Will The Olympics Survive

I wonder when the Airlines will Strike or protest. It seems anyway to hinder the Games is at work. The City already has a bad situation and this is not helping ticket sales or potential visitors.

Rio police protest unpaid wages as Olympics security collapse looms — RT News
https://www.rt.com/news/348645-brazil-r … e-protest/
Enjoy if one has time.

On the Brighter side of the Olympics.
Brazil presents Olympic soccer team - CCTV News - CCTV.com English
http://english.cctv.com/2016/06/30/VIDE … 0630.shtml

Brazil's Olympic Catastrophe -
Can Rio pull off the Games
with only weeks to go?

JULY 1, 2016

On June 17, fewer than 50 days before the start of the Games, the state of Rio de Janeiro declared a “state of public calamity.” A financial crisis is preventing the state from honoring its commitments to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the governor said. That crisis is so severe, he said, it could eventually bring about “a total collapse in public security, health, education, mobility and environmental management.” The authorities are now authorized to ration essential public services and the state is eligible for emergency funds from the federal government.

I went to Rio recently to see how preparations for the Games are going. Spoiler: not well. The city is a huge construction site. Bricks and pipes are piled everywhere; a few workers lazily push wheelbarrows as if the Games were scheduled for 2017.

I asked the Rio 2016 press office for a tour, but it olympically ignored me. Almost all venues are still under construction. .... I also saw most of the Deodoro Olympic Park, which is apparently open to anyone who wants to see it. I walked straight in and found half-built grandstands abandoned in the middle of a Friday afternoon.

Frequent shootouts near the Olympic arenas and on routes to them are also a concern: 76 people have been hit by stray bullets in Rio so far this year; 21 of them have died. On June 19, more than 20 men carrying assault rifles and hand grenades stormed the city's largest public hospital to free an alleged drug kingpin in police custody, leaving one person dead and two hurt.



Read the rest:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/opini … rophe.html

I know what you mean.....I was in Barra  de Tijuca near the Olympic village in January for a few days, it was a total mess, like something out of a Mad Max film...


Interestingly I was in Salvador around Jan 2014 when they were preparing for the world cup,same thing right down to the lazy wheel barrows...didn't look like they did much when I saw it "Completed" last year....

Throw Money at it. I am sure with all the out of work people through out the country there are people willing to help clean it up, maybe?

Cash-Strapped Brazil Spends Extra $900 Million on Olympic Games | News | teleSUR English
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/C … -0016.html
It will take a Miracle to work this out, if it is not done by now it's going to be a me$$.

The Problem is not cleaning it up that's the easy part....What happens is they dig holes, make a mess , create the illusion of doing someing ,then clean it up and someone pockets all the money

And it just keeps on. Another tragedy
Skydivers fall to their deaths in Olympic rings performance in Brazil — RT Sport
https://www.rt.com/sport/349301-skydive … ng-brazil/

Don't cancel the Olympics because of Zika | Newsday
http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/don … 1.11885867

Brazil can't afford the costs of hosting the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro | Newsday
http://www.newsday.com/opinion/columnis … 1.11993929
One has to beleive.

I like to look on the bright side, always looking for good news when everyone else sees bad.
And here we are, the good news story we've all been waiting for.

LINK

It seems the footballers were a flop (I wonder who thought that would be a good word for a piece about prostitution), so the locals ladies of the night are offering discounts, probably hoping to attract men with large poles as there will be many pole vaulters in town.
I won't mention the shot putters and their large steel balls.

Fred wrote:

I like to look on the bright side, always looking for good news when everyone else sees bad.
And here we are, the good news story we've all been waiting for.

LINK

It seems the footballers were a flop (I wonder who thought that would be a good word for a piece about prostitution), so the locals ladies of the night are offering discounts, probably hoping to attract men with large poles as there will be many pole vaulters in town.
I won't mention the shot putters and their large steel balls.

The Boxer's will be the best for "One must Protect oneself at All Times". I'm hoping it goes well for all who attend.

