Olympics

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**Andrew1975**

Any predictions on the Olympics?

I'm not sure what will be more entertaining, the games, the politics or the security?

Still not sure how Sochi got picked. I lived in Volgograd for a stint, and just looking at where Sochi is, it does not seam like an ideal place to host the games, it is surrounded by hot zones.

That being said go USA Hockey!

**Kavik_Whitescar**

obviously Murica is gonna be #1

Im actually worried about its location as well, and what with all the shenanigans going down in Kiev there is even more risk for attacks.

**LordofHats**

Still not sure how Sochi got picked.

The same way most locations get picked. A combination of progressive political silliness and good old fashion bribes.

As for predictions, the same as always. it's the winter olympics so expect strong competition from Scandanavia, Alpine nations, Russia, Canada, and the US. Same countries win the bulk of events every year.

**Frazzled**

I think Jamaica will take all comers in all events this year.

**Experiment 626**

My predictions:

1. Our women's hockey team will get thrashed badly by the US because we're still clinging to our old timers and not working nearly enough young blood into the team.
Meanwhile, as long as Price gets the #1 nod, our men's team is looking absolutely terrifying... Oh, and Stevie Stamkos is likely to play!

2. Our women's curling team will find a way to screw it up like always and thus miss out on the gold.
Our men's team's only actual stiff competition will come from Norway & Scotland.

3. The Russian hockey team will embarrass themselves and fail to win any medal again because they goaltending is laughably and their defense plainly sucks... They're forwards may be amazing, but you're not winning squat vs. the other power nations like Sweden/Canada/US/Finland/etc... when you likely need to score at least 4-5 goals per game to overcome how bad 2/3rd's of your team really is. (and is only going to be worse being on the larger ice surface, where a good transition game can really exploit those holes!

If we/others can exploit Russia's back end like Canada did in the quarters in Vancouver, it's going to be a very looooooong tournament for them.

4. The Russian authorities will insert their collective foot in mouth at least twice each day!

**djones520**

I'm with you on the Russian hockey team. All eyes are on Ovechkin, but everyone overlooks the fact that the man is a goal magnet for the team he plays. The only saving grace is they'll have the best two way forward in the game on their team. Maybe he can cancel out the Ovechkin factor. Their defense does look spotty as well.

I wouldn't discount their goalies though. Bobrovski and Varlomov are anything but slouches.

**H.B.M.C.**

I only have two predictions:

1. No one really cares about the Winter Olympics.
2. It will mess with TV schedules, giving us 2-3 week gaps in a lot of shows. No new Archer 'til March people! That's criminal!

**chaos0xomega**

The Archer thing really hurts...

My predictions: There will be a successful terrorist/separatist attack, most likely made worse by the Russian security forces response.

Other than that, none. Also: Go Team Czech. That'll show Team USA to snub my Devils.

**Khornholio**

I reckon the Men's Hockey final will be something really unexciting like FInland v. Czech. I'd say the US and A or Canuckistan should do well, but I'm weary of their goal tending. I know Miller and Luongo are both going, but neither is exactly stellar this season, especially Miller. I'm sure the Russians will be pumped and Ovie has to win something eventually, and it won't be a Cup.

**Andrew1975**

I'm already enjoying the reporting from Sochi. Apparently the accommodations are not up to snuff, I for one am shocked, shocked I say.

Here is the deal, unless you are going to Moscow or Petersburg, Russia is a third world country. When I was on my student exchange program in Volgograd, Living in the dorms we didn't have hot water until it started getting really cold, October 25th. There was no phone or internet in the dorm much less the rooms, the windows were single pane and held in place with nails and molding, sometimes my room got so cold i just put my groceries on my desk as the fridge was at that point redundant.

This is another reason I'm shocked they picked Sochi. Its not a major city and would lack serious infrastructure.

Still my 6 months spent in Russia was probably the best 6 months of my life, a total blast after a bit of adjustment.

**ProtoClone**

I might actually watch them this year...well, just the figure skating. A friend of mine was a consultant to the figure skaters Meryl Davis & Charlie White. So I am hoping they place because that means more recognition for her.

**Dreadclaw69**

I predict that the Olympics will remain low on my Give-A-Gak-omter, with interest only peaking in the event of something non-sport related happening.

**Aerethan**

I like the part where none of Sochi is prepared for the games. Construction on a lot of hotels and buildings is incomplete, and the accommodations are nearly third world.

