Jess - How's London 2012 coming along ?

[Blackford Oakes]

If I read you right, you're in London, or have been there recently.

Just wondering if you have any chatter from abroad about the preparation to report.

Through another scope, Brazil is struggling in it's prep for the World Cup. Just don't see that happening in the UK.

I've been anticipating LONDON 2012 this siince Jimmy Page ripped some chords at the close of Beijing 2008. I got the bug from the 1984 games and the many events I was blessed to see that year.

[Blackford Oakes]

One more thing about the Olympics: I'm a naive purist and insist these competions, or surrounding events be non-political. I'd really rather have these games premantely be held in Greece to try to avoid that. Having Obama prostitute himself to get the games in Chicago was sad enough.

Not only did Hitler use these games for propaganda, we and other countries have as well. Argentina is the new culprit with this cheezy ad ....



If the IOC wasn't such a mafia, I'd sanction any country that dishonors the Olympic Flame.

[Jess]

Yes I am in London and they are already ready for the games. I will be coming back to attend the events and can't wait!

[Jess]

Will write more when I am back this weekend in Miami, typing it on an iPad is pretty tough!

[Gus]

Take lots of pictures! Blackford's question is a great subject for an article. I bet there are lots of people who are interested to hear about what's going on over the pond.

Cheerio, mate! See you when you get back to the States.

Can a bloke call a bird a mate?

[Jess]

Currently all my photos will show is rain! I am happy to know its raining in sobe too. But London right now is amazing what with the Games and Queens jubilee. I am excited for the Games this summer.

[Blackford Oakes]

Can a bloke call a bird a mate?

To be on the safe side, I always call a Brit, a Squire.

These games only start next month - hello, and NBC is totally dropping the media campaign and all they have invested gazillions.


Jess- If you get a chance: follow the Olympic flame on a touring bike the day/night before the games and before it rests for the opening ceremonies. I'm sure the organizers have picked a nice route. In 84, I picked it up only blocks from the house. I tagged with Gypsy Boots, and followed the flame all the way to it's resting spot. It was total pandemonium, full of civic and olympic pride the whole way. A definite hairaiser the whole route. I'll never forget that night.

[Matt Meltzer]

I agree with you, Blackford, politics should be left out of the games (although a president trying to get the games in his own country makes some sense). But funny the 84 games were SUPER political. I actually don't remember much from them other than hearing the name "Mary Lou Retton" a lot. But I also know we cleaned up because all the communist countries boycotted.

[Blackford Oakes]

Ya ! Carter f'd up 1st with the Soviet boycot. Can't blame them if they returned us the favor.

Politics should have no role at the Olympics.

[Jess]

So I am back and London has certainly got ready for the Olympics. They spent millions on a new transport system. All our old underground and overground trains have been replaced with new trains with AC, CCTV and more room for passengers, as the majority of people will be using public transport to get to the events. They have a system in place where there will be certain routes into London with lanes cleared and all lights on green so the athletes and judges can get to the Games with no traffic. The atmosphere in London is so exciting right now and most people I know have tickets to events. I will be going so when I am there I can post photos for you guys if you have any interest. But I'll be supporting Team GB!

[Blackford Oakes]

I'm starting to wonder how the opening ceremonies are going to be pulled off. It looks like a teletubbies landscape that is being produced. The idea is to represent the English countryside inluding farm animals.

Pretty unique concept for the games and hope it doesn't miss it's mark.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012...ery?intcmp=239

[Jess]

That's pretty random.

[Mario]

I'm jealous Jess, you got tickets! For which events?

[Jess]

It was a ticket lottery but we got lucky. No track events, I actually leave before they get going, but am going to beach volleyball and the rowing. My sister is going to soccer and hockey.

[Blackford Oakes]

Track & Field was one of the events I wanted to see, but one of the more expensive events.
With my budget, I spread the wealth around and got to see, baseball, women's volleyball, dressage, men's diving, and Brazil vs France soccer final landed on my lap as a freebie.

Any event is worthy.

[Christy]

Oh my goodness, Jess, rowing??? I am so jealous! That is the one sport I love to watch. The good rowers make it look effortless but if you see them at the finish you can tell racing is exhausting. Not only do I love to watch because I rowed in HS and college, but seriously, all male rowers are super hot.

[Jess]

Are you also going Blackford?

Some people I know are going to the track stuff... 4 people are going to one of the running events and for all 4 it was £2000. My cousins boss is going to the final of the 100m. His ticket was £6000! No way, crazy prices.

[Blackford Oakes]

Are you also going Blackford?

Some people I know are going to the track stuff... 4 people are going to one of the running events and for all 4 it was £2000. My cousins boss is going to the final of the 100m. His ticket was £6000! No way, crazy prices.

I wish. The games I went to was LA84. Back then I paid less than $150 for all the events I went to. Even got a student discount on diving as it took place on campus

The marathon is also a good classic event to see as it doesn't cost you anything.

[Matt Meltzer]

That seems like a lot of money to watch a 10 second event in a stadium. Some people have more money than they know what to do with.

[Jess]

I agree it is a LOT of money. But the atmosphere will be amazing. And it really is one of those things you won't get to do again in your life in your home city.