Printed in The Kingston Whig Standard, July 2, 2008.
By Diana Davis Duerkop
Parents spend a lot of time helping their offspring understand the consequences of their behaviour. If you leave your clothes on the bedroom floor, one day, you won’t have any clean clothes to wear. If you don’t lock your bike securely, someone may steal it. If you drive a vehicle after drinking, you could be in an accident and cause tremendous harm to yourself and others
Young people aren’t the only ones that have to learn about consequences. Organizations, including governments, also need to understand the consequences of their decisions.
Talk of a Canadian boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games has thankfully dropped to a whisper. The consequences of boycotting are now apparent not only to athletes, but also to the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and to the government of Canada. Many people do not realize that the decision about whether or not to go will be made by the COC, not the government. It is in this context that the undeniable link between sports and politics is demonstrated once again.
Let’s look at a few of the negatives of missing these Olympics. It costs the COC a lot of money to send a team composed of athletes, mission staff and medical support. The money doesn’t come from the federal government because the COC is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for Canada’s participation in the Olympics. The COC raises money through sponsorships, licensing goods and services, and donations. Interestingly, when the COC wilted under the federal government’s pressure not to go to Moscow in April 1980, the compensation package was about $3.2 million in 2008 dollars. Given that costs have increased and there are more athletes and support staff, it will cost around $5 million to send this team to Beijing. Much of this money has already been spent.
All the International Federations that organize sports on the Olympic program hold elections of executive and committees in the host city prior to the games. Key decisions about the sport are made at these meetings. If Canadians do not attend these meetings, they won’t have a voice or get elected, and Canada’s representation and ability to influence international sports will be greatly diminished. Election to these positions requires years of politicking; if missing this time, it is doubtful that Canadians will be elected even at the next meetings in 2012. Our ability to lead and influence in the international arena is therefore compromised.
If we didn’t attend the games, Canada’s reputation would suffer tremendously, not only in the sport community but in the social, economic, education and political spheres. A few illustrations. Canada is, for example, investing $13 billion in the Port of Prince Rupert and railway lines leading to it, to develop a transpacific trade corridor. The city is to become the gateway to Pacific nations from mid-America. Any uncertainty around Canada’s support for China, a significant trading partner, would be disastrous economically.
One other illustration. Since 2001, Canada has signalled its interest in once again holding one of the non-permanent seats on the United Nation’s Security Council. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to think that China, a permanent member, would not welcome Canada at the table if it boycotts their games, and might actively campaign against Canada.
All this is not to ignore the people for whom the games are organized. Rather, it is intended to illustrate the interrelationship of sport and politics, and importance of being aware of some of the less obvious consequences of boycotting Beijing.
The biggest impact a boycott would have would be on the athletes. The road to the Olympics is long, difficult, and rewarding. One has only to follow the process to understand that few Canadians actually get to an Olympic Games. Canada’s men’s basketball team is in the final stages of preparation for the last opportunity to qualify for Beijing. Only 20 players in all of Canada were even invited to try-out for the team. The team must place in the top three at the conclusion of the July tournament to get to Beijing. This is a monumental task, and one that head coach Leo Rautins relishes. You see, he was a player on the men’s basketball team that didn’t go to the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. He knows the meaning of a boycott because he was one of the disappointed athletes. And just what did that boycott accomplish?
Let’s not even whisper of boycotts. They do more harm than good.
-30-
Diana Davis Duerkop is a former Vice-President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. She is a board member of the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Kingston, and lives in Kingston.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Nearly Olympics Time!
Yeserday in a local grocery store, a couple of clerks were decked out in red and white to celebrate Canada day today.
One woman wore the Team Canada T-shirt and pants (aka pyjamas), which she said were very comfortable. [Get them at The Bay, and support the team. Remember, there is NO government money in getting the team to Beijing, keeping it fed and accomodated there, and getting it home. Not even unis .]
Apparently they weren't made for Canadian men: they are, shall we say, binding. A team meembr had tried theem on, and turned thumbs down.
Sure is going to be tough on the eyes, if they wear that outfit as the Parade outfit at the Opening Ceremony. Which I doubt. Athletes have several outfits, one of which is spiffy and is to be worn at the Opening.
One woman wore the Team Canada T-shirt and pants (aka pyjamas), which she said were very comfortable. [Get them at The Bay, and support the team. Remember, there is NO government money in getting the team to Beijing, keeping it fed and accomodated there, and getting it home. Not even unis .]
Apparently they weren't made for Canadian men: they are, shall we say, binding. A team meembr had tried theem on, and turned thumbs down.
Sure is going to be tough on the eyes, if they wear that outfit as the Parade outfit at the Opening Ceremony. Which I doubt. Athletes have several outfits, one of which is spiffy and is to be worn at the Opening.
No one Thought About the Equipment?
Thanks to all for your comments. Too bad the anonymous notes (left by those who just bitch and have no particular reason to be anyoymous) are left by people who are not prepared to stand by their opinions. That's why The Whig won't publish your letters: they only publish letters written by those who have the guts to sign their names.....
And, in follow-up to the comments about the generators.....keep checking the tenders on the city's website, and the line items in the dreadful reports of the LVEC operations that are sent to council. Soon, there will be calls for tenders for, not one, but TWO more generators for the LVEC. Yes that's right. The power supply was so inadequate for at least 2 of the shows that came through Kingston since the opening on February 12, that management has said that more power is needed, and two generators will be ordered. Probably when that can be done under cloak of darkness! ha ha.
For at least 2 shows, auxillary generators had to be "rented" in order to supply suffieient power.
Just keep watching for this....
And for those who enter downtown via Place d'Armes, 2-3 weeks of Ontario Street only should cause a few headaches. It's not really funny, particularly for fire truck drivers and ambulance drivers. If you have seen fire trucks travelling north on Ontario Street, screeching to a manageable speed at Fort Frontenac, you will have much appreciation for them. Especially when they are carrying a full load of water....2000 lbs. They don't really like it at all.
And, in follow-up to the comments about the generators.....keep checking the tenders on the city's website, and the line items in the dreadful reports of the LVEC operations that are sent to council. Soon, there will be calls for tenders for, not one, but TWO more generators for the LVEC. Yes that's right. The power supply was so inadequate for at least 2 of the shows that came through Kingston since the opening on February 12, that management has said that more power is needed, and two generators will be ordered. Probably when that can be done under cloak of darkness! ha ha.
For at least 2 shows, auxillary generators had to be "rented" in order to supply suffieient power.
Just keep watching for this....
And for those who enter downtown via Place d'Armes, 2-3 weeks of Ontario Street only should cause a few headaches. It's not really funny, particularly for fire truck drivers and ambulance drivers. If you have seen fire trucks travelling north on Ontario Street, screeching to a manageable speed at Fort Frontenac, you will have much appreciation for them. Especially when they are carrying a full load of water....2000 lbs. They don't really like it at all.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Where Will the Feds Place Their (Our!) Money?
Looks as if a bit of a problem is on the horizon fro Canadian sport, and the federal government.
The Golden Horseshoe is interested in bidding for the 2017 Pam Am Games.
Canadian University Sport (CIS) is thinking of bidding for the FISU (summer games).
And the Commonwealth Games Federation (Canada) would like to have a Canadian bid for the 2015 Commonwealth Games.
Time to dust off that Federal Hosting Policy!
The Golden Horseshoe is interested in bidding for the 2017 Pam Am Games.
Canadian University Sport (CIS) is thinking of bidding for the FISU (summer games).
And the Commonwealth Games Federation (Canada) would like to have a Canadian bid for the 2015 Commonwealth Games.
Time to dust off that Federal Hosting Policy!
IOC in fear of Beijing crackdown
by Paul Kelso, the Guardian
June 7, 2008 at 1.37pm.
The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic games is just 62 days away, and across the Chinese capital clocks count the days. Among International Olympic Committee executives and members gathered in Athens this week they are counting the hours to a different landmark: "Everyone is counting the days to the opening ceremony," said one senior figure. "Me? I'm looking forward to reaching the closing ceremony on August 24 and getting on the plane home."
Publicly the IOC expresses complete confidence in China's preparations, but behind the optimism lie deep anxieties about the most politically-charged and culturally challenging games in Olympic history.
Many of the senior officials in Athens this week arrived direct from Beijing where they held a series of crisis talks with the authorities following the imposition of a huge security clampdown and a new level of government-led bureaucracy that threatens to disrupt the smooth running of the games.
As well as concerns over making the games work, there are genuine fears that athletes who choose to speak out against the Chinese regime, critical media and any individuals daring to protest publicly could prompt a huge backlash from the authorities and the general public.
At the heart of the IOC's concerns is the political fallout from events of the last three months. Riots in Lahsa, Tibet in March prompted a global wave of anti-Chinese protests which found a convenient focal point in the hapless Beijing Olympic torch relay. What Beijing hoped would be a triumph degenerated into a tawdry public relations fiasco that damaged both China and the IOC.
The response in Beijing has been dramatic. Shaken by events, the Chinese authorities have ordered a huge security clampdown on Olympic sites that threatened to disrupt basic games operations.
According to seasoned Sinophiles in the Olympic movement there has also been a tangible hardening of the public and official mood too. The attacks on the torch relay came as a genuine shock to many Chinese, who feel their country has been unfairly traduced. There is bemusement too at the actions of NGOs including Amnesty that have called on athletes to speak out against the Beijing government. The Chinese code of hospitality does not include insulting your host, and the reaction of the authorities and public to anyone who does criticise China is the great unknown of this Olympiad.
The collision of 20,000 journalists, 10,000 athletes and thousands of foreign spectators with the Chinese is causing acute unease within the IOC, and some influential figures fear that any backlash could be damaging to both the games and the Olympic movement.
Most sensitive is the issue of athletes speaking out. The IOC charter prohibits "propaganda and demonstrations", and the IOC has promised to apply "common sense" when assessing whether the line has been crossed by, for example, the wearing of a Free Tibet T-shirt or an inflammatory press-conference comment.
There are no such guarantees from the elaborate Chinese security apparatus, however, and the current mood in Beijing gives little cause of optimism that they will be indulgent of dissent.
There are technical fears, too. The Chinese central government has taken a tighter grip on the project in the wake of Lhasa, restricting the ability of the Beijing organising committee (Bocog), with which the IOC has worked for seven years, to take meaningful decisions.
New security arrangements have been imposed at many venues, and the IOC fear that the three-cordon procedure proposed by Beijing could prevent athletes, officials and media - the three categories prioritised by the IOC - from being able to smoothly attend venues.
Broadcasters already setting up operations in the city have also experienced difficulties, encountering restricted vehicle access to stadia and finding that permits for filming outside venues are currently taking 21 days to process. With the games lasting just 17 days, the drawbacks are obvious.
The IOC's task in trying to resolve some of these issues has been made harder by the introduction of a new level of bureaucracy, only revealed today. A two-tier command structure has been imposed, with central government officials leading the top tier and Bocog officials and the mayor dealing with day-to-day operations. With decisions usually having to be taken swiftly, the structure poses a major challenge to the smooth running of the games.
Hein Verbruggen, the chairman of the IOC coordination commission that has steered the Beijing games since 2001, acknowledges the challenge. "The biggest challenge that we face is bureaucracy," he said this week. "The Chinese way is to plan everything to the finest detail so there are a lot of procedures in place. But the hospitality and friendliness of the people will be spectacular, and I am absolutely certain the games will leave an incredible legacy for the country."
IOC president Jacques Rogge also expressed confidence that the games would proceed smoothly, and that security arrangements would not ultimately prove overbearing. "We have asked the Chinese to try and find the right balance between security and operations, and I have confidence that they will do so," he said today.
For all the outward confidence, it would be no surprise if Rogge was among those breathing a sigh of relief on August 25.
Doha rejection exposes weakness of the Olympics
When Rogge and his executive board gathered in Athens this week, they knew the agenda was likely to be dominated by the race to host the 2016 games.
What they may not have expected was that a contest likely to be dominated by marquee cities Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid would be swamped in controversy surrounding the ejection of a small Gulf state with more money than genuine prospects of success.
That is what happened however after Doha, the Qatari capital and the first middle-eastern city to bid to host the games, was thrown out of the race on Wednesday evening.
The decision may ultimately have proved correct - there are many reasons why you might consider the tiny desert state an inappropriate venue for the games, starting with the role of women and the treatment of migrant workers - but the cack-handed execution and the subsequent row reveals some deep-seated insecurities in the Olympic movement.
Officially Doha was junked from the race because its request to stage the games in October 2016, thus avoiding the searing summer temperatures of the IOC's preferred window between July 15 and August 31, was rejected.According to bid insiders, Doha had been assured that the dates were no barrier to inclusion in the race, and proceeded with a bid that on technical merits was ranked above Rio and level with Chicago.
Rogge denies that the IOC misled the city, claiming that the decision was made with the interests of athletes in mind. Doha's expulsion still represented a wholesale rejection of the recommendations of the IOC's technical committee, setting a precedent the movement may come to regret.
In the wake of the Salt Lake City scandal that exposed corruption in the bidding process, Rogge oversaw a change in procedure that placed technical merit above the political and personal whims of IOC members. In Doha's case that approach appears to have been set aside, ironically to help prevent a return to the culture of graft that characterised old-school bidding.
It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Rogge and the executive committee blocked Doha because they did not trust the full IOC membership to make the correct decision in an open vote. The IOC membership is capricious and unpredictable, and had Doha made it on to the short list the full weight of its petro-dollar fortune would have been unleashed on the membership. For an organisation desperate to remove the perception that its members' votes might be for sale, that could have been disastrous.
Perhaps more seriously for the long-term health of the games, the decision exposes the relative weakness of Olympic sport in the international market. An Olympics in October would pitch the games directly against the European football leagues and the NFL and major league baseball in the US. The IOC leadership know that with track-and-field at its lowest ebb, discredited by drug scandals and pushed to the margins as a consequence, the games would be crushed by a humiliating lack of interest.
Simply, the Olympic movement's only chance of sustaining interest and, crucially, broadcast revenue is to sit in a summer window that avoids competition. With the all-important TV negotiations for 2016 that will secure the IOC's medium-term future yet to begin, Rogge was not prepared to allow even the remotest prospect that broadcasters would be asked to pay billions for an autumn games in the desert.
June 7, 2008 at 1.37pm.
The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic games is just 62 days away, and across the Chinese capital clocks count the days. Among International Olympic Committee executives and members gathered in Athens this week they are counting the hours to a different landmark: "Everyone is counting the days to the opening ceremony," said one senior figure. "Me? I'm looking forward to reaching the closing ceremony on August 24 and getting on the plane home."
Publicly the IOC expresses complete confidence in China's preparations, but behind the optimism lie deep anxieties about the most politically-charged and culturally challenging games in Olympic history.
Many of the senior officials in Athens this week arrived direct from Beijing where they held a series of crisis talks with the authorities following the imposition of a huge security clampdown and a new level of government-led bureaucracy that threatens to disrupt the smooth running of the games.
As well as concerns over making the games work, there are genuine fears that athletes who choose to speak out against the Chinese regime, critical media and any individuals daring to protest publicly could prompt a huge backlash from the authorities and the general public.
At the heart of the IOC's concerns is the political fallout from events of the last three months. Riots in Lahsa, Tibet in March prompted a global wave of anti-Chinese protests which found a convenient focal point in the hapless Beijing Olympic torch relay. What Beijing hoped would be a triumph degenerated into a tawdry public relations fiasco that damaged both China and the IOC.
The response in Beijing has been dramatic. Shaken by events, the Chinese authorities have ordered a huge security clampdown on Olympic sites that threatened to disrupt basic games operations.
According to seasoned Sinophiles in the Olympic movement there has also been a tangible hardening of the public and official mood too. The attacks on the torch relay came as a genuine shock to many Chinese, who feel their country has been unfairly traduced. There is bemusement too at the actions of NGOs including Amnesty that have called on athletes to speak out against the Beijing government. The Chinese code of hospitality does not include insulting your host, and the reaction of the authorities and public to anyone who does criticise China is the great unknown of this Olympiad.
The collision of 20,000 journalists, 10,000 athletes and thousands of foreign spectators with the Chinese is causing acute unease within the IOC, and some influential figures fear that any backlash could be damaging to both the games and the Olympic movement.
Most sensitive is the issue of athletes speaking out. The IOC charter prohibits "propaganda and demonstrations", and the IOC has promised to apply "common sense" when assessing whether the line has been crossed by, for example, the wearing of a Free Tibet T-shirt or an inflammatory press-conference comment.
There are no such guarantees from the elaborate Chinese security apparatus, however, and the current mood in Beijing gives little cause of optimism that they will be indulgent of dissent.
There are technical fears, too. The Chinese central government has taken a tighter grip on the project in the wake of Lhasa, restricting the ability of the Beijing organising committee (Bocog), with which the IOC has worked for seven years, to take meaningful decisions.
New security arrangements have been imposed at many venues, and the IOC fear that the three-cordon procedure proposed by Beijing could prevent athletes, officials and media - the three categories prioritised by the IOC - from being able to smoothly attend venues.
Broadcasters already setting up operations in the city have also experienced difficulties, encountering restricted vehicle access to stadia and finding that permits for filming outside venues are currently taking 21 days to process. With the games lasting just 17 days, the drawbacks are obvious.
The IOC's task in trying to resolve some of these issues has been made harder by the introduction of a new level of bureaucracy, only revealed today. A two-tier command structure has been imposed, with central government officials leading the top tier and Bocog officials and the mayor dealing with day-to-day operations. With decisions usually having to be taken swiftly, the structure poses a major challenge to the smooth running of the games.
Hein Verbruggen, the chairman of the IOC coordination commission that has steered the Beijing games since 2001, acknowledges the challenge. "The biggest challenge that we face is bureaucracy," he said this week. "The Chinese way is to plan everything to the finest detail so there are a lot of procedures in place. But the hospitality and friendliness of the people will be spectacular, and I am absolutely certain the games will leave an incredible legacy for the country."
