NBC is predicted to lose over $200 million dollars in revenue on the Vancouver Olympics. That is going to be a lot of free ad time they will have to make up to sponsors. I've heard some ad time even remains unsold.
Meantime, Dick Ebersol, the president of NBC Olympics felt it was in his duty to come in on the Conan/Leno situation, by calling O'Brien "an abject failure." Hmm, I thought Dick's responsibilities were Olympic programming and not entertainment. Have I missed something here?
My sources tell me that NBC overpaid-and overpaid big for Vancouver. Now they have to face the consequences, but when you work in a "blank check" environment, when a lot of NBC employees think their stuff doesn't stink, it's kind of hard in my opinion to preach financial responsibility.
I spent a good deal of my work life in Corporate America. If I cost my employer $200 million dollars, it would be a good bet I would be out the door in a heartbeat. The question then remains: who's ultimately responsible for this debacle? Or is this a sign of larger problems at NBC, the Olympics being just one issue?
They say that change needs to come from the top. I say, unless Jeff can deliver (and with him being the CEO of NBC, the buck should stop with him), and can deliver big, with a profit, then there needs to be a major housecleaning, starting at the top. Jeff goes, Dick goes, AND the enablers under them who supported this financial monstrosity.
NBC has had YEARS to prepare-sure, the September financial crash didn't help matters. But someone should have seen the projected financials years ago and said there was going to be a potential problem. Now this.
Some people have said the problem is that there is a lack of a potential breakout star in Vancouver. Bull-the problem is management who thought they could ride the gravy train, without seeing the forest for the trees. You are ultimately responsible to your advertisers and stockholders.
If Jeff and Dick don't deliver NBC out of a $200 million dollar hole, then it's their heads that should roll, and it should happen the day after the Closing Ceremony.
Over and out.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
2018 Winter Olympics vote-how it goes
Winner: Pyeongchang, South Korea
1st R/U Annecy, France
2nd R/U: Munich, Germany
I see another Chicago-style exit for Munich, and Annecy giving Pyeonchang a run for it's money, but the South Koreans will (finally!) win it all. Again, some folks paint Munich as the front runner. Most of the time the first out of the gate is the first one OUT of the voting-remember that. France has held the Winter Games before, and unless you have had your head stuck in sand, we all remember what happened the last time the Olympics rolled into Munich.
I don't think the voting between Annecy and Pyeongchang will be close, but let's just say it will be close enough, to encourage the French to possibly try again. But they may be hurt by Paris' failed Summer bids and in the eyes of some voters, France has been the host enough times already.
I just have a feeling this is going to be one weird, lopsided vote, the likes of which we haven't seen in ages-if ever.
Count on it.
1st R/U Annecy, France
2nd R/U: Munich, Germany
I see another Chicago-style exit for Munich, and Annecy giving Pyeonchang a run for it's money, but the South Koreans will (finally!) win it all. Again, some folks paint Munich as the front runner. Most of the time the first out of the gate is the first one OUT of the voting-remember that. France has held the Winter Games before, and unless you have had your head stuck in sand, we all remember what happened the last time the Olympics rolled into Munich.
I don't think the voting between Annecy and Pyeongchang will be close, but let's just say it will be close enough, to encourage the French to possibly try again. But they may be hurt by Paris' failed Summer bids and in the eyes of some voters, France has been the host enough times already.
I just have a feeling this is going to be one weird, lopsided vote, the likes of which we haven't seen in ages-if ever.
Count on it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
11 good reasons Munich shouldn't be bidding for the Winter Games
Moshe Weinberg
Yossef Romano
Zeev Friedman
David Berger
Yakov Springer
Eliezer Halfin
Yossef Gutfreund
Kehat Shorr
Mark Slavin
Andre Spitzer
Amitzur Shapira
I am totally appalled. No words can even describe it. Has Munich completely forgotten what happened the last time the Olympics were held there?!?
It saddens me that a city which has not cleaned up the mess from the last time the Games were held there is at it again. Some people might say, well this is different and the terror threat would be less at a Winter Games. Bull. The Olympics are the Olympics, winter or summer.
I don't know where these people are coming from, that allowed the Munich bid to advance in the first place. Where is the outrage? Or are people so numbed by now that thinking "ignore it and it will go away" is the norm? I know of at least one IOC member who feels that way. At first it surprised me, but after I started digging into his background, then I could see the hypocrisy involved. In public, he says one thing. In private, another. It's the private conversations he doesn't want the public to know about (and the very ugly comment he made in Prague in 2003 in regards to the Munich families.) And he's still around. And still part of the problem.
Folks, I have said it for years. We have to get real about Munich-past and present. The only way Munich will ever get another Olympics is if they clean up the mess from the past, the IOC gives the families the 30 seconds of silence at the beginning of a Summer Games opening ceremony (not too much to ask, I think), then and ONLY then should another Munich bid (Winter or Summer) move forward.
President Rogge promised years ago that he would do something for the families. He's backtracked, and that was after he went to a memorial service in Germany for the victims. It's totally disgraceful how he has acted. But the IOC has acted the same way, and in that regard, has given tacit approval to his actions (or lack of them.)
We as arbiters of the written word have an obligation to take a moral stand. Some will and most will not. This is a bid that should have never left the gate.
I for one have the cajones to say No Way No How Never.
Will one other person join me in this call? One person-that is all I ask.
Please. For the Munich Eleven-so they did not die in vain.
Thank you.
