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[Kavanagh]

Dear World,

We applied for this in 2005 when we were loaded, but this little thing called the financial crisis happened and we are broke as fuck.

Be glad that, although the games are overly commercialised, you aren't watching the basketball event take place at a car park with 2 tall guys at either end of the forecourt holding buckets over their heads.

Regards,

The UK public

p.s. It's being paid for by the entire UK even though only London, an area that is already the richest in the UK, is getting the benefits.

p.p.s. I'm paying for this with my taxpayer money and I have to pay £10 to look at the stadiums my contribution paid to build. So stop complaining.

Fucking London.

London is where you come if you want to make it. Sorry about that, just the way it is. Also, Londoners are paying more for it than the rest of the country.

This is true, but if London sorted out it's ghastly wealth divide and actually invested its public money effectively then it wouldn't be deprived. There are enough jobs around London at least. Try going to a post-industrial Northern city like Bradford, Burnley or Hull. That's where the money should be going.

Anyway, I digress. Go Team GB. Gonna buy the footy kit this weekend, looks sexy.

If London didn't get so much of it's taxes siphoned off to the rest of the country, I'm sure it could

I work in Stratford and the whole regeneration angle is bollocks at best. They created the Olympic park and built Westfields but 'normal' Stratfordians won't benefit. All new stuff is based around that area. Real Stratford is having it's cracks papered over (metal 'trees' to hide the ugly old shopping centre, turning a massive, ugly 60's tower block into a giant billboard etc) so the world can't see what a shithole it really is. Sucks for the residents.

View from my office window:

View from Stratford station:

Despite all that shite, I'm still going to be watching and will also be going to a few events.

 

[GCX]

Finnish YLE will air every olympics sport event live with no interruptions online. That's no 24 channels but good enough for me.

 

[lazybones18]

I think NBC Sports Network will be on 24/7 with Olympics coverage and then they will package stuff for prime time. Love being in Detroit and getting CBC, though.

Too bad CBC doesn't have Olympic coverage this year >_>

I also would have gladly settled for them over NBC

 

[Pacbois]

Finnish YLE will air every olympics sport event live with no interruptions online. That's no 24 channels but good enough for me.

This is the Eurovision feed. Every national broadcaster in Europe will have live free International feeds (without commentary).

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

 

[Jamie OD]

The problem for people in the US right now is that now with Twitter and just the rest of the internet being so widely used now people will be spoiled of the results of the events and they might not even tune in for the Olympics. No point in watching the show if the events are tape delayed by 8 hours and you know what happened.

How the Hell NBC hasn't adapted to this by now is unbelievable. I felt sorry for those in America wanting to watch the last Winter Olympics live only to wait hours after the event ends for it to air, even in regions inside the same time zone as Vancouver.

 

[Akyan]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

I have to say most people I speak to are looking forward to the games...some people just like to whinge.

 

[Kavanagh]

DP

 

[Kavanagh]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

There's a lot to moan about: brand police/corporate overload, traffic chaos, public transport already full to bursting, massively over budget (should've been £2.5b but currently up to £13b and counting, not including the army having to step in for G4S security cock up) etc etc but I digress.

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

There's a lot to moan about: brand police/corporate overload, traffic chaos, public transport already full to bursting, massively over budget (should've been £2.5b but currently up to £13b and counting, not including the army having to step in for G4S security cock up) etc etc but I digress.

I'm British so I know full well about all of that stuff as I am constantly bombarded with it. However, it's happening and there's nothing that can be done about it at this stage.

 

[Kamakazie!]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

Vocal minority as always or at least no one I talk to regularly has complained. Most are pretty excited actually.

 

[GCX]

This is the Eurovision feed. Every national broadcaster in Europe will have live free International feeds (without commentary).

Yeah I did some research and learned this. It's nice it also gives online access to BBC Sports and other Eurovision member networks.

 

[Kavanagh]

I'm British so I know full well about all of that stuff as I am constantly bombarded with it. However, it's happening and there's nothing that can be done about it at this stage.

