Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Mickey1992 on October 03, 2000, 08:34:00 AM
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Am I the only one who felt that many of the US athletes were pompous morons? Until the Olympics, I always thought that Robbie Williams was the world's biggest amazinhunk.
ABC News has a commentary about it:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/sports/DailyNews/olympics001002_commentary.html (http://abcnews.go.com/sections/sports/DailyNews/olympics001002_commentary.html)
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Dunno about most athletes and/or teams...
I know that Barcelona's 1992 Dream Team in basketball was the best group of players in history. In all senses.
Sidney's 2000 Dream Team IV in basketball has been the biggest group os prettythangholes in history. one tenth of 1992's team quality, and ten times that team's sober.
And they nearly got kicked by lituania!
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif)
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Toad, Ripsnort, Udie, where are you?
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
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I'll bet there are a lot of blacks who would love to strangle those morons. What a disgrace (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/frown.gif)
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RAM, he was talking about the arrogant way the american atheletes strutted around. I find it kinda funny actually.
You don't think this is the only time this stuff has happened, do you?
When the Americans lost a medal in Hockey during the last winter olympics in Japan, they threw a fix and demolished their hotel rooms.
The world is used to it. And no, we are not jealous, just the opposite.
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
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Originally posted by Naso:
Toad, Ripsnort, Udie, where are you?
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
Sorry Naso (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) I quit the olympics back in 92 when they split them up. Totaly ruined the whole thing for me. Anybody remember when the whole year was devoted to sports? Then there was taht LOOOONG 4 year wait for the next games. Now all you hear about is who's on what drug or cold medicine. I'd rather go watch my ex boss' son play T-ball. Much more fun to see (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) How some of those kids strike out I'll never know hehe.
Udie
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Yes, i had the same feelings this year, seem to me the olympics passed quietly without attract my attention.
May be the time zone. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/confused.gif)
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I was on Australian time for the two weeks the Olympics were going on. I thought the Sydney games were the best Olympics ever, bar none.
Way to go Australia, you were an awesome host.
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
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Not everyone is ready to be tagged with a medal that proclaims them "The best in the world". Some handle it better than others.
The part about the Olympic coverage in the US that pissed me off was that they only focussed on the American athletes. I'd watch heat after heat on the track and they'd only show the American... even if he/she finished 5th.. then they'd mention who won... never really showing them at all.
Any sport that didn't have Americans competing wasn't shown at all. The coverage sucked.
Oh.. by the way... Cameroon? Spain takes the Silver? Sorry.. but anyone from Spain is not allowed to post in this thread because they simply can't be in their correct state of mind (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
AKDejaVu
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Originally posted by AKDejaVu:
Oh.. by the way... Cameroon? Spain takes the Silver? Sorry.. but anyone from Spain is not allowed to post in this thread because they simply can't be in their correct state of mind (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
AKDejaVu
You saw the match?...those kids are heros. I repeat HEROS:
1). they were all under 23 years. ALL the teams Spain has matched had the reglamentary 3 players over 23 years.
2). they were winning 2-0
3). Cameroon saw one of the luckiest goals they will ever see
4). The referee "didnt saw" (ahem (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif) didnt WANT to see) two penalties, one red card agression, and at least five yellow card tackles, three of them from the same player.
5). Spain had to do 2 player changes before halftime because Cameroon's violent play injuring them. Cameroon saw only one yellow card during that time.
6). Spain ended the match and played the full extra time with only 9 players because the referee expulsed two players of spain, none of those expulsions were right (the second, Jose Mari's...they did TWO penalties on him (one of them with aggresion included).NOT only the referee didn't give the penalty,but JOse Mari saw TWO yellow cards in each penalty because he "simulated them", and so he was expulsed of the match! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/mad.gif) )
7) with nine players Spain holded its own like a lion, and they ever hit the wood in a free kick at the start of the extra time.
8)...May I follow? there is more!
Spain fought, like a team of lions. We deserved the gold medal, but that silver one is worth the gold one.
WTG SPAIN!...<S!>--
F!·$K YOU REFEREE!
[This message has been edited by RAM (edited 10-03-2000).]
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Olywhat?