Yossef Romano
Zeev Friedman
David Berger
Yakov Springer
Eliezer Halfin
Yossef Gutfreund
Kehat Shorr
Mark Slavin
Andre Spitzer
Amitzur Shapira
I am totally appalled. No words can even describe it. Has Munich completely forgotten what happened the last time the Olympics were held there?!?
It saddens me that a city which has not cleaned up the mess from the last time the Games were held there is at it again. Some people might say, well this is different and the terror threat would be less at a Winter Games. Bull. The Olympics are the Olympics, winter or summer.
I don't know where these people are coming from, that allowed the Munich bid to advance in the first place. Where is the outrage? Or are people so numbed by now that thinking "ignore it and it will go away" is the norm? I know of at least one IOC member who feels that way. At first it surprised me, but after I started digging into his background, then I could see the hypocrisy involved. In public, he says one thing. In private, another. It's the private conversations he doesn't want the public to know about (and the very ugly comment he made in Prague in 2003 in regards to the Munich families.) And he's still around. And still part of the problem.
Folks, I have said it for years. We have to get real about Munich-past and present. The only way Munich will ever get another Olympics is if they clean up the mess from the past, the IOC gives the families the 30 seconds of silence at the beginning of a Summer Games opening ceremony (not too much to ask, I think), then and ONLY then should another Munich bid (Winter or Summer) move forward.
President Rogge promised years ago that he would do something for the families. He's backtracked, and that was after he went to a memorial service in Germany for the victims. It's totally disgraceful how he has acted. But the IOC has acted the same way, and in that regard, has given tacit approval to his actions (or lack of them.)
We as arbiters of the written word have an obligation to take a moral stand. Some will and most will not. This is a bid that should have never left the gate.
I for one have the cajones to say No Way No How Never.
Will one other person join me in this call? One person-that is all I ask.
Please. For the Munich Eleven-so they did not die in vain.
Thank you.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday's Random Thoughts
We haven't had one of these in awhile-enjoy, because on Monday we will be discussing some heavy stuff.
1. Jon and Kate, as one comedian said the other night, throw 'em in that darn balloon.
2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery-I know because you read me (you know who you are.) I wish I didn't have to keep saying this every so often.
3. Would you believe, there is a restaurant up the street that has Christmas lights on already?!?
4. I was able to do early voting today, if it is offered in your area, please take advantage, and if there is one candidate you especially support, they will appreciate it. I have two political signs in front of my house. A friend of mine is running in District 5 here.
5. The postal workers in the UK have gone on strike for 24 hours today. If you have relatives, and you want to make sure things get delivered for the holiday, think of other alternatives-I am. There's talk it could stretch longer the closer to December. Hello FedEx.
6. I just signed up for Facebook-didn't know how many friends I have that have that are on there.
7. Here we go again with talk about Munich's Winter Olympic bid-don't believe a word you are reading about who the front runner is. It's too early, (we'll be discussing this on Monday, so sit tight.)
8. What is it with airfares this year? $1500 round trip to Manchester UK. Not this year to see the mother-in-law.
9. Damm, what IS it with little kids dying? The laws need to be changed. Our young people are at risk, and the existing laws (i.e. Megan's Law) aren't strong enough.
See you on Monday-be good!
1. Jon and Kate, as one comedian said the other night, throw 'em in that darn balloon.
2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery-I know because you read me (you know who you are.) I wish I didn't have to keep saying this every so often.
3. Would you believe, there is a restaurant up the street that has Christmas lights on already?!?
4. I was able to do early voting today, if it is offered in your area, please take advantage, and if there is one candidate you especially support, they will appreciate it. I have two political signs in front of my house. A friend of mine is running in District 5 here.
5. The postal workers in the UK have gone on strike for 24 hours today. If you have relatives, and you want to make sure things get delivered for the holiday, think of other alternatives-I am. There's talk it could stretch longer the closer to December. Hello FedEx.
6. I just signed up for Facebook-didn't know how many friends I have that have that are on there.
7. Here we go again with talk about Munich's Winter Olympic bid-don't believe a word you are reading about who the front runner is. It's too early, (we'll be discussing this on Monday, so sit tight.)
8. What is it with airfares this year? $1500 round trip to Manchester UK. Not this year to see the mother-in-law.
9. Damm, what IS it with little kids dying? The laws need to be changed. Our young people are at risk, and the existing laws (i.e. Megan's Law) aren't strong enough.
See you on Monday-be good!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wrongful bidding-who's fault is it?
There's a lot of he said/she said in regards to the aftermath of the 2016 vote. A lot of the venom seems to be directed at the USOC. Sure, I will agree they have a part in this but I am not so sure it is all their fault. Blame must be shared here-for the US taking a bid to Copenhagen they had no chance of winning by all accounts. You've heard of wrongful hiring? I am coining a new term-wrongful bidding.
First off I blame Charlie Battle. He was the consultant to Chicago's people. This is the second bid (besides NYC's) that he's sent down the tubes. Sure he had a success with ACOG-but (and this is a huge but), that was in 1996. A lot has changed on the Olympic scene since then. From all accounts, Chicago 2016 management hired him directly, and not upon recomendation of the USOC.
Faulted info that sending the Obama's to Copenhagen would seal the deal. Who exactly told Chicago this? Whomever it was, they need to be fired. Going to war with faulty info is a sure way to lose.
Potential conflicts of interest between members of Chicago 2016 and possible venue sites that were not disclosed to the IOC.
