Well, time for an apology of sorts. The lack of belief that Britain could lay on a spectacular Olympics, let alone achieve in them was clearly wrong. The only embarrassments were the unfilled seats, due of course to corporate greed and politicians love of it, but was resolved to a reasonable degree. And the loss of Wembley's keys by the police and the arrest of a man for not smiling. I think their profiling might need some attention, plus methods.
But other than that, mere bobbies seemed to prove that they can still act like humans (and work as if they were citizens in uniform, as opposed to state enforcers), despite the best efforts I'm sure of the trembling senior officers, waiting for the 'inevitable' terrorist incident.
What we got was world class facilities, brilliant stadia and proof positive that the British are a nation of sports who love sports. The athletes must have been surprised by just how interested the British are in all the events and how we applaud endeavour, not just our own athletes.
So I was wrong to figure that we would cock something up big style and why was that? Because I confused Left influences for genuine Britishness. The British are very good at getting things right, it is just the Left has so infected so much of our society that it is difficult to remember what British people, cleansed of the malign influence of the Left can achieve; they just get on with it.
Our athletes did well despite the incessant and shrill injunctions of the Left that 'all must have prizes'. The nobility of those defeated is indeed humbling and the British public applauded the plucky loser all the more loudly. Little by little, whether it is the corruption of politics, the police, striking Unions, the destruction of education or the justice system, the British people are coming to realise that it is the Left who are responsible for destroying our country.
Perhaps they don't realise just yet that it is quite deliberate, but as with the EU, the penny will drop. There is inequality in the world, but it is juvenile not to accept it. There will never be a society when everyone loves everybody else and no one has more than another. Trying to impose such a society is like telling everyone they must be the same height. The thing to remember about the Left's chant of 'wealth redistribution' is that for them the important part in it is, that they do the redistribution, they tell you what to do.
So yes, the United Kingdom did well in these games and in future we should remind the IOC that the badges should be 'UK', not the inaccurate GBR.
Showing posts with label Olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olympics. Show all posts
Monday, 13 August 2012
Friday, 10 August 2012
Simple Things
Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC continues to display a dazzling ability to have no clue whatsoever about what the BBC is. He seems dimly aware that it broadcasts stuff, but as soon as he realised it also made programmes and that the cost of these was diverting money away from his expense account, diversity training and management team building days out, he scaled them back.
He has led the Corporation towards rerunning programmes as often as possible, to fill the airtime without costing too much. His care for his staff is shown though, in making sure they pay as little tax as possible (and save him money by so doing too).
Today we learn of his concern about the Olympics. Apparently the British presenters, reporting on the success of British athletes to the British public are too excited. Er, Mark, you head the British Broadcasting Corporation, there is a clue in the title.
Other countries are confused by this show of patriotism it is claimed, which just goes to show that being thick and broadcasting isn't just confined to the UK. He says that the coverage should be unbiased. Well, the Corp is showing all the events, so I'm a bit lost as to what more could be done. But as for Britain talking to Britain, thank goodness the presenters have some sense.
It would be nice if, when being unbiased is absolutely required of the BBC it could manage it, but in politics Thompson ensures that a left liberal bias is enforced through all the BBC's output.
I don't know if Mark Thompson empties bins at the BBC, because it would be unpleasant to think he had no utility at all.
He has led the Corporation towards rerunning programmes as often as possible, to fill the airtime without costing too much. His care for his staff is shown though, in making sure they pay as little tax as possible (and save him money by so doing too).
Today we learn of his concern about the Olympics. Apparently the British presenters, reporting on the success of British athletes to the British public are too excited. Er, Mark, you head the British Broadcasting Corporation, there is a clue in the title.
Other countries are confused by this show of patriotism it is claimed, which just goes to show that being thick and broadcasting isn't just confined to the UK. He says that the coverage should be unbiased. Well, the Corp is showing all the events, so I'm a bit lost as to what more could be done. But as for Britain talking to Britain, thank goodness the presenters have some sense.
It would be nice if, when being unbiased is absolutely required of the BBC it could manage it, but in politics Thompson ensures that a left liberal bias is enforced through all the BBC's output.
