China sure will be the talk of the global town all this year. First, it was the anti-protestors stance then the earthquake and now the Olympics. Seems like they are trying a little too hard with the historical sporting event, maybe with the intention to make the world forget the demerits that the country has been laced with over time.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the absurd steps that China has taken to make the 2009 Olympics a ‘grand memory’.
1.    The fireworks ceremony held at a jam-packed National Stadium on August 8 was not all that it really looked like. The much touted incredible event was a mere illusion. After a controversy broke out over the issue, the game organisers admitted having used a series of illusions that even included a pre-taped footprint shaped fireworks segment.
2.    The venue managers were given instructions to use volunteer cheerleaders to fill empty seats in the stadium. A consequence of which was that the athletes’ families were unable to obtain the tickets for some events.
3.    But the most insensitive one of them all was when a seven-year-old girl was replaced because officials felt that her face was not suitable for the opening ceremony. An older girl was asked to lip-synch the Ode to the Motherland instead, which was recorded in the voice of the youngster.
4.     And didn’t we hear a few days ago that the Chinese authorities have asked girls with plump legs to wear black stocking.
What do I say about the facade that is being presented to the world? I wonder what exactly China is trying to prove here.
via ibnlive

Blake Aldridge gave the recipe for disaster when he clearly showed to the world what a bad team mate he was at the Beijing Olympics. The incident triggered off when Aldridge made a call to his mother from the stands while competing along with partner Tom Daley in the men’s synchronized 10 m platform competition. But that much publicity didn’t seem enough for the 26-year-old who took on Daley in front of the media. First, he accused his teammate of not being able to handle pressure and then went on and on about his age, which apparently is 14 years and 82 days. Oh man, it was such a poor and tasteless performance given by Aldridge. Every word and action of his was reeking of contempt which really didn’t put him in a favorable spot in the eyes of the world.
In fact, many even noticed how Aldridge gave a cold shoulder to his mate without exchanging even a glance at the pre-event ceremony. Later, after the last dive, he didn’t even shake hands with him. Now, is that the kind of friendship and support Olympics symbolize? Definitely not. I guess this incident should be lesson enough for the other sportsperson to leave their ego behind and display some sporting spirit.
Via timesonline

Seeing Monika Devi, the Indian Weightlifter crying at a press conference in a helpless, or should I say infantile effort to emphasize her innocence in the latest doping controversy made me wonder how we comprehend the act.  I feel that she is innocent, not because of the tears she shed but because of the fact that Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is backing her claims of innocence plus the shoddy way in which dope testing is done in India is not news anymore. In addition to that, the politics and regionalism involved in Indian sports is no secret. But does crying in front of the nation help? I seriously don’t think so, and neither do statements like ‘shoot me if I am found guilty’. You internationally acclaimed sports people are our national heroes and  represent our country to the world outside. You are an inspiration to thousands of aspiring sportsmen. You carry hopes of a nation whenever and wherever you perform. Can’t you remain composed for a press conference? I am sorry but you don’t have my sympathy. Rather, what you did is lamentable. And the feeling was ‘pity’ in case of the infamous Kapil Dev episode. As the scenes of the conference are shown again and again on all news channels, the only two words I would utter, if at all, would be ‘poor girl’. 
The fact is, many believe that she should not have been part of the squad going to Beijing, because Shailaja Pujari was a better performer as per the trials. Monika had found the berth because of the politics involved. I guess now its déjà vu for her!

Via cnnibn

Beijing Olympics is around the corner and the Chinese Fashion is blazing hot on the ramp to welcome this Hallmark Event. The Chinese International Fashion Week which showcased the work of 30 different brands was one mega publicity event for the upcoming games!Ok readers, I apologize for bringing this a bit late, for the 40 odd fashion shows happened during March-April 2008. But, I was busy commenting upon the infamous Beijing air pollution (which might seriously affect athletes’ health!) and similar issues.

And then, when I learned about this special Olympic-themed Gown (displayed at one of these shows and shown above) I thought, what a heck, the country sure needs some positive publicity amidst all the negative media attention on its highly-polluted status (after all, the timing of this fashion week justifies the need!!).

So, the highlight was this bright red, made-for-the-event gown, that bore the Beijing Olympic logo on it (of course that was in Chinese) which read “success for the Beijing Olympics”. Besides this there was also a lot of skin show and scorching designs.

 Some rather bizarre stuff was also presented (I ‘m talking about those designs, you know, which arent wearable!).

All in all, the event created a much-needed hype about the upcoming games and the fashion and glamour that one will get to see August 8th onwards. I just cant wait for it now!

Via: trendhunter

While the Chinese Dragon may be all set to unleash it’s vibrancy coming August (at the start of Beijing 2008 Olympic games), concerns are being raised about the successful inauguration of this year’s Olympics, in the wake of China’s increasingly worsening air pollution. The huge country is a leader in sulphur emission and stands next to USA in terms of emission of green house gases. Air pollution in China, is one of worst kinds found on the whole planet. The number of people dying in the country, due to health problems aggravated by this kind of pollution is alarming. Although, Beijing is not the most polluted city in China but its polluted enough to send jitters, among the participating athletes. A large number of them are severely concerned about the impact of breathing highly sulphurous air on their lungs!

To safeguard their health and thus, their performances in the event, Canadian athletics team and Australian track and field team have decided to skip the opening ceremony on August 8th, 2008. Imagine a scenario where, teams from other participating nations also decide to join Canada and Australia. And what if any of these sportspersons (specially those participating in outdoor games) fall severely ill by breathing
Beijing’s dirty air? That going to be a lot of embarrassment for the Chinese organizing committee and the nation as such. So, keeping the Beijing smog and the latest development on the sporting event in mind, the Chinese government has announced plans to ban 1 million vehicles from the streets of Beijing beginning July 20th. Also, there will be an 18 per cent rise in fuel prizes to discourage car owners from driving near The Bird’s Nest (The Olympic Stadium). Here’s the catch! While the ban is being announced for the residents, it will affect the government officials equally because the traffic around The Bird Nest includes 70% state run vehicles!

These latest announcements seem to me like, those save-my-skin tactics adopted by a student being caught cheating in her university exams!!! With due respects to the decisions taken by Chinese govt., I would like to ask, is it possible to change the depressing situation (of air pollution) in a matter of mere 18 days??? So what, if these things are applied and there’s no smog on the morning of Aug.8th and the inauguration ceremony goes well. Who will take the responsibility of the lungs of so many people – the participants, foreign delegations, reporters, media persons etc.? My heart really goes out to the Chinese people who have been breathing in such a polluted state from generations.

How can the Chinese govt. prevent any impending acid rain by calling a ban on cars for a couple of days? And for sanity’s sake, I m not going to comment upon how much ‘distress’ the 18% fuel price-rise will inflict upon the Chinese people. Ofcourse, come what may they would have to digest all this, because it’s a question of national honour for them. While I wish good luck to the China for a successful 2008 Olympic Games and to those associated with it in any manner, I hope the country takes some urgent, sensible and sustainable measures to curb their air pollution, once the games are over.

Via HelensTravelCorner