A shortage of skilled tradesmen could hinder progress on the Olympic building work, parliament has been warned.

LibDem MP Don Foster said there was a "huge skills shortage" in electricians, plumbers and the building trades.

"Britain is facing a huge skills shortage that could undermine the success of the Olympics," he told MPs.

The government said the Games would be ready on time and addressing the skills shortage would be one of the 2012 Olympic legacies in east London.

That's because everyone I went to school with learned how to make Cuttelfish twatting castings instead of learning how to wire up a circuit or install pipes.

It'd almost be worth the games falling flat on their faces so the public could point at the Government and say "Great job on the education front you useless mongs."

That's because everyone I went to school with learned how to make Cuttelfish twatting castings instead of learning how to wire up a circuit or install pipes.


They just got their sockets mixed up, Andy...Could happen to anyone.


It'd almost be worth the games falling flat on their faces so the public could point at the Government and say "Great job on the education front you useless mongs."


Nah...they'll probably fly in some Poles to do the job.  ;)

They just got their sockets mixed up, Andy...Could happen to anyone.

Nah...they'll probably fly in some Poles to do the job.  ;)




Hahaha, probably, or the blokes that did the Athens games.  ;D

Rather worryingly, there's always the guys who did Wembley... ::)

Would it work out quicker to demolish the Millennium Dome first?

Half the construction workers in Boston are from Ireland, (the other half are Brazilian Portuguese).  I'll send them over, then maybe I can get some work    ::)  .

Half the construction workers in Boston are from Ireland, (the other half are Brazilian Portuguese).  I'll send them over, then maybe I can get some work    ::)  .


Lol and i thought the world saw us as lazy :D

The sooner the Olympic buildings are up, the sooner it will be all be done and dusted.

Lol and i thought the world saw us as lazy :D


Not by half.  I went to a union rally and was surrounded by brogues.  Had a great old time, I gotta say, the guys were a blast.  Half are staying, the other half want to make their money and return.

Today saw the announcement of the design for the new £496m Olympic Stadium.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44223000/jpg/_44223286_stadium203.jpg

Click on image for the BBC News Online report.

Today saw the announcement of the design for the new £496m Olympic Stadium.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44223000/jpg/_44223286_stadium203.jpg

Click on image for the BBC News Online report.
The stadium has already been nicknamed "The Salad Bowl".

A shortage of skilled tradesmen could hinder progress on the Olympic building work, parliament has been warned.

LibDem MP Don Foster said there was a "huge skills shortage" in electricians, plumbers and the building trades.

"Britain is facing a huge skills shortage that could undermine the success of the Olympics," he told MPs.

The government said the Games would be ready on time and addressing the skills shortage would be one of the 2012 Olympic legacies in east London.

Maybe they can import Marion Jones and other "enhanced athletes"--they should be able to get the job done!! ;D :D

Maybe they can import Marion Jones and other "enhanced athletes"--they should be able to get the job done!! ;D :D
Those Shot-Putters can push the heavier items around.

Those Shot-Putters can push the heavier items around.
maybe barry bonds will be able to help as part of a work-release deal ;) :D ;D ;D ;D

maybe barry bonds will be able to help as part of a work-release deal ;) :D ;D ;D ;D
I think the building of the stadium will require all possible hands.

I think the building of the stadium will require all possible hands.
I wonder if the P :Dress "sisters" are still around?? :D ;)

I wonder if the P :Dress "sisters" are still around?? :D ;)
I wish to ask (and feel I shouldn't), who were the P :Dress "sisters"?

I wish to ask (and feel I shouldn't), who were the P :Dress "sisters"?


proably osmething to do with the everley brothers

If the Mayans had it their way, the 2012 London Olympics may not take place.

proably osmething to do with the everley brothers
Would they sing at the opening ceremony?

proably osmething to do with the everley brothers
Uh,no,and it's "Everly",not "Everley".Tamara and Irina press competed in the Olympics in the 60s for the USSR and won several medals.In the mid 60s chromosome testing was introduced---to determine the true gender of athletes--and the Press sisters--if they were women at all--had 'retired' from competition!Some of you older members might remember them.

Would they sing at the opening ceremony?
That would rock! 8)

That would rock! 8)
For the London Olympics the music would come from British music personages.

For the London Olympics the music would come from British music personages.
::)Oh fine,Peggy Mills then!LOL

::)Oh fine,Peggy Mills then!LOL
Mrs Mills?

Uh,no,and it's "Everly",not "Everley".Tamara and Irina press competed in the Olympics in the 60s for the USSR and won several medals.In the mid 60s chromosome testing was introduced---to determine the true gender of athletes--and the Press sisters--if they were women at all--had 'retired' from competition!Some of you older members might remember them.


