For those of you who may be living under a rock in your parent's basement; tonight marks the beginning of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics games. For the next two weeks nearly 3,000 athletes from over 80 countries will compete in over a dozen disciplines for national pride and glory. It is the lifelong goal of these athletes to win on the Olympica stage for themselves and their country, and as fans we we want nothing more than to see our fellow countrymen or women win. Sometimes though we let this national pride get the better of us.
While the Maple Leafs may be Canada's team; many of it's fan and visitors to this site are not. Chemmy, ohshrit, myself and others hail from America; article1 and MattBlack call the British Isles home; and sleza represents Finland. And that's just to name a few. I know for a fact they are some Australians and New Zealanders roaming around here somewhere. So many calling the Leafs Canada's team is a misnomer; perhaps Maple Leafs fandom is more global that one would believe.
During the ancient Olympics a truce was called between all of the Greek city states, wars were put on hold, and use of the death penalty was forbidden.. This was a time for comradery , not violence; and the ancient greeks understood just how important a thing that was. Therefore, let us then abide by these ancient rules for the duration of the Olympic Games. I would hate for visitors of this site to be turned away because of slander directed towards their country or its people.
Now that doesn't mean that you cannot root openly for your country; far from it in fact. I think it's a great thing to have pride in one's nation; but it's a terrible thing to deride someone for having pride in theirs. If you don't understand what I'm getting at by now and need it spelled out for you, then I suggest you do everyone a favor and just stay quiet for the next two weeks.
PPP is going to have a post up later detailing the sites shift in gears during the Olympics, so stayed tuned for that. As for now, here be them links.
The Olympics opening ceremony is tomorrow, here are some fantastic pictures of the Olympic Torch relay [Fourth-Place Medal]
I reject your reality and substitute my own [Battle of Ontario]
Wyshynski takes a look at Men's Hockey Group A [Fourth-Place Medal]
Haha, wow. Dominic Moore traded to Montreal for a 2nd rounder [Litter Box Cats and Eyes on the Prize]
Now I know what you're thinking; that can't possibly be all the links for this morning. Well you'd be wrong. That's it. I guess there's not much to write about seeing as how the Leafs haven't played since Monday. But seriously, pick it up slackers!!
Morning Additions:
A former Leaf doing well for another team. This isn't exactly a new thing [Vintage Leaf Memories]