So shut up and enjoy it? Great advice. You should know that moaning is a British pastime, especially if something is a massive inconvenience.

 

[Kamakazie!]

There's a lot to moan about: brand police/corporate overload ...
.....
(should've been £2.5b but currently up to £13b and counting...

I thought tax payer bill would end up at about £8b?
Anyone who believed this event could be delivered with only £2.5b from tax payers was living in dream land.

Also you can't complain about budget then about the corporatisation. Tax payer would have to fit significantly more without the big brands stumping up the cash.

Just get on and enjoy it. At least everything has been delivered on time for once!

 

[Juicy Bob]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

How I wish moaning was an Olympic event. Britain would dominate.

 

[blazeuk]

p.s. It's being paid for by the entire UK even though only London, an area that is already the richest in the UK, is getting the benefits.

Fucking London.

Was listening to some woman on the BBC talk about how all the investment in London benefits everyone in the UK yesterday, she seemed quite keen to convince people of it. Other than possibly a few extra tourists making their way to Liverpool, it wont have any positive effects on my city, this whole thing is for the benefit of the city of London, there are far poorer places that are in need of investment from the government, but dont and wont get it.

Thats about as negative as i'm going to be though, i'm looking forward to the Olympics and won't really care about the above once it's started and all the talk is about the events going on rather than everything else. I'm about to swap out my old plasma screen for a new 50" 3DTV just in time for it too.

 

[Gregorn]

p.p.s. I'm paying for this with my taxpayer money and I have to pay £10 to look at the stadiums my contribution paid to build. So stop complaining.

Fucking London.

Jesus christ, your taxes probably went to lighting street lamps, you have lost nothing.

I heard that merry poppins is going to be in the opening ceremony, but I've never really associated her with Britain. The movie felt really American.

 

[GCX]

I heard that merry poppins is going to be in the opening ceremony, but I've never really associated her with Britain. The movie felt really American.

It's originally a series of children's books. The Disney movie is just one (though the most well known) adaption along with the Broadway musical and stuff.

 

[ascii42]

Jesus christ, your taxes probably went to lighting street lamps, you have lost nothing.

I heard that merry poppins is going to be in the opening ceremony, but I've never really associated her with Britain. The movie felt really American.

Is Bert going to be there? "Steppen toym!"

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

So shut up and enjoy it? Great advice.

Yes.

You should know that moaning is a British pastime, especially if something is a massive inconvenience.

I have no love for that tired old cliche. This country would do a lot better if it opted for more optimism instead of the borderline self-hatred that we like to think of as being our national trait.

 

[Kavanagh]

Yes.



I have no love for that tired old cliche. This country would do a lot better if it opted for more optimism instead of the borderline self-hatred that we like to think of as being our national trait.

Yes, let us write blank cheques whilst bending over backwards for corporations to run rampant, all whilst smiling blissfully.

Do you live or work in east London?

 

[Sage00]

I have to say most people I speak to are looking forward to the games...some people just like to whinge.

lol, there are seriously people in the UK looking forward to the olympics because it's in London? I haven't met any.

In fact I was speaking to someone from Beijing the other day who said no one gave a shit when it was there either, it's an event for rich people and television audiences (as well as regeneration of cities). How does the fact that what you're watching on TV is in slightly closer proximity to you make any difference at all?

Yes.

I have no love for that tired old cliche. This country would do a lot better if it opted for more optimism instead of the borderline self-hatred that we like to think of as being our national trait.

I like to think it's because British people realize it's just a country, a place they were randomly born through no effort of their own (fastest sperm notwithstanding), not some pariah they have to prove is better than everyone else's at every opportunity. Leave that to Americans, the BNP and the Daily Mail.

 

[Joel Was Right]

Why are the BBC spending so much on this? The country isn't really all that interested. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the opening ceremony

 

[Jensen]

Why are the BBC spending so much on this? The country isn't really all that interested. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the opening ceremony

Because it's the Olympics being held in a British city?

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

Yes, let us write blank cheques whilst bending over backwards for corporations to run rampant, all whilst smiling blissfully.