IOC president Jacques Rogge also expressed confidence that the games would proceed smoothly, and that security arrangements would not ultimately prove overbearing. "We have asked the Chinese to try and find the right balance between security and operations, and I have confidence that they will do so," he said today.
For all the outward confidence, it would be no surprise if Rogge was among those breathing a sigh of relief on August 25.
Doha rejection exposes weakness of the Olympics
When Rogge and his executive board gathered in Athens this week, they knew the agenda was likely to be dominated by the race to host the 2016 games.
What they may not have expected was that a contest likely to be dominated by marquee cities Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid would be swamped in controversy surrounding the ejection of a small Gulf state with more money than genuine prospects of success.
That is what happened however after Doha, the Qatari capital and the first middle-eastern city to bid to host the games, was thrown out of the race on Wednesday evening.
The decision may ultimately have proved correct - there are many reasons why you might consider the tiny desert state an inappropriate venue for the games, starting with the role of women and the treatment of migrant workers - but the cack-handed execution and the subsequent row reveals some deep-seated insecurities in the Olympic movement.
Officially Doha was junked from the race because its request to stage the games in October 2016, thus avoiding the searing summer temperatures of the IOC's preferred window between July 15 and August 31, was rejected.According to bid insiders, Doha had been assured that the dates were no barrier to inclusion in the race, and proceeded with a bid that on technical merits was ranked above Rio and level with Chicago.
Rogge denies that the IOC misled the city, claiming that the decision was made with the interests of athletes in mind. Doha's expulsion still represented a wholesale rejection of the recommendations of the IOC's technical committee, setting a precedent the movement may come to regret.
In the wake of the Salt Lake City scandal that exposed corruption in the bidding process, Rogge oversaw a change in procedure that placed technical merit above the political and personal whims of IOC members. In Doha's case that approach appears to have been set aside, ironically to help prevent a return to the culture of graft that characterised old-school bidding.
It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Rogge and the executive committee blocked Doha because they did not trust the full IOC membership to make the correct decision in an open vote. The IOC membership is capricious and unpredictable, and had Doha made it on to the short list the full weight of its petro-dollar fortune would have been unleashed on the membership. For an organisation desperate to remove the perception that its members' votes might be for sale, that could have been disastrous.
Perhaps more seriously for the long-term health of the games, the decision exposes the relative weakness of Olympic sport in the international market. An Olympics in October would pitch the games directly against the European football leagues and the NFL and major league baseball in the US. The IOC leadership know that with track-and-field at its lowest ebb, discredited by drug scandals and pushed to the margins as a consequence, the games would be crushed by a humiliating lack of interest.
Simply, the Olympic movement's only chance of sustaining interest and, crucially, broadcast revenue is to sit in a summer window that avoids competition. With the all-important TV negotiations for 2016 that will secure the IOC's medium-term future yet to begin, Rogge was not prepared to allow even the remotest prospect that broadcasters would be asked to pay billions for an autumn games in the desert.
2015 Pan Am Games Possibility in Ontario
Jun 07, 2008 04:30 AM
by Rob Ferguson Queen's Park Bureau, Toronto Star
The Ontario government is backing a $1.77 billion local bid to host the PanAm Games in 2015, seeing it as an audition for the Olympics, the Toronto Star has learned.
Now it's up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government to decide whether to get on board with Ontario, Toronto and about a dozen municipalities in the Golden Horseshoe in pushing for the summer games.
"We like what we've seen," a senior provincial government source said yesterday after officials finished poring over the business plan for the bid, which will now be sent to Ottawa for review.
The bid envisions "four to six" new Olympic-sized pools for the games that would be held in cities stretching from Niagara, around Lake Ontario to Durham and north to the Barrie area.
"That's just the tip of the iceberg," added the source. "There are all sorts of facilities that would have to be built or refurbished."
They could include Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium, home to the Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
One government official put the number of venues required to host the games at 70 or more, such as Rogers Centre, BMO Field on the CNE grounds and dozens of others for sports ranging from track and field to swimming to basketball.
"It will be a benefit to the economy of the Golden Horseshoe and it could leave a lasting legacy of recreational sports facilities," the provincial source said, estimating the financial impact during the games alone at $45 million from an estimated 10,000 athletes and 250,000 visitors from 42 countries.
The PanAm Games, open to countries in the Americas, are held every four years.
The last was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2007 and the next will be in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2011.
While no money needs to be put on the table yet, Ontario government sources said a cost-sharing plan would see the province and the federal government each put up 35 per cent, or $619.5 million.
Toronto and the other municipalities hoping to host some of the 300 sporting events would pay 30 per cent or $531 million, likely with help from the private sector.
The bid budget covers both capital costs to repair and replace worn-out sports venues as well as operating costs for running the games, which last came to Canada in 1999 when Winnipeg was the host city.
Cost will undoubtedly be a delicate point as the economy slows and government revenues are squeezed. City Hall sources warned earlier this spring that Toronto is willing to sign on as a main bidder providing Queen's Park picks up most of the tab.
But a spokesperson for Mayor David Miller said yesterday that winning federal approval for the games is the immediate goal.
"At this point talking about the funding is premature," said Don Wanagas.
"We're waiting to hear a response from the federal government. Once we see the business case that everybody's ready to get together on this we can talk about financing."
Federal officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The provincial source warned municipalities would have to make "firm commitments for the projects that they want."
At $1.77 billion, the bid value is well within the $1.5 to $2 billion originally estimated by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), which will only support the bid if all levels of government are behind it, the provincial source said.
COC chief executive Chris Rudge told the Star in March that the Golden Horseshoe is its preferred site for the PanAm Games because southern Ontario has one-third of Canada's population but is "dramatically underserviced as far as sports facilities and infrastructure."
Winning the PanAm Games would be a psychological boost for the area given Toronto's two previous failed Olympic bids and Hamilton's failure to win the Commonwealth Games.
The last major, international multi-sport event held in the area was the 1930 British Empire (now Commonwealth) Games, staged in Hamilton, a provincial source said.
Other cities believed to bidding for the 2015 PanAm Games are Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; and Caracas, Venezuela.
by Rob Ferguson Queen's Park Bureau, Toronto Star
The Ontario government is backing a $1.77 billion local bid to host the PanAm Games in 2015, seeing it as an audition for the Olympics, the Toronto Star has learned.
Now it's up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government to decide whether to get on board with Ontario, Toronto and about a dozen municipalities in the Golden Horseshoe in pushing for the summer games.
"We like what we've seen," a senior provincial government source said yesterday after officials finished poring over the business plan for the bid, which will now be sent to Ottawa for review.
The bid envisions "four to six" new Olympic-sized pools for the games that would be held in cities stretching from Niagara, around Lake Ontario to Durham and north to the Barrie area.
"That's just the tip of the iceberg," added the source. "There are all sorts of facilities that would have to be built or refurbished."
They could include Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium, home to the Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
One government official put the number of venues required to host the games at 70 or more, such as Rogers Centre, BMO Field on the CNE grounds and dozens of others for sports ranging from track and field to swimming to basketball.
"It will be a benefit to the economy of the Golden Horseshoe and it could leave a lasting legacy of recreational sports facilities," the provincial source said, estimating the financial impact during the games alone at $45 million from an estimated 10,000 athletes and 250,000 visitors from 42 countries.
The PanAm Games, open to countries in the Americas, are held every four years.
The last was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2007 and the next will be in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2011.
While no money needs to be put on the table yet, Ontario government sources said a cost-sharing plan would see the province and the federal government each put up 35 per cent, or $619.5 million.
Toronto and the other municipalities hoping to host some of the 300 sporting events would pay 30 per cent or $531 million, likely with help from the private sector.
The bid budget covers both capital costs to repair and replace worn-out sports venues as well as operating costs for running the games, which last came to Canada in 1999 when Winnipeg was the host city.
Cost will undoubtedly be a delicate point as the economy slows and government revenues are squeezed. City Hall sources warned earlier this spring that Toronto is willing to sign on as a main bidder providing Queen's Park picks up most of the tab.
But a spokesperson for Mayor David Miller said yesterday that winning federal approval for the games is the immediate goal.
"At this point talking about the funding is premature," said Don Wanagas.
"We're waiting to hear a response from the federal government. Once we see the business case that everybody's ready to get together on this we can talk about financing."
Federal officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The provincial source warned municipalities would have to make "firm commitments for the projects that they want."
At $1.77 billion, the bid value is well within the $1.5 to $2 billion originally estimated by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), which will only support the bid if all levels of government are behind it, the provincial source said.
COC chief executive Chris Rudge told the Star in March that the Golden Horseshoe is its preferred site for the PanAm Games because southern Ontario has one-third of Canada's population but is "dramatically underserviced as far as sports facilities and infrastructure."
Winning the PanAm Games would be a psychological boost for the area given Toronto's two previous failed Olympic bids and Hamilton's failure to win the Commonwealth Games.
The last major, international multi-sport event held in the area was the 1930 British Empire (now Commonwealth) Games, staged in Hamilton, a provincial source said.
Other cities believed to bidding for the 2015 PanAm Games are Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; and Caracas, Venezuela.
Winnipeg Peregrine Falcons Die
The 3 newly-hatched Peregrine Falcons that were in a nest at the Radisson Hotel in Winnipeg, died June 6th as a result of too much rain pouring into their nest, really extreme cold and water.
http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/falcon/
A very sad story.
http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/falcon/
A very sad story.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
And Besides.....
The new KINGSTON AQUATICS CENTRE would have many amenities:
One of the amenities would be 2, 25m swimming pools.
Another amenity would be a warm, gradual depth pool that is perfect for children to play in.
Another amenity would be diving boards.
Another amenity would be a nice outdoor patio where visiting families can get a cool drink while their children are playing in the pools.
Another amenity would be lots of light and windows.
What other amenities would YOU like in YOUR new AQUATICS CENTRE? It's YOURs. Have a say!!
One of the amenities would be 2, 25m swimming pools.
Another amenity would be a warm, gradual depth pool that is perfect for children to play in.
Another amenity would be diving boards.
Another amenity would be a nice outdoor patio where visiting families can get a cool drink while their children are playing in the pools.
Another amenity would be lots of light and windows.
What other amenities would YOU like in YOUR new AQUATICS CENTRE? It's YOURs. Have a say!!
Kingston Aquatic Centre
As Kingstonians become more active with spring's arrival, and the prospect of summer, it is discouraging to read and hear incorrect "facts" circulating about efforts to develop an all-season AQUATIC CENTRE in Kingston.
Even the Mayor, who should know better, talks about a 50m pool that only a few will use and want.
This is abslutely untrue.
Everyone who has said they think that we need more pool facilities has also read about or visited fantastic AQUATIC CENTRES that they've seen all over this country, the USA, and Europe. These are "people places" used extensively by rich and poor, swimmers and non-swimmers: people who enjoy life and the fun and relaxation that comes with a facility designed for many activities.
It is time that the Mayor and those who write to The Whig become more educated about AQUATIC CENBTRES/COMPLEXES and stop being so ignorant about what is being discussed. There is plenty of information about a Kingston AQUATIC CENTRE online, available free for everyone. Visit
http://ktownaquaticcentre.ca/
and become informed.
It is not unusual for those who suppoort one position, to spread incorrect info about the "opposition." However, most Canadians intensely dislike dishonest politicians, and are telling them that.
Even the Mayor, who should know better, talks about a 50m pool that only a few will use and want.
This is abslutely untrue.
Everyone who has said they think that we need more pool facilities has also read about or visited fantastic AQUATIC CENTRES that they've seen all over this country, the USA, and Europe. These are "people places" used extensively by rich and poor, swimmers and non-swimmers: people who enjoy life and the fun and relaxation that comes with a facility designed for many activities.
It is time that the Mayor and those who write to The Whig become more educated about AQUATIC CENBTRES/COMPLEXES and stop being so ignorant about what is being discussed. There is plenty of information about a Kingston AQUATIC CENTRE online, available free for everyone. Visit
http://ktownaquaticcentre.ca/
and become informed.
It is not unusual for those who suppoort one position, to spread incorrect info about the "opposition." However, most Canadians intensely dislike dishonest politicians, and are telling them that.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Peregrine Falcons Growing Up
http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/falcon/
Follow the link to see a Peregrine Falcon keeping her 3 babies warm on the Radisson Hotel in Winnipeg.
We have been watching the eggs hatch, then the babies being fed, and parents changing places. This is truly one fine experience.
Show your children!
Follow the link to see a Peregrine Falcon keeping her 3 babies warm on the Radisson Hotel in Winnipeg.
We have been watching the eggs hatch, then the babies being fed, and parents changing places. This is truly one fine experience.
Show your children!
Fall Election? Definitely!
This government is absolutely incredible.
It is led by a man whose ethics are not ingrained, like most Canadians, but that are skin deep and can be changed (like underwear, as Ms Couillard would say) for convenience and to keep in power.
This is a man who claims to be honourable. No one in this country would use that word to describe him.
The sooner Canadians can get to the polls, the better.
It is led by a man whose ethics are not ingrained, like most Canadians, but that are skin deep and can be changed (like underwear, as Ms Couillard would say) for convenience and to keep in power.
This is a man who claims to be honourable. No one in this country would use that word to describe him.
The sooner Canadians can get to the polls, the better.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
More on Queen's and its Principal
The last few years at Queen's have been full of change. New facilities, building construction, street redesign and upgrading, new policies, faculty and staff retirements and new hires....the list is long.
The next few years must be seen as a period of "entrenchment." This isn't stagnation, not doing anything, standing pat. It is insuring that initiatives of the past few years are incorporated into the university's modus operandi.
It takes a particular kind of person to do this effectively, not "just anybody."
Let's hope that those who identify the criteria essential for the next Principal, take this into account.
The next few years must be seen as a period of "entrenchment." This isn't stagnation, not doing anything, standing pat. It is insuring that initiatives of the past few years are incorporated into the university's modus operandi.
It takes a particular kind of person to do this effectively, not "just anybody."
Let's hope that those who identify the criteria essential for the next Principal, take this into account.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Queen's and It's Most Recent Principal
It's not easy for an organization to lose the person who holds the top position, particularly when the person is expected to continue in the job.
Until the AMS passed its resolution in March, there had only been rumblings and grapevine talk about the job that the principal was doing. The resolution forced, fortunately, the talk-over-coffee out into the open.
I was fortunate to be a part of a group called "The Group for Excellence." Its sole raison d'etre was to provide expert input into the physical activity component of the Queen's Centre. The group met for almost 3 years, developed a program for the facility, met with key persons on campus who were involved in the process, lobbied the trustees, and ultimately met with Principal Hitchcock to explain our suggestions, and try to have her understand the tremendous benefits of the university building a 50m swimming pool.
It was at this meeting (with one other graduate of Queen's, and the Principal) that I began to understand that she really didn't want to hear what we had to say, and really didn't care at all. Our meeting was half an hour. We had carefully planned the key points to make, the rationale, and the counter-arguments we expected her to make. We barely opened our mouths before SHE began to talk. She pretty well talked the whole time. We did make our key point, but it was quite clear that she had made up her mind and there was no point in our banging our heads against a concrete wall.
In all the years I have worked with others who are committed to a project, the "Group for Excellence" was the most satisfying, and the least satisfying. A group of about 15 people with wide sport interests agreed that the greater good would be served by our working together.
Never have I presented an idea to someone who not only refused to listen, but insisted in talking the whole time.
So the resolution that the AMS passed didn't surprise me, and it didn't surprise me to hear that students on campus think she doesn't connect with them. She doesn't.
Communication is a 2 way thing, and listening requires "hearing" what others are saying. One of the common techniques to effective listening is to concentrate on what is being said, and NOT getting ready to counter the arguments.
It has been said that her gender and American citizenship were the factors that did her in. It is more than that. She never really understood the "culture"of Queen's, the "Big Four" universities, or the traditions that (for good and bad) are entrenched in this institution. There's stuff at this university that creates the culture of this university; it has been here forever, and every year, it gets further entrenched.
Bill Leggett wasn't a Queen's grad, but he knew the MGill culture, not the same as Queen's, but a unique culture that differentiates it from every other university. And certainly differentiates it from any American university/college. And Leggett was liked by the students.
Principal Hitchcock never figured it out, didn't seem to be TRYING to figure it out.
We missed her at football games in the fall, except for the "command performance" at homecoming. Her presence there would have sent a positive message to students, and more importantly, to alumni who populate the west grandstand, and who cough up the bucks.
When the powers-that-be get down to deciding what the next principal needs, let's hope that they decide that being a Queen's grad is essential. The pieces need to be gathered up and put back together again, and only a Queen's grad can do that.
This is THE essential ingredient for the next principal.
Until the AMS passed its resolution in March, there had only been rumblings and grapevine talk about the job that the principal was doing. The resolution forced, fortunately, the talk-over-coffee out into the open.
I was fortunate to be a part of a group called "The Group for Excellence." Its sole raison d'etre was to provide expert input into the physical activity component of the Queen's Centre. The group met for almost 3 years, developed a program for the facility, met with key persons on campus who were involved in the process, lobbied the trustees, and ultimately met with Principal Hitchcock to explain our suggestions, and try to have her understand the tremendous benefits of the university building a 50m swimming pool.
It was at this meeting (with one other graduate of Queen's, and the Principal) that I began to understand that she really didn't want to hear what we had to say, and really didn't care at all. Our meeting was half an hour. We had carefully planned the key points to make, the rationale, and the counter-arguments we expected her to make. We barely opened our mouths before SHE began to talk. She pretty well talked the whole time. We did make our key point, but it was quite clear that she had made up her mind and there was no point in our banging our heads against a concrete wall.
In all the years I have worked with others who are committed to a project, the "Group for Excellence" was the most satisfying, and the least satisfying. A group of about 15 people with wide sport interests agreed that the greater good would be served by our working together.
Never have I presented an idea to someone who not only refused to listen, but insisted in talking the whole time.