Actually too young to remember, so I had to look this up...it's quite impressive!

Irina Press:
Gold medal, 80 m hurdles (1960)
(4th place in 1964)

Tamara Press:
Gold medal, shot put (1960, 1964)
Gold medal, discus (1964)
Gold medal, pentathlon (1964)
Silver medal, discus (1960)

Mrs Mills?
Drama Queen mills

Drama Queen mills
Tell me more?

Tell me more?
You know----HeatherMIlls. ;D :D :)

You know----HeatherMIlls. ;D :D :)
'nuff said!

The sooner the Olympic buildings are up, the sooner it will be all be done and dusted.


Five years have passed...I'm thinking it's about time! :D

Five years have passed...I'm thinking it's about time! :D
It all looks to be ready now.

It all looks to be ready now.


Good. The let the Games begin!

Good. The let the Games begin!
They have to finish off selling the tickets first.

Olympic ticket sales to resume 'next week' because recent website problems have been fixed

Team GB athletes will compete in dark indigo blue clothing, inspired by the union flag, together with vivid red shoes.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/59239000/jpg/_59239991_team_gb_straight_getty.jpg

There is not enough red!

I'm betting on the transport system collapsing within...ooh, 14 minutes of the opening day!

Also evens favourites that it rains...

Good. The let the Games begin!


And may the odds be ever in your favor!

(What? Why's everybody from the IOC looking at me like they wanna file legal papers 'n' stuff?)

Team GB athletes will compete in dark indigo blue clothing, inspired by the union flag, together with vivid red shoes.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/59239000/jpg/_59239991_team_gb_straight_getty.jpg

There is not enough red!


Scots taking over? ???

Scots taking over? ???
Getting ready for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Bus workers in London have voted to take strike action in a row over their workload during the Olympics.

Typical!

Bus workers in London have voted to take strike action in a row over their workload during the Olympics.


Think I'll try that one on with my employers...

Most likely I'll get a P45 shoved in my hand and shown the nearest exit!

Think I'll try that one on with my employers...

Most likely I'll get a P45 shoved in my hand and shown the nearest exit!
To be in good practice for the expected strike during the Olympics, there is due to be a bus strike next Friday.

http://www.novatogames.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mario-Sonic-at-the-London-2012-Olympic-Games-Wii.jpg

Anybody?


Anyway, the Olympics usually inspire me to be more active when they come around.  (ironic considering what I just posted above)

Many of the members of the British team will be in my town in the run up to the Olympics.  The local university is being used as a training camp for several sports and most (all?) will have to collect their team kit and formal suit from there.

With five weeks to go before the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, london has had the first bus strike, TfL (Transport for London) said between 33% and 37% of bus services were running as usual. btw, I got a lift into work!

With five weeks to go before the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, london has had the first bus strike, TfL (Transport for London) said between 33% and 37% of bus services were running as usual. btw, I got a lift into work!


As usual, I walked...

Why are the bus crews striking? Because they're demanding a £500 'Olympic Bonus' (which they'll eventually get, as the other public transport wallahs have got it)...

Here's the annoying thing - the vast majority of bus workers will go nowhere near the Olympic Stadium (so how will that make their job all the more busier?) and yes, I'd certainly welcome £500 just for turning up to work!

Greedy philistines! I say sack the lot...we've plenty of jobless who'd welcome employment! >:(

As usual, I walked...

Why are the bus crews striking? Because they're demanding a £500 'Olympic Bonus' (which they'll eventually get, as the other public transport wallahs have got it)...

Here's the annoying thing - the vast majority of bus workers will go nowhere near the Olympic Stadium (so how will that make their job all the more busier?) and yes, I'd certainly welcome £500 just for turning up to work!

Greedy philistines! I say sack the lot...we've plenty of jobless who'd welcome employment! >:(
Now the staff at the call centres for tfl are going on strike for bonus!

Now the staff at the call centres for tfl are going on strike for bonus!


Poor lambs! Why not just give anyone who is the least bit affected by the Games a handout?  ::)

Nice one for tomorrow's commute...London Charing Cross station is having a Olympic 'rehearsal'! Not sure what this involves, but it's bound to be a disorganised mess...and a word of warning for anyone intending to cut me up or stop dead in front of me, gawping at their phones...you will be trodden on...hard!

Nice one for tomorrow's commute...London Charing Cross station is having a Olympic 'rehearsal'! Not sure what this involves, but it's bound to be a disorganised mess...and a word of warning for anyone intending to cut me up or stop dead in front of me, gawping at their phones...you will be trodden on...hard!
All the passengers have to dash 100m for they trains in under 10 seconds?

