Liverpool FC Forum

[Kharhaz]

My main beef with the Olympics are the sports involved that shouldn't be. Going by the list taken off the BBC website: http://www.london2012.com/sports/, here is my take on each sport.

Archery - This should stay, it requires skill and patience, and is rarely seen.
Athletics - Stay. This is the difference between the Olympics and the Athletics events, or my tolerance and non-tolerance.
Badminton - Get the f*ck out. Rename it to fairy tennis and you have this farce in a nutshell.
Basketball - The squeaking annoys the hell out of me but it should stay. Although a recognised sport, not many people get to see it.
Beach Volleyball - Pointless sport but hot sweaty ladies bouncing around gets my vote. I'm a miserable get, not gay !
Boxing - Stay. The amateurs tend to put on a better show than many of the so called professionals.
Canoe Slalom - Stay. While I was waiting for a phone call years ago this event was on and I was impressed with the abilities shown to go at speed, show control, and generally work their backside off. I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it, but I appreciate the skill involved.
Canoe Sprint - P!ss off. Its Canoe Slalom without the skill.
Cycling BMX - Ride bikes over rough terrain with bikes made for riding rough terrain? yawn.
Cycling Mountain Bike - See above.
Cycling Road - Now this should stay.There is a big difference between this sport and the two above. Dont get me wrong, I find this boring as sin, but I appreciate the levels of stamina involved.
Cycling Track - Good god no.
Diving - Ok, this can stay. It requires skill and timing. And can be fun to watch.
Equestrian - No. Simply... No.
Fencing - Sure why not. But swap the rapiers for stun rods, and swap the padding for string vests.
Football - No. This should go. Its simply not needed for these events. Of all the sports, football is well known throughout the world. Its simply taking up unnecessary space.
Gymnastics Artistic - We all love watching the f*ck ups in these events, so this should stay.
Gymnastics Rhythmic  - No.
Handball - No. Just... No.
Hockey - Ok, this can stay, some games are actually interesting to watch.
Judo - Stay. Only cos my boy does Judo. If he didn't, then replace this with Blood Sport that Van Damme was in.
Modern Pentathlon - Stay. Whoever participates in this event deserves a medal just to be involved.
Rowing - Boring as fudge to watch, but it does require a hell of a lot of stamina and training, so its a keeper.
Sailing - This should have its own TV show. Its a specialised event that belongs on the Suicide Channel. Get rid. Utterly pointless "sport".
Shooting - Stay. Tony Martin we salute you !
Swimming - Stay. So few people today know how to swim its unbelievable.
Synchronised Swimming - ......... have a guess.....
Table Tennis - Or ping pong, or midget tennis. Get rid.
Taekwondo - Ahh this being the sport that our European Champion was excluded from. Stay.
Tennis - Like Football, this shouldn't be included.
Trampoline - Really? This is in the Olympics???
Triathlon - Stay.
Volleyball - No. I can suffer the beach one but I have my limits.
Water Polo - No. Its bad enough on horses.
Weightlifting - Yes. This stays, This sport always impresses me.
Wrestling - Another yes. However Britain doesn't encourage this sport as much as it should.

So as you see, I am not as much Anti - Olympics as many would think I am, I just think that many of the sports that are allowed make a mockery of the whole event. What also gets me is the whole "we have to be patriotic" because these Olympic events are based in Britain.

For me that's not the case. I have always been able to distinguish the fine line between the Athletic events and the Olympics. The Olympics will be defended to the death today because its in Britain, and not one bad word will be said. But give it a few years when the event is elsewhere and people will begin to see my point, or, as I suspect, not give a damn altogether. In 2016, Golf and Rugby will also become a part of the olympics.

Will anyone give as much a damn then as they do today? I can hazard a guess.

[Kenny Kan]

What also gets me is the whole "we have to be patriotic" because these Olympic events are based in Britain.       

I don't, or haven't seen anyone declaring we have to be patriotic just  because the Olympics are based in Britain. In fact, all I have seen is the anti-Olympic committee such as Andy and yourself whining about this straw-man  as a means to slur those who sincerely enjoy the event. The fact it is based in Britain is no doubt a massive boost to many [s]people[/s] Southerners  in Britain, especially me, when I thought the British weren't able enough to organise a sh@g in a brothel, it comes as a pleasant and nice surprise and just gives me (personally) that extra incentive to watch it. This however, as you guys infer doesn't mean I'm going to walk around and sing Rule Britannia... Britannia rules the world...

