Olympics Fakery

[Ralliart]

The skies may be clearing up over Beijing, but the face China tried to paint on the 2008 Olympic Games is breaking out in blemishes.

Main Street of Happyville turns out to be a collection of expensively-built facades, with nothing behind them. Or worse, something awful behind them: a series of very large lies - and the worst of it is that the Chinese hosts don't even appear to realize how bad they may end up looking to the rest of the world.

The Opening Ceremony we all gushed over was not what it seemed. Those blazing footprints of fireworks that "walked" in the sky from Tiananmen Square to the Bird's Nest stadium? Pre-recorded and digitally inserted into the telecast.

The "sold-out" Olympic events, every ticket gone? An illusion, exposed only when reporters began to notice the squads of identically-dressed and thunderstick-equipped cheer squads filling whole sections of seats. Even if some of those were seats designated for Olympic Family members - dignitaries and IOC members who leave seats unused at the lesser sessions is a chronic problem at all Games - using fake fans to fill them is, at best, a comical notion and at worst an attempt to create a false picture of attendance.

Any minute now, we'll find out we're really in Japan.

But the piece de resistance, the most cynical of all of the pieces of fakery at the Beijing Olympics: Agence France-Presse revealed Tuesday that the darling little girl in a red dress who charmed the audience by singing "Ode to the Motherland" - a hymn of the revolution - during the ceremony wasn't singing at all.

Lin Miaoke was lip-synching to the voice of seven-year-old Yang Peiyi, who was rejected by a senior member of the Communist Party's politburo at a rehearsal because she had a chubby face and crooked teeth.

"He told us there was a problem, that we needed to fix it, so we did," said the ceremony's musical director, well-known contemporary composer Chen Qigang, in an interview with a state broadcaster that aired Tuesday.

AFP reported that the interview with Chen appeared briefly on the news website Sina.com before it was apparently wiped from the Internet in China.

"Little Yang Peiyi's failure to be selected was mainly because of her appearance," were among the Chen comments that were made to disappear. "The reason was for the national interest. The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feelings, and expression. Lin Miaoke is excellent in those aspects. But in terms of voice, Yang Peiyi is perfect, each member of our team agreed."

The French news agency interviewed the director of the China Internet project at the University of California-Berkeley, former dissident Xiao Qiang, who said the substitution of the pretty girl for the unsuitable one "illustrates an important aspect of these Olympic Games. It is all about projecting the right image of China with no respect for honesty or for the audience.

"I do not think the Chinese state realizes how unethical this is, they don't understand what kind of values they are reflecting."

Defenders of these "minor misdirections" say they are hardly unique to China, and the media is just picking on the hosts.

Didn't the late Pavarotti lip-synch his signature "Nessun Dorma" aria from Turandot at the opening ceremony in Turin? Yes. But at least it was his own voice. Nobody said, "Listen, Luciano, you've kind of let yourself go, and there's not enough time for you to go on the South Beach diet. Julio Iglesias over here is still a good-looking man. We're going to have him lip-synch your song."

All kinds of artists lip-synch their performances. Okay, we understand that.

And we got over the Internet censorship. We've accepted that there's certain things on the Net that the Chinese populace is not allowed to see. We accept that a 21-point censorship plan allegedly distributed to all state media probably exists, even if the spokesperson for Games organizing committee (BOCOG) claims to know nothing about it - as he also knows nothing about plain-clothes officials reportedly shadowing some reporters, taking pictures of them, and notebooks being confiscated, or why two armoured personnel carriers suddenly appeared, parked outside the Media Centre, front and back, on Tuesday.

Fine. We're not supposed to know these things.

And maybe, in the larger sense, it's good that however bad the news is about the fakery surrounding the Games to date, at least the news is getting out. There was some question as to whether that would happen, before the Games began, and so far it has not been an issue.

So, China's defenders say, this is really no big deal.

And that's probably true, as long as you're not Yang Peiyi, who at seven years old has already discovered a hard truth about physical appearance - and had it drilled into her brain unequivocally, by her government no less, that she may be able to sing, but she's too ugly to represent her nation in public.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news ... 591d35588c

[x-wind]

Was it entertaining? Wasn't that the point? Instead of making one girl feel like a star, they made two..

And what a shit article. Why not just leave the facts for us to decide, instead of trying to get a specific view point to the reader with all the opinions.

[Siddley Hawker]

Probably the same production crew that staged the cruise missile into the Pentagon, the fall of the WTC 7 building and the moon landings.

[cubonfloats]

Was it entertaining? Wasn't that the point? Instead of making one girl feel like a star, they made two..

