NationStates Jolt Archive

London beats Paris to 2012 Games


The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London, the International Olympic Committee has announced.
London won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the IOC meeting in Singapore, after bids from Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated.

Prime Minister Tony Blair called the win "a momentous day" for Britain.

Paris had been favourites throughout the campaign but London's hopes were raised after an impressive presentation by Lord Coe, the bid chairman.

IOC president Jacques Rogge made the dramatic announcement at 1249 BST.

It will be the first time the Olympics has been held in Britain since 1948.

Coe said: "This is just the most fantastic opportunity to do everything we ever dreamed of in British sport."

The Queen, in a message to Coe, said: "I send my warmest congratulations to you and every member of the London 2012 team for winning the bid for the UK.

"It's a really outstanding achievement to beat such a highly competitive field."


HOW VOTE UNFOLDED
Round 1: Moscow out
Round 2: New York out; Madrid lead in tight poll
Round 3: Madrid out
Round 4: London 54-50 Paris

After the announcement, it emerged London was ahead in every round of voting except the second round when Madrid polled the most votes.
News of London's victory delighted flag-waving supporters who had gathered in Trafalgar Square and Stratford in the East End of London, where the new Olympic park will be built.

Shares of British construction companies soared, while mortgage lenders predicted house prices in the capital would rocket.

But raindrops began falling on disappointed Parisians outside the Hotel de Ville in the French capital shortly after the result.

Mr Blair had helped London's late momentum with a whistlestop 48-hour visit to Singapore, before flying back for the G8 summit in Scotland.


The best city in the world meets the best sporting event in the world!
From JS

Breaking off from the meeting of world leaders, he said of London: "Many reckon it is the greatest capital city in the world and the Olympics will help keep it that way."

Rogge had correctly forecast a cliffhanger vote, and offered his congratulations to the winners.

"We knew the two bids were very, very close. Well done, London. It will be a superb Games and will strengthen the Olympics," he said.

An hour after the decision, London's bid leaders were greeted by warm applause as they signed the official contract to stage the Games.

This is how the decision was made by the IOC in Singapore on Wednesday:



All five bidding cities gave final 45-minute presentations to the IOC members before the vote began.

The electronic ballot started at 1126 BST. Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated from the race in the first, second and third rounds of voting.

The final round of voting finished at about 1145 BST, with the committee reconvening at 1230 BST for the official announcement.

Rogge revealed the winner, after a nerve-wracking wait, at 1249 BST.

Wednesday's decision brings to an end the 18-month race to win the host contract for the 2012 Games.

And it was the most keenly-fought bidding contest in recent years.

Paris was considered the front-runner for much of the campaign, and was highly rated in the initial evaluation and also by the inspectors after their visits earlier in the year.

But it was widely recognised that bid leader Lord Coe, a high-profile personality within the IOC and other governing bodies, hauled London closer to the French capital as the vote approached.


Everyone was all together and we never lost our confidence
Bid leader Lord Coe on London's Olympic victory

Madrid was seen as a consistent but not outstanding candidate, while New York's bid was dogged by problems over their proposed stadium, and Moscow was always seen as the rank outsider.

Once attention moved to Singapore, the bidding cities called on political and sporting heavyweights to champion their causes.

And the spotlight inevitably focused on Paris and London in the days leading up to the vote.

The two cities had President Chirac and Prime Minister Blair respectively in their corners.

Mr Chirac actually took part in the French capital's final presentation on Wednesday, while Mr Blair opted to lobby alongside the London bid team in Singapore before flying back to Britain to host the G8 summit.

London also called on England captain David Beckham and a galaxy of Olympic and Paralympic medallists as ambassadors, while footballers Laurent Blanc and Zinedine Zidane were among those backing the Paris bid.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/front_page/4655555.stm

Yayyyyy! I f anybodi watched GMTV(UK)this morning they would have seen a funnny video about how England is the perfect place to hold the games :D

When are tickets on sale anyway?

the French responce to the news was CLASSIC. They started cheering as soon as the announcer said London. And then they all went 'Ohhhh...' and started crying. That's how sure they were that they'd get it!

But, YAY LONDON 2012!!!! HOORAY!!!!! TAKE THAT CHIRAC!!! That's what you get for running such a negative campaign and throwing around petty insults about other contries instead of actually PROMOTING Paris!!! Ahahahah!

When are tickets on sale anyway?

In about 7 years?

Booooo. They ruined my pictures of the Eiffel Tower with their Paris deux-mille-douze sign, and for what? Nothing. Bah. Stupid London, it's a much uglier and dirtier city than Paris...

