I am really looking forward to the Olympics!

[ute4ever]

Prior to the 2002 games, there was speculation as to what extent the Mormons would control the event. It ended up being a complete non-issue. I hope the anticipated Chinese repression will likewise turn out to be phantom. I'm sure that both the IOC and the Chinese government addressed the worldwide rights to broadcasting, journalism and freedom long before the winning bid in 2001.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by ute4ever

Prior to the 2002 games, there was speculation as to what extent the Mormons would control the event. It ended up being a complete non-issue. I hope the anticipated Chinese repression will likewise turn out to be phantom. I'm sure that both the IOC and the Chinese government addressed the worldwide rights to broadcasting, journalism and freedom long before the winning bid in 2001.

That doesn't seem to be the case so far.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10002097-93.html

[Cali Coug]

This also doesn't look good.

http://www.nysun.com/food-drink/atta...er-post/83139/

Hopefully this is not going to be a trend.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

That doesn't seem to be the case so far.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10002097-93.html

That's outrageous. I hate the Chinese government.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

That's outrageous. I hate the Chinese government.

It is outrageous, but I view the Olympics as an impetus for change. The concessions they have already made to host the Olympics surpass most concessions they have made in the past 100 years. This could be the start of something special. Or it could be a disaster... Thus my excitement (obviously hoping for the start of something special).

[ute4ever]

Hmm interesting info, thanks.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

It is outrageous, but I view the Olympics as an impetus for change. The concessions they have already made to host the Olympics surpass most concessions they have made in the past 100 years. This could be the start of something special. Or it could be a disaster... Thus my excitement (obviously hoping for the start of something special).

It is looking more and more like a disaster. This article made my blood boil this morning:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2...ina-host_N.htm

I wonder how NBC is going to cover the political aspect of the Olympics. I like to think that Bob Costas has a little integrity. We shall see.

[creekster]

AS usual, bicyclists are on the cutting edge of important issues.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080805/...mpics_masks_dc

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by creekster

AS usual, bicyclists are on the cutting edge of important issues.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080805/...mpics_masks_dc

Interesting.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said athletes have the right to express their opinions, but should not do so in the athletes' village or the sports venues.

Are you kidding me? Wearing a breathing mask is now too provocative for the IOC?

This is a complete joke. When selections are made, the IOC should tell the candidate cities that there will be full freedom of speech and expression. Period.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Interesting.



Are you kidding me? Wearing a breathing mask is now too provocative for the IOC?

This is a complete joke. When selections are made, the IOC should tell the candidate cities that there will be full freedom of speech and expression. Period.

If this is a disaster, the IOC will share a ton of the blame. I am a bit surprised the IOC didn't mention air quality as something that Beijing would need to improve in order to be eligible to host the games. That could have gone a long way towards establishing effective environmental controls in China which otherwise will be difficult to implement.

I do wonder if China may make its air quality a high priority following the Olympics based on feedback it gets from the world media and on global perception (which is, accurately, that the air quality sucks).