What a year it's been! I'm really humbled at all that's happened, and the support I've recived in the process. Of course, there will always be the ubiquitious person or two who thinks they can "spoil the party" (you know who you are), but overall, it's been a good year professionally.
I started to think about this journey that I am on, which started back in 1996. Being humble will get you everywhere. Being a jerk, well...
Caring for my husband supercedes anything I have ever done (or will do, for that matter.) He encouraged me to "keep at it." In a previous column, I mentioned that Ken was my cheerleader, shoulder to cry on and number one fan. He still is.
As we go into 2008, my message to you is to make your own memories, and most important, to make a difference. It's especially important in 2008.
Because, if we don't, we only have ourselves to blame.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Not another Munich
I get the creeps when I think of another Olympics possibly being held in Munich. What I think is really disgraceful is Jacques Rogge's enthusiasm for the current Munich Winter Games bid, with nary an acknowledgement of what happened the last time the Olympics were held there.
I have heard that the security concerns are much less at a Winter versus Summer games. One, less athletes. That equates to less of everything: officials, volunteers, and paid employees. And I have heard people say "it couldn't happen again-especially at a Winter Games."
The complacency bothers me---big time.
Sometimes I have to wonder where people's heads are at. It's clear priorities are all out of whack, all around. The German NOC, the people backing the Munich bid, and the IOC. It's a slap in the face to those who lost their loved ones...and another attempt to sweep the unanswered questions under the rug-again.
I have only one question: how can the German NOC sleep at night, knowing what happened the last time?
Answers, please.
I have heard that the security concerns are much less at a Winter versus Summer games. One, less athletes. That equates to less of everything: officials, volunteers, and paid employees. And I have heard people say "it couldn't happen again-especially at a Winter Games."
The complacency bothers me---big time.
Sometimes I have to wonder where people's heads are at. It's clear priorities are all out of whack, all around. The German NOC, the people backing the Munich bid, and the IOC. It's a slap in the face to those who lost their loved ones...and another attempt to sweep the unanswered questions under the rug-again.
I have only one question: how can the German NOC sleep at night, knowing what happened the last time?
Answers, please.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Like pigs and dogs"
Another Chinese dissident has been arrested this week, all for referring to people who he said "would live like pigs and dogs" during the 2008 Games.
Who's fooling whom here? What is it about truth that scares the authorities over there, to the point that people are forcibly taken out of their homes and arrested?
It's got to stop. No excuses. Enough is enough.
We've had seven years of broken promises in relation to media rights. In the meantime, mainland journalists have been arrested and foreign reporters have been denied visas and harassed while there. Bloggers are fairing the worst of all---at least those on the Mainland.
I think I know who the real "pigs and dogs" are---and it's not the people trying to shed light on an ever-growing problem less than one year out.
Those of us on the outside of China are going to keep the pressure up. At least we don't have to wake up every morning wondering if we are going to get a knock at our door from the local police.
It's something I wish for my brothers and sisters on the mainland: freedom to express their thoughts and wishes.
It's not that dangerous of an idea.
How about it---and those of us outside China supporting these people?
The best Christmas gift of all.
Who's fooling whom here? What is it about truth that scares the authorities over there, to the point that people are forcibly taken out of their homes and arrested?
It's got to stop. No excuses. Enough is enough.
We've had seven years of broken promises in relation to media rights. In the meantime, mainland journalists have been arrested and foreign reporters have been denied visas and harassed while there. Bloggers are fairing the worst of all---at least those on the Mainland.
I think I know who the real "pigs and dogs" are---and it's not the people trying to shed light on an ever-growing problem less than one year out.
Those of us on the outside of China are going to keep the pressure up. At least we don't have to wake up every morning wondering if we are going to get a knock at our door from the local police.
It's something I wish for my brothers and sisters on the mainland: freedom to express their thoughts and wishes.
It's not that dangerous of an idea.
How about it---and those of us outside China supporting these people?
The best Christmas gift of all.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
No excuses!
If there is one thing that drives me crazy, it's the folks who make excuses. I didn't know it was steriods, because my trainer told me not to worry. I completed clean. Or, let's overlook the human rights abuses because China is on track for their Games preparations.