But really, no need to be so negative about the French. I'd say about 2% of the population really cares.

cant stand the french...... *breaks into redition of Land of Hope and Glory*

cant stand the french...... *breaks into redition of Land of Hope and Glory*
I'd say it's mutual.

Booooo. They ruined my pictures of the Eiffel Tower with their Paris deux-mille-douze sign, and for what? Nothing. Bah. Stupid London, it's a much uglier and dirtier city than Paris...

But really, no need to be so negative about the French. I'd say about 2% of the population really cares.

First of all, we really enjoyed watching the smug arrogance in Paris being replaced by amusing misery. It couldn't have happened to a nicer country, But seriously... if you dont care then perhaps writing in this forum and having a go at London (olympic host city 2012) oh behalf of Paris (ha ha ha you lost it) is not the best way. And who are you calling dirty. Don't get me started on which country has the reputation for poor personal hygiene. 2% of your population. Isn't that the same number who actually do any work for a living?

Proof that it was all down to Chirac - Ill timed insult about both Finnish and English food.

Fact 1: Finland has two members on the IOC committee, which voted anonymously for the 2012 Olympic host city today.

Fact 2: London beat Paris by 54 votes to 50.

Fact 3: Assuming they voted for London, two Finnish votes for Paris would have led to a dead heat.

Fact 4: In the event of a dead heat, IOC president Jacques Rogge has the casting ballot.

Fact 5: Rogge had made it clear that he favoured the Paris bid.


With thanks to Deadbrain.co.uk for this

First of all, we really enjoyed watching the smug arrogance in Paris being replaced by amusing misery. It couldn't have happened to a nicer country, But seriously... if you dont care then perhaps writing in this forum and having a go at London (olympic host city 2012) oh behalf of Paris (ha ha ha you lost it) is not the best way. And who are you calling dirty. Don't get me started on which country has the reputation for poor personal hygiene. 2% of your population. Isn't that the same number who actually do any work for a living?
I don't live in Paris, never have, wouldn't want to. Parisiens are a breed apart from the rest of France, they'll be the first to tell you.

London is dirty and ugly, it's a personal opinion I'm allowed to share. Perhaps you could try completing your sentences, then I might understand what you're getting at in your last sentences.

And it's not as though Britain doesn't have a problem with unemployment.

cant stand the french...... *breaks into redition of Land of Hope and Glory*
Me too, must be a "I am not a french person" thing

Me too, must be a "I am not a french person" thing
Actually I think it's a "let's stereotype other nationalities" thing.

I don't live in Paris, never have, wouldn't want to. Parisiens are a breed apart from the rest of France, they'll be the first to tell you.

London is dirty and ugly, it's a personal opinion I'm allowed to share. Perhaps you could try completing your sentences, then I might understand what you're getting at in your last sentences.

And it's not as though Britain doesn't have a problem with unemployment.
My mum is a stwardess on BMi regional and the parisians she met were extremely arrogant; they said "Vive la France" as they were flying over heathrow. My mum laughed.

I don't live in Paris, never have, wouldn't want to. Parisiens are a breed apart from the rest of France, they'll be the first to tell you.

You all seem just as unpleasant to me.

London is dirty and ugly, it's a personal opinion I'm allowed to share. Perhaps you could try completing your sentences, then I might understand what you're getting at in your last sentences.

Never mind. I was making a point. You don't seem to understand.....

And it's not as though Britain doesn't have a problem with unemployment.
What? With one of the lowest rates in Europe, and a growing economy? With around 2.5% unemployed, I think you'll find it's quite low here on the sunny side of the channel.

Actually I think it's a "let's stereotype other nationalities" thing.

No i just think ignorance insults the entire world.

Actually I think it's a "let's stereotype other nationalities" thing.
No, parisiens are definitely arrogant, different to the rest of the French.

however england doesnt need to pay its farmers with EU money to keep them alive. they are that crap... or maybe they are just fat and lazy? england isnt dirty and smelly, thats a stupid thing to say. ever been to buckingham palace? fleet street? the mayfair? knightsbridge? Pall Mall?...

To be honest, Rule Britania seems a better song to me, or just the national anthem.

*stands up*

"God save our gracious queen, long live our noble queen, god save the queen. Save our victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!!!"

there we go, i'm now satisfied, also a few of us made fun of the french teachers at my college, we had a stapler thrown at us! :cool:

You all seem just as unpleasant to me. So... how many French people do you actually know?

the sunny side of the channel.
Hmm, that comment makes it hard for me to believe you actually live there. Southern England compared to Normandy is just... ok, you were being ironic.

[QUOTE=Unfree People]So... how many French people do you actually know?