All the passengers have to dash 100m for they trains in under 10 seconds?


No, that's normal...

...as far as I can gather, there's going to be some kind of 'queueing' system, which'll be fun!

UK armed forces are on standby to provide an additional 3,500 troops for Olympic security, amid fears G4S will be unable to provide enough staff, the BBC learns.

Two female athletes will compete for Saudi Arabia at London 2012 - in the 800m and judo

Hundreds of black cab taxis have brought the centre of London to a standstill today in a protest over Olympic traffic lanes.

London 2012 organisers developed the lanes for officials, athletes and approved vehicles, and do not allow black cabs to use the roads.

Drivers believe they will lose business because they are not able to drive in the lanes.

Transport for London have called today's demonstration "completely irresponsible".

LATEST:

Former world boxing champion and Olympian Lennox Lewis is the final torchbearer on Day 65 of the Olympic Torch Relay

Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is chosen to carry the flag for Team GB at the London 2012 opening ceremony.

Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is chosen to carry the flag for Team GB at the London 2012 opening ceremony.
But who will light the flame?

London Mayor Boris Johnson is set to recite an Olympic ode in ancient Greek that he commissioned for London 2012.

Drivers heading into London faced delays of up to two hours on Monday morning after lanes on major roads were shut in the run-up to the Olympics.

David Beckham confirms he will have a role in the opening ceremony of London 2012

Britain's Heather Watson is handed a place in the women's singles tennis after Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko withdraws

I might not watch the opening ceremonies on Friday, but I hope to watch some of the competitions.

David Beckham confirms he will have a role in the opening ceremony of London 2012


As will his old lady...

...she'll be the stick they use to light the Olympic flame with!  :D

David Beckham confirms he will have a role in the opening ceremony of London 2012
Probably to be a negotiator to get the strikers back to work?

Probably to be a negotiator to get the strikers back to work?
Border Force UK has called off the strike for tomorrow!

The London 2012 Olympics kicks off at 16:00 BST with Great Britain v New Zealand in women's football

Olympic officials in London are to blame for a flag row which jeopardised a women's football game at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow, it has emerged.

The North Korean women's team walked off after a video introducing their players showed the South Korean flag. They later returned to play the match.

BBC Scotland understands the video package was sent from London and Hampden organisers had no input.

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "an honest mistake".
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote

    We shouldn't over-inflate this episode - it was unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened and I think we can leave it at that”

David Cameron UK Prime Minister

In a news conference on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Games, he told assembled journalists: "This was an honest mistake, honestly made.

"An apology has been made and I'm sure every step has been taken to ensure these things don't happen again.

"We shouldn't over-inflate this episode - it was unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened and I think we can leave it at that."

Spain suffer shock 1-0 defeat by Japan in their opening group game in men's football at Hampden Park

Andy Murray handed a tough opening round draw - Beijing 2008 doubles gold medallist Stanislas Wawrinka

https://www.google.co.uk/logos/2012/opening_ceremony-2012-hp.jpg

As Google sees the start of the London Olympics 2012

South Korea claim the first two world records of London 2012 in the men's archery ranking round

Opening ceremony director Danny Boyle must be feeling a bit of pressure today.

A short time ago, he said: "It's been a long road, but we're almost there.

"Directors just sit at the back at the end. It's the actors and in this case the volunteers that have to get up and do it. Any nervousness I feel, I feel for them.

"Whatever comes our way, comes our way now. It's extraordinary to be involved in it."

The burning issue:

Who will light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony?

The burning issue:

Who will light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony?
My money is on Sir Roger Bannister, but he did not compete in the Olympics.

The burning issue:

Who will light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony?

Is there a list of rumoured people that are considered?

Is there a list of rumoured people that are considered?

From The Independant

David Beckham
Roger Bannister
Daley Thompson
William and Kate
Sir Steve Redgrave

From The Independant

David Beckham
Roger Bannister
Daley Thompson
William and Kate
Sir Steve Redgrave

Roger Bannister or Daley Thompson would be my 2 favorite choices.
I'd rule out William & Kate, I really think a sports athlete should be the final torch bearer.
How about Bobby Charlton ? Kevin Keegan?
Maybe Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?

Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?

Roger Bannister or Daley Thompson would be my 2 favorite choices.
I'd rule out William & Kate, I really think a sports athlete should be the final torch bearer.
How about Bobby Charlton ? Kevin Keegan?
Maybe Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?

Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?
Whoever lights the flame has (for me) has to be an British Olympian. Seb Coe set up the London Olympics, he has done enough already.

Roger Bannister or Daley Thompson would be my 2 favorite choices.
I'd rule out William & Kate, I really think a sports athlete should be the final torch bearer.
How about Bobby Charlton ? Kevin Keegan?
Maybe Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?