[Kharhaz]

What also gets me is the whole "we have to be patriotic" because these Olympic events are based in Britain.       

I don't, or haven't seen anyone declaring we have to be patriotic just  because the Olympics are based in Britain. In fact, all I have seen is the anti-Olympic committee such as Andy and yourself whining about this straw-man  as a means to slur those who sincerely enjoy the event. The fact it is based in Britain is no doubt a massive boost to many [s]people[/s] Southerners  in Britain, especially me, when I thought the British weren't able enough to organise a sh@g in a brothel, it comes as a pleasant and nice surprise and just gives me (personally) that extra incentive to watch it. This however, as you guys infer doesn't mean I'm going to walk around and sing Rule Britannia... Britannia rules the world...

Of course you have. The very reason I am having to explain myself is because of the patriotic stance members of this forum have taken. Just like your accusation of athletes being mocked when none were. Take Benny as an example. Actually I could end it there. Take Benny !  When anyone has any word against this years olympics, instantly its about patriotism. Take your photos, take Bennys explanation  as to why the British athletes are better than English footballers. Its all about the British. Any other time my whining could be picked up on straight away, but the simple fact is this. The Olympics this year are in Britain, and this sways many an opinion. Most notably, the southern British.

[Kenny Kan]

Of course you have. The very reason I am having to explain myself is because of the patriotic stance members of this forum have taken.   

You are getting mixed up, it's not a patriotic stance at all. It's people who merely enjoy the event for what it is; certainly in that thread but others try and derail the sporting event because they have some 'liberal-political-agenda' unbeknown to me. I don't doubt people do feel patriotic when the Olympics are on in Britain but is there actually anything wrong with that anyway Kharhaz, answer this please?

I know to certain posters the very word 'patriotic', is a euphemism for 'racist', and if they feel the need to mock or whinge about this it is because of their own duncical misconceptions, that's their problem, nobody elses.

What's wrong with my photo's? Jesus f-ing Christ, now the thought police don't want people to show off British achievements and a bit of bunting. Our American and Canadian posters, laza even are welcome to throw up the same sort of stuff in that thread if they like - with a bit of banter thrown for good measure if they wanted. Jesus, Kharhaz, it's hardly the BNP thread, get a grip you sensitive sausage, for feck sake.

You should  read and try and digest the meaning behind the Ben_AFC post I quoted a few pages back, as to why respect is shown to many of these athletes from all around the world, if you're going to whinge about the comparisons to footballers.

[Kharhaz]

Of course you have. The very reason I am having to explain myself is because of the patriotic stance members of this forum have taken.   

You are getting mixed up, it's not a patriotic stance at all. It's people who merely enjoy the event for what it is; certainly in that thread but others try and derail the sporting event because they have some 'liberal-political-agenda' unbeknown to me. I don't doubt people do feel patriotic when the Olympics are on in Britain but is there actually anything wrong with that anyway Kharhaz, answer this please?

I know to certain posters the very word 'patriotic', is a euphemism for 'racist', and if they feel the need to mock or whinge about this it is because of their own duncical misconceptions, that's their problem, nobody elses.

What's wrong with my photo's? Jesus f-ing Christ, now the thought police don't want people to show off British achievements and a bit of bunting. Our American and Canadian posters, laza even are welcome to throw up the same sort of stuff in that thread if they like - with a bit of banter thrown for good measure if they wanted. Jesus, Kharhaz, it's hardly the BNP thread, get a grip you sensitive sausage, for feck sake.

You should  read and try and digest the meaning behind the Ben_AFC posted I quoted a few pages back, as to why respect is shown to many of these athletes from all around the world, if you're going to whinge about the comparisons to footballers.

My friend, I am not getting confused but I fear we are getting caught up in many others arguments that influence our own arguments against each other. I wont go down the route of agree to disagree, lets go down the route of Im a whinging old git who is becoming too set in my own ways !

[Kenny Kan]

Of course you have. The very reason I am having to explain myself is because of the patriotic stance members of this forum have taken.   

You are getting mixed up, it's not a patriotic stance at all. It's people who merely enjoy the event for what it is; certainly in that thread but others try and derail the sporting event because they have some 'liberal-political-agenda' unbeknown to me. I don't doubt people do feel patriotic when the Olympics are on in Britain but is there actually anything wrong with that anyway Kharhaz, answer this please?

I know to certain posters the very word 'patriotic', is a euphemism for 'racist', and if they feel the need to mock or whinge about this it is because of their own duncical misconceptions, that's their problem, nobody elses.

