QS2
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The Olympics
So I was wondering if any one planning on following the Olympics much? I doubt I'll track it much myself, I'm not much of a sports person. but it is impressive how Olympics already existed thousands of years ago, making it probably one of the oldest sporting events in the world. 
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8/9/2008, 1:21 pm
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David Meadows
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Re: The Olympics
I'm boycotting the Olympics 
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8/9/2008, 8:08 pm
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dragonlady
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Re: The Olympics
I'm not watching. It conveniently seems to be on at times and channels that don't interrupt my TV watching.
I tend to think of sport as an interruption to my TV schedule, we only watch F1 cos my fiance likes it. In fact we were taking sport-themed pictures at work last month. (It's the National Year of Reading in the UK and Augusts theme is Read the Game, we take themed pictures each month at work and have a reading log.) I realised that there's no sport equipment in my house at all. 
I figure that if we do well that's nice but if not I'm not bothered.
I'm more concerned about 2012, I'm just glad I don't live in London because I suspect things may go a bit mad that summer.
---
"Why sometimes I've believed as many as 6 impossible things before breakfast" -- Red Queen, Lewis Carrol
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8/10/2008, 1:07 pm
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QS2
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Re: The Olympics
I suppose people aren't very interested in seeing this years Olympics then.... Which is something I hadn't expected, but can't say I mind at all. 
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8/10/2008, 8:13 pm
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Reythia
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Re: The Olympics
Why are you boycotting the games, Meadows? Just out of curiosity. Everyone else explained their opinions pretty clearly, but you've got me befuddled.
I like watching the Olympics. I don't watch 24/7 or anything, but I like watching certain events (gymnastics, which I did as a kid, and also things like diving, which is just fun). So sometimes I watch for the sport itself.
But also, I like turning the TV on (usually while I'm doing something else) to see the odd events every now and then. For instance, today as I was baking, women's crew was on. (Or... rowing? Whatever it's called.) Needless to say, I know NOTHING about the event. But do you know what really got me excited about the race? It was the expression on the face of the girl in the front of the winning Chinese boat. She worked her tail off for YEARS, and as her team approached the finish line, meters ahead of the next closest team, she KNEW they were going to win. Her rowing pace never altered, but her whole face lit up as she saw her dream coming true. And after they crossed the line and she put her oars down, she threw her arms up in the air and pumped them in a universal sign of excitement and joy.
I don't even remember the name of the girl and I have no idea what her background is, but that's why I like watching the Olympics. You're right: it's not the most important thing in the world and it's not going to magically cause world-wide peace. These Olympics (like many others before) have had their fair share of problems, and more will doubtless be had in the oncoming days.
But does that take away the joy of that Chinese rower? Don't we all strive to be the best in our area, whatever it might be? And isn't it sort of nice to see that, sometimes, every now and then, hard work and a little luck can actually pay off? Maybe this is just me, the former gymnast and track runner who remembers the thrill of competition and victory and meeting my own goals, but when that girl started to smile like that, that made the whole Olympics worth it to me.
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8/11/2008, 5:11 am
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David Meadows
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Re: The Olympics
quote:
Reythia wrote:
Why are you boycotting the games, Meadows?
Tibet.
I won't say any more because I don't think this is the place to talk about politics 
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8/11/2008, 1:35 pm
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Reythia
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Re: The Olympics
So to you, then, the Olympics are ONLY a political arena? That the location and the host country are the only important thing? You've no cares at all for the athletes themselves or the competition?
It seems rather harsh to me, but that's your choice. But here's my real question: what are you actually accomplishing by "boycotting" the Olympics. I mean, you not watching the Olympics will NOT hurt China and make them change their mind on the Tibet issue (or anything else). It might hurt your local TV provider's ratings, but China will hardly care about that. Unless you would have otherwise gone to the Games in China, but stayed home because of Tibet, I really don't see what you're accomplishing.
*shrug* I've never been a big fan of "boycotts" like this because they seem to be done more on principle than to actually effect a change. If you want to boycott China, stop buying their stuff or convince your government to take a harder line with them. Those sort of behaviors might actually make a point with China. Turning off your TV... won't.
Then again, I've been known more than once to do some rather pointless things "on principle", so I suppose this is really a case of the pot calling the kettle black! 
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8/11/2008, 4:02 pm
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David Meadows
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Re: The Olympics
It won't make a difference. But it will make me feel better
I have no objection to athletes going anywhere and competing at anything. They only represent themselves and they can make whatever personal choices they want. I do object to my government going along for jollies, because they represent me.
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8/12/2008, 8:10 am
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hadaad
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Registered: 08-2005
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Re: The Olympics
I am not boycotting the Olympics but I'm not watching, either. Summer is the time when I basically divorce my TV and go do stuff.
I spent the weekend, sitting on a hill, watching music concerts. Beats the heck out of watching swimming.
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Reading: Don Quixote - Miguel de Cervantes
Writing: Resurrection edits
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8/12/2008, 4:11 pm
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