The Second Apocalypse
Miscellaneous Chatter => General Misc. => Topic started by: Dora Vee on February 08, 2018, 02:09:49 am
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No thread for the Olympics? There is now. :)
Just saw some mixed team curling. Trying to find livestreaming of the Alpine training runs.
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https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180207005826/en/
First and probably last time I watch Olympics (Unless there is SC again.) .
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https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180207005826/en/
First and probably last time I watch Olympics (Unless there is SC again.) .
Even I've heard of sOs, must have been a pretty big upset. That's great.
Maybe "esports" will be come part of the actual Olympics someday. I certainly don't see why not.
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https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180207005826/en/
First and probably last time I watch Olympics (Unless there is SC again.) .
Even I've heard of sOs, must have been a pretty big upset. That's great.
Maybe "esports" will be come part of the actual Olympics someday. I certainly don't see why not.
You should try to play with me and William sometime. We will appreciate fresh blood :) .
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We streamed the opening ceremonies.
As per my quorum commentary:
The 6yo was dead set on watching it "at 6am!" because his teacher told him to (I wish I got that kind of automatic respect). And doing my best Charlie Brown's teacher's impression while explaining to the chillens and the 11yo why this Olympics (as most) is both historic and complicated.
Russian atheletes unable to walk in under a Russian flag because Russia is banned this year (if I recall correctly) so they have to play as "Olympic Independents," SK/NK walking together because Drumpf (!!), Israel and Palestine still participating despite Drumpf's (!!) declaration regarding Jeruselum, and how none of the Olympic architecture is designed to be recycled (except in a few cool instances over the years) and is ultimately a huge waste of money for the host country.
I like watching various skiing and boarding events (was skiing on some Canadian mountains with my Dad as young as three).
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What are esports?
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What are esports?
Electronic Sports ... as in sports video games ( like EASports, Madden Football, etc ).
One of my favorite moments in Olympic history was a recent summer Olympics ( don't remember which one ), it was the woman's marathon and all of the coverage was on "the favorites" ... oh, yes, think it was the Bejing Olympics because there was focus on a few Chinese runners ... anyways, in the lead pack was a Romanian runner who was the oldest runner in the competition and out of nowhere, she sprints ahead fast ( something like last few miles to go ) and hauls ass to the finish line. Apparently she had done this a few times before ( like World competition, etc ) and it worked once and another time it didn't ( guess he got too tired or something ) ... anyways, she crosses the finish line first and gets the Romanian flag and keeps running around the stadium with a big fat smile on her face, she just made the record for oldest woman Olympic marathon winner. The 2nd/3rd/4th come straggling in, barely able to walk and immediately sit down when they cross, breathing heavy ... and the Romanian winner is still running, smiling and waving! It was awesome, I loved it. The humor and elevation of the feat was intoxicating on so many levels - relatively unknown, older athlete stealing the show like that and just kept running with the younger ones all crapped out on the ground, heaving. :D
EDIT: Constantina Tomescu ... she was amazing.
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Electronic Sports ... as in sports video games ( like EASports, Madden Football, etc ).
Thanks for the explanation. But, those are not sports. Those are (excuse me if I offend) children's games were all they use is there thumbs. Does it take skill and mentally capabilities....yes. Its not a sport, point blank. The idea is ludicrous.
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Oh man...the snowboarders are taking some nasty spills. :( Started out so well too.
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Electronic Sports ... as in sports video games ( like EASports, Madden Football, etc ).
Thanks for the explanation. But, those are not sports. Those are (excuse me if I offend) children's games were all they use is there thumbs. Does it take skill and mentally capabilities....yes. Its not a sport, point blank. The idea is ludicrous.
Yes, I think they were joking.
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Must be a bunch of old people here ;).
No, esports are not sports games.
It's what you call a video game that is played professionally. Meaning, people who compete in tournaments, matches, games, whatever, and get paid to do it.
League of Legends is one of the biggest. You have literally 10s of millions of people watching the big tournaments. We're talking about international viewerships that make the Super Bowl look like a backyard pickup game.
So yeah, esports. The players are often referred to as eAthletes. Yes, seriously lol. It's a big money making enterprise just like any other sports thingy. :)
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Must be a bunch of old people here ;).
There are!
League of Legends is one of the biggest. You have literally 10s of millions of people watching the big tournaments.