Looks a little bit insecure to say the truth

Guys I have to say...I'm sitting here on Ilha Grande in the Rio de Janeiro state....the weather is beautiful..., not a mosquito in sight, the trip was smooth, from a public bus to a boat seemlessly...
Chiuldren are playing in the street,I've never felt safer or been in a more relaxed enviroment...

All this horror of Brazil and Rio and the Olympics, I sorry , I just don't see it.....

stevefunk wrote:

Guys I have to say...I'm sitting here on Ilha Grande in the Rio de Janeiro state....the weather is beautiful..., not a mosquito in sight, the trip was smooth, from a public bus to a boat seemlessly...
Chiuldren are playing in the street,I've never felt safer or been in a more relaxed enviroment...

All this horror of Brazil and Rio and the Olympics, I sorry , I just don't see it.....

Thanks Steve it is nice to have someone on the ground, for the Main Stream Media will have everyone jacked up with the misinformation. Please keep us updated for it is a relief to know for fact somethings are going good. How long you plan to be in Rio and will you return for the games. Once again thank you for the information. Have a good time.

Hey Steve, if you get the chance check out this article  and if you make it to the area.

Olympics: Oil turns white boats to brown in Rio Olympic sailing venue | The Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/4080560-15 … e-boats-to

This is unbelievable at its best.
Seven very bad omens for the Rio Olympics
http://www.globalpost.com/article/67806 … o-olympics
I think it needs more Money!

Let the Games begin.

Brazil welcomes the world with open arms - News - JamaicaObserver.com
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Bra … arms_66226
it's almost Showtime,  let's do it.

I wonder who will play the pay card next, the Banks or the Airlines, the Butcher,the Baker   the Hospitality workers.

Brazil customs' workers to strike ahead of Olympics - Latest sport news
http://www.euronews.com/sport/3219342-b … -olympics/
just shop while in Rio no need to bring luggage, just a thought!

no look Guanabara Bay is a **, not going to dispute that, but also if you look at the geography of it, it is actually more of an inland bay/lagoon surrounded by slums and industry and thats why it is so polluted....it's a pity they have to hold the sailing there, but the water at the coastal beaches facing the open ocean is fine....

If you want a polluted Brazilian beach city where it's dangerous to go in the ocean, go to Santos

Crazier by the moment!
'Olympics for whom?': Rio state workers struggle ahead of 2016 Games – video | Sport | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video … ions-video
I wonder what it will be like come September?

Rio Olympics 2016: Brazil name 462-strong Olympic squad
http://m.indiatoday.in/story/brazil-rio … 18331.html
Going for the Gold. Best of Luck to the Brazilian Team!

I am a little disappointed at the lack of publicity for the 2016 Para-Olympics in Rio.  If you would like to support a home grrown hero click on this page and give this young lady a like on facebook.  Fah deserves all the recognition in the world for what she has endured and conquered.  Today, she was qualified for the Para-Olympics and she is certainly the happiest she's ever been.  Now, give her a little more boost and let her know you are rooting for her.

https://www.facebook.com/oficial.fah/

I have a 2fer for today, what's next to spoil the event, let the Games begin!
And the Gold Medal in Sanitation Evades Brazil | Opinion | teleSUR English
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinio … -0030.html
W8 there's more?
Olympic Site Built on the Graves of African Slaves | News | teleSUR English
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/O … -0029.html
I wonder when all of this was first recognized, I really dislike after the fact situations.
On a Happier Note, it's a 3fer!
Olympic Tickets: Prices Could Drop for Non-Brazilian Buyers - ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/ … s-40710806
Enjoy if one has interest and time.

http://www.businessinsider.com/brazil-a … ats-2016-7

Brazilians, including many of my friends, are laughing off this incident. "What a bunch of amateurs!"

Well, let's just hope that other "amateurs" don't have similar ideas. 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation … story.html

While the state is responsible for most lagoons, the city government looks after the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a postcard-perfect location near Ipanema Beach where rowing and canoeing events will be held. There are no gas bubbles here. But last year, the Associated Press published independent studies showing high levels of viruses and, in some cases, bacteria from human sewage in this lagoon as well as in Guanabara Bay and the waters off Copacabana Beach, where triathlon and marathon swimming events will be held.

