Olympics, yes or no
- Thread starter Taz
- Start date
I'll watch the events. But I really dislike the politics of the IOC. Here is an example of why.
The contract is an epic masterpiece of micro-management. Its supporting materials, a set of 33 “Technical Manuals,” take up more than four feet of bookshelf space.
To comply with its terms, London must designate 250 miles of dedicated traffic lanes for the exclusive use of athletes and “the Olympic Family,” including I.O.C. members, honorary members, and “such other persons as may be designated by the IOC.” (These traffic lanes are sometimes called “Zil lanes,” alluding to the Soviet-era express lanes in Moscow reserved for the politburo’s favorite limousines.) Members of the Olympic Family must also have at their disposal at least 500 air-conditioned limousines with chauffeurs wearing uniforms and caps. London must set aside, and pay for, 40,000 hotel rooms, including 1,800 four- and five-star rooms for the I.O.C. and its associates, for the entire period of the Games. London must cede to the I.O.C. the rights to all intellectual property relating to the Games, including the international trademark on the phrase “London 2012.” Although mail service and the issuance of currency are among any nation’s sovereign rights, the contract requires the British government to obtain the I.O.C.’s “prior written approval” for virtually any symbolic commemoration of the Games, including Olympic-themed postage stamps, coins, and banknotes.
So. The IOC pays nothing, Has zero on the line. And acts like the tyrant kings of middle ages Europe. ALL at the expense of the taxpayer. There has not been one bit of profit for the tax paying citizens of a host city in over 30 years.
The contract is an epic masterpiece of micro-management. Its supporting materials, a set of 33 “Technical Manuals,” take up more than four feet of bookshelf space.
To comply with its terms, London must designate 250 miles of dedicated traffic lanes for the exclusive use of athletes and “the Olympic Family,” including I.O.C. members, honorary members, and “such other persons as may be designated by the IOC.” (These traffic lanes are sometimes called “Zil lanes,” alluding to the Soviet-era express lanes in Moscow reserved for the politburo’s favorite limousines.) Members of the Olympic Family must also have at their disposal at least 500 air-conditioned limousines with chauffeurs wearing uniforms and caps. London must set aside, and pay for, 40,000 hotel rooms, including 1,800 four- and five-star rooms for the I.O.C. and its associates, for the entire period of the Games. London must cede to the I.O.C. the rights to all intellectual property relating to the Games, including the international trademark on the phrase “London 2012.” Although mail service and the issuance of currency are among any nation’s sovereign rights, the contract requires the British government to obtain the I.O.C.’s “prior written approval” for virtually any symbolic commemoration of the Games, including Olympic-themed postage stamps, coins, and banknotes.
So. The IOC pays nothing, Has zero on the line. And acts like the tyrant kings of middle ages Europe. ALL at the expense of the taxpayer. There has not been one bit of profit for the tax paying citizens of a host city in over 30 years.
Taz x said:
They have, that's why you get the ridiculous sponsorship situation and master classes in mismanagement of the finances. Set aside the IOC and government fuckwittery though, and the games should be enjoyable. just a shame too many people have their snouts in the trough
Far too much politics in the Olympics......other then that I love it. we had the winter games in 88, fantastic event. Couldn't get a ticket to anything but a low level hockey game ..... and the atmosphere was fantastic.
The economic benefits are huge and the stuff they build helps long term with future training facilities. (Except in Montreal, too much fraud, crime, mob interference, crooked construction contracts ...and mega taxes for the locals)
F1, Olympics, Nascar, PGA tour.......it's a good weekend for TV vegging. I'll watch religiously while on my exercise equipment in the basement.
The economic benefits are huge and the stuff they build helps long term with future training facilities. (Except in Montreal, too much fraud, crime, mob interference, crooked construction contracts ...and mega taxes for the locals)
F1, Olympics, Nascar, PGA tour.......it's a good weekend for TV vegging. I'll watch religiously while on my exercise equipment in the basement.
I want to change my vote after watching opening ceremony last night. Is this poss??
Well I wasn't bothered about it but now I am quite excited! Vote changed to reflect. Thanks Taz
Well I could have gone for not worth it to not bothered either way....
I don't know about EVERY penny but very close. I think the contrast of modern sporting arenas against the historical buildings is great and well thought out. We're at the tennis centre court Wimbledon on Monday, followed by football at Wembley on Wednesday and wrestling at the Excel the following Wednesday. Gonna soak up all that Olympic atmosphere. 
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