Will you watch the 2010 Olympics?

[Keroin]

My rant…

The Olympics, in their current form, are an outdated relic of the 20th century that do little more than rob citizens of much needed funds and fill the pockets of bloated corporate sponsors. They need to either change, drastically, or go away.

I’m all for sports and friendly competition but the Olympics are a joke. My country has spent over 2.5 billion…yes billion…thus far on the 2010 Olympics. This is a disgusting waste of taxpayer money, especially for an event the average person can’t even afford to see.

There are already venues around the globe capable of hosting summer and winter events, do we really need to pick a new location, and put new cities into debt, every two years?

Will you be watching the Olympics? Do you support them?

 

[JMohegan]

No.

Last time the Olympics were worth watching? See image below.



http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa78/johnmohegan/miracle.jpg

 

[Recidiva]

I will be watching. I watch for the athletes, and their stories inspire me.

There are much worse things that could be done with the money, and nobody is forced to host the Olympics.

 

[Recidiva]

No.

Last time the Olympics were worth watching? See image below.



http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa78/johnmohegan/miracle.jpg

I did see this. Awesome.

I watched Michael Phelps break lots of records too. Also worth watching.

I also watched Kerri Strug.

And the Flying Tomato...

Lots of good people.

 

[unregistered]

 

[JMohegan]

I did see this. Awesome.

I watched Michael Phelps break lots of records too. Also worth watching.

I also watched Kerri Strug.

And the Flying Tomato...

Lots of good people.

Yes, it was awesome. The greatest sporting event I've ever watched, and ever expect to see.

Swimming bores me. They dive in, they swim, they're done. And?? I don't know, I just don't find it fun to watch. For some reason, all I can think about is - christ, that training must be hell. Underwater, no social contact, hours and hours and hours day in, day out.

Who's Kerri Strug?

 

[Recidiva]

Yes, it was awesome. The greatest sporting event I've ever watched, and ever expect to see.

Swimming bores me. They dive in, they swim, they're done. And?? I don't know, I just don't find it fun to watch. For some reason, all I can think about is - christ, that training must be hell. Underwater, no social contact, hours and hours and hours day in, day out.

Who's Kerri Strug?

That was one of the best sports moments ever. And that's what I like about the Olympics. Seeing a kid from some country I've never heard about...kick...serious...ass. For people to get an opportunity to express their love for their sport.

I generally don't like sports at all and I'm usually antagonized by having to watch them.

But in the case of the Olympics, I tend to find some of the most idealistic and self-sacrificing people who want to be at their best and compete fairly with people around the world to prove it. There's something about Olympics being a symbol of "an alternative to all-out war" that I really like. Yeah, I know the Olympic Committee is corrupt and the judges are bribed and...and...and...but I seriously find some amazing athletes to watch and some inspiring stories are always told.

Are you serious about not knowing who Kerri Strug is? Because I don't know if it's a joke or not...I will answer if you don't. But she's another amazing Olympics moment.

IF you're not serious...then ignore. If you're serious...she's a gymnast who won the Gold for the US Olympic team by vaulting on a broken ankle and nailing the landing.

1996 Gold Medal Olympics Vault win.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFn47a_Ny0Y

And then to watch her get carried around after this...by either her coach...or one of the Soviet male athletes to other events...I'm sorry, that's pretty amazing.

 

[neci]

i like watching the Olympics. speed skating and bobsleigh. those are my favorites in the winter.

 

[Keroin]

There are much worse things that could be done with the money.

And there are much better things that could be done with it.


So, would you still watch if it was hosted in say the same 4-6 venues over and over?



ETA: Oh, and I lost interest as soon as they allowed professional athletes to compete.

 

[Recidiva]

And I get to watch Shaun White again - what a joy in the last Winter Olympics

Flying Tomato!

 

[Lizzie_Borden]

Eh. If there's nothing else on, I'll probably flip over to it.

Being from a largely snowless country, we don't have a lot of great chances in. There *is* a handful, but they never get the coverage other sports do.

So my interest is minimal.

 

[Recidiva]

And there are much better things that could be done with it.


So, would you still watch if it was hosted in say the same 4-6 venues over and over?



ETA: Oh, and I lost interest as soon as they allowed professional athletes to compete.

I'm not sure that keeping people's dreams alive for a world to cooperate with each other is a horrible thing. And although a nation spends a great deal of money, they tend to make it back during the games and also with tourism and status. If it was such a horrible deal, you WOULD have the same 4-6 venues over and over because nobody else would bid.

I don't care as long as it's not compulsory, and it's not.

Professional athletes also have to give up their pro status in order to do so, and put their reputations on the line and occasionally get REAMED in the process.

 

[Keroin]

I'm not sure that keeping people's dreams alive for a world to cooperate with each other is a horrible thing. And although a nation spends a great deal of money, they tend to make it back during the games and also with tourism and status. If it was such a horrible deal, you WOULD have the same 4-6 venues over and over because nobody else would bid.

I don't care as long as it's not compulsory, and it's not.

Professional athletes also have to give up their pro status in order to do so, and put their reputations on the line and occasionally get REAMED in the process.

So, you think because it's not compulsory that cities and provinces/states don't have it foisted on them through propaganda, etc?

Our Olympics are way, way over the budget Vancouverites were quoted. So, essentially, we were lied to and fucked over. (Not that I ever supported the bid). We already have tons of tourism. I have no idea how that money is going to be made back. I doubt it will be.

 

[Recidiva]

So, you think because it's not compulsory that cities and provinces/states don't have it foisted on them through propaganda, etc?

