Relevant Olympic Sports @ the I.O.C.

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Originally posted by rz1:

On behalf of the Northern tier of the United States, we are sorry for not living up to your Southern expectations on how to live life with the resources we have.

This is not pointed to any specific person/group on this board but toward the press, blogs, message boards, opinion pages, and anyone else who has made a mockery of a sport that is played throughout the world.

RZ1 no need to apologize for not living up to the rest of the countrys' expectations... we know you guys are stir crazy in WI. When you think that sweeping a broom is as challenging as running a marathon or skiing down hill at 80mph you've been in the cold too long. And yeah, you're right, that sweeping takes years to master. The great thing is the gals don't even have to stop training when they're 7 months pregnant. And to think people are making fun of it, the nerve!

I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?

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I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?

if fly-fishing was an Olympic event I would not only respect it, but root for the American team to strip line better than the rest of world without prejudice toward the sport. How bout that?

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Originally posted by rz1:

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I for one am looking forward to fly fishing -it too takes years to master and I think people fish all over the world. How bout that?

if fly-fishing was an Olympic event I would not only respect it, but root for the American team to strip line better than the rest of world without prejudice toward the sport. How bout that

Are you sure you wouldn't want to watch ICE Fishing instead? It would take about as much training as sweeping a broom... there could be a contest as to who can drill into the ice fastest. Maybe time trials to see who can qualify.

I love the summer Olympics and pretty much watch every competition I can find but the winter Olympics I just can't get into it. I can watch the speed events like downhill skiiing, luge, bobsled and things like that. Curling I just can't get into it. Mainly for the obvious reasons that I don't understand the rules, it's slow and I just don't understand it.

That being said I totally respect any person who competes in the Olympics regardless of sport. To put that much time, effort and commitment into a sport people hear about once every four years and be one of the world's best is truly remarkable.

As for baseball I don't want MLB to sell out and take a two week break just to compete in the Olympics. Maybe I'm a traditionalist but I want amateurs (or minor leaguers) to make up the teams. Using college players or MiLB players could allow a guy who's not on the radar or stuck behind a first round stud get some exposure and make it.

Athletically speaking nothing can be a greater feeling than winning a gold medal and standing on that podium hearing the National Anthem. I would give anything to have that feeling.

One thing that strikes me watching the Olympics is these people love their country they are from. I'm obviously an American and I love being an American and feel I live in the greatest country on the face of this earth but I get to see some guy or girl from a country I can't say or spell have that same feeling that I do for their country. Very moving.

Best moment I can remember watching is when that sprinter who pulled up lame in his race but wanted to finish. So his dad jumped out of the stands and helped him finish. Loved that.

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dub-L-play quote:
Are you sure you wouldn't want to watch ICE Fishing instead?

Watch ice fishing? I might even qualify and represent my Country .

dub- You're a funny guy....ignorant.....but funny.

Ice fishing is not about the skill of catching fish, rather the challenge of taking on the the most formidable foe known to man.....Mother Nature. Sitting over a hole in the ice waiting for a fish to swim by is kind of stupid. But to sit there, taking Mother Natures wrath, respecting her power, and maybe walking away with some of her bounty to share with your family is something you have to experience to appreciate. If you want to make fun of me or "my kind", you'll have to get in line, and trust me, the line is long, and in the end, we really don't care, because we are, what we are. American and proud.

Later buddy

quote:

Originally posted by dub-L-play:


Are you sure you wouldn't want to watch ICE Fishing instead?

"My uncle went ice fishing once. Caught over 500 pounds of ice. His wife fried it up and they both drowned."

Foster Brooks, RIP

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dub- You're a funny guy....ignorant.....but funny.

And you my friend are easily amused by mad sweeping men. You're right, that is really cerebral. Oh I wonder if he will sweep enough to knock out the opponents stone, the suspense is killing me. Not to worry, because the event seems to go on and on and on.

