[Windswept]

Well, during the opening ceremonies, I get outraged when NBC covers up the screen with half a screen of text instead of showing us full-body shots of the athletes and the outfits they are wearing to represent their countries. They spend lots of time on the flag-bearer and neglect showing other athletes. So, I wrote in and complained, not that it will do any good, but who knows. They just might keep text off the screen and let us see the athletes. Fingers crossed!

In this time before the games start, I thought perhaps people might mention memorable events from past games (whether winter or summer) that stuck in their minds. I remember a California guy competing in a bow and arrow event who practiced in his neighborhood. He would stand on his across-the-street neighbor's driveway, with his own house's garage door open, and the door to the backyard (in the rear of the garage) open, and with a target in his own backyard.

He would stand on the neighbor's driveway and shoot across the street through his own garage into the target in his backyard. I thought that was a pretty cool way to improvise a place to practice his target shooting. I think he won a gold medal too. I love it when people overcome obstacles of various sorts to accomplish their goals.

[turbulentfurball]

I'm going to visit the Olympic park in London next week. I won't be there for the games, but it will be cool to see nonetheless!

[Matsu]

Matt Lauer says camel toe makes swimmers more hydrodynamic, but can't explain the advantages of moose knuckles in sprinting...

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by turbulentfurball I'm going to visit the Olympic park in London next week. I won't be there for the games, but it will be cool to see nonetheless!

I honestly can't imagine what the traffic situation will be like in London during the games. But then, I suppose most of the venues for events will be in less-populated areas and in the outskirts of the city proper, right?

Turbulent, have the papers talked about how heavily policed the city will be, and whether there have been any fears of terrorist activity?

[billybobsky]

The torch passes by my house in a couple of weeks, and I have friends who are 'guarding' the route in Oxford proper. Everything is done here with tongues firmly in cheeks so the entire lead up is becoming increasingly campy.

[pscates2.0]

Originally Posted by Windswept Well, during the opening ceremonies, I get outraged when NBC covers up the screen with half a screen of text instead of showing us full-body shots of the athletes and the outfits they are wearing. They spend lots of time on the flag-bearer and neglect showing other athletes. So, I wrote in and complained, not that it will do any good, but who knows. They just might keep text off the screen and let us see the athletes. Fingers crossed!

TV is getting nutty with their onscreen graphics and whatnot. Taking up the bottom third of the screen with crazy animated promos and ads, tickers, etc.

[turbulentfurball]

Originally Posted by Windswept Turbulent, have the papers talked about how heavily policed the city will be, and whether there have been any fears of terrorist activity?

Yes, you could say that. There was a huge fuss made about surface to air missiles being placed on the roof of a residential apartment building a few weeks ago. I'll see if I can find a link.

Edit: Yep, it's still an ongoing story: link

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by turbulentfurball Yes, you could say that. There was a huge fuss made about surface to air missiles being placed on the roof of a residential apartment building a few weeks ago. I'll see if I can find a link. Edit: Yep, it's still an ongoing story: link

Wow. I can see how the residents might be a bit freaked out about having rocket launchers on the roof. But from what I read, their building is the only good site in the area for such an installation. Naturally, they've called in the lawyers to protest. Wonder how the issue will turn out.

[Windswept]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18720213


Well, six (or now seven) people have been arrested in anti-terrorists raids in the UK. They say they're not related to the Olympics though, but better safe than sorry, I guess.

Five men and a woman suspected of terrorism offences have been arrested in London as part of an intelligence-led investigation involving MI5. One of the six, who are aged between 18 and 30, was Tasered by police. Eight homes in west, east and north London and one business have been searched. It is understood the arrests relate to a possible plot involving Islamist extremists, with potential UK targets. Three of those held are brothers - one an ex-police community support officer. He served with the Metropolitan Police for more than two years before resigning in September 2009.

[Windswept]

Black market ticket sales for main events at the games are being investigated by the International Olympic Committee. A member of the Olympic Board overseeing the 2012 games, Sir Menzies Campbell mentioned that not only should black market tickets be cancelled, but that tickets shouldn't be issued to offending countries for future games, as sanctions for black market dealing.

It's amazing what happens when there is a clash between countries that follow the rule of law and those that operate corruptly.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18475110

The International Olympic Committee has begun an investigation into claims Olympics representatives were willing to sell thousands of tickets for the London Games on the black market. The IOC's ruling executive board met after fresh claims by the Sunday Times involving more than 50 countries. Tickets for top events were said to be priced at up to 10 times face value. Last month a senior Ukrainian Olympic official resigned after being filmed by the BBC offering tickets for cash. Sir Menzies Campbell, a former Liberal Democrat leader who is on the Olympic Board, - which helps oversee London 2012 - told the BBC it was a "thorough disgrace". "The sanctions [for offending countries] should be not just that the tickets get cancelled for this Olympic Games but that tickets are not awarded on future occasions," he added. The Sunday Times alleges, during a two-month investigation in which reporters posed as Middle Eastern ticket touts, it found corruption involving people representing 54 separate countries.