I don't know if Mark Thompson empties bins at the BBC, because it would be unpleasant to think he had no utility at all.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Home Advantage
It is certainly the case that the noisy home crowd cheering on British athletes is having a positive effect on performances, perhaps even giving the edge sometimes. But otherwise it is just hard work that is turning up our medals.
It hasn't stopped the whingers though, like France and Spain complaining about bias (or cheating). What we have seen though is the opposite. In pommel horse, a clearly unfinished routine that was terminated by the Japanese athlete falling off, was upgraded in marks when the Japanese ludicrously claimed the fall was a 'dismount;. This knocked the British lads to Bronze.
Victoria Pendleton is nudged by the ever professional Australian Meares and in an effort to stay upright crosses a line she should stay inside. Guess who gets penalised? Cycling had of course, already changed some rules in an effort to dent British success at Olympics, but similar US dominance of swimming was fine.
Before the Triathlon the Brownlee brothers are warned that if they cross the line together they will be disqualified. That is assuming they are going to win and that they have such a plan. In the event a penalty was dreamed up to separate them. and the penalty is served by stopping the athlete for 15 seconds, which in such a tough race must be physically damaging if not dangerous. Was it in some way to blame for Jonathan Brownlee's subsequent collapse?
Other countries seem to get enormous latitude. Like a runner banned from the Games for not trying in the 800m, who then produces a doctor's note to say he was injured, but goes on to win the 1500m the next day.
It hasn't stopped the whingers though, like France and Spain complaining about bias (or cheating). What we have seen though is the opposite. In pommel horse, a clearly unfinished routine that was terminated by the Japanese athlete falling off, was upgraded in marks when the Japanese ludicrously claimed the fall was a 'dismount;. This knocked the British lads to Bronze.
Victoria Pendleton is nudged by the ever professional Australian Meares and in an effort to stay upright crosses a line she should stay inside. Guess who gets penalised? Cycling had of course, already changed some rules in an effort to dent British success at Olympics, but similar US dominance of swimming was fine.
Before the Triathlon the Brownlee brothers are warned that if they cross the line together they will be disqualified. That is assuming they are going to win and that they have such a plan. In the event a penalty was dreamed up to separate them. and the penalty is served by stopping the athlete for 15 seconds, which in such a tough race must be physically damaging if not dangerous. Was it in some way to blame for Jonathan Brownlee's subsequent collapse?
Other countries seem to get enormous latitude. Like a runner banned from the Games for not trying in the 800m, who then produces a doctor's note to say he was injured, but goes on to win the 1500m the next day.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Sport In Britain
When I speak of Sport in Britain, obviously I'm excluding football, as the leading participants don't see it as a sport so why should we? There was an interesting point made on BBC Breakfast today by a member of the British gymnastics team (Silver medallists who got Bronze). He said that since Louis (Smith) won Bronze in Beijing, funding for his sport had increased and this had really helped.
So, after this increase in funding Britain gets a medal in his sport for the first time in a hundred years. For me there is another way of looking at that and of course it is that clearly a lack of funding is holding back sport in this country, the talent exists we just can't find it and develop it. This is the result of two things working together; a lack of leadership from politicians and a lack of money from massively rich corporations.
The cosy and largely corrupt relationships between Ministers and business usually mean higher taxes due to incompetence and inattention, high paying sinecures for the politicians and higher prices for consumers. In sport it means people who already work hard at their training have to have a job as well, only have access to (usually substandard) facilities in the early hours and often, nowhere near where they live.
We've seen what happens when the will is there (the Olympic facilities) so it is clear it is just that, once again our politicians really, really don't care about anyone but themselves. Remember, the arch bluster-over-substance merchant Blair 'remained neutral' over whether to bring the Games here or not. That is the level of commitment; even a wuckfit chancer, basing his politics on spin (lies) and PR won't support our athletes.
So, after this increase in funding Britain gets a medal in his sport for the first time in a hundred years. For me there is another way of looking at that and of course it is that clearly a lack of funding is holding back sport in this country, the talent exists we just can't find it and develop it. This is the result of two things working together; a lack of leadership from politicians and a lack of money from massively rich corporations.