Sebastion Coe?  Steve Ovett? Torvill and Dean?
Even though he is not British, can the final flame torch bearer be Muhammad Ali?

Great Britain's Laura Robson gains place in women’s tennis singles after Croatian Petra Martic pulls out through injury

South Korea claim the first two world records of London 2012 in the men's archery ranking round
South Korea's Im Dong-hyun breaks his own world record in the ranking round of the archery at Lord's, and with team-mates Kim Bub-min and Oh Jin-hyek combined to set a new standard for the team event.

Dong-hyun's score of 699 from his 72 arrows beat his own record by 3 points and South Korea's record team score of 2,087 underlined their dominance in the sport.

Great Britain's Larry Godfrey took fourth place with a score of 680 ahead of the start of the competition proper on Saturday.

Nice to see the Queen at the olympics...hoping Reggie Jackson isn't gonna try to kill her again  (Naked gun film)

China's Siling Yi wins first gold medal of London 2012 with victory in women's 10m air rifle

Fourteen-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps scrapes through to final of 400m individual medley

Great Britain's Helen Glover and Heather Stanning set new Olympic record in first heat of women's pair

Kazakhstan's Alexandre Vinokourov wins the men's road race, dashing British rider Mark Cavendish's gold hopes.

Olympic organisers are investigating why hundreds of seats were left empty

Jin Jong-Oh wins gold for South Korea in the men's 10m air pistol at the Royal Artillery Barracks

Britain’s Elena Baltacha says she will undergo surgery on her right – and possibly left – ankle after the Olympics

I actually did catch a bit of the opening festivities on TV last night, but I was awaiting the arrival of the USA team into the arena. As I recall they had 529 competitors. UK was last, and I forget how many people they had competing.

The First Winner Of The 1904 Olympic Marathon Used A Car, The Second Winner Used Drugs And Booze

ARCHERY

South Korea win women’s team Olympic gold with a 210-209 win over China

WEIGHTLIFTING

Teenager Zulfiya Chinshanlo wins Kazhakstan's second gold of the Olympics, winning the women's 53kg in a world record

TENNIS

Andy Murray beats Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3 6-3 in first round of Olympics men's singles at Wimbledon

CYCLING

Lizzie Armitstead claims Great Britain's first medal of London 2012 with silver in women's road race behind Marianne Vos

ATHLETICS

Paula Radcliffe will not compete in Olympic marathon next Sunday after failing to recover from foot injury

SWIMMING

Defending champion Rebecca Adlington wins her heat but qualifies only eighth fastest for final of 400m freestyle

As of this morning, I think China had the most medals, with 6 (4 of which are gold).

As of this morning, I think China had the most medals, with 6 (4 of which are gold).

China still had the most medals as of this morning, with USA not far behind.

US women rout Angola 90-38 in Olympic basketball today.  Who loves there lobsided games?

American gymnast Jordyn Wieber will not be moving on to the next round, despite winning the gold with her fellow American gymnasts... :-\\

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1280649-jordyn-wieber-floor-routine-was-perfect-response-to-all-around-disappointment

Yesterday the U.S. earned several medals to pull ahead of China in the total medals count.

Yesterday the U.S. earned several medals to pull ahead of China in the total medals count.

China has 41 medals now, USA 37.
Wait till track and field, USA will shoot right by China.
Last time the US didn't lead in total medals at the summer olympics was 20 years ago.

China has 41 medals now, USA 37.
Wait till track and field, USA will shoot right by China.
Last time the US didn't lead in total medals at the summer olympics was 20 years ago.

How about that, China climbed right back into the lead! I haven't watched any Olympic coverage this morning, so I don't know what has transpired since the newspaper out here went to press.

CYCLING

GB's Victoria Pendleton takes gold in the women's keirin. China second and Hong Kong third

CYCLING

GB (Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh and Steve Burke ) win gold in men's team pursuit with new world record

HOCKEY

Great Britain men beat Pakistan 4-1 to go second in Pool A

TENNIS

Swiss world number one Roger Federer beats Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro to reach Sunday’s Olympic men’s singles final

TENNIS

Swiss world number one Roger Federer beats Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro to reach Sunday’s Olympic men’s singles final
Andy Murray is on court in the other semi final

CYCLING

Russian track cyclist Victoria Baranova tests positive for a prohibited substance and has been sent home from the Games

TENNIS

GB's Andy Murray guaranteed at least a silver medal after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-5 7-5 for place in final

SOCCER. Canada's women's team beats previously undeafeated Great Britain 2-0 to move into the semi finals ( and will probably lose to USA )

From The Independant

David Beckham
Roger Bannister
Daley Thompson
William and Kate
Sir Steve Redgrave


But it was none of the above.