OMG - my older son dragged me into that damn game. It's fun, but I don't like how it focuses on individual performance in a team v team environment, too easy to manipulate opposed to winning the game.
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I really don't care, I just love how upset people get when you call something a 'sport'.
Like somehow defining something as a sport invalidates their belief structure. In fact,lol in many cases, I've seen people get more upset about what a 'sport' is than actually discussing their own religious beliefs.
I don't see why a video game isn't a sport.
What is a sport other than a contest? Very nearly every person has their own definition, and I'm sure there is a bone fide 'sport' that breaks nearly every definition, and conversely plenty of activities that fit in the definition that are excluded.
:)
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I really don't care, I just love how upset people get when you call something a 'sport'.
Like somehow defining something as a sport invalidates their belief structure. In fact,lol in many cases, I've seen people get more upset about what a 'sport' is than actually discussing their own religious beliefs.
Nah, it doesn’t question my belief structure. It just setting around and twiddling your thumbs isn’t a sport. That’s the problem with children these days the set in a house a play NBA 2k18, or whatever and get upset when they try out for the basketball team and get cut. No bullshit, seen it with my own eyes.
Anything that takes physical training to compete in is a sport. I have no problem calling dancing and cheerleading a sport, which btw, a lot do have a problem with that. Setting on a Xbox or computer does not and should not, be considered a sport in anyway.
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I really don't care, I just love how upset people get when you call something a 'sport'.
Like somehow defining something as a sport invalidates their belief structure. In fact,lol in many cases, I've seen people get more upset about what a 'sport' is than actually discussing their own religious beliefs.
Nah, it doesn’t question my belief structure. It just setting around and twiddling your thumbs isn’t a sport. That’s the problem with children these days the set in a house a play NBA 2k18, or whatever and get upset when they try out for the basketball team and get cut. No bullshit, seen it with my own eyes.
Anything that takes physical training to compete in is a sport. I have no problem calling dancing and cheerleading a sport, which btw, a lot do have a problem with that. Setting on a Xbox or computer does not and should not, be considered a sport in anyway.
Wow, so judgmental. Playing a video game competitively requires both a lot of mechanical skill and mental skill.
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Wow, so judgmental. Playing a video game competitively requires both a lot of mechanical skill and mental skill.
Agreed, 100%. But, do you notice the key word you left out? Physical. Sports are physical, and require tons of physical training. Video games dont require that and shouldnt be considered a sport a will never be part of the Olympics. And they shouldnt. Its not judgmental, its fact
ETA: i am not being judgmental. Im stating facts as to what constitutes a real sport. I think the eSports tournaments you guys mentioned is great. I agree, it takes great mental and hand-eye coordination to be at that level. And, even though i wont buy my children a play system til they're a little older and established in "sports" and physical activity, or anything that gets them out the house and active, i think they can have poaitive effects on their minds. So ling as they dont forgoe physical activity for setting in their rooms 24/7 playing games. Sorry, Tleilaxu, i have differrent priorities for my kids. And, physical activity is way up on that list along with schooling.
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Physical activity? What about Darts? Bowling? Curling? How about ping-pong?
What, then, of VR games, or games like those on the Wii that have a little remote and require you to stand and swing your arm?
How much physical activity crosses the threshold to be deemed worthy of the vaunted title of 'sport'?
Shooting events are considered sports but most of the time the user isn't moving.
Archery, again, is a stationary 'sport'.
How about Nascar? Literally professional car sitting - but say that in the wrong place and you're liable to start a fight lol.
How do you measure physical activity that counts towards being a sport? Heart-rate, calories burned, sweat production, number of muscle groups engaged? I would imagine that most "esports" hit all or most of those boxes (however you define them), probably better than things people would prefer to call "sports".
IMO, way to many things are considered 'sports'. I feel that physical activity is the least important factor. Honestly, anything that doesn't involve some kind of team playing activity, like cross-country, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, etc. shouldn't be considered sports.
But since people get all grumpy when you call whatever their thing is "not a sport", I fall back to a more broad definition. A sporting event is a money making enterprise where people practice a skill and compete against others, it because 'professional' when the competitors get paid. So for me, pretty much everything from football to Starcraft is equally a sport. :) .
