I suppose there will be zillions of pictures taken of the Games themselves and activities surrounding them, so I thought I'd kick off a thread for such pictures here on CC.
We live on the Cycle Road Race and Time Trial routes, and the sculpture depicted here appeared overnight on the roundabout just along from us. It's the first thing to arouse any interest from me about the games! ;)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7603235622_acc96e13a9_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7603235622/)
Olympic Cycling Sculpture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7603235622/) by abers (http://www.flickr.com/people/cronjie/), on Flickr
Hats off to the sculptor artist and the tog :tup: I feel sure the artist would like your shot Alan, nice perspective etc..
It is a good sculpture, at least you get something positive out of the menace you will have to endure, when you're virtually locked into your home.
I hardly dare confess it in public, but I'm not looking forward to the Olympics! Wished GB had never 'won' them.
I did go and see the torch though, simply because it was a 'once in a life time thing,' that I wanted to photograph.
It had a remarkable, positive influence on the Sotonians lining the route. Normally quite grumpy, everyone (including the police) was smiling and in a good mood; an amazing and uplifting experience.
My best shot of the torch itself, was when the torch bearer was already past me, so I singled it out and put it on a black background.
Here it is:
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11140/normal_DSC03003_Olympic_Torch_.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12257)
Here's a few from when they were in Derby.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7477479524_ffa43da95f_b.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7477479324_9ca62cf922_b.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7477478990_edd02d6b6e_b.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7477477782_0f8b325f51_b.jpg)
And the next morning as it left town at 6.30 in the morning. (At the bottom of our road.).
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7477477714_88212a722c_b.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7477477582_83ba83fe2a_b.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7477476914_ef50aae5e8_b.jpg)
I agree with Reinardina about the the effect on the civic mood. Derby has a proud reputation for it's cynical attitude to such things, but everyone I spoke to were shocked at the size of the turnout.
Graham. :tup:
Great shots Graham. I recognise them, even though I've never been in your part of the world. I see your policemen were also doing 'high fives,' wonder if that was spontaneous?
We had the torch for two days as it spent the night here. Saturday it was raining, lots of umbrtellas and shininy pavements. Sunday it was fine.
Three great sets of photos guys well done!
I'm another one who isn't looking forward to the games - I have had enough grief with the games lanes traffic already and it dont start (for the most part ) tilll next week! The torch passes along the end of my street mid morning on Monday but thankfully I will be at work so I wont be affected by the closures!
Came to our town a week or so ago - I too was impressed with the turnout and the attitude of all.
I managed to get this one published in the local paper
(http://www.disco3club.co.uk/phpbb/download/file.php?id=504)
Poor Irv. It will pass you know. (I hope.) But of course, we may get months of looking back at disasters and/or triumphs and in four years time, it will all be aired again.
Nice one anglefire. Double Whammy.
The rush to get a front row seat for the Women's Road Race only just some twenty minutes away. ::)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7675015386_a4cdf2647f_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7675015386/)
Stalwart Spectators (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7675015386/) by abers (http://www.flickr.com/people/cronjie/), on Flickr
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 08:40:27 AM
The rush to get a front row seat for the Women's Road Race only just some twenty minutes away. ::)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7675015386_a4cdf2647f_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7675015386/)
Stalwart Spectators (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cronjie/7675015386/) by abers (http://www.flickr.com/people/cronjie/), on Flickr
I thought you were going to stay in bed while this Olympics madness was on? :P
I don't remember saying that Oldboy. ???
Here's what they looked like when the eventually turned up, and the rain held up for a few minutes!
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_Reflective_Cycling.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12303&fullsize=1)
It was all over in a flash, and then, (you musn't laugh), a support car went straight through the puddle and soaked me from head to foot! >:( Still, you must suffer for your art! :uglystupid2:
It gave the onlookers something to laugh about. :2funny:
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I don't remember saying that Oldboy. ???
Here's what they looked like when the eventually turned up, and the rain held up for a few minutes!
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_Reflective_Cycling.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12303&fullsize=1)
It was all over in a flash, and then, (you musn't laugh), a support car went straight through the puddle and soaked me from head to foot! >:( Still, you must suffer for your art! :uglystupid2:
It gave the onlookers something to laugh about. :2funny:
You know the bit where you said we must'nt laugh?...I laughed so much I now have "laundry issues"!
:2funny:
Hope your kit stayed dry Graham ;) Some nice shots alround.
Quote from: Graham on July 30, 2012, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I don't remember saying that Oldboy. ???