But it was none of the above.
...and the choice was well deserved as future athletes.

TENNIS

GB’s Andy Murray and Laura Robson guaranteed at least a silver medal after beating German pair in mixed doubles semi-final

17-year-old American swimmer Missy Franklin broke the world record for the 200m backstroke competition. Her time: 2:04.06

CYCLING

GB trio of Dani King, Joanna Rowsell and Laura Trott break world record to beat United States and win team pursuit gold

ATHLETICS

Defending champion Usain Bolt wins 100m heat in 10.09 seconds to cruise through to semi-finals

Serena Williams of the United States thrashes Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-0 6-1 to win the Olympic women's singles gold medal.

Serena Williams of the United States thrashes Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-0 6-1 to win the Olympic women's singles gold medal.


I saw that. Total domination by Serena. Maria Sharapova screams too much when she hits the ball.

Praise has poured in for Team GB after they won six gold medals - including three in a golden hour of athletics - on their most successful day of Olympic action since 1908.

Praise has poured in for Team GB after they won six gold medals - including three in a golden hour of athletics - on their most successful day of Olympic action since 1908.
...and since the timetable was first announced, that Saturday was nicknamed "Super Saturday".

ATHLETICS

Ethiopia's Tiki Gelana takes gold in women's marathon ahead of Kenya's Priscah Jeptoo and Tatyan Arkhipova Petrova of Russia

Andy Murray beats Roger Federer 6-2 6-1 6-4 for gold

Andy Murray beats Roger Federer 6-2 6-1 6-4 for gold

He finally wins an important one, good for him. He dominated.

I'm watching US vs China in women's basketball, it's 114-66 for the Americans, they were all over China like a rat on a cheetos.

Just waiting for the Men's 100m Final.

ATHLETICS

Churandy Martina finishes second in the first semi final of the men's 100m in 9.91" (a new national record). This secures him a spot in the final later today.

Andy Murray beats Roger Federer 6-2 6-1 6-4 for gold
GB's Andy Murray wins second medal of the day after losing mixed doubles match with partner Laura Robson to take silver

Just waiting for the Men's 100m Final.


Still waiting...? Then you've missed it! :D ;)

Usain Bolt claims the men's 100m title, as he did four years ago. Fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake takes the silver, Justin Gatlin (USA) finishes third.
Dutchman Churandy Martina finishes in 6th place.

Still waiting...? Then you've missed it! :D ;)

Usain Bolt claims the men's 100m title, as he did four years ago. Fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake takes the silver, Justin Gatlin (USA) finishes third.
Dutchman Churandy Martina finishes in 6th place.

Usain Bolt: 9.63
Still the fastest man in the world.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599864_481817238513938_1877112639_n.jpg

ATHLETICS

Churandy Martina finishes second in the first semi final of the men's 100m in 9.91" (a new national record). This secures him a spot in the final later today.


To put things in perspectve: the old record stood at 10.10".

Churandy Martina has clocked times under 10 seconds before, but that was under the (now defunct) flag of Netherlands Antilles.

SAILING

After nine races, Dutchman Dorian van Rijsselberghe is already secured of gold medal in RSX (or windsurfing) - and so he skipped the tenth race. All he needs to do now is start in the medal race on Tuesday. He doesn't even need to finish.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings of the USA have moved on to the semifinals in the Women's Beach Volleyball.

The Olympics should have a 70m dash, 150m dash...100m running backwards, 125m dash, 100m with holding your hands above your head...maybe Usain Bolt might win as many medals as Phelps.

SAILING

After nine races, Dutchman Dorian van Rijsselberghe is already secured of gold medal in RSX (or windsurfing) - and so he skipped the tenth race. All he needs to do now is start in the medal race on Tuesday. He doesn't even need to finish.


He started... and he won. 8)

He started... and he won. 8)


Van Rijsselberghe's victory makes a full circle: we (i.e. The Netherlands) are now both the first (Los Angeles, 1984: Stephan van den Berg) and last (London, 2012) winners of Olympic Gold in windsurfing/RSX. Windsurfing/RSX will be replaced by kitesurfing in the 2016 Olympics.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a successful day for Dutch Olympians.

There was a Gold Medal for Dorian van Rijsselberghe (as mentioned before).

Another Gold Medal was won by Epke Zonderland on the horizontal bar (gymnastics). Zonderland is the first Dutch gymnast to win an individual medal on any Olympics.

Bronze Medals were won by the Dutch dressage team (Anky van Grunsven on Salinero, Edward Gal on Undercover and Adelinde Cornelissen on Parzival). For Van Grunsven, it was her ninth Olympic medal (3 Gold, 5 Silver and 1 Bronze) in seven Olympic appearances. This makes her the most successful Dutch Olympian ever.

