Was anyone watching Good Morning America today? Marion Jones was being interviewed by Robin Roberts about her six-month stint in the slammer for lying to a federal jury about her steriod use.
She made two glaring mistakes: one was saying that "when you are a prominent person and athlete, you trust the people around you that they have your best interests at heart."
Marion: that was mistake number one.
The second one, and I think this was very telling is that during the interview, she NEVER apologised to her teammates who also were forced to give up their gold medals. The IOC thinks if one person is tainted, they all are and the message is turn 'em in.
I would like to think she has learned at least a little something during her time in the joint. She says that she wants to go out and speak to people about the mistakes she's made. But in my opinion, she has to get right with herself, even before she starts to think about lecturing others.
The real victim here isn't Marion, but her teammates who had nothing to do with doping getting caught up in her scandal and them paying the price for something they did not do. A lot of people, including athletes, fans, and those of us who deal with the Olympic movement didn't believe the talk at first. I firmly believed that Marion was clean, and as I wrote earlier, it was her dirtbag ex-husband that I heard plenty about. But Marion? Nah. No way. How could we have got it so wrong?
Marion, you should be ashamed of yourself. Many people put their trust and faith in you and it is YOU who let us down.
Do you have the guts to make things right?
After seeing you on GMA, I will say the jury is out.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
IOC to the EBU: Go to hell!
The IOC has turned down the European Broadcasting Union's bid for the rights to upcoming Olympic Games. The IOC has cited wanting to negotiate individual contracts in the countries involved (read: more $$$ and £££) as the reason for the decision. I wonder if this is totally wise.
In my opinion, you get continuity when you have a master contract covering most of Europe. There may be a few countries here and there that don't sign on and want their own deals. I just can't see the sense of this. It's going to drive up costs (obviously) and for some poorer or smaller nations, the cost to broadcast may be prohibitive.
At the last IOC session in Guatemala City, Jacques Rogge cited concern about certain countries not being able to receive Olympic programming or getting inconsistent transmissions of certain events. But by starting to put a chokehold on the European broadcast rights is only the beginning. We're already seeing in Oceania terrestial broadcasters who previously held the rights being shut out by local cable, most notably Foxtel for 2010 Winter and 2012 Summer (along with Nine Network), shutting out long-time broadcaster 7 Network.
It's time to give it back to the people who have done it the best and done it the longest-and not some upstarts who think they can do it better and sell the IOC and the viewing public a bunch of damaged goods, all in the name of someone lining their pockets when it comes time to negotiate the contract.
The real losers will be the viewing public, and with no viewers, there is no ratings and in the end, no bux.
Familiarise yourself where the on/off switch is. You will need it if you live in Europe-and I suspect elsewhere too.
In my opinion, you get continuity when you have a master contract covering most of Europe. There may be a few countries here and there that don't sign on and want their own deals. I just can't see the sense of this. It's going to drive up costs (obviously) and for some poorer or smaller nations, the cost to broadcast may be prohibitive.
At the last IOC session in Guatemala City, Jacques Rogge cited concern about certain countries not being able to receive Olympic programming or getting inconsistent transmissions of certain events. But by starting to put a chokehold on the European broadcast rights is only the beginning. We're already seeing in Oceania terrestial broadcasters who previously held the rights being shut out by local cable, most notably Foxtel for 2010 Winter and 2012 Summer (along with Nine Network), shutting out long-time broadcaster 7 Network.
It's time to give it back to the people who have done it the best and done it the longest-and not some upstarts who think they can do it better and sell the IOC and the viewing public a bunch of damaged goods, all in the name of someone lining their pockets when it comes time to negotiate the contract.
The real losers will be the viewing public, and with no viewers, there is no ratings and in the end, no bux.
Familiarise yourself where the on/off switch is. You will need it if you live in Europe-and I suspect elsewhere too.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Chicago's (troubling) unanswered questions
Hello there! As you can probably guess, we have been busy. Thanks for hanging in there.
The recent tragic news about the slaughter of American Idol star Jennifer Hudson's family in South Side Chicago made me think of one of the major concerns I have for Chicago's bid-and their unanswered questions that go along with it.
Make no mistake about it, crime is everywhere. But it seems it's going at a runaway pace in Chicago, and their bid officials can't or won't address the issues. I know people who have repeatedly emailed them with concerns about how security and crime will be handled if the Games are awarded to them. I personally am of the philosophy that if you don't answer questions, you have something to hide. Pure and simple.
Chicago has a demonstrated history of corrupt cops, even more corrupt Mayors and if you are of the baby boomer generation, then you know what happened in 1968 with the students who demonstrated. The murder rate is at an all time high and the concerns expressed by myself and others have gone unanswered.
It would behoove Chicago 2016 to buckle down, and stop hiding from the tough questions. In fact, it would actually be easier for them to start answering questions now, instead of taking the bet and someone asking some even tougher questions next October in Copenhagen.
I for one am not impressed-or amused. And according to an email I got tonight from my friends at Games Bids, Chicago has fallen from the top spot. Not surprising-and they are going to keep falling unless they start to do the right thing and start responding-and soon.
You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down. Chicago would bode well to repair the relationships of the folks that they have rubbed the wrong way. I have talked to some of these people and they are very influential-and can make or break their bid in a heartbeat.
Or perhaps they think some people are expendable and not worth their time.
As Julia Roberts said in "Pretty Woman":
"Big mistake, I mean really big mistake."
The recent tragic news about the slaughter of American Idol star Jennifer Hudson's family in South Side Chicago made me think of one of the major concerns I have for Chicago's bid-and their unanswered questions that go along with it.
Make no mistake about it, crime is everywhere. But it seems it's going at a runaway pace in Chicago, and their bid officials can't or won't address the issues. I know people who have repeatedly emailed them with concerns about how security and crime will be handled if the Games are awarded to them. I personally am of the philosophy that if you don't answer questions, you have something to hide. Pure and simple.
Chicago has a demonstrated history of corrupt cops, even more corrupt Mayors and if you are of the baby boomer generation, then you know what happened in 1968 with the students who demonstrated. The murder rate is at an all time high and the concerns expressed by myself and others have gone unanswered.
It would behoove Chicago 2016 to buckle down, and stop hiding from the tough questions. In fact, it would actually be easier for them to start answering questions now, instead of taking the bet and someone asking some even tougher questions next October in Copenhagen.
I for one am not impressed-or amused. And according to an email I got tonight from my friends at Games Bids, Chicago has fallen from the top spot. Not surprising-and they are going to keep falling unless they start to do the right thing and start responding-and soon.
You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down. Chicago would bode well to repair the relationships of the folks that they have rubbed the wrong way. I have talked to some of these people and they are very influential-and can make or break their bid in a heartbeat.
Or perhaps they think some people are expendable and not worth their time.
As Julia Roberts said in "Pretty Woman":
"Big mistake, I mean really big mistake."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Copenhagen-one year to go!
"Taking the pulse" will be the theme of the next IOC Session in one year's time. And if they aren't careful, the IOC could go on life support.
Tromso just dropped out of the 2018 Winter Games bidding, citing escalating costs for it's government. The worldwide credit crunch has hit the bids. Another issue that is to be decided is if the current IOC President, Jacques Rogge will stick around for another term. And it's the once-every-ten-years-or-so IOC Congress. Whew-there is going to be enough to keep everyone busy.
The upcoming IOC Session will be a good opportunity to seriously examine the future of the IOC, the bid process itself, and where the IOC will be going in the next five, ten, fifteen or so years. Taking stock of itself, you could say. I would hope this time, they buckle down and take stock of the serious issues that have been sorely neglected during the Rogge presidency. We've discussed some of them here. Otherwide the next IOC president will have a mess to clean up on their hands.
It concerns me that the same issues that seem to come up again and again at an IOC Session are the ones that the IOC very publicly chooses to ignore: the escalating costs of bidding, despite Dr. Rogge's commitment in 2003 at Prague "to bring the costs of the Games down", the continued issues in regards to doping, and now, issues that have come up regarding the ages of athletes in certain competitions. Enough already!
My hope for Copehagen is that the Session and Congress will take on these issues, so we can move on to more new and positive aspects of sport that enrich all our lives, to the betterment of all concerned.
It will be a good way to avoid declaring the IOC DOA.
Tromso just dropped out of the 2018 Winter Games bidding, citing escalating costs for it's government. The worldwide credit crunch has hit the bids. Another issue that is to be decided is if the current IOC President, Jacques Rogge will stick around for another term. And it's the once-every-ten-years-or-so IOC Congress. Whew-there is going to be enough to keep everyone busy.
The upcoming IOC Session will be a good opportunity to seriously examine the future of the IOC, the bid process itself, and where the IOC will be going in the next five, ten, fifteen or so years. Taking stock of itself, you could say. I would hope this time, they buckle down and take stock of the serious issues that have been sorely neglected during the Rogge presidency. We've discussed some of them here. Otherwide the next IOC president will have a mess to clean up on their hands.
It concerns me that the same issues that seem to come up again and again at an IOC Session are the ones that the IOC very publicly chooses to ignore: the escalating costs of bidding, despite Dr. Rogge's commitment in 2003 at Prague "to bring the costs of the Games down", the continued issues in regards to doping, and now, issues that have come up regarding the ages of athletes in certain competitions. Enough already!
My hope for Copehagen is that the Session and Congress will take on these issues, so we can move on to more new and positive aspects of sport that enrich all our lives, to the betterment of all concerned.
It will be a good way to avoid declaring the IOC DOA.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Denver-not so fast!
They're at it again.
Didn't they go thru this once before-and tell the IOC to stick it where the sun doesn't shine?
The Metro Denver Sports Commission thinks they can bring an Olympics to Denver. Remember the last time Denver was actually awarded the Games, only to have the tree-huggers vote the Games out of town? Innsbruck, Austria saved the day, and in turn, saved the IOC from major embarassment.
I recall a conversation I had with a senior IOC member in regards to a possible Denver bid. He told me it "would be a cold day in hell" before the IOC would ever award another Games to Denver, all because of "what happened the last time."
Sport Accord to be held in Denver next March is sure to have some hot and heavy discussion regarding any Denver bid. My personal opinion is that Denver would best be served if they forgot about the Olympics and tried to lure another major sports event, such as the Super Bowl to Denver, that would have less risk and less chance of failure, due to the amount of public money that is needed to finance a bid versus committing hundreds of millions of public money that in the end might not be successful.
Save your money, Denver. Your citizens will thank you in the end.
Didn't they go thru this once before-and tell the IOC to stick it where the sun doesn't shine?
The Metro Denver Sports Commission thinks they can bring an Olympics to Denver. Remember the last time Denver was actually awarded the Games, only to have the tree-huggers vote the Games out of town? Innsbruck, Austria saved the day, and in turn, saved the IOC from major embarassment.
I recall a conversation I had with a senior IOC member in regards to a possible Denver bid. He told me it "would be a cold day in hell" before the IOC would ever award another Games to Denver, all because of "what happened the last time."
Sport Accord to be held in Denver next March is sure to have some hot and heavy discussion regarding any Denver bid. My personal opinion is that Denver would best be served if they forgot about the Olympics and tried to lure another major sports event, such as the Super Bowl to Denver, that would have less risk and less chance of failure, due to the amount of public money that is needed to finance a bid versus committing hundreds of millions of public money that in the end might not be successful.
Save your money, Denver. Your citizens will thank you in the end.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
How old are you?
That's the question being asked by the IOC this week in regards to the Chinese gymnasts who have raised suspicions with various sport governing bodies in regards to their ages. The Chinese authorities have turned over copies of documentation, such as passports, residence permits and ID cards to prove the ages of the 2008 gold medal team are within the 16-years old minimum age limit.
I watched some of the gymnastics events. If all of those kids are at least 16, then there is a bridge somewhere that is for sale. One of them looked awfully young. I have heard thru the grapevine that one of them is all of 11 years old. Some of the members of China's 2000 Sydney gymnastics team are also being investigated. If it turns out some of these girls are under age, it throws the medal placements into chaos.
China's "win at all costs" attitude got them into trouble. And it's victims are the youngest ones, pawns in a closely-crafted propaganda machine, that awards deceit and punishes honesty.
No one knows what the eventual outcome of this is going to be, but one thing is for certain: we haven't heard the last of this one yet.
A case of child abuse: legally sanctioned by the Chinese government.
And this is only the beginning.
I watched some of the gymnastics events. If all of those kids are at least 16, then there is a bridge somewhere that is for sale. One of them looked awfully young. I have heard thru the grapevine that one of them is all of 11 years old. Some of the members of China's 2000 Sydney gymnastics team are also being investigated. If it turns out some of these girls are under age, it throws the medal placements into chaos.
China's "win at all costs" attitude got them into trouble. And it's victims are the youngest ones, pawns in a closely-crafted propaganda machine, that awards deceit and punishes honesty.
No one knows what the eventual outcome of this is going to be, but one thing is for certain: we haven't heard the last of this one yet.
A case of child abuse: legally sanctioned by the Chinese government.
And this is only the beginning.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Bye Giselle
Come the end of November or thereabouts, the Olympic media office will have one less person we have come to know. It's definitely going to be a loss.
Giselle Davies was (and still is!) a class act. However, I understand her decision to step down after six years. Being the Director of Communications, and all that goes with it takes a lot out of you-especially the travelling. She has said she "wants to start a new chapter both personally and professionally" in her life.