You have to wonder what the other US cities that were competing with Chicago to be the official US bid have to be thinking now. Would the result have been different if it was any other city but them? We'll never know-but I will bet that we would have walked away with a lot more than 18 votes and not knocked out in the first round.
I am not entirely convinced that the USOC is the bad guy here. Sure, they hold some responsibility for the debacle but it is not entirely their fault. I would have to see more evidence than just vague accusations of "they didn't develop relationships with the IOC" or "they are more focused on Vancouver." Yadda Yadda Yadda.
Everybody calm the heck down. Come back when you can be rational and give me a better reason than what has been written out there about why Chicago didn't make it.
Then and only then we can build on the future-which might include a winning Winter or Summer bid.
First off I blame Charlie Battle. He was the consultant to Chicago's people. This is the second bid (besides NYC's) that he's sent down the tubes. Sure he had a success with ACOG-but (and this is a huge but), that was in 1996. A lot has changed on the Olympic scene since then. From all accounts, Chicago 2016 management hired him directly, and not upon recomendation of the USOC.
Faulted info that sending the Obama's to Copenhagen would seal the deal. Who exactly told Chicago this? Whomever it was, they need to be fired. Going to war with faulty info is a sure way to lose.
Potential conflicts of interest between members of Chicago 2016 and possible venue sites that were not disclosed to the IOC.
You have to wonder what the other US cities that were competing with Chicago to be the official US bid have to be thinking now. Would the result have been different if it was any other city but them? We'll never know-but I will bet that we would have walked away with a lot more than 18 votes and not knocked out in the first round.
I am not entirely convinced that the USOC is the bad guy here. Sure, they hold some responsibility for the debacle but it is not entirely their fault. I would have to see more evidence than just vague accusations of "they didn't develop relationships with the IOC" or "they are more focused on Vancouver." Yadda Yadda Yadda.
Everybody calm the heck down. Come back when you can be rational and give me a better reason than what has been written out there about why Chicago didn't make it.
Then and only then we can build on the future-which might include a winning Winter or Summer bid.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Let the blames begin
Wow, none of us saw that coming. The low vote count for Chicago. I knew they would go out in the first round of voting. I just didn't know how bad it would get.
It was clear that the majority of those that voted for Chicago and then Tokyo threw their votes to Rio. Madrid wasn't even close. I just got an email from a friend of mine who said she thought the vote "had more to do with the USOC than Chicago specifically." True the USOC is in crisis. But Chicago has only themselves to blame. Close to 50 percent of citizens against the bid is pretty high numbers. The IOC doesn't like that.
Sure, the USOC has some part in this. But and this is a big but, the eventual blame for the loss rests with Chicago. $100 million spent on the bid-gone forever. Their over-the-top presentation versus Rio's quiet confidence is what I am hearing sealed the deal.
Let this be a lesson to future US bid cities. Get your house in order-before the IOC tells you to.
Otherewise as we saw today, the results will get ugly.
It was clear that the majority of those that voted for Chicago and then Tokyo threw their votes to Rio. Madrid wasn't even close. I just got an email from a friend of mine who said she thought the vote "had more to do with the USOC than Chicago specifically." True the USOC is in crisis. But Chicago has only themselves to blame. Close to 50 percent of citizens against the bid is pretty high numbers. The IOC doesn't like that.
Sure, the USOC has some part in this. But and this is a big but, the eventual blame for the loss rests with Chicago. $100 million spent on the bid-gone forever. Their over-the-top presentation versus Rio's quiet confidence is what I am hearing sealed the deal.
Let this be a lesson to future US bid cities. Get your house in order-before the IOC tells you to.
Otherewise as we saw today, the results will get ugly.
Too painful to watch
I am cringing....some notes on the first 20 minutes of Chicago's presentation.
Could someone tell me what U2 has to do with the city of Chicago? How about a musical act native to the city?
Pat Ryan and Mayor Daley have made major diction gaffes, which in turn has made the presntation quite stiff and unwatchable.
The "Blues" video at the beginning-disjointed.
The second video shown-had a weird ending that caught Pat Ryan by surprise.
Michelle Obama's yellow dress-inappropriate for such a high-stakes presentation. (Some of the men look like they just rolled out of bed-comb your hair, please!)
I've seen enough-good night.
Could someone tell me what U2 has to do with the city of Chicago? How about a musical act native to the city?
Pat Ryan and Mayor Daley have made major diction gaffes, which in turn has made the presntation quite stiff and unwatchable.
The "Blues" video at the beginning-disjointed.
The second video shown-had a weird ending that caught Pat Ryan by surprise.
Michelle Obama's yellow dress-inappropriate for such a high-stakes presentation. (Some of the men look like they just rolled out of bed-comb your hair, please!)
I've seen enough-good night.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
War of the words
Rio versus Madrid.
America's superiority.
Who's out in the first round.
Who isn't.
Someone asked me how can one still be plugged in to what is going on if you aren't there? Simple-my friends are there. I got an email from one of them last night.
We all have our favorites, and I think it is a given that it could go any way. What mistake I think we *all* are making (I am guilty of it as anyone else) is saying who goes out in the first round. I still stand on my prediction of Chicago, it not in the first round, at least by the second. The impression I am gettting is that the appearances of Oprah, Michelle and Barack can be summed up in three words: not too cool.
Of course you will have the droolers who think they can do no wrong and write about it as such. As I wrote before, you will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me. But this is one time he needs to sit put in DC and let the IOC do it's job, without outside interference.
