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Wednesday, January 19, 2005

D-Day

Today is the day. Will it be Montreal or somewhere else entirely? (Crosses fingers for Montreal).

ETA: Montreal loses Championships....And another article.

WE WUZROBBED!

Thanks to Stephie and Verbal for the links.

posted by Michelle at 1/19/2005 09:39:00 AM

115 Comments:

  • No BHO Party in Montreal =(

    I'm sad, especially for everyone who had plans to go. But hey, I am sure I alone can get Boston to put in a bid. I better start working on that..

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/19/2005 10:12 AM  

  • That's too bad about Montreal...I was actually starting to think about making travel plans. If the event is held elsewhere I probably won't be able to go.

    By Blogger Andrea, at 1/19/2005 10:31 AM  

  • I feel totally bad about the whole Montreal thing. That would have been awesome for all of you to go and see Brendan. Maybe there will be a city in the US that will step up to the bat. Brendan thanks for being such an awesome swimmer!

    By Blogger JuiceWVU05, at 1/19/2005 10:44 AM  

  • That's sad that Montreal couldn't get it together. I've never been there, so I was looking forward to going.

    Hopefully they'll keep the events in North America, even if they have to split them up to do it.

    The offer of my apartment complex pool is still open. And I forgot to mention it before, but there's a "lake" right behind it. So the pool can be the warm-up/down area, and the lake/pond can be the 50m pool. I think it's big and broad enough to get 8 in the water at the same time.

    The swimmers will just have to be careful of the swans, ducks and the geese (NO HUNTING ALLOWED, BRENDAN!). And the fountains. There isn't an obstacle course swim event is there?

    By Blogger JHD, at 1/19/2005 10:58 AM  

  • Finally I can post!
    Well, the question now is Where? I'm gonna be selfish and pray for Latin America... Argentina cannot do it, but Brazil has hosted WC before and even if it's winter... it's Brazil. And I can travel there...
    For me, the best option would be Chile. Between Stadio Español and Stadio Italiano can get the races... and all I need is a plain ticket. I can stay with friends of my parents, I know the city... Daydreaming of course but... it would be SICK ;)

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 11:15 AM  


  • It could go to Greece or Long Beach    .

    (Hopes for Long Beach)
    (Because I could go then)
    (It'd be awesome.)

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 11:21 AM  

  • Aunt K...get your meds ready and don't worry, I'm making safety harness for you because I am praying that it goes to LB and not Greece. Wait, wasn't Indy a previous option? I need to write My Man Mitch (our Governor) and tell him to get the funds together.

    Aunt C...start making Mrs. H and Aunt K their drinks. I think we are all going to need them till Feb 15.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/19/2005 12:04 PM  

  • I thought Long Beach had already taken itself out of the running? Don't they still owe USA Swimming a substantial amount of money? It's looking like a return to Athens. The scene of the crime so to speak. ;)

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/19/2005 12:28 PM  

  • I think we can safely rule out Long Beach (sorry, guys!) They have already pointed out that on such short notice, they won't have "enough room" for all the atheletes, coaches and media, not to mention the fans. At this point, I think the best we can hope for would be Athens, or possibly Munich. I don't know which city is crazy enough to pick up this event with less than 7 months to get it all together.

    I hate being the voice that everybody hates in all this, but it doesn't look good, location-wise (who wants to take up a trip collection? I have a dollar to start us out :))

    By Blogger Steph R., at 1/19/2005 12:28 PM  

  • I am sure I alone can get Boston to put in a bid. I better start working on that..Steph, if you are going to be seeking refuge with the Hansens because the city of Boston will be throwing you out, how do you plan to pursuade them to place a bid for Worlds? Hmmmmm? ;)

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/19/2005 12:57 PM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/19/2005 1:06 PM  

  • *hmph* Such sadness today =( I was really looking forward to Montreal (just like everyone else here). It would be amazing to go to Athens...i mean wow. But i just dont have enough in my bank acount.

    Although the lottery here tonight is 14 million $$ -- soooo If I win I'll pay for everyone to go ;) How's that ?

    By Blogger Kim, at 1/19/2005 1:07 PM  

  • I'm sorry...this boggles my mind, which isnt a hard thing to do...but for the love, why cant these people get their act together? You would think there would be plenty of locations willing to host this?
    I like the Brazil idea...
    but Dana in the Caribbean - I think I would like to have you put a bid in...I would SO be there, we can take a BHO cruise down! Stop for a few days to watch the competition...then get the whole team to come back on the cruise with us...
    HOA...sorry I'm tired and I think I just fell asleep and typed out my dream...
    seriously- can we make this happen? who do I speak to? In the words of Jerry McGuire - "Who's comin' with me?!"

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/19/2005 1:20 PM  

  • Ohhh Aims called me out. Alright, I guess no bid for Boston. I am having a hard time adjusting loyalties to my soon-to-be home. ;) I'll work on it Mrs H. (Sidenote: I did tell my co-workers to cheer for Philly this weekend. When they asked why, I said "Because I said" and left it at that. They would never understand my true motivations! haha!)

    And just an FYI - The buzz is that FINA asked Greece to do it and Greece said they are prepared to do so. (No, no! I don't think I can deal with the time delay again. At least we'll have each other to get us through it..that is my only solace)

    I think it's time to get the "Women Who Need To See Some Hot Swimboys" (WWNTSSHS) Fund going again. I'll be happy to drop off jars at 7-11's along the way to my new home in Pennsylvania! ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/19/2005 1:24 PM  

  • Ohh and swimphilly - I will go with you!

