The Olympics
The Olympics
I've watched a number of the events in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the first I've ever bothered to watch actually. It's clear that what attracts so many to this event is the emotion, each athlete's individual story and struggles, and ultimately the celebrations of the victors which signify the reward for all the hard work and sacrifice; it's about the achievement. No doubt the viewers of the Olympics identify themselves with the competitors. The viewers are competitors in their own lives, in contention with the perceived hostility of the larger universe threatening to snatch away the great prize from their hands -- more money, beautiful mate, fame, power, enlightenment. Imagine if just a little reality entered the picture and the actions of the athletes were seen as existing since the beginingless past. No one would be able to take credit for any of the achievements and the entire over-produced spectacle would fall flat on its face.
The only rational thing I am able to take away from the Olympics is noting that some human bodies are better equipped than others for certain competitions. Look, here is a tall bamboo shoot. Over there is a short one.
The only rational thing I am able to take away from the Olympics is noting that some human bodies are better equipped than others for certain competitions. Look, here is a tall bamboo shoot. Over there is a short one.
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Kevin Solway
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Re: The Olympics
It's gotten to the point now, where if an athlete doesn't break the world record then I view them as somewhat of a failure, given the amount of resources that has been channeled into their performance.kissaki wrote:Imagine if just a little reality entered the picture and the actions of the athletes were seen as existing since the beginingless past. No one would be able to take credit for any of the achievements and the entire over-produced spectacle would fall flat on its face.
- David Quinn
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Re: The Olympics
Once genetic modification becomes accepted in society, the absurdity of the Olympics will reach even new heights. It will be even more of a freak show than it is now.
There might well be a fracturing into different Olympic movements - e.g. the Modified Games and the Unmodified Games.
Perhaps the most interesting would be the Clone Games, where every competitor is required to have the same genetic make-up. This would be fairer at least, as competitors would have to rely on their decision-making and strength of will to gain an advantage, rather than on a freakish set of genes.
Although, given that the ability to make the correct decisions and keep the will strong is itself a freakish gift from Nature, the lack of fairness and the resulting absurdity that is intrinsic in all sporting events would remain.
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There might well be a fracturing into different Olympic movements - e.g. the Modified Games and the Unmodified Games.
Perhaps the most interesting would be the Clone Games, where every competitor is required to have the same genetic make-up. This would be fairer at least, as competitors would have to rely on their decision-making and strength of will to gain an advantage, rather than on a freakish set of genes.
Although, given that the ability to make the correct decisions and keep the will strong is itself a freakish gift from Nature, the lack of fairness and the resulting absurdity that is intrinsic in all sporting events would remain.
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Re: The Olympics
I like the Olympics, although as David said it is unfair and absurd to some degree.
The shallow child in me likes it for the nationalistic competition -ie "my country is better than yours because we (Aus) does well". Mind you without this as a context, then it wouldn't actually be that absurd! We do well because we can afford to put the resources into achieving results. I also like it because I am a voyeur of emotional displays, and at least the Olympics is geared to display more masculinity, it displays Will to Power, which is something well-off societies sorely need.
The shallow child in me likes it for the nationalistic competition -ie "my country is better than yours because we (Aus) does well". Mind you without this as a context, then it wouldn't actually be that absurd! We do well because we can afford to put the resources into achieving results. I also like it because I am a voyeur of emotional displays, and at least the Olympics is geared to display more masculinity, it displays Will to Power, which is something well-off societies sorely need.
- brad walker
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Re: The Olympics
http://www.kansascity.com/495/story/762343.htmlKevin Solway wrote:It's gotten to the point now, where if an athlete doesn't break the world record then I view them as somewhat of a failure, given the amount of resources that has been channeled into their performance.
The Chinese government, in fact, spent at least $1 billion on athlete development in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics, said U.S.-based Chinese athletics expert Xu Guoqui. By comparison, the U.S. Olympic Committee's annual budget is $150 million, with much of it coming from non-governmental sources.
'The Secretary Will Disavow Any Knowledge of Your Actions'
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'The Secretary Will Disavow Any Knowledge of Your Actions'
Becky Akers on the Chinese and American police states. (see photos)
http://www.lewrockwell.com/akers/akers91.html
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Across time and space, Leviathan remains the same. The details of the beast's franchises vary by century and country, but never its putrid essence.
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'The Secretary Will Disavow Any Knowledge of Your Actions'
Becky Akers on the Chinese and American police states. (see photos)
http://www.lewrockwell.com/akers/akers91.html
-snip-
Across time and space, Leviathan remains the same. The details of the beast's franchises vary by century and country, but never its putrid essence.
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Re: The Olympics
Tomas do you ever do anything but gossip?
You are so tedious.
You are so tedious.