One thing is for sure-the vote will be close. And I think each bid city has one factor that could possibly take votes from them. No one is perfect, BUT it is the severity of therse factors that could determine the vote.
Chicago: crime
Rio: crime
Madrid: Interference by former IOC President Samaranch
Tokyo: Hosted previous Olympics.
Now if you were an IOC voter, who in the above would you vote for? I have a strong message for the folks trying to take down Tokyo, you will be embarassed as hell if they win, and if they don't how close the vote will be for them if it is a two city race that has/had only one vote separating them and whoever the eventual host city is. But I stand on my prediction: Tokyo wins it all.
Then the uppity war of the words will have come to an end-for another two years, until we meet in South Africa.
America's superiority.
Who's out in the first round.
Who isn't.
Someone asked me how can one still be plugged in to what is going on if you aren't there? Simple-my friends are there. I got an email from one of them last night.
We all have our favorites, and I think it is a given that it could go any way. What mistake I think we *all* are making (I am guilty of it as anyone else) is saying who goes out in the first round. I still stand on my prediction of Chicago, it not in the first round, at least by the second. The impression I am gettting is that the appearances of Oprah, Michelle and Barack can be summed up in three words: not too cool.
Of course you will have the droolers who think they can do no wrong and write about it as such. As I wrote before, you will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me. But this is one time he needs to sit put in DC and let the IOC do it's job, without outside interference.
One thing is for sure-the vote will be close. And I think each bid city has one factor that could possibly take votes from them. No one is perfect, BUT it is the severity of therse factors that could determine the vote.
Chicago: crime
Rio: crime
Madrid: Interference by former IOC President Samaranch
Tokyo: Hosted previous Olympics.
Now if you were an IOC voter, who in the above would you vote for? I have a strong message for the folks trying to take down Tokyo, you will be embarassed as hell if they win, and if they don't how close the vote will be for them if it is a two city race that has/had only one vote separating them and whoever the eventual host city is. But I stand on my prediction: Tokyo wins it all.
Then the uppity war of the words will have come to an end-for another two years, until we meet in South Africa.
Monday, September 28, 2009
How the vote will go down
Winner: Tokyo
Rio: one vote separating Tokyo and Rio (could even see a tie vote)
Madrid: out in second round
Chicago: out in first round
My prediction: 3 rounds of voting IF Madrid picks up extra votes from a change of mind of those possibly planning to vote for Chicago. If that doesn't happen, Chicago and/or Madrid don't get enough votes for all four to force a second ballot of all bids.
Or you could see a 2008-vote type situation with Chicago and Madrid going out on the first ballot and a second vote to decide between Tokyo and Rio.
What would be a surprise: a decision on the first ballot which is not likely.
Prediction: the appearance of President Obama blows up in Chicago's face-and those IOC members who think the appearance of the President as meddling (there are some) throw their votes to one of the other three cities.
I stand on it.
Rio: one vote separating Tokyo and Rio (could even see a tie vote)
Madrid: out in second round
Chicago: out in first round
My prediction: 3 rounds of voting IF Madrid picks up extra votes from a change of mind of those possibly planning to vote for Chicago. If that doesn't happen, Chicago and/or Madrid don't get enough votes for all four to force a second ballot of all bids.
Or you could see a 2008-vote type situation with Chicago and Madrid going out on the first ballot and a second vote to decide between Tokyo and Rio.
What would be a surprise: a decision on the first ballot which is not likely.
Prediction: the appearance of President Obama blows up in Chicago's face-and those IOC members who think the appearance of the President as meddling (there are some) throw their votes to one of the other three cities.
I stand on it.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Copenhagen cool-and the eyes and ears
Sadly, I won't be in Copenhagen (due to some family issues.) Family first-above all else. You only have one set of relatives-there will be other IOC meetings. But that doesn't mean my presence won't be there. My "eyes and ears" will be there.
I think it is quite interesting that some other writers who have been so hot on the Chicago bid are now backing off. Sorry guys...I have called it from the beginning that Chicago will lose-and lose big, possibly in the first round of voting. And even if President Obama shows up in Copenhagen, it won't make one bit of difference. I recall what a senior IOC member said to me many years ago: "We aren't impressed by celebrity. What impresses us is a good bid plan and the resources to back it up. We don't want to have to possibly bail you out if you get into difficulties."
What concerns me now is that the murder rate (especially among minors) in Chicago is the highest it's ever been. Also, the city has had random days off for non-essential municipal staff in order to save money on a projected $500 million dollar deficit. Is this a city that should be bidding? No way.
OK to review-20 reasons, expounded on my 10 original reasons Chicago will come home empty:
1. City deficit-$500 million and no end in sight.
2. Snotty treatment by Chicago 2016 of press-and evasive answers when they do decide to talk. We aren't stupid.
3. Sky-high murder rate.
4. Embracement by some members of the IOC to No Games Chicago-some are listening to their concerns-and they are valid.
5. A mayor that has continued the city's business model of "politics as usual"-a legacy that has been around since the original Mayor Daley.
6. The city's legacy of human rights abuses-anyone remember 1968?
7. The belief in the non-existant "Oprah" factor-the IOC really doesn't give a damm who she is (and this issue has come up before.)
8. Lawsuit settlements in the millions to citizens victimised by corrupt cops.
9. The presence of Michelle Obama in Copenhagen. You will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me-but this is one time he and his wife need to butt out.
10. Possible tax considerations. Montreal was paying off their debt for close to 30 years and folks in Chicago don't want that to happen there.