It might interest many of you that the skill of sweeping in curling is not as easy as you make it--I daresay you just don't walk in off the street and begin to do it --I agree that any man or woman in any Olympic sport is to be commended --they spend many,many hours in practice and preparation to get there and then it is to represent their country--

Just a shame that too many people live in a "bubble" and do not want to leave

I will say on thing about the winter Olympics. Short track speed skating my be the most nerve wrecking sport to watch (if your pulling for someone) that I have ever encountered.

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Originally posted by coach scotty:
I will say on thing about the winter Olympics. Short track speed skating my be the most nerve wrecking sport to watch (if your pulling for someone) that I have ever encountered.

This sport is awesome. From the moment you see it happening, the skill, athleticism, strategy, and confrontation are apparent. It doesn't require some long, sappy dialog from your spouse about how much preparation and dedication it takes to be able to do it. It doesn't require a "well-developed eye" or some sophisticated appreciation of "inhetent beauty" to get into it. It's pointless to be high-browed or pretentiously knowlegable about Speed Skating, because the white-knuckle competetiveness of it is so present from start to finish. Great sport.

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Originally posted by TRhit:
It might interest many of you that the skill of sweeping in curling is not as easy as you make it--I daresay you just don't walk in off the street and begin to do it --I agree that any man or woman in any Olympic sport is to be commended --they spend many,many hours in practice and preparation to get there and then it is to represent their country--

Just a shame that too many people live in a "bubble" and do not want to leave

They spend may hours of practice and preparation - so does my kid on XBOX, but I don't expect him to get a metal for Guitar Hero. It does not take hours and years of working in the weight room, sweating risking injury to improve. Don't care how popular it is around the world - like I said if a pregnant woman can do it, then well, enough said. I'm not in a bubble - just a realist.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:
Ice fishing is not about the skill of catching fish, rather the challenge of taking on the the most formidable foe known to man.....Mother Nature. Sitting over a hole in the ice waiting for a fish to swim by is kind of stupid. But to sit there, taking Mother Natures wrath, respecting her power, and maybe walking away with some of her bounty to share with your family is something you have to experience to appreciate.

If Ice Fishing were an Olympic sport, I would support it enthusiasitcally. I probably would even watch it, along with all my fellow pathetic sports junkies who'll sit and watch any Olympic event. I'd probably even watch some of the feature stories about what a "Battle with Mother Nature" it is, and how the guy had to overcome all kinds of adversity to get there, and how advanced the fishing pole technology has become. I'd sit there watching and thinking, "man, I think this dude's about to catch a fish," and even get into it.

But then when the Hockey game comes on MSNBC...

dub

as was posted above you are totally ignorant o fwhat goes on in the real world

Comparing Xbox activity to an Olympic Sport as you have tells the entire world that.

By the way have you tried beating you kid(s) on Xbox?

I tried beating my kid with an XboX once.

Couldn't catch him because of all the time/money I've spent on his speed and agility training.

So I tried to throw it at him, and messed up my arm. Now I'm a Rag-Arm.

I don't think a person that mentions they don't care for Curling on a message board would qualify them as being ignorant.

Question... If shuffleboard were played in the Olympics, would it be summer or winter Olympics? People can enjoy watching almost anything.

I did like the comment from one of those Curling guys... "There's a lot of Beer involved"... And that came from the Canadian team. Curling is a BIG deal in Canada.

Finally, maybe this will clear up the issue of Athletics or Sports. It's not called the Olympic Athletics or Winter Sports... It is appropriately named the Olympic Games. In this case... The Winter Games! So there is no reason to argue about how those games qualify as athletics or sport.

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Originally posted by PGStaff:
It's not called the Olympic Athletics or Winter Sports... It is appropriately named the Olympic Games. In this case... The Winter Games! So there is no reason to argue about how those games qualify as athletics or sport.

I don't think we need a reason to debate the relevance of events as sports, if that's what we want to do here. I don't believe we're trying to validate the event's title. Imagine if they were so abitious as to call it "The Perfect Olympic Games", or something silly like that. You'd never get everyone convinced.

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I don't think we need a reason to debate the relevance events as sports, if that's what we want to do here.

Point well taken!

If "ice fishing" becomes an Olympic Sport will flasks be part of the permitted equipment?