All that aside, I just don't understand the attachment people have to the word. I could never wrap my head around why people get so excited about this conversation (I don't mean anyone here specifically, more so the people in my life who I have seen get into very heated arguments on this topic). Call it a sport, don't call it a sport, who really cares - why does it create such an emotional response (generally speaking)?
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All i know is this Wilshire. "Setting on a Xbox or computer, twiddling your thumbs, is not a sport." ;)
Look, i played Football, basketbal and track. I know all the physical hardwork i put infor years and years. You listen to athletes at the Olympics and youll hear them talk about how much training they did and how winning that gold made it all worth it. You uys can consider whatever You want to be a sport. Train for a eSport then train for downhill skiing and tell me which takes more of a physical toll on your body.
From the Oxford dictionary.
1An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
Notice that word physical......
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Professional starcraft players typically have to retire by the age of about 30. There was recently an expose done on one of the 'all time greats' who had to retire - not because he wanted to, but the hours of practice required every day has damaged his hands to be point where he can't physically move them fast enough to compete at that level. On top of that, studies suggest the cognitive strain is such that the limits of mental agility peak around 24, so after a few years past that older players just can't keep up.
So, if you want to talk about physical barriers, being able to play a sport for decades, into your 40s, 50s, even 60s, indicates to me less of a physical strain than being unable to complete at the top level of play by your 30s.
Point being of course that by any measure, an esport can beat out nearly anything you'd prefer to ascribe to only 'real sports', and plenty of 'real sports' won't meet that definition.
If anyone cares to find an example of "physical exertion" that excludes only professional video game players and not any one particular 'real sport', I'd love to hear it. But as long as the likes of pingpong, bowling, and nascar are sports, I don't think there's any real way to exclude video games.
Of course, I agree sitting at a computer twidding your thumbs doesn't make you a professional any more than a pickup game of basketball makes you a professional. Professionals of esports practice 8-16 hours a day just like their 'real sport' counterparts. Its not like some kid can walk in from the street and be the best in the world - at video games or sports. Both are skills mastered over hours and hours of work.
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How about Nascar? Literally professional car sitting - but say that in the wrong place and you're liable to start a fight lol.
Not a Nascar fan, but is considered the 2nd most strenuous sport in the world ( behind mid-fielder in Soccer ). Think of holding on to a wheel going 200 mph turning left for 2 straight hours ( and racing at that, moving up in position, avoiding crashes ) - their exercise regimen is impressive. Not commenting on whether it's a sport or not, but it is an impressive feat to participate. Not arguing, I don't care much, just pointing this out.
I agree, track and field are not "sports", but competitions. Essentially whose work out is most impressive ( minimizing for humor, they are impressive athletes and wild fun competitions to watch ).
The whole sports thing - I'm leaning on Wilshire's side, they call Poker's competition the World Series of Poker. I think any "intense" game competition is on the Sports spectrum with those lacking in physical exertion still a feat of stamina maintaining concentration, etc. That said, there are some that are more "sport" than others. Bonsai are trees, but Sequoias are more tree than bonsai are. Football is more sport than a video game competition, but both are sports. Prolonged intense competitive concentration may be the defining line, many consider spelling bees a sport ( though that might lean more on track and field competitions than sport ).
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You wont convince me because an E- "athlete" got carpal tunnel. Thats not physical exertion, not even close. Mental, yes. Lets let the E-athletes stick to their "olympics" and continue with "real" athletes at the Olympics.
Sorry, to get political Wilshire, but this is just another example of millenials and their demand to be included in any and everything. They're going to change the world. Sports are sports and we disnt need to have this conversation to know what constitutes a sport. Its ridiculous.
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George Carlin on what sports is and isn't: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJRIKuNJBA
I wonder what he would have said about E-Sports.
I do agree that E-Sports should be separate as IMO, it's entirely different from what goes in to the actual Olympics.
That being said, the US made history in men's Luge(poor Loch though) with a first silver medal. The Netherlands dominate Speed Skating as expected. Loved most of the routines in team figure skating(Italians were especially charming, but that's not technical difficulty).
Caught most of the finals this morning. Great to see a Japanese woman win silver in Speed Skating.
Curling finals should be interesting. :) I'm sure Bakker would prefer Canada, but I think Switzerland will win.
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You wont convince me because an E- "athlete" got carpal tunnel. Thats not physical exertion, not even close. Mental, yes. Lets let the E-athletes stick to their "olympics" and continue with "real" athletes at the Olympics.