Sorry, but with NFL kicking into gear, an awesome American League playoff race (Let's Go A's!!!) and close races for the F-1 and CART titles, I could give a rat's bellybutton about any event that features such great sports as "equestrian", "gymnastics", or "diving". I'm sure those are fun hobbies but THEY AIN'T SPORTS!
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
[This message has been edited by funked (edited 10-03-2000).]
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I maybe watched an hour total time of the olympics. Just not the same. I liked it when we had a villain to go up against, one to cuss at. Now dont really care, cept maybe if we play spain (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) I was hoping the dream team would lose, those guys make me sick not a sportsman among um. My greatest moment of the olympics? When Bob Costas signed off. 2nd? when the fat nasty wrestler beat the russian. At first I thought no way, then I felt bad for the russian, the guy was heart broken, really sad to see.
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Dnil---Skyhawk until I get Dnil back :)
Maj. 900th Bloody Jaguars
Part time aircraft restorer. www.kingwoodcable.com/jheuer (http://www.kingwoodcable.com/jheuer)
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Felt bad for the Russian Greco-Roman wrestler too.. except this is his first loss in 13 years... the first point scored against him in the last 10 years. Have to say Gardner really was the highlight for the US.
As for RAM and Spain's soccer team.. talk to the hand RAM.. talk to the hand (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
AKDejaVu
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You want wits and intelligent behaviour from sportsmen? You better watch chess then.
You got a dumb guy/lass who's only prerequisite is being fast/strong/quick, then you slow down his mental development by spending all his time training. On top of that spoil him by making him a national hero, while allowing any illegal drugs as long as he/she is not caught, and it's surprise we don't have more prettythangholes among our sportsmen. Most of them are very decent people!
In good old roman times, sportsmen were let out of the cage into the arena to be eaten by lions. Whoever survived was placed back into the cage. Maybe those romans knew what they were doing? (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
miko
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Originally posted by Naso:
Toad, Ripsnort, Udie, where are you?
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ---Olympics? HuH?---ZZZZZZZZ
Don't pay much attention to anything on TV Naso. Only read the sports pages when I'm out on a trip.
I'd rather be doing than watching... (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) in many things.
As far as their show-off display, I read a tiny bit on it.
Yeah, very tasteless. When I coached youth baseball the motto was "Win with class, lose with dignity."
Guess they didn't ever get to that part of "how to win".
I hope they don't get any advertising endor$ment$.
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I think the best part of the Olympics was the opening ceremony. That was so good, they could go on a world tour, and just call it the "Ozzie Show." That fireblowing part was something. Very well done as a whole.
I was happy when Wilkenson won gold for women's diving. That was cool. Was bummed when the young Romanian women lost her gold for all-around gymnastics, because she took sudafeds. What really stunk was when James Carter ran really well on his final heat for the 400m run, and as he approached the finish gestured back to the other athletes to catch up. Thankfully, he placed 4th in the final. The event that scared me the most was synchronized swimming. Was like an Olympics goes bauhaus nightmare.
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RAM - olympic football is crap - no country puts a decent team in, and noone cares who wins or loses in it.
As for all the yellow cards and red cards you claim - football is a physical game (or at least it is in England). Come watch a Sheffield derby between Sheffield Wednesday (my team) and Sheffield United. By full time, you probably would have sent both teams off! I'm sick of watching poofy foreign 'stars' role around in agony everytime someone so much as invades their airspace. International football is ruined because of over-sensitive referees.
As for most foreign players in England: Overpaid, over-rated and over-here. Very few give anything to their English clubs, except a huge wage bill at the end of the month. They keep our promising English players out of the team, and then pi$$ off, slagging off English 'culture' into the bargain, as if they are intellectual sophisticates. Scum.
Ooops, off topic a bit there.
As for the American athletes most behaved like athletes from any country. But some had their heads firmly up their own arses - that relay team for instance, they were just taking the pi$$.
Most athletes seem normal people - except they have supreme discipline and single-mindedness. I can only admire them.
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Originally posted by Dowding:
RAM - olympic football is crap - no country puts a decent team in, and noone cares who wins or loses in it.
Spanish olympic football team is the same that was Europeand and World sub-21 champion.