I was just in Rio last month, and while the water near Ipanema "seemed" clean, the water in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon definitely looked and smelled polluted (my husband was disgusted by the smell coming from the lagoon).

On June 16, around two-thirds of the lagoon was found "improper" for such activities as boating. Right around the time that my family and I were there!

Also, we noticed that the waters off Copacabana - at least the beach/water right in front of our apartment (our rented apartment was right on Avenida Atlantica towards the Pao de Acucar end of Copacabana) -  also looked and smelled polluted. My family even remarked that there was a noticeable difference between the water at Ipanema and the water at Copacabana towards our end of the beach.

Failed attempts by Brazilians to extinguish the Olympic torch. I don't know if this is hilarious -- or just plain sad. lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIlFOQo6WQAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcZhojugSM

Hey VC, I read most of the articles and I am laughing for if not I would cry, I'm still trying to get over the jaguar being shot. Well let the games begin. It's $how Time.

VictoriaChandler wrote:

Failed  --

Big style, except in making themseves look silly.

FYI.  I am tentatively planning to go to some of the "CHEAP" Olympic games.  If anyone wants to go to the same games, please let me know.

I am interested in the volleyball in Copacabana, the basketball and gymnastic.  The cheap teickets for the opening and closing ceremony are NOT available at this time.

PLEASE if anyone has a negative comment about the Olympics, PLEASE do not tell me about it.  I know how to buy OFF to keep the mosquitos away and wear proper clothes.  I know how to go with little money, wear a cheap watch and go with other people to be safe.  I have been to New Orleans many times and know all about crime and hate.  I have had my ex-wife robbed at 2:00 PM in the afternoon walking down the sidewalk with our daughter in a very nice neighborhood in HOUSTON, TEXAS.  So Again, PLEASE take your negative comments and do NOT respond to my comment.  Many young people have worked for years to prepare for these games.  These young people come from all over to the world.  It may their first or only time to see Brasil.   I wish them well. I will go to support them and have a good time.

If you are interested, please contact me directly.  I prefer to do a Skype video.  This cost is zero!!!!!!!

LIP  = Live in Peace

John of Macae RJ, Brasil

Here are some of Brasil Hopefuls, I wish them all well and much success. Let The Games Begin. Good Luck to the Home Teams.
Rio 2016: Who are Brazil's best Olympic medal hopes? - BBC Sport
http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/36838841
Home Field Advantage, yes!

Here we go?
Rousseff will not attend Olympic ceremony in Rio de Janeiro - BBC News
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36900895
I would loved to have seen this for it would be a Memorable Moment in time I hate missing Historic Moments!

People do the craziest things, I can understand People frustration yet the Games will go on.
Protesters in Brazil halt Olympic torch relay and extinguish its flame - The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wor … its-flame/
Enjoy if one has time.

Mugging of Gisele Bundchen will be part of the opening ceremony?

"Then, as Gisele, the world's highest paid supermodel and one of Brazil's most famous stars, struts down a catwalk to the sound of The Girl From Ipanema, she is held up by an actor and robbed, according to internet posts.

A chase then takes place around the 78,000-seater stadium as police officers race to catch the assailant before she shows that good will prevail, according to reports."

So...they'll catch the assailant? But that won't be true to life because here in Brazil, they rarely catch the assailants. 

"The unusual inclusion of Rio's notorious street crime into the Olympic opening ceremony was revealed as visitors to the Games were caught up in a terrifying armed hold-up of cars in the narrow tunnel which runs underneath the city's famous Christ the Redeemer statue landmark. Cars were trapped in the Reboucas tunnel in Rio's South Zone for 40 minutes from 10.40pm on Saturday night after armed gangsters on motorbikes robbed drivers at gunpoint."

"It was the second night running that the tunnel, one of the main routes for tourists travelling from Rio's international aiport, witnessed scenes of panic - despite the massive security lockdown in the city with 38,000 soldiers on the streets."