Do you live or work in east London?

I lived in east London for three years.

If you want to do something then do something at an early stage and don't whine about an international event that is days away from starting.

I like to think it's because British people realize it's just a country, a place they were randomly born through no effort of their own (fastest sperm notwithstanding), not some pariah they have to prove is better than everyone else's at every opportunity. Leave that to Americans, the BNP and the Daily Mail.

Optimism is not the same as nationalism.

 

[shira]

First off: U-S-A! U-S-A! Your country sucks and just wish it could hang out with us at the cool kids table.

Secondly: I kinda hope this entire thing is a ruse, and that the Queen announces the reformation of the Empire and claims half the countries in the stadium.

Huh? China is going to win just like last time

 

[Kavanagh]

I lived in east London for three years.

If you want to do something then do something at an early stage and don't whine about an international event that is days away from starting.



Optimism is not the same as nationalism.

I was born and raised in East London and was against it from the start. I don't really understand your point. It seem to me that you're saying that just because the event is now about to start I should be happy with it, despite being anti it from the start? That's ridiculous.

 

[Kamakazie!]

Why are the BBC spending so much on this? The country isn't really all that interested. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the opening ceremony

Huh?
You ignored all those people lining the streets just to see the torch?

 

[Kamakazie!]

I was born and raised in East London and was against it from the start. I don't really understand your point. It seem to me that you're saying that just because the event is now about to start I should be happy with it, despite being anti it from the start? That's ridiculous.

Maybe you can start a thread about it and leave this one for discussions about the sports from here out?

Anyhow, medal table top 5 predictions anyone (yes based on golds first):
1 - China
2 - USA
3 - GB
4 - Rus
5 - Aus

Optimistic me says we take USA as well but that's being silly.

 

[Kurtofan]

Why are the BBC spending so much on this? The country isn't really all that interested. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the opening ceremony

You think people won't tune in to see British athletes and major events?

 

[Gregorn]

Why are the BBC spending so much on this? The country isn't really all that interested. The only thing I'm looking forward to is the opening ceremony

I hope it doesn't effect Doctor Who's CGI budget.

 

[spiderman123]

I don't feel like reading through the thread to see if this question has been answered ( I sincerely apologize for that) but London GAF what's with the shitty opening ceremony?. Sheep on a field and cricket? Really?I understand that you need to represent what's best about your country but come on try to beat China's opening.

 

[gerg]

I don't feel like reading through the thread to see if this question has been answered ( I sincerely apologize for that) but London GAF what's with the shitty opening ceremony?. Sheep on a field and cricket? Really?I understand that you need to represent what's best about your country but come on try to beat China's opening.

It's Danny Boyle, supposedly building on his work directing Frankenstein. Everything points to serene imagery being inverted into something darker and more foreboding.

 

[SteveWD40]

I don't feel like reading through the thread to see if this question has been answered ( I sincerely apologize for that) but London GAF what's with the shitty opening ceremony?. Sheep on a field and cricket? Really?I understand that you need to represent what's best about your country but come on try to beat China's opening.

No democratic nation could, even the US. We don't have slave labour, a huge docile workforce and corruption enough to make sure shit got done, we also have to account for every penny.

Besides, we have less to prove.

 

[killer_clank]

I don't feel like reading through the thread to see if this question has been answered ( I sincerely apologize for that) but London GAF what's with the shitty opening ceremony?. Sheep on a field and cricket? Really?I understand that you need to represent what's best about your country but come on try to beat China's opening.

That's the set of the opening scene, you haven't even seen the full ceremony yet. Also, while I fully expect it to be great, China spent $200 million dollars on theirs. No way in hell will the budget for this come close, and with good reason.

 

[twobear]

I don't care about the games but I am very proud of Auntie being awesome.

 

[Kavanagh]

Maybe you can start a thread about it and leave this one for discussions about the sports from here out?

Anyhow, medal table top 5 predictions anyone (yes based on golds first):
1 - China
2 - USA
3 - GB
4 - Rus
5 - Aus

Optimistic me says we take USA as well but that's being silly.