So the resolution that the AMS passed didn't surprise me, and it didn't surprise me to hear that students on campus think she doesn't connect with them. She doesn't.
Communication is a 2 way thing, and listening requires "hearing" what others are saying. One of the common techniques to effective listening is to concentrate on what is being said, and NOT getting ready to counter the arguments.
It has been said that her gender and American citizenship were the factors that did her in. It is more than that. She never really understood the "culture"of Queen's, the "Big Four" universities, or the traditions that (for good and bad) are entrenched in this institution. There's stuff at this university that creates the culture of this university; it has been here forever, and every year, it gets further entrenched.
Bill Leggett wasn't a Queen's grad, but he knew the MGill culture, not the same as Queen's, but a unique culture that differentiates it from every other university. And certainly differentiates it from any American university/college. And Leggett was liked by the students.
Principal Hitchcock never figured it out, didn't seem to be TRYING to figure it out.
We missed her at football games in the fall, except for the "command performance" at homecoming. Her presence there would have sent a positive message to students, and more importantly, to alumni who populate the west grandstand, and who cough up the bucks.
When the powers-that-be get down to deciding what the next principal needs, let's hope that they decide that being a Queen's grad is essential. The pieces need to be gathered up and put back together again, and only a Queen's grad can do that.
This is THE essential ingredient for the next principal.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
It Matters A LOT
Patrons to the new arena in downtown Kingston have reported a lot of unfortunate things about the facility. The most recent, and perhaps the most irritating, is the fact that the Canadian flag is flying incorrectly.
Canadian flag protocol requires that when two flags are being flown, the Canadian flag is placed to the left of the other nation's flag. This is not quite written in (lime)stone, but almost.
In the new rink, the Canadian flag is being flown on the right of the USA flag.
Apparently, when this was brought to the attention (twice, at least) of the rink's management, the person who pointed this out, was told that it would require a cherry-picker -type of equipment to change it. The inference being that it would cost a lot of money to hire one, and it wasn't worth the cost.
Here's the news: it IS worth the cost of renting the necessary equipment.
In this town, there ARE a lot of people who think that it is important to fly the Canadian flag correctly. And, in fact, there are a lot of Canadians who think that too. And I am one. It is important to fly the flag correctly. Not just now, or in Kingston where the armed forces are constantly present, but in every town and hamlet in this country.
If this matters so little to the rink's management, is there anything that matters MORE? Oh yes. Selling tickets.
Speaking of which, in an unprompted conversation today, a woman told me of her recent visit to the rink to get tickets for some show. She was told that there were none there, but she could get them online.
"Online?" she said.
"Yes. They have them online."
Heavens....all those add-ons, coming to almost $15.00 per ticket! The management makes it so that if one wants tickets, they have to be bought online, even if the customer is standing right there at the ticket wicket. What a rip-off.
This is another example of the cavalier attitude demonstrated at the new rink.
Someone should tell Councillor Hector that the flags are being flown incorrectly. Then, get your stopwatch out, and see how long it takes to order up a cherry picker! Nanoseconds!!!!
Canadian flag protocol requires that when two flags are being flown, the Canadian flag is placed to the left of the other nation's flag. This is not quite written in (lime)stone, but almost.
In the new rink, the Canadian flag is being flown on the right of the USA flag.
Apparently, when this was brought to the attention (twice, at least) of the rink's management, the person who pointed this out, was told that it would require a cherry-picker -type of equipment to change it. The inference being that it would cost a lot of money to hire one, and it wasn't worth the cost.
Here's the news: it IS worth the cost of renting the necessary equipment.
In this town, there ARE a lot of people who think that it is important to fly the Canadian flag correctly. And, in fact, there are a lot of Canadians who think that too. And I am one. It is important to fly the flag correctly. Not just now, or in Kingston where the armed forces are constantly present, but in every town and hamlet in this country.
If this matters so little to the rink's management, is there anything that matters MORE? Oh yes. Selling tickets.
Speaking of which, in an unprompted conversation today, a woman told me of her recent visit to the rink to get tickets for some show. She was told that there were none there, but she could get them online.
"Online?" she said.
"Yes. They have them online."
Heavens....all those add-ons, coming to almost $15.00 per ticket! The management makes it so that if one wants tickets, they have to be bought online, even if the customer is standing right there at the ticket wicket. What a rip-off.
This is another example of the cavalier attitude demonstrated at the new rink.
Someone should tell Councillor Hector that the flags are being flown incorrectly. Then, get your stopwatch out, and see how long it takes to order up a cherry picker! Nanoseconds!!!!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
MEMO TO HARPER: Don't even think about a boycott.
THE CANADIAN PRESS, MONTREAL, April 4, 2008
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says it's too early to talk about any boycott of the 2008 Olympics, but most athletes would prefer to simply strike the dreaded b-word from the dictionary.
The thought of missing the Beijing Olympics weighs heavily on the minds of many Canadian athletes who have spent a lifetime training for the global athletic event. Politics and sports just don't mix, says Canadian swimming sensation Brent Hayden. "I'm an athlete, I'm not a politician and I'm going to compete at the Games no matter where they're held," Hayden said Friday during Olympic swimming trials in Montreal.
China's violent crackdown on riots in Tibet has prompted human rights groups to call for a boycott of the Games. Amnesty International has accused China of human rights abuses.
Harper won't attend the opening ceremony in August. Instead he will send a high-level delegation to represent Canada. The prime minister said his absence has nothing to do with a boycott and that he planned to skip the ceremonies long before the unrest in Tibet. The Canadian Olympic Committee would not comment on Harper skipping the ceremony. There is no set protocol on whether a prime minister or head of state should attend and rulers around the world are making different plans.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has mused he and the entire French team might boycott the opening ceremonies while allowing athletes to take part in competition. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she will take a pass on the opening while U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown plan to attend.
Calgary swimmer Mike Brown says he won't boycott the Games, but he wouldn't hold it against any athlete who did. "I would have liked (Harper) to have been there," Brown said. But the 23-year-old Brown says the thought of missing the Games is unfathomable. "I would be very heartbroken if everything gets put on hold," Brown said. "For somebody else to decide that we're not allowed to compete at the Games? That doesn't seem right to me."
Most Canadians seem to be on the same page as the athletes. A survey by Harris-Decima conducted at the end of March found only 13 per cent of Canadians supported a boycott, though more than half wanted some form of protest that would still allow Canadian athletes to compete. Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada's CEO and head coach, says his team likely won't take part in the opening ceremonies as his athletes' competition begins the following morning. "I don't think the swimming team has ever gone because it takes four or five days to recover," Lafontaine said. But any boycott talk irks Lafontaine, who said "boycotting the games has never worked, is never good." Boycotts only hurt the morale of young athletes who have spent a lifetime training for an Olympic spot, he said. "This is the one common denominator around the world that brings people together," Lafontaine said. "It's the one thing -- it's not religion, it's not politics -- it's sports."
First-time Olympian Tanya Hunks says she has sacrificed too much to even fathom the idea of not going to the Games. "It kind of breaks my heart," Hunks said of boycott talk. "I've put my life on hold for this and so many athletes have." Hunks says boycotting the games in the past has shown no benefits, referring to Canada's boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. "Waking up at 5 a.m. is hard, so we deserve" to go, said the 27-year-old Vancouver native.
This week there were signs that tension is easing in Tibet as the Chinese government announced it would reopen the region to tourism by May. However, reports Friday said China's state media were reporting new violence had broken out in a volatile Tibetan region, leaving at least one government official seriously injured.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says it's too early to talk about any boycott of the 2008 Olympics, but most athletes would prefer to simply strike the dreaded b-word from the dictionary.
The thought of missing the Beijing Olympics weighs heavily on the minds of many Canadian athletes who have spent a lifetime training for the global athletic event. Politics and sports just don't mix, says Canadian swimming sensation Brent Hayden. "I'm an athlete, I'm not a politician and I'm going to compete at the Games no matter where they're held," Hayden said Friday during Olympic swimming trials in Montreal.
China's violent crackdown on riots in Tibet has prompted human rights groups to call for a boycott of the Games. Amnesty International has accused China of human rights abuses.
Harper won't attend the opening ceremony in August. Instead he will send a high-level delegation to represent Canada. The prime minister said his absence has nothing to do with a boycott and that he planned to skip the ceremonies long before the unrest in Tibet. The Canadian Olympic Committee would not comment on Harper skipping the ceremony. There is no set protocol on whether a prime minister or head of state should attend and rulers around the world are making different plans.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has mused he and the entire French team might boycott the opening ceremonies while allowing athletes to take part in competition. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she will take a pass on the opening while U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown plan to attend.
Calgary swimmer Mike Brown says he won't boycott the Games, but he wouldn't hold it against any athlete who did. "I would have liked (Harper) to have been there," Brown said. But the 23-year-old Brown says the thought of missing the Games is unfathomable. "I would be very heartbroken if everything gets put on hold," Brown said. "For somebody else to decide that we're not allowed to compete at the Games? That doesn't seem right to me."
Most Canadians seem to be on the same page as the athletes. A survey by Harris-Decima conducted at the end of March found only 13 per cent of Canadians supported a boycott, though more than half wanted some form of protest that would still allow Canadian athletes to compete. Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada's CEO and head coach, says his team likely won't take part in the opening ceremonies as his athletes' competition begins the following morning. "I don't think the swimming team has ever gone because it takes four or five days to recover," Lafontaine said. But any boycott talk irks Lafontaine, who said "boycotting the games has never worked, is never good." Boycotts only hurt the morale of young athletes who have spent a lifetime training for an Olympic spot, he said. "This is the one common denominator around the world that brings people together," Lafontaine said. "It's the one thing -- it's not religion, it's not politics -- it's sports."
First-time Olympian Tanya Hunks says she has sacrificed too much to even fathom the idea of not going to the Games. "It kind of breaks my heart," Hunks said of boycott talk. "I've put my life on hold for this and so many athletes have." Hunks says boycotting the games in the past has shown no benefits, referring to Canada's boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. "Waking up at 5 a.m. is hard, so we deserve" to go, said the 27-year-old Vancouver native.
This week there were signs that tension is easing in Tibet as the Chinese government announced it would reopen the region to tourism by May. However, reports Friday said China's state media were reporting new violence had broken out in a volatile Tibetan region, leaving at least one government official seriously injured.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Exciting Week for Canadian Swimming!
The Canadian Olympic swim team will be chosen this week at the Olympic Pool in Montreal.
This is a great week to check out CBC TV at 6.30pm for daily updates, and Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm for the finale.
There are Kingston area swimmers in the pool, swimming theeir hearts out, hoping to make the 2008 team, but definitely setting the stage for 20012 in London, or 2016.
Check out www.swimming.ca
for live coverage, and updates.
Canadian swimming has entered a new exciting era, led by retired Olympian swimmer Dan Thompson (President) and CEO Pierre Lafontaine. Inspired leadership. Get behind them!
This is a great week to check out CBC TV at 6.30pm for daily updates, and Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm for the finale.
There are Kingston area swimmers in the pool, swimming theeir hearts out, hoping to make the 2008 team, but definitely setting the stage for 20012 in London, or 2016.
Check out www.swimming.ca
for live coverage, and updates.
Canadian swimming has entered a new exciting era, led by retired Olympian swimmer Dan Thompson (President) and CEO Pierre Lafontaine. Inspired leadership. Get behind them!
Public Tears Really Are Private
Jennifer Jones' team won the World Curling Championship yesterday. It was a great game to watch, with an end that pleases Canadians.
If you have stood at the top of the podium, you will know about tears. If you have led or coached a team or athletes who have stood there, you will know about tears.
If you have not done any of these things, don't make any assumptions about tears. Although public, they are priviate, and unique. For every person whose tears well up, the reasons are private and are often never spoken.
Be happy for athletes at the top of the podium. Help them savour the moment, and the moments that follow. They never want it to end.
"It was great," said second Jill Officer, 32. "Loud and proud, baby. It was awesome and when the beat really picks up at the end there, I just totally had chills all the way down my body."
Wonderful!
If you have stood at the top of the podium, you will know about tears. If you have led or coached a team or athletes who have stood there, you will know about tears.
If you have not done any of these things, don't make any assumptions about tears. Although public, they are priviate, and unique. For every person whose tears well up, the reasons are private and are often never spoken.
Be happy for athletes at the top of the podium. Help them savour the moment, and the moments that follow. They never want it to end.
"It was great," said second Jill Officer, 32. "Loud and proud, baby. It was awesome and when the beat really picks up at the end there, I just totally had chills all the way down my body."
Wonderful!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Swim Canada OLYMPIC TRIALS
Montreal, April 1-6,2008.
Hit the wall first; go to Beijing. Not complicated, no subjectivity. Clean and simple.
And how well Kingston will be represented, in spite of our wait for an aquatic complex!
NEWS Update from KAARS, Kingston Association of Aquatic Recreation & Sport.....
Kingston Supports Its Olympic Hopefuls
To show our support to the half dozen Kingston swimmers competing in a number of events at the Olympic trials, Kingston Sport Tourism of KEDCO and the Kingston Association of Aquatic Recreation and Sport (KAARS) joined efforts to sponsor the women’s 400m medley relay event at the CN (sponsored by Canadian National Corp) Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials, a six-day national competition that will take place April 1-6 at the Olympic Park Pool in Montreal, QC.
Canada’s elite swimmers will compete at the trials to earn a place on Canada’s Beijing Olympic Team. Touching the wall first is all that matters in making the Team. This will include the 24-year old Elizabeth Wycliffe, Kingston Kiwanis Amateur Athlete of the Year, from the Ernestown Barracudas Swim Club who presently trains at the University of Texas. Wycliffe is ranked as Canada’s number one swimmer for that event. She’s also number one ranked in the 100m backstroke.
This is just one hopeful that is trying out for the team as five more Kingston swimmers have qualified to compete at the Trials. We have two 18-year olds, Jessica Craig and Pamela Ruksys, 17-year old Benjamin Roberts and then Allie Duff at 14. The biggest surprise of all is Amanda McCormack who is only 12. They are all working to position themselves in Canada’s swimming ranks, and we are very proud to be supporting them.
Each day, swimmers will be nominated to the Olympic & Paralympic Team as they race their speciality event. All members of Canada’s swim team will be nominated at the 2008 Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials in Montreal.
Forty to fifty of Kingston’s swimming enthusiasts will be travelling to the Montreal Olympic Pool over the weekend to watch the competition. There are seats on the bus (including entry ticket) still available for the April 5th finals at $40 each/double. If interested in getting on board contact KBMtour@kingston.net . There will be CBC coverage on Saturday afternoon with taped hi-lites broadcast on Monday, April 7th (check your listings). All-in-all, Kingston should be proud regardless of the outcome.
Visit www.ktownaquaticcentre.ca
for updates on the swimming trials, and for news about out efforts, along with city staff and many supportive citizens, to build an AQUATIC CENTRE in Kingston. It's time! We're in the right location!
Just think....if we had an AQUATIC CENTRE in Kingston, young Olympic hopeful AMANDA MCCORMACK would be able to stay here to train for the 2016 Olympic Games, and our local children could train alongside her, and become the best they could be!
An exciting thought, so let's have a KINGSTON AQUATIC CENTRE!
Hit the wall first; go to Beijing. Not complicated, no subjectivity. Clean and simple.
And how well Kingston will be represented, in spite of our wait for an aquatic complex!
NEWS Update from KAARS, Kingston Association of Aquatic Recreation & Sport.....
Kingston Supports Its Olympic Hopefuls
To show our support to the half dozen Kingston swimmers competing in a number of events at the Olympic trials, Kingston Sport Tourism of KEDCO and the Kingston Association of Aquatic Recreation and Sport (KAARS) joined efforts to sponsor the women’s 400m medley relay event at the CN (sponsored by Canadian National Corp) Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials, a six-day national competition that will take place April 1-6 at the Olympic Park Pool in Montreal, QC.
Canada’s elite swimmers will compete at the trials to earn a place on Canada’s Beijing Olympic Team. Touching the wall first is all that matters in making the Team. This will include the 24-year old Elizabeth Wycliffe, Kingston Kiwanis Amateur Athlete of the Year, from the Ernestown Barracudas Swim Club who presently trains at the University of Texas. Wycliffe is ranked as Canada’s number one swimmer for that event. She’s also number one ranked in the 100m backstroke.
This is just one hopeful that is trying out for the team as five more Kingston swimmers have qualified to compete at the Trials. We have two 18-year olds, Jessica Craig and Pamela Ruksys, 17-year old Benjamin Roberts and then Allie Duff at 14. The biggest surprise of all is Amanda McCormack who is only 12. They are all working to position themselves in Canada’s swimming ranks, and we are very proud to be supporting them.
Each day, swimmers will be nominated to the Olympic & Paralympic Team as they race their speciality event. All members of Canada’s swim team will be nominated at the 2008 Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials in Montreal.
Forty to fifty of Kingston’s swimming enthusiasts will be travelling to the Montreal Olympic Pool over the weekend to watch the competition. There are seats on the bus (including entry ticket) still available for the April 5th finals at $40 each/double. If interested in getting on board contact KBMtour@kingston.net . There will be CBC coverage on Saturday afternoon with taped hi-lites broadcast on Monday, April 7th (check your listings). All-in-all, Kingston should be proud regardless of the outcome.
Visit www.ktownaquaticcentre.ca
for updates on the swimming trials, and for news about out efforts, along with city staff and many supportive citizens, to build an AQUATIC CENTRE in Kingston. It's time! We're in the right location!
Just think....if we had an AQUATIC CENTRE in Kingston, young Olympic hopeful AMANDA MCCORMACK would be able to stay here to train for the 2016 Olympic Games, and our local children could train alongside her, and become the best they could be!
An exciting thought, so let's have a KINGSTON AQUATIC CENTRE!