Quite a few actually.

Hmm, that comment makes it hard for me to believe you actually live there. Southern England compared to Normandy is just... ok, you were being ironic.

No, I was being sarcastic......

So... how many French people do you actually know?


Hmm, that comment makes it hard for me to believe you actually live there. Southern England compared to Normandy is just... ok, you were being ironic.

*pats arm* its ok, your an asshole we know. all the french are. ;)

To be honest, Rule Britania seems a better song to me, or just the national anthem.

*stands up*

"God save our gracious queen, long live our noble queen, god save the queen. Save our victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!!!"

there we go, i'm now satisfied, also a few of us made fun of the french teachers at my college, we had a stapler thrown at us! :cool:

I like Land of Hope and Glory too. That gets a crowd going. *waves flag*

however england doesnt need to pay its farmers with EU money to keep them alive. they are that crap... or maybe they are just fat and lazy? england isnt dirty and smelly, thats a stupid thing to say. ever been to buckingham palace? fleet street? the mayfair? knightsbridge? Pall Mall?...
Pfft, the French as a whole are neither fat nor lazy. I've been to Buckingham Palace and Knightsbridge, but as a whole, there is a lot more litter in London than I've ever seen in Paris. 'Ugly' is definitely an exageration, but Paris is one of the prettiest cities I've seen in my life.

*pats arm* its ok, your an asshole we know. all the french are. ;)
Let's not actually start flaming, ok?

yeah what an ignorant jerk Unfree People is being to you all right now. Oh wait, no he isn't, despite all the attacks on his nationality.

I like how jerk the IOC is. I mean, we robbed the Russians of olympics in 1980 by boycotting them becasue we were jerks. I think if anything Madrid and new York should have been the first to be eliminated as america has had it so many times before and Spain had it not to long ago. France also had it not to recently.
The only reason why London was picked- Money. That is what makes the world go round.
In general the Russians deserved it the most, we ruined their country and we owe them. AS well Moscow is the most beautiful of all of the cities in question

No, parisiens are definitely arrogant, different to the rest of the French.


Like all the so-called elitist people who live in a capital...

YAY!










Damn British...

yeah what an ignorant jerk Unfree People is being to you all right now. Oh wait, no he isn't, despite all the attacks on his nationality.

I think you'll see that he started this. We British can be fiercely patriotic when insulted. Am I supposed to feel guilty or something?

"God save our gracious queen, long live our noble queen, god save the queen. Save our victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!!!"


If you're going to sing (or write) the National Anthem, could you please get it right...?

1. God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us;
God save the Queen!

2. O Lord our God arise,
Scatter her enemies
And make them fall;
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all!

3. Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign;
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen!

4. Not in this land alone,
But be God's mercies known,
From shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world over.

5. From every latent foe,
From the assassins blow,
God save the Queen!
O'er her thine arm extend,
For Britain's sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!

:D

I think you'll see that he started this. We British can be fiercely patriotic when insulted. Am I supposed to feel guilty or something?

Actually Luzerland did. I belive Unfree People was just retaliating to that at first.

why is there so much litter? because the french tourists drop it! sorry, couldnt resist.

i like paris, its very well organised. it has the only white macdonalds 'golden arches' in the world lol. its just a shame the people there have to think they are superior... i mean, to cheer automatically, does the word 'london' sound like 'paris' to the french or something?

maybe next time dont tell us our WAY superior (better accented people) capital city is littered and dirty, because its not. otherwise we may have to...
:mad: :mp5:

Laisse tombé, c'et des grosses taches, c'est cons vont devoir payer plus d'impots...

L'autre naze avec c 2.5% de chomeurs, ... facile les autres font la pute pour survivre... mais bon, notre copain W. Bush leur a bien lavé le cerveau à ces rosbiff, ils le sucent comme des cons.

I think you'll see that he started this. We British can be fiercely patriotic when insulted. Am I supposed to feel guilty or something?
I insulted London, I suppose that gives you the right to insult me. Oh wait, no it doesn't...

All right, before I go eat let's clear up a few things.
1) I am an American exchange student studying in the south of France.
2) I am female.
;)

Like all the so-called elitist people who live in a capital...
yeh I agree with you there. Elitist?

Laisse tombé, c'et des grosses taches, c'est cons vont devoir payer plus d'impots...

L'autre naze avec c 2.5% de chomeurs, ... facile les autres font la pute pour survivre... mais bon, notre copain W. Bush leur a bien lavé le cerveau à ces rosbiff, ils le sucent comme des cons.
Exactly!!!!
What did s/he say?

yeh I agree with you there. Elitist?

there are several capitals, several elitist people, to whome do you refer?