Here's what they looked like when the eventually turned up, and the rain held up for a few minutes!
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_Reflective_Cycling.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12303&fullsize=1)
It was all over in a flash, and then, (you musn't laugh), a support car went straight through the puddle and soaked me from head to foot! >:( Still, you must suffer for your art! :uglystupid2:
It gave the onlookers something to laugh about. :2funny:
You know the bit where you said we must'nt laugh?...I laughed so much I now have "laundry issues"!
:2funny:
Weak bladder? :-[ :o
Quote from: Graham on July 30, 2012, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I don't remember saying that Oldboy. ???
Here's what they looked like when the eventually turned up, and the rain held up for a few minutes!
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_Reflective_Cycling.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12303&fullsize=1)
It was all over in a flash, and then, (you musn't laugh), a support car went straight through the puddle and soaked me from head to foot! >:( Still, you must suffer for your art! :uglystupid2:
It gave the onlookers something to laugh about. :2funny:
You know the bit where you said we must'nt laugh?...I laughed so much I now have "laundry issues"!
:2funny:
Graham, may I point you in the direction of
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tena+pants&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=7211212213&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=379419368724624215&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_9c2u2azc0u_e
:legit:
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 06:40:58 PM
Quote from: Graham on July 30, 2012, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: ABERS on July 30, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I don't remember saying that Oldboy. ???
Here's what they looked like when the eventually turned up, and the rain held up for a few minutes!
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_Reflective_Cycling.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12303&fullsize=1)
It was all over in a flash, and then, (you musn't laugh), a support car went straight through the puddle and soaked me from head to foot! >:( Still, you must suffer for your art! :uglystupid2:
It gave the onlookers something to laugh about. :2funny:
You know the bit where you said we must'nt laugh?...I laughed so much I now have "laundry issues"!
:2funny:
Graham, may I point you in the direction of
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tena+pants&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=7211212213&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=379419368724624215&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_9c2u2azc0u_e
:legit:
Thank you. Bookmarked for future refference. :-*
Just a bit of fun from Wednesday.
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_That_Lad_s_in_a_Hurry_Bert.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12313&fullsize=1)
You're enjoying it really aren't you? :)
Quote from: ABERS on August 03, 2012, 02:04:01 PM
Just a bit of fun from Wednesday.
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10216/normal_That_Lad_s_in_a_Hurry_Bert.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=12313&fullsize=1)
Those tinted specs obviously worked for the gent, while the ladies seem to have missed all the colour, can't be bothered, or have lost some of their agility... :tup:
Quote from: Hinfrance on August 03, 2012, 02:25:06 PM
You're enjoying it really aren't you? :)
Considering it was only a 30 yard stroll and it was free, yes! :tup:
It's all changed though from back in 1948, the last time I went. :tup:
Now that the Olympics include a number of games and pastimes, rather than 'real' sports (football, golf, that sort of thing) along with multi millionaire professionals, I have been thinking, perhaps like Re, that it is time some more traditional and minority games should be included:
Racing:
Egg and spoon
Three legged
Downhill go-carts
Greyhound racing (why exclude our canine friends?)
Horse racing in general, flat and hunt
Pie/Sausage/Elver (anything you want) eating
Formula 1
Skill:
Pin the tail on the donkey
Precision spitting
Elastic band flicking (distance and accuracy). With and without ruler assistance
Apple bobbing
Welly whanging
Tiddlywinks
Games:
Cricket
Dominoes
Swing Ball
Baseball
Rounders
Quoits
Croquet
Paintball
Monkey Tennis*
I'm sure there are many many more pointless things that people could do well that could extend the duration of the next Olympics by at least a week, thus simultaneously increasing both the unnecessary expense and inconvenience of the whole enterprise. And just think of all the extra jobs created by having governing bodies and complicated rules (Omnium anyone?) for each of these extra activities.
*©Steve Coogan
H I'm with you all the way!
Somewhere I have already mentioned ballet, which could fit in the gymnastics bit.
Angling/fishing has to have its different classes of course: Fly fishing, sea angling, and the more restful fishing lake angling, and whatever else there is to have in this sport.
Conkers, tag, hopscotch and marbles could also be added, to create real inclusive games.
What about wood chopping? For the men there already is beach volleyball, so this would be nice for the girls to watch: muscle men swinging axes. I nominate Highlandscenics for this one.
And the endlessly televised sports like darts, and snooker must be popular, so we may already have gold medal talents here.
More suggestions welcome!
Being somewhat apprehensive and a little negative about the whole Olympic undertaking at the beginning, I'm coming round to the view that it, up to now, has been a well worth exercise.