I say: enough already!
And lets take responsibility in the process.
Sure, some of the stuff that is going on isn't nice. But it's our job to bring light to that. IF we chose to do so. There are some out there that whitewash what is going on. That gives the readers a disadvantage. Just pretend it doesn't happen and maybe, just maybe it (whatever the problem is) will go away.
We have a responsibility to set an example. Not to babysit the bad guys. If we all can make that commitment, just think of how much more tranparent it will be.
I don't understand the reluctance to do so. What's the worst that could happen? A little more knowledge, maybe?
So, for 2008, can we make the commitment not to babysit the bad guys, but on the other hand give praise where due, and in the process, we will continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
I've already made that commitment. How about you?
I say: enough already!
And lets take responsibility in the process.
Sure, some of the stuff that is going on isn't nice. But it's our job to bring light to that. IF we chose to do so. There are some out there that whitewash what is going on. That gives the readers a disadvantage. Just pretend it doesn't happen and maybe, just maybe it (whatever the problem is) will go away.
We have a responsibility to set an example. Not to babysit the bad guys. If we all can make that commitment, just think of how much more tranparent it will be.
I don't understand the reluctance to do so. What's the worst that could happen? A little more knowledge, maybe?
So, for 2008, can we make the commitment not to babysit the bad guys, but on the other hand give praise where due, and in the process, we will continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
I've already made that commitment. How about you?
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Mitchell steroids report-more questions than answers
The Mitchell steriods report came out last week and everyone is having a field day with the so-called "results." Over 80 current and former players have been named and half of the people mentioned are no longer playing baseball. It's being picked apart to see where the Olympic links may lead to.
Roger Clemens is especially mad as hell. There are rumors he's going to sue. The problem with the players mentioned is that over half allegedly used 'roids when there was no definitive policy in place by MLB. Former Senator Mitchell said every team had players that "had used" (his words) and that had made it sounds like every team with a current roster had users. This was a misnomer as some teams(such as the Atlanta Braves)did NOT have any players mentioned.
So...you've got a bunch of guys, half of them retired who allegedy used. Even Mr. Mitchell by his own admission said that there should be no action taken against the players that were mentioned. Then that begs the question, why mention anyone, especially when he says "this only scratches the surface" of the problem?
This sort of thing has disappointed me. I expected so much more. Solid answers to a growing problem. Instead, we got a half-hearted attempt to say "well, we ARE trying to tackle the problem, we will name names and hopefully, that will start us on the road to resolving this issue." But naming someone who's been out of the game for twenty years, enjoying his retirement on a farm in Arizona somewhere...what does that do to solve the problem?
Not much, if at all. I do think Senator Mitchell's heart was in the right place. But the modus operandi was all wrong. Sure, only one current player agreed to talk. You've got the word of some guy who claims he sold to a bunch of players while working in a team's clubhouse. The testimony of another person in addition who is coming under question.
The next time someone wants to do a hatchet job on long-gone players, let us know beforehand.
Then I won't get my hopes up when the so-called "results" come out---because it will amount to nothing but hot air, with no backbone.
Just like the people accusing Roger, years after he retired from the game.
Roger Clemens is especially mad as hell. There are rumors he's going to sue. The problem with the players mentioned is that over half allegedly used 'roids when there was no definitive policy in place by MLB. Former Senator Mitchell said every team had players that "had used" (his words) and that had made it sounds like every team with a current roster had users. This was a misnomer as some teams(such as the Atlanta Braves)did NOT have any players mentioned.
So...you've got a bunch of guys, half of them retired who allegedy used. Even Mr. Mitchell by his own admission said that there should be no action taken against the players that were mentioned. Then that begs the question, why mention anyone, especially when he says "this only scratches the surface" of the problem?
This sort of thing has disappointed me. I expected so much more. Solid answers to a growing problem. Instead, we got a half-hearted attempt to say "well, we ARE trying to tackle the problem, we will name names and hopefully, that will start us on the road to resolving this issue." But naming someone who's been out of the game for twenty years, enjoying his retirement on a farm in Arizona somewhere...what does that do to solve the problem?