If you dont think that it makes Spain a "decent" team then ask yourself why does England sucks as it does in selection football matches. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif)
About "oversensitive" players, oh ,yeah I am sure that Toni Velamazan thinks he overreacted showing his pain when he got a dislocated shoulder after a very hard tackle (he fell in a very bad position). Uh, yeah, sure, oversensitive. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif)
And Tamudo will think just the same with a fisure in the "tibia" (dont know this bone's name in english) after a criminal tackle by the cameroonese number 5 (a truly assasin). I am sure that he can agree with you in that he is an oversensitive 21 year old star...SHEESH! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/mad.gif)
none of both tackles got a yellow card, and they were terrific criminal ones. So dont tell me that football is a men's game. I've played football (left wing in national junior leagues), and I can tell you that there are people willing to break your leg if you try to dribble them.
Football is a men's game. But not an ASSASIN'S game. Remember it.
[This message has been edited by RAM (edited 10-04-2000).]
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...(he fell in a very bad position).
Exactly - just because a player gets injured falling, doesn't mean he was fouled.
Broken bones also don't mean a foul has been committed - I've played uni. football and seen people receive some nasty injuries from perfectly legitimate tackles.
I say again - it is a physical game. Just look at English football in the 70s, if you think players today are dirty. You would probably arrest Souness et al for assault, based on what you have said.
If you dont think that it makes Spain a "decent" team then ask yourself why does England sucks as it does in selection football matches.
It's not Spain's first XI playing at the olympic is it? That's my point - that no-one cares about olympic football. Club managers won't release players for it, for a start.
BTW - England does not have a side in the olympics because we are represented as Great Britain and Northern Island (I don't even know we entered it). We probably would have a decent side if the clubs allowed people to play - Giggs etc, who can't play for England because they are Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish.
Also, the word 'tibia' is latin (I think), and is used in English as well.
[This message has been edited by Dowding (edited 10-04-2000).]
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Soccer players are rutabagas. Period. Even the English ones. Play like a MAN.
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Originally posted by Dowding:
Exactly - just because a player gets injured falling, doesn't mean he was fouled.
Depends. But in Velamazan's injury the defender had ALL the responsability (he did a VERY hard tackle).
Same in Tamudo's case. An assasin tackle with an injury done.
Weren't accidents. Were results of violent play.
And I wont dig into the number 5's agression on Jose Mari (he righly HIT him), because it is too much... (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif)
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Gymnastics and Diving are defantly sports. I classify a sport as an event that, for your partcipation, requires you to be in top physical shape.
Baseball is a game, not a sport. Gymnastics is a sport, even if I don't enjoy watching it.
I find these Olympics were awesome. In Canada we had 4 channels covering, plus the american NBC. Olympics 24 hrs a day for 2 weeks, it was awesome!
Football/Soccer is not a popsicle sport, no equipment. American Football is a popsicle sport compared to Rugby or Hockey. It's slow too.
CFL rocks though.
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Deja Vu Next Olympics try to catch CBC's coverage of it. While proudly Canadian its coverage is broader in scope. Taking in consideration that all Broadcasters are limited in what the Host feeds them.
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This must be the new, International version of "My sport's wang is bigger than your sport's wang". Probably make a great TV game show somewhere....
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ--Olympics?--ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Then ratings numbers in the US pretty clearly show the level of interest here.
Just another thing about us that is different. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
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Deja Vu Next Olympics try to catch CBC's coverage of it. While proudly Canadian its coverage is broader in scope. Taking in consideration that all Broadcasters are limited in what the Host feeds them.
I would have loved that Baddawg... but the option was not available on my satelite system.
It is amazing that I couldn't really overcome my loathing for the coverage enough to really enjoy the Olympics. I wonder if NBC has any idea how lame it really was?
AKDejaVu
BTW.. notice how easy it is to get the Euro's going on "football" rants (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
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I'm proud off my little country with only 15 miljon habitants.
We where placed 8 with 25 medals
we kicked the american baseball team (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
unbelievable
And i liked the american whining about
Inge de Bruin sorry folks she just too good
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
I saw some american runners making a big show before they run what do they think ?
My girlfriend is black and she laughed at them too.
It's not a movie it's a game.