Sorry, to get political Wilshire, but this is just another example of millenials and their demand to be included in any and everything. They're going to change the world. Sports are sports and we disnt need to have this conversation to know what constitutes a sport. Its ridiculous.
Would just like to point out that millennial's are in their mid 30's, so I'm not convinced you're talking about the group of people you think you are.
Anyway, that you can't define a sport in such a way to exclude only what you want to exclude, and include only what you want to include, really isn't my issue is it?
You said physical exertion and training, I pointed out that video games are both.
You don't like it, but can't find a definition that fits, so you're now switching to some kind of strange political argument - "kids these days!" *shakes fist*... All that shows is that you're not really sure what a sport is, which is fine, but I'm again always confused why people get so passionate about excluding specific activities. In this instance, to the point of personal attacks on a whole group of people based solely on their age? At least you didn't go for the race argument, but come on. Unnecessary.
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Short track speed skating is one of my favorite winter olympic events. I have no clue why, probably because my mom loved Apolo Ohno.
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You wont convince me because an E- "athlete" got carpal tunnel. Thats not physical exertion, not even close. Mental, yes. Lets let the E-athletes stick to their "olympics" and continue with "real" athletes at the Olympics.
Sorry, to get political Wilshire, but this is just another example of millenials and their demand to be included in any and everything. They're going to change the world. Sports are sports and we disnt need to have this conversation to know what constitutes a sport. Its ridiculous.
So if your definition of sports only includes those sports which cause physical exhaustion, what about curling, darts or any other sports that emphasizes fine motor skills instead of physical strength/endurance? You either exclude those too, or accept that e-sports is a sport if you ask me. Not that I even care that much but your stubborn opposition is making me more reactionary. Also, if you think playing a video game competitively is just about fiddling with your thumbs, you should try actually playing a video game competitively. It's one thing to smoke weed and play tekken 3 on a playstation 2, it's another thing to play SC2 with 300 APM.
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Short track speed skating is one of my favorite winter olympic events. I have no clue why, probably because my mom loved Apolo Ohno.
Oh yes! I love short track too! So fun to watch!
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The ... rink? ... is so small! Compared to the track runners use, that thing is tiny. So many bodies in such a small space. Very exciting!
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George Carlin on what sports is and isn't: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJRIKuNJBA
I wonder what he would have said about E-Sports.
I do agree that E-Sports should be separate as IMO, it's entirely different from what goes in to the actual Olympics.
That being said, the US made history in men's Luge(poor Loch though) with a first silver medal. The Netherlands dominate Speed Skating as expected. Loved most of the routines in team figure skating(Italians were especially charming, but that's not technical difficulty).
Caught most of the finals this morning. Great to see a Japanese woman win silver in Speed Skating.
Curling finals should be interesting. :) I'm sure Bakker would prefer Canada, but I think Switzerland will win.
I don't think someone who probably isn't really experienced in e-sports would be able to give a good argument.
You wont convince me because an E- "athlete" got carpal tunnel. Thats not physical exertion, not even close. Mental, yes. Lets let the E-athletes stick to their "olympics" and continue with "real" athletes at the Olympics.
Sorry, to get political Wilshire, but this is just another example of millenials and their demand to be included in any and everything. They're going to change the world. Sports are sports and we disnt need to have this conversation to know what constitutes a sport. Its ridiculous.
Well, considering that e-sports were already played in "real Olympics"...
https://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/7x1d41/the_official_olympics_youtube_channel_produced/?st=jdkumg36&sh=8458e69c
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I don't think someone who probably isn't really experienced in e-sports would be able to give a good argument.
This is George Carlin we're talking about. If he was still alive, he would have torn it to shreds. :p
I don't object to E-sports, I just don't think it should be included in the traditional Olympics. They should have a separate Olympics(E-Olympics has to be a thing) as they are entirely different competitions. It's why they're called E-sports. Watching TV sport is a thing too. Want that in the Olympics?