11. Chicago 2016 refusing to acknowledge opposition to the bid by neighborhood activists and community groups.
12. Possible displacement of affordable housing for venue construction.
13. Lack of legacy plans for venues-many white elephants on the table.
14. Questionable amounts of salaries being paid to bid officials. It's offensive in this economy-and not the smartest use of budgeting.
15. The "we can't lose" mentality of the bid committee. Oh yes you can-and will.
16. Poor international relations people working for them. Not qualified-and you know who you are. I have your business card on my desk right now.
17. Your bid team's uppity attitude at Sport Accord. If you want a major international event such as the Olympics, you have to embrace all people and cultures.
18. Possible environmental issues for the Chicago waterfront-and no plans to preserve that area.
19. Poor and/or non-existant response to basic emails and inquries. You clearly have something to hide-and I told you as much in Denver.
20. Making stupid mistakes all around-but stupid is as stupid does. You only have yourselves to blame.
Besides, keep up what you are doing-Tokyo will love you for it.
I think it is quite interesting that some other writers who have been so hot on the Chicago bid are now backing off. Sorry guys...I have called it from the beginning that Chicago will lose-and lose big, possibly in the first round of voting. And even if President Obama shows up in Copenhagen, it won't make one bit of difference. I recall what a senior IOC member said to me many years ago: "We aren't impressed by celebrity. What impresses us is a good bid plan and the resources to back it up. We don't want to have to possibly bail you out if you get into difficulties."
What concerns me now is that the murder rate (especially among minors) in Chicago is the highest it's ever been. Also, the city has had random days off for non-essential municipal staff in order to save money on a projected $500 million dollar deficit. Is this a city that should be bidding? No way.
OK to review-20 reasons, expounded on my 10 original reasons Chicago will come home empty:
1. City deficit-$500 million and no end in sight.
2. Snotty treatment by Chicago 2016 of press-and evasive answers when they do decide to talk. We aren't stupid.
3. Sky-high murder rate.
4. Embracement by some members of the IOC to No Games Chicago-some are listening to their concerns-and they are valid.
5. A mayor that has continued the city's business model of "politics as usual"-a legacy that has been around since the original Mayor Daley.
6. The city's legacy of human rights abuses-anyone remember 1968?
7. The belief in the non-existant "Oprah" factor-the IOC really doesn't give a damm who she is (and this issue has come up before.)
8. Lawsuit settlements in the millions to citizens victimised by corrupt cops.
9. The presence of Michelle Obama in Copenhagen. You will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me-but this is one time he and his wife need to butt out.
10. Possible tax considerations. Montreal was paying off their debt for close to 30 years and folks in Chicago don't want that to happen there.
11. Chicago 2016 refusing to acknowledge opposition to the bid by neighborhood activists and community groups.
12. Possible displacement of affordable housing for venue construction.
13. Lack of legacy plans for venues-many white elephants on the table.
14. Questionable amounts of salaries being paid to bid officials. It's offensive in this economy-and not the smartest use of budgeting.
15. The "we can't lose" mentality of the bid committee. Oh yes you can-and will.
16. Poor international relations people working for them. Not qualified-and you know who you are. I have your business card on my desk right now.
17. Your bid team's uppity attitude at Sport Accord. If you want a major international event such as the Olympics, you have to embrace all people and cultures.
18. Possible environmental issues for the Chicago waterfront-and no plans to preserve that area.
19. Poor and/or non-existant response to basic emails and inquries. You clearly have something to hide-and I told you as much in Denver.
20. Making stupid mistakes all around-but stupid is as stupid does. You only have yourselves to blame.
Besides, keep up what you are doing-Tokyo will love you for it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cheating ends January 1st
Suits. Yes, those suits. The ones that were worn at the recent FINA championships in Rome where swimmers broke all sorts of records. And guess who was complaining about them? Yup. Bong Boy.
Ironcially, he didn't get upset until he was beat in a race and had to settle for second place. But it was Phelps who lobbied for FINA to include the suits in the first place.
Pot.Kettle.Black.
I think we have a narrow-minded view of what cheating is. It's not all doping. I am just as guilty of a narrow-minded view as anyone out there. We're so busy worrying about the latest positive dope test, that other things have come down the pike position and blindsided us.
It's the swimming equivelent of Barry Bonds-well, almost. And it was nipped in the bud before the next Olympics.
As to the records set in Rome? Simple: toss 'em out-along with the swimmers who decided to have a bit of high-tech help in their arsenal, to the detrement of the others who competed clean.
Give me Mark Spitz in his Speedos any old day.
Ironcially, he didn't get upset until he was beat in a race and had to settle for second place. But it was Phelps who lobbied for FINA to include the suits in the first place.
Pot.Kettle.Black.
I think we have a narrow-minded view of what cheating is. It's not all doping. I am just as guilty of a narrow-minded view as anyone out there. We're so busy worrying about the latest positive dope test, that other things have come down the pike position and blindsided us.
It's the swimming equivelent of Barry Bonds-well, almost. And it was nipped in the bud before the next Olympics.
As to the records set in Rome? Simple: toss 'em out-along with the swimmers who decided to have a bit of high-tech help in their arsenal, to the detrement of the others who competed clean.
Give me Mark Spitz in his Speedos any old day.
Monday, July 13, 2009
He's still a loser
I still haven't changed my mind-unfortunately, Subway sandwiches thinks otherwise.
I'm talking about Michael Phelps-and his apparent inability to own up to that infamous bong incident.
We've been taking a break for the past several months, and observing. While everyone else fawns and oohs and ahhs over him. I, for one, refuse to.