I think I read in a Newsweek article about this issue that a Ukrainian Olympic official was selling tickets for $132,000 per ticket to Middle Eastern buyers, but I'll have to find the article and double-check on that astronomical price.

[turbulentfurball]

Originally Posted by Windswept I think I read in a Newsweek article about this issue that a Ukrainian Olympic official was selling tickets for $132,000 per ticket to Middle Eastern buyers, but I'll have to find the article and double-check on that astronomical price.

I'd like to know what event that's for. Nothing is worth that much! There are still some tickets for sale now for some things.

[Eugene]

Originally Posted by turbulentfurball I'd like to know what event that's for. Nothing is worth that much! There are still some tickets for sale now for some things.

I'm guessing it would be for one of the best seats at the opening ceremonies.

[Dorian Gray]

Originally Posted by Eugene I'm guessing it would be for one of the best seats at the opening ceremonies.

Ah yes. Then it would be clearly worth 132 grand.

I'm not sure if Middle Eastern dignities will be impressed by 10 chickens and 70 sheep walking around in the rain.

[Eugene]

Not saying it's worth it, though a Middle Eastern billionaire also won't lose a wink of sleep over US$132000.

[pscates2.0]

Originally Posted by Windswept Wow. I can see how the residents might be a bit freaked out about having rocket launchers on the roof. But from what I read, their building is the only good site in the area for such an installation. Naturally, they've called in the lawyers to protest. Wonder how the issue will turn out.

I'd be thrilled to have such cool tech/weaponry on the roof of my place for a few weeks (especially if I got to be present when it was used, and maybe get to push a button or two). Who do I contact?

Or let's just not do anything in the interest of security or safety and see how that pans out, and if it makes for a pleasant, successful Olympics experience. I'm betting the people who are squawking (and involving lawyers) about this stuff on their roof would also be the very same ones who'd squawk (and involve lawyers) if something bad did happen and they felt "enough wasn't done to prevent it". There's just no pleasing some people.

As for the $132,000, Eugene is right. To a multi-billionaire type, that's about like me paying $8-9 to see a movie. I doubt they'll miss it. Someone that rich probably shreds $100 bills to use for kitty litter.

Still, I can't imagine anything being worth that admission price.

Would I be able to sit in a private suite with a jacuzzi and Dara Torres? I could be persuaded.

[Eugene]

Well what exactly is the rocket launcher supposed to prevent in the case of a terror attack? I'd almost be more worried about it arming / firing by accident.

The only think I could see those being used for is light planes / helicopters.

[pscates2.0]

I don't know. But I figure the people in charge of this stuff probably have a better handle on what's needed - and why - than I ever would. So if they felt like maybe this was something that might keep things more secure and safe, I'm gonna defer to them.

Hell, for all we know it's made of PVC and is simply a visual deterrent? That wouldn't be completely out of the question.

We'd never know, of course. But that's the point. If you think you might get your ass blown to bits by a rocket, you might think twice about things (at least if you're just a run-of-the-mill thug/criminal not looking to die for your cause). Sometimes just the mere appearance of something looking all heavy-duty and bad-ass is enough for some. As for those who are looking to die for their cause, I'm happy for anything that helps speed them along on their path (preemptively so, ideally).

And if they are real/legit (and I assume they are...the above is just "what if?"), maybe the "light planes/helicopters" scenario you mention is exactly the reason they're there. They have to try and cover all these angles and possibilities during this time.

If someone did try something stupid involving a helicopter or light plane, they'd feel better knowing they've got a way to deal with it, vs. standing around and saying "dammit, we should've put some rocket launchers on the rooftops!".

Hindsight is often a resounding kick in the nuts.

It's just for a few weeks, during a major, high-profile event. I'm not worried about London rooftops becoming permanently armed and fortified. We probably have no idea the heavy, serious stuff in place at the World Series, Superbowl or All Star Games too. Or the major awards shows, or big events like presidential inaugurations or political conventions. There has to be, we're just not aware of all the details.

Ever been to Washington DC and just randomly scanned the rooflines as you're walking around all the tourist-y areas? I have, and there are guys in more places than just the White House. I'd always see 2-3 guys at various places when I'd look around. I bet there's some hardware up there that would blow our minds. And you know they're ready to use it, should anything weird suddenly flare up.

Stuff like that never bothers me. I feel safer, knowing.

"There's some guys up there with binoculars and God-knows-what, and trained to use it. Good!"

[Dorian Gray]

Romney has taken it upon himself to question London's readiness for the Olympics. Is this for domestic consumption (it was on US television) or is he just showing bad manners?

I wonder how he would have reacted in 2002 if Iain Duncan Smith – then Leader of the Opposition - had criticised Salt Lake City's readiness.

[splacid]

He also apparently forgot the name of the man he had just met with and was standing right next to. "Mr. Leader", indeed.

[Eugene]

What on Earth did I just watch. Honestly the worst opening ceremony for a Summer Olympics that I can remember. Awfully slow, too much pop culture. It felt like I was watching an extra garish, slightly more expensive Super Bowl halftime show.

This whole show is honestly worse than chrome Chevy pickup trucks and spelling out "How y'all doin?" with white placards. It's worse than Sydney parading around Olivia Newton John and Greg Norman on floats.