Another Bronze Medal was won by Teun Mulder in keirin (cycling, track), where Sir Chris Hoy took the gold. After long deliberations a photo finish for third place proved inconclusive, and thus two bronze medals were awarded (to Mulder and Simon van Velthooven of New Zealand).

From the Washington Post web site:

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings close era of beach volleyball dominance with third Olympic gold medal

LONDON — Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor returned to their Olympic home Wednesday night, stepping atop the medal stand to which they’ve held a deed for nearly a decade. It was different this time for the most famous athletes to don a two-piece.

For years, they've kicked sand in the eyes of all comers, and in that sense the London Games was just like the others. But this one wasn't about just gold. It was equal parts coronation, celebration and a tearful, warm goodbye.

Rest of main article (URL is very long)

Watched the US women basketball team come back and beat Australia..they were so dominant at times.
Now watching the gold medal women's soccer game, US leading Japan 2-1.  Just the look on the American women: They want it more, have more passion, are so physically fit, agressive..I think a few of them could have beat Hulk Hogan in his prime.  :D

US women's soccer team and women's basketball team are so good. 

Usain Bolt!

Wins 200 meter gold at 19.32 seconds.

He wins the 100-meter and 200-meter in Beijing 2008 and in London 2012. The greatest sprinter of all time.

Usain Bolt!

Wins 200 meter gold at 19.32 seconds.

He wins the 100-meter and 200-meter in Beijing 2008 and in London 2012. The greatest sprinter of all time.


He must be hiding something
http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/usain-bolt-racing.jpg

isane, yousane, but Usain is INsane

HOCKEY - Men's semi final (Thursday)

The Netherlands 9 - 2 Great Britain


Not to rub it in or anything, but yeah...you know...not exactly what Team GB had in mind, I suppose.

HOCKEY - Men's semi final (Thursday)

The Netherlands 9 - 2 Great Britain


Not to rub it in or anything, but yeah...you know...not exactly what Team GB had in mind, I suppose.


Was rather painful to watch...I had to keep counting our lot to see if any were missing!

Women's volleyball: USA defeated Korea 3 matches to none in the semifinals; so they will face Brazil (who defeated Japan) in the finals tomorrow.

What an amazing un by the U.S. 4 by 100 women's relay team, world record by almost 1 full second!

HOCKEY - women's final

The Netherlands 2 - 0 Argentina


Another gold medal to add to our tally. 8) We're now on 19 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, 8 bronze), and with the men's hockey team playing the final tomorrow there's gonna be at least one more.

I saw that. Total domination by Serena. Maria Sharapova screams too much when she hits the ball.


"That's what she said!"


Maria Sharapova screams too much when she hits the ball.


But I repeat myself :)

ATHLETICS

Russia's Sergey Kirdyapkin wins gold in 50km walk; Australian Jared Tallent silver; China's Si Tianfeng bronze

CANOEING

GB's Ed McKeever wins gold in kayak single (K1) 200m; Spain's Saul Craviotto Rivero silver; Canada's Mark de Jonge bronze

DIVING

GB's Tom Daley qualifies in fourth for 10m platform final

France's Julie Bresset wins gold in mountain bike cross-country; GB's Annie Last finishes eighth

FOOTBALL

Mexico lead favourites Brazil 1-0 in men's football final at Wembley

FOOTBALL

Mexico lead favourites Brazil 1-0 in men's football final at Wembley

Brazil has been sloppy.

Now 2-0 Mexico over Brazil in the 80th minute.  Quite an upset in the making.

Make the final 2-1 Mexico over Brazil.
Brazil has never won gold in men's soccer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is in attendance at the Olympic Stadium tonight.

ATHLETICS

Mo Farah wins gold medal for Great Britain in the men’s 5,000m to become double Olympic champion

ATHLETICS

Mo Farah wins gold medal for Great Britain in the men’s 5,000m to become double Olympic champion


I saw that. Very impressive final lap.

Historic games, these. At least for Guatemala and Gabon: both countries have won their first Olympic medals ever.

I saw that. Very impressive final lap.
Around about the third final lap it looked a bit dodgy for Mo Farah, but he made it.

Watching the US women's basketball gold medal match. I think France will win by 50 points.

::)

Go USA!

Watching the US women's basketball gold medal match. I think France will win by 50 points.

::)

Go USA!
It's Tom Daley for us.

Go Tom!

HOCKEY - men's final

Germany 2 -1 The Netherlands

Those pesky Germans again, denying us our 7th gold...