I had another friend who worked in the press office. She cited similar reasons for wanting to get off the treadmill and put down roots. It's tough to have any resembalance of a life when one's job takes you to London, Sydney, Beijing and all points inbetween.
She has been entirely supportive of me-and that means a lot. Considering that what I have written has many times not been entirely complimentary regarding IOC activities, she certainly has supported my right to say it. Sometimes painful things have to be said-and I can't think of a better person to leave the Communications department in good hands than her.
I only hope her replacement will continue her high standards and fairness. I have seen her handle uppity press people (you know who you are!) with grace and style. I wish her all the best.
What next for her? At this time, no one has said and if they know, it's being kept close to the vest. I personally would like to see her write a book, and knowing where the bodies are buried will make for very interesting reading. I would love to read what she has to say after she leaves that she probably couldn't have said before.
Happy trails Giselle. You've more than earned this next chaper in your life-and it's going to be a good one!
Giselle Davies was (and still is!) a class act. However, I understand her decision to step down after six years. Being the Director of Communications, and all that goes with it takes a lot out of you-especially the travelling. She has said she "wants to start a new chapter both personally and professionally" in her life.
I had another friend who worked in the press office. She cited similar reasons for wanting to get off the treadmill and put down roots. It's tough to have any resembalance of a life when one's job takes you to London, Sydney, Beijing and all points inbetween.
She has been entirely supportive of me-and that means a lot. Considering that what I have written has many times not been entirely complimentary regarding IOC activities, she certainly has supported my right to say it. Sometimes painful things have to be said-and I can't think of a better person to leave the Communications department in good hands than her.
I only hope her replacement will continue her high standards and fairness. I have seen her handle uppity press people (you know who you are!) with grace and style. I wish her all the best.
What next for her? At this time, no one has said and if they know, it's being kept close to the vest. I personally would like to see her write a book, and knowing where the bodies are buried will make for very interesting reading. I would love to read what she has to say after she leaves that she probably couldn't have said before.
Happy trails Giselle. You've more than earned this next chaper in your life-and it's going to be a good one!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Getting ready for another busy year
We've been busy, but we haven't forgotten about you! Many thanks to my loyal readers. We're coming up on our first anniversary and I thank you for your support. There's going to be lots of stuff to discuss in the run-up to Copenhagen 2009, so stay right here!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ring that bell!
First off, I will say I don't care much for John McCain. I care even less for his trophy wife. But there is one thing both presidential candidates agree on that I can approve of: tying the attendance of George Bush at the 2008 Olympic Games to human rights improvements in China.
According to a report in Around the Rings, Barack Obama said any attendance should be tied to China's improvements in their relation to the Dalai Lama. John McCain has said attendance should be tied to overall human rights improvements. It's not a popular subject with most writers and even less with those that are toeing the party line of their media employers (and there are a LOT of those around.)
Some people have said Barack Obama's comments could hurt the Chicago 2016 bid. I really don't think they will have much of an effect, since they are already in trouble, with their avoidance of the issues and refusal to answer some vital questions regarding the city's rogue cops and how they would handle policing and security, should the IOC award the Games to that city.
You don't usually get straight talk from politicians, especially in an election year. But McCain himself has said he has "bucked the party line" with his stance on some of the issues. It took a lot of guts for him to say what he did and I applaud that. But it won't be enough to garner my vote.
After the November elections, I think it will be a new day in terms of the US's relationship with the IOC, and the bidding process overall. My gut feeling is that this is going to be one ugly and bitter election in Copenhagen, the likes of which we haven't seen since Moscow 2001. And that is when corners get cut, and people start to take shortcuts. The USOC needs to keep a watchful eye on things, especially after November, otherwise you are going to see some people slide back into the old ways of doing things, which the IOC has fought a great battle to clean up.
But we're digressing here a bit. It's refreshing to see two presidential candidates tell it like it is (and how it should be) with our relationship to China and tying that relationship to improvements in human rights. I expected it from Obama and got caught by surprise by McCain.
How about us "catching some others by surprise" and holding them responsible?
And you don't have to wait for November to roll around to do it.
According to a report in Around the Rings, Barack Obama said any attendance should be tied to China's improvements in their relation to the Dalai Lama. John McCain has said attendance should be tied to overall human rights improvements. It's not a popular subject with most writers and even less with those that are toeing the party line of their media employers (and there are a LOT of those around.)
Some people have said Barack Obama's comments could hurt the Chicago 2016 bid. I really don't think they will have much of an effect, since they are already in trouble, with their avoidance of the issues and refusal to answer some vital questions regarding the city's rogue cops and how they would handle policing and security, should the IOC award the Games to that city.
You don't usually get straight talk from politicians, especially in an election year. But McCain himself has said he has "bucked the party line" with his stance on some of the issues. It took a lot of guts for him to say what he did and I applaud that. But it won't be enough to garner my vote.
After the November elections, I think it will be a new day in terms of the US's relationship with the IOC, and the bidding process overall. My gut feeling is that this is going to be one ugly and bitter election in Copenhagen, the likes of which we haven't seen since Moscow 2001. And that is when corners get cut, and people start to take shortcuts. The USOC needs to keep a watchful eye on things, especially after November, otherwise you are going to see some people slide back into the old ways of doing things, which the IOC has fought a great battle to clean up.
But we're digressing here a bit. It's refreshing to see two presidential candidates tell it like it is (and how it should be) with our relationship to China and tying that relationship to improvements in human rights. I expected it from Obama and got caught by surprise by McCain.
How about us "catching some others by surprise" and holding them responsible?
And you don't have to wait for November to roll around to do it.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Seven years ago today...
...I was on a trip that would change my life-literally.
But little did I know that at the time. Everyone else knew it, except me. I was too busy working my fanny off to do battle with people who said they couldn't be taken to task, that they deserved the big prize, after Sydney beat them out.
They ultimately were proved wrong, in one sixty-second exchange, that sent 600 reporters running to their computers and the auxiliary media work room across town going dead silent. A buddy of mine was in there, and later on that day, we met up for a drink and I asked him what the reaction was.
"You could have heard a pin drop", he said. Another guy was overheard to say "She's nailed it."
When someone came up to me later and said that I "was quite prepared", I had to respond by saying that I had no choice. I was a one-man band, going up against people who had been doing this for ten, twenty or more years. With j-school degrees.
My qualifications? A passion for justice, spurned by the senseless beating of a dear friend of mine, which eventually required her to be on a medivac flight back to her home country. I didn't want it to happen to anyone else, and I wasn't prepared to toe the Party line either that so many folks here in this country were all to eager to appease.
I can't believe it's been seven years. I am still quite humbled at the years since. It's been an amazing journey, full of laughs, tears, and yes, sometimes puzzlement. But I wouldn't have done anything differently or said anything different in the years since.
Hey, I am even grateful for the jerks, because they teach me how not to present myself at IOC activities. No one is above anyone else, and no one is better than anyone else.
We're all in this together.
Stay safe, stay cool and most important, stay humbled. There is not enough of that in the Olympic media pool right now and it's desperately needed.
Thank you.
But little did I know that at the time. Everyone else knew it, except me. I was too busy working my fanny off to do battle with people who said they couldn't be taken to task, that they deserved the big prize, after Sydney beat them out.
They ultimately were proved wrong, in one sixty-second exchange, that sent 600 reporters running to their computers and the auxiliary media work room across town going dead silent. A buddy of mine was in there, and later on that day, we met up for a drink and I asked him what the reaction was.
"You could have heard a pin drop", he said. Another guy was overheard to say "She's nailed it."
When someone came up to me later and said that I "was quite prepared", I had to respond by saying that I had no choice. I was a one-man band, going up against people who had been doing this for ten, twenty or more years. With j-school degrees.
My qualifications? A passion for justice, spurned by the senseless beating of a dear friend of mine, which eventually required her to be on a medivac flight back to her home country. I didn't want it to happen to anyone else, and I wasn't prepared to toe the Party line either that so many folks here in this country were all to eager to appease.
I can't believe it's been seven years. I am still quite humbled at the years since. It's been an amazing journey, full of laughs, tears, and yes, sometimes puzzlement. But I wouldn't have done anything differently or said anything different in the years since.
Hey, I am even grateful for the jerks, because they teach me how not to present myself at IOC activities. No one is above anyone else, and no one is better than anyone else.
We're all in this together.
Stay safe, stay cool and most important, stay humbled. There is not enough of that in the Olympic media pool right now and it's desperately needed.
Thank you.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Getting loopy
I've been trying to chase someone down this week to get a response to a question. I won't mention who or where but it is one of the current 2016 bid cities. The second email just went out this afternoon. The first one was Friday. I am not saying I expect an immediate response, but a prompt one, at least within a couple of business days. Contrast this to my friends at VANOC (love you guys) who found out a little used email address and have been emailing me thier updates on that one. I very rarely (if ever) give out that address and have *never* given it out for Olympic business. I just had to smile when I recieved the first VANOC email and said to myself "you guys got it right!" Those are people who WANT to keep people like me in the loop.
Maybe if you have a secretary, you have time to chase people down. But on days like today when other non-sport related business has to be taken care of, it would be a common courtesy to take a few moments to respond, a quick email, or even something that said "we're tied up at the moment but we will get back to you within______(insert time here.)"
You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down. Being selective in trying to get your message out doesn't work. Witholding info only tells me you have something to hide.
And if you do, rest assured, I will find out about it and scribe it here.
BOCOG would tell you it's not worth it.
Maybe if you have a secretary, you have time to chase people down. But on days like today when other non-sport related business has to be taken care of, it would be a common courtesy to take a few moments to respond, a quick email, or even something that said "we're tied up at the moment but we will get back to you within______(insert time here.)"
You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down. Being selective in trying to get your message out doesn't work. Witholding info only tells me you have something to hide.
And if you do, rest assured, I will find out about it and scribe it here.
BOCOG would tell you it's not worth it.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
We're boiling hot down here. Looks like it's going to be a rough summer. The utility companies are going to be making their money, that's for sure. And it's only mid-June!
Gus Hansen got his butt kicked big time on Poker After Dark this week. And who's the beoytch with the newsboy cap that has such a nasty attitude?
We're seeing some very sordid cases of animal abuse this week. I say it's a short route from killing animals to killing humans...the FBI stats prove it.
Boris Johnson, who is the Mayor of London has said "enough" with London 2012's spiraling costs. He's just cut a major chunk of the promotion budget for Beijing. Good doing!
Raise your hand if you have had a case of that nasty summer flu that is going around.
One of the nicest (and funniest!) tributes to Jim McKay that I read this week was from someone who said "Say hello to Cosell when you get there!" (And maybe Tim Russert can act as moderator once the arguing starts!)
Back on Monday morning-be good.
Gus Hansen got his butt kicked big time on Poker After Dark this week. And who's the beoytch with the newsboy cap that has such a nasty attitude?
We're seeing some very sordid cases of animal abuse this week. I say it's a short route from killing animals to killing humans...the FBI stats prove it.
Boris Johnson, who is the Mayor of London has said "enough" with London 2012's spiraling costs. He's just cut a major chunk of the promotion budget for Beijing. Good doing!
Raise your hand if you have had a case of that nasty summer flu that is going around.
One of the nicest (and funniest!) tributes to Jim McKay that I read this week was from someone who said "Say hello to Cosell when you get there!" (And maybe Tim Russert can act as moderator once the arguing starts!)
Back on Monday morning-be good.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Copenhagen cool
We've awhile to go before October, 2009 rolls around. Athens, Cairo, Mexico City and Singapore were also in the running to host. The Bella Centre is where it all will be happening. What might we expect from this Session? My gut feeling is lots of surprises, benefiting it's laid-back atmosphere.
I don't anticipate (at least, not right now) a lot of bitter arguements, along the lines of what happened in Moscow in 2001. That one was high drama, for sure. The va-va-vroom feeling of Singapore filtered down to what happened in 2005.
Of course, lots can happen between now and then. I don't think the current calm and collected feeling is going to last for very long. We've got a little more than 1 1/2years to get worked up...and I am sure someone will say something to someone somewhere (got that?) and the gloves come off.
Copenhagen is a most befitting host. I have never been there but am looking forward to it. A friend of mine has been there and she said it was a wonderful and friendly place. And someone is coming away with a really big prize.
We're all staying calm-for now.
I don't anticipate (at least, not right now) a lot of bitter arguements, along the lines of what happened in Moscow in 2001. That one was high drama, for sure. The va-va-vroom feeling of Singapore filtered down to what happened in 2005.
Of course, lots can happen between now and then. I don't think the current calm and collected feeling is going to last for very long. We've got a little more than 1 1/2years to get worked up...and I am sure someone will say something to someone somewhere (got that?) and the gloves come off.
Copenhagen is a most befitting host. I have never been there but am looking forward to it. A friend of mine has been there and she said it was a wonderful and friendly place. And someone is coming away with a really big prize.
We're all staying calm-for now.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Ten issues I would like to see the IOC resolve-once and for all
1. The cost to stage the Games. When Jacques Rogge was elected in 2001, he said at the time one of his goals was "to bring the cost of staging the Olympic Games down." Eight years later costs are higher than ever, including the amount of money spent on the bids.
2. Get a handle on corruption. Some members of NOC's are still getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Despite what comments that came out of Sport Accord said, it didn't end with Salt Lake 2002.
3. End the double-dipping. You are either a television executive or a IOC/NOC official. You can't be both.
4. Address the issues of Tibet. Rogge's refusal to meet with Students For a Free Tibet while in Athens this week was disgraceful.
