Being from Atlanta I CAN tell you that the security of this Olympics was pathetic. There was more security at Music Midtown 2 years ago. Besides, who actually cares about the Olympics anymore. WHen it was Communist Russia vs. the USA then they were cool. We already know who's going to come away with the most medals and which Men's basketball team is going to fall on thier faces AGAIN!!!
Who Wants the Olympics
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When we had them in Salt Lake (when I was living there), it was a massive economic boon to the metro area, as well as benefitting the local community with a hugely improved transit system and facilities that we hadn't had before (XC ski venue...24 hour race course...you know). It sparked revitalization in Salt Lake and the downtown area, a sort of "modernization", and made the city seem to think of itself as a place on a map and not just a backwater Mormon hicktown.
Then again, the Winter Olympics are about half the size of the Summer games, but Salt Lake's million person population base couldn't support a Summer event...
Denver is just jealous because they don't have mountains. :eviltongu
Then again, the Winter Olympics are about half the size of the Summer games, but Salt Lake's million person population base couldn't support a Summer event...
Denver is just jealous because they don't have mountains. :eviltongu
Silver said:
There were considerable reports illustrating potential holes in the Athens olympiad security plans, combined with it's proximity to Cyprus and the mid-east led to widespread concern about atendee safety at the events. Most likely, these reports that pointed out problems led to the holes being fixed, testament to the hard work put in by the (I forget the name) person who took over direction of the Athens games in the eleventh hour.VB attempting in vain to inflame for no reason simply because he didn't take the time to comprehend my point and resorted again said:
I never said that the US is better at this olympic gig. The US has put on probably the best (LA, BTW the only modern olympiad to break even financially) and worst (Atlanta) games in history. The debacle in Atlanta illustrates the need for a host city to have all three (infrastructure, security, other attractions) if an olympiad is to be well attended and therefore beneficial to the host city and its surrounding area.
I personally couldn't care less where the games are held. But I know I don't want them anywhere near where I am living. Traffic is bad enough in the bay area w/o the years of construction in the buildup and the crowds during the events. Though in the long run, the upgrades to the transportation in the area might be worth it.
For those who live in past host area's; how did the olympic/municipal organizers fund the upgrades? Was it done with taxpayer dollars?
Having driven through SLC both before and after the upgrades, I can honestly say that the difference is huge and they did a fantastic job with the freeways within the city and leading into and out. The changes they made at and near the airport are particularly good.blue said:
That perception was a direct consequence of the deliberate misinformation and ignorance encouraged by your wonderful leader as part of the 'war' on 'terror'. In reality there was practically zero difference between that location and any other. In fact I would go as far as to say it would have been more risky if it was held in the US itself. As a result the economy of Greece suffered and thousands of Americans missed out on eating some damn fine olives and broadening their horizons and exposure to other cultures a little.Damn True said:
Stay scared, citizen. Evil lurks without.
Changleen said:
Oh really? Can you provide some documentation to support that statement?
Geeez dude chill out. Not every bad thing in the world is the fault of G.W. Bush. You really ought to get a hobby or something. This hate thing is consuming you.
Actually, most of the reports I heard came by way of the BBC, Aussie and Asian news sources none of which have been historically friendly to anything coming from the White House.
Was or was not the American public's failure to attend the Athens games not, as you said yourself, due to 'widespread concern about atendee safety at the events'?Damn True said:
And you're telling me George 'Terrorists 52 times in one speach' Bush or Fox's "Death by Terror"* segments had nothing to do with it 3 1/2 years after 9/11?
*note: actual segment title
ink:
Changleen said:Was or was not the American public's failure to attend the Athens games not, as you said yourself, due to 'widespread concern about atendee safety at the events'?
And you're telling me George 'Terrorists 52 times in one speach' Bush or Fox's "Death by Terror"* segments had nothing to do with it 3 1/2 years after 9/11?
*note: actual segment title
It was your statement, you have to back it up, not me.
Still waiting for Chang to back up his statement.
You claimed that the reason people from all over the world didn't go to the games was BECAUSE of the words of GW Bush.
Now back it up.
Now back it up.
And you claimed that Greece is a backwater that no-one wants to go to. You didn't prove that either.Damn True said:
No VB, I said:
"The olympics in greece was one of the most poorly attended in recent history. Most likely because of the expense of getting there and unfounded rumors of slipshod security."
Then I said:
"There were considerable reports illustrating potential holes in the Athens olympiad security plans, combined with it's proximity to Cyprus and the mid-east led to widespread concern about atendee safety at the events. Most likely, these reports that pointed out problems led to the holes being fixed, testament to the hard work put in by the (I forget the name) person who took over direction of the Athens games in the eleventh hour.