Not much, if at all. I do think Senator Mitchell's heart was in the right place. But the modus operandi was all wrong. Sure, only one current player agreed to talk. You've got the word of some guy who claims he sold to a bunch of players while working in a team's clubhouse. The testimony of another person in addition who is coming under question.
The next time someone wants to do a hatchet job on long-gone players, let us know beforehand.
Then I won't get my hopes up when the so-called "results" come out---because it will amount to nothing but hot air, with no backbone.
Just like the people accusing Roger, years after he retired from the game.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday's Random Thoughts
It's the end of another week---Christmas is almost here. And of course, I am no where near ready. Looks like it will be another last-minute dash to the grocery store, and various insundry other places! I vowed to be done early this year. The best laid plans...
I don't know who has the more animated hockey announcers: Rogers SportsNet or CBC Hockey Night in Canada. One thing is for sure: I could do without the fights. It seems there are more this year. One of these days, someone is going to get seriously hurt.
We've got lots of Christmas lights on in our subdivision. It's a nice way to spend an evening, driving around to see what everyone else has done.
I've got concerns about that Mitchell steriods report that was issued this week. We'll be discussing this on Monday.
Some guy who was drunk as a skunk almost drove off a condo parking deck last night. What will it take to get the message out about drunk driving?
I feel sorry for those folks with no power due to the ice storms. I went thru one really bad ice storm here about seven years ago. Five days without power is no fun!
Michael Vick got off easy in my opinion (even though he was sentenced to more time than the prosecutor recommended.)
If you can, try to do something for a less-fortunate friend at Christmas. I have, and it feels good to help!
Back on Monday as always!
I don't know who has the more animated hockey announcers: Rogers SportsNet or CBC Hockey Night in Canada. One thing is for sure: I could do without the fights. It seems there are more this year. One of these days, someone is going to get seriously hurt.
We've got lots of Christmas lights on in our subdivision. It's a nice way to spend an evening, driving around to see what everyone else has done.
I've got concerns about that Mitchell steriods report that was issued this week. We'll be discussing this on Monday.
Some guy who was drunk as a skunk almost drove off a condo parking deck last night. What will it take to get the message out about drunk driving?
I feel sorry for those folks with no power due to the ice storms. I went thru one really bad ice storm here about seven years ago. Five days without power is no fun!
Michael Vick got off easy in my opinion (even though he was sentenced to more time than the prosecutor recommended.)
If you can, try to do something for a less-fortunate friend at Christmas. I have, and it feels good to help!
Back on Monday as always!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Why we need to get real about Tibet
This one's for the naysayers.
The ones who believe Tibet doesn't have the right to exist as a free-standing country.
Read carefully-it looks like I will have to explain it to some people.
There were a group of Tibet protesters at the IOC meetings this week. Seeking what is rightly a valid issue. The right of Tibet to be recognised as an individual country. That's not such a outrageous idea. Sorry to dissapoint some people.
If you remember high school history, Tibet was invaded and overtaken by the Mainland Chinese in 1951. It's an illegal occupation, yet the IOC chooses to acquiese to the wishes of Beijing in all matters relating to that country.
Unfortunately, it's easy to erase history---and paint your own image of what the reality is. Picture this, living in a country that is illegally occupied, with no avenues for self-determination, no free press, no self-governance. It's a crappy way to live, essentially being trapped in a prison with no way out. But for many in Tibet, that is daily reality, and for some in the free world, a status-quo that they are only too happy to oblige to Beijing.
I for one refuse to go along. For those of you who know me, I speak my conciense. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, but being involved for close to seven years on various issues relating to press freedoms, I say it's time to get real.
This is a country fighting for it's life. For it's soul. For it's children. For it's future. We need to be the voice of the voiceless on Tibet. To stand up for it's people to live in freedom and prosperity. And not to be the enablers who want to deny those opportunities that they have not had since 1951.
The monks who staged the public protests this past summer were brave souls. Inside the country, they are that nation's conciense. They better than anyone else know what is happening there. It's rough, and nasty. But it's daily life there, and a life that could be made better, if we only on the outside would get real.