Olympics: Jittery sponsors stay loyal to China, but worry in private
Olympics: Jittery sponsors stay loyal to China, but worry in private
March 28, 2008
from AFP
BEIJING (AFP) — Big corporations are still loyal backers of the Beijing Olympics, looking beyond boycott calls and protests over Tibet, Darfur and human rights to their long term interests in China.
Firms such as Coca-Cola, Visa, Volkswagen and Adidas are jittery about the bad news swirling around the Games but are even more worried about offending Beijing's rulers, according to experts.
"The Chinese government is the gatekeeper to 1.3 billion potential consumers so they are choosing their words carefully," said Damien Ryan, a Hong Kong-based media advisor with Ryan Financial Communications.
"Nobody wants to say a word that could be used against them down the road."
As recently as three months ago the Beijing Olympics looked like a win-win marketing dream for the world's top companies who fought tooth and nail, and paid tens of millions of dollars, for the right to sponsor the event.
The opportunities remain dazzling in a country where the consumer base is measured in hundreds of millions, but suddenly the companies find themselves in a position where they have to explain themselves.
"The line so far is that the Olympics are a force for good and sponsors are part of that change for good," said Ryan.
But sponsors have been unable to deflect pressure from campaign groups who are urging them to bring pressure to bear on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and on the Beijing Games organisers.
Group such as the Students for a Free Tibet, which want the IOC to reroute the torch relay to eliminate the Tibet leg, are planning to launch grass roots campaigns targeting sponsors.
Dream for Darfur, an organisation set up to pressure China into helping end the bloodshed in the western Sudanese region, has also urged Olympic sponsors to speak out publicly on the issue.
Those who fail to do so will face "intensive advocacy," that may include demonstrations at corporate headquarters, said Jill Savitt, the group's director.
Coca-Cola, Samsung and computer maker Lenovo, which are sponsors of the torch relay in addition to being top Olympic sponsors, and other firms have shown no signs of wavering publicly on their backing for the event or the Games themselves.
Coca-Cola said in a statement it was "inappropriate" for sponsors to comment on the political situation of individual nations and that it "firmly believed the Olympics are a force for good."
"We remain committed to supporting the torch relay, which provides a unique opportunity to share the Olympic values of unity, pride and inspiration with people all over the world," the firm added.
Adidas, another veteran Olympic sponsor, expressed concern about Tibet and also addressed boycott calls.
"We are concerned about the recent situation in Tibet. We hope that the situation will calm down very soon," the firm said in a statement.
"We believe that a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games would be counter-productive and we have therefore reiterated our commitment to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
Privately, however, firms are worried, according to western marketing experts in Beijing.
They have appointed crisis management teams, increased their budgets for media consultants, and have been talking privately to the Beijing Olympic organising committee, which has invited sponsors to Beijing for talks later this month
At least one multinational sponsor is considering cutting its budget for Olympic-related marketing in the west because it fears a possible consumer backlash there, where opposition to China's Tibet crackdown is high.
The sponsors have also become more conciliatory towards human rights and other groups.
Last year, multinational Olympic sponsors refused to meet with Dream for Darfur representatives.
That has changed. Savitt and Hollywood actress Mia Farrow, the organisation's founder, have been meeting with sponsors for the past week in the United States.
Nicholas Bequelin, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, said big firms were also "much more open to meeting with us and hearing from us."
"We have told them that there are high reputational risks to be associated with any event that takes place in a one party dictatorship," he said.
March 28, 2008
from AFP
BEIJING (AFP) — Big corporations are still loyal backers of the Beijing Olympics, looking beyond boycott calls and protests over Tibet, Darfur and human rights to their long term interests in China.
Firms such as Coca-Cola, Visa, Volkswagen and Adidas are jittery about the bad news swirling around the Games but are even more worried about offending Beijing's rulers, according to experts.
"The Chinese government is the gatekeeper to 1.3 billion potential consumers so they are choosing their words carefully," said Damien Ryan, a Hong Kong-based media advisor with Ryan Financial Communications.
"Nobody wants to say a word that could be used against them down the road."
As recently as three months ago the Beijing Olympics looked like a win-win marketing dream for the world's top companies who fought tooth and nail, and paid tens of millions of dollars, for the right to sponsor the event.
The opportunities remain dazzling in a country where the consumer base is measured in hundreds of millions, but suddenly the companies find themselves in a position where they have to explain themselves.
"The line so far is that the Olympics are a force for good and sponsors are part of that change for good," said Ryan.
But sponsors have been unable to deflect pressure from campaign groups who are urging them to bring pressure to bear on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and on the Beijing Games organisers.
Group such as the Students for a Free Tibet, which want the IOC to reroute the torch relay to eliminate the Tibet leg, are planning to launch grass roots campaigns targeting sponsors.
Dream for Darfur, an organisation set up to pressure China into helping end the bloodshed in the western Sudanese region, has also urged Olympic sponsors to speak out publicly on the issue.
Those who fail to do so will face "intensive advocacy," that may include demonstrations at corporate headquarters, said Jill Savitt, the group's director.
Coca-Cola, Samsung and computer maker Lenovo, which are sponsors of the torch relay in addition to being top Olympic sponsors, and other firms have shown no signs of wavering publicly on their backing for the event or the Games themselves.
Coca-Cola said in a statement it was "inappropriate" for sponsors to comment on the political situation of individual nations and that it "firmly believed the Olympics are a force for good."
"We remain committed to supporting the torch relay, which provides a unique opportunity to share the Olympic values of unity, pride and inspiration with people all over the world," the firm added.
Adidas, another veteran Olympic sponsor, expressed concern about Tibet and also addressed boycott calls.
"We are concerned about the recent situation in Tibet. We hope that the situation will calm down very soon," the firm said in a statement.
"We believe that a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games would be counter-productive and we have therefore reiterated our commitment to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
Privately, however, firms are worried, according to western marketing experts in Beijing.
They have appointed crisis management teams, increased their budgets for media consultants, and have been talking privately to the Beijing Olympic organising committee, which has invited sponsors to Beijing for talks later this month
At least one multinational sponsor is considering cutting its budget for Olympic-related marketing in the west because it fears a possible consumer backlash there, where opposition to China's Tibet crackdown is high.
The sponsors have also become more conciliatory towards human rights and other groups.
Last year, multinational Olympic sponsors refused to meet with Dream for Darfur representatives.
That has changed. Savitt and Hollywood actress Mia Farrow, the organisation's founder, have been meeting with sponsors for the past week in the United States.
Nicholas Bequelin, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, said big firms were also "much more open to meeting with us and hearing from us."
"We have told them that there are high reputational risks to be associated with any event that takes place in a one party dictatorship," he said.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Now Here's a Ridiculous Idea
To think that Kingstonians, or Ontarians in general, would support another tax, is unimaginable. Yet, a Kingstonian who holds a high office, is floating that idea. A municipal tax for infrastructure.
Yesterday, the Mayor of Sarnia said that she does not support a municipal tax. Others have spoken out against this incredible idea, long before the Mayor of Sarnia said it.
It's another bone-headed idea, to match the one in which the city shoe-horned its new rink into one downtown block, made no provision for parking, did not conduct credible traffic studies prior to deciding to build there, had virtually no idea where the money was to come from, ignored thousands of local taxpayers who opposed the location, and counted on federal government support when there was little (if any) support noticeable from the feds.
Then, in the time since construction started, had the audacity to beat on the federal government on a number of issues and STILL expect it to give, not $4 million, but $8 million!
Kingstonians can barely comprehend all this.
Yesterday, the Mayor of Sarnia said that she does not support a municipal tax. Others have spoken out against this incredible idea, long before the Mayor of Sarnia said it.
It's another bone-headed idea, to match the one in which the city shoe-horned its new rink into one downtown block, made no provision for parking, did not conduct credible traffic studies prior to deciding to build there, had virtually no idea where the money was to come from, ignored thousands of local taxpayers who opposed the location, and counted on federal government support when there was little (if any) support noticeable from the feds.
Then, in the time since construction started, had the audacity to beat on the federal government on a number of issues and STILL expect it to give, not $4 million, but $8 million!
Kingstonians can barely comprehend all this.
NO Boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games
Speak up.
Canada should not boycott the 2008 OG.
No athlete would support it, espeecially those who were hurt by the 1980 boycott. Those athletes, including Sue Holloway, kayaker at the time, have had 28 years to reflect on it. It's amazing that they don't seem bitter.
The Canadian government can't tell the COC what to do, but it sure can make it dreadful for athletes. The federal government gives very little money to the COC, but, recently it has provided funding for Own The Podium (summer and winter versions), and this government wouldn't think twice about cutting off that funding.
So, while there's little taxpayer money in the actual team or Missin Staff, there is considerable funding in federally-supported programs.
Canada should not boycott the 2008 OG.
No athlete would support it, espeecially those who were hurt by the 1980 boycott. Those athletes, including Sue Holloway, kayaker at the time, have had 28 years to reflect on it. It's amazing that they don't seem bitter.
The Canadian government can't tell the COC what to do, but it sure can make it dreadful for athletes. The federal government gives very little money to the COC, but, recently it has provided funding for Own The Podium (summer and winter versions), and this government wouldn't think twice about cutting off that funding.
So, while there's little taxpayer money in the actual team or Missin Staff, there is considerable funding in federally-supported programs.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Like Yogi Berra said, "It's deja vu all over again."
Watching Canada/China play in the women's World Curling championships, it seemed as if the reel had re-wound.
In the 1980s, Canadian syncho was at the top of the synchro world. Now, 2008, Canadian synchro teams have a tough time getting a medal. The A team is off the Beijing next week to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, hoping to make the top 8 in the world. Let's hope they do.
In those days, China and Russia were just getting onto the world stage. Since then, with all the money in the world, and support personnel and experts galore, they have risen to the top of the synchro world; their demise is a way down the road!
But, back to curling. One loss is no big deal, but sometimes a look back shows that those "one losses" accumulate.
Let's hope that Canada is able, and willing, to commit the necessary resources to keep both men's and women's teams on the podium. Other countries will do it; we must.
Let's hope that the lessons of synchro have been learned by other sport organizations in the country.
In the 1980s, Canadian syncho was at the top of the synchro world. Now, 2008, Canadian synchro teams have a tough time getting a medal. The A team is off the Beijing next week to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, hoping to make the top 8 in the world. Let's hope they do.
In those days, China and Russia were just getting onto the world stage. Since then, with all the money in the world, and support personnel and experts galore, they have risen to the top of the synchro world; their demise is a way down the road!
But, back to curling. One loss is no big deal, but sometimes a look back shows that those "one losses" accumulate.
Let's hope that Canada is able, and willing, to commit the necessary resources to keep both men's and women's teams on the podium. Other countries will do it; we must.
Let's hope that the lessons of synchro have been learned by other sport organizations in the country.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Let the games begin; Boycotting Olympics hurts the athletes, Kingstonian says
from the Kingston Whig Standard, March 24, 2008
by Brock Harrison
Several of the world's highest-profile Olympians have publicly denounced any notion of boycotting the upcoming Summer Games in China because of that country's human-rights record in Tibet.
Kingston's own elite Olympian is adding her voice to that call.
Andrea Blackwell, now a well-known local basketball coach, was just 17 when she was prevented from playing with the national women's basketball team in the 1980 Olympiad, as Canada joined U.S. President Jimmy Carter's boycott of the Moscow games.
She says she understands the need to draw attention to critical international issues - like Russia's refusal to pull out of Afghanistan in 1980 and China's current human-rights rap sheet - but she also says a politically sanctioned boycott that withdraws participation can be "devastating" to the athletes.
"Just knowing the time and the effort that athletes put into the Olympic Games, I don't know that I could support a boycott," said Blackwell, who was fortunately at the very beginning of her amateur career in 1980.
"Obviously, this shows how important [the Olympics are] to countries but its unfortunate who gets affected most by it."
Competing in the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta has somewhat erased Blackwell's painful memories of missing the 1980 Games, but she says if a 2008 boycott goes through others won't be as fortunate.
"I couldn't imagine had the 1996 Olympics been boycotted. That was the end of my career. I wouldn't have had another chance," said Blackwell, who coaches the St. Lawrence College Vikings women's basketball team and the senior boys' team at Loyalist Collegiate.
Calls for the Beijing boycott have intensified in the wake of deadly clashes between the Chinese government and Tibetan protesters who are pushing for greater autonomy from the Communist regime.
Ostensibly, the Olympic boycott would be one of several diplomatic pressure points the international community could apply to China for its violent treatment of protesters and its continued support for the Sudanese regime that is accused of aiding genocide in the Darfur region.
China wishes to use the spotlight it will receive from the upcoming games to signify its arrival as a world power on the international stage. A large-scale gesture of rebuke, in theory, would throw cold water on those ambitious plans and draw widespread attention to China's alleged domestic and foreign atrocities.
Blackwell, echoing the sentiments of Australian Olympic swimming icon Ian Thorpe and British Olympic silver-medalist swimmer Sharron Davies, says there are other ways for government officials and diplomats to exert influence.
She also says it's opportunistic for governments to leverage the Olympics to promote their own agendas when those same governments often fail to support athletes between events.
"The whole idea of a boycott demonstrates the power of sport and how valuable sport is," she said. "It's not just the tiny fraction of people who actually makes it to the Games, it shows how valuable it is to everyone."
The Canadian government hasn't taken a stance on a boycott, but the idea is getting some political footing. Randy Hillier, Progressive Conservative MPP for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, rose in the legislature last Tuesday calling on Ottawa to impose a boycott.
Blackwell says that would be an "incredibly hard" pill for athletes to swallow, given the years of training they dedicate to reaching the Olympics.
"You obviously want to support your government and the decisions that get made, but sometimes it makes it pretty difficult when you're directly affected without any control," she said.
by Brock Harrison
Several of the world's highest-profile Olympians have publicly denounced any notion of boycotting the upcoming Summer Games in China because of that country's human-rights record in Tibet.
Kingston's own elite Olympian is adding her voice to that call.
Andrea Blackwell, now a well-known local basketball coach, was just 17 when she was prevented from playing with the national women's basketball team in the 1980 Olympiad, as Canada joined U.S. President Jimmy Carter's boycott of the Moscow games.
She says she understands the need to draw attention to critical international issues - like Russia's refusal to pull out of Afghanistan in 1980 and China's current human-rights rap sheet - but she also says a politically sanctioned boycott that withdraws participation can be "devastating" to the athletes.
"Just knowing the time and the effort that athletes put into the Olympic Games, I don't know that I could support a boycott," said Blackwell, who was fortunately at the very beginning of her amateur career in 1980.
"Obviously, this shows how important [the Olympics are] to countries but its unfortunate who gets affected most by it."
Competing in the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta has somewhat erased Blackwell's painful memories of missing the 1980 Games, but she says if a 2008 boycott goes through others won't be as fortunate.
"I couldn't imagine had the 1996 Olympics been boycotted. That was the end of my career. I wouldn't have had another chance," said Blackwell, who coaches the St. Lawrence College Vikings women's basketball team and the senior boys' team at Loyalist Collegiate.
Calls for the Beijing boycott have intensified in the wake of deadly clashes between the Chinese government and Tibetan protesters who are pushing for greater autonomy from the Communist regime.
Ostensibly, the Olympic boycott would be one of several diplomatic pressure points the international community could apply to China for its violent treatment of protesters and its continued support for the Sudanese regime that is accused of aiding genocide in the Darfur region.
China wishes to use the spotlight it will receive from the upcoming games to signify its arrival as a world power on the international stage. A large-scale gesture of rebuke, in theory, would throw cold water on those ambitious plans and draw widespread attention to China's alleged domestic and foreign atrocities.
Blackwell, echoing the sentiments of Australian Olympic swimming icon Ian Thorpe and British Olympic silver-medalist swimmer Sharron Davies, says there are other ways for government officials and diplomats to exert influence.
She also says it's opportunistic for governments to leverage the Olympics to promote their own agendas when those same governments often fail to support athletes between events.
"The whole idea of a boycott demonstrates the power of sport and how valuable sport is," she said. "It's not just the tiny fraction of people who actually makes it to the Games, it shows how valuable it is to everyone."
The Canadian government hasn't taken a stance on a boycott, but the idea is getting some political footing. Randy Hillier, Progressive Conservative MPP for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, rose in the legislature last Tuesday calling on Ottawa to impose a boycott.
Blackwell says that would be an "incredibly hard" pill for athletes to swallow, given the years of training they dedicate to reaching the Olympics.
"You obviously want to support your government and the decisions that get made, but sometimes it makes it pretty difficult when you're directly affected without any control," she said.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Now Here's A Crock......UPDATED March 28, 2008
Why would the UCI sue RWP?
Because he is running for president of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, that's why, and cycling would do anything to discredit him, since he has been on their case for years.
Never underestimate the ability of an IF to stoop.
----------------
UCI & Verbruggen Sue Dick Pound
The UCI has moved to the next level in its ongoing dispute with WADA and the organization's former president Dick Pound. The UCI has issued a statement that they will be suing Canadian lawyer Dick Pound for "continual injurious and biased comments" against both the UCI and former UCI President Hein Verbruggen.
Pound was until recently the President of the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), and he and Verbruggen had a running war of words over Pound's comments about the efforts (or lack therof, according to Pound) of the UCI to combat doping.The text of the UCI statement:The UCI and Mr. Hein Verbruggen have sued Mr. Richard Pound ex-president of WADA before Swiss courts for what they perceive as being continual injurious and biased comments by Mr. Pound against UCI and Mr. Verbruggen in the context of the efforts made by them to eradicate doping from their sport. Indeed, on many occasions, Mr. Pound has publicly questioned the extent of the UCI's efforts in the fight against doping.
One would think that the UCI would have more important things on its agenda than suing Dick Pound. Like, cleaning up the sport????
They must have more money than FIFA!!
Because he is running for president of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, that's why, and cycling would do anything to discredit him, since he has been on their case for years.
Never underestimate the ability of an IF to stoop.