5. Resolve the issues of Munich. The families deserve it---and the 30 seconds of silence at every Summer Games.
6. Get a handle on London 2012 costs. They're out of control and going only one way: up, way up.
7. Be open to the idea of a Summer Games in the Fall. Doha's people claimed the proposal for their Games in October was what doomed their bid.
8. Get more proactive about new media. The IOC has made great strides and progress in this area, but they still have a long way to go to catch up.
9. Stop saying that they "don't get involved in politics." A lot of the same issues that come up again and again are because of the IOC's refusal to get involved. Some of these issues would be resolved if the IOC had the gumption to step in and take a stand.
10. Find out what links there are to BALCO. Some athletes have been caught but what will it take to make someone sing?
2. Get a handle on corruption. Some members of NOC's are still getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Despite what comments that came out of Sport Accord said, it didn't end with Salt Lake 2002.
3. End the double-dipping. You are either a television executive or a IOC/NOC official. You can't be both.
4. Address the issues of Tibet. Rogge's refusal to meet with Students For a Free Tibet while in Athens this week was disgraceful.
5. Resolve the issues of Munich. The families deserve it---and the 30 seconds of silence at every Summer Games.
6. Get a handle on London 2012 costs. They're out of control and going only one way: up, way up.
7. Be open to the idea of a Summer Games in the Fall. Doha's people claimed the proposal for their Games in October was what doomed their bid.
8. Get more proactive about new media. The IOC has made great strides and progress in this area, but they still have a long way to go to catch up.
9. Stop saying that they "don't get involved in politics." A lot of the same issues that come up again and again are because of the IOC's refusal to get involved. Some of these issues would be resolved if the IOC had the gumption to step in and take a stand.
10. Find out what links there are to BALCO. Some athletes have been caught but what will it take to make someone sing?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
D-Day in Greece
Wednesday's predicted to be a good day for Tokyo, Rio and Chicago.
The others? Get ready to pack up and go home.
Doha might just sneak in-barely. But it's going to be a dogfight, and it's going to get nasty, especially if Hein Verbruggen's comments today regarding the Chicago bid are any indication.
My money is still on Tokyo and my previous comments about Chicago being the first one out at Copenhagen's IOC Session next year still stand. This is going to be one bitterly fought battle, and we've been thru it before: city perceived to be the front-runner flames out when the actual voting goes down.
Let the bellyaching begin!
The others? Get ready to pack up and go home.
Doha might just sneak in-barely. But it's going to be a dogfight, and it's going to get nasty, especially if Hein Verbruggen's comments today regarding the Chicago bid are any indication.
My money is still on Tokyo and my previous comments about Chicago being the first one out at Copenhagen's IOC Session next year still stand. This is going to be one bitterly fought battle, and we've been thru it before: city perceived to be the front-runner flames out when the actual voting goes down.
Let the bellyaching begin!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
We're back up to our old Friday tricks this week-enjoy!
Could someone tell me why is everyone getting so hyped-up about the new Indiana Jones movie? Harrison Ford---you need to retire that role, or make a sequel to Working Girl.
For those of you who bought the P.S. I Love You DVD, a question: does it look like it was made on the cheap? No trailers and no DVD artwork. I thought it was a bootleg copy at first from where I bought it (at Blockbuster.)
My heart goes out to the Kennedy family. They have a rough road ahead of them. I know-I've been in their shoes and it's a replay of where I was on July 25, 2006 in a local ER here.
Enough already about Angelina Jolie and her kids!
Why do the pictures of Katie Holmes make her look like a zombie?
If you are in Europe, don't forget to call in your Eurovision Song Contest vote tomorrow night.
Raise your hand if you've ever had to deal with a nosy neighbor.
Have you ever wondered whatever became of your boss or co-worker from hell? I have!
Were you surpised as I was by tornadoes in Colorado (of all places!)
I am not a fan of American Idol but I have to wonder if David Archuletta's loss by 12million votes was a backlash due to all the negative publicity he's had in the runup to the final? His stage-door dad sure didn't help things.
We're back on Tuesday (after the Monday Memorial Day holiday.)
Could someone tell me why is everyone getting so hyped-up about the new Indiana Jones movie? Harrison Ford---you need to retire that role, or make a sequel to Working Girl.
For those of you who bought the P.S. I Love You DVD, a question: does it look like it was made on the cheap? No trailers and no DVD artwork. I thought it was a bootleg copy at first from where I bought it (at Blockbuster.)
My heart goes out to the Kennedy family. They have a rough road ahead of them. I know-I've been in their shoes and it's a replay of where I was on July 25, 2006 in a local ER here.
Enough already about Angelina Jolie and her kids!
Why do the pictures of Katie Holmes make her look like a zombie?
If you are in Europe, don't forget to call in your Eurovision Song Contest vote tomorrow night.
Raise your hand if you've ever had to deal with a nosy neighbor.
Have you ever wondered whatever became of your boss or co-worker from hell? I have!
Were you surpised as I was by tornadoes in Colorado (of all places!)
I am not a fan of American Idol but I have to wonder if David Archuletta's loss by 12million votes was a backlash due to all the negative publicity he's had in the runup to the final? His stage-door dad sure didn't help things.
We're back on Tuesday (after the Monday Memorial Day holiday.)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Can we have a dose of humble pie, please?
A special shout out to my readers in FRANCE!
I've touched on this subject earlier but for those of you who are new or haven't been here lately, I'd like to revisit one of my pet peeves about the Olympic media business.
Those of you who think they are the story---instead of writing about the story.
Thankfully, those folks are few and far between. But they're out there---and they're coming to a IBC or other media kiosk near you this summer in Beijing. I've met a bunch of people who's heart is as huge as the help they give a newcomer. Kind people, of which I have stayed in touch with. Several are even local to me here in Atlanta.
The others: who do they think they are?
Last summer in Guatemala City, someone came up to me to ask about that fateful day in Moscow. I am so over it, I've moved on and am busy with the opportunities that day springboarded to me. But it's still a big deal to some folks. I was kind to the person in question, but I said I was much more interested in talking about what I was doing at that time, versus what happened (at the time) six years ago.
I was humbled back then and am still to this day. But some folks would write about doing a c*** on a golden toilet if they had the chance. And expounding on it too.
This summer is going to present many opportunities for breakthrough writing, scoops (if one is so motivated) and education. Let's not get caught up in our own dramas and remember who we are writing for.
Besides, it's not all about you. And if you don't believe that, you got into this business for the wrong reasons.
Open minds, open hearts.
Let's make it our mantra this summer, no matter if we are in Beijing or the US.
Let's set the good example-for all of us.
I've touched on this subject earlier but for those of you who are new or haven't been here lately, I'd like to revisit one of my pet peeves about the Olympic media business.
Those of you who think they are the story---instead of writing about the story.
Thankfully, those folks are few and far between. But they're out there---and they're coming to a IBC or other media kiosk near you this summer in Beijing. I've met a bunch of people who's heart is as huge as the help they give a newcomer. Kind people, of which I have stayed in touch with. Several are even local to me here in Atlanta.
The others: who do they think they are?
Last summer in Guatemala City, someone came up to me to ask about that fateful day in Moscow. I am so over it, I've moved on and am busy with the opportunities that day springboarded to me. But it's still a big deal to some folks. I was kind to the person in question, but I said I was much more interested in talking about what I was doing at that time, versus what happened (at the time) six years ago.
I was humbled back then and am still to this day. But some folks would write about doing a c*** on a golden toilet if they had the chance. And expounding on it too.
This summer is going to present many opportunities for breakthrough writing, scoops (if one is so motivated) and education. Let's not get caught up in our own dramas and remember who we are writing for.
Besides, it's not all about you. And if you don't believe that, you got into this business for the wrong reasons.
Open minds, open hearts.
Let's make it our mantra this summer, no matter if we are in Beijing or the US.
Let's set the good example-for all of us.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
London, meet Montreal
And crankier than ever! Hey, just kidding, folks. Being away for a month was quite relaxing. It was an amazing time in London, and those folks got a preview of what they can expect to happen in 2012.
One of the big issues while I was over there was the spiraling cost of their soon-to-be-Games. 9 billion pounds-and going up. Way up. And Red Ken's now-infamous comment about how he bid for the Olympics "because that is the only way I will get the east end of London redeveloped." Oops.
It took ages for Montreal to pay off their debt from 1976. Fast forward some thirty-plus years and it will get even worse if London's organisers aren't careful.
Perhaps in light of Ken Livingstone's comments, the IOC should be more careful and examine further the motives of cities that want to bid for the Games. It will be a spectacular show in London (perhaps even eclipsing Sydney's) but speaking from experience, once the show has left town, all that's left is that empty feeling in the pit of your stomach, and a feeling of it really is all over, perhaps forever.
London is going to experience one huge letdown when all is said and done. As in the financial kind if they aren't careful.
And if the organisers aren't careful, Londoners will be left with one souvenir-that will hit them square in the wallet for years to come.
One of the big issues while I was over there was the spiraling cost of their soon-to-be-Games. 9 billion pounds-and going up. Way up. And Red Ken's now-infamous comment about how he bid for the Olympics "because that is the only way I will get the east end of London redeveloped." Oops.
It took ages for Montreal to pay off their debt from 1976. Fast forward some thirty-plus years and it will get even worse if London's organisers aren't careful.
Perhaps in light of Ken Livingstone's comments, the IOC should be more careful and examine further the motives of cities that want to bid for the Games. It will be a spectacular show in London (perhaps even eclipsing Sydney's) but speaking from experience, once the show has left town, all that's left is that empty feeling in the pit of your stomach, and a feeling of it really is all over, perhaps forever.
London is going to experience one huge letdown when all is said and done. As in the financial kind if they aren't careful.
And if the organisers aren't careful, Londoners will be left with one souvenir-that will hit them square in the wallet for years to come.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ugly Times in London
It was a day that I dreaded seeing the pictures. Today was a day it got quite ugly over here in London.
I've been here a week---on unrelated stuff. It's been about two years since I have been back-under much happier circumstances.
All week local news channels have been whipping us up into a frenzy over the torch relay route. It came less than half a mile from my hotel but gut feeling told me it was going to get nasty-and it did. It's a preview of what is to come for the additional cities on the route (San Feancisco take note.)
And if today's pictures on BBC1 are anything to go by, it's going to be a rough one. And a necessary one.
Jacques Rogge was on ITV last night and continued to spiel the usual about how politics and the torch relay should be separate. I still maintain that if he dealt with these issues in the beginning, none of what we saw today in London would have happened.
On one side, it saddens me. This could have all been avoided...but ignore it and it will still be there the following morning. And the day after and the day after.
It could also spell trouble for London 2012 if the talk around town is to be believed. Something along the lines of "when it is tine for our torch relay, we will remember the events of Spring 2008 and how we were treated." Tessa Jowell who is the Olympics Minister here gave a subtle support to the protest, saying it "was the great British tradition" of how life is here.
She gets it. Hey Tessa, how about a trip to Lausanne to educate others who need it?
Bravo!
I've been here a week---on unrelated stuff. It's been about two years since I have been back-under much happier circumstances.
All week local news channels have been whipping us up into a frenzy over the torch relay route. It came less than half a mile from my hotel but gut feeling told me it was going to get nasty-and it did. It's a preview of what is to come for the additional cities on the route (San Feancisco take note.)
And if today's pictures on BBC1 are anything to go by, it's going to be a rough one. And a necessary one.
Jacques Rogge was on ITV last night and continued to spiel the usual about how politics and the torch relay should be separate. I still maintain that if he dealt with these issues in the beginning, none of what we saw today in London would have happened.
On one side, it saddens me. This could have all been avoided...but ignore it and it will still be there the following morning. And the day after and the day after.
It could also spell trouble for London 2012 if the talk around town is to be believed. Something along the lines of "when it is tine for our torch relay, we will remember the events of Spring 2008 and how we were treated." Tessa Jowell who is the Olympics Minister here gave a subtle support to the protest, saying it "was the great British tradition" of how life is here.
She gets it. Hey Tessa, how about a trip to Lausanne to educate others who need it?
Bravo!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Take some time off...and look what happens!
As you can probably see, I took some time off. "Always leave them wanting more" my late husband would say-the number one rule of the professional musician. So I wasn't too worried about not posting anything. It seemed there was a bit of a lull in the news area and with the Easter holiday coming up, I thought most people would have other things on their mind.
I was in Jacksonville, FL all last week. Another widowed friend of mine called me up and she said what were my plans. At the time, nothing, so I decided to go. Not thinking about anything, just being lazy, it was great.
Come home and all sorts of hell breaks lose. A friend of mine is being sued by the International Cycling Union. CCTV gives it's version of the torch lighting ceromony. And the apologists starting up again (after a bit of a lull.)
Gah.
Looks like we've got enough material to last the week, and then some.
If there is one thing that I can't stand it's the apologists. No, we shouldn't boycott because that will be detriment to the Olympic movement. BOCOG saying that RSF's protest at the torch lighting ceromony was "flawed." Preisdent Rogge saying that the "glass is half full" (verus "half empty") in regards to the human rights issue.
What WILL it take for people to LISTEN?
I for one am not playing into the hands of the Chinese and writing what they would want to hear. They say foreigners are presenting a "distorted" view of the Games. They should know-they've had experience doing it for the past seven years.
And sadly, there are writers over here who are all too happy to oblige.
It's time to get real, folks. I for one am not going to blindly sit and stay silent. Especially when I will have friends over there whom I hope come home safely. We have an obligation (and I have said this before but it bears repeating) that we are the voice and the conciense of those who can't speak out. Not doing so makes us part of the problem.