In real life, Rio's criminal element is so brazen that they'll trap and rob motorists in a tunnel for 40 minutes...even with 38,000 soldiers patrolling the streets. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news … cs-8543112

Well it looks like it's Showtime, just in time. I wonder what's the next plan?
Thousands protest in Brazil's streets as Olympic Games near | Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation- … ml?ref=yfp
what will this weekend bring? For all the Press is dying to report the bad.
Brazil's Acting President "Ready" for Jeers at Rio Olympics - ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wir … s-41005370
just crazy,life is like a box of jollies, whatever jollies are?

This was not supposed to happen?
Brazil Cuts Ribbon on New Subway Line Crucial for Olympics - ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/ … s-41017565
okay so we got the Subway and now how did this happen.
On your marks, get set, wait: traffic jams clog Rio ahead of Olympic Games | Sport | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/ … nes-brazil
what will Saturday bring? If this is now, holy cow.

Assailant on motorcycle killed in failed attempt to rob a Russian diplomat.

Two different stories:

In a statement to Fairfax Media, Rio Civil Police said the Homicide Squad confirmed the lawyer, who holds a vice-consul post in the Russian Consulate, then wrestled with the assailant and during the fight, the assailant's gun went off killing him.

The local Extra newspaper, however, reported the diplomat used his jiu-jitsu skills to grab the attacker, pull him into the car, take his gun and shoot.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympics/ri … qlk15.html

The latest news reports are now saying that the so-called Russian diplomat...is not a diplomat after all.  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2 … ys-no.html


Marcos Cesar Feres Braga, 60, a lawyer who said he's Brazilian but also a Russian vice consul in Rio, was with his wife and daughter. When the thieves reportedly smashed the window of his car to try to steal his watch, Braga, who is trained in jiu-jitsu, grabbed the weapon from his attacker and shot him dead on the spot.

Police in Rio apparently told local reporters that the man was Russia's vice consul, but Folha de Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest newspaper, reported that Braga was using false papers and pretending to be a member of staff at the Russian consulate.

Will they leave after the games?/lol
More Than 1,000 U.S. Spies in Brazil Protecting Rio Olympics - NBC News
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-r … cs-n623186
For all will abandon after the games, like thanks for the short term in a long term city!.

The reality outside the Maracanã Stadium: Chinese journalists caught in the middle of a gunfight between Rio police and gangsters. 6 locals killed.  http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news … le-8572474

I am settled into my recliner and enjoying the athletic spectacle that is the Olympics.  I have, once again, found it in me to block out the politics, stresses and general BS of life and just ENJOY.

After the show is over the real clowns will be back on the radar and the damage they have done will be laid bare, Let the kvetching begin anew then,

Till then have a beer with friends in front of the big screen.

Will the Australian Olympic team survive the Rio Olympics?  http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/8 … s-olympics

1. In the latest incident, the [Australian] coaches were "violently assaulted" by two teenager boys - one of them, wielding a knife - at Ipanema Beach on Friday night. One of the coaches was grabbed around the throat before the attackers fled with credit cards, mobile phones and an Australian team blazer.


2. Even inside the Olympic Village, the Australians haven't been safe: the team moved in late due to extensive plumbing, electricity and gas faults, and within days, a fire forced their evacuation - although the fire alarms were deactivated, and one Australian athlete slept through the drama.

Then, while the team waited outside for the all-clear, their quarters were burgled, with laptops and team shirts stolen.


3. Not Australian - he's Greek - but this situation sounds like a big nightmare!

The crime wave engulfing the Olympics has claimed another victim with a top Greek official reportedly having $11,000 of electronics equipment stolen from a plush Rio hotel.

The Daily Mail reported that Stratos Safioleas, a public relations bid specialist, suffered the loss of camera and computer equipment stolen while he was having a meal in the Marriott Hotel next to the Olympic Park.

The hotel reportedly refused to show him CCTV, so Safioleas called the police. As a result, the Daily Mail said the hotel would no longer deal with him, so he has hired a lawyer to take legal action against them.