----------------
UCI & Verbruggen Sue Dick Pound
The UCI has moved to the next level in its ongoing dispute with WADA and the organization's former president Dick Pound. The UCI has issued a statement that they will be suing Canadian lawyer Dick Pound for "continual injurious and biased comments" against both the UCI and former UCI President Hein Verbruggen.
Pound was until recently the President of the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), and he and Verbruggen had a running war of words over Pound's comments about the efforts (or lack therof, according to Pound) of the UCI to combat doping.The text of the UCI statement:The UCI and Mr. Hein Verbruggen have sued Mr. Richard Pound ex-president of WADA before Swiss courts for what they perceive as being continual injurious and biased comments by Mr. Pound against UCI and Mr. Verbruggen in the context of the efforts made by them to eradicate doping from their sport. Indeed, on many occasions, Mr. Pound has publicly questioned the extent of the UCI's efforts in the fight against doping.
One would think that the UCI would have more important things on its agenda than suing Dick Pound. Like, cleaning up the sport????
They must have more money than FIFA!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
No men's Soccer Either
That Own the Podium OTP funding can't come too soon for Canadian teams.
Once again, a Canadian team has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games. Men's soccer (under 23) will be staying home this summer.
What a disappointment for Canadian teams. The cost of developing a system, then training a large number of athletes for any team, then getting them the essential competition, then getting them to the Olympic Qualification Tournament, and keeping them sharp after they qualify, is gigantic.
Let's hope that popular sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball and field hockey can benefit immediately for additional funding. It may be too late for 2012, but there is light for 2016.
Our Canadian children need to see our athletes at the OG. When they see women's and men's hockey playing at the OWG, don't you think that inspires them? You bet!
So, let's get the funding to Canadian teams. Let's get the system working. It's well past time.
Once again, a Canadian team has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games. Men's soccer (under 23) will be staying home this summer.
What a disappointment for Canadian teams. The cost of developing a system, then training a large number of athletes for any team, then getting them the essential competition, then getting them to the Olympic Qualification Tournament, and keeping them sharp after they qualify, is gigantic.
Let's hope that popular sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball and field hockey can benefit immediately for additional funding. It may be too late for 2012, but there is light for 2016.
Our Canadian children need to see our athletes at the OG. When they see women's and men's hockey playing at the OWG, don't you think that inspires them? You bet!
So, let's get the funding to Canadian teams. Let's get the system working. It's well past time.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Canada and an Olympic Boycott
It's good to see that COC CEO Chris Rudge has said that Canada will NOT boycott the 2008 Olympic Games. Good for him.
I was in the room for the vote in the spring of 1980 when the COA voted to boycott the 1980 Games in Moscow. And I supported the boycott.
I have changed my mind. Boycotts don't do anything except kill the dream of so many athletes. I knew/know some Canadians who didn't get to go to Moscow because of the boycott. It broke their hearts.
I have believed for quite some time that boycotts do not work. They don't make a statement to the country that is the target, and they don't say anything to the country that decides to boycott.
In this case, does anyone really think that if Canada doesn't send its athletes, China will notice or change it's stance on human rights? Not likely.
I despise the idea that the Olympic Games can be used for political purposes. But I know that they are. Sports and politics are intertwined....starting with the IOC.
Let us support Canadian athletes who speak out against injustices wherever they may be; let us all speak out against injustice. But let's not ever again squash the dreams of any Canadian child to become an Olympian. THAT would be an injustice.
I was in the room for the vote in the spring of 1980 when the COA voted to boycott the 1980 Games in Moscow. And I supported the boycott.
I have changed my mind. Boycotts don't do anything except kill the dream of so many athletes. I knew/know some Canadians who didn't get to go to Moscow because of the boycott. It broke their hearts.
I have believed for quite some time that boycotts do not work. They don't make a statement to the country that is the target, and they don't say anything to the country that decides to boycott.
In this case, does anyone really think that if Canada doesn't send its athletes, China will notice or change it's stance on human rights? Not likely.
I despise the idea that the Olympic Games can be used for political purposes. But I know that they are. Sports and politics are intertwined....starting with the IOC.
Let us support Canadian athletes who speak out against injustices wherever they may be; let us all speak out against injustice. But let's not ever again squash the dreams of any Canadian child to become an Olympian. THAT would be an injustice.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
More on the Brier
Russ Howard wins as repeat analyst. Joan Mc Cusker did a good job in the last two draws of the Brier. Russ is quite fair, he presents one educated view of the game as it progresses, he has the better tone of voice, he allowed viewers to hear the athletes (skips and others).
Somehow, it has eluded the CBC crowd that there are 4 aspects to air time: booth time, skips time, players time, and no comments. These 4 should not be distributed equally, and "booth time" definitely does not get more than the others.
Thanks to the TSN and CBC for NOT showing viewers the "routines" that players have as they prepare for their delivery. There was nothing more irritating for fans than to watch Dave Nedolin go through his pre-delivery routine.
Unlike some analysts, I think that Kevin Martin has grown a lot in the last while. John Morris has brought a fine contribution to the team, and he too has grown in his game. Yes, he still gets mad, but his coping skills are seriously improved this year. He deserves a large bouquet.
Maybe the networks can persuade Jim Cotter and others to drop the ball cap. It sure looks dorky, and doesn't fit the game at all.
The tribute to Don Wittman (and Chev and Maxwell) was very nice. They stand as giants in curling's development in this country. The patch on the curlers' jackets was obtuse. Looked like a last minute design and execution; it probably was. More is expected from the CCA.
Please, let the game speak for itself. No one needs to tell us "Howard is going to take out the yellow one," as Harris did, as the rock approached the house. Good grief. We can see the obvious!!!
We're looking forward to the Worlds. Let's hope that the round robin play is good, and that the playoffs are better. This Brier final will stick out as one of the game's true duds. Poor ice and poor play. Disappinting for the athletes and the fans.
Somehow, it has eluded the CBC crowd that there are 4 aspects to air time: booth time, skips time, players time, and no comments. These 4 should not be distributed equally, and "booth time" definitely does not get more than the others.
Thanks to the TSN and CBC for NOT showing viewers the "routines" that players have as they prepare for their delivery. There was nothing more irritating for fans than to watch Dave Nedolin go through his pre-delivery routine.
Unlike some analysts, I think that Kevin Martin has grown a lot in the last while. John Morris has brought a fine contribution to the team, and he too has grown in his game. Yes, he still gets mad, but his coping skills are seriously improved this year. He deserves a large bouquet.
Maybe the networks can persuade Jim Cotter and others to drop the ball cap. It sure looks dorky, and doesn't fit the game at all.
The tribute to Don Wittman (and Chev and Maxwell) was very nice. They stand as giants in curling's development in this country. The patch on the curlers' jackets was obtuse. Looked like a last minute design and execution; it probably was. More is expected from the CCA.
Please, let the game speak for itself. No one needs to tell us "Howard is going to take out the yellow one," as Harris did, as the rock approached the house. Good grief. We can see the obvious!!!
We're looking forward to the Worlds. Let's hope that the round robin play is good, and that the playoffs are better. This Brier final will stick out as one of the game's true duds. Poor ice and poor play. Disappinting for the athletes and the fans.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Brier Final
What a bust.
A highly-anticipated game, the culmination of a great week of men's curling, two of the best teams in the world. And they can't get the ice right.
What a disappointment.
A highly-anticipated game, the culmination of a great week of men's curling, two of the best teams in the world. And they can't get the ice right.
What a disappointment.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
How do you pronounce "SASKATCHEWAN" ?
Let's hope that Joan's first order of business this afternoon is to take Bruce Rainie aside and have a lesson in pronounciation. He sounds as if he is from Toronto!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Brier, A Great Week of Curling
What a fine week of curling. I'd love it to go forever!!
Russ Howard has done an excellent job as the analyst for TSN druing the daytime. More on that later.
Brad and the boys from the Rock never really showed up. I watched just a few minutes of his loss to BC this morning, it didn't look as if he had his heart in it, and probably didn't. He looked quite sad.
Although Jeff Stoughton expresses disappintment (http://www.cbc.ca/ blog) in Burtnyk's show this week, I thought he had the best attitude all week. He knows that this is just a game, and that there are more important things in this life. Brad will learn that one day. For now, though, he is really disappointed. It shows.
So we are into the Page playoffs. Great games coming up. That Kevin Martin and his team, are extraordinary. He must have an incredible kinesthetic sense. It would be interesting for experts to be able to "measure" why he does so well: his motor skills, his physiology, his mental skills. He'd make a great subject.
I know someone who studied his spouse and her specific athletic performance for a PhD dissertation....maybe we can find someone who would take on this project!!
Russ Howard has done an excellent job as the analyst for TSN druing the daytime. More on that later.
Brad and the boys from the Rock never really showed up. I watched just a few minutes of his loss to BC this morning, it didn't look as if he had his heart in it, and probably didn't. He looked quite sad.
Although Jeff Stoughton expresses disappintment (http://www.cbc.ca/ blog) in Burtnyk's show this week, I thought he had the best attitude all week. He knows that this is just a game, and that there are more important things in this life. Brad will learn that one day. For now, though, he is really disappointed. It shows.
So we are into the Page playoffs. Great games coming up. That Kevin Martin and his team, are extraordinary. He must have an incredible kinesthetic sense. It would be interesting for experts to be able to "measure" why he does so well: his motor skills, his physiology, his mental skills. He'd make a great subject.
I know someone who studied his spouse and her specific athletic performance for a PhD dissertation....maybe we can find someone who would take on this project!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
No Ball Caps, Please
Curlers shouldn't wear ballcaps on the ice.
Why? Viewers can't see their faces, that's why. Viewers watch the delivery, the path of the rock, and of course the action in the house. The curler's face tells us something about the shot.
Help us follow the game, please!
Why? Viewers can't see their faces, that's why. Viewers watch the delivery, the path of the rock, and of course the action in the house. The curler's face tells us something about the shot.
Help us follow the game, please!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Brenda Martin and the Canadian PM
Steven Harper has never been accused of too much compassion. And, the situation of BRENDA MARTIN in a Mexican jail won't change that. Hard of heart, deaf to opinions other than his own, a bully of the first order.
BRENDA MARTIN is now in the hospital unit in the Mexican jail in which she has languished for 2 years. Apparently charged with being an accessory in a fraud case involving her former employer (who has stated that she was not at any time involved in his nefarious doings), MARTIN was not permitted a lawyer or a translator when she was brought before a judge. Her human rights were trampled upon, according to her lawyer, and her friend in Trenton, Ontario.
Her appeal to this injustice was denied early this week.
As MARTIN languishes in jail, now at 90 pounds, the Minister says she has send "notes" to the Mexican government, and is now powerless to do anything more.
If MARTIN dies in jail, without any intervention by the PM or more assertive measures by the Minister, it will definitely be time to go to the polls.
There are so many examples that illustrate that this man should not have been elected, nor should he continue in office. But the deaths of Canadians due to negligence of the government is unacceptable, not only to me, but also to many others.
A Federal election costs somewhat over $2.5 millin per constituency. This time, it will be money well spent, to get rid of this government, and its "leader."
He is not a "leader." He is a bully who now says that the bill on RESPs must not be implemented. This bill was passed by parliament. He was having a snooze when it went though.
Let's get to the polls. It is time for a new government, one with a leader who does not bully parliament, does not act in secret, one who respects the people of this country.
Please email the PM to take action on behalf of BRENDA MARTIN. Now.
pm@pm.gc.ca
BRENDA MARTIN is now in the hospital unit in the Mexican jail in which she has languished for 2 years. Apparently charged with being an accessory in a fraud case involving her former employer (who has stated that she was not at any time involved in his nefarious doings), MARTIN was not permitted a lawyer or a translator when she was brought before a judge. Her human rights were trampled upon, according to her lawyer, and her friend in Trenton, Ontario.
Her appeal to this injustice was denied early this week.
As MARTIN languishes in jail, now at 90 pounds, the Minister says she has send "notes" to the Mexican government, and is now powerless to do anything more.
If MARTIN dies in jail, without any intervention by the PM or more assertive measures by the Minister, it will definitely be time to go to the polls.
There are so many examples that illustrate that this man should not have been elected, nor should he continue in office. But the deaths of Canadians due to negligence of the government is unacceptable, not only to me, but also to many others.
A Federal election costs somewhat over $2.5 millin per constituency. This time, it will be money well spent, to get rid of this government, and its "leader."
He is not a "leader." He is a bully who now says that the bill on RESPs must not be implemented. This bill was passed by parliament. He was having a snooze when it went though.
Let's get to the polls. It is time for a new government, one with a leader who does not bully parliament, does not act in secret, one who respects the people of this country.
Please email the PM to take action on behalf of BRENDA MARTIN. Now.
pm@pm.gc.ca
Monday, March 10, 2008
Updates
Winter will leave, I'm sure! Someday!!
A good weekend for sports on TV. The Brier got off to a good start on TSN. The Sunday afternoon "colour" commentatoor was Russ Howard who did a great job. He offers very different insights from Ray and Linda. Very refreshing. Thanks, TSN! And, he and Vic probably had more "dead air" than the CBC staff in most of their games. We actually could listen to the athlete deliberations, without having to listen to colour commentators then beat on the skips' decisions. How refreshing!! Once again, "there's more than one way to skin a cat."
The Score aired the CIS woomen's basketball final from Saskatoon. Since I finally have The Score, it was great to be able to see the game. They aired ONE women's game of this tournament, and are airing FOUR games of the men's final basketball tournament. Small steps, to be sure. But let's pick up the pace! More women's games in 2009, please.
One notable problem in the telecast was the sound. With the noise of fans, it was very difficult to hear the female colour commentator (Shawnee Harle) most of the time, and the man's voice was drowned out quite often.
Otherwise, a good game, played before a rather slim crowd, which is too bad.
A good weekend for sports on TV. The Brier got off to a good start on TSN. The Sunday afternoon "colour" commentatoor was Russ Howard who did a great job. He offers very different insights from Ray and Linda. Very refreshing. Thanks, TSN! And, he and Vic probably had more "dead air" than the CBC staff in most of their games. We actually could listen to the athlete deliberations, without having to listen to colour commentators then beat on the skips' decisions. How refreshing!! Once again, "there's more than one way to skin a cat."
The Score aired the CIS woomen's basketball final from Saskatoon. Since I finally have The Score, it was great to be able to see the game. They aired ONE women's game of this tournament, and are airing FOUR games of the men's final basketball tournament. Small steps, to be sure. But let's pick up the pace! More women's games in 2009, please.
One notable problem in the telecast was the sound. With the noise of fans, it was very difficult to hear the female colour commentator (Shawnee Harle) most of the time, and the man's voice was drowned out quite often.
Otherwise, a good game, played before a rather slim crowd, which is too bad.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Water polo team dunks Romania in huge upset
Victory in Ordea gives Canada first outright berth in Olympics
March 08, 2008
Randy Starkman SPORTS REPORTER (Toronto Star)
Nathaniel Miller wore his bite marks proudly in Romania last night, a souvenir of Canada's "Miracle on Water."
The Canadian water polo team had no business beating Romania in their home pool with an Olympic berth on the line. The Romanians were huge favourites, trouncing Canada by 10 goals a week ago in Hungary. The undersized Canadian crew knew the crowd would be against them and likely the referees, too. And, besides, upsets rarely occur in water polo.
But one did this time.
The headline on waterpolo-world.com said it all: Canada causes earthquake in Ordea.
The tremors were still being felt after a 9-8 victory for Canada that qualified the country in men's water polo outright for the first time in Olympic history – they got there before by invitation, boycott or being the host.
The receptionist at the team's hotel in Romania at first said no one from the Canadian team could come to the phone because they were celebrating, but Miller kindly obliged. It turns out head coach Dragan Jovanovic had set a two-beer maximum, anyway, because they have two games left.
It was a vicious game that left Miller and a few of his teammates with bite marks, all from the same 6-foot-4 offender who may or may not have been a descendant of that great Romanian, Vlad Dracula.
"I'll take it," said Miller, a Montrealer who at 28 is the team's elder statesman. "While he was worrying about biting me, I was worrying about putting the ball in the net."
Jovanovic, a star goalie for the former Yugoslavia, started laying the groundwork for the victory when he took over as head coach in 2004. He demanded a much greater commitment from the players than ever before, one that saw many veterans step aside.
"Right from the start, he changed the mentality," said Miller.
A toughness that belied their youth was evident yesterday. At an average of about 23 years old, the Canadians have one of the youngest teams, with only four pros on their roster. When they got into penalty trouble, they had 18- and 19-year-olds battling against 32-year-old Romanian pros.
They stuck to the defence-first system preached by Jovanovic, blocking over a dozen balls with a smothering defence. The inordinate number of blocks seemed to take a toll on the Romanian psyche.
In the final seconds, one of the Romanians grabbed the ball and was poised for a seemingly dangerous shot, but squeezed too tightly and it fell harmlessly into the hands of a Canadian defender.
Miller watched the last seconds tick off from the penalty box.
"That was the greatest moment of my life," Miller said. "We trusted in each other and trusted in our coach and pulled off a huge upset. Going into this, I don't think anyone in the sport thought we had a chance to win."
-30-
This is a stunning upset! Way to go Canada!
March 08, 2008
Randy Starkman SPORTS REPORTER (Toronto Star)
Nathaniel Miller wore his bite marks proudly in Romania last night, a souvenir of Canada's "Miracle on Water."
The Canadian water polo team had no business beating Romania in their home pool with an Olympic berth on the line. The Romanians were huge favourites, trouncing Canada by 10 goals a week ago in Hungary. The undersized Canadian crew knew the crowd would be against them and likely the referees, too. And, besides, upsets rarely occur in water polo.
But one did this time.
The headline on waterpolo-world.com said it all: Canada causes earthquake in Ordea.
The tremors were still being felt after a 9-8 victory for Canada that qualified the country in men's water polo outright for the first time in Olympic history – they got there before by invitation, boycott or being the host.