Come on, people. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the PR spin and the "will he won't he compete in 2012" crap. I for one am tired of it-and those playing right into it by putting this jackass up on a pedestal, when he really should be contrite and apologetic for his actions, of which he has yet to do.
John Meyer of the Denver Post and I think a lot alike. We had some very interesting email exchanges during Sport Accord. I said that I didn't think anyone would agree with me or have similar thoughts.
Phelps is no hero. When will we as a nation learn that, and STOP elevating this guy to a position he has yet to earn? I for one would welcome the IOC taking action-sadly I don't think that day will ever come. But say this was an athlete who didn't medal and got caught with the bong. USA Swimming would be on that guy's case in a heartbeat, and probably sanctioned too.
Double standard-one for Phelps, one for the rest of the pool.
Enough already.
I'm talking about Michael Phelps-and his apparent inability to own up to that infamous bong incident.
We've been taking a break for the past several months, and observing. While everyone else fawns and oohs and ahhs over him. I, for one, refuse to.
Come on, people. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the PR spin and the "will he won't he compete in 2012" crap. I for one am tired of it-and those playing right into it by putting this jackass up on a pedestal, when he really should be contrite and apologetic for his actions, of which he has yet to do.
John Meyer of the Denver Post and I think a lot alike. We had some very interesting email exchanges during Sport Accord. I said that I didn't think anyone would agree with me or have similar thoughts.
Phelps is no hero. When will we as a nation learn that, and STOP elevating this guy to a position he has yet to earn? I for one would welcome the IOC taking action-sadly I don't think that day will ever come. But say this was an athlete who didn't medal and got caught with the bong. USA Swimming would be on that guy's case in a heartbeat, and probably sanctioned too.
Double standard-one for Phelps, one for the rest of the pool.
Enough already.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday's Random Thoughts
We haven't had one of these in awhile---plus blind items for you to figure out!
Just Asking:
What network president snubbed two employees in the restaurant at the Hyatt;didn't even go over to say hello, even though one of them was his Vice President? He could have said hello, as he was only sitting four tables away!
What reporter for a Far East newspaper also got snubbed by same said network VP in the Hyatt lobby? Hey girl, next time kick him in the shin or the bum!
What city's bid committee made a bunch of promises to a lot of people-and has yet to make good? C'mon, Sport Accord attendees have been home for, what, a month now?!?
What bid city's rep made a half-hearted attempt at intimidation to this writer in the elevator at the Hyatt? I think he mistook me for someone else-until he saw the name on the accreditation badge, then he beat a hasty retreat. Well, that's one way to tell me you read me!
*******
Could someone tell me the difference between anime and cartoons?
It's sad about the news with all these missing kids.
I just love the music of Kevin Rudolf-be sure to watch the Miss USA pageant on Sunday night when he performs.
Does anyone believe the predictions that the Cleveland Indians will make the post-season?
RIP Harry Kalas-Puppy Bowl will never be the same!
Just Asking:
What network president snubbed two employees in the restaurant at the Hyatt;didn't even go over to say hello, even though one of them was his Vice President? He could have said hello, as he was only sitting four tables away!
What reporter for a Far East newspaper also got snubbed by same said network VP in the Hyatt lobby? Hey girl, next time kick him in the shin or the bum!
What city's bid committee made a bunch of promises to a lot of people-and has yet to make good? C'mon, Sport Accord attendees have been home for, what, a month now?!?
What bid city's rep made a half-hearted attempt at intimidation to this writer in the elevator at the Hyatt? I think he mistook me for someone else-until he saw the name on the accreditation badge, then he beat a hasty retreat. Well, that's one way to tell me you read me!
*******
Could someone tell me the difference between anime and cartoons?
It's sad about the news with all these missing kids.
I just love the music of Kevin Rudolf-be sure to watch the Miss USA pageant on Sunday night when he performs.
Does anyone believe the predictions that the Cleveland Indians will make the post-season?
RIP Harry Kalas-Puppy Bowl will never be the same!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Pat Ryan: foot in mouth disease
Pat Ryan, the head of Chicago 2016 may have just sealed his city's fate several weeks ago before the IOC evaluation commission visit when he made a comment that the visit of the evaluators "won't necessarily win you the Olympic Games." His reasoning was that because they don't have votes, that in the whole scheme of things, they were a minor factor in the process.
But they can and do issue the final report that influences greatly the votes of those who do. Also, some members of the commission met with a group called No Games Chicago. Big oops. Very rarely do evaluators meet with opposition groups. It has happened before. But not to this scale-and with two members of Chicago 2016 present.
You have to keep your nose clean at every step of the process. I have seem some really stupid mistakes made by bid cities (Mayor Bloomberg's meltdown in the lobby of the Raffles hotel in Singapore ranks right up there) and I have always maintained that it is the little things that will either make or break your bid.
Chicago would bode well to reach out to those folks that they have dismissed (including the IOC visitors) if they hope to have any chance of this bid even coming close in the voting in Copenhagen. But right now-it would take a miracle for Chicago to pull this one off, and I just don't see it happening.
You get what you deserve-in this case, defeat in October.
But they can and do issue the final report that influences greatly the votes of those who do. Also, some members of the commission met with a group called No Games Chicago. Big oops. Very rarely do evaluators meet with opposition groups. It has happened before. But not to this scale-and with two members of Chicago 2016 present.
