Rob2012

Hmmm....if Egypt was a more stable nation, more secure, and was a strong financial bet, I wonder if they'd care too much. The "new norm" seems to be about ensuring no embarrassment to the IOC between the awarding of a Games and the opening ceremony. If you've got things already built and you're a nation the IOC sees as desirable then I'm not sure how much sway it would have. I don't think the problem for Egypt is the "new norm".

On the other hand, one fitted into the 'feel' of the ceremony (it was at least part of a build up to a dance segment), the other was just an extended cartoon in the middle of it with very little obvious connection to France or the Olympics. I think I feel the opposite way to you on this Rols.

I don't quite understand this. The issues Brisbane face are location and cost. The former has nothing to do with whether you're going to copy another stadium (in fact it might make the issue trickier if you have less flexibility over your design), and the latter is not going to be impacted enormously as the vast majority of the cost of a new stadium comes in the build phase, not the design phase. OK, so it might save a few million in design fees, but we're talking a multi-billion dollar project here. Get serious guys. If Optus is ideal for what you need, no harm in copying (maybe tweak the roof and cladding a bit to make it look different), but I don't see how it's a solution to the issues Brisbane currently has with its 2032 stadium.

https://www.facebook.com/share/b7dLxjXgoumMuM9A/

That's a really good summary, thanks. His new idea is interesting...I have no idea of the geography or the infrastructure set up currently there so won't comment on that. But if you want a smooth transition for cricket/AFL into Gabba 2.0, you're going to need to start building it pretty much now if you also want to demolish Gabba and build an Olympic village in its place before 2032!! Like the Northshore option, it all feels like it's all a bit too late to be considering something on that scale. To me, it's still between the original Gabba redveloment and Vic Park (which, admittedly as an outsider, I'm warming to if the guy in the video is right and that portion of the park is underutilised and unloved)

This is so bizarre

Just seen this, sorry to hear what you've been going through, and touch wood everything is now clear. Hope the operation and the recovery isn't too grim. Take care of yourself, and come back when you feel ready (obviously!). Hmmmm....maybe we should all think of some topics that'll really grind your gears to speed up the process of your return.

I get @Scotguy II's concerns, but c'mon....how often will we be able to host a multi-sport Games and have the ozzies pay for them! Symbolically, I think we should have Matt Richardson lead out Team England at the opening ceremony.

Thing is, I would've been horrified if Boris Johnson (then Mayor of London) had announced in a rush of blood to the head that the rings on Tower Bridge would be staying up forever. 99% because it's permanently branding a world landmark (I hesitate to use the word vandalism but it'd be close to that imo). But also, 1% for other reasons such as, y'know, sometimes seeing photos/films of London, spotting those rings in the background and knowing they were taken in that brilliant Summer of 2012. The permanent set of rings in London is in the Olympic park in front of the velodrome (here's me in 2014)...

Next IOC scandal they'll be taken down. https://barbersurgeonsguild.com/magazine/get-rid-drunken-holiday-tattoo/

Ugh....ok Paris, you've had your fun, it's been really great, but go home now, you're drunk. (of course the IOC agreed to it, I bet they can't believe their luck)

Could've fooled me

Some colour!!

And up she goes!

Daphnis et Chloé a wonderful music choice for this lighting.