And I, for one, will not sit blindly while others live in their gilded cocoon and pretend everything is OK.
These people think that if you ignore it, that it will go away. Bull.
If the various issues were dealt with seven years ago, we still wouldn't be talking about this today. But then Jacques Rogge is so clueless, I guess it's going to take one of his employees being hurt (or worse) before he sits up and takes notice.
I am not damming all folks in Lausanne. But he is a cancer on the Olympic movement that has got to go. I feel for the good people at the IOC who do see the issues (surprise-there are those folks) but whom are hampered by it's President who doesn't share that same view and in turn make their jobs more difficult.
Can some people be turned around? Maybe.
Only time will tell-and it will be our reaction as to how the other side responds.
Think about it. I have.
I was in Jacksonville, FL all last week. Another widowed friend of mine called me up and she said what were my plans. At the time, nothing, so I decided to go. Not thinking about anything, just being lazy, it was great.
Come home and all sorts of hell breaks lose. A friend of mine is being sued by the International Cycling Union. CCTV gives it's version of the torch lighting ceromony. And the apologists starting up again (after a bit of a lull.)
Gah.
Looks like we've got enough material to last the week, and then some.
If there is one thing that I can't stand it's the apologists. No, we shouldn't boycott because that will be detriment to the Olympic movement. BOCOG saying that RSF's protest at the torch lighting ceromony was "flawed." Preisdent Rogge saying that the "glass is half full" (verus "half empty") in regards to the human rights issue.
What WILL it take for people to LISTEN?
I for one am not playing into the hands of the Chinese and writing what they would want to hear. They say foreigners are presenting a "distorted" view of the Games. They should know-they've had experience doing it for the past seven years.
And sadly, there are writers over here who are all too happy to oblige.
It's time to get real, folks. I for one am not going to blindly sit and stay silent. Especially when I will have friends over there whom I hope come home safely. We have an obligation (and I have said this before but it bears repeating) that we are the voice and the conciense of those who can't speak out. Not doing so makes us part of the problem.
And I, for one, will not sit blindly while others live in their gilded cocoon and pretend everything is OK.
These people think that if you ignore it, that it will go away. Bull.
If the various issues were dealt with seven years ago, we still wouldn't be talking about this today. But then Jacques Rogge is so clueless, I guess it's going to take one of his employees being hurt (or worse) before he sits up and takes notice.
I am not damming all folks in Lausanne. But he is a cancer on the Olympic movement that has got to go. I feel for the good people at the IOC who do see the issues (surprise-there are those folks) but whom are hampered by it's President who doesn't share that same view and in turn make their jobs more difficult.
Can some people be turned around? Maybe.
Only time will tell-and it will be our reaction as to how the other side responds.
Think about it. I have.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Who you gonna call?
It's 3AM. Your wife, husband, co-worker, best friend, is over in Beijing this summer working. They're in trouble. Maybe even arrested. Who you gonna call? Who's going to stand up for those of us stateside who just hope our friends get home safely and without incident? Don't count on the folks in Lausanne to back us up. They're too busy being in denial of the issues that have been raised in regards to the 2008 Games. We'd rather protect our bottom line-and to hell with the human element.
I sincerely hope you don't get that "middle of the night" phone call. I have-and when your friend is thousands of miles away, there is little one can do but only hope the local authorities will step up to the plate and guarentee fair treatment or justice served in the case of a crime being committed against the people you care about.
That is a precarious position to be in. You'd like to think that besides your employer (if you have one if not self-employed) and your family, the IOC would be watchful for any behavior that is out-of-order by the local Beijing authorities. But it looks like this summer those of us here in the US (or outside China) are stuck on our own, with gearing up for several weeks of worry, hoping everyone gets home safely.
Moral of the story: just cross your fingers that you don't get into trouble over there. The IOC is too busy protecting it's own interests to worry about the safety of journalists during the Games time period.
And that is a dammed shame. And it doesn't have to be that way.
As for me, I won't rest until everyone I know going over there is accounted for-in this or any other Western country.
Too bad the IOC doesn't pick up the phone on this one. Guess we are expendable.
Just as I thought.
I sincerely hope you don't get that "middle of the night" phone call. I have-and when your friend is thousands of miles away, there is little one can do but only hope the local authorities will step up to the plate and guarentee fair treatment or justice served in the case of a crime being committed against the people you care about.
That is a precarious position to be in. You'd like to think that besides your employer (if you have one if not self-employed) and your family, the IOC would be watchful for any behavior that is out-of-order by the local Beijing authorities. But it looks like this summer those of us here in the US (or outside China) are stuck on our own, with gearing up for several weeks of worry, hoping everyone gets home safely.
Moral of the story: just cross your fingers that you don't get into trouble over there. The IOC is too busy protecting it's own interests to worry about the safety of journalists during the Games time period.
And that is a dammed shame. And it doesn't have to be that way.
As for me, I won't rest until everyone I know going over there is accounted for-in this or any other Western country.
Too bad the IOC doesn't pick up the phone on this one. Guess we are expendable.
Just as I thought.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What could have been
I just returned from a week in Philadelphia. I actually stayed out in the suburbs but got to see quite a bit of the city on the one day I was downtown. It's one place that I thought would do much better with their Olympic bid.
I've always felt they should try again. The Olympics coming there would do wonders for the revitalisation of the city. There are similarities between them and Atlanta and a legacy of an Olympics in the PHL would do wonders. But it might take several bids to win a Games (as it seems the current trend is heading towards.)
One can only imagine what a Philadelphia games would have been like. The only way we will ever know is if they bid again-which I hope they do.
The legacy would be tremendous, I am sure.
Tomorrow: who do YOU want answering the phone at 3AM in Lausanne this summer?
I've always felt they should try again. The Olympics coming there would do wonders for the revitalisation of the city. There are similarities between them and Atlanta and a legacy of an Olympics in the PHL would do wonders. But it might take several bids to win a Games (as it seems the current trend is heading towards.)
One can only imagine what a Philadelphia games would have been like. The only way we will ever know is if they bid again-which I hope they do.
The legacy would be tremendous, I am sure.
Tomorrow: who do YOU want answering the phone at 3AM in Lausanne this summer?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
How has your week been? Hopefully it was good. Next week I am out of town but will check in from time to time. Won't tell you where I am going, but let the guessing games begin!
I am the secretary for our homeowners association. The girl who works in the office at the management company has no clue when it comes to customer service. I've got a tree precipiously catching the top of a tree on my property. She says it's "not (her) problem." All I want is for someone to come out and look at where my neighbor's property line is so I don't encroach in case I have to call a tree removal service-or if my neighbor is responsible. What is it with people? Stay tuned.
I've got a minor beef with the human rights orgs-one in particular. We'll be discussing this in more detail next week.
MTV says they won't play Paula Abdul's new video. Remember when MTV used to play vids? Maybe they have passed their shelf life?
I don't like the new Cadillac Escalade commercial where the woman looks over at a bunch of guys and then floors the pedal. We just had a tragic accident recently with kids at an illegal drag race. What message is Cadillac saying to it's viewers? The wrong one!
What is the delay with "A Mighty Heart" not being on PPV or the cable channels? Too bad it did poorly at the theaters. It seems there is a delay on "PS I Love You" too.
If you have a US post office box to get your mail, renew your box now-I was told by my post office yesterday that rates are going up in May. Ditto about getting a new box if you haven't had one before.
See you next week---from a location due northeast. Start the guessing!
I am the secretary for our homeowners association. The girl who works in the office at the management company has no clue when it comes to customer service. I've got a tree precipiously catching the top of a tree on my property. She says it's "not (her) problem." All I want is for someone to come out and look at where my neighbor's property line is so I don't encroach in case I have to call a tree removal service-or if my neighbor is responsible. What is it with people? Stay tuned.
I've got a minor beef with the human rights orgs-one in particular. We'll be discussing this in more detail next week.
MTV says they won't play Paula Abdul's new video. Remember when MTV used to play vids? Maybe they have passed their shelf life?
I don't like the new Cadillac Escalade commercial where the woman looks over at a bunch of guys and then floors the pedal. We just had a tragic accident recently with kids at an illegal drag race. What message is Cadillac saying to it's viewers? The wrong one!
What is the delay with "A Mighty Heart" not being on PPV or the cable channels? Too bad it did poorly at the theaters. It seems there is a delay on "PS I Love You" too.
If you have a US post office box to get your mail, renew your box now-I was told by my post office yesterday that rates are going up in May. Ditto about getting a new box if you haven't had one before.
See you next week---from a location due northeast. Start the guessing!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Women's ski jumping-what's the problem?
I don't understand this.
Can someone explain it to me?
The IOC's continued reluctance to offer women's ski jumping as a sport in the Winter Olympics.
The numbers for women's participation in the Olympics overall are at record levels. Having said that, I don't understand the continued stalling to get women's ski jump into the Games.
Jacques Rogge as IOC President has said continually about "scaling down" the number of participants. That also means scaling down opportunities to compete and that's just not acceptable.
The IOC is at a conjecture in it's history. It's future looks good, IF they continue to promote sport as opportunities for growth worldwide. But cutting back the available avenues to compete is never acceptable and in fact downright offensive.
It's time to be inclusive and not exclusive.
Something to think about-especially in this war-ravaged world. We need a break-and sport gives it to us.
It's the right thing to do.
Can someone explain it to me?
The IOC's continued reluctance to offer women's ski jumping as a sport in the Winter Olympics.
The numbers for women's participation in the Olympics overall are at record levels. Having said that, I don't understand the continued stalling to get women's ski jump into the Games.
Jacques Rogge as IOC President has said continually about "scaling down" the number of participants. That also means scaling down opportunities to compete and that's just not acceptable.
The IOC is at a conjecture in it's history. It's future looks good, IF they continue to promote sport as opportunities for growth worldwide. But cutting back the available avenues to compete is never acceptable and in fact downright offensive.
It's time to be inclusive and not exclusive.
Something to think about-especially in this war-ravaged world. We need a break-and sport gives it to us.
It's the right thing to do.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Singapore snags it
Good job to the Lion City!
The IOC finally did something right. Although I am not too keen on a Youth Olympic Games, I would have to say the winning bid by Singapore is a great start. It just might make me change my mind.
I've been there. It's a long trek from the USA, but well worth it. I've always wanted to go back. There is no doubt that the younger athletes will have a good time, win lots of medals and take home memories to last a lifetime.
Singapore has been handed a great opportunity. It just might work out and a Youth Games can peacefully co-exist with it's big brother.
The vote was close, only 9 votes separated Moscow from Singapore. Everyone is encouraging Moscow to bid again. Either city would have been fine with me, but with the Sochi Games so close, I just couldn't see a 2nd Olympics being awarded to the same country.
Well done all around. It's a great start, as as one Singapore official has said, "the real work now begins."
We'll be watching.
The IOC finally did something right. Although I am not too keen on a Youth Olympic Games, I would have to say the winning bid by Singapore is a great start. It just might make me change my mind.
I've been there. It's a long trek from the USA, but well worth it. I've always wanted to go back. There is no doubt that the younger athletes will have a good time, win lots of medals and take home memories to last a lifetime.
Singapore has been handed a great opportunity. It just might work out and a Youth Games can peacefully co-exist with it's big brother.
The vote was close, only 9 votes separated Moscow from Singapore. Everyone is encouraging Moscow to bid again. Either city would have been fine with me, but with the Sochi Games so close, I just couldn't see a 2nd Olympics being awarded to the same country.
Well done all around. It's a great start, as as one Singapore official has said, "the real work now begins."
We'll be watching.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
The end of another week. Finally! I am ready to hit the road in about three weeks-and it can't come soon enough. Please keep the NIU students in your thoughts this week.
I love that Verizon Wireless commercial where the waitress says "More coffee princess?" to the burly trucker with the pink glitter phone. But what would be the male equivalent of the same phone?
Can my fellow Olympic writers say bobsled instead of bobsleigh? Santa drives a sleigh-and goes a lot faster than the sleds!
What is it with the recent spate of crimes against college students? Just the other night, several AIA students here had to jump out of a 4th-floor window when a gunman broke into their room and demanded cash. I am an AIA grad and when I attended, we had a secure dorm out in the suburbs who's front door was locked at 10PM every night. I was a dorm attendant and that was one of my responsibilities when I worked the 2nd shift after class.
I don't like Bill Maher's new "corporate" look on his HBO show. Say it isn't so that you sold out to the HBO suits, Bill!
Men: are you having to ask for the SI Swimsuit Issue behind the counter?
Eight cities have applied for the 2011 IOC Session. One of the cities listed is Hong Kong. God forbid we go there.
Sympathies to my friends over at Mizuno that had to withdraw as a Tokyo 2016 sponsor (due to the fact of supplying uniforms for the IOC in 2008.) The IOC ruled it a conflict of interest. I fail to see the connection, but I guess rules have to be followed. (And it took the IOC this long to figure it out?!?)
I keep hearing rumors we're ripe and ready for another IOC scandal. Perhaps during the summer. We're due for another one.
Kinko's has the worst service of any office-supply retailer ever. They never have enough employees. The UPS Store is much better.
I just closed on a piece of property this week. The title company refused to send the documents by USPS. Claimed it "was company policy." My policy says I don't have all day to wait around for DHL to show up which is what the title company wanted me to do. I said no way. And ended up sending the documents back by USPS myself (and filing for a refund of the postage with the company in question.) They ended up emailing the docs to me. Whatever happened to doing what the customer wants done?