The receptionist at the team's hotel in Romania at first said no one from the Canadian team could come to the phone because they were celebrating, but Miller kindly obliged. It turns out head coach Dragan Jovanovic had set a two-beer maximum, anyway, because they have two games left.
It was a vicious game that left Miller and a few of his teammates with bite marks, all from the same 6-foot-4 offender who may or may not have been a descendant of that great Romanian, Vlad Dracula.
"I'll take it," said Miller, a Montrealer who at 28 is the team's elder statesman. "While he was worrying about biting me, I was worrying about putting the ball in the net."
Jovanovic, a star goalie for the former Yugoslavia, started laying the groundwork for the victory when he took over as head coach in 2004. He demanded a much greater commitment from the players than ever before, one that saw many veterans step aside.
"Right from the start, he changed the mentality," said Miller.
A toughness that belied their youth was evident yesterday. At an average of about 23 years old, the Canadians have one of the youngest teams, with only four pros on their roster. When they got into penalty trouble, they had 18- and 19-year-olds battling against 32-year-old Romanian pros.
They stuck to the defence-first system preached by Jovanovic, blocking over a dozen balls with a smothering defence. The inordinate number of blocks seemed to take a toll on the Romanian psyche.
In the final seconds, one of the Romanians grabbed the ball and was poised for a seemingly dangerous shot, but squeezed too tightly and it fell harmlessly into the hands of a Canadian defender.
Miller watched the last seconds tick off from the penalty box.
"That was the greatest moment of my life," Miller said. "We trusted in each other and trusted in our coach and pulled off a huge upset. Going into this, I don't think anyone in the sport thought we had a chance to win."
-30-
This is a stunning upset! Way to go Canada!
Random Thoughts on a Very Snowy Saturday!
Leading the good news is that the Canadian Men's Water Polo Teaam has qualified for the first time ever, through QT, for the Beijing Olympics. This is great news for water polo athletes, fans and for Canada. Canada is a water country; our divers, synchro athletes, swimmers and water polo athletes are terrific. If there were more pools so we could introduce young people to many different kinds of water activities, it would be great!
In today's Globe and Mail, Bob Weeks pays tribute to the CBC for 42 years connected to the Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship. A well-deserved tribute. It's been a long time, innovations to enhance the game, and fine hosts have given curling a Canadian and world profile that was instrumental in getting the game into the Olympic Winter Games.
It's always interesting to consider people's philosophy, where they are coming from, why they hold the views that they express. Having spent many years in sport, where athletes (and coaches) measure from the TOP, I am always a bit surprised to read in the newspaper or in blogs or on websites, a very different perspective. Some people express the view that "things are a lot better than they were [at the Memorial Centre] in the old facility." Many of us express it differently: "things could have been closer to the best/finest/most innovative facilities." That's how I feel about the lvec; it could have been so much more.
It's ridiculous to say "this is just a small town, so what we got suits us." That's why Kingston will always be a small town, till the mayor, council and civic leaders stand up and say how fine a city it is, that it is a great place to live....get on their podiums, sound proud of the place, provide some positive, community-building leadership. Leadership.
In today's Globe and Mail, Bob Weeks pays tribute to the CBC for 42 years connected to the Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship. A well-deserved tribute. It's been a long time, innovations to enhance the game, and fine hosts have given curling a Canadian and world profile that was instrumental in getting the game into the Olympic Winter Games.
It's always interesting to consider people's philosophy, where they are coming from, why they hold the views that they express. Having spent many years in sport, where athletes (and coaches) measure from the TOP, I am always a bit surprised to read in the newspaper or in blogs or on websites, a very different perspective. Some people express the view that "things are a lot better than they were [at the Memorial Centre] in the old facility." Many of us express it differently: "things could have been closer to the best/finest/most innovative facilities." That's how I feel about the lvec; it could have been so much more.
It's ridiculous to say "this is just a small town, so what we got suits us." That's why Kingston will always be a small town, till the mayor, council and civic leaders stand up and say how fine a city it is, that it is a great place to live....get on their podiums, sound proud of the place, provide some positive, community-building leadership. Leadership.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Saturated?
Cancellation this week of two shows slated for the dreaded lvec is disappointing for fans of those shows, for the facility itself, and for Kingstonians.
The question is: is Arcturus SMG saturating the market? Does Arcturus SMG know the market, and where does it get its information about it? As of today, here are/were more than 17 events on the program up to June 30th.
Certainly, it takes time, perhaps even a cycle of a year, to find out what the locals want. Arcturus is no new rube in facility management. They operate over 11 facilities in N. America, including this one and the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. And every market is different.
Kingston has to make some decisions, and there's one very big one. How will it decide that an event should be in the wonderful new Grand Theatre vs in the new K-Rock Centre? One good example is Englebert Humperdinck and Avril Lavigne. The Grand would be a good venue for EH, and the lvec for AL.
Let us hope that there is public discussion about event location in Kingston. Neither facility should be left behind, both should be well-served and busy. But, each facility will serve different kinds of events, and perhaps diffferent client groups. Let's get that discussion going in public, and not leave it to whomever they hire to book/program/manage the Grand (is Arcturus SMG going to get that as-yet-unanncounce contract?).
If the market is saturated now, what will it be like when they start to book events at the Grand?
The question is: is Arcturus SMG saturating the market? Does Arcturus SMG know the market, and where does it get its information about it? As of today, here are/were more than 17 events on the program up to June 30th.
Certainly, it takes time, perhaps even a cycle of a year, to find out what the locals want. Arcturus is no new rube in facility management. They operate over 11 facilities in N. America, including this one and the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. And every market is different.
Kingston has to make some decisions, and there's one very big one. How will it decide that an event should be in the wonderful new Grand Theatre vs in the new K-Rock Centre? One good example is Englebert Humperdinck and Avril Lavigne. The Grand would be a good venue for EH, and the lvec for AL.
Let us hope that there is public discussion about event location in Kingston. Neither facility should be left behind, both should be well-served and busy. But, each facility will serve different kinds of events, and perhaps diffferent client groups. Let's get that discussion going in public, and not leave it to whomever they hire to book/program/manage the Grand (is Arcturus SMG going to get that as-yet-unanncounce contract?).
If the market is saturated now, what will it be like when they start to book events at the Grand?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Speaking of Marketing the LVEC......
Is the operator, Arcturus SMG, in charge of marketing the dreaded LVEC to the citizens? Or who is in charge of marketing the lvec?
Since this project was the idea of the current mayor of the city, why doesn't he become the CHAMPION of the place? How about putting on a big smile and getting out and about the community, talking to groups, getting into The Whig (which has always been a BIG fan of the rink), getting on the radio (and not just K-Rock! Any idea how many Kingstonians don't/won't even LISTEN to Krock??), getting seen around the community as the rink's biggest fan?
Every project needs a BOOSTER or two or several. Every marketing expert will tell you that every successful project needs a CHAMPION.
Come on, Mayor. Make a plan. Set some goals. Commit to making 6 public mini speeches, positive ones that is, per week, about the rink that you wanted so badly. Be positively proactive, with a smile, a warm handskake, and sincerity. Do it YOURSELF; don't just send one of the councillors out to CHAMPION your pet project.
Or is it too late?
Since this project was the idea of the current mayor of the city, why doesn't he become the CHAMPION of the place? How about putting on a big smile and getting out and about the community, talking to groups, getting into The Whig (which has always been a BIG fan of the rink), getting on the radio (and not just K-Rock! Any idea how many Kingstonians don't/won't even LISTEN to Krock??), getting seen around the community as the rink's biggest fan?
Every project needs a BOOSTER or two or several. Every marketing expert will tell you that every successful project needs a CHAMPION.
Come on, Mayor. Make a plan. Set some goals. Commit to making 6 public mini speeches, positive ones that is, per week, about the rink that you wanted so badly. Be positively proactive, with a smile, a warm handskake, and sincerity. Do it YOURSELF; don't just send one of the councillors out to CHAMPION your pet project.
Or is it too late?
Enjoy the Humour!
This morning's Whig Standard offered readers an amusing irony. Reporter Ian Elliot writes about Queen's University's gigantic cost over-runs on the under-construction Queen's Centre. [Interestingly, this story was extensively covered in the Queen's 'Journal,' last Friday February 29th!]
Vice Principal Simpson is reported to have said that because of rising costs, etc, they are looking at "value engineering" to somehow lower costs for phases 2 and 3 of the Centre.
Kingtonians will remember when the dreaded LVEC was being rammed down our throats, that the project manager said they would use a concept called "design build." This actually is a known strategy in the construction business. In the case of the lvec, we now know that what this meant is that a number of items on the list of inclusions, got deleted: the best example of which is the 300 seat restaurent. It turned into a smaller restaurent, and a "Sports Cafe" that isn't finished yet (nor equipped since there is no one who wants to run the restaurant. So the LVEC budget will have to include all the equipment that it was thought would be provided by the restaurant operator). And, it probably meant inferior materials to those initially proposed.
Anyway, isn't the irony great? The City calls it "design build" which means 'we can change the design and use inferior materials,' and Queen's uses the phrase "value engineering" to mean the same thing!!!!
Are we sposed to miss this "spin"?? Not as niaive as they think!
Vice Principal Simpson is reported to have said that because of rising costs, etc, they are looking at "value engineering" to somehow lower costs for phases 2 and 3 of the Centre.
Kingtonians will remember when the dreaded LVEC was being rammed down our throats, that the project manager said they would use a concept called "design build." This actually is a known strategy in the construction business. In the case of the lvec, we now know that what this meant is that a number of items on the list of inclusions, got deleted: the best example of which is the 300 seat restaurent. It turned into a smaller restaurent, and a "Sports Cafe" that isn't finished yet (nor equipped since there is no one who wants to run the restaurant. So the LVEC budget will have to include all the equipment that it was thought would be provided by the restaurant operator). And, it probably meant inferior materials to those initially proposed.
Anyway, isn't the irony great? The City calls it "design build" which means 'we can change the design and use inferior materials,' and Queen's uses the phrase "value engineering" to mean the same thing!!!!
Are we sposed to miss this "spin"?? Not as niaive as they think!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Oh How it Gets in Your Craw!!!
It sure gets in the craw of some of you cowards (those who refuse to identify yourselves) that all is not peaches and cream at the new LVEC.!!!!
The more "anonymous" postings there are on this blog, the more it expresses the opinion that the avid boosters (at least those who have not been public about the lvec) are not pleased with the way it has turned out, and don't dare say so in the newspapers or to the mayor and council. Will you ever stand up and be counted?
Is there fear of reprisal?
P.S. did you notice that CKWSTV did the SAME story at 6pm last night?
The more "anonymous" postings there are on this blog, the more it expresses the opinion that the avid boosters (at least those who have not been public about the lvec) are not pleased with the way it has turned out, and don't dare say so in the newspapers or to the mayor and council. Will you ever stand up and be counted?
Is there fear of reprisal?
P.S. did you notice that CKWSTV did the SAME story at 6pm last night?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
No One Thought About the Equipment?
The first of what may become a series of "shows" is poised to play at the K-Rock Centre (still known to many locals, including media, as the LVEC).
For 2 days, staff of Disney High School Musical - the Ice Tour have been trying to unload their gear from what seem to be about 8 or 9 trailers. The unloading area at the LVEC is two back-in trailer spots, both of which can't be used at the same time, unless one tractor (the part that pulls the trailer) is disconnected.
Oh yes, they also unload into the large doors where the Zamboni is parked. This is off King Street, between Place d'Armes and Barrack Streets. So that block of King Street is unavailable to vehicle traffic. (Yesterday too, a van was parked on the sidewalk on this block)
Yesterday, there were 7 trailers parked on the streets around the LVEC, either unhitched or waiting (idling) with their tractors. Unhitched trailers were/are in the on-street spots on Place d' Armes at the corner of Wellington, on both sides of King Street between Queen and Barrack, on Barrack Street in front of the Food Basics, across the main Barrack Street doors of the LVEC, on the north side of the facility (where the team buses have been idling for extended periods of time).
To access the building's unloading area, these 18 wheelers drive into the stub of King Street north of Place d'Armes; they idle there till a worker comes from the lvec to "direct" them as they back into the building. As they back into the building, traffic coming off the Causeway piles up past Fort Frontenac toward the bridge.
It is doubtful that it will take long for word to get around the tour/business world that Kingston's facility is a nightmare for touring companies. There's nowhere to park trailers that carry the costumes, the sound systems, the on-ice equipment, and the unloading area is grossly indequatee. There's no waiting area, except on-street, in the vehicle parking spots. How many touring shows will come this way? If it's a problem to unload, will they come?
Oh yes, and once they get the trucks unloaded inside the facility, where will they put all the performers' costumes/gear? There is virtually no space under the stands; the Fronts have adjacent dressing rooms, so there is the visitors' dressing room? And one other?
Didn't anyone think about all the gear and equipment that shows bring with them? Didn't anyone realize that shows travel with LOADS of equipment? Yes, many people did. But those with the votes didn't hear.
After the 2 Disney shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, the trailers have to be reloaded, and (as often happens) wait to depart in convoy. What a frustration. Word will travel quickly, "Be prepared for a nightmare of unloading/loading in Kingston." And, we can guess what the promoters will decide.
What will be interesting to observe (along with the high staff requirement to make all this happen) is the 36 hour turn-around for the Friday night Frontenac's game. And then, gasp, staging for the 2008 Freestyle Motocross World Tour slated to start less than 20 hours after the Fronts' game.
The line item for "staff" on Arcturus SMG's LVEC budget will be gigantic. Will it seep down to Kingston taxpayers?
My objection to locating this facility on this spot always was, and still is, that there are few amenities in the building; meeting rooms, under-stands space, large concourses, dining areas, suitable coat-check...all these essential were erased from the plan when they decided the building had to go here. A tragic legacy for Kingston's City Councils.
For 2 days, staff of Disney High School Musical - the Ice Tour have been trying to unload their gear from what seem to be about 8 or 9 trailers. The unloading area at the LVEC is two back-in trailer spots, both of which can't be used at the same time, unless one tractor (the part that pulls the trailer) is disconnected.
Oh yes, they also unload into the large doors where the Zamboni is parked. This is off King Street, between Place d'Armes and Barrack Streets. So that block of King Street is unavailable to vehicle traffic. (Yesterday too, a van was parked on the sidewalk on this block)
Yesterday, there were 7 trailers parked on the streets around the LVEC, either unhitched or waiting (idling) with their tractors. Unhitched trailers were/are in the on-street spots on Place d' Armes at the corner of Wellington, on both sides of King Street between Queen and Barrack, on Barrack Street in front of the Food Basics, across the main Barrack Street doors of the LVEC, on the north side of the facility (where the team buses have been idling for extended periods of time).
To access the building's unloading area, these 18 wheelers drive into the stub of King Street north of Place d'Armes; they idle there till a worker comes from the lvec to "direct" them as they back into the building. As they back into the building, traffic coming off the Causeway piles up past Fort Frontenac toward the bridge.
It is doubtful that it will take long for word to get around the tour/business world that Kingston's facility is a nightmare for touring companies. There's nowhere to park trailers that carry the costumes, the sound systems, the on-ice equipment, and the unloading area is grossly indequatee. There's no waiting area, except on-street, in the vehicle parking spots. How many touring shows will come this way? If it's a problem to unload, will they come?
Oh yes, and once they get the trucks unloaded inside the facility, where will they put all the performers' costumes/gear? There is virtually no space under the stands; the Fronts have adjacent dressing rooms, so there is the visitors' dressing room? And one other?
Didn't anyone think about all the gear and equipment that shows bring with them? Didn't anyone realize that shows travel with LOADS of equipment? Yes, many people did. But those with the votes didn't hear.
After the 2 Disney shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, the trailers have to be reloaded, and (as often happens) wait to depart in convoy. What a frustration. Word will travel quickly, "Be prepared for a nightmare of unloading/loading in Kingston." And, we can guess what the promoters will decide.
What will be interesting to observe (along with the high staff requirement to make all this happen) is the 36 hour turn-around for the Friday night Frontenac's game. And then, gasp, staging for the 2008 Freestyle Motocross World Tour slated to start less than 20 hours after the Fronts' game.
The line item for "staff" on Arcturus SMG's LVEC budget will be gigantic. Will it seep down to Kingston taxpayers?
My objection to locating this facility on this spot always was, and still is, that there are few amenities in the building; meeting rooms, under-stands space, large concourses, dining areas, suitable coat-check...all these essential were erased from the plan when they decided the building had to go here. A tragic legacy for Kingston's City Councils.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Canada and the Pan American Games, 2015
There's been a lot of reecent discussion about Canada bidding for the 2015 Pan American Games. They were last hosted by Canada in 1999, and by 2015, it will be high time that they are held in this country.
Certainly Ontario would be a fine host, but other provinces, like Alberta, would do a good job.
Canada needs to get its act together. A multi-sport summer event is imperative. Our young people need to see our heros, need to feel the excitement, and need to leadership that the PAG would offer.
Below, Gross speeaks to benefits for soccer that a multi-sport games would bring. Just think of all the other summer sports that would benefit!!
By George Gross, The Toroonto Sun
March 3, 2008
Soccer in southern Ontario would receive a major kick forward if Premier Dalton McGuinty took on a leadership role in acquiring the 2015 Pan American Games for the region.
Part of the job already has been done by Michael Chambers of Ottawa, the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and Paul Henderson of Toronto, a former member of the International Olympic Committee and president of the International Sailing Federation.
The pair recently visited Vasquez Rana in Mexico City, head of the Pan-American Games and, therefore, the most influential person to talk to about southern Ontario's bid plans. They came away satisfied that this area would have a good chance of getting the Sport Festival of the Americas, providing the Ontario government would take on a leadership role.
"Improved soccer and other sports facilities would benefit from us hosting the 2015 Games," Henderson said yesterday. "For instance, the final of the soccer tournament would be played at the new Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, a site which could be built only if we get the Games.