I insulted London, I suppose that gives you the right to insult me. Oh wait, no it doesn't...

All right, before I go eat let's clear up a few things.
1) I am an American exchange student studying in the south of France.
2) I am female.
;)

An american female francophile? frankly thats even worse. You have the disgruntled frenchman act off to a fine tee.

Paris : 5 billons Euro

London : 13 billons Euro... to see stupids junky running around a stadium...

Who will have to pay taxes?... the b :p rits!

An american female francophile? frankly thats even worse. You have the disgruntled frenchman act off to a fine tee.

i thought she was female actually, will tell you why privatly... lol KIDDING!

there are several capitals, several elitist people, to whome do you refer?
No no no...I'm confused, not you :confused:

I insulted London, I suppose that gives you the right to insult me. Oh wait, no it doesn't...

All right, before I go eat let's clear up a few things.
1) I am an American exchange student studying in the south of France.
2) I am female.
;)


opps sorry lady!

Is London really that dirty?

opps sorry lady!

Is London really that dirty?

no, it was a pathetic way to keep face after loosing something all the french thought they were going to definetly win :rolleyes:

I insulted London, I suppose that gives you the right to insult me. Oh wait, no it doesn't...

All right, before I go eat let's clear up a few things.
1) I am an American exchange student studying in the south of France.
2) I am female.
;)
I take back everything I said

I like how jerk the IOC is. I mean, we robbed the Russians of olympics in 1980 by boycotting them becasue we were jerks. I think if anything Madrid and new York should have been the first to be eliminated as america has had it so many times before and Spain had it not to long ago. France also had it not to recently.
The only reason why London was picked- Money. That is what makes the world go round.
In general the Russians deserved it the most, we ruined their country and we owe them. AS well Moscow is the most beautiful of all of the cities in question
Agreed, and anyway, why would you have the olympics in your country? (well they will be) when you could go somewhere different I.e russia ?
i know, money, but i would rather wait or work for the money to go to russia than go to London to be honest, i dont particularly know why, but Russia has always appealed to me to be an awesome country :cool: ah, i can almost feel the cold :) i think going to a cold country for a holiday would be cool, because extreme heat just annoys me whereas extreme cold seems like a challenge, no? :D

I insulted London, I suppose that gives you the right to insult me. Oh wait, no it doesn't...

All right, before I go eat let's clear up a few things.
1) I am an American exchange student studying in the south of France.
2) I am female.
;)


Bonsoir Mademoiselle, dans quelle ville es-tu?

je suis en Seine et Marne.

Un Americaine francophile, cela ne risque t'il pas d'étre difficile à ton retour au pays????

Penses tu que les Americains soient aussi anti français que cela ou est-ce plutot un image fortement martelée par les médiats?

no, it was a pathetic way to keep face after loosing something all the french thought they were going to definetly win :rolleyes:


You are a brave man talking about a Moderator that way.

Paris : 5 billons Euro

London : 13 billons Euro... to see stupids junky running around a stadium...

Who will have to pay taxes?... the b :p rits!

yeh but were not too busy paying farmers to... urm... farm...

As a Frenchman, I'd like to reiterate what I've already said in the other threads, and congratulate London on winning. Yes, I'm disappointed, of course, but: félicitations quand même aux Londoniens.

One thing I'm appalled at is the behaviour of some Brits here, who have taken this as an excuse to insult France. Well done, your insults were even more idiotic than some of what I've seen in the worst threads of xenophobic flaming. As a half-Brit, I have to say: you're a disgrace to your country. There was a time when Brits were considered the epitomy of fair play and good sportsmanship. Obviously concepts that mean nothing to you. I'm just glad there are many British people who are not like you at all.


But, YAY LONDON 2012!!!! HOORAY!!!!! TAKE THAT CHIRAC!!! That's what you get for running such a negative campaign and throwing around petty insults about other contries instead of actually PROMOTING Paris!!! Ahahahah!

For the record, Delanoë and his team focused exclusively on promoting Paris. All the remarks denigrating other bids came from the British side (targetting Paris). You have no idea of what you're talking about.

To all British people who are not pathetic xenophobic morons, and who can feel joy at having won without experiencing the need to insult their competitors (and I know there are a great many of you): my warmest congratulations.

J'espère que les Jeux de Londres 2012 seront un immense succès.

One thing I'm appalled at is the behaviour of some Brits here, who have taken this as an excuse to insult France. Well done, your insults were even more idiotic than some of what I've seen in the worst threads of xenophobic flaming.
Normally I keep out of the Anglo-French love hate relationship but this time I would suggest that you take Unfree People to task for initiating this confrontation with an unnecessary and gratuitous dig at London. The Brits are normally very polite on this forum, but attack them and they will fight back, as they always have and always will.