The cosy and largely corrupt relationships between Ministers and business usually mean higher taxes due to incompetence and inattention, high paying sinecures for the politicians and higher prices for consumers. In sport it means people who already work hard at their training have to have a job as well, only have access to (usually substandard) facilities in the early hours and often, nowhere near where they live.
We've seen what happens when the will is there (the Olympic facilities) so it is clear it is just that, once again our politicians really, really don't care about anyone but themselves. Remember, the arch bluster-over-substance merchant Blair 'remained neutral' over whether to bring the Games here or not. That is the level of commitment; even a wuckfit chancer, basing his politics on spin (lies) and PR won't support our athletes.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Ah, Football
It struck me, watching the men's GB team in their first game, limply running around and kicking the ball in desultory fashion, that the Olympics must be a titanic shock for them. Rarely can they have come up against people who actually cared about the game they were playing, were proud to represent their country and were, for heaven's sake trying. I mean, it is all so childish, it is not even as if they are getting paid.
And so it has been confirmed with Pearce talking of the players surprise seeing exercise equipment in very active use by the other athletes, their 'jaws dropping' apparently. This perhaps is the final and best confirmation that British players see their talent in terms of the amount of money they are paid by their clubs. They cannot play with each other because there is ego and points-scoring to overcome first.
And a footballer never gets past his ego. The other thing that has become blindingly obvious in these Games is attitude. Any of the sports people the media interview, any of them are a) more intelligent than our footballers, b) possessed of a massive weight of humility compared to footballers, c) much more committed to their (punishing) training schedule and d) pleasant people with a sense of humour.
It shows up for all to see, in sharp focus just what a terrible beast we have created with our Premier League and its money. Our reward for our 'investment' is a boorish, careless bunch of men, who do enough to get paid by their clubs and nothing more. They are ignorant and an insult to our nation.
And so it has been confirmed with Pearce talking of the players surprise seeing exercise equipment in very active use by the other athletes, their 'jaws dropping' apparently. This perhaps is the final and best confirmation that British players see their talent in terms of the amount of money they are paid by their clubs. They cannot play with each other because there is ego and points-scoring to overcome first.
And a footballer never gets past his ego. The other thing that has become blindingly obvious in these Games is attitude. Any of the sports people the media interview, any of them are a) more intelligent than our footballers, b) possessed of a massive weight of humility compared to footballers, c) much more committed to their (punishing) training schedule and d) pleasant people with a sense of humour.
It shows up for all to see, in sharp focus just what a terrible beast we have created with our Premier League and its money. Our reward for our 'investment' is a boorish, careless bunch of men, who do enough to get paid by their clubs and nothing more. They are ignorant and an insult to our nation.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
The Ceremony
It is now essential to have a spectacular opening ceremony for the Olympics and hosts now feel obliged to outdo all previous events. London 2012 was an amazing show of technical brilliance and an example of how to choreograph on scale. The subject matter was a little painfully worked though and I'm sure would have mystified many foreign viewers.
The bizarre eulogising of the NHS was typical Leftie nonsense, only they believe it is the envy of the World. Many people in this country are worthy and some are doctors and nurses, but the Left only deal with ideology. It is a pity such overt (and ridiculous, as ever) political statements dot anything you let the arty Left loose with. Luckily it didn't overwhelm the genuine talent that these people have and the commitment and dedication of the actors, both professional and amateur volunteer.
Highlights were of course the humour, Mr Bean and Her Majesty allowing herself to be included in a Bond skit. Much praise to the orchestra for playing so well whilst a focus is placed on the comedy amongst them. The lighting and the fireworks, again were examples of technical excellence.
Picking the music, of which Britain has an enormous outpouring of immense quality, was poorly done. Too much mediocrity (Arctic Monkeys?), forgetting to emphasise quality. Picking a group to give some focus on, who are popular with a narrow age group of late teens was a mistake. A bit like whoever decided to play a recording of McCartney singing Hey Jude, whilst the man himself was performing. Luckily, despite the hour he was allowed to play on.
Overall, a very fine spectacle and something to be proud of; Let The Games Begin! (Oh, they have!)