How about if all of us set an example? Old fashioned, I know. But it works. And be the conciense that tells the truth, instead of "going along to get along."
Tibet, and not "Tibet."
The ones who believe Tibet doesn't have the right to exist as a free-standing country.
Read carefully-it looks like I will have to explain it to some people.
There were a group of Tibet protesters at the IOC meetings this week. Seeking what is rightly a valid issue. The right of Tibet to be recognised as an individual country. That's not such a outrageous idea. Sorry to dissapoint some people.
If you remember high school history, Tibet was invaded and overtaken by the Mainland Chinese in 1951. It's an illegal occupation, yet the IOC chooses to acquiese to the wishes of Beijing in all matters relating to that country.
Unfortunately, it's easy to erase history---and paint your own image of what the reality is. Picture this, living in a country that is illegally occupied, with no avenues for self-determination, no free press, no self-governance. It's a crappy way to live, essentially being trapped in a prison with no way out. But for many in Tibet, that is daily reality, and for some in the free world, a status-quo that they are only too happy to oblige to Beijing.
I for one refuse to go along. For those of you who know me, I speak my conciense. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, but being involved for close to seven years on various issues relating to press freedoms, I say it's time to get real.
This is a country fighting for it's life. For it's soul. For it's children. For it's future. We need to be the voice of the voiceless on Tibet. To stand up for it's people to live in freedom and prosperity. And not to be the enablers who want to deny those opportunities that they have not had since 1951.
The monks who staged the public protests this past summer were brave souls. Inside the country, they are that nation's conciense. They better than anyone else know what is happening there. It's rough, and nasty. But it's daily life there, and a life that could be made better, if we only on the outside would get real.
How about if all of us set an example? Old fashioned, I know. But it works. And be the conciense that tells the truth, instead of "going along to get along."
Tibet, and not "Tibet."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Al Sharpton-why we need to take him seriously
If you've seen or read the news lately, Rev. Al Sharpton is threatening to go to the IOC if Mayor Daley doesn't respond by December 29th in reference to alleged incidences of police brutality by the Chicago Police Department.
It was well known that in the 1970s and early 1980s, the Chicago police used to beat out "confessions" of Black men. Some victims decided they had enough and the city agreed to pony up $20 million dollars. That amount of money should get anyone's attention---it sure did mine. I don't know at what dollar amount it becomes police brutality, but the agreement of Chicago to settle some cases clearly indicates there is a problem.
A recent poll said 91% of Chicago residents have told Sharpton to mind his own business. That's exactly what got the PD into trouble in the first place.
I am not accusing all cops. In fact, two of my friends are police officers and they are the most hard working guys you will ever meet. They certainly aren't in it for the money. For them, it's an honor and a privilege to wear the badge, and one they take seriously. As one told me: "the bad ones give us good guys a black eye."
I am probably one of the few who is taking Sharpton's comments seriously. We all have to, and it would behoove the Chicago organisers to do the same. The issues of police brutality came up in NYC's bid and I think it did cross several IOC voting members minds. It came out in thinly-disguised comments ("we have concerns about how certain security aspects will be handled.")
Replace Al Sharpton with Dr. King. Would 91% of people still ignore his comments? I think not.
Some people think Al is a blowhard and a buffoon. In actuality, he speaks the truth, sometimes painfully, as Dr. King did.
And it's a message we all need to listen to, because it affects all of us, no matter where we live.
Rock on, Reverend. You've got my ears.
It was well known that in the 1970s and early 1980s, the Chicago police used to beat out "confessions" of Black men. Some victims decided they had enough and the city agreed to pony up $20 million dollars. That amount of money should get anyone's attention---it sure did mine. I don't know at what dollar amount it becomes police brutality, but the agreement of Chicago to settle some cases clearly indicates there is a problem.
A recent poll said 91% of Chicago residents have told Sharpton to mind his own business. That's exactly what got the PD into trouble in the first place.
I am not accusing all cops. In fact, two of my friends are police officers and they are the most hard working guys you will ever meet. They certainly aren't in it for the money. For them, it's an honor and a privilege to wear the badge, and one they take seriously. As one told me: "the bad ones give us good guys a black eye."