What's wrong with my photo's? Jesus f-ing Christ, now the thought police don't want people to show off British achievements and a bit of bunting. Our American and Canadian posters, laza even are welcome to throw up the same sort of stuff in that thread if they like - with a bit of banter thrown for good measure if they wanted. Jesus, Kharhaz, it's hardly the BNP thread, get a grip you sensitive sausage, for feck sake.

You should  read and try and digest the meaning behind the Ben_AFC posted I quoted a few pages back, as to why respect is shown to many of these athletes from all around the world, if you're going to whinge about the comparisons to footballers.

My friend, I am not getting confused but I fear we are getting caught up in many others arguments that influence our own arguments against each other. I wont go down the route of agree to disagree, lets go down the route of Im a whinging old git who is becoming too set in my own ways !

Okay.

By the way, I have nothing against the opening post here, if you feel chess should be an Olympic sport and tiddly winks not, that's fine.

[tubby]

Note to  Olympic organising committee: Cut down on the number of events so Kharkaz can stop moaning.  Do one mate. If you have a beef with a particular event, then don't watch it. It's not exactly rocket science.

As for being patriotic I am not singing the national anthem when I wake up every morning. But I am happy and proud that such an event is being hosted here. There's nothing wrong with letting a little feel good factor spread around. There will be plenty of time for moaning come the start of the season when people are scratching their heads looking at our squad so just sit back and enjoy the games because once they are gone they will be missed.

[andy_g]

In fact, all I have seen is the anti-Olympic committee such as Andy and yourself whining about this straw-man  as a means to slur those who sincerely enjoy the event.

wrong!!! 

i'm delighted that people are enjoying it, and as i've mentioned i've been enjoying some of the bits i've been able to watch. i'm also impressed and pleased with how smoothly it all seems to be going - although i don't live in london, or even the country, so there may be stuff i'm missing. all i wanted to do, and this is the last time i'll mention it, is point out that there is some very shady politics, capitalism and financial engineering that's inevitably behind global events such as this. and that i've read a lot of very unsavoury stuff about what has being going on in the lead up to the london games. this obviously has no bearing on the athletes and their incredible levels of skill and performance.

as far as events go 'fairy tennis'    is a great game and should definitely stay. water polo too - you have to be a real tough basterd to play that. and rhythmic gymnastics is one of the favourite events of them all - the way these girls can throw a hoop 50 feet in the air, do 18 somersaults, 3 pikes and a few half twists and then catch it again on her outstretched little toe while nonchalantly looking the other way just blows we away.

[Kenny Kan]

wrong

Of course I am................................................................. NOT. 

  some very shady politics, capitalism and financial engineering that's inevitably behind global events such as this. and that i've read a lot of very unsavoury stuff about what has being going on in the lead up to the london games.

I'd be interested to read some of this, if you have any links?

Mind you, it's not as though it's the first  time this has happened is it, S. Africa didn't do much apart from relocate many of the shanti towns the poor lived in, in order to build stadiums, and Qatar's WC bid is hardly above board.

[andy_g]

I'd be interested to read some of this, if you have any links?

Mind you, it's not as though it's the first  time this has happened is it, S. Africa didn't do much apart from relocate many of the shanti towns the poor lived in, in order to build stadiums, and Qatar's WC bid is hardly above board.

of course, as i mentioned, these kinds of goings on are endemic to any massive scale event like this anywhere in the world.

i don't have any specific links to give you, but there have been many stories over several newspapers and websites in the weeks and months leading up to the games. its shouldn't be too hard to dig out a few stories if you have the time. there was an excellent article in the guardian (of course) a couple of weeks back that gave a good overview of many of the less savoury aspects of the london olympics. issues in general included the over zealous protection of the official sponsors' brands, the ridiculous tax breaks offered to the official sponsors (many of whom are implicated in financial, environmental or human rights abuses), the siting of anti aircraft missiles on and close to residential property, curfew zones near the stadia, restrictions on freedom of movement and expression around london(one group of street theatre performers were arrested for 'criminal damage' after a few drops of green custard fell on the pavement during a performance that criticised the politics of the games), aggressive stances by police and private security firms towards people carrying out such dangerous acts and photographing the constructions sites, and so on, and so on, and so on.

i think that britain missed a great opportunity to make a bold statement about ethics and sustainability, which would have been a much more fitting context for the spectacle of the actual events and sportsmen and women, instead of more of the same extreme capitalism, political paranoia and ignorance of the needs and circumstances of the less fortunate.

and that really is my last word(s) on the whole issue.