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George Carlin on what sports is and isn't: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJRIKuNJBA
Since you mention the late, great George Carlin, here's a great routine on football vs. baseball:
https://youtu.be/GU0aHikD8Vc
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So if your definition of sports only includes those sports which cause physical exhaustion, what about curling, darts or any other sports that emphasizes fine motor skills instead of physical strength/endurance? You either exclude those too, or accept that e-sports is a sport if you ask me. Not that I even care that much but your stubborn opposition is making me more reactionary. Also, if you think playing a video game competitively is just about fiddling with your thumbs, you should try actually playing a video game competitively. It's one thing to smoke weed and play tekken 3 on a playstation 2, it's another thing to play SC2 with 300 APM.
I believe video games take skill. I would never say they don’t. Curling is a physical activity, so I don’t get the comparison. Basically, anything that involves getting off your ass and out the house and competing is a sport. You won’t sway me that someone who plays video games for a living is an athlete. I’m not saying it’s easy, or doesn’t require time and practice to be good at. It’s just not a sport. And, if we start treating it as one we’ll have an even worse obesity epidemic.
“Dad, guess what? I got to play a lot today, ran touchdowns, killed Nazi’s, aliens and orcs. Oh, and also did it all on my Xbox with a bag of Cheetos!”
Yea, setting a great example for our young ones. It’s why I won’t buy any of those for my kids. Not because I can’t afford it. Because, I can’t afford to watch my kid become inactive and live in their rooms.
ETA: I get that it’s a huge business and very successful and a lot of people are attracted to it. It’s just not a sport. Doesn’t deserve a place in the Olympics. I think that’s sending the wrong message to our youth about what constitutes activity. And yes, it’s personal, I have 3 children I hope so not become part of the obesity problem we have in our neck of the woods. Look up the statistics on WV and you’ll see my concern.
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So if your definition of sports only includes those sports which cause physical exhaustion, what about curling, darts or any other sports that emphasizes fine motor skills instead of physical strength/endurance? You either exclude those too, or accept that e-sports is a sport if you ask me. Not that I even care that much but your stubborn opposition is making me more reactionary. Also, if you think playing a video game competitively is just about fiddling with your thumbs, you should try actually playing a video game competitively. It's one thing to smoke weed and play tekken 3 on a playstation 2, it's another thing to play SC2 with 300 APM.
I believe video games take skill. I would never say they don’t. Curling is a physical activity, so I don’t get the comparison. Basically, anything that involves getting off your ass and out the house and competing is a sport. You won’t sway me that someone who plays video games for a living is an athlete. I’m not saying it’s easy, or doesn’t require time and practice to be good at. It’s just not a sport. And, if we start treating it as one we’ll have an even worse obesity epidemic.
“Dad, guess what? I got to play a lot today, ran touchdowns, killed Nazi’s, aliens and orcs. Oh, and also did it all on my Xbox with a bag of Cheetos!”
Yea, setting a great example for our young ones. It’s why I won’t buy any of those for my kids. Not because I can’t afford it. Because, I can’t afford to watch my kid become inactive and live in their rooms.
ETA: I get that it’s a huge business and very successful and a lot of people are attracted to it. It’s just not a sport. Doesn’t deserve a place in the Olympics. I think that’s sending the wrong message to our youth about what constitutes activity. And yes, it’s personal, I have 3 children I hope so not become part of the obesity problem we have in our neck of the woods. Look up the statistics on WV and you’ll see my concern.
Curling and dart require fine motor skills instead of physical endurance/strength, just like e-sports. Obesity has little to do with competitive gaming. Sure, if you play video-games because you're addicted or trying to escape reality, health can be a problem, but the vast majority of competitive players are fit and healthy, even though they practice many hours a day.
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Anything in moderation. Running too much will kill you as assuredly as sitting too much. So will drinking too much water. Its just easier to do one of those things than the others.
Talking about "I want my kids to be fit" and "what is a sport" aren't even the same conversation, but trying to shoehorn it in is leading to confusion and apparently anger.
I've yet to see a half thought through argument about what makes a sport, nor obviously any consensus on what is or isn't, or what should or shouldn't. So what if we haven't yet, but don't fall back on anger and irrelevant political rhetoric to make your arguments for you.
Why Curling and not video games? Have you seen the curling athletes? Or professional Dart players? Bowling? Pool? What about professional shot-put throwers?
Not all sports are good for you, or provide you with adequate exercise, so why get so furious at considering another activity that requires far more skill?
Just be consistent. If your opinion is that only exercise makes a sport, there's nothing wrong with that. But don't be afraid to call out 'real sports' as 'not sports' - I imagine it'll create a whole lot less cognitive dissonance.