Women's volleyball: USA took the silver in the Gold Medal match against Brazil. The bronze medal match took place between Japan and Korea, with Japan winning that one.

DIVING

David Boudia wins a surprise gold medal in the 10 meter platform final. Tom Daley won a bronze.

Make the final 2-1 Mexico over Brazil.
Brazil has never won gold in men's soccer.


It's a shocker that the Brazil men's team has never won a gold, muct like the US women's volleyball team, since both are powerhouses in their sports. Well, better luck in Rio, where Brazil will be the host country. (Let's hope the US women volleyball players don't have to play Brazil if they get to the gold metal match.)

Usain Bolt, a 3rd gold (team 100 m relay)
He picks up the baton, was basically tied with the American..and blows right by him...wow. Americans even tie the world record, but finish 2nd.
Good debate: Greatest sprinter of all time..Carl Lewis or Bolt?

Good debate: Greatest sprinter of all time..Carl Lewis or Bolt?


Carl who? 

Bolt maybe the best sprinter ever, but Lewis was the better athlete.

Thanks London, the olympics were great. The closing ceremonies were fantastic (except the Russell Brand bit)

I'm confused. NBC is saying Great Britian finished third in medals even though Russia has more medals. ???

I'm confused. NBC is saying Great Britian finished third in medals even though Russia has more medals. ???


There are more ways than one to rank the medal scores, but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.

The closing ceremonies were fantastic (except the Russell Brand bit)


Yes, not sure what that was all about...a more self-centered individual you couldn't wish to come across!

There are more ways than one to rank the medal scores, but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.


In one way, Canada finished 13th in medals (with 18). Sorting by golds, we finished 36th. Of course the media here is telling everyone we finished 13th.


Yes, not sure what that was all about...a more self-centered individual you couldn't wish to come across!


When he sang "I am the walrus" ..it just didn't fit.

Pleasantly surprised to see Eric Idle there. At first was hoping for the Rutles to be reunited but the "Life of Brian" song "Always look on ther bright side of life" was great. Eric got away with saying "Life is a piece oh sh1t"  ;D

Too bad the Python's "giant foot" didn't come down on Russell.

http://bigpointyteeth.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/monty-python-foot.jpg
Dammit! Katy Perry get me out of here!

There are more ways than one to rank the medal scores, but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.


Interesting discussion going on there, BTW. How should one rank/weigh the medals won in comparison to things like population, team size, and/or GDP?

In one way, Canada finished 13th in medals (with 18). Sorting by golds, we finished 36th. Of course the media here is telling everyone we finished 13th.


You can't be 13th, because we already are! :P

You can't be 13th, because we already are! :P

Exactly! Our media has lied to us, for the very first time... ::)

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/small/1205/media-media-fake-closing-cheating-funny-demotivational-posters-1336729095.jpg

In one way, Canada finished 13th in medals (with 18). Sorting by golds, we finished 36th. Of course the media here is telling everyone we finished 13th.




You can't be 13th, because we already are! :P



Exactly! Our media has lied to us, for the very first time... ::)

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/small/1205/media-media-fake-closing-cheating-funny-demotivational-posters-1336729095.jpg


Well, no matter how you look at it... by number of medals, or by number of golds... we beat you either way.

Well, no matter how you look at it... by number of medals, or by number of golds... we beat you either way.

No kidding.
After receiving 14 golds at the Winter games, "Our media" expected 30 medals and 7 or 8 golds...  haha!

When has Canada done well at the summer Olympics? (other than 1984, when eastern countries boycotted)
Answer: Never.

No kidding.
After receiving 14 golds at the Winter games, "Our media" expected 30 medals and 7 or 8 golds...  haha!

When has Canada done well at the summer Olympics? (other than 1984, when eastern countries boycotted)
Answer: Never.


Can't argue with that.

After the rather disappointing 2008 Olympics ('only' 16 medals), our people-in-charge were somewhat more realistic in their expectations/goals: they settled for 17 medals. And lo and behold... we won 20!
Still, not all goals were achieved: still aiming for that place in Top 10 of the medal table, and we'd also liked to have won one or two more golds (instead of silver or bronze).
Ah well... there's always Rio 2016. Or Amsterdam 2028.

Interesting discussion going on there, BTW. How should one rank/weigh the medals won in comparison to things like population, team size, and/or GDP?

I would think by total number of overall medals, with ties being broken by number of golds, silvers, and bronzes.
So any countries that each won exactly one medal would have all the gold-medal countries listed first (gold-silver-bronze counts of 1-0-0 respectively), then all the silver-medal ones (0-1-0), then all the bronze-medal ones (0-0-1).

There are more ways than one to rank the medal scores, but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.