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Bug, are you from Japan? I think the Japanese beat the American baseball team.
Yes, it is funny watching some american athletes "strut" their stuff and show their true colours. You see it so often though, you just expect it and it doesn't suprise you when they do that. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
[This message has been edited by Igloo (edited 10-04-2000).]
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Oly-who?
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The English football (it's not soccer by the way - I hate that word) league is the most physical in Europe (and maybe the world). Most English players are pretty hard, especially those who were around in the late 80s (Adams, Pierce, Wise) - it's the continental stars that have turned a lot of the young English players into whining rutabagas, who are not worthy of being called English.
Go watch a Sunday league game (amateur) if you ever visit the UK - that shows how tough a game it can be.
Football was never designed to be hands-on physical, unlike rugby or its derivatives, though. I had alot of friends who played rugby at uni - very rough game, I value my face too much to play it at any level above secondary school (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif). Good to watch though.
I'm not a fan of American sports - although ice hockey is ok (but that's Canadian, right? (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)).
I enjoyed the olympics - mainly because GB got the most gold medals since 1920. And we kicked everyone's bellybutton at rowing, my favourite sport. We should be up there with France and Germany (given our population) in the medals tables - if only the athletes could be given more money, and have decent facilities. Sydney was a great setting for the games, and avoided the commercialism that spoiled Atlanta, IMO.
Anyone for cricket? Now there's a sport.
[This message has been edited by Dowding (edited 10-04-2000).]
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Originally posted by Igloo:
Yes, it is funny watching some american athletes "strut" their stuff and show their true colours. You see it so often though, you just expect it and it doesn't suprise you when they do that. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
Troll, troll, troll.....
Maybe try a diving lure instead of the topwater?
Say, Iggy, what beer do you drink while you fish? You a Moosehead or a LaBatt's?
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
Don't ya just HATE it when Yanks don't care what YOU think about them? (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/tongue.gif)
It's simply because whenever we feel sad and blue and things look hopeless we just remember that at least we're not Canadians!
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/tongue.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/tongue.gif) (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
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There is one sport in Ireland (It may be in Britian too) and, although I can't remember the name, it is the roughest sport I have ever seen.
It is a mix between Rugby, Football (soccer), and field hockey. Full contact+
I have never seen such a rough sport. Was great to watch!
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
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Originally posted by AKDejaVu:
BTW.. notice how easy it is to get the Euro's going on "football" rants (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
Well, yeah, Deja...but you have to throw RAM back. He's way under the length limit!
Not bad for a little quick roll-cast though!
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Toad, who said it was Canadians who felt that way? In my experience, and I've done a lot of travelling, the world does.
BTW, I drink Guiness.
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
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Igloo - I think you mean Gaelic football (except for the hockey thing - not sure about that (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)). I've heard it is rough. But then so is Rugby League, as opposed to Rugby Union; injuries from the former tend to be much worse because people are tackling opponents who are travelling much faster, because of the difference in rules.
BTW - Guiness is OK, but is overpriced (how much do you pay for it, over there?) and over-rated - there are some far better ales out there. 'Bishop's Finger' is a personal favourite of mine. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
All american beers I've ever had are crap. Canadian beer is not much better - but at least they're not as bad as Aussie beer. Fizzy, belch and vom. inducing. You can't drink more than about 4 pints without spending most of your time belching. It's not really beer either (more like lager) - go to Germany or Britain if you want some real ale. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
[This message has been edited by Dowding (edited 10-04-2000).]
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Ah, once again those wonderful cultural differences (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
After watching American athlestes in action (particularly boxing dudes and sprinters) I can only say that in the US, the philosophy is "if yo got it, flaunt it. And rub it in".
In Denmark, the opposite is true - we eve have a "law" of sorts for these unwritten laws of social interaction - called the Jante Law. basically says "Don't think yu're anything. Don't think you're better than anyone - you ain't" and it goes on. Was written by a Dane living in exile in Norway who got sort of pissed with this general attitude here. I am too at times.
Nevertheless, gloating and bragging is considered extremely bad practise here. Americans exhibiting such behavior will likely find themselves either with a very little group of like minded individuals, or completely frozen out. I don't know a place where humility is considered bad practise.