For me, if it doesn't involve a physical activity, a team, an object to pass around, and a way to score points, its not a sport. Way to many things are called sports for no reason - most 'sports' are largely just exercise, which imo isn't a sport at all, same with largely cerebral exercises like chess or video games...But heaven forbid anyone tells someone that their thing isn't a 'sport'! Them is fightin' words!!!
Since it is so, so difficult to take away the apparently vaunted title of 'sport' from whatever activity, its far more internally consistent to just say 'anything that people compete at' is a sport. Be it some of the most athletic mult-event sports like decathalons or gymnastics all-around, extreme exercise like super marathons, traditional team ball sports, or something less physically exhausting but more heavily centered on mental acuity like shooting competitions (bows, guns, darts) and esports.
Specifically regarding esports, 'sports' just like anything else might as easily be described using purely economic statements. Any successful enterprise generates revenue and customers, sports do with with viewers, ticket sales, and merchandising. The reality is that esports are massively popular, and getting more so by the day. We're not talking about the local interest that something like "American Football" generates, we're talking international viewership numbers in the hundreds of millions. At some point, I would think the simple greed of entities like the Olympics will justify including the likes of video games for their profit making potential, and to stay culturally relevant. Indeed, some colleges have been recruiting and giving scholarships to "eAthletes" for their "eSports" playing for this very reason (money, greed, cultural relevance).
Just like I'd not let my own children play a sport as ridiculously dangerous as football (nothing like encouraging your child to bludgeon their brains into mush before they get to college!), I'd probably not consider dozens of videogame hours/day as an allowable daily pastime. But who cares, that doesn't make either 'not a sport', its irrelevant to the conversation.
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I dont know why you insist this is personal in some way Wilshire. I did give the Oxford definition of a sport. Just because you attach sport to the end of something doesnt make it a sport. And, i think the both of you are being very obtuse in acknowledging what a sport is. You making the argument complicated for some reason that escapes me....
Ive never seen kids dropping dead from going around and playing outside various sports. You seriously exxagerate the damage that can be done by PeeWee football. I coached it for 6 years, have you ever watched it? Never seen a concussion in the 6 years i coached, most kids are scared to death to tackle. But, thats a different argument.
All im saying i can attach sport to the end of any activity for commercial purposes, that doessnt make it a sport. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it.
My kids will have a gaming system one day, but if it ever becomes a problem it will go in the trash. Getting outside and being active is very important for a child, especially team sports. It teaches them alot of lessons about life. Along with the benefit of being active.
For some reason, you guys want to make an argument out of something you should clearly be able discern as to what is a sport. Its not complicated and you guys are not ignorant people. I am baffled to be honest.
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Why Curling and not video games?
Because, you know, you have to get off you ass to do it.....
Its a physical activity, that has a scoring system, and takes practice to be good at. You know why, i shouldnt have to explain.
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MSJ, you seem to really like sports, hold them in high esteem, and I'm really on the other side of that spectrum.
I don't like sports. I think people (parents especially) get too involved, I think it stunts kid's emotional and mental development, leads to lifelong physical damage and medical problem, and I'm 100% sure that the better a child is at a sport the easier it is for them to skate through life - able to underachieve in every aspect of life/school for their physical prowess to the point of colleges graduating illiterate students.
Sports are a modern day gladiatorial games, and a net loss to society at large as they ransom our money, our time, our resources, and our children, to satisfy our base desire to watch other's struggle, hurt themselves, and/or otherwise throw away their lives for our entertainment. Any virtues a sport might have are far overshadowed by the abuses they engender. The cost far to great for any middling, esoteric returns that might be gained. Calling something a sport, in my mind, if far more an insult than a compliment.
This all coming from someone who was paid to do sports. I'd guess I'm probably a more accomplished athlete than anyone here - which is honestly a source of personal embarrassment. I've seen the inner workings of sports organizations from the inside. I've spent decades watching how they manipulate and ruin lives on a scale most people can't even imagine, sitting there in the bleachers or on their coaches - blissfully unaware.
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Well, I was certainly never paid to play them. But, yes, I hold them in high esteem. I don't force my children to play anything....at all. I won't coach my kid. I seen the aspects you mention by just coaching. I take a laid back approach, and just try to make it fun. But, I was a fairly decent athlete (had walk-on offers in basketball and football), and my son who is old enough is head and shoulders above the kids his age. He likes it, I'm sure, because I do. Trust me, I know the pitfalls, and as a parent try and avoid them at all cost.