Back on Monday-if you have the President's Day off, make it a good one!
I love that Verizon Wireless commercial where the waitress says "More coffee princess?" to the burly trucker with the pink glitter phone. But what would be the male equivalent of the same phone?
Can my fellow Olympic writers say bobsled instead of bobsleigh? Santa drives a sleigh-and goes a lot faster than the sleds!
What is it with the recent spate of crimes against college students? Just the other night, several AIA students here had to jump out of a 4th-floor window when a gunman broke into their room and demanded cash. I am an AIA grad and when I attended, we had a secure dorm out in the suburbs who's front door was locked at 10PM every night. I was a dorm attendant and that was one of my responsibilities when I worked the 2nd shift after class.
I don't like Bill Maher's new "corporate" look on his HBO show. Say it isn't so that you sold out to the HBO suits, Bill!
Men: are you having to ask for the SI Swimsuit Issue behind the counter?
Eight cities have applied for the 2011 IOC Session. One of the cities listed is Hong Kong. God forbid we go there.
Sympathies to my friends over at Mizuno that had to withdraw as a Tokyo 2016 sponsor (due to the fact of supplying uniforms for the IOC in 2008.) The IOC ruled it a conflict of interest. I fail to see the connection, but I guess rules have to be followed. (And it took the IOC this long to figure it out?!?)
I keep hearing rumors we're ripe and ready for another IOC scandal. Perhaps during the summer. We're due for another one.
Kinko's has the worst service of any office-supply retailer ever. They never have enough employees. The UPS Store is much better.
I just closed on a piece of property this week. The title company refused to send the documents by USPS. Claimed it "was company policy." My policy says I don't have all day to wait around for DHL to show up which is what the title company wanted me to do. I said no way. And ended up sending the documents back by USPS myself (and filing for a refund of the postage with the company in question.) They ended up emailing the docs to me. Whatever happened to doing what the customer wants done?
Back on Monday-if you have the President's Day off, make it a good one!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Steven Spielberg severs ties with Beijing organisers
Steven Spielberg severed ties today with the Beijing 2008 organisers, citing their reluctance to resolve the issues of Darfur as a reason for pulling out. His Olympics contract, which he has had in his office for one year, remained unsigned.
Mia Farrrow has said Spielberg's actions are "the equivelent of 100 people standing up and taking a stand." It's a courageous act, one that is long overdue.
It's refreshing to see someone of such stance in the international community take a stand as this. I only wish more would do this. There were some concerns when he was first approached to take this job, but in the interim, world opinion has changed dramatically and to the point where looking away is no longer an option for most folks of conscience.
My late dad used to say that "doing the right thing sometimes means not doing the most popular thing." Steven's actions are a stellar example---sometimes moral conscience is more important than all the money in the world he would have been paid to be the 2008 Artistic Director.
Can we get some others to follow in his footsteps?
Please.
It's not too much to ask---especially when lives are at stake.
Mia Farrrow has said Spielberg's actions are "the equivelent of 100 people standing up and taking a stand." It's a courageous act, one that is long overdue.
It's refreshing to see someone of such stance in the international community take a stand as this. I only wish more would do this. There were some concerns when he was first approached to take this job, but in the interim, world opinion has changed dramatically and to the point where looking away is no longer an option for most folks of conscience.
My late dad used to say that "doing the right thing sometimes means not doing the most popular thing." Steven's actions are a stellar example---sometimes moral conscience is more important than all the money in the world he would have been paid to be the 2008 Artistic Director.
Can we get some others to follow in his footsteps?
Please.
It's not too much to ask---especially when lives are at stake.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Colin Moynihan's double speak
The British Olympic Association(BOA)chairman Colin Moynihan has spoken up about a clause in British Olympic athletes contracts that forbid them from making comments regarding China's human rights record or other conditions. In a report in Around the Rings yesterday, Colin says that provision was withdrawn "as it was an incorrect interpertation of the Olympic Charter." He cited his own experiences speaking out against the Russian government of the time before he himself competed in 1980 in Moscow.
Don't bet on it. Looks like the BOA got caught with their pants down and had to backtrack. But it was quite clear from the beginning as to what the UK athletes were being asked to sign. There was no question-and it appears the BOA got hammered about this-big time.
I recognise double-speak when I see it. So apparently did the public, and the collective howl of world opinion made the BOA go back on what they originally intended to have happen. It's also in my opinion put a black mark on London 2012 (as if they didn't have enough issues already.)
It's only a short step from muzzled athletes to muzzled press. That's a dangerous line, and you don't want to go there-ever.
Shame on you BOA. What your athletes say is none of your business-but your efforts made to keep them quiet is ours with the written word.
Now go hang your head in the corner-and don't do it again.
Don't bet on it. Looks like the BOA got caught with their pants down and had to backtrack. But it was quite clear from the beginning as to what the UK athletes were being asked to sign. There was no question-and it appears the BOA got hammered about this-big time.
I recognise double-speak when I see it. So apparently did the public, and the collective howl of world opinion made the BOA go back on what they originally intended to have happen. It's also in my opinion put a black mark on London 2012 (as if they didn't have enough issues already.)
It's only a short step from muzzled athletes to muzzled press. That's a dangerous line, and you don't want to go there-ever.
Shame on you BOA. What your athletes say is none of your business-but your efforts made to keep them quiet is ours with the written word.
Now go hang your head in the corner-and don't do it again.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
It's been a good week so far-how about you? But the flip-flopping weather is tiresome. Can't spring get here fast enough?!?
The US Embasssy in London has rejected Amy Winehouse for a visa to perform at Sunday's Grammy Awards. Knowing how that particular Embassy works in visa matters, they are one of the better ones to deal with. I am sure they explored every avenue to try to approve her application. Even Amy says she was treated fairly by them. I hope she wins all six of her nominations on Sunday. (Sat: 5:45AM: there is an article on the BBC website that says the Embassy "has had a change of heart" and approved her visa.)
I am tired of celebrities on the covers of magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Harpers Bazaar. Bring back the models!
I thought most City Halls had metal detectors. It was a tragedy what happened up in Missouri. Hope this makes city officials wake up and take their premises more seriously. My local city up in Michigan doesn't even have metal detectors in their courtrooms!
I just love that Toyota (?) commercial with the birds and various insundry animals singing along to Rock Me Gently. By the way, WEHT Andy Kim?
I don't understand what the big deal is about child car seats. I grew up in the sixties and we turned out just fine. AND we rode up front too!
We have some easing of water restrictions here. I wonder if there ever was a water crisis. Even in the 80's, we had some pretty devastating hot summers, but no talk of water restrictions ever materialised. Just asking.
We have a state legislator here who wants to require seat belts in trucks. I am not too fond of the seat belt laws in general and thankfully there are a lot of pols in the farm counties here in opposition. Maybe the first step to elimination of mandatory seat belt legislation in this state? We can only hope. (And how about elimination of mandatory insurance for good drivers? Are you like me and tired of p*****g away money every month on something you aren't getting any return on? I could have invested all that money that is currently wasted on premiums.)
I am looking forward to 2009 Sport Accord in Denver and the IOC Session in Denmark. I am getting a really creepy feeling about 2008 Sport Accord in Greece and decided to take a pass on it this year. I've learned to listen to my second sense. Can't put my finger on it. BTW, I love these type of events---but there are always a few folks around who think they are oh-so-important and try to impress others with their postition, job or stance in the international community. I for one am not suckered in by these people.
WEHT Eddie the Eagle?
My friend in the UK when I was looking to name this blog said I should call it "Five Ring Fever." I took a pass-sounded like a dreaded disease!
Why can't the gas company get the bill right? I've got to call them again on Monday.
Back on Monday (after I call the gas company!)
The US Embasssy in London has rejected Amy Winehouse for a visa to perform at Sunday's Grammy Awards. Knowing how that particular Embassy works in visa matters, they are one of the better ones to deal with. I am sure they explored every avenue to try to approve her application. Even Amy says she was treated fairly by them. I hope she wins all six of her nominations on Sunday. (Sat: 5:45AM: there is an article on the BBC website that says the Embassy "has had a change of heart" and approved her visa.)
I am tired of celebrities on the covers of magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Harpers Bazaar. Bring back the models!
I thought most City Halls had metal detectors. It was a tragedy what happened up in Missouri. Hope this makes city officials wake up and take their premises more seriously. My local city up in Michigan doesn't even have metal detectors in their courtrooms!
I just love that Toyota (?) commercial with the birds and various insundry animals singing along to Rock Me Gently. By the way, WEHT Andy Kim?
I don't understand what the big deal is about child car seats. I grew up in the sixties and we turned out just fine. AND we rode up front too!
We have some easing of water restrictions here. I wonder if there ever was a water crisis. Even in the 80's, we had some pretty devastating hot summers, but no talk of water restrictions ever materialised. Just asking.
We have a state legislator here who wants to require seat belts in trucks. I am not too fond of the seat belt laws in general and thankfully there are a lot of pols in the farm counties here in opposition. Maybe the first step to elimination of mandatory seat belt legislation in this state? We can only hope. (And how about elimination of mandatory insurance for good drivers? Are you like me and tired of p*****g away money every month on something you aren't getting any return on? I could have invested all that money that is currently wasted on premiums.)
I am looking forward to 2009 Sport Accord in Denver and the IOC Session in Denmark. I am getting a really creepy feeling about 2008 Sport Accord in Greece and decided to take a pass on it this year. I've learned to listen to my second sense. Can't put my finger on it. BTW, I love these type of events---but there are always a few folks around who think they are oh-so-important and try to impress others with their postition, job or stance in the international community. I for one am not suckered in by these people.
WEHT Eddie the Eagle?
My friend in the UK when I was looking to name this blog said I should call it "Five Ring Fever." I took a pass-sounded like a dreaded disease!
Why can't the gas company get the bill right? I've got to call them again on Monday.
Back on Monday (after I call the gas company!)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Saudi Olympic Bid? I hope not
Jacques Rogge, the IOC President has come out in support of a possible Saudi Arabia Olympic bid. Does the possibility of a Games there make you nervous? It should.
I get nervous just thinking of Doha's bid. So many concerns, one of which is security. A Saudi bid makes me even more nervous.
In 2003, one of Saudi's government ministers turned out to be an Osama bin Laden supporter. Fast forward five years, with the world a more dangerous place, and you really don't know who's running the show over there now.
I find Dr. Rogge's Saudi support troubling. Very troubling. I think we need rock-solid guarentees if a Saudi bid comes to fruition about a lot of issues: security, women's rights, media access to name just a few.
The world is just not ready for a Middle East Olympics. Too many unanswered questions.
Take that into consideration Saudi in determining if you go forward with a bid or not.
We're not ready for Doha. And we aren't ready for you.
I get nervous just thinking of Doha's bid. So many concerns, one of which is security. A Saudi bid makes me even more nervous.
In 2003, one of Saudi's government ministers turned out to be an Osama bin Laden supporter. Fast forward five years, with the world a more dangerous place, and you really don't know who's running the show over there now.
I find Dr. Rogge's Saudi support troubling. Very troubling. I think we need rock-solid guarentees if a Saudi bid comes to fruition about a lot of issues: security, women's rights, media access to name just a few.
The world is just not ready for a Middle East Olympics. Too many unanswered questions.
Take that into consideration Saudi in determining if you go forward with a bid or not.
We're not ready for Doha. And we aren't ready for you.
Friday, February 1, 2008
What's with the weird email?
Got another one.
This time via India. India?!?
Don't know anyone there. But whoever emailed me must have had a lot of time on their hands to dig up a posting (Olympic-related) that I made in December of 2001. Heck, even I forgot that I wrote it. (Come on, how many of us even remember what we posted back then unless we go into search and actively look for it?)
I am not sure if this is related to the via-China email I got about a month ago. Not sure if it's the run-of-the-mill nutcase, or someone who's got some valuable info that is trying to suss me out.
I don't know what the deal is with this person(s). Whoever it is, I am not bashing them, just trying to figure out who they are and what their scene is. I know everyone in this business gets weird and crazy emails, but my gut feeling is that this one is different.
If there is something this person wants to tell me, they can do, in confidence.
If you are serious, don't be afraid to come forward. You may be a hero to someone else.
Or for someone.
If you're not serious and are just jacking me around, stop wasting my time and get a hobby, or do something.
Or stand for something.
Anything.
This time via India. India?!?
Don't know anyone there. But whoever emailed me must have had a lot of time on their hands to dig up a posting (Olympic-related) that I made in December of 2001. Heck, even I forgot that I wrote it. (Come on, how many of us even remember what we posted back then unless we go into search and actively look for it?)
I am not sure if this is related to the via-China email I got about a month ago. Not sure if it's the run-of-the-mill nutcase, or someone who's got some valuable info that is trying to suss me out.
I don't know what the deal is with this person(s). Whoever it is, I am not bashing them, just trying to figure out who they are and what their scene is. I know everyone in this business gets weird and crazy emails, but my gut feeling is that this one is different.
If there is something this person wants to tell me, they can do, in confidence.
If you are serious, don't be afraid to come forward. You may be a hero to someone else.
Or for someone.
If you're not serious and are just jacking me around, stop wasting my time and get a hobby, or do something.
Or stand for something.
Anything.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Message to San Francisco: don't do it!
