A disaster guide for the Beijing Summer Olympics

**SuperCy** · 07-08-2008, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Now that's a race I can't wait to watch...windless sailing!

Isn't like rowing?

**scottie33** · 07-08-2008, 10:11 AM

You should go to that first link and click on the algae link and see the sailboat sail through the algae...its like an icebreaker breaking through ice.

**SuperCy** · 07-08-2008, 10:15 AM

Check out this article.

Olympic sailors find added adversary in Qingdao: pollution - Yahoo! News

"The most shocking story is that of Australian sailor Elise Rechichi, who swallowed water when she slipped on a boat ramp during a test event here in 2006. It took her 10 months to recover from severe gastric trauma that had her in and out of hospital."

"Officials have said the algae is the result of a hot spell after heavy rain, but environmentalists said such blooms are largely due to sewage and agricultural pollutant run-off."

**bos** · 07-08-2008, 10:25 AM

Makes me gag just thinking about it. The pictures are horrific. I remember back when Okoboji had some clear lakes and now it gets bad with algae.

Originally Posted by SuperCy

Check out this article.

Olympic sailors find added adversary in Qingdao: pollution - Yahoo! News

"The most shocking story is that of Australian sailor Elise Rechichi, who swallowed water when she slipped on a boat ramp during a test event here in 2006. It took her 10 months to recover from severe gastric trauma that had her in and out of hospital."

"Officials have said the algae is the result of a hot spell after heavy rain, but environmentalists said such blooms are largely due to sewage and agricultural pollutant run-off."

**ISUFan22** · 07-08-2008, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by SuperCy

Isn't like rowing?

No, because they don't get a paddle in sailing.

I'd love to see Costas announce a sailing race with no wind.

**SuperCy** · 07-08-2008, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

No, because they don't get a paddle in sailing.

I'd love to see Costas announce a sailing race with no wind.

Soooo, if there's no wind do they just sit there until one comes about? I thought maybe they'd get to paddle back to shore.

**ISUFan22** · 07-08-2008, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by SuperCy

Soooo, if there's no wind do they just sit there until one comes about? I thought maybe they'd get to paddle back to shore.

I have no idea what they'll do, that's what makes it so exciting.

Effin-a, Cotton. They've got no wind out there. Someone turn on a fan!

**bos** · 07-08-2008, 12:01 PM

China amazes me with the amount of money and resources they throw at any goal they have.

**vmbplayer** · 07-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

No worries. they will just build wind.

I'm sure they have plans to build some windmills to provide the wind for the sailing.

Wait.....What?

Windmills do not work that way?

awwww....Danget FEARLESS LEADERS YOU'VE DECEIVED US AGAIN. No worries they'll just quarantine the area and beat anyone who points out the flaws in the government, or just drive over them with a tank.

**HILLCYD** · 07-08-2008, 12:19 PM

Too bad we don't have boats that run on oppression, human rights atrocities, pollution, and deception.

**clintr** · 07-08-2008, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

China amazes me with the amount of money and resources they throw at any goal they have.

... but at what cost?

That is the scary question and I don't think we'll ever get a straight answer from the government of China.

**clonefarmer** · 07-08-2008, 01:15 PM

I'll be amazed if there aren't multiple "embarassments". Air pollution there is 5X the world limit. Most of China is probably much worse than any of our Superfund cleanup sites. Their government probably doesn't worry about the health of their people cause there's too many of them anyway. You just can't clean up that much pollution in such a short time. The main reason the Olympics are in Beijing, is surprise, surprise, the International Olympic Committee expected to make more money there.

**ketchupnmustard** · 07-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by RyCy04

My roommate is going there for a week. If he doesn't make it back, I got dibs on his computer.

You might as well have the computer. I'm also sure that someone else will also end up with your roomy's kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and anything else they can salvage for a profit.

-"They took my eyes!!!"

**Cyclonepride** · 07-08-2008, 01:50 PM

Anyone else get the google ad "there's never been a better time to visit Beijing?" Must be a real treat the rest of the time!

**Sousaclone** · 07-08-2008, 06:40 PM

Wow, some of that stuff is pretty scary (sounding). Should be interesting to see if any of those things become an issue.

Oh, and how much do you want to bet that all that television gear that is having a hard time getting through arrives and has been taken apart and put back together (possibly poorly)? I wouldn't be surprised to see a whole slew of knockoff TV broadcasting equipment becoming available soon (not sure there is much of a market for it though).