And what a shit article. Why not just leave the facts for us to decide, instead of trying to get a specific view point to the reader with all the opinions.

good post.

I rented an apartment for a while in Beijing in the spring. If you live there and hear what the chinese people (not the media) have to say and then come home and listen to the crap stories pumped out by the westerners..you find a happy medium somewhere in between. its not as glorious as the chinese say, but its definitaly not as crude as the westerners think.

[ScudRunner]

Honestly I haven't really watched any of the Olympic events this year, I wonder how the ratings are doing. As for the little girl singing I didn't need some French reporter to tell me she was lip syncing.

I thought the funniest thing was during the torch Relay when people where protesting, the Chinese state television showed happy events and people cheering. lol its like the CBC when the liberals are on TV.

[GilletteNorth]

There was also a report that about 50 some seconds of fireworks seen on TV was computer graphically added to create the effect that the filming was done from a helicopter which wasn't possible.

I don't see how telling a 7yr old girl that she isn't pretty enough to be seen in public can do anything but lower her self-esteem, regardless that they used her voice.

Isn't it about time everyone stop trying to fool themselves that everything in the world need to be 'perfect' to be enjoyable? Imperfection can be beautiful. My wife isn't a beauty model but I love her all the same. Do we need a 'perfect' fireworks display, do we need to see a full stadium to be happy? The fact the chinese have attempted to fake some aspects of normal life makes me think they value saving face waaay too much or they are desperate to impress the world they are 'like everyone else' despite being a communist country.

[MyMeowCat]

Isn't it about time everyone stop trying to fool themselves that everything in the world need to be 'perfect' to be enjoyable? Imperfection can be beautiful. My wife isn't a beauty model but I love her all the same. Do we need a 'perfect' fireworks display, do we need to see a full stadium to be happy? The fact the chinese have attempted to fake some aspects of normal life makes me think they value saving face waaay too much or they are desperate to impress the world they are 'like everyone else' despite being a communist country.

At least it shows that they kinda care about what the rest of the world thinks.

Some people also complain about the smog issue -- but you have to remember that China is like the North Pole especially when it comes Christmas and they have lots of contracts and stuff to build. It so extreme I heard that even China has labour shortages to keep up with demand.

They seem to have a long way to go but trying...imagine a world where you have to "jump" from rotary phone to cell phone ( no landline touch phone in-between) or some people jump from no computer -- all the way to Windows XP while skipping DOS, Vic 20, or Commodore 64).

Definately a country in transition.

[2R]

Wait until the drug test results come back to see what a bunch of freak fakes some of those new record holders are

Even the horses are being abused by the unofficial drug sponsers.
No need to test drugs on little monkies when they have all these humans to experiment on

[Four1oh]

At least it shows that they kinda care about what the rest of the world thinks.

China only cares about how the world sees them, not what the world thinks of them. Otherwise you'd actually see some meaningful changes to how they treat their own people, not the smoke and mirrors they think we're too stupid to see through. China reminds me of the adolescent kid who thinks he has his parents fooled when he comes home drunk after a late night with his friends and they don't say anything...

[cubonfloats]

you have to understand that china 1.doesnt really care what people think of them, yes. but 2.they dont need to care either.

the western world is thanking China for their poor working conditions and lack of freedom and human rights (in some areas).

have you ever bought something from wall mart? sears? best buy? future shop? whatever-big-name-shop?
then YOU (and me) are contributing to the problem in china, mexico, philippines, cambodia, india etc etc! when picking things off the shelfs. we look for the pricetag, not where it comes from (most of the time)...we complain that 'made in china' products are crap. but we continue to buy them. why? because its the cheapest option out there.

If you are willing to bash china for what they are doing in that country, you have to be willing to purchase products that are only made in canada, US, New Zealand, Australia, european countries. boycott wall mart and these other corperations who thrive off of sweatshops and NEED them to stay in business.
sure much of it is political but dont forget the economical aspects of this situation too...its us in the west who are making it worse, so stop screeming and crying for those that WE put in the factories.

[C23flyer]

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/mi ... _rss_daily

August 21, 2008

Michael Phelps Returns To His Tank At Sea World



ORLANDO—Fourteen-time Olympic gold medalist and SeaWorld main attraction Michael Phelps returned to his seven-million-gallon water tank Wednesday to resume his normal schedule of performing in six shows a day for marine park crowds every day of the week.