[tubby]

Andy name me 1 big sporting event that isn't possibly formed in the same manner? The premier league for you all you know has some shady stuff going on behind the scenes. Look at what's come out with Standard CHatered ffs.

Your just making excuses now. Just admit you are a miserable sod who doesn't want to enjoy the Olympics. 

[Kenny Kan]

I'd be interested to read some of this, if you have any links?

Mind you, it's not as though it's the first  time this has happened is it, S. Africa didn't do much apart from relocate many of the shanti towns the poor lived in, in order to build stadiums, and Qatar's WC bid is hardly above board.

of course, as i mentioned, these kinds of goings on are endemic to any massive scale event like this anywhere in the world.

i don't have any specific links to give you, but there have been many stories over several newspapers and websites in the weeks and months leading up to the games. its shouldn't be too hard to dig out a few stories if you have the time. there was an excellent article in the guardian (of course) a couple of weeks back that gave a good overview of many of the less savoury aspects of the london olympics. issues in general included the over zealous protection of the official sponsors' brands, the ridiculous tax breaks offered to the official sponsors (many of whom are implicated in financial, environmental or human rights abuses), the siting of anti aircraft missiles on and close to residential property, curfew zones near the stadia, restrictions on freedom of movement and expression around london(one group of street theatre performers were arrested for 'criminal damage' after a few drops of green custard fell on the pavement during a performance that criticised the politics of the games), aggressive stances by police and private security firms towards people carrying out such dangerous acts and photographing the constructions sites, and so on, and so on, and so on.

i think that britain missed a great opportunity to make a bold statement about ethics and sustainability, which would have been a much more fitting context for the spectacle of the actual events and sportsmen and women, instead of more of the same extreme capitalism, political paranoia and ignorance of the needs and circumstances of the less fortunate.

and that really is my last word(s) on the whole issue.

Unfortunately Andy it's the world we live in today. If we didn't have so many mad mullahs running around in the world, including the homegrown ones, perhaps the state wouldn't have to come down so strictly on rules and regs surrounding the Olympics. Of course, I reckon you'd be one of the first people jumping  out his pram IF a bomb did go off and kill many innocent civilians. blaming those nasty capitalists of down nothing much about homeland security. Considering you sound more like a socialist waiting to come out of the closet, you should be content with Britain's "dictatorship" surrounding the games, or is it, you just prefer the nanny state Britain has become.

And of course, I could imagine the response from you and others of the 'Loony-left' )burjienno, if Britain dared give the world a lesson on ethics     

[andy_g]

Andy name me 1 big sporting event that isn't possibly formed in the same manner? The premier league for you all you know has some shady stuff going on behind the scenes. Look at what's come out with Standard CHatered ffs.

Your just making excuses now. Just admit you are a miserable sod who doesn't want to enjoy the Olympics. 

why are you ignoring the bits where i say how much i'm enjoying the olympics in the sporting sense?

[andy_g]

Unfortunately Andy it's the world we live in today. If we didn't have so many mad mullahs running around in the world, including the homegrown ones, perhaps the state wouldn't have to come down so strictly on rules and regs surrounding the Olympics. Of course, I reckon you'd be one of the first people jumping  out his pram IF a bomb did go off and kill many innocent civilians. blaming those nasty capitalists of down nothing much about homeland security. Considering you sound more like a socialist waiting to come out of the closet, you should be content with Britain's "dictatorship" surrounding the games, or is it, you just prefer the nanny state Britain has become.

And of course, I could imagine the response from you and others of the 'Loony-left' )burjienno, if Britain dared give the world a lesson on ethics     

i have no idea why you constantly feel the need to have a pop about my politics, and why you can only see things in black and white. the whole 'mad mullahs running around' concept is way more complex than you make it out to be, and i'm fairly sure you know that. of course i'd be devastated if a bomb went off and killed innocents. i'm no apologist for terrorists, but neither do i think the threat is as great as people make it out to be. certainly not enough to justify putting missiles with a 3 mile range on the rooftops of residential properties. where exactly are those planes going to come down if they are shot at?

i'm not a socialist, and nor am i a liberal 'do-gooder'. i have some socialist leanings and other lefty liberal ones, its true. but my politics are far too complex to be pigeonholed into a nice easy little box like that. i'm not really sure what your arguments, objections and aspersions are all about, to be honest.

[The Good Yank]

Women's wrestling.  They should be wearing bikinis, and a sprinkler system should be involved somehow.