We can spend trillions supporting banks and bankers and seeing nothing for that backing, but spending a few billion on the Olympics and seeing British competitors reel in creditable results day after day and putting a smile on the faces of millions of Brits makes me think it may lighten the mood of the populace for a few weeks.
Went to an Olympic's party yesterday and with the results flooding in the whole place was rocking with laughter and joy, even 'Miserable Mike' couldn't help cracking a smile! He's one of those that is hopeless at anything without a competitive bone in his body. :( I think he's a teacher.
Now all we need is a few world class gold standard politicians to step up and do the business, but I'm afraid they want the glory without the hard work and dedication that is involved.
Yes I`ve been converted too to the whole Olympics thing and been seen even with a tear in my eye when seeing the joy of winning (and losing) British athletes. Went to see Brazil play Honduras yesterday at St James` Park in Newcastle. http://photographybypauldishman.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://photographybypauldishman.blogspot.co.uk/)
Terrible refereeing gave it to Brazil when the Hondurans looked quite good but the best bit was that Mike Ashley`s Sports Direct hoardings and renaming of St James` Park had to be lost and forgotten as part of the stringent Olympic corporate branding steps. :2funny:
Quote from: ABERS on August 05, 2012, 08:46:00 AM
Being somewhat apprehensive and a little negative about the whole Olympic undertaking at the beginning, I'm coming round to the view that it, up to now, has been a well worth exercise.
We can spend trillions supporting banks and bankers and seeing nothing for that backing, but spending a few billion on the Olympics and seeing British competitors reel in creditable results day after day and putting a smile on the faces of millions of Brits makes me think it may lighten the mood of the populace for a few weeks.
Went to an Olympic's party yesterday and with the results flooding in the whole place was rocking with laughter and joy, even 'Miserable Mike' couldn't help cracking a smile! He's one of those that is hopeless at anything without a competitive bone in his body. :( I think he's a teacher.
Now all we need is a few world class gold standard politicians to step up and do the business, but I'm afraid they want the glory without the hard work and dedication that is involved.
:tup:
Can we agree to differ?
There's no doubt that watching someone representing your chosen nation who, after decades of doing nothing productive, manages to run/ride around in circles/swim backwards and forwards a little bit more quickly than everyone else does give some people a lift. I just wonder what they could have achieved if they had dedicated their efforts towards something rather more productive, as they are clearly very determined people.
Pointless is simply too inadequate a word to describe it.
Given that the politicians have embroiled the country in an ill advised foreign war, I would rather have seen some of the billions (£24bn in direct costs so far, heaven knows how much in collateral financial damage) spent on the Olympics used to buy better equipment for the troops being shot at every day. The UK annual defence budget is around £33bn by the way. So two weeks of vicarious joy, or several hundred brave lives saved? And as an added bonus Alan could still have made it to the shops.
Keeping the banking system going was a bargain in comparison, because no banks = no economy, although the UK politicos are doing everything in their power to prevent the system from properly recovering, unlike the Americans who got all of their taxpayers' money back inside 18 months. All that is needed is Glass-Steagall type of legislation and the investment banks can gamble away with less risk of damaging the whole system. That doesn't mean that accountants and credit ratings agencies shouldn't all be lined up and made to say they are very very sorry and they promise never to overrate debt or start a capital adequacy death spiral ever again. Because from now on they are going to grow strawberries and keep goats instead.
Let's!
So the Olympics have cost £24 Billion over 7 years, £3.4 billion a year from an annual budget of £680 million, 0.5%.
Whilst sporting endeavour doesn't rate highly in the scheme of things for you Howard, sport is a lift from the everyday humdrum existence that is the lot of most people.
C'mon you GB'ers.
I know, I know I'm a grumpy old beggar.
Glad everyone's (mostly) enjoying it, honest ;)
I must admit that I was not intending to watch anything other than the opening ceremony - but have enjoyed what I've seen so far.
As for the money. Well, it is a massive amount, and I'm sure could have been done for a lot less. But probably not enough to make the head shakers feel it enough.
Whilst I also think that there will be a financial benefit from the event, I am also not that naive to think the benefit will come close to the money spent. On top of that the commercialism of the event has gone too far.
I also think that it won't change now.
The benefits can't be totaled as hard cash only. The lift it has, and will have given to the people is worth every penny. :tup:
Not sure it is worth every penny, but does have some value to it, to be sure. :)
Apart from the torch, which I saw twice, I haven't seen anything Olympic. Neither the opening ceremony, nor any sporting events. But, like the torch, it seems to have a very uplifting effect on the nation. Hope, optimism and happiness can't be bad, as long as we manage to channel all this optimism and energy into something worthwhile.