¨So, if any of you yanks havbe a beer with the average Dane in Denmark, my advice is not to boast and gloat too much. Might get away with it with teenagers, but most older people consider it very rude and will act accordingly (and kick yer American ass, now that you have no gun to weenie your way outta it).
Just HAD to add that last one (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
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StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
(http://voices.vossnet.co.uk/t/toles/9jg54.gif)
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Santa, you are seeing a cultural split inside US society. A large group still adheres to sporting ethics similar to what you describe. Another group, which for whatever reason is more successful in sports on a per-capita basis, has popularized the "in-your-face" garbage. But don't get the idea that the majority of the US sporting audience approves of this roadkill.
Another thing to consider is that most of the international Olympic sports have very little meaning in the US. The most important sports to the US public are games like baseball, football, and basketball, where international competition is irrelevant. Sure some of these sports are played in the Olympics, but the rest of the world is not competitive at our national pastimes, and interest in the US is therefore tiny.
Track and field, soccer, winter sports, and most of the other Olympic sports are a faint blip on the radar screen. Not only are we unaware of who the best hurdler or rower or synchronized swimmer is, most of us don't care. A lot of hype about athletes in these sports is generated by the shoe and soft drink companies, but the guy on the street just doesn't give a toejam.
So maybe these Olympic idiots are acting out in an effort to draw attention and increase their profile in the US?
PS One nice thing about US sports like baseball, football, and basketball, is that the players can regulate behavior of other players. If you humiliate a pitcher by celebrating too much after a home run, you can expect some "chin music" in your next at-bat - a pitch near your face. If you celebrate too much after a touchdown, you might get knocked on your bellybutton like Terrell Owens a couple of weeks ago. George Teague interrupted Owens' lengthy celebration by applying a body tackle after a 50-yard sprint.
[This message has been edited by funked (edited 10-05-2000).]
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Copy that funked, glad I'd gotten the wrong impression.
No one likes a gloating smart ass, I guess. I sort of like these self regulating things, like what you described with baseball (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif).
You'll find it in soccer too - oh that tackle was just a "little" late, ooh, how bad. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
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StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
(http://voices.vossnet.co.uk/t/toles/9jg54.gif)
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Santa, I have traveled through Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Norway, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, the Yucatan and some of Tibet.
In almost every one of these locations, the same impression, the one you describe above is prevaliant in regards to americans. I'm not trying to troll or insult anyone here or anything, but the arrogance and rudeness does get on people's nerves - world wide.
While I was in Egypt this past April (I lead tours there) I found 90% of the americans acting very rude towards the local people. If you see some moron in shorts and T-shirt walking down the street in Cairo, 95% of the time, you know where he is from. Egypt is an Islamic country and wearing shorts would draw the same attention as wearing underwear. The respect for local culture, in many cases, simply does not exist. In Egypt, men walk down the street holding hands as a sign of friendship. Sure enough some americans (yes they were american) were yelling out some very offencive statements towards them. Should the locals have been able to understand what they were saying, they would have been in A LOT of trouble.
The same attitude amongst american travelers exists world wide. And although you'll find the odd one that takes the time to educate him or her self about local traditions and customs, on the whole, they are a very ego orentated bunch and expect respect just because they are american.
Surly you would expect someone to walk down your streets with their shirt on, even though in thier country it doesn't matter? Surly you feel you deserve at least that much respect for allowing that individual to tour your country, right? Well, that same respect, in many cases, does not go both ways.
So it is not just the Olympics.
Sorry if my post offended anyone, but it's the truth.
Oh ya, a pint of Guinness here is $5.00 CDN, but it does get cheaper. Another good beer is Harp.
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
[This message has been edited by Igloo (edited 10-05-2000).]
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If you see some moron in shorts and T-shirt walking down the street in Cairo, 95% of the time, you know where he is from. Egypt is an Islamic country and wearing shorts would draw the same attention as wearing underwear. The respect for local culture, in many cases, simply does not exist.
I won't argue with this Igloo. But I have to ask... are you American?
Would it be unusuall to see an Egyptian living in Los Angeles wearing a t-shirt and shorts? Americans are used to multiple cultures co-existing. Everyone with there own sets of beliefs that they adhere too. It has taken some time, but this is quite normal now.