Yeah, I noticed it too. Every day the newspaper would list, on the front page, the five countries that won the most medals, sorted by overall medals. Team GB was on there a few times.



... but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.

And sometimes that can get complicated...

Pleasantly surprised to see Eric Idle there. At first was hoping for the Rutles to be reunited but the "Life of Brian" song "Always look on ther bright side of life" was great. Eric got away with saying "Life is a piece oh sh1t"  ;D


I was wondering how he was going to handle that part. He didn't get away with here, they bleeped it out.

Morning DJ, John DeBella, ends his show every day with that song but at that part it's played, "Life's a piece of ish."

I was wondering how he was going to handle that part. He didn't get away with here, they bleeped it out.

Morning DJ, John DeBella, ends his show every day with that song but at that part it's played, "Life's a piece of ish."

It was not bleeped on CTV (Canada) ...I imagine the Brits were waiting for it being quite familiar with the tune, while many Canadians have no idea what that song is and the Execs at CTV were oblivious. I was waiting to see if it went through, and was pleasantly surprised. NBC ( USA) taped delayed the closing (from what I hear) and they may have caught it in time.

I would think by total number of overall medals, with ties being broken by number of golds, silvers, and bronzes.
So any countries that each won exactly one medal would have all the gold-medal countries listed first (gold-silver-bronze counts of 1-0-0 respectively), then all the silver-medal ones (0-1-0), then all the bronze-medal ones (0-0-1).


I think you've totally missed the point there, Jeff. What you're suggesting is already generally used as a means of ranking.
But this system of ranking doesn't seem to do right to countries that have lesser means and/or lesser inhabitants. In general, the poorer the country the less money they'll be spending on things like sports/physical education. Likewise, the lesser inhabitants a country has, the lesser the number of potential athletes to choose from. Both factors make it harder for those countries to seriously compete in Olympics. Therefore a gold medal for a country like, say, Somalia should "weigh" more than a gold medal for, say, Germany, IMHO. And there's your problem - because there's no real objective way to define this "weighing factor".

Interesting discussion going on there, BTW. How should one rank/weigh the medals won in comparison to things like population, team size, and/or GDP?


I listened ( briefly) to a Canadian talk show that tried to "weigh" medals by population.  They said (For instance) that because Canada's population is 1/10 of the USA, we fared better than the Americans because they didn't have 10 times the medals as ours.  I think that's ridiculous beucase the US had 46 times more golds than Canada (haha)

Then a Sports writer (from Canada) mentioned to the hosts that USC (A college in California) had won 7 gold medals (for the US) and Canada only had 1...essentially Canada was beaten by USC. 

You can really do anything with stats....
Netherlands did quite well in the "medal by population" category, I think you have about 17 million people and had more medals ( and golds) than Canada. Jamaica also did well in that category.

I think you've totally missed the point there, Jeff. What you're suggesting is already generally used as a means of ranking.
But this system of ranking doesn't seem to do right to countries that have lesser means and/or lesser inhabitants. In general, the poorer the country the less money they'll be spending on things like sports/physical education. Likewise, the lesser inhabitants a country has, the lesser the number of potential athletes to choose from. Both factors make it harder for those countries to seriously compete in Olympics. Therefore a gold medal for a country like, say, Somalia should "weigh" more than a gold medal for, say, Germany, IMHO. And there's your problem - because there's no real objective way to define this "weighing factor".

Yeah; I guess I didn't totally understand it. :-\\

I was wondering how he was going to handle that part. He didn't get away with here, they bleeped it out.

As the British feed was 'live', there was no way anyone could have edited it out...

Still, it's become a bit of a fairly innocuous word these days (and it was after the 9pm watershed), so I don't think there'd have been too many complaints if any...

Morning DJ, John DeBella, ends his show every day with that song but at that part it's played, "Life's a piece of ish."


When it eventually became a British hit in 1991, Eric re-recorded the offending word as 'spit'...

There are more ways than one to rank the medal scores, but generally medals are ranked by number of golds first, silvers second (in case of equal number of golds) and bronzes third. Team GB have more golds than Russia. Simple as that - although debatable.

So, you're saying if China had won more golds than the US but had fewer silvers and bronzes, they would have won the medal count? Yes, it is up for debate.

Well, the main Olympics are over now, and I have gone cold turkey for sport!

Well, the main Olympics are over now, and I have gone cold turkey for sport!


Does that include the football the Yanks like to call soccer?

Does that include the football the Yanks like to call soccer?
The new footie season starts today!!!!!

Yippie!

Russian hammer thrower Tatyana Lysenko has been stripped of her 2012 Olympic gold after a positive drugs retest. The double world champion had already been banned for doping by the IAAF, athletics' governing body, in April.