Exammple: one of the first games my boy ever played flag football he ran the wrong way. Coaches yelled at him and I could tell he was hurt afterwards. I grew up with a demanding father when it came to sports. So, I never mentioned it, and acted the same way he did when he ran 3 TD's. There can be plenty of negative for sure. I do think the positive outweighs the negative, if approached the right way. Never seen to the extent you have, but I have heard plenty of stories of life after pro sports. Not too pretty for most of them.
ETA: I don't agree that be g an athlete necessarily means you get to skate by sholasticly. I mean, I have zero, nil, no expectations of any of my children going pro. Hopefully, they might be good enough to pay for their schooling. Schooling is top priority in my household, bar none. But, yes, they do graduate illiterate student-athletes all the time. That's not even in question. Wilshire, but I'm worried about is the 3 kids that are mine. The two in school are above average students, both having already earned Student of the Month. I understand your disdain, as that was your personal experience. Shame. Because, team sports teach a ton of life lessons and forge friendships that last a life time. Your taking your experience and conveying to everyone's and that's not fair, at all. Plenty of athletes turn out to be great people and do great things aside from athletics. It gives kids who otherwise couldn't afford school a chance to be the 1st person in their family to earn a degree. I could go on and on, Wilshire. I'm sorry for your negative experience. Mine was not. Taught me a lot about what I would face in the real world. Teamwork, being able to take orders and so on. Not one negative came out of it for me. Other than a father who expected me to score 20 points and 10 assists or throw for 200 yards and a few touchdowns running or passing. Sometimes he wouldn't speak to me after games, because of a lackluster performance. That hurt. I wouldn't ever do that to my kids. I expect them to have fun and enjoy the experience, while hopefully doing well along the way. Its all I hope for.
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For those you out there that are gamers, I want you to know that I mean no disrespect, by not thinking of it as a sport. In sure it takes and unbelievable amount of time, skill and hard work to compete at that level. Sorry, if you thought I was being disrespectful. ;)
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Can we talk about some actual Olympics now? Men's figure skating is tonight and early Saturday, I will be getting up to watch short track speed skating live.
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Can we talk about some actual Olympics now? Men's figure skating is tonight and early Saturday, I will be getting up to watch short track speed skating live.
Yes. Sorry, Dora Vee. Gotta little sidetracked there. Back to the Olympics! USA isn't fairing so well, as I the moment. Hope they can turn it around. We usually do decent, I think we've won overall medals a few times I remember. But, Winter Olympics is not our strong suit. Summer....we're hard to beat.
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It's usually Norway and Germany that dominate the Winter Olympics. Then, there's the Dutch who dominate Speed Skating.
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Yep, and Russia. But, they were banned from these Olympics, correct?
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Yes. The atheletes found innocent were able to compete as OAR.
And now, figure skating. Chan! YAY! Went from a painful short program to a godlike long one! One of the best scores ever! Hooray! Loved Misha Ge too.
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http://www.espn.com/olympics/winter18/story/_/id/22497581/russian-bronze-medalist-curler-alexander-krushelnitsky-charged-doping
Now, last thing ill say on the issue, because I do fear the wrath of Dora Vee. Any doping allegations at the eSports events? :)
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Should probably split the topic and make a new one for 'what is a sport', or some such.
Finally got too see Nathan Chen on his final freeskate(?) performance. Record breaking score, record breaking performance (landing 6 quadruple jumpy-thingies when the previous record was 4). Amazing stuff. Such a shame he didn't medal.
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Should probably split the topic and make a new one for 'what is a sport', or some such.
Nah man, I'm done. Just pointing out the obvious.
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Russian curling team doping? I hope not. :(
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Russian curling team doping? I hope not. :(
From the article it seems as if it was only one guy. Nevertheless, you'd think with the ban, the Russian athletes wouldn't even take a chance with being banned. Not a good look. Probably Trump had something to do with it. :)
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Best ice dancing EVER!!1 Very happy with the results!
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Well since Russia got busted for state sanctioned doping, thus them not being able to compete under the Russian Flag, its not surprising that they are finding other athletes. At this point they might even just be using these games, since its a 'lost cause', as a testing ground to see what stuff will pass detection.
