2012 Summer Olympics

[Mysticforex 13]

Here at Traderslaboratory we have a good representation of many countries around the world.

It's natural to assume that most people like seeing their home country win.

What I would like to know, is if there is any particular team, or athlete, from your home country that you would like to see do well?

 

Me, I would like to see Anna Tunnicliffe, ( Sailing Team ), and the women's soccer, ahh, I mean Futbol team do well. aside from that I always follow Track and Field, did a bit of running in school.

 

Who are you cheering for ?

 

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[BlueHorseshoe 10]

Here at Traderslaboratory we have a good representation of many countries around the world.

It's natural to assume that most people like seeing their home country win.

What I would like to know, is if there is any particular team, or athlete, from your home country that you would like to see do well?

 

Me, I would like to see Anna Tunnicliffe, ( Sailing Team ), and the women's soccer, ahh, I mean Futbol team do well. aside from that I always follow Track and Field, did a bit of running in school.

 

Who are you cheering for ?

 

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I'm not cheering for anyone.

 

Massive areas of the north of England are depressed, god-forsaken, post-industrial wastelands - the expenditure on three weeks of people in London chasing balls, throwing sticks and things around, and splashing about in over-chlorinated water is completely unjustifiable in my opinion. If only this money could have been spent on genuine regeneration . . . It's exactly the same sort of mindset that led to subprime - spend the money on having a good time now rather than think ahead.

 

Not that I want to be a killjoy or anything!

 

BlueHorseshoe

[GlassOnion 12]

London Olympics could net British economy profit of 13 billion pounds.

 

London Olympics could net British economy profit of 13 billion pounds - Sport - DNA

[SIUYA 11]

not taking sides, however.....

The Olympics Will Lose London Tourism Money - Forbes

 

I have zero interest in the hype and ceremony and shudder at the organisational skills that will accompany the events. (A taxi driver told my partner that the olympic organisers sent out forms to them telling them "to avoid disruptions and minimise issues during the games, ideally you should try and work from home"), but i do think like ANY project good can come from it, and if money is spent wisely then who knows, maybe it will be ok. (has anyone asked what happens to the planes that are shot down over London by the missles on the buildings roofs over here??)

 

Otherwise, I managed to snag some tickets to the boxing (courtesy a friend), and will be supporting the paralympians instead, I will likely watch it in the back ground but that is it. (very un Australian not to be a rabid sports follower, but seriously how many atheltics events do you watch in between the 4 years - prefer other sports)

[Mysticforex 13]

not taking sides, however.....

The Olympics Will Lose London Tourism Money - Forbes

 

I have zero interest in the hype and ceremony and shudder at the organisational skills that will accompany the events. (A taxi driver told my partner that the olympic organisers sent out forms to them telling them "to avoid disruptions and minimise issues during the games, ideally you should try and work from home"), but i do think like ANY project good can come from it, and if money is spent wisely then who knows, maybe it will be ok. (has anyone asked what happens to the planes that are shot down over London by the missles on the buildings roofs over here??)

 

Otherwise, I managed to snag some tickets to the boxing (courtesy a friend), and will be supporting the paralympians instead, I will likely watch it in the back ground but that is it. (very un Australian not to be a rabid sports follower, but seriously how many atheltics events do you watch in between the 4 years - prefer other sports)

 

 

Between the 4 years . . hmmm.

 

Occasional Formula 1

 

Isle of Mann TT

 

The America's Cup ( once every 4 years ).

 

And . . . . if the Yankee's make the Series.

[TheNegotiator 13]

I have zero interest in the hype and ceremony and shudder at the organisational skills that will accompany the events. (A taxi driver told my partner that the olympic organisers sent out forms to them telling them "to avoid disruptions and minimise issues during the games, ideally you should try and work from home"),

 

Hahaha! According to the organisers Joe Allen is also English (Welsh international footballer playing for 'Team GB'). Plus they have already insulted the North Koreans by using the South Korean flag! Unbelievable. Still, Mitt Romney called Ed Miliband "Mr Leader". Dumbass. (I know technically he's the leader of the opposition, but nobody else wanted the job!)