"Cities such as Barrie, St. Catharines, London could benefit from the Games by hosting various events.
"We can't wait for the feds to do something internationally. The Ontario preem has to grab the bull by the horns and lead our Pan-Am bid just like B.C. Premier (Gordon) Campbell supported Vancouver's Olympic bid."
Henderson is frustrated and I can understand it. After all, Ontario hasn't played host to a major international multi-sport event since 1932. And that, friends, was 76 years ago!
Certainly Ontario would be a fine host, but other provinces, like Alberta, would do a good job.
Canada needs to get its act together. A multi-sport summer event is imperative. Our young people need to see our heros, need to feel the excitement, and need to leadership that the PAG would offer.
Below, Gross speeaks to benefits for soccer that a multi-sport games would bring. Just think of all the other summer sports that would benefit!!
By George Gross, The Toroonto Sun
March 3, 2008
Soccer in southern Ontario would receive a major kick forward if Premier Dalton McGuinty took on a leadership role in acquiring the 2015 Pan American Games for the region.
Part of the job already has been done by Michael Chambers of Ottawa, the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and Paul Henderson of Toronto, a former member of the International Olympic Committee and president of the International Sailing Federation.
The pair recently visited Vasquez Rana in Mexico City, head of the Pan-American Games and, therefore, the most influential person to talk to about southern Ontario's bid plans. They came away satisfied that this area would have a good chance of getting the Sport Festival of the Americas, providing the Ontario government would take on a leadership role.
"Improved soccer and other sports facilities would benefit from us hosting the 2015 Games," Henderson said yesterday. "For instance, the final of the soccer tournament would be played at the new Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, a site which could be built only if we get the Games.
"Cities such as Barrie, St. Catharines, London could benefit from the Games by hosting various events.
"We can't wait for the feds to do something internationally. The Ontario preem has to grab the bull by the horns and lead our Pan-Am bid just like B.C. Premier (Gordon) Campbell supported Vancouver's Olympic bid."
Henderson is frustrated and I can understand it. After all, Ontario hasn't played host to a major international multi-sport event since 1932. And that, friends, was 76 years ago!
-30-
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Strauss Canada Cup on CBC
Viewers enjoyed the game this afternoon, Koe vs Gushue, with side trips to the women's 1 vs 1 game that Stephanie Lawton won.
It was refreshing to listen to the teams make decisions about their strategy and shots, and not have to strain to hear what was being said.
Thanks to the analysts and "host" for allowing the athletes to speak for themselves, and the game unfold as they determined. There was little second-guessing, and even less "I would have done this" or "Koe is thinking that he should...."
The biggest criticism that we curling fans have today is that the CBC is only showing one game today.
Looking forward to the games tomorrow! Let's hope they show them one after the other.
p.s. can you imagine what the PAID attendance was today? It was a sea of empty seats......
It was refreshing to listen to the teams make decisions about their strategy and shots, and not have to strain to hear what was being said.
Thanks to the analysts and "host" for allowing the athletes to speak for themselves, and the game unfold as they determined. There was little second-guessing, and even less "I would have done this" or "Koe is thinking that he should...."
The biggest criticism that we curling fans have today is that the CBC is only showing one game today.
Looking forward to the games tomorrow! Let's hope they show them one after the other.
p.s. can you imagine what the PAID attendance was today? It was a sea of empty seats......
The Globe and Mail Takes a Swipe, but at Who?
The Globe runs a feature occasionally, across the top of two pages, with pictures of people who have had a "good week" and people who have had a "bad week." The number of times they have featured a female can be counted on the fingers of one hand. But that's another story.
Today, writer Paul Attfield features Jennifer Jones' picture, a small write up, and then finishes with a swipe. Something about women's curling being on the program of the Olympic Winter Games (the correct name for it), and women's ski jumping not getting on the program.
Here's the email that I sent to the Sports Editor in response to the swipe; it is signed with my city of residence and blog url.
"Good morning, Paul.
Your swipe at the end of the note about Jennifer Jones having a good week reveals quite a bit about you.
Your knowledge about curling, women's ski jumping or the Olympic Winter Games, or perhaps all three of them, is lacking.
Curling, both men's and women's, met the criteria for inclusion in an Olympic Winter Games. Check out the IOC website to find out what is required in order to be on the OWG program.
Women's ski jumping has not met the criteria. Nothing that VANOC or the Canadian government or the COC do, will change that. The IOC will not relent.
And, swipes like yours won't get women's ski jumping into the OWG either!"
Today, writer Paul Attfield features Jennifer Jones' picture, a small write up, and then finishes with a swipe. Something about women's curling being on the program of the Olympic Winter Games (the correct name for it), and women's ski jumping not getting on the program.
Here's the email that I sent to the Sports Editor in response to the swipe; it is signed with my city of residence and blog url.
"Good morning, Paul.
Your swipe at the end of the note about Jennifer Jones having a good week reveals quite a bit about you.
Your knowledge about curling, women's ski jumping or the Olympic Winter Games, or perhaps all three of them, is lacking.
Curling, both men's and women's, met the criteria for inclusion in an Olympic Winter Games. Check out the IOC website to find out what is required in order to be on the OWG program.
Women's ski jumping has not met the criteria. Nothing that VANOC or the Canadian government or the COC do, will change that. The IOC will not relent.
And, swipes like yours won't get women's ski jumping into the OWG either!"
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Robert Latimer Saga
Robert Latimer will be released from prison immediately. The right decision.
He should be allowed to return to his farm near Wilkie SK, and required to report to a parole officer weekly. For the rest of the sentence.
Nothing is to be gained by having him establish some sort of life in Ottawa, when his life is at his farm.
He should be allowed to return to his farm near Wilkie SK, and required to report to a parole officer weekly. For the rest of the sentence.
Nothing is to be gained by having him establish some sort of life in Ottawa, when his life is at his farm.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Insiders' Perspectives
Last night at a meeting I attended, I sat beside a more avid curling fan than I am. She has been ill, so I asked her if she had seen the Scotties last week. Yes, she had, and immediately went on a bit of a rant about the commentary. Since she had been bed-ridden, or couch-ridden, she had seen pretty well every game. Without slagging Mr Harris anymore, I will just say that she felt that he talked too much and came across as a know-it-all. She didn't want to hear what he thought the skip would do for her next shot either.
Spend a bit of time reading the posted comments on Joan McCuster's blog on the CBC website. I sent in a comment making this point, which has not been posted, so it wasn't me who started this discussion about Mike Harris.
Read "Dennis" who offers up the view that Harris comes across as "Mr Know-it-all."
In spite of comments on this blog from the curling community, it's time to let it go. The point has been made. Let's hope that when the semis and finals of the Strauss Canada Cup are shown on the CBC this weekend, that the commentary is less biased, more sparse, and broader in its perspective.
Spend a bit of time reading the posted comments on Joan McCuster's blog on the CBC website. I sent in a comment making this point, which has not been posted, so it wasn't me who started this discussion about Mike Harris.
Read "Dennis" who offers up the view that Harris comes across as "Mr Know-it-all."
In spite of comments on this blog from the curling community, it's time to let it go. The point has been made. Let's hope that when the semis and finals of the Strauss Canada Cup are shown on the CBC this weekend, that the commentary is less biased, more sparse, and broader in its perspective.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Seems Others Agree Wiith Me!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/curling/mccusker/
Well, I'm not the only one who thinks that Mike overdoes it. Log on to Joan McCusker's blog at the CBC (above) and read comments after the last 3 or 4 entries.
Like I said, Joan pulled the telecast out of the embers. Constant yakking by the analysts and host, too much negativity, and talking at breakneck speed. Let's hope that Mike reads the recent Globe and Mail article about the speed of talking.
Fear of "dead air" seems to grip them. For the fans, "dead air" isn't bad! It gives us time to watch, consider, and look ahead.
Well, I'm not the only one who thinks that Mike overdoes it. Log on to Joan McCusker's blog at the CBC (above) and read comments after the last 3 or 4 entries.
Like I said, Joan pulled the telecast out of the embers. Constant yakking by the analysts and host, too much negativity, and talking at breakneck speed. Let's hope that Mike reads the recent Globe and Mail article about the speed of talking.
Fear of "dead air" seems to grip them. For the fans, "dead air" isn't bad! It gives us time to watch, consider, and look ahead.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
2008 Scotties and the CBC
As often is the case, the games BEFORE the big game are often the better ones. We've seen that many times in the Grey Cup, the Brier, and in the Scotties. This afternoon's final was a good game, but not one of the best.
Congratulations to Manitoba on their win today! They will do Canada proud at the Worlds in March.
The CBC crew did much better today than yesterday, but there is still a way to go. Joan bailed Mike out a few times, when he said such stupid things as "Jennifer Jones would like to...." while Alberta was still playing its rock. He had no idea what Jennifer Jones would like to do; he had his personal opinion about what HE would do, but that is not what Jennifer Jones might do. Joan was gentle enough to say that there was an alternative to what Harris was saying, and on occasion, he even grudgingly acknowledged it. There's an old saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." Harris would do well to consider this, as an analyst, and maybe even as a skip. Thinking outside the box is a creative way to solve problems.
Analysts who listen to the tape after a game often catch such repetitions as "a huge error," or "a critical mistake," or "a big mistake." Viewers can see these mistakes; if I had to guess, I'd say that anyone watching the Scotties final is someone who knows the game, knows a lot of strategy, and probably has played the game. So they don't have to be told, repeatedly, that something is a "huge mistake." Remember when Harris told us that "this is going to be heavy and wide"? Good grief. Everyoone watching could see that. Telling the viewers the obvious is pretty new-analyst behaviour. Better say nothing, than to report the obvious.
Joan was far more objective in her analysis of the final than was Harris. She deserves a lot of credit for the overall quality of the content.
The telestrater didn't work most of the 2 days of games, so fortunately Harris didn't use it much. The sound in the interviews was out of sync with the talking heads; quite distracting to viewers.
Most viewers would tell the CBC, and TSN, not to talk when the athletes are discussing strategy. That's what we are interested in hearing, not the ideas of the analysist (at least not while the athletes are reviewing their options). And, at the end of any game, trying to talk over the cheering and the tears isn't a good idea. Let the game and the camera, tell the story.
The CBC opted not to give us any shots of the Alberta team. The tears are part of the game. This really is censorship, not just being kind. Perhaps in the moments after the loss, that's fair, but not one shot of the team during the lead up to trophy presentation? The question is where to draw the line. For my money, the CBC drew it way too far away; the reaction of the Alberta team is part of the game, part of the telecast.
It was and is a tremendous loss for Alberta, and no doubt Kleibrink will assume all the load. Yes, she missed her shot, but had others made theirs along the way, it might not have come down to that. Much was riding on this game, for both teams.
In the final analysis, it has been a long week for the last few teams standing. Nixon looked tired today. No doubt that ALL of them are exhausted. Anyone who says that curling isn't a sport, should just spend the week watching this competition. Or the Brier. These weeks require the lighest levels of physical fitness and mental preparation. I hear this in coaching courses I facilitate: "curling and bowling aren't sports because you don't have to be in any kind of shape to do them." Well, the reason people on the street don't do gymnastics or synchro is because they aren't well trained and in good enough shape to do them. And they certainly aren't in the sort of shape that theese athletes are in.
Curling is a great sport, probably the best spectator sport going. It's great to have so much on TV, and to have some of the finest teams in the world in Canada.
We're looking forward to the Brier coming up early next month; let's hope the two TV networks spend some time evaluating their work on the Scotties.
Congratulations to Manitoba on their win today! They will do Canada proud at the Worlds in March.
The CBC crew did much better today than yesterday, but there is still a way to go. Joan bailed Mike out a few times, when he said such stupid things as "Jennifer Jones would like to...." while Alberta was still playing its rock. He had no idea what Jennifer Jones would like to do; he had his personal opinion about what HE would do, but that is not what Jennifer Jones might do. Joan was gentle enough to say that there was an alternative to what Harris was saying, and on occasion, he even grudgingly acknowledged it. There's an old saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." Harris would do well to consider this, as an analyst, and maybe even as a skip. Thinking outside the box is a creative way to solve problems.
Analysts who listen to the tape after a game often catch such repetitions as "a huge error," or "a critical mistake," or "a big mistake." Viewers can see these mistakes; if I had to guess, I'd say that anyone watching the Scotties final is someone who knows the game, knows a lot of strategy, and probably has played the game. So they don't have to be told, repeatedly, that something is a "huge mistake." Remember when Harris told us that "this is going to be heavy and wide"? Good grief. Everyoone watching could see that. Telling the viewers the obvious is pretty new-analyst behaviour. Better say nothing, than to report the obvious.
Joan was far more objective in her analysis of the final than was Harris. She deserves a lot of credit for the overall quality of the content.
The telestrater didn't work most of the 2 days of games, so fortunately Harris didn't use it much. The sound in the interviews was out of sync with the talking heads; quite distracting to viewers.
Most viewers would tell the CBC, and TSN, not to talk when the athletes are discussing strategy. That's what we are interested in hearing, not the ideas of the analysist (at least not while the athletes are reviewing their options). And, at the end of any game, trying to talk over the cheering and the tears isn't a good idea. Let the game and the camera, tell the story.
The CBC opted not to give us any shots of the Alberta team. The tears are part of the game. This really is censorship, not just being kind. Perhaps in the moments after the loss, that's fair, but not one shot of the team during the lead up to trophy presentation? The question is where to draw the line. For my money, the CBC drew it way too far away; the reaction of the Alberta team is part of the game, part of the telecast.
It was and is a tremendous loss for Alberta, and no doubt Kleibrink will assume all the load. Yes, she missed her shot, but had others made theirs along the way, it might not have come down to that. Much was riding on this game, for both teams.
In the final analysis, it has been a long week for the last few teams standing. Nixon looked tired today. No doubt that ALL of them are exhausted. Anyone who says that curling isn't a sport, should just spend the week watching this competition. Or the Brier. These weeks require the lighest levels of physical fitness and mental preparation. I hear this in coaching courses I facilitate: "curling and bowling aren't sports because you don't have to be in any kind of shape to do them." Well, the reason people on the street don't do gymnastics or synchro is because they aren't well trained and in good enough shape to do them. And they certainly aren't in the sort of shape that theese athletes are in.
Curling is a great sport, probably the best spectator sport going. It's great to have so much on TV, and to have some of the finest teams in the world in Canada.
We're looking forward to the Brier coming up early next month; let's hope the two TV networks spend some time evaluating their work on the Scotties.
CBC and the Scotties
Yesterday's production of the semifinal of the Scotties was one of the poorest CBC undertakings I've watched for a long time.
I'm a sports fan. I watch every curling game, football game, amateur sport, university sport and almost every minute of the Olympics. So I've logged a lot of hours!
We all agree that Don Wittman will be difficult to replace, so Bruce Rainie will get a bit of slack. It doesn't sound as if he has watched a lot of curling, at least at this level, but that's not the most annoying part of yesterday's telecast.
The most upsetting aspect was Mike Harris' obvious bias toward Ontario. It wasn't so much beating on Manitoba, but it was giving way more air time to Middaugh, and more positive comments about her and the team.
Most curling fans feel for Sherry. She's a fine curler and frankly, in the last year has developed mentally well beyond where she was before. Having lived in Saskatchewan for many years, I watched her and discussed her team's work with avid curling fans. And I give her more than full marks for her fine development in the mental aspect of the game.
But this is about the telecast.
Not only did Mr Harris demonstrate bias towards Ontario's team, he talked much too much, and he overanalysed the game. It was more than annoying. It was as if he was afraid to let the curlers show their abilities to analyse the game. It is THEIR game. What HE would do or WOULD HAVE DONE is immaterial. He is no greater expert than either of the teams on the ice yesterday.
So, today, can we have some "dead air"? The mics on the athletes have given the game to the TV viewers. Let us listen to the athletes, let US think about what they are doing, and let US decide how good the outcome is.
I'm a sports fan. I watch every curling game, football game, amateur sport, university sport and almost every minute of the Olympics. So I've logged a lot of hours!
We all agree that Don Wittman will be difficult to replace, so Bruce Rainie will get a bit of slack. It doesn't sound as if he has watched a lot of curling, at least at this level, but that's not the most annoying part of yesterday's telecast.
The most upsetting aspect was Mike Harris' obvious bias toward Ontario. It wasn't so much beating on Manitoba, but it was giving way more air time to Middaugh, and more positive comments about her and the team.
Most curling fans feel for Sherry. She's a fine curler and frankly, in the last year has developed mentally well beyond where she was before. Having lived in Saskatchewan for many years, I watched her and discussed her team's work with avid curling fans. And I give her more than full marks for her fine development in the mental aspect of the game.
But this is about the telecast.
Not only did Mr Harris demonstrate bias towards Ontario's team, he talked much too much, and he overanalysed the game. It was more than annoying. It was as if he was afraid to let the curlers show their abilities to analyse the game. It is THEIR game. What HE would do or WOULD HAVE DONE is immaterial. He is no greater expert than either of the teams on the ice yesterday.
So, today, can we have some "dead air"? The mics on the athletes have given the game to the TV viewers. Let us listen to the athletes, let US think about what they are doing, and let US decide how good the outcome is.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What an Embarassment!
The dreaded LVEC in Kingston appears to be still a work in progress.
Why anyone thought the facility should be open, or even could be ready, for February 22, 2008 is well beyond most people's understanding.
The Fire Department hasn't cleared the building as of 1.15pm today, and the city will make an announcement later this afternoon. What a farce.
This morning, I asked a clerk if she was going to the Frontenac's game on Friday evening. She laughed. Then, she asked me if I thought the building would be ready. She said that she would laugh when they had to have the OHL game in the Memorial Centre. "I wonder if IT will be ready to use?" she asked, laughing.
The process of site selection, management, fund-raising will be a good "case study" for some MBA program. What not to do to get "buy-in" from the community, how not to get community input, tricks to not reaching the fund-raising target, how a council and mayor can sabotage the project, why "design/build" is the wrong way to build your 'showcase' facility....there are so many lessons to be learned here.