The bizarre eulogising of the NHS was typical Leftie nonsense, only they believe it is the envy of the World. Many people in this country are worthy and some are doctors and nurses, but the Left only deal with ideology. It is a pity such overt (and ridiculous, as ever) political statements dot anything you let the arty Left loose with. Luckily it didn't overwhelm the genuine talent that these people have and the commitment and dedication of the actors, both professional and amateur volunteer.
Highlights were of course the humour, Mr Bean and Her Majesty allowing herself to be included in a Bond skit. Much praise to the orchestra for playing so well whilst a focus is placed on the comedy amongst them. The lighting and the fireworks, again were examples of technical excellence.
Picking the music, of which Britain has an enormous outpouring of immense quality, was poorly done. Too much mediocrity (Arctic Monkeys?), forgetting to emphasise quality. Picking a group to give some focus on, who are popular with a narrow age group of late teens was a mistake. A bit like whoever decided to play a recording of McCartney singing Hey Jude, whilst the man himself was performing. Luckily, despite the hour he was allowed to play on.
Overall, a very fine spectacle and something to be proud of; Let The Games Begin! (Oh, they have!)
Friday, 27 July 2012
BBC By The Thames Again
Turning on the telly at lunchtime was a seriously bad idea. The BBC were broadcasting from the Thames again. It was a disaster last time and they were clearly responding to the criticism. The presenters today were from a more serious mould, had little idea what they were doing just the same, talked rubbish mostly otherwise wittering aimlessly.
But, they were talking excitedly. That was the big difference, they were absolutely bursting with excitement for the Olympics and wanted to pass that on to the audience. Clearly the state broadcaster doing its bit to big up an event of national importance. Surely no one is afraid that it might be a bit of a flop?
I think there is genuine pride with most people that Britain has the Olympics and real interest in the sport. It's just that the government and media keep asking if we are 'excited'. We are not children, though it does seem, often that politicians haven't progressed beyond that stage.
But, they were talking excitedly. That was the big difference, they were absolutely bursting with excitement for the Olympics and wanted to pass that on to the audience. Clearly the state broadcaster doing its bit to big up an event of national importance. Surely no one is afraid that it might be a bit of a flop?
I think there is genuine pride with most people that Britain has the Olympics and real interest in the sport. It's just that the government and media keep asking if we are 'excited'. We are not children, though it does seem, often that politicians haven't progressed beyond that stage.
Start Of The Olympics
Today is the day of the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. the countdown clocks have almost finished their work, the stadia are ready, the athletes arrived. Tonight a spectacular show will start the Games. Well, discounting the games that happened before the Olympics started, but were part of the Olympics. Seb Coe said so. He said just before the ladies GB football team played New Zealand that this was definitely the start of the Olympics, although the opening ceremony was in two days and then the Olympics would start.
Or something. It was pure magic watching him try to claim both things and it was only because his interviewer didn't press the issue that he didn't get in a complete mess. The football always starts before the Games officially begin, it's no big deal, but because the jumped up, self interested boobies who 'run' the show make it a big deal, so they hoist themselves on their own petard.
It is entirely possible to watch and enjoy the Olympics without all this grandstanding and posturing by people who tell you they are important. But with special lanes for VIP's vehicles and all the sponsorship crap and the corruption around tickets, these people will always be around to blight the spectacle. International Olympic Cretins.
Or something. It was pure magic watching him try to claim both things and it was only because his interviewer didn't press the issue that he didn't get in a complete mess. The football always starts before the Games officially begin, it's no big deal, but because the jumped up, self interested boobies who 'run' the show make it a big deal, so they hoist themselves on their own petard.
It is entirely possible to watch and enjoy the Olympics without all this grandstanding and posturing by people who tell you they are important. But with special lanes for VIP's vehicles and all the sponsorship crap and the corruption around tickets, these people will always be around to blight the spectacle. International Olympic Cretins.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Olympics
Am I OK to mention the Olympics? Maybe the word itself is under state control. Anyway, with the British propensity for stupidity (enshrined under the hands-on leadership of Tony Blair) I reckon we can expect some cock-ups at the Games.
I must admit to being amazed the complex has been built on time and that the swimming pool hasn't turned out to be 3 feet too short. But we have had our first hiccup, although to blame London 2012 when it happened in Scotland, now the leading sector of the UK in stupidity, is perhaps a little harsh.