Maybe most Americans just are not used to an environment where others views are so violently forced on others.
And.. just to clarify... I've done some world traveling myself. I've never been to a country where I felt hated. I've been the only American invited to an (almost) all Jewish wedding. We all laughed at how horrible the American Rabbi was.. not because of him being American.. just because he was an idiot.
I've spent quite a bit of time in intense situations where things were a bit tense and I was the only American in the group. I had to rely on people to keep me allive in their country when it would have been very easy for them to look the other way.
One observation I have about those that enjoy posting in threads like this: They enjoy "You see how bad Americans are!" statements whenever they see something like this on TV. Of course, they didn't see all 90 something medalists.. only the small group that everyone decides to champion as "Ugly Americans". Lets just say that there were not many people in America impressed with the 4x100 relay team (even before they won). And we are used to NBA folk acting like tulips all the time. Of course, I've seen soccer players and F1 drivers that put these guys to shame... but that's for another thread eh? We're only bashing Americans here.
AKDejaVu
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Originally posted by AKDejaVu:
Maybe most Americans just are not used to an environment where others views are so violently forced on others.
I've seen soccer players and F1 drivers that put these guys to shame... but that's for another thread eh? We're only bashing Americans here.
AKDejaVu
I'm not directing this at you, but if a person can't hack the local customs of a country, and respect their beliefs - then why the hell do they go? Stay at home if you want to follow your own way of life - travel if you want to experience someone else's. I would have thought that was obvious.
I only saw the relay team's debacle - they had no respect for the nation they came from, and they seemed to have no pride. I've never, ever seen athletes in any sport show such disrespect for their own country, from any other nation. At what point I thought they were going to dance to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner - it was so bad, it was almost funny. Most when they win a medal seemed very emotional - even the 6 foot 5 rowers.
What do you mean by the footballer comment? If you have ever been to an international, each team is very respectful of the other's national anthem, and many sing when they hear theirs. This was even true for the USA vs Iran grudge match.
Having said that, I'm sure not all the US athletes were like that, and were more proud of their country. I don't think people are bashing ALL americans, just those that act like arses in public. Every country has them.
I went to uni in a city that was always full of foreign visitors - Americans, Japanese etc. Don't think I ever saw them acting like dicks. But when you go to a country so alien to the West, you have to show respect and understanding. Any other approach is just plain ignorant. I've been to Tunisia, and we were told on the plane about how to behave, especially how women should dress.
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Originally posted by Dowding:
I'm not directing this at you, but if a person can't hack the local customs of a country, and respect their beliefs - then why the hell do they go? Stay at home if you want to follow your own way of life - travel if you want to experience someone else's. I would have thought that was obvious.
Dowding...are you kidding me??? Then you have never spent any significant time in Hong Kong. The some Brits (not all I agree, but a good portion) there are arrogant, obnoxious and disliked by the Asians as well as other Western Ex-Pats. My point is this, every group has its good and bad aspects. There are just as many Ugly-Europeans as Ugly-Americans. At least, that's what I've observed first hand from overseas business experience. I travel to Asia mainly, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan.
Cobra
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Igloo thanks for making sweeping negative generalizations about my country. Yes I am offended. I'm really surprised to see such a bigoted attitude on this board. Talking about athletes is one thing, slandering an entire nation is another. You can take your prejudice and shove it up your bellybutton pal.
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Cobra - my point was aimed at all people who act so ignorantly in foreign countries, and that sadly does include Brits. Some of us can't behave with civility in Europe (so called football 'fans' - or in my opinion, scum), nevermind an austere Islamic country.
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my point was aimed at all people who act so ignorantly in foreign countries, and that sadly does include Brits. Some of us can't behave with civility in Europe (so called football 'fans' - or in my opinion, scum), nevermind an austere Islamic country.
Actually, Dowding.. that includes ALL COUNTRIES. I love it when threads seem to turn into an "Americans are all like this" sermon.
Guess what.. tourists are like this from all over the world. Some are bad.. some are good.. all are still tourists.
We get our share of the crazy/stupid/mean foreign tourists too. I'd like to think that when it happens, people realize that the PERSON is the problem and not the nation.