- guest_of_logic
- Posts: 1063
- Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:51 pm
Re: The Olympics
Admittedly it's questionable whether Tomas has any interest in the philosophy of the forum, and it's undeniable that he practically never engages with it, however in his favour he brings strong values, quirky, unpredictable humour, and interesting anecdotes to this forum.
You, on the other hand, bring nothing but terse, unsubstantiated personal criticism. I've never seen a post much longer than two sentences from you, and I don't remember seeing a post from you in which you contribute anything substantial or meaningful, or even make an argument: your sole modus operandi is to distribute small pellets of negative energy. I'm not saying that you haven't made substantial posts, just that if you have, then I haven't seen them, or at least I don't remember them. You've got a nerve criticising Tomas.
You, on the other hand, bring nothing but terse, unsubstantiated personal criticism. I've never seen a post much longer than two sentences from you, and I don't remember seeing a post from you in which you contribute anything substantial or meaningful, or even make an argument: your sole modus operandi is to distribute small pellets of negative energy. I'm not saying that you haven't made substantial posts, just that if you have, then I haven't seen them, or at least I don't remember them. You've got a nerve criticising Tomas.
Re: The Olympics
OMG, I'm being attacked!
Listen piss-ant, I have made plenty of posts here.
You would do well to listen, hear, see what enlightenment is.
Listen piss-ant, I have made plenty of posts here.
You would do well to listen, hear, see what enlightenment is.
- guest_of_logic
- Posts: 1063
- Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:51 pm
Re: The Olympics
Yeah, the usual insubstantial insult.
You've made plenty of posts like I've had plenty of craps. None of them are worth anything.
Enlightened? You? You're having a laugh, right?
You've made plenty of posts like I've had plenty of craps. None of them are worth anything.
Enlightened? You? You're having a laugh, right?
Re: The Olympics
It sure does take a extraordinary person to get a gold medal, let alone beat a world record. You just need the right experience, body make up, determination, preparation, financial backing, the lot. Once all of those things fit the criteria, maybe with the added effect of an adrenaline boost, ect. Then there you have it. One word: Ultimate Win ....... [ I'm not funny am I :D ]
Denationalize the Olympics
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Denationalize the Olympics
Concentrate on the athletes, not nation states and their official cloths and songs.
Article by Ryan McMaken
http://www.lewrockwell.com/mcmaken/mcmaken127.html
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Denationalize the Olympics
Concentrate on the athletes, not nation states and their official cloths and songs.
Article by Ryan McMaken
http://www.lewrockwell.com/mcmaken/mcmaken127.html
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Re: Kissaki Face Of An Angel
Touché
'Drunk As A Monkey'
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Photos of George W. Bush 'Drunk As A Monkey' At The Olympics
http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_data ... 1218479857
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Photos of George W. Bush 'Drunk As A Monkey' At The Olympics
http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_data ... 1218479857
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Olympics, a war without destruction
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Olympics, a war without destruction
by Dorreen Yellow Bird
http://indianz.com/News/2008/010373.asp
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Olympics, a war without destruction
by Dorreen Yellow Bird
http://indianz.com/News/2008/010373.asp
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Re: The Olympics
I had some good viewing but then my lower jaw hit the ground!---- they were PLAYING games! playing hockey, basketball, is there softball too? Oh and some kind of water game with a inflated ball! WTF has any of that to do with personal greatness. hahaha seemed ridiculous, it was almost embarrasing. didnt watch it much but id guess may be several GAME competition there, so what happens? the whole fugging team gets a metal to wear!? haha
The Greeks all have rolled over in there graves! haha just too much people jut to much....haha.....................
And the big swimming hero, wow! he must really be great to get All those gold medals.
Lets see, humm.....next time in 2012 lets add 10 more water races, ya, we can add 25 meter, 45 meter with one hand tied behind back, we can add 77 meters fully clothed, 2000 meters dog paddling backwards, we can add MANY more comps and then when we do, guess what, our men will have not 8 gold metals but maybe 18 gold metals!!! "Yeah, that would be a new record! Yeah, ok joe, whatdya say? Yeah, great, man"
hahahahaha
The Greeks all have rolled over in there graves! haha just too much people jut to much....haha.....................
And the big swimming hero, wow! he must really be great to get All those gold medals.
Lets see, humm.....next time in 2012 lets add 10 more water races, ya, we can add 25 meter, 45 meter with one hand tied behind back, we can add 77 meters fully clothed, 2000 meters dog paddling backwards, we can add MANY more comps and then when we do, guess what, our men will have not 8 gold metals but maybe 18 gold metals!!! "Yeah, that would be a new record! Yeah, ok joe, whatdya say? Yeah, great, man"
hahahahaha
- FOREIGNER