The Fun Factory Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 (edited) Glasgow- gets the Commonwealth Games Edinburgh- has already hosted two Cardiff-has hosted one Manchester- bid for the Olympics heavily supported by the government. Fails but gets the Commonwealth & Man City get a free stadium London- Three Olympics hosted & West Ham get a free stadium Birmingham.........- bids for Olympics with no backing from government and gets sweet FA. No wonder they always say Brummies are depressed. To be honest, there was no way Brum was going to win the Olympics. It would have been a bid lost before it begun. Nothing to be depressed about. The Olympics was out of our league. The question of whether we should get something like the Commonwealth though - when it comes back to the UK it seems the fair choice, assuming we want it of course. Yes.... but the only thing is that Birmingham City would get a nice new 45,000 stadium in all probability if that ever did happen. But as Birmingham couldn't even get the UK city of culture (Londonderry anyone?) then I wouldn't get too excited just yet. Just to throw my tuppence' in on this one. Firstly Birmingham was never going to get the Olympics. Manchester was never going to get it either, and after the shitshow which was Atlanta 96 no city which isn't a megacity will get it any time soon. I think Brum could host the Commonwealth games if it wanted to, but it's deciding to spend it's money on the "big city plan" instead. I've said it several times on this forum so I apologise for repeating myself but the rebuilding of Birmingham over the past 15-20 years has been quite incredible, large parts of the centre have changed beyond all recognition and always for the better. I'd rather have that than a couple of weeks of running followed by seeing the Pigdogs get a free stadium. Finally the city of culture isn't decided on merit. It's a crutch given to cities which need a bit of help with their image. You don't win it, you are awarded it. Exhibit A is Hull. Yes... but should not have to be a either or. Manchester has also had large amounts of regeneration and also got the Commonwealth Games. And the Media City as well. Birmingham has and will always be seen as unfashionable. Harsh but true. But yes I agree hosting a nice 2 weeks jollys is not the panacea for urban decay. On a side note, Rod should just should retire. Edited July 23, 2014 by The Fun Factory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jondaken Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I ran with the Malawi national team runners the other day. They were passing through Bromsgrove on their way up to the commonwealth games and did a local 10k as a training run. I say I ran with them, they were alongside me for a split second before disappearing into the distance. They ran the 10k (on a hilly course) in a relaxed 30:42 and 30:47. The closest local runner was 34:35. Honestly, you see some of these athletes on the TV and you just go "meh". Getting up close to them when they're doing their thing and it's often spectacular to watch, completely overwhelms you how far ahead these athletes are of your average joe who goes cycling or running a few times a week. I'm off to the velodrome in a couple days, can't wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jondaken Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Surprised Salmond never showed up in a saltire suit the ugly clearing in the woods. No-one makes me so irrationally angry as that guy does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrenm Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I ran with the Malawi national team runners the other day. They were passing through Bromsgrove on their way up to the commonwealth games and did a local 10k as a training run. I say I ran with them, they were alongside me for a split second before disappearing into the distance. They ran the 10k (on a hilly course) in a relaxed 30:42 and 30:47. The closest local runner was 34:35. Honestly, you see some of these athletes on the TV and you just go "meh". Getting up close to them when they're doing their thing and it's often spectacular to watch, completely overwhelms you how far ahead these athletes are of your average joe who goes cycling or running a few times a week. I'm off to the velodrome in a couple days, can't wait. I know what you mean. I was doing a decent pace so these guys didn't absolutely blow me away, but they still overtook me with ease and powered away. Mo Farah has done a 5k in 12:53. That's almost 4 minute miles (4:08 / mile). I can't run 400m at that pace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradd92 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Dragging on a bit now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradd92 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 (edited) The Queens just standing there thinking just open the damn thing you imbeciles Edited July 23, 2014 by Bradd92 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulC Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Jason Statham! http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/commonwealth-games/28292980 slightly better actor than diver... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted July 24, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted July 24, 2014 Every World Cup or Euros I say I won't bother watching it... and end up watching virtually every minute. Every Olympics I say I won't bother watching it... and end up watching virtually every minute. Every Commonwealth Games I say I won't bother watching it... and I don't bother watching it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voinjama Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Mens and womens 100m is on Monday night. That is all I will be tuning in for, possibly the relays too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genie Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Mens and womens 100m is on Monday night. That is all I will be tuning in for, possibly the relays too. Bookies must be taking bets on the home nations cocking up the relay. Free money for the punters that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voinjama Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Who is likely to be favourite for the 100m title for men? There is no obvious one imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradd92 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Ahhh the Cycling, the thing i'm looking forward to the most. I like to imagine how i watch the cycling with us being so dominant in it, is how the likes of Germany and Spain feel when watching football 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seat68 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 I hear they have introduced curling as an event in the games, so at least the scottish can win something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veloman Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 I wouldn't be too sure about the cycling ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradd92 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Nice to see the Brummy win the first Gold. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted July 24, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted July 24, 2014 (edited) John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has called for an end to the "shameful" criminalisation of homosexuality in four out of five Commonwealth countries ahead of the Games due to start in Glasgow this week. The senior MP said it was not right that there might be world-class athletes who will not be able to compete in the Commonwealth Games, as they will have been discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality. Speaking on the eve of Wednesday's opening ceremony, in a challenge to the UK government and other countries to act, he said: "Shamefully, it is estimated that 4 out of every 5 countries in the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality. Surely, it is time for the Commonwealth to do more to support lesbian, gay, transsexual and bisexual people, to ensure they are not discriminated against, no matter where they live?" Bercow, who will attend the Games, said it was a "fantastic sporting occasion" and "wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth", but suggested the event has been overshadowed by the grouping's poor record on LBGT rights. David Cameron and Alex Salmond have come under increasing pressure to speak out about the issue, after campaign groups highlighted the fact that 42 out of 53 countries in the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality. Earlier, Peter Tatchell, the equal rights campaigner, urged Salmond to "appeal to all participating countries to adhere to Article 7 of the Commonwealth Games Federation constitution, which prohibits all discrimination". Tatchell said: "Countries that refuse to support Article 7 – or that perpetuate discrimination in access to sports facilities, training camps or team selection – should be barred from participating in the Commonwealth Games. If they are not prepared to abide by Article 7 they have no right to come to Glasgow or future Commonwealth Games. "The intensity of homophobia in these countries is so great that it is very unlikely that they would select a LGBTI athlete to compete in Glasgow. I can't imagine homophobic states like Uganda, Brunei or Nigeria selecting a LGBTI athlete. They are more likely to jail them than send them to Glasgow. "In addition, there is widespread gender and ethnic discrimination in many Commonwealth countries, which also inhibits equal, open and fair selection for the national teams coming to Glasgow." Guardian Edited July 24, 2014 by mjmooney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogso Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 I hear they have introduced curling as an event in the games That is absolutely foul, who would want to watch that? In the winter, maybe, but summer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradd92 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Very impressive by the Aussies in the Team Pursuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dAVe80 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Anyone know which anthem are England using? I know at past games they've used Land of Hope and Glory, and Jerusalem, so curious what they're using this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharkyvilla Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Anyone know which anthem are England using? I know at past games they've used Land of Hope and Glory, and Jerusalem, so curious what they're using this time. They've chosen Jerusalem. Apparently there was a big fight over it though. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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