Alexjc

Yeah, nothing still tops the 1992 arrow shot! Still...What will they do in London?

Those kids will be absolutly knackered this morning! Still I have to admit that it was a good effort by China, but I feel that these ceremonies are fast becomming more nationalistic as time goes on. The last ceremony of this type was in Sydney2000, just too over the top!

NOT DAME KIRI...She's a total (AND TYPICAL MAORI MATRIACAL) BITCH!!! Still, watching the protesters today pretty much signals what the 2008 games are heading for. Not disaster, but an awarness that China is STILL not a trustworthy member of the global stage. It's wrong to parallel these up coming games to 1936, but the violence shown by the communist government is a sign that a potential IOC tragidy is looming and it will be up to London to repair...As usuall. Roll on 2012!

The DL seems to be quite healthy at the moment, all that good alpine air, so I think it won't matter for now. Still, China has been persistant over not allowing the break up of the former empire, look at Hong Kong, Maccau, and the renegade 'Taiwan' occupied island of Formosa as examples.

China has always stated that Tibet is part of China, part of the loose formed former empire. Would the World be happy if Tibet was to be created a Hong Kong and Macau like semi autonomous state? Probibly, even if it means not allowing the Dalai Lama to return? Maybe.

China seemed to have pushed the right to host an olympics since 1990, even post the Tianamen Square massacre. How they have slipped unter the radar is through it's capitalist style economy way of dealing with the outside world. Threatening no "free trade" deals with those who speak out. - Hence the reason why the likes of NZ refuse to murmer above a low mumble. Their huge "organised" human resorces and industrial might has ensured China has a loud voice on the international stage as the second superpower. India has only grabbed the initiative in the last thirty years and is well on the way to equalling China, but it won't be for another 30 or so years yet.

Thanx for the updates by our China GB residents, it must be hard for you all. Take care.

Woooo this is a good question. New Zealand athletes were told NOT to attend by the then dictator like Prime Minister Robert Muldoon. Who was leaned on by the almighty US of A (just watch War on Democarcy as an example). In those days, the Government held tight sway over everybody as 90% of all jobs were government controlled. The threat was made that athletes would not be allowed to take holidays and employers were forced to come down hard on any that tried to. The only athletes that participated were the rowing fours that had been stationed in Moscow before NZ joined the boycott. They could only attend under the NZOCG federation flag and if they were to win gold, the Olympic Anthem was to be played. Pretty darn stupid if you tell me...all to "keep the good guys happy".

I believe Premium Members are the only ones who can control the moderation options, and post "official" polls...It's our right as paid up members... I'm only dreading the day "J" gathers up enough Nigerian Currency pebbels to pay for an annual subscription!

Well that's me well and truly told off!! I will restart it now. BUT what miffed me was how out of control the topic gets when a certain somebody really winds up. This was NOT suppose to be a pro v anti Gay topic... It was suppose to be a basic poll. sadly when that "somebody" gets a hold of a topic, it becomes a grandstand event for his immature mind,...and we feed off it!

Moderator, We have a "member" in the Commonwealth Games Threads called "James" who is making rather nasty remarks and personal threats against other members when this person is challenged in debates. "James" has only shown up since the start of this month and has proceeded to offend many people already. I'm wondering if he is and alter ego of an established member? Have a look.

Another thing that may not work in Singapore's favor is their intolerence of "Youthful" behaviour. Just ask Micheal Fay. With so many youngsters at the event, can Singapore put up with teenage exuberence! I doubt it! Singapore is a Police State, it needs to be, but tolerence is something they are not known for. There would be a definite international backlash if an incident were to occur. Singapore would be safer to host the CWGs than the Youth Olympics. Great place to work and play, I visit regulary, however a large influx of teenagers, especially of the American kind, would drive the authorities crazy. I don't think Singapore realises what they are getting into.

This could be a litmus test for Singapore to feel out how it could cope with a Commonwealth Games. and yes this could be a final test for Singapore's habit of backpeddling.

I just love all the naysayers that try to do their best to ruin it for everyone else! It gives me pleasure knowing that they are the ones who will say, "what a great Games they were" after the event is over, I've heard it all before...Carry on New Delhi 2010 - just ignor the criticisim.

YEEEAH... BUT.... CAPE TOWN STILL REFUSES TO PUT IT'S HAND UP FOR '14 DOSEN'T IT???