markun

Kazakhstan has been working on its international profile for some time and I wouldn't discount their chances. Firstly, it gives the IOC the opportunity to award the Games to a relatively stable Muslim majority country that has good relations with most of the world and certainly with the USA, Russia and China. It's a cultural crossroads between East and West and I would expect them to make much of that. The IOC can also be seen to be spreading the Games to different areas. They are currently experimenting with a period of visa free travel for a limited time to promote tourism. They promote themselves a lot in international leadership circles. At work I get various glossy magazines aimed at diplomats and leaders and there are often features on Kazakhstan paid for by the government. And as has been mentioned, they do have hosting experience. It's not an ideal host by any means but I would prefer it over Beijing and I think they might be seen as the least worst option by many.

Please can I have a response?

Can the moderator let us know what the forum's policy is on hate speech and how this is implemented?

Why is the UN branch in Europe an 'EUro'? What even is an 'EUro'?

Kosovo's NOC has been fully recognised: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/dec/09/kosovo-recognition-international-olympic-committee-rio-2016

The visual identity has been launched for 2015 http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=eurovision_2015_theme_art_is_here

There isn't a 'Norway-Sweden' bid. If they did open up the process - which of course is highly unlikely - or block the two current applicants it would be Stockholm's bid (with Åre) that would be resurrected. Oslo's is dead unfortunately.

Well that depends on a) if they actually adopt it and how they implement it. That's not supposed to be an emoji it's supposed to say 'b'!

It does matter. Homophobic legislation is about much more than sex. What message does it send out about tolerance, acceptance and celebrating diversity? These issues are as relevant for kids as they are for adults. And homophobic bullying continues to be a serious reality, sometimes even resulting in suicide. What message does that give young people who are GLBT or questioning? It tells them that they don't matter.

http://www.thelocal.se/20141028/stockholm-to-host-world-cup-ski-race

To be completely honest I think the first European Games taking place in Azerbaijan just reinforces perceptions that major international events are just the playthings of dictators. Russia, China, Qatar, Azerbaijan... terrible place to start in my opinion.

No it isn't. It isn't called the British Commonwealth and hasn't been in some time. It is factually incorrect to call it that.

Is that really necesary?

It is the Commonwealth not the British Commonwealth. Personally I think the appeal of the Commonwealth Games is their smaller scale and friendly nature. That would be lost with any major expansion which is neither necesarry nor desirable.

Going to Eurovision for the first time was the most incredible experience of my life and I am so glad I did it.

Vienna will host the 60th Eurovision Song Contest "Vienna is the city of music and arts in the heart of Europe. Together we will do everything to assure a successful 60th Eurovision Song Contest." says Director General of ORF, Alexander Wrabetz. "We are very pleased with ORF's decision to choose Vienna as the host city of the next Eurovision Song Contest," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervision on behalf of the EBU. "We are confident the city has the experience, people and the facilities to host the world's foremost entertainment event. With the cooperation between Vienna, ORF and the EBU, I'm sure we'll see three amazing shows in May." The Semi-Finals of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st of May, the Final is scheduled for Saturday, the 23rd of May.

Seb Coe has said that Glasgow has 'saved the Commonwealth Games' BBC described it as an opportunity for cities to host an event that is 'Proud, passionate and within their means'.

The conflicting messages coming out of South Africa regarding this bid would be massively problematic for any other bidder. South Africa can probably get over it if they go on to get there act together and bid. But that seems a big 'if' at the moment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/28015180?ocid=socialflow_twitter

I normally ignore your crap but this is ridiculous. You are a vile little man.

Current and immediate projects would be completed by 2016; the second phase would continue until 2019.

Does this mean there will only be female medal bearers? Seems like a step backwards in terms of gender equality after London 2012...