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of seeing The Torch, are now getting really excited about the Games?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Also don't believe many people know the origins of the torch?

I'm sure they don't. it's probably not something that LOCOG and the Government would want to publicise, is it?
Not, i expect, that the People would care in the slightest if they did know.