As a Frenchman, I'd like to reiterate what I've already said in the other threads, and congratulate London on winning. Yes, I'm disappointed, of course, but: félicitations quand même aux Londoniens.

One thing I'm appalled at is the behaviour of some Brits here, who have taken this as an excuse to insult France. Well done, your insults were even more idiotic than some of what I've seen in the worst threads of xenophobic flaming. As a half-Brit, I have to say: you're a disgrace to your country. There was a time when Brits were considered the epitomy of fair play and good sportsmanship. Obviously concepts that mean nothing to you. I'm just glad there are many British people who are not like you at all.



For the record, Delanoë and his team focused exclusively on promoting Paris. All the remarks denigrating other bids came from the British side (targetting Paris). You have no idea of what you're talking about.

To all British people who are not pathetic xenophobic morons, and who can feel joy at having won without experiencing the need to insult their competitors (and I know there are a great many of you): my warmest congratulations.

J'espère que les Jeux de Londres 2012 seront un immense succès.

I'll apologise for my countrymen if they've insulted you, but you can't really blame them. If it had been any other country than France then the Brits would feel less gleeful becuase there is still quite a strong collective feeling of emnity towards the French springing from several hundred years of war. So we're sorry, but HA!

How about we celebrate winning and start figuring out how we're going to get London ready for an Olympics without bashing the French?

Altough I must say: Up yours Chirac! Which I'm sure many French people are also saying, or worse. His comments about the Finns and Brits this week probably did Paris no favours with the Olympic Committee.

I went down to Trafalgar Sqaure after the announcement. I missed the Red Arrows and the square was so full of people it was difficult to even see the large screens.

But now we've won we have 7 years to build a whole load of stuff and sort out the public transport.

Bonsoir Mademoiselle, dans quelle ville es-tu?

je suis en Seine et Marne.J'habite à Clermont-Ferrand, mais je connais pas bien la France, ta ville elle se trouve dans quelle région?

J'aime beaucoup la France, je trouve qu'elle est très accueillante, et les gens me semblent sympathiques.

Un Americaine francophile, cela ne risque t'il pas d'étre difficile à ton retour au pays????

Penses tu que les Americains soient aussi anti français que cela ou est-ce plutot un image fortement martelée par les médiats?
En fait c'est un peu difficile à dire; il y a beaucoup de gens chez moi qui n'aiment ni la France ni les français, mais chez moi, ça veut dire l'oklahoma où tout le monde adore bush et sa guerre...


Altough I must say: Up yours Chirac! Which I'm sure many French people are also saying, or worse. You're not far wrong there...

J'habite à Clermont-Ferrand, mais je connais pas bien la France, ta ville elle se trouve dans quelle région?

J'aime beaucoup la France, je trouve qu'elle est très accueillante, et les gens me semblent sympathiques.


En fait c'est un peu difficile à dire; il y a beaucoup de gens chez moi qui n'aiment ni la France ni les français, mais chez moi, ça veut dire l'oklahoma où tout le monde adore bush et sa guerre...


You're not far wrong there...

If you're saying that we don't like the french but we do like bush then that's not true. We don't really dislike the French, it's just extra gratifying to beat them and very few people in the UK support either Bush or his war.

Normally I keep out of the Anglo-French love hate relationship but this time I would suggest that you take Unfree People to task for initiating this confrontation with an unnecessary and gratuitous dig at London. The Brits are normally very polite on this forum, but attack them and they will fight back, as they always have and always will.

It didn't start in this thread. And come on, you can't pretend as if they only said it in reponse. Which, in any case, in no excuse for mindless, hate-spewing xenophobia.

Of course I think no better of French people who take this as an excuse to bash the Brits, either. Xenophobic comments on both sides are equally moronic.


How about we celebrate winning and start figuring out how we're going to get London ready for an Olympics without bashing the French?


Sounds like a good idea, and enjoy the celebrations. :)


Altough I must say: Up yours Chirac! Which I'm sure many French people are also saying, or worse. His comments about the Finns and Brits this week probably did Paris no favours with the Olympic Committee.


*nods* Chirac's comment was uncalled for, and, though I hope the IOC was more mature than to wreck years of hard work by many people, and the hopes of a nation, just because f one man's idiotic comment, I do feel extremely pissed off at him.