 

Anyway, I hope 'Team GB' does well. I won't particularly follow it but I might watch a bit here and there. In spite of other comments, I think it is a good thing to have the olympics. I know it's expensive and a big disruption, but also it gives people a bit of pride (or shames them into doing things better) and inspires many especially young people. Maybe Mystic should arrange a "trading olympics" instead of the standard forex comp.

[bobcollett 10]

I watched the Opening Ceremony on TV on Friday night. It was great.

As neither Golf, or Cricket, are Olympic sports I have only a passing interest.

I do support Rodger Federer.

Now I ask myself. How can I make some money from the Olympics?

Will the pound go up?

In 2010, while the rest of the world economies were suffering, South Africa was very active staging the Soccer World Cup.There was no recession.

And suddenly it was over and the market collapsed.

I think the same will happen to Britain.

I expect some strength in the pound from early August.:2c:Third quarter GDP will improve.

Then be careful. The fourth quarter will be a train smash.And very cold.

regards

bobc

[Ingot54 13]

The world does not deserve to hold games of any sort. I can't 't avoid watching when it's on TV at work ... and yes I'd be hypocritical if I said I didn't enjoy them.

 

But I can't conscience the spending of this money to run "games" when even one child in the world is starving.

 

Now you can spin that any way you choose - it doesn't affect me.

 

The facts do.

 

While the staging of this feel-good-fest is not a bad thing - it's a great healer of nations and a wonderful psychological circuit-breaker from the tremendous pressures placed on the planet by a handful of financiers who need to brought to heel (but will never be, because the regulator is just as corrupt).

 

But we need to get our priorities right, and be making real progress to clean up the planet in every way, before we can feel good about ouselves.

 

I hope every nation gains from the games, and I hope those who hold an opposite view ... or a more accommodating view to mine ... really enjoy them.

 

Under better circumstances I would too. I'm just not in the mood to celebrate "games" while brothers and sisters suffer.

[SIUYA 11]

Between the 4 years . . hmmm.

 

Occasional Formula 1

 

Isle of Mann TT

 

The America's Cup ( once every 4 years ).

 

And . . . . if the Yankee's make the Series.

 

but these are not syncronised swimming, archery, athletics, gymnastics and badminton

I love when people get hyped about the Olympics and then dont care about the sports.....yesterday watched a bit of gymnastics review - the first time since pre WWII that team GB qualified for the mens gymnastics (or something similar). Home crowd, good team, Olympics - the seats were mainly empty. ...., then walking home last night after being out, as well as being in the pub with some friends before hand....every TV was tuned to the beach volleyball......need I say more

 

Plus - Isle of Mann TT - fantastic!

[SIUYA 11]

The world does not deserve to hold games of any sort.

 

But I can't conscience the spending of this money to run "games" when even one child in the world is starving.

 

..........

But we need to get our priorities right, and be making real progress to clean up the planet in every way, before we can feel good about ouselves.

 

Under better circumstances I would too. I'm just not in the mood to celebrate "games" while brothers and sisters suffer.

 

so is this about the starving children, the greedy bankers, the fact that people play games and it forms an important part of any countries culture, the waste of money or it might be something that makes people feel good......what a downer ingot (I thought i was bad - welcome back to TL).....I hope you volunteered to help in some horrible places before you decided to start trading

 

maybe you could combine them and come up with something like the hunger games, or something like banker throwing to the starving masses.

[Ingot54 13]

Siuya - good to be back mate.

 

I think though, that you might re-read what I wrote.

 

You are close to misrepresenting what I said - I didn't infer that the games were a bad thing - only that current priorities are back-to-front.

 

You don't play games in front of people why are crying, and to me - apparent ONLY to me - this is not something I would do. Let's bring the poor and starving of the world and give them a front seat. Let's feed them at the same tables as the officials.

 

Because those who are suffering are not in sight, does not make it OK to be celebrating ANYTHING to the extent of these ostentatious games. I other places of the world, austerity is being imposed on people through no fault of their own. In still other places, austerity is all they have ever known.

 

If that is a downer - then too bad - it is also a fact.

 

You selected parts of my post to quote, while leaving other bits out. I would like to say that I am pleased with your choice - those are EXACTLY the parts I wanted to highlight - thank you.

 

By the way - I am unsure that ANY country has EVER made a profit from the games, despite spending billions to stage them. The official figures spin it differently, I am certain. Maybe those billions would make some difference to someone in another place?