[PB PM]

I agree that is was long, but worst, no.

[Eugene]

Originally Posted by PB PM I agree that is was long, but worst, no.

1992 - Barcelona, amazing
1996 - Atlanta, cheesy and bad.
2000 - Sydney, cheesy and bad.
2004 - Athens, very well executed.
2008 - Beijing, unforgettable.
2012 - London, dreadful. An Internet love story, what?

[Dorian Gray]

Since you damn the perfect Athens 2004 ceremony with faint praise ("very well executed"), I won't just take your word for this, Eugene. But I truly expected it to be awful, and for that reason, couldn't bring myself to watch it. Does anyone have a good highlights video?

Who?!

[Matsu]

Single best individual performance at any opening ceremonies ever must go to KD Land at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Maybe it's because I'm Canadian, I've tended to like the openings of winter games a little more.

[Brave Ulysses]

Originally Posted by Eugene 1992 - Barcelona, amazing 1996 - Atlanta, cheesy and bad. 2000 - Sydney, cheesy and bad. 2004 - Athens, very well executed. 2008 - Beijing, unforgettable. 2012 - London, dreadful. An Internet love story, what?

That's funny. I don't remember much about beijings other than thinking it was a creepy display of the mindlessness of its population

I thought London was excellent. Fun, exciting and creative. Go figure

Also, you left out the winter Olympics. I'm seeing an underlying bias in your critiques here

[Dorian Gray]

Come on Team Sky GB!

Edit: damn, Team GB is making very hard work of this, and they're the only ones working. I have grave doubts whether they'll catch the breakaway without Froome. All hope lies on the breakaway splintering from solitary attacks.

Edit 2: Cancellara down and Wiggins burying himself in lactic acid, but it's all over now: 10 km to go and nearly 1 minute down. Always good to start the Olympics with a shock, I guess.

Edit 3: Unbelievable. Forty-year-old Vino wins Gold.

[AWR]

I was pulling for TGB, unlike the rest of the peloton. They must be gutted. I hope Wiggins can recover enough for Wednesday's time trial at least.

That was a big break group though, and they only faffed around once or so in the last 50k. Vino and 'that Columbian guy' with a couple of well-deserved medals.

Rough and unlucky spill for Cancerella. That's what happens when you lose your concentration for a split second at 35kph around a 90 degree turn after 150k!

[Dorian Gray]

Yeah. I think Cancellara might even have done 220 km by the time he made that mistake, AWR. It was a long race, nearly 250 km. Maybe that's why Vino had the legs to stay away at the end? The older guys seem to have that extra bit of deep endurance, sometimes.

But Cancellara very rarely makes mistakes like that. Tough day for him. I hope he recovers to give Wiggins a battle on Wednesday (though Wiggins will have his own recovering to do after today!).

I am really glad for Vino, and that Colombian guy of course. Vino's a real racer, and I've loved watching him over the years. He's a class act. A couple of weeks ago he did an interview at the Tour with his little bespectacled kids at his side. Seems like a gent and a good dad in addition to a ferocious racer. And what a way to go out! He said this afterwards:

“It’s just unbelievable. […] It’s magnificent to end it like this. All the big champions like Jalabert and Virenque went out on top and I wanted to do the same."

He got what he wanted.

Team GB though. I dunno how that happened. VeloNews had an interesting comment from Boonen, about them:

"They were pulling, and they were acting like they didn’t need any help and so everyone just let them control the race. […] They lost the race a little bit because they were so strong."

Maybe some bad tactics by Team GB then, but I'm amazed the Germans didn't work for Greipel. Surely when Froome blew up it became obvious Team GB needed help?

But hey, maybe everyone was just knackered, and the thought of more work just to bring Cavendish into contention didn't appeal. The pace was monstrous, so people were definitely hanging in there at the end, with their minds probably a bit soggy too.

Great race.

[Dorian Gray]

One more thought. I like a lot of things about Wiggins, but he is a weak leader. He's a prodigiously talented, immensely disciplined,* and incredibly industrious worker-bee. But he doesn't know how to boss people around. Therefore it wouldn't surprise me in the least if it transpires that he never once asked for help in this race, even though he really should have. I think other teams, especially Germany, would have worked if clearly asked to, or would have been shocked into working if Team GB had just sat up (back when the breakaway was still catchable).

Maybe the lack of race radios played a role too. (Not that I'm complaining about that, heck, I think they should ban radios in the Grand Tours!)

* The Team Sky coach said something along the lines of, "Wiggins is the only cyclist I've worked with who can precisely follow a hydration plan throughout the Tour."

[Dorian Gray]

Windswept, are you okay with this thread turing into a discussion about the events themselves, as above?

Originally Posted by Windswept I love it when people overcome obstacles of various sorts to accomplish their goals.

Vinokourov, the Kazakh Gold medalist in today's race, broke his femur a year ago and retired from cycling. He recovered quicker than expected and decided to race once more, aged forty. And today he beat Team GB, probably the strongest national cycling team in decades. How about that for overcoming obstacles?