I am probably one of the few who is taking Sharpton's comments seriously. We all have to, and it would behoove the Chicago organisers to do the same. The issues of police brutality came up in NYC's bid and I think it did cross several IOC voting members minds. It came out in thinly-disguised comments ("we have concerns about how certain security aspects will be handled.")
Replace Al Sharpton with Dr. King. Would 91% of people still ignore his comments? I think not.
Some people think Al is a blowhard and a buffoon. In actuality, he speaks the truth, sometimes painfully, as Dr. King did.
And it's a message we all need to listen to, because it affects all of us, no matter where we live.
Rock on, Reverend. You've got my ears.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Munich's 2018 Winter Olympic Bid-no way!
The German government has approved a bid to go forward for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
What a shame---and a slap in the face of those who can't get resolution for what happened in 1972.
It's a shame that their government so convinenetly "forgets" what happened, with lives lost and the subsequent coverups, that still to this day have NOT been resolved.
As someone who had a friend who's cousin was one of the murdered athletes, I say that I have had enough. Enough of the posturing by the German government, enough of the refusual of the IOC to resolve the issues, and enough of the denial to the families to get to the truth of what really happened.
Germany does not deserve to have another Olympic bid (Winter or Summer) until they get serious about resolving the outstanding issues of the 1972 Games and the IOC grants the wishes of the family for a 30-second moment of silenece in the memory of those who gave their lives.
Don't reward a government who thinks all this can be swept under the rug. I guarentee you they are going to face some very rough questioning at the IOC Session when discussing their bid if it gets to that stage.
And they better be prepared---because I will be.
What a shame---and a slap in the face of those who can't get resolution for what happened in 1972.
It's a shame that their government so convinenetly "forgets" what happened, with lives lost and the subsequent coverups, that still to this day have NOT been resolved.
As someone who had a friend who's cousin was one of the murdered athletes, I say that I have had enough. Enough of the posturing by the German government, enough of the refusual of the IOC to resolve the issues, and enough of the denial to the families to get to the truth of what really happened.
Germany does not deserve to have another Olympic bid (Winter or Summer) until they get serious about resolving the outstanding issues of the 1972 Games and the IOC grants the wishes of the family for a 30-second moment of silenece in the memory of those who gave their lives.
Don't reward a government who thinks all this can be swept under the rug. I guarentee you they are going to face some very rough questioning at the IOC Session when discussing their bid if it gets to that stage.
And they better be prepared---because I will be.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Beijing's lookism-it's not acceptable!
If you are between the ages of 18-25 and "tall, thin and attractive", Beijing 2008 is looking for you, as a possible presenter at the medal ceremonies.
What's wrong with this picture? Plenty.
Discrimination has reared it's ugly head. What with all the other issues that Beijing is facing in the world community in the runup to the Games, now we can add employment discrimination to the list.
Unless there are physical requirements for a job (right now I can't think of any), any job that is on the books should be made available for anyone to apply for. Of course, some jobs (such as law enforcement) require certain guidelines, but positions that don't require site-specific skills should have an opportunity for everyone to apply.
Of course, no one is guarenteed a job. They don't have to take you on. But don't deny the opportunity to apply to someone who's life would be bettered by the experience they would be given.
Human Rights Watch has had plenty to say about this. The Olympics are about opportunity, and giving someone a chance to step out of their comfort zone for a couple of weeks. Denial of those opportunities is never acceptable, especially when it is based on an outmoded way of thinking that (thankfully) most countries don't subscribe to.
Perhaps in the future, bid cities should be required to make a commitment of equal employment opportunity in all Olympic functions. It would set an example for others to follow, and is just plain good business.
Too bad Beijing finds this an acceptable way to do business. I don't, and I hope you feel the same way.
It's time to do the right thing Beijing. How about it?
What's wrong with this picture? Plenty.
Discrimination has reared it's ugly head. What with all the other issues that Beijing is facing in the world community in the runup to the Games, now we can add employment discrimination to the list.
Unless there are physical requirements for a job (right now I can't think of any), any job that is on the books should be made available for anyone to apply for. Of course, some jobs (such as law enforcement) require certain guidelines, but positions that don't require site-specific skills should have an opportunity for everyone to apply.