One thing I'm appalled at is the behaviour of some Brits here, who have taken this as an excuse to insult France. Well done, your insults were even more idiotic than some of what I've seen in the worst threads of xenophobic flaming. As a half-Brit, I have to say: you're a disgrace to your country. There was a time when Brits were considered the epitomy of fair play and good sportsmanship. Obviously concepts that mean nothing to you. I'm just glad there are many British people who are not like you at all.That's exactly what I wanted to say.

The Olympics are first about fair play and good sportmanship. I am French and one of my first reaction to London winning was to go congratulate the Brits. But seeing such behaviours from you guys that makes me wonder if the IOC didn't make a mistake choosing London as I fail to see any Olympic spirit in those British posts insulting Paris and the French.

i would be happy if i gave a damn about olympics. i'm very (prehaps overly) patriotic although from the title of our national anthem the only words i agree with are "save" and "the".

needless to say i'm an atheist and the royal family just put strain on our economy. I dont think france had much of a chance with this one, for the simple reason in my own uninfluenced and free (vocal) opinion; they suck.

(before you moan yes i have been there, three times in fact and i do not wish to go a fourth.)

That's exactly what I wanted to say.

The Olympics are first about fair play and good sportmanship. I am French and one of my first reaction to London winning was to go congratulate the Brits. But seeing such behaviours from you guys that makes me wonder if the IOC didn't make a mistake choosing London as I fail to see any Olympic spirit in those British posts insulting Paris and the French.

ok,ok we're sorry. But you beat us so much and can be so patronising that we can just get a little over-excited when we get one up on you. But we are sorry.

If you're saying that we don't like the french but we do like bush then that's not true. We don't really dislike the French, it's just extra gratifying to beat them and very few people in the UK support either Bush or his war.
I was talking about the people back in my home state of Oklahoma. I know most British don't support Bush...

I was talking about the people back in my home state of Oklahoma. I know most British don't support Bush...

ohhhh ok i thought i might have misunderstood.

needless to say i'm an atheist and the royal family just put strain on our economy. I dont think france had much of a chance with this one, for the simple reason in my own uninfluenced and free (vocal) opinion; they suck.
Being American, I have no real basis to say this, but I hate the fact that you still have a royal family. That's probably why I wasn't half as impressed with Windsor or Buckingham as I was with the Louvre and Versailles.

There you go again with the generalizations. I kind of thought no one would be very nice to me, an American exchange student in France, but I went there with an open mind, and whaddyaknow, I've had a great experience. Saying that an entire group of people 'suck' is just... pointless.

That's exactly what I wanted to say.

The Olympics are first about fair play and good sportmanship. I am French and one of my first reaction to London winning was to go congratulate the Brits. But seeing such behaviours from you guys that makes me wonder if the IOC didn't make a mistake choosing London as I fail to see any Olympic spirit in those British posts insulting Paris and the French.


*nods* My immediate reaction - after feeling disappointed, of course - was to congratulate the Brits too.

COGIP, j'espère qu'ils ne sont pas représentatifs de ce que pensent beacoup de Britanniques. Etant moitié-Britannique moi-même, je vois ce que disent ces crétins et mon sentiment est qu'ils font honte à ma patrie d'outre-Manche.

ok,ok we're sorry. But you beat us so much and can be so patronising that we can just get a little over-excited when we get one up on you. But we are sorry.

Thank you. Now, as I said, I hope you enjoy the celebrations, and that the London Olympics dazzle the world. :)

COGIP, j'espère qu'ils ne sont pas représentatifs de ce que pensent beacoup de Britanniques. Etant moitié-Britannique moi-même, je vois ce que disent ces crétins et mon sentiment est qu'ils font honte à ma patrie d'outre-Manche.
Je suis ni française ni anglaise, mais je crois que c'est bien le sentiment de la plupart des anglais contre la France. Au moins, je le vois tout le temps parmi mes amis britanniques...

Being American, I have no real basis to say this, but I hate the fact that you still have a royal family. That's probably why I wasn't half as impressed with Windsor or Buckingham as I was with the Louvre and Versailles.


Yes you have no basis whatsoever to say that. Before you criticise the head of state in another country, take a look at you own. Besides, the French got rid of their royals in a rather unpleasant manner (so did we, but then we kissed, made up, and put the royals back) and it's for that reason that Louvre and Versailles are no longer habited by any royal family.

Je suis ni française ni anglaise, mais je crois que c'est bien le sentiment de la plupart des anglais contre la France. Au moins, je le vois tout le temps parmi mes amis britanniques...

It's just one of those long standing rivalries, like the Scottish have against us, for example.

There you go again with the generalizations. I kind of thought no one would be very nice to me, an American exchange student in France, but I went there with an open mind, and whaddyaknow, I've had a great experience. Saying that an entire group of people 'suck' is just... pointless.