I never said that the US is better at this olympic gig. The US has put on probably the best (LA, BTW the only modern olympiad to break even financially) and worst (Atlanta) games in history. The debacle in Atlanta illustrates the need for a host city to have all three (infrastructure, security, other attractions) if an olympiad is to be well attended and therefore beneficial to the host city and its surrounding area.
I personally couldn't care less where the games are held. But I know I don't want them anywhere near where I am living. Traffic is bad enough in the bay area w/o the years of construction in the buildup and the crowds during the events. Though in the long run, the upgrades to the transportation in the area might be worth it"
I did use Athens and Little Rock Arkansas together, but for very different reasons. Little Rock is a backwater with nothing much to offer other than an Olympiad (if one were hosted there....highly unlikely) which is why it would be an unnatractive destination for people. Athens was listed because of the expense of getting there and the rumors of poor security which did make it unnatractive to many people.
That said, Id love to go to Greece. But right now ticket prices are still a bit on the high side. Particularly when I can go to Italy for so little. My GF and I are going to Florence in September for my birthday for less than $600 round trip. We looked at Athens as well, but those flights were in the $1400 range.
"The olympics in greece was one of the most poorly attended in recent history. Most likely because of the expense of getting there and unfounded rumors of slipshod security."
Then I said:
"There were considerable reports illustrating potential holes in the Athens olympiad security plans, combined with it's proximity to Cyprus and the mid-east led to widespread concern about atendee safety at the events. Most likely, these reports that pointed out problems led to the holes being fixed, testament to the hard work put in by the (I forget the name) person who took over direction of the Athens games in the eleventh hour.
I never said that the US is better at this olympic gig. The US has put on probably the best (LA, BTW the only modern olympiad to break even financially) and worst (Atlanta) games in history. The debacle in Atlanta illustrates the need for a host city to have all three (infrastructure, security, other attractions) if an olympiad is to be well attended and therefore beneficial to the host city and its surrounding area.
I personally couldn't care less where the games are held. But I know I don't want them anywhere near where I am living. Traffic is bad enough in the bay area w/o the years of construction in the buildup and the crowds during the events. Though in the long run, the upgrades to the transportation in the area might be worth it"
I did use Athens and Little Rock Arkansas together, but for very different reasons. Little Rock is a backwater with nothing much to offer other than an Olympiad (if one were hosted there....highly unlikely) which is why it would be an unnatractive destination for people. Athens was listed because of the expense of getting there and the rumors of poor security which did make it unnatractive to many people.
That said, Id love to go to Greece. But right now ticket prices are still a bit on the high side. Particularly when I can go to Italy for so little. My GF and I are going to Florence in September for my birthday for less than $600 round trip. We looked at Athens as well, but those flights were in the $1400 range.
It's alright True mate...you could have typed "I was wrong" and saved the embarassment. Anyway I'm used to it from you mate. :nuts:Damn True said:
Mmmm........ Tuscany. Bring me back some vino!Damn True said:
Do me a favor. When you get to Florence go to the centro (center of the city) and go eat at a place called Il Faunos They have the best primavera in the country.
Huh?valve bouncer said:It's alright True mate...you could have typed "I was wrong" and saved the embarassment. Anyway I'm used to it from you mate. :nuts:
Greece is an expensive ticket compared to other European destinations, (is it not?) and there were numerous reports of security problems (that were thankfully fixed prior to the games).
genpowell71 said:
Will do!
DUH!!! What are you thinking? Of course if you fix the security problems it'll prevent bombings.Changleen said:
Meanwhile back in Gotham, Batman has had a few too many and cant drive the batmobile back to the batcave.
Sarchasm. Yeah thats it. Sarchasm is the word I was searching for to describe my post.
Changleen said:
Off topic, but.....who was the hotter Catwoman, Julie Newmar or Halley Barry?
I agree. Halle certainly "looked" better. But Julie Newmar pegged the hot-o-meter.
NOT IF I HAVE ANYHTING TO SAY ABOUT IT MISTER!!!Changleen said:
Besides, I've grown quite fond of fighting with you. I sit down have a good laugh and post to piss people off.
That'd be sarcasm mate. "Sarchasm" is the "gulf between the author of sarcistic wit and the person who doesn't get it".genpowell71 said:
Get a room you two.Changleen said:Me too. Imagine how boring this place would be if everyone just agreed.
valve bouncer said:That'd be sarcasm mate. "Sarchasm" is the "gulf between the author of sarcistic wit and the person who doesn't get it".
AHAHAHAaaaaa...
Tough to meet half way in the middle of the pacific. Besides my wife of 10 years might get jealousvalve bouncer said:Get a room you two.