Of course, no one is guarenteed a job. They don't have to take you on. But don't deny the opportunity to apply to someone who's life would be bettered by the experience they would be given.
Human Rights Watch has had plenty to say about this. The Olympics are about opportunity, and giving someone a chance to step out of their comfort zone for a couple of weeks. Denial of those opportunities is never acceptable, especially when it is based on an outmoded way of thinking that (thankfully) most countries don't subscribe to.
Perhaps in the future, bid cities should be required to make a commitment of equal employment opportunity in all Olympic functions. It would set an example for others to follow, and is just plain good business.
Too bad Beijing finds this an acceptable way to do business. I don't, and I hope you feel the same way.
It's time to do the right thing Beijing. How about it?
Friday, December 7, 2007
Friday's Random Thoughts
Darn....looking at some recent posts, I have had to correct spelling. As my friend in Jacksonville calls it, I have a case of "CRS" (and I will let you guess what that means!)
It's going to be a predicted 75 degrees on Tuesday. No, I am NOT going to switch on my air conditioning in December.
I was at the bookstore the other night, when a woman who had her two wild kids running out the door. One problem, they almost knocked me down into the street, in the path of an oncoming car. When I spoke up, she claimed I was being "rude." No Lady, what would have been rude is if I got hit and your lesson would have had you paying my medical bills.
What is it with Lexus drivers? They are some of the rudest people out on the road. I don't know who's worse: gramps driving his Buick 35 MPH on the interstate or a soccer mom driving an overpriced Lexus SUV.
Last year, Budweiser was selling special Chocolate bottles of beer. I can't find them this year. They used to sell it with the collectible beer stein. Have they discontinued it for this year? Anyone know?
Why all the fuss about the college bowl games this year? Be GRATEFUL your school GOT a bowl invite! (woof woof.)
Back on Monday, without the CRS!
It's going to be a predicted 75 degrees on Tuesday. No, I am NOT going to switch on my air conditioning in December.
I was at the bookstore the other night, when a woman who had her two wild kids running out the door. One problem, they almost knocked me down into the street, in the path of an oncoming car. When I spoke up, she claimed I was being "rude." No Lady, what would have been rude is if I got hit and your lesson would have had you paying my medical bills.
What is it with Lexus drivers? They are some of the rudest people out on the road. I don't know who's worse: gramps driving his Buick 35 MPH on the interstate or a soccer mom driving an overpriced Lexus SUV.
Last year, Budweiser was selling special Chocolate bottles of beer. I can't find them this year. They used to sell it with the collectible beer stein. Have they discontinued it for this year? Anyone know?
Why all the fuss about the college bowl games this year? Be GRATEFUL your school GOT a bowl invite! (woof woof.)
Back on Monday, without the CRS!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Too little, too late
27 years after Preisdent Jimmy Carter banned the 1980 US Olympic Team from competing in Moscow, they are now getting their so-called recognition, 27 years after the fact.
Too little, too late.
If I was an athlete, I would have been furious at the events of the last couple of days. Getting some sort of cheesy "gold" medal after being used as a pawn in a cat and mouse game with the Soviets wouldn't make up for the lost opportunities, both business and financial.
Who's fooling whom? And what brought this on all of a sudden?
The athletes of 1980 were innocent bystanders in a political crisis they had no control over. Why oh why 27 years later is our government trying to make it up to them when the right thing to do was to let them compete? Some who had dual citizenship were able to compete in other country's Olympic teams. Those folks had some measure of recourse. The Americans didn't.
Why the guilt all of a sudden? Wouldn't it be better just to admit we made a mistake and acnowledge the decisions made in 1980 were not in the best interests of the athletes, many of whom had been preparing for years for that one moment in the spotlight.
The Soviets were laughing---all the way to the bank. The Games that year made money, even without the presence of the big-name stars from the States.
How about if we as a nation insure by word and deed the right of an athlete to compete without interference from his/her government?
In fact, I could think of a lot of situations a "no interference" policy could apply to nowadays.
It sure would save us embarassment---and public scorn in the future.
Too little, too late.
