China has Ninjas.

[Eclecticos]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20080410/capt.cps.mwh29.100408194853.photo00.photo.default-512x355.jpg?x=400&y=277&sig=xhSOj4YYnQqUBgV4E_cTgQ--

Source: http://www.yahoo.com

File photo shows a squad of the Chinese People's Armed Police demonstrating tactics to deal with terrorist attacks

China has cracked a terrorist group plotting to kidnap foreigners during the Beijing Olympics and another that planned to carry out attacks with toxic materials, police said.
(AFP/File)

[b4i7]

this totally makes me want to go to the olympics :/

[Eclecticos]

I also not thrilled with the rain control going on.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/165/usolympicsweatherqg2.jpg

Staff members from Beijing's weather modification practice base stand next to a two-pipe canon used for rain reduction and cloud dispersion during a media presentation in Beijing, July 19, 2007. China is preparing an arsenal of rockets and aircraft to protect the Olympics opening ceremony from rain, hoping to disperse clouds before they can drench dignitaries at the roofless 'bird's nest' stadium.
(Reinhard Krause/Reuters)

[crenn]

There are always multiple sides to a story. That's all I'll say. btw, poor cats.

[jdbnsn]

Jesus, I saw that picture and thought you were cracking a joke. Those morons actually intend to pound the weather into submission with anti-aircraft munitions? Interesting thought. This is going to be interesting to say the least. China seems to be making moves to try to become more accepted by the rest of the world and pimping their PR, and in almost every attempt it's backfired. I was in Beijing in the summer of 04' and they had begun construction on the theater for the Olympics but there wasn't much to see then, now I understand it's displaced thousands of Chinese citizens with no compensation (basically being told "your house is in the way, you probably won't want to be in it when we level it"). The Chinese people are a very passionate group from my experience, especially about their military (but I guess we all are). Many of the soldiers and police spent at least a few years training in the Shaolin Academies near the ancient monasteries. Make no mistake, these kids can be 5' 7" and weight 140lbs and look like something you could throw, but they aren't. I saw kids as young as 8 yrs old demonstrate strength that I have never seen paralleled anywhere else, not even close. What I am curious to see is what happens when some drunk Olympic revelers stumble into restricted areas and pay no mind to the guards. When I was in Beijing, I accidentally walked right into a military base thinking it was a lot I could cut through to get to the next block. Out of no where 4 soldiers pounced and surrounded me weapons drawn (but not aimed, they were just making a point). Although we could not communicate with words, it seemed that we had a clear understanding non the less. I seared the pavement making my way out of there. Even more dangerous will be Tienanmen Square. The open mausoleum of Chairman Mao is in the square and they do not screw around with security there, it's a bit spooky. I'm sure that the police and military are getting lots of new training on how to politely handle these things, but those soldiers are not accustomed to the drunken disrespect a hot blooded sports fan can doll out after many a suds, I think someone could get shot.

[b4i7]

When I was in Beijing, I accidentally walked right into a military base thinking it was a lot I could cut through to get to the next block. Out of no where 4 soldiers pounced and surrounded me weapons drawn (but not aimed, they were just making a point). Although we could not communicate with words, it seemed that we had a clear understanding non the less. I seared the pavement making my way out of there.


lol...im totally picturing Eurotrip right now Jon:"uhmmm....this isnt where i parked my car!"

[Helix666]

ninjas...

>.>

<.<

O.O *~~~

x.x*



(sorry... :P silliness over now...)

[Aero]

When building a roof would make too much sense... break out the AA guns.

Its funny, the American in me wants to point and laugh at their lack of common sense, but the redneck in me wants to be proud that someone in this world has found a reason to shoot as much ammunition as they can at the sky...hmmm...

"Hey MA, I'm gonna go kill mother nature, I'll be back in 5."