Sadly I don't imagine Russia is the only ones with widespread cheating. Just look at the entire sport of cycling - seems on an international level cheating and getting away with it is as big a part of the competition as the actual sport itself. Its really very sad.
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I actually see where what you say makes sense, Wilshire. But, in 4 years there will be a whole new batch of PED's. So, they don't test dirty now, means nothing in 2 years for Summer Olympics and even less in 4, when Winter comes back around.
I just don't think the Russian's really give two shits. They are and have always been obsessed with the Olympics (well since I can remember), and will go to any lengths to win. Even in Curling, were I thought, you made a close comparison to eSports as you possibly could. Lol.
Remember, the last Olympics Russia hosted? And, the opening of them? How they portrayed the History of Russsia? Its funny how they see themselves, yet I'm sure many a country would say the same about the USA. (But, remember dammit, Dubya said God was on our side and you won't get me to believe any different. ;) )
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I never gave a damn about any opening ceremony. Russia is hardly the only doping country, they're just the ones who get caught the most.
As for how Russia sees itself? Well, what were you expecting? They have a long history of nastiness, bleakness and complexity. Something like that wouldn't work in an opening ceremony.
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I never gave a damn about any opening ceremony. Russia is hardly the only doping country, they're just the ones who get caught the most.
Agreed. Its just relative to this Olympics they are banned. And, have to compete under OAR(?) I find it amusing that the 1st bust comes at the hands of a Russian Curling team member, is all.
I never gave a damn about any opening ceremony. Russia is hardly the only doping country, they're just the ones who get caught the most.
Agreed, they all dope. I just found Russia's opening ceremony to be very....amusing, is all. As I said, people from other countries would probably say the same about the US.
ETA: I wasn't trying to drag you into this by the Ciphrang comment. I just thought you was getting annoyed that we hijacked the thread over, "what is a sport?". Sorry, hope there are no hard feelings.
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No, there aren't any hard feelings.
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Oh dear...Canada lost to GERMANY in hockey! First Sweden loses and now Canada? Jesus...
Wonder how they'll do against the Russians.
Congrats to SERWA for gold in Ski Cross. :)
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US mens take Gold in Curling, 1st Gold ever. And, they won it on what is called a 5-ender, supposedly very, very rare in the sport. U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!!!!
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I really like the mass start Speed Skating. That is AWESOME!
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My god...the gold medal hockey game. What an amazing game. Far better than I expected.
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My god...the gold medal hockey game. What an amazing game. Far better than I expected.
Congratulations to The Olympic Athletes of Russia
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Final Medal Count. I went down to thoae with more than one.
Norway: 39 medals
14 gold, 14 silver, 11 bronze
Germany: 31 medals
14 gold, 10, silver, 7 bronze
Canada: 29 medals
11 gold, 8 silver, 10 bronze
United States: 23 medals
9 gold, 8 silver, 6 bronze
Netherlands: 20 medals
8 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze
South Korea: 17 medals
5 gold, 8 silver, 4 bronze
Olympic Athletes from Russia: 17 medals
2 gold, 6 silver, 9 bronze
Switzerland: 15 medals
5 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze
France: 15 medals
5 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze
Sweden: 14 medals
7 gold, 6 silver, 1 bronze
Austria: 14 medals
5 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze
Japan: 13 medals
4 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze
Italy: 10 medals
3 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze
China: 9 medals
1 gold, 6 silver, 2 bronze
Czech Republic: 7 medals
2 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze
Finland: 6 medals
1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze
Great Britain: 5 medals
1 gold, 4 bronze
Belarus: 3 medals
2 gold, 1 silver
Slovakia: 3 medals
1 gold, 2 silver
Australia: 3 medals
2 silver, 1 bronze
Poland: 2 medals
1 gold, 1 bronze
Slovenia: 2 medals
1 silver, 1 bronze
Spain: 2 medals
2 bronze
New Zealand: 2 medals
2 bronze
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Oh dear...Canada lost to GERMANY in hockey! First Sweden loses and now Canada? Jesus...
Wonder how they'll do against the Russians.
Congrats to SERWA for gold in Ski Cross. :)
Ha, Serwa, you weren't kidding - had to look it up to be sure.