Not Watching the Beijing Olympics

[Asher]

[Elok]

Olympics? Yawn. Whether they're in China or not.

[DaShi]

You won't think so when Kim Jong-il detonates WMDs all around the Earth while the world leaders are distracted making the planet suitable for Zypod life.

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Elok
Olympics? Yawn. Whether they're in China or not.

Pretty much: yawn

I probably won't watch any of the Beijing games.

There are only a few events I enjoy when I do watch: equestian; cross-country bicyling, marathon, some of the gymnatics, and the ancient sports: e.g. javelin and discus.

[Lord Avalon]

If I'm not watching something else, I'll probably tune in to see what's going on.

I am interested to see if Michael Phelps can get 8 gold medals and surpass Mark Spitz.

Will be watching the US women's soccer team to see how they do without Abby Wambach (just learned she's out with a broken leg ).

Kudos to Sheila Taormina, who will be competing in her third Olympic sport - modern pentathlon. Previously she was in swimming (96) and triathlon (00 & 04).

[Alinestra Covelia]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
There are only a few events I enjoy when I do watch: equestian; cross-country bicyling, marathon, some of the gymnatics, and the ancient sports: e.g. javelin and discus.

Are you saying the Ancient Greeks didn't have bicycles???

[Provost Harrison]

I won't be watching the olympics because I won't be able to see anything due to the sheer amount of smog between the camera and the events obliterating all visibility

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by Elok
Olympics? Yawn. Whether they're in China or not.

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
I won't be watching the olympics because I won't be able to see anything due to the sheer amount of smog between the camera and the events obliterating all visibility

Pictures do not give you the truth about the pollution in China!

[Traianvs]

Originally posted by rah


The once every four years doesn't make it a political convention, it makes it a marketing opportunity. Yes it's the same people competing but now a wider audience is watching. More potenitial for fame and money is available.

Okay it's an excellent marketing opportunity too, but that goes without saying really. But can anyone deny this is a great showcase for China to propagandize its country all over the world? They are frightened to death if anything bad happens, like the ruckus caused by the carrying of the Olympic flame and the Tibetan issue.

In effect, by supporting the Games in China the wolrd is accepting Chinese ascent in the international political / economic stage. Few people are really objecting to its aggressive policy in Africa, the human rights, its out of proportion growth, their undemocratic government etc. The world simply yields and signals China that it can do whatever it likes.

You can argue about details, but in general this is an undeniable statement I believe.

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Traianvs


Okay it's an excellent marketing opportunity too, but that goes without saying really. But can anyone deny this is a great showcase for China to propagandize its country all over the world? They are frightened to death if anything bad happens, like the ruckus caused by the carrying of the Olympic flame and the Tibetan issue.

If something really bad does happen, who do you think they will blame? Themselves? Not likely.

In effect, by supporting the Games in China the wolrd is accepting Chinese ascent in the international political / economic stage. Few people are really objecting to its aggressive policy in Africa, the human rights, its out of proportion growth, their undemocratic government etc. The world simply yields and signals China that it can do whatever it likes.

What are they objecting to then?

[Imran Siddiqui]

by supporting the Games in China the wolrd is accepting Chinese ascent in the international political / economic stage.

If you don't accept China's ascent into the international political and economic stage than you are fool. Their power and influence cannot be ignored.

[BeBMan]

This is what will happen to anyone watching teh games:

[Provost Harrison]

[Japher]

Article

Apparently China isn't living up to their agreements with the IOC that got them the games. Reports are unable to access their websites or the venues. Not surprising that their communist government would lie, more surprising that the IOC and the reporters believed them.