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

Oba and Eba sounds like Ebola... I didn't like them at first but they are already growing on me.

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.

Up against Almaty and Beijing I wouldn't be so sure.

Stockholm pulled out because it lacked the necesarry government support, nothing to do with mountains.

Officials come up with suggestions like this now and then which have no basis in how the Games actually work. I cannot see anything coming out of Norway for the foreseeable future and Norway are capable of hosting by themselves. Cross border bids are only allowed if the principle host country does not have the necessary geographical features and Norway clearly does. I'm still holding out for a future Swedish bid from Stockholm.

Don't forget that Hiroshima hosted the Asian Games in 1994.

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.

The IOC should see this, in private at least, as a massive crisis. Unfortunately their response shows them to be utterly delusional and clueless. Perceptions of the IOC and its demands combined with the realities of the vile overblown spectacle of Sochi have made the Winter Olympics a toxic brand for much of the world and they seem to be completely unprepared for this.

Count me in. Excuse to make a new signature banner.

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?

I think a lot depends on who the opposition is. If it is a German city, Paris, Rome, Los Angeles it would be a challenge at this stage and is probably too early. I think it's fair to say that countries like France, Germany, Italy, USA, South Africa and even Canada if they want it are ahead in the queue for the summer games. But if the other bids were Dohas and Bakus - or even Russia and China - then why not? It's a safe pair of hands and offers a win-win situation on almost every front. A fresh informal and human face that counters claims that the Games are just mega projects for dictators.

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.