Entries tagged as ‘olympics’
Am I the only one that’s a little bummed out about the decision for the 2012 Olympics to be held in London?
Initially I had no sort of reaction about the 2008 Olympics being held in Beijing–of course others were complaining about air pollution, over population, etc. and I suppose that hindered the way I thought about this year’s location for the Olympics. But, now that the Olympics have started I don’t think there could have been a better place.
Sadly, I am not in Beijing to experience the Olympics firsthand, but from what I’ve seen through the NBC Olympic coverage, it seems like a truly special and, to use a nothing word, unique place for it to be held.
The Chinese culture is quite intriguing and because of the popularity of the Olympics, it forces others to pay attention to, and perhaps even appreciate the Chinese culture and way of life.
One of the contributing factors that makes this year’s Olympics different and more exciting to watch than past Olympics is because it is held in an Eastern country. For Americans, or at least for myself, I don’t think the Olympics are quite as appealing or enjoyable when they are held in the type of society that shares the same cultural values as myself.
But hey, if nothing else I’ve got family that lives in London and what better excuse to visit them than to finally get to see the Olympics in person!
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: 2008, 2012, beijing, China, Chinese, culture, London, olympics, Peking
The Olympics brings the world together.
Is there something magical, intriguing and even a big mesmerizing about the Olympics, or is it just me? I do enjoy the occasional sport, but I am by no means a huge sports fan. After going to football games my entire high school and a few in college all I really know is they run back and forth across the field hoping to score a touch down.
Not that football has anything to do with the Olympics—by the way, what does that say about the sport? (If you can’t tell I’m not a big fan of the football.)
Anyways, that opening ceremony was fantastic. I didn’t watch all of the countries in the opening ceremony, though now I wish I had. Some countries had one or two representatives, and other 10, 15 or even more. Either way, it was evident that every person that qualified for the Olympics and is there in Beijing has a sense of patriotic pride. I almost found myself routing for those smaller countries because this is their once shot at a real dream come true. These people from third world countries have nothing else to look forward to, or hope for.
On the other hand I surprised myself when I realized I was yelling at the TV routing for the US to win. And boy, when I saw the US Men’s Swimming Team beat France I was excited—didn’t quite go nuts like Mr. Phelps but still, it was quite the excitement.
I looked over at my sister and we both gave each other the same look, and then she finally said, “I don’t even know why we’re excited. It means absolutely nothing to us.” It’s not like we’re there, and guess what? Neither of us even knows how to swim! Yet, that rush of winning, and that competitiveness of human nature gave us quite the rush.
Dream: Cover the Olympics as a journalist. Or at least get the chance to go to one…It could happen??? Bob better watch out! HAHA. if only.
Categories: News Commentary
Tagged: beijing, competition, journalist, Michael, olympics, Phelps, random, swiming, swimming, United States, US
Olympicmania: Ode to the Olympics.
August 13, 2008 · Leave a Comment
The Olympics brings the world together.
Is there something magical, intriguing and even a big mesmerizing about the Olympics, or is it just me? I do enjoy the occasional sport, but I am by no means a huge sports fan. After going to football games my entire high school and a few in college all I really know is they run back and forth across the field hoping to score a touch down.
Not that football has anything to do with the Olympics—by the way, what does that say about the sport? (If you can’t tell I’m not a big fan of the football.)
Anyways, that opening ceremony was fantastic. I didn’t watch all of the countries in the opening ceremony, though now I wish I had. Some countries had one or two representatives, and other 10, 15 or even more. Either way, it was evident that every person that qualified for the Olympics and is there in Beijing has a sense of patriotic pride. I almost found myself routing for those smaller countries because this is their once shot at a real dream come true. These people from third world countries have nothing else to look forward to, or hope for.
On the other hand I surprised myself when I realized I was yelling at the TV routing for the US to win. And boy, when I saw the US Men’s Swimming Team beat France I was excited—didn’t quite go nuts like Mr. Phelps but still, it was quite the excitement.
I looked over at my sister and we both gave each other the same look, and then she finally said, “I don’t even know why we’re excited. It means absolutely nothing to us.” It’s not like we’re there, and guess what? Neither of us even knows how to swim! Yet, that rush of winning, and that competitiveness of human nature gave us quite the rush.
Dream: Cover the Olympics as a journalist. Or at least get the chance to go to one…It could happen??? Bob better watch out! HAHA. if only.
Categories: News Commentary
Tagged: beijing, competition, journalist, Michael, olympics, Phelps, random, swiming, swimming, United States, US