If I was an athlete, I would have been furious at the events of the last couple of days. Getting some sort of cheesy "gold" medal after being used as a pawn in a cat and mouse game with the Soviets wouldn't make up for the lost opportunities, both business and financial.
Who's fooling whom? And what brought this on all of a sudden?
The athletes of 1980 were innocent bystanders in a political crisis they had no control over. Why oh why 27 years later is our government trying to make it up to them when the right thing to do was to let them compete? Some who had dual citizenship were able to compete in other country's Olympic teams. Those folks had some measure of recourse. The Americans didn't.
Why the guilt all of a sudden? Wouldn't it be better just to admit we made a mistake and acnowledge the decisions made in 1980 were not in the best interests of the athletes, many of whom had been preparing for years for that one moment in the spotlight.
The Soviets were laughing---all the way to the bank. The Games that year made money, even without the presence of the big-name stars from the States.
How about if we as a nation insure by word and deed the right of an athlete to compete without interference from his/her government?
In fact, I could think of a lot of situations a "no interference" policy could apply to nowadays.
It sure would save us embarassment---and public scorn in the future.
Just as I thought
According in a report in Around the Rings, computer maker Lenovo has left the Top program, effective after the 2008 Games. After Kodak jumped ship, I predicted we would see a possible top-tier sponsor leave at some point in the future. I am going out on a limb here---expect to see another Olympic sponsor leave. Just my gut feeling. It was that same gut feeling that after Kodak left, then whoever was thinking about calling it quits would feel better about their decision. They just didn't want to be the first and as a result, Lenovo's leaving hasn't attracted the publicity that Kodak's actions have.
Companies are getting smart. They want to make sure their sponsor dollars will get the biggest bang for the buck. Especially in this economy. What with us facing possible $4/gallon gas (I don't think that applies to you folks out in California-I saw it coming close to that amount in San Francisco two years ago) and layoffs making the news, spending a gazillion dollars on sport sponsorship isn't as attractive as it used to be.
Who will step up to the plate to replace Lenovo? Acer, the Taiwanese computer maker has been mentioned. Ho ho, wouldn't that make the Mainland spit noodles. Whoever replaces Lenovo, they better be in it for the long haul, since the next several years are going to be a rough ride in general for sponsors, athletes, in fact, anyone on the periphery or heavily involved with Olympic sport.
I just hope it doesn't get to the point where we have a sponsor crisis what with people leaving as fast as the IOC can replace them. That isn't good. The IOC needs stability, and what with the current doping crisis, they need all the financial friends they can get their hands on, before anyone else is thinking of pulling out.
Otherwise we could see what happened years ago before reforms were enacted: an IOC millions of dollars in debt, with no-seemingly way out.
If it happens again, it's going to be a lot harder to correct. Hopefully it will be the IOC's priority to stop the sponsor bleeding...before the patient is declared DOA.
Or if the Olympics have a DNR order slapped on them.
Companies are getting smart. They want to make sure their sponsor dollars will get the biggest bang for the buck. Especially in this economy. What with us facing possible $4/gallon gas (I don't think that applies to you folks out in California-I saw it coming close to that amount in San Francisco two years ago) and layoffs making the news, spending a gazillion dollars on sport sponsorship isn't as attractive as it used to be.
Who will step up to the plate to replace Lenovo? Acer, the Taiwanese computer maker has been mentioned. Ho ho, wouldn't that make the Mainland spit noodles. Whoever replaces Lenovo, they better be in it for the long haul, since the next several years are going to be a rough ride in general for sponsors, athletes, in fact, anyone on the periphery or heavily involved with Olympic sport.
I just hope it doesn't get to the point where we have a sponsor crisis what with people leaving as fast as the IOC can replace them. That isn't good. The IOC needs stability, and what with the current doping crisis, they need all the financial friends they can get their hands on, before anyone else is thinking of pulling out.
Otherwise we could see what happened years ago before reforms were enacted: an IOC millions of dollars in debt, with no-seemingly way out.
If it happens again, it's going to be a lot harder to correct. Hopefully it will be the IOC's priority to stop the sponsor bleeding...before the patient is declared DOA.
Or if the Olympics have a DNR order slapped on them.