Our Olympics are way, way over the budget Vancouverites were quoted. So, essentially, we were lied to and fucked over. (Not that I ever supported the bid). We already have tons of tourism. I have no idea how that money is going to be made back. I doubt it will be.

For you it's propaganda. For other people it's hope and sportsmanship and they're glad it exists.
For me it's priceless. My country's put up lots of money and I'm glad for it. Good cause.

 

[MisterSir]

Literally the only thing I'm concerned about is the hockey. Maybe when they start playing football (American, not soccer) there as well, I'll take notice, but that's never going to happen because Team America would never lose.

 

[Keroin]

For you it's propaganda. For other people it's hope and sportsmanship and they're glad it exists.
For me it's priceless. My country's put up lots of money and I'm glad for it. Good cause.

I love the spirit of the games, I deplore the fiscal irresponsibility. Bottom line.

Plus, I don't need the Olympics to support and cheer for athletes.

 

[Keroin]

Literally the only thing I'm concerned about is the hockey. Maybe when they start playing football (American, not soccer) there as well, I'll take notice, but that's never going to happen because Team America would never lose.

What, you don't watch it for the curling?

 

[MisterSir]

What, you don't watch it for the curling?

Noooooooot so much. Maybe if they're forced to play on ice that's an inch or so thick and have to weigh up the decision over sweeping vs. potentially breaking through if they sweep to much. Or maybe if the only players allowed were sexy redheads wearing tight white shirts, and there was no curling involved.

 

[ToPleaseHim]

Keroin, the quote in your sig line makes me really want to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I'm such a fan of the original. (Hi-jack ended).

 

[Keroin]

Keroin, the quote in your sig line makes me really want to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I'm such a fan of the original. (Hi-jack ended).

If you're a fan of the original, you will split a gut!

"The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Hyperviolent Zombie Action!"

 

[Recidiva]

I love the spirit of the games, I deplore the fiscal irresponsibility. Bottom line.

Plus, I don't need the Olympics to support and cheer for athletes.

Okay, but where would amateur atheletes from around the world gain community support and hopes to go to the Olympics and get their shot if there weren't...Olympics?

And how would people from around the world look forward to getting together and seeing the best the world has to offer in amateur sports if there weren't Olympics?

The other option is professional sports, an entirely different vibe. I think of the Olympics in general as a charity event.

I'm afraid you can't have the spirit of the games if you don't support the games financially. I agree it could probably cost less, but would as many people look forward to it as much? Would it make as much money as it does and inspire as many people as it does if it weren't a world event that showcases a nation's spirit and history and a chance to introduce itself to the world in their own way?

I respect your opinion and I know a lot of people hold it. I just disagree.

I do need the Olympics, it's the only time I watch sports. Like...ever. Because I want to see what's going on around the world and people's stories and what they've overcome and what they've fought for.

I don't get that in other sports. because they're all getting paid for it instead of hoping to be an Olympic medalist...or just go to the games and be part of it.

As far as mainlining idealism and sacrifice and seeing it in a setting of global cooperation...this is the only place I can get it.

 

[Keroin]

Okay, but where would amateur atheletes from around the world gain community support and hopes to go to the Olympics and get their shot if there weren't...Olympics?

And how would people from around the world look forward to getting together and seeing the best the world has to offer in amateur sports if there weren't Olympics?

The other option is professional sports, an entirely different vibe. I think of the Olympics in general as a charity event.

I'm afraid you can't have the spirit of the games if you don't support the games financially. I agree it could probably cost less, but would as many people look forward to it as much? Would it make as much money as it does and inspire as many people as it does if it weren't a world event that showcases a nation's spirit and history and a chance to introduce itself to the world in their own way?

I respect your opinion and I know a lot of people hold it. I just disagree.

I do need the Olympics, it's the only time I watch sports. Like...ever. Because I want to see what's going on around the world and people's stories and what they've overcome and what they've fought for.

I don't get that in other sports. because they're all getting paid for it instead of hoping to be an Olympic medalist...or just go to the games and be part of it.

As far as mainlining idealism and sacrifice and seeing it in a setting of global cooperation...this is the only place I can get it.

Do you think no one would participate if it was restricted to a set number of venues, rotated bi-annually? Would that be so terrible?

And as far as it encouraging global cooperation...I'm not sold on that.

 

[Recidiva]

Do you think no one would participate if it was restricted to a set number of venues, rotated bi-annually? Would that be so terrible?

And as far as it encouraging global cooperation...I'm not sold on that.

Okay, I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm just expressing my opinion.

I think it works fine as far as human beings go. It's big, it's loud, it's prideful, it's rife with controversy, it's...human. It's also brave and humble and overwhelming and has some amazing stories.

If you don't watch, then I know what you're missing from my point of view.

I'm not sure "efficiency" is the point. It's a worldwide festival.

 

[JMohegan]

Are you serious about not knowing who Kerri Strug is? Because I don't know if it's a joke or not...I will answer if you don't. But she's another amazing Olympics moment.

IF you're not serious...then ignore. If you're serious...she's a gymnast who won the Gold for the US Olympic team by vaulting on a broken ankle and nailing the landing.

1996 Gold Medal Olympics Vault win.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFn47a_Ny0Y

And then to watch her get carried around after this...by either her coach...or one of the Soviet male athletes to other events...I'm sorry, that's pretty amazing.

I was serious, yes. Just never been into gymnastics.

Thanks for the link.

 

[Recidiva]

I was serious, yes. Just never been into gymnastics.

Thanks for the link.

You're welcome

I'm not either, except for every four years, then I'm into everything.

Okay, maybe not everything, but lots of it, and every year it changes what I like, 'cause the athletes and their stories change, and that changes who I want to watch.