If I was to be serious about it for a minute, I would prefer watching practically any sport or contest that has amateurs involved. The excitement of watching their emotions (even if all they are doing is sweeping perfectly clean ice) is way way better than watching millionaires drape their Armani shoulders in Old Glory.

For example, I would prefer watching college hockey players get killed for 50 Olympics with the hope of a once in a lifetime Lake Placid event than watching whoever the current flavor "Dream Teamers" are preen for the cameras.

And how did Olympic tenure come into such vogue? It seems I've watch that skater Ono go in circles more over the years than Ted Kennedy.

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
I don't think a person that mentions they don't care for Curling on a message board would qualify them as being ignorant.

If you read dub's post he's either "baiting" or ignorant. Pick the poison. If he doesn't fall into the "ignorant" definition below then he's baiting.

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1. ignorant - uneducated in the fundamentals of a given art or branch of learning; lacking knowledge of a specific field

2. ignorant - unaware because of a lack of relevant information or knowledge.

If you don't like the sport so be it, but don't rip the game and the participants. In this case it's not the "like or dislike" of the game I have issue with, it's the public ridicule of those who participates or enjoy this game or any other form of physical activity they might partake in.

and then follow up with...

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...like I said if a pregnant woman can do it, then well, enough said. I'm not in a bubble - just a realist.

I can't wait for the moms here to pipe in...........enough said.

FWIW- I've had opportunities to curl a few times in my life and never enjoy it.

OK RZ, so I'm ignorant - curling is still shuffle board on ice - (I think they play that on Senior Cruise ships) don't they?

I would prefer to see speed skating with brooms. I can still make fun of a game that requires you to be able drink and sweep at the same time. When they start to get endorsement offers from Nike, then I will eat my words and say yes, it was great you spent all your time learning to sweep... until then I will make fun of it. And if you can't tell I am poking fun at you, get a beer and broom and relax.

quote:

Originally posted by igball:
If I was to be serious about it for a minute, I would prefer watching practically any sport or contest that has amateurs involved. The excitement of watching their emotions (even if all they are doing is sweeping perfectly clean ice) is way way better than watching millionaires drape their Armani shoulders in Old Glory.

For example, I would prefer watching college hockey players get killed for 50 Olympics with the hope of a once in a lifetime Lake Placid event than watching whoever the current flavor "Dream Teamers" are preen for the cameras.

And how did Olympic tenure come into such vogue? It seems I've watch that skater Ono go in circles more over the years than Ted Kennedy.

The definition of amateur status as it relates to the Olympics was a long time question until the amateur concept was tossed out the window. The focal point of the debate was the USSR hockey team. We're these guys amateurs because they were the Red Army hockey team? They were given the perks of special people. They were talented enough to step right into the NHL as they defected. Vladislav Tretiak was possibly the greatest goalie in the history of hockey. It was a joke to call him an amateur.

Track and skiing stars were placing their endorsement money and competition winnings into trusts to maintain their amateur status. The communist country athletes were supported very well and trained free by their countries. There was nothing amateur about the athletes.

sooooo...the guy who says this:

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dub

as was posted above you are totally ignorant o fwhat goes on in the real world

about a guy who challenged Curling, also says this:

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If "ice fishing" becomes an Olympic Sport will flasks be part of the permitted equipment?

about Ice Fishing. Which High Horse are you gonna ride?

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Originally posted by dub-L-play:
...get a beer and broom and relax.

Trust me, I am relaxed, I rarely drink, and my wife insists I haven't touched a broom in years.

We do have one thing in common, neither one of us particularly likes curling as a game. The one thing I think I have learned about you from our "back-n-forth" is that you are the guy in the stands that laughs at the least talented kid on the LL team, the one that thinks its funny when an older person gets confused, and you grew up making smaller people cry because it was fun. All I can say is you don't have to like the game, but respect the pulse behind it.

I really do hope I've read you wrong dub, and I apologize if I did.

rz1 is out.

rz,

Dub must be sending you PM's that say "I love laughing at bad Little Leaguers and messing with retards." Because I'm not seeing the basis for your accusation here.

Seems like the only guy he's messing with is you. BTW, it doesn't looked like he ever stooped so low as to call you "ignorant".