The North Koreans were faced with a South Korean flag. Bit of a schoolboy error that one and there is no excuse. If you aren't that good at flags, then you should already be aware you need to check and check again. If you know you are an authority on World flags and don't need to check, then you have just been exposed as an arrogant twerp. Which one is it?
What I am really expecting though is a calamity within the orbit of our wonderful armed police. Hopefully they won't be loosing off rounds, but rather limit their professionalism to mislaying their weapons perhaps, to be found by an 11 year old who has the presence of mind to use his phones' camera and also has the number for the Daily Mail.
Maybe they will get lost or turn up in numbers to guard an event the day before it is happening. Something like that. With the numbers present and with their record to date, I'm sure they will deliver. And of course with such a high profile event, senior officers will be about in abundance (it is strange how important it is for senior officers to keep an eye on the actual participants, participating), so there will be many more opportunities for them to start the stupidity.
I must admit to being amazed the complex has been built on time and that the swimming pool hasn't turned out to be 3 feet too short. But we have had our first hiccup, although to blame London 2012 when it happened in Scotland, now the leading sector of the UK in stupidity, is perhaps a little harsh.
The North Koreans were faced with a South Korean flag. Bit of a schoolboy error that one and there is no excuse. If you aren't that good at flags, then you should already be aware you need to check and check again. If you know you are an authority on World flags and don't need to check, then you have just been exposed as an arrogant twerp. Which one is it?
What I am really expecting though is a calamity within the orbit of our wonderful armed police. Hopefully they won't be loosing off rounds, but rather limit their professionalism to mislaying their weapons perhaps, to be found by an 11 year old who has the presence of mind to use his phones' camera and also has the number for the Daily Mail.
Maybe they will get lost or turn up in numbers to guard an event the day before it is happening. Something like that. With the numbers present and with their record to date, I'm sure they will deliver. And of course with such a high profile event, senior officers will be about in abundance (it is strange how important it is for senior officers to keep an eye on the actual participants, participating), so there will be many more opportunities for them to start the stupidity.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
G4S
That is all you have to say, G4S. You know immediately what it refers to; a failure on Olympic security. The scandal, according to the papers rages around the lack of required numbers, who knew what, when. But what I particularly liked was that apparently, someone realised in December last year that we didn't need 2,500 security guards, but in fact 10,000. How does that happen?
To be fair to G4S they had offered roles to lazy, feckless, work-dodgers and how were they to know they wouldn't turn up for training (or even work)?
Thought for the day though; why so little fury? Security of course is one of the major obsessions of our age, you know, to prevent terrorism. But the government don't seem too fussed, or angry with G4S. The security company itself is mild in its criticism of the government and has quickly put its hands up to failings. And Labour just seem to be going through the moaning motions. There is more to this than we currently know.
To be fair to G4S they had offered roles to lazy, feckless, work-dodgers and how were they to know they wouldn't turn up for training (or even work)?
Thought for the day though; why so little fury? Security of course is one of the major obsessions of our age, you know, to prevent terrorism. But the government don't seem too fussed, or angry with G4S. The security company itself is mild in its criticism of the government and has quickly put its hands up to failings. And Labour just seem to be going through the moaning motions. There is more to this than we currently know.
Women's Football
As everyone must surely know after the continual barking of the BBC, the Olympics start on the 27th July. We expect much fanfare and bluster to accompany it. But are Locog and the IOC sexist? The women's football starts on the 25th. Do they not see it as a part of the Olympics? Not a proper evocation of sport? What?
As we see from the stupid sponsor protection and the Olympics roads, it is a corruption of the original ideal, run by complete and utter morons. Why we had to get a group of people, some of whom we used to respect, to form Locog and engage their own version of this stupidity, I cannot begin to guess.
I hope the sport survives through it and it isn't marred by more Olympic scale nonsense and triviality.
As we see from the stupid sponsor protection and the Olympics roads, it is a corruption of the original ideal, run by complete and utter morons. Why we had to get a group of people, some of whom we used to respect, to form Locog and engage their own version of this stupidity, I cannot begin to guess.
I hope the sport survives through it and it isn't marred by more Olympic scale nonsense and triviality.
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