Who's been to San Francisco? I have, and it's a beautiful place. My late husband and I spent a week there before we flew to Singapore in 2005. Some friends of ours have a house out there and from their kitchen you can see San Francisco Bay. I called the city "God's Country." I've got a standing invitation to visit anytime.
San Francisco also has a large Asian population and it is one of the cities on the 2008 torch relay. They are alredy, if I am not mistaken, accepting applications for runners. It will be intersting to see who eventually is selected, and even more interesting to see who doesn't make the cut.
I would like to see the torch relay bypass the United States completely. If our President isn't going to follow the lead of Prince Charles and not attend the Opening Ceromony, at least let's send the right message and tell the Mainland Chinese where they can take their torch---out of our democratic country.
Some may argue democratic is a stretch in this country. But I am free to blog my thoughts and ideas, peaceful protest is allowed, and we are free to practice any religion we want to. But is that possible in Beijing? I think not.
Beijing continues to break promises. Let's not reward them further in the United States by running the torch relay here. The first step in that is not filling out that application, San Francisco. But if you are, I would like to see a Falun Gong, Tibet activist, or exiled Chinese use that opportunity to get the message across that time's up for China, and that we've had enough of their lies and deceit.
It's the right thing to do.
San Francisco also has a large Asian population and it is one of the cities on the 2008 torch relay. They are alredy, if I am not mistaken, accepting applications for runners. It will be intersting to see who eventually is selected, and even more interesting to see who doesn't make the cut.
I would like to see the torch relay bypass the United States completely. If our President isn't going to follow the lead of Prince Charles and not attend the Opening Ceromony, at least let's send the right message and tell the Mainland Chinese where they can take their torch---out of our democratic country.
Some may argue democratic is a stretch in this country. But I am free to blog my thoughts and ideas, peaceful protest is allowed, and we are free to practice any religion we want to. But is that possible in Beijing? I think not.
Beijing continues to break promises. Let's not reward them further in the United States by running the torch relay here. The first step in that is not filling out that application, San Francisco. But if you are, I would like to see a Falun Gong, Tibet activist, or exiled Chinese use that opportunity to get the message across that time's up for China, and that we've had enough of their lies and deceit.
It's the right thing to do.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Prince Charles gets it right
It was announced yesterday that Prince Charles will not be going to the Opening Ceromony of the Beijing Olympics. In fact, he won't be going at all.
He's known the Dalai Lama for years. Activists in the free Tibet movement have urged His Royal Highness not to attend.
This time, someone listened.
HRH has been an activist himself for many years, championing causes such as design, the environment and natural foods. If you have a chance to try some of the Duchy Originals products that come from his farm, (especially the biscuits!), they are very good.
Prince Charles has done the right thing, and he has set a stellar example for his contemporaries, of whom, human rights is only lip service.
Well done Sir!
He's known the Dalai Lama for years. Activists in the free Tibet movement have urged His Royal Highness not to attend.
This time, someone listened.
HRH has been an activist himself for many years, championing causes such as design, the environment and natural foods. If you have a chance to try some of the Duchy Originals products that come from his farm, (especially the biscuits!), they are very good.
Prince Charles has done the right thing, and he has set a stellar example for his contemporaries, of whom, human rights is only lip service.
Well done Sir!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
We're getting ready for Round Two of sleet and snow here. Warning: I am a bit cranky tonight---so don't say you didn't know!!
I cancelled my Miss America judge's certifcation this week. It allowed me to judge local and state pageants. I don't agree with the de-facto entry fees and the forced national platform. A local director that wanted me to judge agreed with me-and said they hope it "goes back to the old way" if enough people complain. Keep that in mind when you watch Miss America tomorrow night. (And BTW, I think Las Vegas an an inappropriate place to hold the contest, especially with many delegates under 21 and not even allowed in the casinos.)
It's spelled GIRL and not "GRRL!"
To the a*****e who almost hit me today driving down the road, there is something called KARMA!
Hope everyone at the Legacy conference is having/had a good time, and made it productive. Someone give me the scoop and dirt, if you know my email.
Fred Phelps is talking about having his followers picket the Heath Ledger funeral. He's the guy from Westboro Baptist Church who pickets the funerals of Iraq war vets. Heath contributed more to this world in his short life than Fred Phelps ever will do in his.
Doppler 2 Radar, TrueView Titan, PowerPlus One Million. Heck, how about just calling it a weather radar?
One of my good friends is calling it for Chicago 2016. I love you guys (you know who you are), but I stand on what I have said previously: Chicago out in the first round of voting.
I am looking forward to being in the UK this spring. I am ready for a break, especially after the griefs and dramas of the past year. Might pay London 2012 a friendly visit.
I love the 2-for-1 deals Publix has. They are a good value, and an opportunity to stock up on the basics.
Could someone tell me why the price of Lipton tea bags has shot up in the past year?
I am recruiting delegates for the Georgia Dream Girls USA pageant and Georgia International Pageants. Email me for details if you know my contact info. You or someone you know could be the next titleholders! My directors are sweethearts. (People are surprised when they meet me that I have a life outside the Olympic world.) It's called balance.
We're back on Monday! (if we have finished digging out---LOL!)
I cancelled my Miss America judge's certifcation this week. It allowed me to judge local and state pageants. I don't agree with the de-facto entry fees and the forced national platform. A local director that wanted me to judge agreed with me-and said they hope it "goes back to the old way" if enough people complain. Keep that in mind when you watch Miss America tomorrow night. (And BTW, I think Las Vegas an an inappropriate place to hold the contest, especially with many delegates under 21 and not even allowed in the casinos.)
It's spelled GIRL and not "GRRL!"
To the a*****e who almost hit me today driving down the road, there is something called KARMA!
Hope everyone at the Legacy conference is having/had a good time, and made it productive. Someone give me the scoop and dirt, if you know my email.
Fred Phelps is talking about having his followers picket the Heath Ledger funeral. He's the guy from Westboro Baptist Church who pickets the funerals of Iraq war vets. Heath contributed more to this world in his short life than Fred Phelps ever will do in his.
Doppler 2 Radar, TrueView Titan, PowerPlus One Million. Heck, how about just calling it a weather radar?
One of my good friends is calling it for Chicago 2016. I love you guys (you know who you are), but I stand on what I have said previously: Chicago out in the first round of voting.
I am looking forward to being in the UK this spring. I am ready for a break, especially after the griefs and dramas of the past year. Might pay London 2012 a friendly visit.
I love the 2-for-1 deals Publix has. They are a good value, and an opportunity to stock up on the basics.
Could someone tell me why the price of Lipton tea bags has shot up in the past year?
I am recruiting delegates for the Georgia Dream Girls USA pageant and Georgia International Pageants. Email me for details if you know my contact info. You or someone you know could be the next titleholders! My directors are sweethearts. (People are surprised when they meet me that I have a life outside the Olympic world.) It's called balance.
We're back on Monday! (if we have finished digging out---LOL!)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Where is the conscience?
I am really baffled at how silent many Olympic writers are about what's been happening lately. It was touched on before here, but I think it bears repeating. There are some out there who have editorialised (you know who you are), but there are others out there that I have to shake my head in amazement and say "what are you thinking?"
We in the west are the conscience and the voice. That is a tremendous responsibility. To pretend that problems don't exist is to be part of the problem and not the solution.
But I am still hopeful some of you can be turned around. For once, take a chance, and tell it like it is instead of coddling these people and being enablers.
Don't make me mention who you are.
We in the west are the conscience and the voice. That is a tremendous responsibility. To pretend that problems don't exist is to be part of the problem and not the solution.
But I am still hopeful some of you can be turned around. For once, take a chance, and tell it like it is instead of coddling these people and being enablers.
Don't make me mention who you are.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Belgian NOC muzzles it's athletes
Yesterday the Belgian NOC decreed that it's athletes can not discuss politics while inside Olympic facilities (including the Olympic Village) in 2008.
What a load of crap.
To the athletes of Belgium, I say listen to your conscience and speak your mind, no matter what subject it is.
I would like to think we live in a society that welcomes the free exchange of ideas. I have been to Belgium before (in 1988) and had a great time. The people were friendly, the food fattening (sigh), and the history incredible. But their NOC's attempts to muzzle their athletes is just plain wrong.
Part of the Olympic experience doesn't happen on the competition field. It happens in the Village, in the towns, and meeting the local folk as well as getting to know your fellow athletes. Telling someone you can't talk about certain issues is just plain wrong.
My gut feeling this order came to the Belgians via Lausanne. It's well known Jacques Rogge had consistantly dodged the issues that have arisen in regards to Beijing's election as a host city. AFAIK, no other NOC has issued an order similar to this. It's shameful what they have done.
We are either part of the solution or part of the problem. No guess as to where the Belgian NOC stands in this equation.
For shame. And it should have never happened. You've played right into their hands.
And that is just what Beijing was looking for.
What a load of crap.
To the athletes of Belgium, I say listen to your conscience and speak your mind, no matter what subject it is.
I would like to think we live in a society that welcomes the free exchange of ideas. I have been to Belgium before (in 1988) and had a great time. The people were friendly, the food fattening (sigh), and the history incredible. But their NOC's attempts to muzzle their athletes is just plain wrong.
Part of the Olympic experience doesn't happen on the competition field. It happens in the Village, in the towns, and meeting the local folk as well as getting to know your fellow athletes. Telling someone you can't talk about certain issues is just plain wrong.
My gut feeling this order came to the Belgians via Lausanne. It's well known Jacques Rogge had consistantly dodged the issues that have arisen in regards to Beijing's election as a host city. AFAIK, no other NOC has issued an order similar to this. It's shameful what they have done.
We are either part of the solution or part of the problem. No guess as to where the Belgian NOC stands in this equation.
For shame. And it should have never happened. You've played right into their hands.
And that is just what Beijing was looking for.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
UN and the IOC's cooperation: not good
The UN today reaffirmed it's satisfaction with the IOC's stance on various world issues. I am not so sure this is an alliance we should be praising.
The UN is about one of the most corrupt organisations in the world. It has a legacy of payoffs, bribes, and gosh knows what else going back years. Just when we thought the IOC was getting cleaned up, comes this hookup.
If you have been to New York, and walked by UN HQ, you know the building is in a mess. There was a report on one of those news magazine shows about the conditions inside. OSHA would have a field day if they could start writing violations, but many of the people who work there have diplomatic immunity, and as such are untouchable.
In the future, I would like to see the IOC be more careful with it's alliances, and in that way, it will lessen the chance for another IOC-related scandal to show it's head, just as the IOC was on track to getting itself cleaned up of the scandals that has dogged them in recent years.
The UN is about one of the most corrupt organisations in the world. It has a legacy of payoffs, bribes, and gosh knows what else going back years. Just when we thought the IOC was getting cleaned up, comes this hookup.
If you have been to New York, and walked by UN HQ, you know the building is in a mess. There was a report on one of those news magazine shows about the conditions inside. OSHA would have a field day if they could start writing violations, but many of the people who work there have diplomatic immunity, and as such are untouchable.
In the future, I would like to see the IOC be more careful with it's alliances, and in that way, it will lessen the chance for another IOC-related scandal to show it's head, just as the IOC was on track to getting itself cleaned up of the scandals that has dogged them in recent years.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Youth Olympic Games: Moscow or Singapore?
Tough call, this one.
Both deserving cities, each with their own unique perspectives. Each could host quite well.
Since Sochi is already hosting the Winter Games, I am calling this one on Singapore. They hosted a very successful IOC Session in 2005, and aside from the searing heat, it was a well-oiled machine. Both cities are friendly and accomodating (in my experience.) But with the recent IOC vote on Sochi (which was the lowest rated city out of all the bid cities), it would be tough to predict what could happen when the postal vote is done.
It's Singapore's time to shine again-and awarding the Youth Olympic Games will be one more jewel in their crown.
I would be happy with either city. But I doubt the IOC will award two Olympic Games to one country so soon. But you never know the mood of the voters, so the impossible could certainly be possible and see Moscow come out on top.
This is one vote that certainly will be interesting-bet on it.
Both deserving cities, each with their own unique perspectives. Each could host quite well.
Since Sochi is already hosting the Winter Games, I am calling this one on Singapore. They hosted a very successful IOC Session in 2005, and aside from the searing heat, it was a well-oiled machine. Both cities are friendly and accomodating (in my experience.) But with the recent IOC vote on Sochi (which was the lowest rated city out of all the bid cities), it would be tough to predict what could happen when the postal vote is done.
It's Singapore's time to shine again-and awarding the Youth Olympic Games will be one more jewel in their crown.
I would be happy with either city. But I doubt the IOC will award two Olympic Games to one country so soon. But you never know the mood of the voters, so the impossible could certainly be possible and see Moscow come out on top.
This is one vote that certainly will be interesting-bet on it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday's (soon-to-be-snowy!) Random Thoughts
We're getting ready for Round Two of wintry weather. Fridge is stocked, and I am ready. Bring it on! (just don't want the power to go out-our subdivision was lucky last time.)
That British Airways pilot who crash landed the plane with no loss of life is a hero. And good looking too-next stop, the cover of Men's Vogue. Or at least Jay Leno's show, hopefully!
I have been disappointed so far withe the Target GO designers. Poor quality garments that fall apart. I am hoping for better from the next designer, Jovovich-Hawk.
Could someone please tell me why the service in Doubletree Hotels is so bad? They are a division of Hilton so you'd think that they would be right "up there" with their parent company. I've stayed in Doubletrees three times and every time the service was horrible. Never again.