Maybe you could stop being such a smug twat? It takes two to discuss but I'll leave it now.

 

[spiderman123]

That's the set of the opening scene, you haven't even seen the full ceremony yet. Also, while I fully expect it to be great, China spent $200 million dollars on theirs. No way in hell will the budget for this come close, and with good reason.

Oooo well I hope it isn't a huge let down. Understandably they should spend more on improving general and surround public facilities/goods/transportation/security etc rather than the ceremony

 

[Jensen]

Maybe you can start a thread about it and leave this one for discussions about the sports from here out?

Anyhow, medal table top 5 predictions anyone (yes based on golds first):
1 - China
2 - USA
3 - GB
4 - Rus
5 - Aus

Optimistic me says we take USA as well but that's being silly.

Fourth palce for GB would be great, third would be unbelievable.

 

[Wes]

I wish British people would stop whining about it because it is just so embarrassing when they do it.

I'm British and I'm loving the Olympics. It's a once in a generation thing to have it in your country and I want to make the most of it.

Generally us Brits love to whine but when push comes to shove a high percentage of the those feigning interest will be watching - even if for no other reason than to comment on how bad/embarassing/awful they perceive something to be on some newspaper website comment area.

 

[Kamakazie!]

Maybe you could stop being such a smug twat? It takes two to discuss but I'll leave it now.

Erm?!

 

[killer_clank]

I'm British and I'm loving the Olympics. It's a once in a generation thing to have it in your country and I want to make the most of it.

Generally us Brits love to whine but when push comes to shove a high percentage of the those feigning interest will be watching - even if for no other reason than to comment on how bad/embarassing/awful they perceive something to be on some newspaper website comment area.

Exactly. You only need to look at the massive success of the Torch Relay to show people are excited. The streets were lined with people EVERYWHERE.

 

[Kamakazie!]

Fourth palce for GB would be great, third would be unbelievable.

4th in 2008 weren't we? I can see it being even better this year.

 

[TheContact]

a pair of UK ladies came into my work (in the USA) and was bitching about how they closed the lanes to open another lane for the Olympic travelers or something in London.

 

[killer_clank]

4th in 2008 weren't we? I can see it being even better this year.

Yep, but 2008 was an incredible performance, beyond anyone's wildest expectations IIRC. You never know, but keeping 4th and still increasing the medal total would still be an amazing achievement, given in 1996 gb only won one gold medal.

 

[VICTORsaurio]

All I care about is the Spice Girls performing at the closing ceremony

 

[Kamakazie!]

Exactly. You only need to look at the massive success of the Torch Relay to show people are excited. The streets were lined with people EVERYWHERE.

BBC reporting 12.7m..... or 1 in 5. That is crazy.

 

[gerg]

All I care about is the Spice Girls performing at the closing ceremony

The Spice Girls are performing at the closing ceremony?! : O

 

[MIMIC]

Opened up my homepage and this caught my eye: 10 "unbreakable" Summer Olympic Records:

1. Most gold medals by a person in 1 year: (swimmer Michael Phelps, 8): 2008
2. Youngest gold medalist (gymnist Nadia Comaneci, 14-years old): 1976
3. Most gold medals by a country in a single year (The United States, 83): 1984
4. Most long-distances gold medals won in a single year (Emil Zapotek, 3)
5. Most gold medals in boxing (Teofilo Stevenson, Laszlo Papp, & Felix Savon, 3)
6. Oldest medal winner (Oscar Swahn, 72-years-old)
7. Most Olympic appearances (sailor Hubert Raudaschl & equestrian's Ian Millar, 9)
8. Most gold medals in a single event (fencer Aladar Gerevich, 10): 1932-1960
9. 100-meter record (Usain Bolt, 9.69): 2008
10. Most summer games without a medal (Monaco, 18)

FOX Sports

 

[Wes]

Just got my Olympic edition of the Radio Times. Great guide in there for figuring out what can be seen where.