Phelps, the 6'4", 200-pound aquatic mammal, and the first ever SeaWorld swimmer to be raised in captivity by foster swimmers (Mark Spitz and Dara Torres), was recaptured by trainer Bob Bowman in a hoop net baited with an entire Dutch apple pie following Phelps' final Olympic event last Sunday. Phelps was then tethered to the rudder of a container ship bound for St. Petersburg, guided down local waterways, and introduced back into his home habitat, the tank in SeaWorld's 5,500 seat stadium, known to park officials and visitors alike as "Phelps' Happy Harbor."

"Michael seemed really excited to be back," said Bowman, adding that the male swimmer became playful upon entering his tank, breaching the water and sounding repeatedly. "He just started swimming freestyle and backstroke, and only stopped to slide belly first onto the tank's platform so he could be fed dozens of fried egg sandwiches."

"He fell asleep at the surface of the water around midnight," Bowman added.

Though Bowman plans on continuing the long-running aquatic show "Michael, The Yankee Doodle Swim Team Captain," in which Phelps was performing prior to leaving for Beijing, Bowman said he and Phelps would begin working on an all-new production, which will debut in September with the title "Champion!" Bowman has promised this show would be the most ambitious program in the history of Olympic swimmer sea spectacles.

Bowman says one stunt called the "Flying Medal" will begin with Phelps' 14 gold medals being suspended above the water. Phelps will then enter the stadium butterfly-stroking at full speed, coursing along the surface, and with every breach of the water, placing his head through the hoop of one medal after another. If Phelps is wearing all 14 medals at the end of the stunt, Bowman said, the swimmer will be rewarded with a whole pizza and a pound of cooked enriched pasta.

Bowman confirmed that the routine would also feature the signature aquatic feats that audiences from around the world have come to expect from Phelps, such as his trademark trick of 35 flip turns in 35 seconds, nuzzling a child with his nose, and Bowman himself "surfing" on Phelps' back while the subservient sea creature swims the breaststroke.

"Those seated in the first 14 rows should be prepared to get soaked," Bowman said, admitting that Phelps' powerful dolphin kicks would be added to the new program. "Also, Michael's two friends, [Olympic swimmers] Ryan [Lochte] and Jason [Lezak], will open the show with their humorous beach ball antics."

Beginning with the 1985's "Baby Michael Celebration," Phelps has entertained SeaWorld audiences for over 20 years. Spectators are not only enthralled with Phelps' exploits in the water, but his abnormally large torso, unusually small lower body, double-jointed ankles, gargantuan eating habits, the slurring, almost human methods of vocalization he uses to communicate, and his odd-looking goggle-covered face, all of which combine to make him the most unusual sight in all of Florida.

"I have never seen a stranger yet more majestic-looking creature," said husband and father of three Glenn McKay. "Last year we went to SeaWorld San Diego and saw [Michael's female counterpart] Michelle, and even though the show was a little funnier than this one, nothing compares to watching Michael almost hover over the water after launching his trainer into the air."

"Michelle" is SeaWorld's moniker for the Olympic gold medalist who was born Natalie Coughlin.

"I liked it when he played dead and floated in the water," added McKay's 8-year-old son Brandon, who was clutching a Michael Phelps stuffed doll. "I also liked when he blew water on everyone."

Though spectators—and ticket-sales personnel—are happy that Phelps is back at SeaWorld, members of the World Society for the Conservation of Olympic Swimmers released a statement yesterday saying that these athletic mammals should be released from captivity. The statement claims that there is conclusive scientific proof that confinement in smaller pools of water, as opposed to wide-open, Olympic-sized pools, causes the swimmers sensory depravation and a shorter lifespan.

"It's clear that Michael doesn't like being at SeaWorld," WSCOS spokesperson Jonathan Haines said. "When he was placed back into his tank, the slightly loose portion of his black swim cap immediately folded over to the right side, a telltale symptom of stress and angst. And you can be certain that, just before he left for Beijing, he didn't bite that little girl's arm off because he was happy."

[MyMeowCat]

If you are willing to bash china for what they are doing in that country, you have to be willing to purchase products that are only made in canada, US, New Zealand, Australia, european countries. boycott wall mart and these other corporations who thrive off of sweatshops and NEED them to stay in business.
sure much of it is political but dont forget the economical aspects of this situation too...its us in the west who are making it worse, so stop screeming and crying for those that WE put in the factories.

This kind of reminds me of the Kathy Lee Gifford (famous American TV star) who had made her own "clothing line" BUT her clothing line was manufactured using child labour in some poor country until activist's protests and pressure closed her down.

In one TV interview -- a foreign representative from this poor country desperately pleaded for US activists to lay off of Kathy Lee -- without her money they will not get clean water and build sewage systems nor can they get proper infrastructure built for their city.