My local grocery store has a great Super Bowl display. They really take the time to do it up right. Two giant plastic football helmets anchor it. Wonder if they will give those away or they go back to Pepsi?
I don't understand the appeal of Katherine Heigl.
Did anyone see the news report of that American Idol rejected contestant who bawled her eyes out? It was all over the news. She didn't sound that bad, actually. Give her a second chance guys. You made a mistake!
Two cops over in DeKalb County were shot dead this week. It was a few nervous hours in this house before they released the names. One of my best friends is on the force there. A sigh of relief to find out it wasn't Mike. I feel sorry for the two families who lost husbands and fathers. 32 and 26 years old. RIP (and tell your local cop you appreciate what they do.)
Is the writer's strike ever going to end?
There are still leftover holiday labels of 2 liter Coke at my local grocery store.
Back on Monday, (after we dig out, LOL)
That British Airways pilot who crash landed the plane with no loss of life is a hero. And good looking too-next stop, the cover of Men's Vogue. Or at least Jay Leno's show, hopefully!
I have been disappointed so far withe the Target GO designers. Poor quality garments that fall apart. I am hoping for better from the next designer, Jovovich-Hawk.
Could someone please tell me why the service in Doubletree Hotels is so bad? They are a division of Hilton so you'd think that they would be right "up there" with their parent company. I've stayed in Doubletrees three times and every time the service was horrible. Never again.
My local grocery store has a great Super Bowl display. They really take the time to do it up right. Two giant plastic football helmets anchor it. Wonder if they will give those away or they go back to Pepsi?
I don't understand the appeal of Katherine Heigl.
Did anyone see the news report of that American Idol rejected contestant who bawled her eyes out? It was all over the news. She didn't sound that bad, actually. Give her a second chance guys. You made a mistake!
Two cops over in DeKalb County were shot dead this week. It was a few nervous hours in this house before they released the names. One of my best friends is on the force there. A sigh of relief to find out it wasn't Mike. I feel sorry for the two families who lost husbands and fathers. 32 and 26 years old. RIP (and tell your local cop you appreciate what they do.)
Is the writer's strike ever going to end?
There are still leftover holiday labels of 2 liter Coke at my local grocery store.
Back on Monday, (after we dig out, LOL)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
None of your business!
Gah-give me a break. I am almost tempted to buy, out of spite.
BOCOG has decreed that you must submit a photo if you have Opening or Closing Ceromony tickets, allegedly to prevent unauthorised transfer or sale of the tickets.
Who are they fooling? Certainly not me.
I certainly wouldn't set one foot in mainland China (as if they would grant me a visa anyway), but I am almost tempted to buy an OC or CC ticket, just to resell it and see what big bad BOCOG might do to me. Like I am scared, whoooo.
People's plans change, a lot. Issues come up, travel plans change. I don't think anyone who is holding these tickets should ask for permission to sell them. Otherwise you are left with a pretty expensive piece of paper that you can't use.
We didn't have this problem in Atlanta. People sold tickets, people paid for them and had a good time at the events they attended. Every big-name event is going to have counterfeits. Requiring photos won't stop that problem. AFAIK, they do not have the photo requirement for the other events. I've heard it's to stop possible protesters. But that can happen anywhere-and BOCOG's heavy-handedness smacks of, well, you know the drill.
My advice to BOCOG (as if they would take my advice anyway): mind your own damm business and focus on the important stuff:
Like addressing the problems up to this point you have refused to acknowledge.
It would be a start-and maybe a small improvement in the poor image you have with a lot of people that have tried to engage you in conversations.
But then you don't listen, do you?
BOCOG has decreed that you must submit a photo if you have Opening or Closing Ceromony tickets, allegedly to prevent unauthorised transfer or sale of the tickets.
Who are they fooling? Certainly not me.
I certainly wouldn't set one foot in mainland China (as if they would grant me a visa anyway), but I am almost tempted to buy an OC or CC ticket, just to resell it and see what big bad BOCOG might do to me. Like I am scared, whoooo.
People's plans change, a lot. Issues come up, travel plans change. I don't think anyone who is holding these tickets should ask for permission to sell them. Otherwise you are left with a pretty expensive piece of paper that you can't use.
We didn't have this problem in Atlanta. People sold tickets, people paid for them and had a good time at the events they attended. Every big-name event is going to have counterfeits. Requiring photos won't stop that problem. AFAIK, they do not have the photo requirement for the other events. I've heard it's to stop possible protesters. But that can happen anywhere-and BOCOG's heavy-handedness smacks of, well, you know the drill.
My advice to BOCOG (as if they would take my advice anyway): mind your own damm business and focus on the important stuff:
Like addressing the problems up to this point you have refused to acknowledge.
It would be a start-and maybe a small improvement in the poor image you have with a lot of people that have tried to engage you in conversations.
But then you don't listen, do you?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Oscar Pistorius-go get 'em!
The IAAF said today that Oscar Pistorius blade-shaped prosthetic racing blades give him "an unfair advantage."
All he wants to do is compete in the Beijing Olympics-with the rest of the able-bodied folk.
The IAAF is determined not to have that happen.
Just as I thought...I wrote several months ago about how long it would take a disabled athlete to sue the IOC or one of the sport governing bodies over a right to compete issue.
And it's come to fruition.
The guy can't help it. He's a double amputee. It's not his fault, but the IAAF sure wants Oscar to pay, and pay big time for his disability. And that's just plain wrong.
All he wants to do is compete. And compete in an area where he feels comfortable. And that area is with the able-bodied runners. And he should be able to do that, no questions asked.
The issue is whether his running blades give him an unfair advantage over an able-bodied runner. I can tell you from experience with 17 years of working the Peachtree Road Race under my belt, that if it was up to him, he probably would welcome the return of his two original feet, instead of having to fight for the right to compete.
I've observed wheelchair athletes. Let me tell you, seeing a wheelchair barreling at you at close to 100 MPH can only mean one thing: get out of the way, before you are roadkill. Oscar isn't a wheelchair athlete, but the IAAF is trying to pigeonhole him like one and dictate how they think he should compete, instead of taking his feelings and needs into consideration. And that is where the stalemate is.
He's obviously thought this through and decided the Paralympics isn't for him. It should be his right and his decision to compete in an atmosphere that best suits his talents and needs. Ironically you don't hear athletes voicing objections-just the governing bodies. It would then beg the question: who's interests are at stake here?
I've said before that bid cities should be required to have a "right to compete" statement in their bid documents. Then the Pistorius case wouldn't have got as far as the IAAF.
I hope Oscar get the right to compete however he wishes. He will be a trailblazer, in more ways than one.
All he wants to do is compete in the Beijing Olympics-with the rest of the able-bodied folk.
The IAAF is determined not to have that happen.
Just as I thought...I wrote several months ago about how long it would take a disabled athlete to sue the IOC or one of the sport governing bodies over a right to compete issue.
And it's come to fruition.
The guy can't help it. He's a double amputee. It's not his fault, but the IAAF sure wants Oscar to pay, and pay big time for his disability. And that's just plain wrong.
All he wants to do is compete. And compete in an area where he feels comfortable. And that area is with the able-bodied runners. And he should be able to do that, no questions asked.
The issue is whether his running blades give him an unfair advantage over an able-bodied runner. I can tell you from experience with 17 years of working the Peachtree Road Race under my belt, that if it was up to him, he probably would welcome the return of his two original feet, instead of having to fight for the right to compete.
I've observed wheelchair athletes. Let me tell you, seeing a wheelchair barreling at you at close to 100 MPH can only mean one thing: get out of the way, before you are roadkill. Oscar isn't a wheelchair athlete, but the IAAF is trying to pigeonhole him like one and dictate how they think he should compete, instead of taking his feelings and needs into consideration. And that is where the stalemate is.
He's obviously thought this through and decided the Paralympics isn't for him. It should be his right and his decision to compete in an atmosphere that best suits his talents and needs. Ironically you don't hear athletes voicing objections-just the governing bodies. It would then beg the question: who's interests are at stake here?
I've said before that bid cities should be required to have a "right to compete" statement in their bid documents. Then the Pistorius case wouldn't have got as far as the IAAF.
I hope Oscar get the right to compete however he wishes. He will be a trailblazer, in more ways than one.
Monday, January 14, 2008
E-mail hijinks-and guess where it came from
I had a very strage email come in over the weekend. It was a usenet posting I made about six years ago, and the response was a bunch of gobbledygook that didn't make any sense. I pulled the full headers, and traced the NNTP Posting host: right to mainland China.
Clearly, someone was looking for something. It was a post I had made regarding a death-penalty case here in the United States. The posting wasn't anything recent. So clearly someone had the assignment to go looking for something. And whoever did this had to be pretty desparate to dig up something I wrote six years ago in a non-Olympic related newsgroup.
I filed a complaint with the hosting company. If you have ever had a spam problem, trying to get the Chinese and far east spams nuked is next to impossible, many times due to the language barrier. But this email was diferent. It wasn't a spam and it was clearly intended for me. It will be interesting to see how the complaint goes. It's made me more vigilant.
It always pays to be one step ahead. I certainly didn't fall for it and whoever was behind it would do well to stop wasting my time and focus on something productive.
Like their own problems over there, of which there are many.
Got it?
Clearly, someone was looking for something. It was a post I had made regarding a death-penalty case here in the United States. The posting wasn't anything recent. So clearly someone had the assignment to go looking for something. And whoever did this had to be pretty desparate to dig up something I wrote six years ago in a non-Olympic related newsgroup.
I filed a complaint with the hosting company. If you have ever had a spam problem, trying to get the Chinese and far east spams nuked is next to impossible, many times due to the language barrier. But this email was diferent. It wasn't a spam and it was clearly intended for me. It will be interesting to see how the complaint goes. It's made me more vigilant.
It always pays to be one step ahead. I certainly didn't fall for it and whoever was behind it would do well to stop wasting my time and focus on something productive.
Like their own problems over there, of which there are many.
Got it?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday's Random Thoughts
Hope everyone had a great Christmas (notice I am not going to be PC and say "holidays") but I am ready for warmer weather. January cabin fever stinks. I've had about all I can handle of the cold weather. I just hope the bulbs my late husband planted will bloom-we've had several hard freezes here.
Just what is it with the murders of young women lately? They found the body of that pregnant Marine today. I don't understand it.
The stock market is way down for this week's trading. Something like 250 points today. This is one time I wish I wasn't in the market, but it always seems to bounce back.
There is talk of a Delta merger. They claim that might be the only way to survive. How about bringing back good service? I was thinking of going to Barbados at the end of the month for a conference. The flight is 4 1/2 hours, and NO meal in coach. People at the back of the plane are increasingly getting shafted. I remember when my late dad used to travel for business, and the service was always good, no matter where you sat. Not any more.
Can someone explain the Hannah Montana phenomenon to me? I don't quite get it. Back when I was in high school in the 1970s, David Cassidy ruled (and still does...we saw his show in Blackpool before Ken and I came back to the States. My late husband never let me forget it. If a man can sit thru two hours of middle-aged women screaming, that's a REAL man!)
Bravo to the house on the next street over who didn't take down their Christmas tree until the 12th day of Christmas! That's when I took down my decorations too.
All of us are talking about why Easter is SO early this year.
Isn't it a bit silly that some grocery stores have those plastic covers for certain magazines? It's not as if they are selling Playboy or Penthouse. This is Cosmopolitan, and the other day, even Fitness was covered up. Oh pluheese. Get over it. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
They caught the two people that broke into my neighbors house. It was two kids, 19 and 21. They hit another house the same day. The courts are so backed up, they won't go to trial for another six months.
I watched the movie "Music and Lyrics" last night. I didn't know Hugh Grant could sing that well!
Back on Monday. And be good in the meantime!
Just what is it with the murders of young women lately? They found the body of that pregnant Marine today. I don't understand it.
The stock market is way down for this week's trading. Something like 250 points today. This is one time I wish I wasn't in the market, but it always seems to bounce back.
There is talk of a Delta merger. They claim that might be the only way to survive. How about bringing back good service? I was thinking of going to Barbados at the end of the month for a conference. The flight is 4 1/2 hours, and NO meal in coach. People at the back of the plane are increasingly getting shafted. I remember when my late dad used to travel for business, and the service was always good, no matter where you sat. Not any more.
Can someone explain the Hannah Montana phenomenon to me? I don't quite get it. Back when I was in high school in the 1970s, David Cassidy ruled (and still does...we saw his show in Blackpool before Ken and I came back to the States. My late husband never let me forget it. If a man can sit thru two hours of middle-aged women screaming, that's a REAL man!)
Bravo to the house on the next street over who didn't take down their Christmas tree until the 12th day of Christmas! That's when I took down my decorations too.
All of us are talking about why Easter is SO early this year.
Isn't it a bit silly that some grocery stores have those plastic covers for certain magazines? It's not as if they are selling Playboy or Penthouse. This is Cosmopolitan, and the other day, even Fitness was covered up. Oh pluheese. Get over it. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
They caught the two people that broke into my neighbors house. It was two kids, 19 and 21. They hit another house the same day. The courts are so backed up, they won't go to trial for another six months.
I watched the movie "Music and Lyrics" last night. I didn't know Hugh Grant could sing that well!
Back on Monday. And be good in the meantime!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Let's stop the interference
There was talk in Guatemala City at the IOC Session this past summer about the visits of the various heads of state who were in town to lobby for their Olympic bids. Besides the security and logistical nighmares, some pundits were going so far as to say that those actual visits put bid cities at a disadvantage versus those bids who didn't have a high-level visit.