You have to keep your nose clean at every step of the process. I have seem some really stupid mistakes made by bid cities (Mayor Bloomberg's meltdown in the lobby of the Raffles hotel in Singapore ranks right up there) and I have always maintained that it is the little things that will either make or break your bid.
Chicago would bode well to reach out to those folks that they have dismissed (including the IOC visitors) if they hope to have any chance of this bid even coming close in the voting in Copenhagen. But right now-it would take a miracle for Chicago to pull this one off, and I just don't see it happening.
You get what you deserve-in this case, defeat in October.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ebersol's irresponsible comments
As reported by Around the Rings, NBC Olympics president Dick Ebersol has made a comment in regards to Bode Miller. "He's the greatest American skier of all time. He's certainly entitled to his opinions."
In case for review: Bode is the guy who was criticised for his excessive partying during the Turin Olympics and failing to medal. He also boasted about "skiing drunk" during some of his competitions.
Bode is not the greatest of all time. True sports stars know of their responsibility to the community and of the example they must set once they make the Olympic team. I would be personally happy if Bode would just shrink and go away. He's a poor example of what an Olympian should be.
Let's not make Bode into a hero. He's far from it, and there are so many others that deserve our recognition more.
The Olympics celebrate heroes-and not losers like Miller who think the world revolves around them and their irresponsible actions both off and on the piste.
In case for review: Bode is the guy who was criticised for his excessive partying during the Turin Olympics and failing to medal. He also boasted about "skiing drunk" during some of his competitions.
Bode is not the greatest of all time. True sports stars know of their responsibility to the community and of the example they must set once they make the Olympic team. I would be personally happy if Bode would just shrink and go away. He's a poor example of what an Olympian should be.
Let's not make Bode into a hero. He's far from it, and there are so many others that deserve our recognition more.
The Olympics celebrate heroes-and not losers like Miller who think the world revolves around them and their irresponsible actions both off and on the piste.
That pesky revenue sharing dispute
The talk here in Denver all week has been about the revenue sharing dispute between the USOC and the IOC. The USOC wants to tear up the existing contracts claiming that when they were signed, the economic climate was not as challenging as we are experiencing today. In all of the "he said she said" of this dispute, one fact has been easily forgotten by both parties: both sides signed a legally-binding contract.
A new contract is expected to be signed this week. But I think it sets a dangerous precedent. What if say a bid city that won the Olympics didn't like it's host city contract they signed, went to the IOC and said they wanted the terms renegotiated and if they didn't get their way, they would leave the IOC on the hook for millions, possibly billions of dollars?
I am really uncomfortable with this, only because this could go beyond revenue sharing and seep into other areas related to Olympic bid management and host city operations.
It will be interesting to see in the runup to Copenhagen what other issues come up that have been raised by this simmering dispute that has exploded into some ugly words between both parties.
As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. It could be more than you can handle.
A new contract is expected to be signed this week. But I think it sets a dangerous precedent. What if say a bid city that won the Olympics didn't like it's host city contract they signed, went to the IOC and said they wanted the terms renegotiated and if they didn't get their way, they would leave the IOC on the hook for millions, possibly billions of dollars?
I am really uncomfortable with this, only because this could go beyond revenue sharing and seep into other areas related to Olympic bid management and host city operations.
It will be interesting to see in the runup to Copenhagen what other issues come up that have been raised by this simmering dispute that has exploded into some ugly words between both parties.
As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. It could be more than you can handle.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tokyo talk back
By all accounts, Tokyo is leading the points race to be elected the city to host the 2016 Olympics. You look at any survey and they have clearly overtaken Chicago and it looks to stay that way. Of course, anything can happen between now and October, but if they stay the course, victory is theirs in Copenhagen.
It's really amazing to see now the loyalties coming out. It's mid-week at Sport Accord and patterns are starting to emerge. People have asked me which bid I will endorse and that will be mentioned on this blog at the end of the week.
There are some here who don't have an appreciation of Tokyo's cultural heritage, history and uniqueness. Granted, I have never been there, but in talking to some of my Japanese friends here, it is clear they have an advantage that the other bid cities don't.
A heart for one.
A real desire to welcome the world in 2016. After all, they did it once before, in 1964 which brought the world storied Olympic performances that are still talked about today.
Every bid and Olympic city has it's seedy side. Gosh knows Atlanta sure did. But no one forces you to go into a so-called "gentelman's club" or order that porn movie in your hotel room. Hell, the Hyatt has adult movies that would make Larry Flynt blush.
Let's not be pushing our moral judgements on what people do in their private lives. It's none of anyone's damm business.
Otherwise, I will paraphrase a popular credit card commercial: what's in YOUR closet?
It's really amazing to see now the loyalties coming out. It's mid-week at Sport Accord and patterns are starting to emerge. People have asked me which bid I will endorse and that will be mentioned on this blog at the end of the week.
There are some here who don't have an appreciation of Tokyo's cultural heritage, history and uniqueness. Granted, I have never been there, but in talking to some of my Japanese friends here, it is clear they have an advantage that the other bid cities don't.
A heart for one.
A real desire to welcome the world in 2016. After all, they did it once before, in 1964 which brought the world storied Olympic performances that are still talked about today.
Every bid and Olympic city has it's seedy side. Gosh knows Atlanta sure did. But no one forces you to go into a so-called "gentelman's club" or order that porn movie in your hotel room. Hell, the Hyatt has adult movies that would make Larry Flynt blush.
Let's not be pushing our moral judgements on what people do in their private lives. It's none of anyone's damm business.