Which is why I would never make any generalisation about the Americans, for example. There are some in these fora and elsewhere who reach depths of moronity I had never imagined possible, but I have met many intelligent, friendly, open-minded Americans - people who, in my eyes, can make their country proud.

Any generalisation based on nationality is, by essence, the product of a narrow, simplistic mind. Ignorance, bigotry, stupidity are to be found everywhere, as can be seen in the xenophobic comments made by people from a variety of nations. Likewise, there are intelligent, open-minded people everywhere, and it's always reassuring and heart-warming to meet them.

Je suis heureux que la France t'aie plue. Merci d'être venue faire tes études ici. Je suis sûr que tu seras toujours la bienvenue en France. :)

Yes you have no basis whatsoever to say that. Before you criticise the head of state in another country, take a look at you own. Besides, the French got rid of their royals in a rather unpleasant manner (so did we, but then we kissed, made up, and put the royals back) and it's for that reason that Louvre and Versailles are no longer habited by any royal family.Yeah, well the French put their monarchy back, and were smart enough to get rid of it again.

I don't recall ever saying I liked Bush, in fact I hate him and his misguided, obtuse, conservative Christian policies. Don't think I'll rush to defend my government while criticizing others'.

Yeah, well the French put their monarchy back, and were smart enough to get rid of it again.

I don't recall ever saying I liked Bush, in fact I hate him and his misguided, obtuse, conservative Christian policies. Don't think I'll rush to defend my government while criticizing others'.

Well just leave queeny and co. alone then. What have they ever done to you? I'd have thought that there are more worthy things to hate, to be honest. But then I like the fact that we have a monarchy. When I sang in St. George's chapel, Windsor, for the Queen, is one of my proudest memories. But everyone is entitled to an opinion, so...

Come on. Be realistic if the French had one this one they would of been as graceless in victory as we've been. Not because they won but because they'd have beaten us.

A little general DeGaul is alive and well in the breast of many french people.
(This was the man who vetoed the UK's first attempt to join the eu and insisted that US and UK troops held back there advance so that French troops could liberate Paris).

I have many French friends and love them dearly but the rivalry is always there. And that food crack ...that just makes it even better to win.

Which is why I would never make any generalisation about the Americans, for example. There are some in these fora and elsewhere who reach depths of moronity I had never imagined possible, but I have met many intelligent, friendly, open-minded Americans - people who, in my eyes, can make their country proud. The best compliments I've gotten here are the ones that consist of people letting me know I've changed their mind about America and Americans, just by proving that stereotypes are just that, stereotypes. I'm glad to hear someone else saying the same thing.

Je suis heureux que la France t'aie plue. Merci d'être venue faire tes études ici. Je suis sûr que tu seras toujours la bienvenue en France. :)
Et je te remercie, toi. Il me faut partir très bientôt, mais je vais sûrement rentrer.

Well just leave queeny and co. alone then. What have they ever done to you? I'd have thought that there are more worthy things to hate, to be honest. But then I like the fact that we have a monarchy. When I sang in St. George's chapel, Windsor, for the Queen, is one of my proudest memories. But everyone is entitled to an opinion, so...Nothing, but Bush hasn't done anything to me personally either. What's wrong with disagreeing with something on an idealogical basis?

It's just one of those long standing rivalries, like the Scottish have against us, for example.I know, the rivalry is older than my country is. That doesn't mean I'm comfortable with it!

Being American, I have no real basis to say this, but I hate the fact that you still have a royal family. That's probably why I wasn't half as impressed with Windsor or Buckingham as I was with the Louvre and Versailles.

There you go again with the generalizations. I kind of thought no one would be very nice to me, an American exchange student in France, but I went there with an open mind, and whaddyaknow, I've had a great experience. Saying that an entire group of people 'suck' is just... pointless.

I make a concious effort to greet anyone with an open mind, but not once in my life have i met a good person of the french nationality. Maybe, just maybe i have run into the worst examples of french people on the planet, but over time i have based the assumption on who i have met. I speak (quite) basic french, and while attempting to communicate they tend to laugh or ignore me. I judge people automatically (to a degree) for past actions, political viewpoint and religion but not nationality.

Come on. Be realistic if the French had one this one they would of been as graceless in victory as we've been. Not because they won but because they'd have beaten us.


No. I can tell you for a fact that I would not. It's no excuse whatsoever. For some reason, I'm able to feel pleased about winning without feeling the need to repeatedly insult whomever came second best.

Je suis ni française ni anglaise, mais je crois que c'est bien le sentiment de la plupart des anglais contre la France. Au moins, je le vois tout le temps parmi mes amis britanniques...