And I haven't heard a negative word about all these elitist (being the best, and coming first, is elitist, isn't it?) medal winners. And (how very old fashioned!) they do it for the glory, and not because they are paid millions.
As long as this message is not lost the minute the games are over, I think we will have won.
Really impressed with the sportsmanship shown as well. I liked that when the mens quads (not sure if that's what they'er called...you know, four men in a boat.) won gold, they told the interviewers to wait while they went to help the Australian silver medalists out of their boat.
What does annoy me though is ignoramus comentators describeing silver and bronze medalists as having "lost" and saying they must be disapointed! :knuppel2:
Anyway what happened to the cream of GB's multi-millionair soccer players? (Don't answer, I'm not really interested.)
Graham. :tup:
Quote from: Graham on August 06, 2012, 05:01:40 PM
Really impressed with the sportsmanship shown as well. I liked that when the mens quads (not sure if that's what they'er called...you know, four men in a boat.) won gold, they told the interviewers to wait while they went to help the Australian silver medalists out of their boat.
What does annoy me though is ignoramus comentators describeing silver and bronze medalists as having "lost" and saying they must be disapointed! :knuppel2:
Anyway what happened to the cream of GB's multi-millionair soccer players? (Don't answer, I'm not really interested.)
Graham. :tup:
This negative reporting (being a loser, when you've just won silver, or bronze) is, in my opinion, typical of a 'novice' reporter. Being a name (or a face) seems to be more important these days, than knowing your stuff.
And no, I won't comment on soccer. (Or any other sport.)
Here's an article that will make you either choke on your cornflakes or say, " Mmmm...???". ;)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19144983
Can you imagine 6 million people in a swimming pool! Hope they don't all take a crafty leak!! :legit: :uglystupid2:
Quote from: ABERS on August 07, 2012, 07:13:00 AM
Here's an article that will make you either choke on your cornflakes or say, " Mmmm...???". ;)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19144983
Can you imagine 6 million people in a swimming pool! Hope they don't all take a crafty leak!! :legit: :uglystupid2:
Interesting article. Iv'e heard a lot of calls for the government to review their take on sports funding, given the recent successes why would they?
I concede that it would help if they would stop authorising the sale of school playing fields to developers.
ps I have never had a "crafty leak" in a swimming pool....I always do it from the diving board! :)
Don't you just love that Dressage caper. ???
The last time I saw anything like that was when Billy Smarts came to town. ;).
Some very interesting shots here from a photography point of view:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/picturegalleries/9461272/London-2012-Olympics-Photographers-tricks.html?frame=2303616
Simon
Quote from: SimonW on August 08, 2012, 04:51:21 PM
Some very interesting shots here from a photography point of view:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/picturegalleries/9461272/London-2012-Olympics-Photographers-tricks.html?frame=2303616
Simon
It is encouraging and good to see the thoughtful explanations with each one too - Thanks for sharing :tup:
I watched the last hour of the opening ceremony, was impressed by the scale of it. I have even watched more of the events than a ever thought I would, but one thing that baffles me is, why is there horse riding/equestrian events in the Olympics?......I always thought the point of the Olympics was a test of the human strength, agility and stamina?.....Surely the horse is the one being tested and not the human.....it's like making Formula One or Power boat racing an Olympic event.... :uglystupid2:
Quote from: SimonW on August 08, 2012, 04:51:21 PM
Some very interesting shots here from a photography point of view:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/picturegalleries/9461272/London-2012-Olympics-Photographers-tricks.html?frame=2303616
Simon
Well spotted Simon. :tup:
Quote from: highlandscenics on August 08, 2012, 10:19:49 PM
I watched the last hour of the opening ceremony, was impressed by the scale of it. I have even watched more of the events than a ever thought I would, but one thing that baffles me is, why is there horse riding/equestrian events in the Olympics?......I always thought the point of the Olympics was a test of the human strength, agility and stamina?.....Surely the horse is the one being tested and not the human.....it's like making Formula One or Power boat racing an Olympic event.... :uglystupid2:
It takes years, to learn to master a horse and put it through its paces faultlessly; you could call that stamina, I suppose.
But, yes, I too always had the idea the Olympics were mainly for individual athletes, with relays (and tennis) as the exception.
Skill, in all its diverse guises, seems to have been added over the years.