Add to that the fact that EVERYONE with a wireless device is hacked within minutes of turning on said device, and the games so far which haven't even started yet, and the whole thing just sheds a very embarrassing light on Russia.

I'm inclined to make some joke about if they had allowed gay people to help then the place wouldn't look like ass(or they might have taken it a different direction and it would have all been asses).

**gorgon**

Something to keep in mind -- reporters are often a very whiny bunch regarding things like their free rooms and meals.

Regarding security, my understanding is that the site is pretty self-contained, making it much easier to secure than if it was in a major city, etc.

**Frazzled**

Aerethan wrote:
I like the part where none of Sochi is prepared for the games. Construction on a lot of hotels and buildings is incomplete, and the accommodations are nearly third world.

Add to that the fact that EVERYONE with a wireless device is hacked within minutes of turning on said device, and the games so far which haven't even started yet, and the whole thing just sheds a very embarrassing light on Russia.

I'm inclined to make some joke about if they had allowed gay people to help then the place wouldn't look like ass(or they might have taken it a different direction and it would have all been asses).

What the heck happened here? You could always count on a world power dictatorship putting on a good show. I thought the whole point of a dictatorship was that people had to do what the dictator said or heads would roll (literally).

**Aerethan**

From the pics I've seen, it looks mostly like their construction was just never finished after it was all about 70% done.

**kronk**

I predict a lot of people will have problems with hotel rooms and other logistics. Some of the skiing or other courses will be deemed too unsafe for competition. We'll see video clips of angry politicians screaming into any camera about the lies of Westerners.

Also, some kids of wealthy people will win medals in a lot of events that were basically fun activities in the snow that developed when some redneck said "Hey, watch this!"

**Blacksails**

Gonna watch me some moguls. Damn I love moguls.

**Medium of Death**

Remember and watch out for that toothpaste!

The Department of Homeland Security's warning comes ahead of the Winter Olympics' opening ceremony in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

It said it was not aware of any specific danger to the US at this time.

Russia banned all liquids, pastes and gels from its airports and internal flights last month.

The move was part of a significant tightening of security in the country ahead of the Olympic Games, the BBC's Daniel Sandford reports from Sochi.

The Russian authorities have not yet commented on the US warning, but Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said the level of security at Sochi "is similar to that of any other safe city in the world".

Although the Games do not officially start until Friday, some qualifying events are now being held.

'Abundance of caution'
Unnamed US security officials were quoted as saying there were fears toothpaste tubes could be used to smuggle explosives which could then be used to assemble a bomb either in flight or upon arrival at the Olympics.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that "out of an abundance of caution" it "regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners".

"While we are not aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time, this routine communication is an important part of our commitment to making sure we meet that priority," it added.

The White House National Security Council said the latest threat had not altered existing travel guidelines for Sochi.

"If we should receive information in the coming days and weeks that changes our assessment of whether people should travel to Sochi, we will make that information public," spokeswoman Laura Magnuson told US media.

Air travellers are restricted to carrying liquids - which include pastes, creams, gels and drinks - in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 oz).

Sweeping changes to airport security regulations were brought in after three Britons were arrested for plotting to bring down transatlantic airliners with home-made liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks in August 2006.

'Olympic Truce'
Fears about security for the Winter Olympics in Russia were heightened following two suicide attacks in Volgograd in December, as well as numerous threats from Islamist militants in the Caucasus region.

The US has also placed two warships in the Black Sea ready to offer help in a case of a security emergency during the Games.

Security has not been the only controversy surrounding the build up to the Games.

Russia's controversial laws on homosexuality, passed last year, have provoked international criticism.

UN Secretary-General Bank Ki-moon referred to the issue in a keynote speech he gave at a session of the International Olympic Committee in Sochi on Thursday.

"Sport has an amazing power to spontaneously unite people," he said. "We must raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people.

"We must oppose the arrests, imprisonments and discriminatory restrictions they face."

Mr Ban also renewed his call for all warring parties around the world to observe the 'Olympic Truce' and "lay down their weapons during the Games - and to lift their sights to the promise of peace".

The Russian foreign ministry made a similar appeal, saying its call "is primarily addressed to the sides of the blood-letting in Syria".

**djones520**

FAA has banned liquids on flights to Russia...

I'm pretty sure the risk of a terror threat to Russia from the US is not that great...

**Frazzled**

Blacksails wrote:
Gonna watch me some moguls. Damn I love moguls.

Did someone say Moghul?

**Mr Nobody**

Some people want the YMCA theme played at the opening ceremony.