[Eclecticos]

Check out the stadium.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4308/birdsnestrz4.jpg

[Crimson Sky]

China also has:

The Mobile Execution Bus — Think Global, Execute Local — Express Line to Cemetery (http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=5754)

http://cdn.news.aol.com/aolnews_photos/08/05/20060615104809990001

Say NO TO THE OLYMPICS, YES to BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

[Airbozo]

...
Say NO TO THE OLYMPICS, YES to BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

I am so torn on this. Being the spouse of a former Olympic bound swimmer I know the time and dedication they put in, with only one goal; The Olympic Games. Nothing else matters and if you ask most of them, they will tell you the Olympics are not the place for political statements. Good luck with that since the Olympics HAVE been politicized by every country that hosts or attends them. To train all of your life and then be told that you are not going to the Olympics due to "political" reasons would kill many athletes.

I personally believe that the politics should end with the IOC's approval of a host country and should not drag the athletes in. But I also believe that the IOC should have NEVER approved China hosting the games until their Human Rights record improved. Too late for that so pressure should be put on them in another way. Like NOT purchasing any goods made in China (this means no more happy meals...). Not visiting China, not allowing US companies to have their goods made in China or even doing business with Chinese companies including investments, nor should anyone from China be allowed to purchase real estate in the US. Heck shut down all the Chinese restaurants! OK just joking on that last one. There just has to be a better way than stomping on the hopes and dreams of hundreds of athletes.

OK sorry for the Hijack. Your fault Crimson!
/rant

[Crimson Sky]

Yeah i know the OLYPMICS are important (especially 10meter Target Shooting :) )

I just wish it wasn't China as the host.

[NightrainSrt4]

I don't know what I think about the situation either...

What I was excited about was that this was the first year that kung-fu was going to be an Olympic sport. Having been a martial artist for 15 years, with 10 being of Northern Shaolin I was pretty stoked, especially knowing/friends with some of the people who tried out for the U.S. team. I gave up my dreams a couple years ago when my health crapped out but still was hoping to see Kung-fu's first appearance as an Olympic sport.

Now I am not sure what to think.

Monks Pwn Ninjas Anywho :devious:

[jdbnsn]

China also has:

The Mobile Execution Bus — Think Global, Execute Local — Express Line to Cemetery (http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=5754)

http://cdn.news.aol.com/aolnews_photos/08/05/20060615104809990001

Say NO TO THE OLYMPICS, YES to BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

pfft...you think Bush wouldn't drive one of those if he could get away with it? Besides, they are saving taxpayer's money whereas we spend millions of dollars to kill our undesirables. But I can't argue with the human rights, it really seems like at times they do want to get it, but it just doesn't add up to them (the Chinese government that is). I also agree that this Olympic Games has a dark undertone and I could not possibly go and enjoy the games knowing what it is costing folks over there, it's awful.

[Crimson Sky]

pfft...you think Bush wouldn't drive one of those if he could get away with it? Besides, they are saving taxpayer's money whereas we spend millions of dollars to kill our undesirables.

Lying on your tax returns is punishable by death in China.

[Omega]

I can understand a government's struggle for power against it's citizens, but **** man, lying on your taxes earns you death?

That ****'s ****ed.

[Airbozo]

pfft...you think Bush wouldn't drive one of those if he could get away with it? ...

I think he did drive one while he was Governor of Texas. It was the Official State Limo at the time...

Been reading up on some of the crap that has gone down in China since they got the Olympic nod. It just amazes me that they get away with evicting people to build the venue's and basically only give them a bus ticket to a remote location of the country, kick them off and say "good luck". At least they don't have to ride the Extermination Express.

I do hope that the major countries boycott the opening ceremonies... Letter to the prez sent...

[jdbnsn]

Lying on your tax returns is punishable by death in China.

Like I said, I won't argue that they have some messed up human rights issues. I like China, I loved meeting so many amazing people there and saw what was a very rich history and culture. It saddens me that they continue struggling with issues like this because it destroys their integrity and makes so many in the world not want to learn more about them and get to know them. But it can't be ignored, the human rights issues and this mess with the Olympics is a show of the flaws in their governmental policies and attitudes. But do know that there is more to China that suffering.

[b4i7]

No No I Swear I Accidently Hit Zero Too Many Times!