I would say it's more like interference which we clearly saw this week with President Bush's visit to the Chicago folks.
That didn't impress me one bit. In fact, I think it puts them at a clear disadvantage. I see it every year, so-and-so gets a visit, which puts x city out in front or the one to beat but when it comes down to the actual vote, it's more like a flameout.
I'm not one of these people who's going to ohh and ahh over a presidential visit. Big deal. It won't win the US the Olympic Games and with the US's world stance and position right now in terms of how other countries view us, we will be clearly at a disadvantage for years to come. If you look at the makeup of the IOC voters, it is clearly not in our favor. Look at how NYC flamed out to a 4th place finish. I could see that coming from a mile away.
Clearly the US bid has an image problem which mirrors the US image problem overseas. Translate that to IOC votes and you get my point.
Besides, you just can't demand respect. It HAS to be earned-and just because the President shows up doesn't mean he gets a free pass.
And that is something the US doesn't have now---and it would behoove the Chicago folks to not pull any more stunts like this before they get into a hole they won't be able to dig themselves out of.
But it may be too late.
Chicago: first one out of the final vote. I stand on it.
I would say it's more like interference which we clearly saw this week with President Bush's visit to the Chicago folks.
That didn't impress me one bit. In fact, I think it puts them at a clear disadvantage. I see it every year, so-and-so gets a visit, which puts x city out in front or the one to beat but when it comes down to the actual vote, it's more like a flameout.
I'm not one of these people who's going to ohh and ahh over a presidential visit. Big deal. It won't win the US the Olympic Games and with the US's world stance and position right now in terms of how other countries view us, we will be clearly at a disadvantage for years to come. If you look at the makeup of the IOC voters, it is clearly not in our favor. Look at how NYC flamed out to a 4th place finish. I could see that coming from a mile away.
Clearly the US bid has an image problem which mirrors the US image problem overseas. Translate that to IOC votes and you get my point.
Besides, you just can't demand respect. It HAS to be earned-and just because the President shows up doesn't mean he gets a free pass.
And that is something the US doesn't have now---and it would behoove the Chicago folks to not pull any more stunts like this before they get into a hole they won't be able to dig themselves out of.
But it may be too late.
Chicago: first one out of the final vote. I stand on it.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Marion Jones: Throw the book at her
Marion Jones is going to be sentenced soon. She's a liar, cheat and a disgrace to every athlete whoever competed honestly. I have NO sympathy for her. She gets what she deserves.
I have said before lying to the Feds is serious business. Lying to the people who put their trust and faith in you is even worse. And for that, you must be held accountable.
I am not a lawyer so I don't know the ins and outs of federal sentencing. We here in Atlanta got a taste of it with the Michael Vick situation. That was a bad one there. But there is talk he might get out early, possibly in one year, if he successfully completes a drug rehab program while in the joint.
Marion Jones deserves nothing---except scorn and our back turned, because that is exactly what she did to us, when she denied using performance-enchancing drugs.
Now, she will know what it is like on the other foot.
And hopefully she will have a long time to think about it.
I have said before lying to the Feds is serious business. Lying to the people who put their trust and faith in you is even worse. And for that, you must be held accountable.
I am not a lawyer so I don't know the ins and outs of federal sentencing. We here in Atlanta got a taste of it with the Michael Vick situation. That was a bad one there. But there is talk he might get out early, possibly in one year, if he successfully completes a drug rehab program while in the joint.
Marion Jones deserves nothing---except scorn and our back turned, because that is exactly what she did to us, when she denied using performance-enchancing drugs.
Now, she will know what it is like on the other foot.
And hopefully she will have a long time to think about it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Clemens: defending his reputation
He's one athlete who said enough's enough.
Roger Clemens is suing his former trainer who sang to Senator Mitchell about Clemens allegedly using steroids. Defamation. And he's not taking this lightly.
I think it's really sleazy that anyone can appear in front of a federal committee, Congress, grand jury, or whatever and sling some very serious accusations at someone without showing up with some proof. I am not talking about stuff like "so-and-so cheats on his wife" or "I saw (name of athlete) snorting white powder in the XXX Club"..., or grainy pictures off a cell phone (think Kate Moss), but life-and-death allegations that could invoke a whole list of issues. "But no one is getting hurt!" I hear you say.
Bull. With a capital B.
Peoples' reputations are getting hurt. Careers can potentially come to an end. I am not referring to situations like Marion Jones (guilty) or the BALCO issues. But tabloid-worthy gossip fodder that you could read in between looking at the Page 3 girls.
I hope Roger is successful. He's going to pave the way for more athletes to take decisive action, if they ever find themselves in the cross hairs of someone looking to make an easy buck or worse, their 15 minutes.
Roger Clemens is suing his former trainer who sang to Senator Mitchell about Clemens allegedly using steroids. Defamation. And he's not taking this lightly.
I think it's really sleazy that anyone can appear in front of a federal committee, Congress, grand jury, or whatever and sling some very serious accusations at someone without showing up with some proof. I am not talking about stuff like "so-and-so cheats on his wife" or "I saw (name of athlete) snorting white powder in the XXX Club"..., or grainy pictures off a cell phone (think Kate Moss), but life-and-death allegations that could invoke a whole list of issues. "But no one is getting hurt!" I hear you say.
Bull. With a capital B.
Peoples' reputations are getting hurt. Careers can potentially come to an end. I am not referring to situations like Marion Jones (guilty) or the BALCO issues. But tabloid-worthy gossip fodder that you could read in between looking at the Page 3 girls.
I hope Roger is successful. He's going to pave the way for more athletes to take decisive action, if they ever find themselves in the cross hairs of someone looking to make an easy buck or worse, their 15 minutes.
Monday, January 7, 2008
What next?
If there is one thing I have learned, anything can happen during an Olympic year. I certainly wouldn't put anything past anyone. The closer it gets, the higher the stakes. Money, reputations and sport glory are all on the line. Just when you think you've seen it all, something else comes up to make you scratch your head and say "whaaa?"
Right now, it's pretty quiet. Besides the arrest of an internet blogger in China last week, things are pretty quiet on the Olympic front. It's the lull right after Christmas. I remember this happened in 1996, what with me getting calls every several days from department managers begging me to work in their areas. I had already made a commitment to the IBC, but it was a pleasure to help someone else out, as everyone was scrambling for good people (and some areas had volunteer shortages, our office being one of them.)
I wonder after it's all over, what will be the legacy? What will we remember most? Or will there be some last-minute surprise that takes us all by storm?
Let's all wait it out-and see what the future holds. We just might be surprising ourselves.
Right now, it's pretty quiet. Besides the arrest of an internet blogger in China last week, things are pretty quiet on the Olympic front. It's the lull right after Christmas. I remember this happened in 1996, what with me getting calls every several days from department managers begging me to work in their areas. I had already made a commitment to the IBC, but it was a pleasure to help someone else out, as everyone was scrambling for good people (and some areas had volunteer shortages, our office being one of them.)
I wonder after it's all over, what will be the legacy? What will we remember most? Or will there be some last-minute surprise that takes us all by storm?
Let's all wait it out-and see what the future holds. We just might be surprising ourselves.
Friday, January 4, 2008
A Singapore sling---and an apology
There are moments in life we would rather forget. Those embarassing slip-ups that remind us we are all human. Then we have those times that once the cat is out of the bag, it's difficult, if not impossible to reign it in.
I remember a news conference in Singapore with the London 2012 people. They all seemed to be amiable folks, joking and laughing amongst themselves. Tessa Jowell was on the far left.
As things progressed I sensed that she was "disconnected" from the rest of the group. As if she really didn't want to be there, like there was something else going on that no one knew about. She had the look on her face of "this is the last place I want to be right now."
She only answered a few questions. Maybe two or three. I had a question in regards to what London 2012 would do to ensure equal employment opportunity for all applicansts, especially those outside of the EU. My demeanor and facial expression meant business.
There was a bit of short discussion as to who should take the question and in the end Tessa took it, with a short two or three sentence answer. I got a look at her eyes---and right at that moment I knew I had made a mistake. Progressivly thruout the conference, she became more and more disconnected, until the point she answered my question, and the answer had nothing to do with what I asked, but it didn't matter.
I have a pretty strong second sense. My impression is that the rest of London 2012 was subtly "goading" her to take the question. Sort of a verbal being-beaten-up-on-the-playground thing. Right then I had a huge lump in my throat and I wanted to say "but I really didn't mean it that way!" but the damage was already done.
Later on, after I got home, it emerged that Tessa was going thru some major personal and professional issues. If I could have gone up to her and given her a hug, I would have (but that would have been highly unprofessional.)
It's been my one big regret-ever since. You can't take certain moments back (both good or bad.)
But the one thing you can do is make things right.
And Tessa, I apologise.
Contributing to someone's broken spirit is never right, no matter what the situation.
I hope you forgive me, because right now I can't forgive myself.
I remember a news conference in Singapore with the London 2012 people. They all seemed to be amiable folks, joking and laughing amongst themselves. Tessa Jowell was on the far left.
As things progressed I sensed that she was "disconnected" from the rest of the group. As if she really didn't want to be there, like there was something else going on that no one knew about. She had the look on her face of "this is the last place I want to be right now."
She only answered a few questions. Maybe two or three. I had a question in regards to what London 2012 would do to ensure equal employment opportunity for all applicansts, especially those outside of the EU. My demeanor and facial expression meant business.
There was a bit of short discussion as to who should take the question and in the end Tessa took it, with a short two or three sentence answer. I got a look at her eyes---and right at that moment I knew I had made a mistake. Progressivly thruout the conference, she became more and more disconnected, until the point she answered my question, and the answer had nothing to do with what I asked, but it didn't matter.
I have a pretty strong second sense. My impression is that the rest of London 2012 was subtly "goading" her to take the question. Sort of a verbal being-beaten-up-on-the-playground thing. Right then I had a huge lump in my throat and I wanted to say "but I really didn't mean it that way!" but the damage was already done.
Later on, after I got home, it emerged that Tessa was going thru some major personal and professional issues. If I could have gone up to her and given her a hug, I would have (but that would have been highly unprofessional.)
It's been my one big regret-ever since. You can't take certain moments back (both good or bad.)
But the one thing you can do is make things right.
And Tessa, I apologise.
Contributing to someone's broken spirit is never right, no matter what the situation.
I hope you forgive me, because right now I can't forgive myself.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
It's not all negative-honest!
Regular readers (who don't personally know me) might think I am 100% down on a lot of things. It just appears that way. I am just as quick to give out praise as to handing out the bricks.
Some people are working hard to make things better. These are individuals in and out of the IOC. It's not all bad coming out of Lausanne (or elsewhere.) We might not all agree at times but were are one in the brotherhood. OK I will be the first to admit that there are a few (emphasis on the few) that I don't want to be caught stuck in a foxhole with, but the overall experience has been good. The negatives I have learned from.
One of the things that I love to do is observe people---and the stupid mistakes they make. Case in point: Singapore 2005. Online reporter for major European radio station refers to me as "some woman from Atlanta." If that person had done their homework, they would have found I have a name. Fast forward six months later---there is a new reporter on the beat and Mr. Clueless is stuck in 5-day-a-week-local-radio-purgatory, having probably seen his last IOC Session for quite sometime, perhaps forever.
As I am writing this, I am listening to the positive speech of Barack Obama. He's a fine example of someone who can bring the negative to the forefront, but with a positive message of solution for those negatives.
I would like to see more of us on the Olympic beat do the same. I am as guilty as anyone of dishing out the negative, with no solution to back it up. We all are at times. I've even have a major regret about some rough questioning that happened in Singapore.
We all make mistakes-and in my next column I will discuss one of those-and proffer an apology in the process.
Some people are working hard to make things better. These are individuals in and out of the IOC. It's not all bad coming out of Lausanne (or elsewhere.) We might not all agree at times but were are one in the brotherhood. OK I will be the first to admit that there are a few (emphasis on the few) that I don't want to be caught stuck in a foxhole with, but the overall experience has been good. The negatives I have learned from.
One of the things that I love to do is observe people---and the stupid mistakes they make. Case in point: Singapore 2005. Online reporter for major European radio station refers to me as "some woman from Atlanta." If that person had done their homework, they would have found I have a name. Fast forward six months later---there is a new reporter on the beat and Mr. Clueless is stuck in 5-day-a-week-local-radio-purgatory, having probably seen his last IOC Session for quite sometime, perhaps forever.
As I am writing this, I am listening to the positive speech of Barack Obama. He's a fine example of someone who can bring the negative to the forefront, but with a positive message of solution for those negatives.
I would like to see more of us on the Olympic beat do the same. I am as guilty as anyone of dishing out the negative, with no solution to back it up. We all are at times. I've even have a major regret about some rough questioning that happened in Singapore.
We all make mistakes-and in my next column I will discuss one of those-and proffer an apology in the process.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Keeping them on their toes-and honest
Eight months to go. Safe to say I won't be there (like I would risk taking the chance), but now that we are heading into the home stretch, it isn't a time for us to let down our guard. It's still important to be discerning about what is being written and said. It still surprises me that there are folks who will accept anything that is written, without questioning.
Please, for 2008, can we make a new year's resolution to be discerning, not to take everything at face value, and to keep shining the light? I know I have said this before, but it bears repeating.
Because some people just don't get it.
Please, for 2008, can we make a new year's resolution to be discerning, not to take everything at face value, and to keep shining the light? I know I have said this before, but it bears repeating.
Because some people just don't get it.