Let's hope that other cities study this sad situation, and learn from it.
The next municipal election can't come soon enough for a lot of citizens.
Why anyone thought the facility should be open, or even could be ready, for February 22, 2008 is well beyond most people's understanding.
The Fire Department hasn't cleared the building as of 1.15pm today, and the city will make an announcement later this afternoon. What a farce.
This morning, I asked a clerk if she was going to the Frontenac's game on Friday evening. She laughed. Then, she asked me if I thought the building would be ready. She said that she would laugh when they had to have the OHL game in the Memorial Centre. "I wonder if IT will be ready to use?" she asked, laughing.
The process of site selection, management, fund-raising will be a good "case study" for some MBA program. What not to do to get "buy-in" from the community, how not to get community input, tricks to not reaching the fund-raising target, how a council and mayor can sabotage the project, why "design/build" is the wrong way to build your 'showcase' facility....there are so many lessons to be learned here.
Let's hope that other cities study this sad situation, and learn from it.
The next municipal election can't come soon enough for a lot of citizens.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
LVEC Opening
The mostly secret opening of the LVEC in downtown Kingston will be on February 22, 2008 from 11.30-1pm in the ice surface area of the building. Enter by the Barrack Street entrance, and be seated in the lower seating area by 11.45am.
Don't forget your camera!
Don't forget your camera!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Harassment
Harassment is a serious offence.
Being charged with harassment is a blight on one's reputation that sticks, whether or not a conviction results.
You know who you are, and I know who you are.
Being charged with harassment is a blight on one's reputation that sticks, whether or not a conviction results.
You know who you are, and I know who you are.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Random Thoughts on a Winter Day
* Marion Jones' story is a sad one indeed. Sad for her, for her parent, for her child, spouse, and for USA track and field. Many athletes should be worried however, that when they get found out, they may end up in the klink too. And that is as it should be.
* NFL games are winding down. Yesterday's obsession with Tyrell Owens by FOX was nausiating. You'd think that he was the only one on the field. Since NY decided to double team him, one would think that the cameras should go to the players that had the potential do DO something! Thank goodness that he won't be on the field at the Super Bowl.
* And when will The Globe and Mail stop all this reporting on the Toronto Maple Leafs? The paper is obsessed with them, and few of the rest of us are! Enough! And, the CBC, even the Ontario-wide morning program gave half an hour to the Leafs. Booooring.
* If you missed The Victor Davis Story on CBC last night, you missed a good feature on one of Canada's best athletes. His death in 1989 was awful; there was so much more he could have done. And the media's focus on the chair incident at the Commonwealth Games was just plain unfair.
I had wondered if the identities of the organ recipients had been known, so I was pleased to see that the heart recipient had lived 16 years more after he received Victor's heart. What a fine tribute to Victor. His liver was also donated.
This underlines the importance of signing your donor card, and making yuor wishes known to your family. Organ donation, at any age, is a generous gift to others who need transplants. Tell your family that you wish your organs to be donated. Your permission is necessary.
* Progress is being made on the dreaded LVEC in downtown Kingston. It is expected that the name of the facility will be known after council approves the deal on January 22, 2008. Guessing is rampant! Top of the list is Empire Life, whose head office is in Kingston, and that has a reputation for support of local initiatives. One can hardly imagine that a national business would attach its name to a facility that has engendered such wrath and which has so little support. But Empire Life might have the potential to bring respectability to the rink. It would be a great move for Empire Life.
* NFL games are winding down. Yesterday's obsession with Tyrell Owens by FOX was nausiating. You'd think that he was the only one on the field. Since NY decided to double team him, one would think that the cameras should go to the players that had the potential do DO something! Thank goodness that he won't be on the field at the Super Bowl.
* And when will The Globe and Mail stop all this reporting on the Toronto Maple Leafs? The paper is obsessed with them, and few of the rest of us are! Enough! And, the CBC, even the Ontario-wide morning program gave half an hour to the Leafs. Booooring.
* If you missed The Victor Davis Story on CBC last night, you missed a good feature on one of Canada's best athletes. His death in 1989 was awful; there was so much more he could have done. And the media's focus on the chair incident at the Commonwealth Games was just plain unfair.
I had wondered if the identities of the organ recipients had been known, so I was pleased to see that the heart recipient had lived 16 years more after he received Victor's heart. What a fine tribute to Victor. His liver was also donated.
This underlines the importance of signing your donor card, and making yuor wishes known to your family. Organ donation, at any age, is a generous gift to others who need transplants. Tell your family that you wish your organs to be donated. Your permission is necessary.
* Progress is being made on the dreaded LVEC in downtown Kingston. It is expected that the name of the facility will be known after council approves the deal on January 22, 2008. Guessing is rampant! Top of the list is Empire Life, whose head office is in Kingston, and that has a reputation for support of local initiatives. One can hardly imagine that a national business would attach its name to a facility that has engendered such wrath and which has so little support. But Empire Life might have the potential to bring respectability to the rink. It would be a great move for Empire Life.
Friday, January 11, 2008
MARION JONES: THE JUDGE SENDS A MESSAGE
from CBC.ca, Friday January 11, 2008 at 12.31pm
Former Olympian Marion Jones gets 6-month jail sentence
Marion Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a cheque-fraud scam, despite her plea that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time."
"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones, who cried on her husband's shoulder after she was sentenced in White Plains, N.Y.
Marion Jones has returned three gold and two bronze medals she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.(Darron Cummings/Associated Press)
The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas said he gave her the maximum under her plea deal to send a message to athletes who have abused drugs and overlooked the values of "hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship."
"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models," Karas said.
The 31-year-old Jones also was given two years' probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.
The judge said this would take advantage of Jones' "eloquence, strength and her ability to work with kids."
It was her children that worried Jones most as she beseeched the judge for a lighter sentence, talking at length about her two boys, including the infant son she's still nursing.
"My passion in life has always been my family," Jones said. "I know the day is quickly approaching when my boys ask me about these current events. I intend to be honest and forthright … and guide them into not making the same mistakes."
Jones' coach to be sentenced in cheque fraud scheme
The sentence completes a stunning fall for the woman who was once the most celebrated female athlete in the world. She won three gold and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
After long denying she ever had used performance-enhancing drugs, Jones admitted last October she lied to federal investigators in November 2003, acknowledging she took the designer steroid "the clear" from September 2000 to July 2001. "The clear" has been linked to BALCO, the lab at the center of the steroids scandal in professional sports.
She also admitted lying about her knowledge of the involvement of Tim Montgomery, the father of her older son Monty, in a scheme to cash millions of dollars worth of stolen or forged cheques.
Montgomery and several others have been convicted in that scam. They include Jones' former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, who was to be sentenced later Friday.
Tearful confession
After her guilty pleas last October, Jones made an apologetic and teary-eyed statement outside court, saying, "It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.
"I have been dishonest, and you have the right to be angry with me," she added. "I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. … I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Jones returned her Olympic medals — golds in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 1,600-metre relay and bronzes in the long jump and 400-metre relay — even before the International Olympic Committee ordered her to do so and wiped her results from the books.
Jones was among the many athletes who testified in 2003 before a grand jury investigating the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.
On the day she pleaded guilty, prosecutors said a 2003 search warrant at BALCO uncovered ledgers, purchases, doping calendars, and various blood-test results connected to Jones and former coach Trevor Graham.
She took EPO, human growth hormone and THG using drops and injections, according to the court documents that show use in 2000 and 2001.
Former Olympian Marion Jones gets 6-month jail sentence
Marion Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a cheque-fraud scam, despite her plea that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time."
"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones, who cried on her husband's shoulder after she was sentenced in White Plains, N.Y.
Marion Jones has returned three gold and two bronze medals she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.(Darron Cummings/Associated Press)
The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas said he gave her the maximum under her plea deal to send a message to athletes who have abused drugs and overlooked the values of "hard work, dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship."
"Athletes in society have an elevated status, they entertain, they inspire, and perhaps, most important, they serve as role models," Karas said.
The 31-year-old Jones also was given two years' probation and supervised release, during which she will be required to perform 800 hours of community service.
The judge said this would take advantage of Jones' "eloquence, strength and her ability to work with kids."
It was her children that worried Jones most as she beseeched the judge for a lighter sentence, talking at length about her two boys, including the infant son she's still nursing.
"My passion in life has always been my family," Jones said. "I know the day is quickly approaching when my boys ask me about these current events. I intend to be honest and forthright … and guide them into not making the same mistakes."
Jones' coach to be sentenced in cheque fraud scheme
The sentence completes a stunning fall for the woman who was once the most celebrated female athlete in the world. She won three gold and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
After long denying she ever had used performance-enhancing drugs, Jones admitted last October she lied to federal investigators in November 2003, acknowledging she took the designer steroid "the clear" from September 2000 to July 2001. "The clear" has been linked to BALCO, the lab at the center of the steroids scandal in professional sports.
She also admitted lying about her knowledge of the involvement of Tim Montgomery, the father of her older son Monty, in a scheme to cash millions of dollars worth of stolen or forged cheques.
Montgomery and several others have been convicted in that scam. They include Jones' former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, who was to be sentenced later Friday.
Tearful confession
After her guilty pleas last October, Jones made an apologetic and teary-eyed statement outside court, saying, "It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.
"I have been dishonest, and you have the right to be angry with me," she added. "I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. … I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Jones returned her Olympic medals — golds in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 1,600-metre relay and bronzes in the long jump and 400-metre relay — even before the International Olympic Committee ordered her to do so and wiped her results from the books.
Jones was among the many athletes who testified in 2003 before a grand jury investigating the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.
On the day she pleaded guilty, prosecutors said a 2003 search warrant at BALCO uncovered ledgers, purchases, doping calendars, and various blood-test results connected to Jones and former coach Trevor Graham.
She took EPO, human growth hormone and THG using drops and injections, according to the court documents that show use in 2000 and 2001.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
"Finally, Canada's Top Athletes Will Be Rewarded for Their Efforts"
Posted December 14, 2007 in the Kingston Whig Standard
The headline announced "Money for Medals." It finally happened. Terrific!
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has at long last stepped into the real world of athletic achievement, joining many of the world's top sporting nations. France, the United States, Italy, Australia, Spain, Russia and China, to name just a few, reward Olympic medallists with money, apartments, family security and status. These are some of the countries whose athletes Canadian athletes compete against at the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. They are among our toughest competition.
Starting with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Canadian gold medallists will receive $20,000, silver medallists will receive $15,000 and bronze medallists will receive $10,000. An important aspect of the Olympic Committee's Athletic Excellence Fund is that in each of the three years leading up to the Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games, athletes who place in the top four or five in the world will receive $5,000.
Olympic medallists are the best athletes from the 205 nations that participate in the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. To get to this level, an athlete often trains for 15 years. Olympians start in their community, taking lessons for a few hours a week, and progress to virtually full-time training and competition on the international stage.
Aspiring Olympians are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. They are extraordinarily focused, first on being the best Canadian, and then on being the best in the whole world. To become an Olympic medallist, an athlete perseveres and suffers both euphoric success and unacceptable failure.
Providing a financial incentive for Canadian medallists sends a clear, powerful message, not only to Canadians but also to the world. The pursuit of excellence that results in Olympic medals is a worthy endeavour. Canadian medallists are remarkable examples for each of us. Canadians are formidable opponents. Canada honours its athletes.
The COC is best positioned to offer these financial rewards. Money in its Athlete Excellence Fund comes from sponsorships, licensing and investments, not from taxpayers. Through the Athlete Excellence Fund, all medallists are treated the same; if you win a medal, you will be rewarded. This principle is important, particularly for athletes in less-known or less- popular sports. Biathlon or luge medallists will receive the same reward as a 100-metre sprinter.
As cornerstones of the Olympic Games, swimming and track-and-field organizations attract sponsors, as do some of their athletes. The public profile of water polo or synchro or fencing or judo or nordic combined just isn't the same. And the road to a medal for athletes in these events is just as long, just as hard and just as expensive as it is for the 100-metre sprinter, curler or speed skater. Now, when athletes in these sports win a medal, they will receive the same amount of money as every other medallist.
The Olympic Committee's Athlete Excellence Fund acknowledges the tremendous human and financial cost of elite training and competition. Costs often include specialist coaches, choreographers, nutritionists, sport psychologists, equipment technicians, customized equipment (such as bikes), physiotherapists, national team fees, everyday living expenses and local transportation to and from the training venue. These latter expenses are necessary because in places like Kingston, facilities are often not available and our athletes have to leave the city to train.
Canadian support can be direct or indirect. Federal and provincial governments provide grants to national and provincial sport organizations, as well as direct athlete assistance. Some corporations sponsor athletes or sport organizations. Athletes and their families still need more aid, as evidenced by the existence of the Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund) started by Jane Roos in 1997 to help with everyday expenses. More than 500 athletes have received cash from the CAN Fund, including more than 60 this year alone.
In the immediate future, however, three changes are needed. First, paralympians need to get the same reward for medals. Athletes with disabilities are not included in the Athlete Excellence Fund program because the Canadian Paralympic Committee is a different organization from the COC and currently doesn't have the money.
Second, the rewards should be larger. And third, Canada needs to provide facilities and programming for aspiring Olympians to train in their own communities. I want these young people to be seen training by every child and adult in their community, and that includes Kingston.
-30-
- Diana Davis Duerkop has been involved in amateur sport for more than 40 years. She is currently on the boards of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Kingston, and is a past vice-president of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Copyright © 2007 The Whig Standard
The headline announced "Money for Medals." It finally happened. Terrific!
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has at long last stepped into the real world of athletic achievement, joining many of the world's top sporting nations. France, the United States, Italy, Australia, Spain, Russia and China, to name just a few, reward Olympic medallists with money, apartments, family security and status. These are some of the countries whose athletes Canadian athletes compete against at the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. They are among our toughest competition.
Starting with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Canadian gold medallists will receive $20,000, silver medallists will receive $15,000 and bronze medallists will receive $10,000. An important aspect of the Olympic Committee's Athletic Excellence Fund is that in each of the three years leading up to the Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games, athletes who place in the top four or five in the world will receive $5,000.
Olympic medallists are the best athletes from the 205 nations that participate in the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. To get to this level, an athlete often trains for 15 years. Olympians start in their community, taking lessons for a few hours a week, and progress to virtually full-time training and competition on the international stage.
Aspiring Olympians are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. They are extraordinarily focused, first on being the best Canadian, and then on being the best in the whole world. To become an Olympic medallist, an athlete perseveres and suffers both euphoric success and unacceptable failure.
Providing a financial incentive for Canadian medallists sends a clear, powerful message, not only to Canadians but also to the world. The pursuit of excellence that results in Olympic medals is a worthy endeavour. Canadian medallists are remarkable examples for each of us. Canadians are formidable opponents. Canada honours its athletes.
The COC is best positioned to offer these financial rewards. Money in its Athlete Excellence Fund comes from sponsorships, licensing and investments, not from taxpayers. Through the Athlete Excellence Fund, all medallists are treated the same; if you win a medal, you will be rewarded. This principle is important, particularly for athletes in less-known or less- popular sports. Biathlon or luge medallists will receive the same reward as a 100-metre sprinter.
As cornerstones of the Olympic Games, swimming and track-and-field organizations attract sponsors, as do some of their athletes. The public profile of water polo or synchro or fencing or judo or nordic combined just isn't the same. And the road to a medal for athletes in these events is just as long, just as hard and just as expensive as it is for the 100-metre sprinter, curler or speed skater. Now, when athletes in these sports win a medal, they will receive the same amount of money as every other medallist.
The Olympic Committee's Athlete Excellence Fund acknowledges the tremendous human and financial cost of elite training and competition. Costs often include specialist coaches, choreographers, nutritionists, sport psychologists, equipment technicians, customized equipment (such as bikes), physiotherapists, national team fees, everyday living expenses and local transportation to and from the training venue. These latter expenses are necessary because in places like Kingston, facilities are often not available and our athletes have to leave the city to train.
Canadian support can be direct or indirect. Federal and provincial governments provide grants to national and provincial sport organizations, as well as direct athlete assistance. Some corporations sponsor athletes or sport organizations. Athletes and their families still need more aid, as evidenced by the existence of the Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund) started by Jane Roos in 1997 to help with everyday expenses. More than 500 athletes have received cash from the CAN Fund, including more than 60 this year alone.
In the immediate future, however, three changes are needed. First, paralympians need to get the same reward for medals. Athletes with disabilities are not included in the Athlete Excellence Fund program because the Canadian Paralympic Committee is a different organization from the COC and currently doesn't have the money.
Second, the rewards should be larger. And third, Canada needs to provide facilities and programming for aspiring Olympians to train in their own communities. I want these young people to be seen training by every child and adult in their community, and that includes Kingston.
-30-
- Diana Davis Duerkop has been involved in amateur sport for more than 40 years. She is currently on the boards of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Kingston, and is a past vice-president of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Copyright © 2007 The Whig Standard
Wycliffe and the "Short Course'
You wondered about the piece about Elizabeth Wycliffe?
Well....times on short courses (25m) are different from times on long courses (50m). Times will be faster on a short course due to the turn at 25m...i.e. a swimmer "makes up" time on a turn because she can push off the wall.
We'll be cheering for Elizabeth at the Olympic Trials, which must be held on a long course, i.e. on the same length course/pool that the Olympic Games are held on.
It would be great to have a Kingstonian on the swim team at Beijing, so cheer her on!
Well....times on short courses (25m) are different from times on long courses (50m). Times will be faster on a short course due to the turn at 25m...i.e. a swimmer "makes up" time on a turn because she can push off the wall.
We'll be cheering for Elizabeth at the Olympic Trials, which must be held on a long course, i.e. on the same length course/pool that the Olympic Games are held on.
It would be great to have a Kingstonian on the swim team at Beijing, so cheer her on!
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