Ooop. Upon further review, I see Dub did call you "stir crazy."

Can we get a Moderator in here to rule on which is more heinous?

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I would prefer to see speed skating with brooms. I can still make fun of a game that requires you to be able drink and sweep at the same time.

The best line yet.... wish I had said it!


So I tried to throw it at him, and messed up my arm. Now I'm a Rag-Arm. (Quote)

Wraggarm ... that's priceless; almost we weed myself!

Regarding amateurism, I read somewhere that the modern Olympics excluded professionals primarily to keep out the riff-raff. They wanted it to be a contest of "gentlemen," and of course these gents didn't want to get their backsides handed to them by someone of a lower social class.

I want to see the best. In many of these sports, an athlete would have to be independently wealthy to participate at a high level as a true amateur. Let them get their sponsorships and compete!

rz, as a mom who spent 30 hours in labor and declined medication as I brought my perfect little infielder into this world 16 years ago, I've been trying to think of a comeback for Dub. All I can say is that curling probably isn't the only thing a pregnant woman can do that he can't.

Besides, you anti-curling men must not have been watching at noon today. That dark haired chick from Switzerland (I think) is HOT!

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The attitude of many of those in the warmer parts of the Country about Curling is embarrassing.

rz1, I didn't mean to embarrass you but you really didn't have to attack my southern heritage because I commented on curling. To tell the truth, if on the IOC I would push for a Chili Cook-off or better yet, a Fish Fry competition.

By the way, embarrassing is how I would describe the behavior of the majority of Yankee fans last time I was there.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Bmom:
That dark haired chick from Switzerland (I think) is HOT!

That does it. Now its time to dispense with the sniping and get serious. We need some background info on this. Let's get some photo's in here, ASAP. We need to create a new fan base.

GOTWOOD4SALE - wake up.

Need to see the Canadian thrower, too. I hear good things.

Wragg,

dub never insulted me personally or said anything that would make a dent in my life. It was just an observation to his sensitivity toward people in general, and specifically those who have a passion for something he doesn't care for, or meet with his high standard of excellence. I do have a history of rooting for and backing up the little guy. That is my passion.

You on the other hand sir, you hit close to my home with

quote:

Originally posted by wraggArm:
"...and messing with retards."

Maybe that's why you didn't see the personality inference, the mirror got in the way

quote:

Originally posted by Prime9:
By the way, embarrassing is how I would describe the behavior of the majority of Yankee fans last time I was there.

At times I would probably agree. I actually root for them to lose every game and have a complete pitching staff meltdown.

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Originally posted by rz1: Maybe that's why you didn't see the personality inference, the mirror got in the way

I can live with this. Score for last personal zinger goes to rz on wraggArm. Can we wrap it up now?

Now, do you guys get it?

None of these olympic sports are worth watching except maybe hockey. But even that's watered down badly with NHL players making up the teams and scattering off for two weeks playing for different countries. Curling? please..How can anybody call sweeping a rock on ice a real sport or someone going down an ice ramp in a sled. The sledding part looks fun but as a competitive olympic sport? Cmon. They should build those sled tracks at a park so the kids could have fun on a snow day off from school..The only time it was fun to watch the olympics was during the cold war when the US hated the Russians and wanted to beat them at any game that was played. Especially since the Russians were all pros and we sent in amateurs. When we beat them, it made them mad. Today with foreign athletes playing in American sports leagues, there's no heated rivalry. Look at the NHL. Players go back to their countries and play against their teamates in the olympics. There's no rivalry there and with the USSR down, there's no Good vs Evil like what the 1980 hockey game v.the Russians represented.

The olympics are a waste...To you folks who are into it, that's your thing but it's not for this cat.

Personally, I'm really into curling.

Now that's intensity!

Oh. My. When does Switzerland play Canada in Women's Curling.

I may be mistaken but I think they went up against each other today

BTW at 6:30 PM Eastern time USA Ladies vs Canada Ladies for the Hockey Gold

I will go on record as saying I strongly dislike "Mens" Figure Skating!

However, I do like "Womens" Figure Skating.