 

But as I mentioned - they ARE a good psychological circuit-breaker in the midst of a deteriorating world. And for a few weeks, they do stroke the ego and make a very small percentage of people ecstatically happy.

 

I just can't join in with the "fun." I do spend quite a bit of effort to make a difference, and I have volunteered to help in some horrible places, but that is personal, and no one really gives a toss about it - and rightly so. It doesn't affect them, or add to their bottom line.

 

And of course, the world is all about the bottom line, isn't it?

 

Re your last line:

I hope you volunteered to help in some horrible places before you decided to start trading

I could ask you the same thing - when did you volunteer to help in some horrible places? But that's none of my business.

 

China swept millions from their homes to create a showpiece for the 2008 spectacle. Was that "in the spirit of the games"?

 

Games?

 

Anyway - as I am on my own here, and I have rained on a very important parade, I think it prudent for me to desist from further comment.

 

Yes ... I'm back

[bobcollett 10]

H Ingot,

I dont think Siuya misrepresented anything.It was pretty straight forward.

The Games give the nations of the world a chance to see the big picture, the different cultures,ideas,dress,all sorts of things beside just playing games. And perhaps take back some good to their own country .

At the moment I am watching Womens Hockey. Now this has got to be a waste of TV time. But its my choice. New Zealand v. Australia. Mystic asks us who we are cheering for.I have no preference but the little blond No. 6 in the short black skirt is very nice.

Oh dear ! New Zealand are up 1-0. No wonder you are feeling a bit low.

Kind regards

bobc

[Ingot54 13]

H Ingot,

I dont think Siuya misrepresented anything.It was pretty straight forward.

The Games give the nations of the world a chance to see the big picture, the different cultures,ideas,dress,all sorts of things beside just playing games. And perhaps take back some good to their own country .

At the moment I am watching Womens Hockey. Now this has got to be a waste of TV time. But its my choice. New Zealand v. Australia. Mystic asks us who we are cheering for.I have no preference but the little blond No. 6 in the short black skirt is very nice.

Oh dear ! New Zealand are up 1-0. No wonder you are feeling a bit low.

Kind regards

bobc

It's just a loss, Bob ... traders know how to take 'em

 

Thanks for lightening me up!

[BlueHorseshoe 10]

Anyway - as I am on my own here, and I have rained on a very important parade, I think it prudent for me to desist from further comment.

 

You're not on your own - a frivolous and self-indulgent waste of money without a doubt.

 

BlueHorseshoe

[jpennybags 11]

Here at Traderslaboratory we have a good representation of many countries around the world.

It's natural to assume that most people like seeing their home country win.

What I would like to know, is if there is any particular team, or athlete, from your home country that you would like to see do well?

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I spent the entire weekend watching the olympic games… I'm feeling a little guilty at accomplishing little else. It's been 100 plus degrees here for the past month, and with no rain, the city smells of hot asphalt… the best place to be is indoors out of the heat. Laying on the couch, nursing a scotch, and watching television… it's not normal weekend fare at my house, but I can slip into that mode with little fuss. I don't follow sports closely enough to have athletes that I would follow, so all the names are new to me and I don't care who wins.

 

Olympics; good or bad?

 

Cities spend millions on the bidding process alone; to host the olympic games costs billions. The host city is on the hook with a schedule and a deadline… cost overruns will escalate the costs by 50%. I find it hard to understand why these cities line up for the chance, but they do. From studies that I've read it's an iffy proposition that the total cost will be recouped by increased economic activity. There are long term benefits to be had, but if poorly planned and/or executed the opportunity may be squandered. The goal of regeneration of depressed areas is a good selling point, but the only true benefit comes with the improvement in infrastructure and access to the area (the sporting facilities usually go underutilized). Business investment will flow into an improved area such as this, but the timeline is uncertain, and it depends on the overall economy and the business cycle.

 

These studies all estimate that hosting the olympic games is a net positive for the host city, but the gains aren't easily quantified and take years to play out. The bottom line is, that all this could've been achieved more efficiently by just spending the money on infrastructure. Often, infrastructure projects never get off the ground and can't be sold politically. The main benefit: it accomplishes a project on a time line, that once started, can't get sidelined for political reasons. Maybe that's good enough reason to host the olympics.