AKDejaVu
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That's what I said - i.e. 'all people'.
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Actually as an American, I truly enjoy being a part of the world. My travels outside the USA have shown me how similar we all are, and have also been educational in seeing just how unique everyone really is at the same time. We all have a lot to share with one another on so many levels, but nationalistic/political rivalries have done much to curb that growth. Hopefully, with the passing of a generation or so, minds will be less influenced by past events, and will look upon each other through the vastness of the internet as one interdependent whole.
Hmm. Maybe I should start smoking pipes.
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Pass me the bong, man, that stuff is awesome! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
Everyone is born equal (the possibility of behavioural genes existing aside), society shapes us as individuals. Maybe locality has a hand too.
Maybe one day we will all be equal when we die also.
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<Bites at the bait>
IMO...
The PERCEPTION of ALL Americans being rude and arrogant is common... yes.
But it, like all generalizations, is wrong.
More times than I can count, people have assumed I was an american but after talking with me or asking my nationality, they changed from cold and occasionally almost hostile, to very friendly, once they realized I was not.
It is not totally based on reality.
It is based on perception. Mostly due to political agendas and media then anything else.
I.E. You are not George Bush or Dennis Rodman so why should his actions reflect on you ?
Besides..even if every american but ONE was a jerk, NOT "ALL" would be.
Not all brits are soccer hooligans, not all americans are arrogant, not all <blank> are <blank> !
There IS a cultural "misunderstanding" involved.
When I run into people from large cities in my OWN country, they are generally more aggressive due to the environment they live in. They arrive in a smaller city and act like they do at home. They are not intentionally rude, but are perceived as rude. This is why people from Toronto are generalized as jerks by other Canadians.
As an example...
My friend from China has a different need for "personal space". In North America, if I stand very close to someone they get uncomfortable and it can be perceived as a challenge or threat in some situations.
My friend grew up in a place where there are so many people, you are used to strangers standing very close to you and it is not thought a problem. No intent, just a perception difference.
A person who is used to being agressive to enable him to be noticed by the bartender, when ordering a drink at home, can be considered a jerk when in a bar where there is no need to be aggressive. He probably won't understand why he is treated badly in this situation.
I think that most of these problems are based on lack of cultural/environmental understanding.
The people who run into these problems don't seem to take the differences into account.
If more people would think of WHERE they are, then this stuff would not happen.
When in Rome......
But since that doesn't always happen....
INTENT is the thing I try to understand.
Lack of understanding that, is what causes most problems.
Regards,
Snoopi
BTW -Good Job Australia !
-Yup. U.S. Olympic coverage sucked.
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Well put, Snoopi.
I'm not against americans, not at all. In fact, I have many american friends. The thing that annoys me is the arrogance that comes off many of them (not all) when in another country. Call me whatever you wish, but it is the same all over the world, even here in Canada.
I live on the border of Canada and the US. A "few" years ago I worked at a highly respected international hotel. Of course, being so close to the border, we got many americans. From my experience, the americans were the rudest people we got in the hotel, tenfold. When I'd give them back their change in Canadian money, often the response would be, "What am I going to do with this funny money, play monoply?". Or something to that affect. That was the least of it.
When I began travelling I went to Egypt and expected to see people acting in a more cultured manner. Nope. Of course there were some americans who were respecting the customs, but when you saw someone who was not, or was actually arguing against an Egyptian for his right to wear shorts, 9 out of 10 times it is an American. This is not slanderous or bigoted, it is simply an observation. I'm not saying all americans are like this, but waaaaaay too many are. You're taught from birth that you're the greatest nation in the world. That everyone on earth wants to be american and come to america. With intent or not, this is the way many of you act when you go out into the world and what you're taught, at least the second part, simply is not true. The first part is debatable (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif).
That's why the Olympics did not suprise those of use who live outside of the US. As I've said, we're used to it.
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Squadron Leader, Igloo.
C/O RCAF 411 Squadron - County of York (http://www.trueorigins.net/411rcaf)
"Problems cannot be solved with the same awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein[/i]
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OK I hear you now. Sorry I got snippy...
Trust me, all of us don't feel that way or approve of that kind of behavior away from our home.