Evidemment.
Comme toi, je ne suis ni anglais ni français, mais la haine antifrançaise (et souvent antilatine) des anglais est quelque chose de surprenant, à mon avis liée à un gros complexe d'infériorité (mérité?).

Par contre, je ne l'ai jamais rencontrée dans les pays conquis par les anglais, par exemple en Ecosse ou au Pays de Galles.

Pour le reste, que les jo se passent à Londres ou à Ouagoudougou, je m'en fous totalement.

Que le plus friqué ou le plus dopé gagne (la preuve est faite aujourd'hui!).

[QUOTE=Unfree People]

Nothing, but Bush hasn't done anything to me personally either. What's wrong with disagreeing with something on an idealogical basis?
QUOTE]

Because there's no ideology behind the royals. They're throwbacks to a bygone age when the monarchy was important and effective and the monarch of England one of the most influential people on the planet. Nowadays they bring in the tourists and act as fiureheads, but I think there's still a lot of fondness for them especially the Queen - let's just not talk about the whole Diana thing.

Good night all
Bon nuit

I speak (quite) basic french, and while attempting to communicate they tend to laugh or ignore me. I judge people automatically (to a degree) for past actions, political viewpoint and religion but not nationality.When I arrived in France with a very basic level of French, everyone tried to help me out, or replied to me in English. I didn't get any insults for not speaking their language perfectly... hell, my French still sucks somewhat, but I've never gotten anything other than compliments on it once people learn I'm American and just learning the language...

Comme toi, je ne suis ni anglais ni français, mais la haine antifrançaise (et souvent antilatine) des anglais est quelque chose de surprenant, à mon avis liée à un gros complexe d'infériorité (mérité?). C'est certainement mérité. ;)

I was just getting to like the french when one of them told me I was "Unfashionable". That really vexxed me, considering that almost everone in that region looked stuck in the 1980s.

I was just getting to like the french when one of them told me I was "Unfashionable". That really vexxed me, considering that almost everone in that region looked stuck in the 1980s.

I've been told that I dress like the French from the back country.

Well hopefully NYC can start spending money on worthwhile things like fire depts and schools now that it's been defeated

Pour le reste, que les jo se passent à Londres ou à Ouagoudougou, je m'en fous totalement.


Tiens, les JO au Burkina Faso, ça au moins ça serait intéressant... Personellement, j'aimerais bien qu'ils aient lieu dans un pays d'Afrique un jour.

Ca s'écrit 'Ouagadougou', au passage. ;)

Luckily for London, this will do wonders for regenerating the docklands.

woo! we don't have to pay for the stadium now! (hopefully) :D

the French responce to the news was CLASSIC. They started cheering as soon as the announcer said London. And then they all went 'Ohhhh...' and started crying. That's how sure they were that they'd get it!

But, YAY LONDON 2012!!!! HOORAY!!!!! TAKE THAT CHIRAC!!! That's what you get for running such a negative campaign and throwing around petty insults about other contries instead of actually PROMOTING Paris!!! Ahahahah!

Aheh, yes. Love the way they put the congrats banners up yesterday :D Of course, it was possibly Chirac's comments on British and Finnish food that lost it for them. He's already screwed in the opinion polls, and this isn't going to help either. Whoops, Jacques.

In other news... is there a French word for schadenfreude? ;)

Look, Hear Me Out Here
How Many Times Have The French People And Mr Chirac Insulted Great Britain Over The Last Few Years?
Countless...
Yet Each And Everytime We Have Taken Little Offense And Still Shown Compassion, Like With The Re-Enactment Of The Battle Of Trafalger.
However, When We Actually Take Pride for Winning The Bid, The French Turn All Sour On Us And Start Getting Nasty...
They Are Pathetic... And Increasingly Sad

However, When We Actually Take Pride for Winning The Bid, The French Turn All Sour On Us And Start Getting Nasty...
They Are Pathetic... And Increasingly Sad

Go back and read my posts, then see if you can say something intelligent.

well maybe I was unlucky enough to of been stuck in a french town wih a broken down car, and nobody was willing to help me in the slightest because couldn't be arsed and ignored me
however if it were a british village, people would of helped out, we do with a lot of foriegn tourists

well maybe I was unlucky enough to of been stuck in a french town wih a broken down car, and nobody was willing to help me in the slightest because couldn't be arsed and ignored me
however if it were a british village, people would of helped out, we do with a lot of foriegn tourists

Sorry you had a bad experience. Really. But please don't generalise. It just makes you look bad.

(apologies if this has already been posted)

http://tinypic.com/6s6f7r.jpg