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/19/village-people-star-doesnt-want-ymca-as-gay-olympic-anthem

**trexmeyer**

I just hope Rio is reconsidered as the locale for the 2016 Olympics after the debacle that Sochii has become. It really has become an embarrassment for Russia. To an extent I feel bad for Putin, talk about an epic backfire.

**gorgon**

A contrary opinion among all the "debacle" talk:

http://triblive.com/sports/olympics/moreolympics/5457766-74/sochi-games-olympics#axzz2sbH3vWlk

**Ensis Ferrae**

trexmeyer wrote:
I just hope Rio is reconsidered as the locale for the 2016 Olympics after the debacle that Sochii has become.

The difference between Russia and Rio, is that Rio has the world cup of soccer the year (or two, cant remember) before the Olympics, so they should get a lot of the kinks worked out with that shoddy little event

**Experiment 626**

Khornholio wrote:
I reckon the Men's Hockey final will be something really unexciting like FInland v. Czech. I'd say the US and A or Canuckistan should do well, but I'm weary of their goal tending. I know Miller and Luongo are both going, but neither is exactly stellar this season, especially Miller. I'm sure the Russians will be pumped and Ovie has to win something eventually, and it won't be a Cup.

If Canada is smart, they'll give the nod to Price. He's been carrying an otherwise mediocre Habs team to the play-offs on his back, it would be exciting to see what he can do with an actual defensive core in front of him!
Luongo was scary as feth in Vancouver honestly.

In other hockey news:
- Stamkos is out as his broken tibia isn't nearly healed enough and the Lightning ain't going to risk him fething himself up completely.
So Marty St. Louis is in and hopefully will slot onto the top line with Kunitz & Sid.

- Henrik Sedin is out with bad ribs.
This really sucks for Sweden, but Russia's defense are probably getting drunk in celebration as it removes a big threat from Sweden's top line.

**djones520**

Quick and Howard will be the other guys for the US. Howard is the only guy whose won his last couple of games of the three, so it'll be interesting to see who gets the start.

Miller is a good goalie. Don't disparage him because he's the only good player on the worst team of the NHL. Next season he'll break his bonds with the Sabres and he'll get to spread those wings.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Experiment 626 wrote:
Khornholio wrote:
I reckon the Men's Hockey final will be something really unexciting like FInland v. Czech. I'd say the US and A or Canuckistan should do well, but I'm weary of their goal tending. I know Miller and Luongo are both going, but neither is exactly stellar this season, especially Miller. I'm sure the Russians will be pumped and Ovie has to win something eventually, and it won't be a Cup.

If Canada is smart, they'll give the nod to Price. He's been carrying an otherwise mediocre Habs team to the play-offs on his back, it would be exciting to see what he can do with an actual defensive core in front of him!
Luongo was scary as feth in Vancouver honestly.

In other hockey news:
- Stamkos is out as his broken tibia isn't nearly healed enough and the Lightning ain't going to risk him fething himself up completely.
So Marty St. Louis is in and hopefully will slot onto the top line with Kunitz & Sid.

- Henrik Sedin is out with bad ribs.
This really sucks for Sweden, but Russia's defense are probably getting drunk in celebration as it removes a big threat from Sweden's top line.

Franzen bowed out for Sweden as well. So two good hits for their offense, but Nyquist was brought up and he'll be a good solid fill in.

**Frazzled**

Ensis Ferrae wrote:
trexmeyer wrote:
I just hope Rio is reconsidered as the locale for the 2016 Olympics after the debacle that Sochii has become.

The difference between Russia and Rio, is that Rio has the world cup of soccer the year (or two, cant remember) before the Olympics, so they should get a lot of the kinks worked out with that shoddy little event

Rio also has Samba! The rest is just details.

**ScootyPuffJunior**

djones520 wrote:
I'm with you on the Russian hockey team. All eyes are on Ovechkin, but everyone overlooks the fact that the man is a goal magnet for the team he plays. The only saving grace is they'll have the best two way forward in the game on their team. Maybe he can cancel out the Ovechkin factor. Their defense does look spotty as well.

I wouldn't discount their goalies though. Bobrovski and Varlomov are anything but slouches.

Ovechkin has a career +/- of +63 with only 3 years since 2005 (include this year) where he has registered a negative +/-... yes, he currently is tied for the worst of his career at -19, but the Capitals defense is absolutely atrocious this year. Bottom line is Washington pays him to score goals and that's what he does.

**Shadow Captain Edithae**

Did anyone else see that giant inflatable skating bear and think "Pedobear?"