Otherwise, I will paraphrase a popular credit card commercial: what's in YOUR closet?
A boxer with a heart of gold
Yesterday, I met an extraordinary young lady by the name of Tiffanie Hearn. She's the number one ranked female boxer in the United States, and ranked number three in the world. She has the talent to go all the way and bring home gold-and lots of it- for the USA in 2012. There's only one problem: the IOC won't let her-or any female boxer for that matter compete in the Olympics, because there isn't any Olympic events for them.
Tiffanie told me the story for the men is different: "They get $6000 a month to support their training-and we get nothing."
What's wrong with this picture? Plenty.
Tiffanie says "the men don't have to work because the support is there. We're second-class in the eyes of the IOC. This has got to change."
Big time, I say.
The head of the IBA women's division put it bluntly: it's discrimination and it's got to stop.
We all were discussing how this is 2009 and these issues shouldn't even be coming up. And what will it take to change the minds of the powers that be. The fact that women are still barred from certain Olympic competitions just isn't right. It's time for a change. And that change must come NOW.
So, the favor I ask is for you to see a great boxing talent and as an audience, support Tiffanie's fights, either on TV or in person. We're all she's got.
In this way, maybe we can change some minds---so there is more gold come 2012.
I don't think that is too much to ask, do you?
Tiffanie told me the story for the men is different: "They get $6000 a month to support their training-and we get nothing."
What's wrong with this picture? Plenty.
Tiffanie says "the men don't have to work because the support is there. We're second-class in the eyes of the IOC. This has got to change."
Big time, I say.
The head of the IBA women's division put it bluntly: it's discrimination and it's got to stop.
We all were discussing how this is 2009 and these issues shouldn't even be coming up. And what will it take to change the minds of the powers that be. The fact that women are still barred from certain Olympic competitions just isn't right. It's time for a change. And that change must come NOW.
So, the favor I ask is for you to see a great boxing talent and as an audience, support Tiffanie's fights, either on TV or in person. We're all she's got.
In this way, maybe we can change some minds---so there is more gold come 2012.
I don't think that is too much to ask, do you?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
On the ropes
Funny when you catch someone not telling the truth how they hem and haw and backtrack. Such was the case with my visit to the Chicago 2016 booth. I spoke with a young lady who will remain anonymous and I told her of my so-far unsatisfactory dealings with them. I said I had one simple question: why doesn't their head of PR (in fact anyone at their organisation) ever return emails?
After a few shifts of the feet, she said that there "had to have been some kind of mistake" and I stopped her right there-there had been no mistake, "especially after I sent you people six or seven emails with no response." I also proceeded to tell her of the story of a friend of mine who didn't start to get his emails returned until a friend of his joined the bid.
She stammered that you didn't have to have a friend on the bid committee to get a response and my parting comments were that I "thought it was extremely rude and that (I) was not impressed."
Left in the dust: one 2016 rep wondering what had hit her.
In all my years on the Olympic scene, I have never even run into such a disorganised, rude, thoughtless group of people as Chicago 2016. May their bid sink without a trace in October-which is exactly what they deserve.
Because you can't treat the written press like dirt-and not expect to suffer the consequences of your actions.
In this case, defeat in Copenhagen come October.
After a few shifts of the feet, she said that there "had to have been some kind of mistake" and I stopped her right there-there had been no mistake, "especially after I sent you people six or seven emails with no response." I also proceeded to tell her of the story of a friend of mine who didn't start to get his emails returned until a friend of his joined the bid.
She stammered that you didn't have to have a friend on the bid committee to get a response and my parting comments were that I "thought it was extremely rude and that (I) was not impressed."
Left in the dust: one 2016 rep wondering what had hit her.
In all my years on the Olympic scene, I have never even run into such a disorganised, rude, thoughtless group of people as Chicago 2016. May their bid sink without a trace in October-which is exactly what they deserve.
Because you can't treat the written press like dirt-and not expect to suffer the consequences of your actions.
In this case, defeat in Copenhagen come October.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Denver's got it
Tomorrow is the official kick off for Sport Accord but that doesn't mean business hasn't been going on-I think that a lot of the undiscussed i.e. unofficial stuff gets discussed before the start of the published program.
One thing I am hearing in the bars and common areas of the hotel from the locals is how they want to see an Olympics in Denver. But that is never going to happen---1976 remains a not-too-distant memory in the minds of many people and I just can't see that happening. The IOC is concerned with financial risk and takes that into consideration when to award a Games. Admittedly, the risk back then wasn't so much momentary as it was from the environmentalists (emphasis on the mental) but money was lost for sure, although the amount was probably a drop in the bucket compared to today's economics.
We've been warmly welcomed---the service is great, and nothing is ever too much trouble. I'm having a great time. It's great to reconnect with folks you haven't seen in awhile (you know who you are.)
On tap for tomorrow: fireworks!
One thing I am hearing in the bars and common areas of the hotel from the locals is how they want to see an Olympics in Denver. But that is never going to happen---1976 remains a not-too-distant memory in the minds of many people and I just can't see that happening. The IOC is concerned with financial risk and takes that into consideration when to award a Games. Admittedly, the risk back then wasn't so much momentary as it was from the environmentalists (emphasis on the mental) but money was lost for sure, although the amount was probably a drop in the bucket compared to today's economics.
We've been warmly welcomed---the service is great, and nothing is ever too much trouble. I'm having a great time. It's great to reconnect with folks you haven't seen in awhile (you know who you are.)
On tap for tomorrow: fireworks!