I think the world is screwing up China more than the other way around. I read today that the ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) is the largest and most profitable bank in the world -- doesn't that screw up a "communist system"?http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 0d9d346aed

Imagine being a leader in a "communist" government where you are supposed to uphold communist ideals in a world where your country has the world most successful bank, you're the top producer of toys and anything Walmart, have the second largest seafood business in the world, and the USA owes you over two Trillion dollars (not a typo -- it "T" as in Trillion), while dealing with Muslim separatists on your West and Tibetans (like Canada and Quebec/Russia and Georgia, etc), in a country where you are actually seeing labour shortages (like Alberta) (no one wants to work agriculture anymore) and for the first time starting to see an "unemployed" demographic

if you are wondering what it's like if you were a Chinese Airline Pilot then check this out: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 94eed6b59f

I read that China has been taking extraordinary steps to "fill the seats" on some empty sporting events. Being televised -- some of these events showing more than 50% empty seats should worry China... however -- look at some sports at the LA Olympics -- who the heck watches stuff like Synchronized diving, rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling, archery, baseball or synchronized swimming?? Actually I'd watch synchronized swimming since some of the gals are hot

I know it takes awhile -- but China looks like it's in for some very major "change".

[C23flyer]

Age-old problem rocks China's gymnasts at golden games

BEIJING (AFP) - An investigation ordered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) into alleged age-fixing of Chinese gymnasts rocked China's golden Games Friday.
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The IOC stepped in after persistant media claims that double women's gymnastics gold-medallist He Kexin is only 14, two years shy of the sport's minimum age-16 requirement at the Olympics.

Despite rumbling concerns through the Games that He, and possibly two other Chinese gymnasts were only 14, He produced a passport showing she turned 16 this year as required.

"We have asked the gymastics federation to look into what have been a number of questions and apparent discrepencies on this subject," said IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies, insisting the investigation was informal.

China has spent more than 40 billion dollars on the Bejing Olympics to underscore their emergence as a global sporting power.

The returns on the investment are obvious. Their best-ever Olympic performance sees China topping the medals table with 46 gold, a handsome lead over the United States on 30, Great Britain with 18 and Russia on 16.

They have also broadened their sporting base, featuring in sports such as archery, hockey, beach volleyball and fencing where they have never figured before.

However, the undisputed standout performers have not been Chinese but eight gold-medal winning American swimmer Michael Phelps and track sprint king Usain Bolt from Jamaica.

Double world-record breaker Bolt is set to race further into Olympic history on Friday with a likely third gold medal in the sprint relay.

"With Usain in it, it's going to be an awesome race," his 4x100 metres relay team-mate Asafa Powell said.

Bolt is the first man to win the 100m and 200m double in world record time, inspiring his Jamaican team-mates to rule the men's and women's Olympic sprint events and they should seal their dominance in the relays.

"He set the bar so high now everyone wants a gold medal," said Aleen Bailey of the Jamaican women's 4x100m relay team.

As hot, dry weather returned to Beijing following a day of storms there are 21 finals on Friday, with track and field events commanding the most attention with seven gold medals on offer.

In addition to the relays there is the decathlon, where American Brian Clay has a 316-point lead over Andrey Krauchanka of Belarus after eight events, and the women's 5,000m where Tirunesh Dibaba is on the threshold of a memorable double after winning the 10,000m.

The first athletics final of the day saw Alex Schwazer of Italy win the men's 50km walk.

Philip Dalhausser and Todd Rogers completed the United States sweep of beach volleyball when they beat Brazil in the men's final a day after Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh beat China for the women's gold.

Tim Brabants continued Great Britain's penchant for winning sitting down when he took the K1 1000m Kayak singles final.

Christine Ohuruogu, the women's 400m winner, is the only one of Britain's 18 gold medallists to be on her feet at the finish line.

BMX cycling made its Olympic debut with Maris Strombergs claiming Latvia's first gold medal in Beijing in the men's final and 30-year-old Anne-Caroline Chausson coming out of retirement to win France the women's gold.

China have a gold for certain in women's table tennis, providing both players in the women's singles final, and the Games hosts are also in the hockey final against overwhelming favorites the Netherlands.

South Korea won through to the baseball final after beating Japan 6-2 in the semis. Cuba play the United States in the other semi-final later Friday.

There was further scandal at the equestrian events in Hong Kong where failed dope tests by four horses in the individual jumping final cast doubt on the future of elite horse sports in the Games.

I guess that proves it. It's impossible to falsify a government document, especially in China.