    Lottery People: Show me the money!! (I need to go on the swim cruise!)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/19/2005 1:26 PM  

  • Think it should go to Greece coz thats closer to home for me! (jumps up and down in sheer delight)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 1:35 PM  

  • ***Attention! Ladies and, um, Ladies....this is your BHO Cruise Director speaking. Your trip will include a 10day cruise to the WC's in beautiful Trinidad, and you will be accompanied on your return trip by the U.S. Swimming and Diving Team. I would like to invite you to send your down payments to myself or Stephie. No personal checks, we do accept Visa, Mastercard and cash.***

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/19/2005 1:44 PM  

  • GRRRR! They had almost four years to get sponsorship money, etc. I don't get it at all. Especially after the successful Olympics that had swimming as one of the most talked about and most watched events. I know the Canadian economy is in a bit of a rut, but this is very, very disappointing, especially for you ladies that wanted to go to Montreal to watch, and for the sport as a whole.

    Long Beach would be a wonderful option (I know Aunt K wouldn't think so), if not for the short notice and the fact that it is in the middle of big tourist season in Southern California.

    I am thinking Athens might be chosen...

    I just hope that they don't cancel it all together. I mean, where else will Brendan get a chance to face Cheatajma before Beijing?

    By Blogger mk391419, at 1/19/2005 2:01 PM  

  • Oh swimphilly, as honoured as I am that you would think of Trinidad to host the WCs, it's a really bad idea if they're going to be held in February. Because there will be no swimming and everyone will be partying cuz that's what we do in February here!

    By Blogger Dana, at 1/19/2005 2:25 PM  

  • Hate to be the voice of doom, too, but the word we're still hearing from people in two (non-US) countries' swim organizations is that the WCs will be cancelled. I know a lot of former Oly and WC sites tend to get disassembled or reconfigured for public use very quickly after they host, and we haven't heard of Athens being in the mix. Sure hope it doesn't come to this, though.

    By Blogger Jane, at 1/19/2005 2:25 PM  

  • lalalalalalala - I'm not listening Jane. :P

    Because there will be no swimming and everyone will be partying cuz that's what we do in February here!

    Even better! As long as they still wear the jammers.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/19/2005 2:38 PM  

  • OK blogger hates me today...
    I bow for the Brazil idea... it's winter but it's Brazil! And they're getting ready for Rio 2007 anyway so they have the structure... they have big soccer fields, they can always build a pool in the middle of the Maracaná (hey, that is a good idea, I'm gonna call Boca Juniors to pitch them that and maybe we can host them!)
    Drifting away... sorr. My point is... Chile or Brazil, people... please... I can make it there! And swimphilly, I won't be attending the first part of the cruise but can I come back with you guys? I'll cook for our hungry boys... If there are no rooms available, I'm sure someone wouldn't mind sharing a room with me ::rolleyes::

    What?

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 2:45 PM  

  • OK everyone, this is really bad news. No one should go to Athens if that is where it is held. What a joke that place was. What are they going to do, bring in 5 cruise ships again??? Talk about no hotels, places to eat, people that bath. I cannot in all good conscience let anyone from this blog go to Greece. I know I sound aweful but that is because Athens is NOT what you saw on TV. It was a nightmare! Learn from our huge, huge mistake, one we are still paying for. Please, do not go to Athens. Sorry for the rant, I am soooo disappointed!
    Mrs.H

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 3:06 PM  

  • Aww Mrs H! Well, I know I for one won't be going to Athens. I am going with swimphilly's plan. (Listen to the lady, FINA!)

    Oh, and swimphilly:

    I already have one room booked for the cruise. (No not mine, another BHOer who wishes to remain anonymous at this time! ha)

    and

    You had me at "you will be accompanied on your return trip by the U.S. Swimming and Diving Team"

    [/Renee Zelwegger]

    (Shutting up now..gotta hit the gym anyhow! meh)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/19/2005 3:12 PM  

  • Awe, that's so sad. Stupid, Montreal.

    I'm kind of hoping they will keep it in North America, because Greece is sooo far away, but I wouldn't mind going on that cruise to Trinidad!

    By Blogger Sarah, at 1/19/2005 3:12 PM  

  • Mrs H-I'm making a retraction of what I said in my last email to you...after hearing how bad Greece was...I might not be wanting to go there someday.

    swimphilly-Where do I sign up for the cruise? Tell me where to send the payment to:) Haha....and question..does each room come with its own designated hot swimmer as a souvenir??? If so...sign me up for either Bren's room or Crocker's room...hehe

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 1/19/2005 3:13 PM  

  • Aw, I'm sorry for all the people who were looking forward to Montreal. I don't know if I would've been able to go, but I haven't been there before so it probably would've been fun. I for one wouldn't mind if they went to Long Beach. It's way closer to me! I hope they don't move out of the country...

    By Blogger Janine, at 1/19/2005 3:14 PM  

  • Awww, but I LOVE Athens! It's such a beautiful city. Why was it so bad, Mrs. H?

    I'm still saying they should move it to Dubai or Long Beach. Muahhaha.

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 3:32 PM  

  • SwimPhilly..I am all aboard the BHO Cruise Line! It's perfect. Every ship has a pool, so we could still hold the competition. Aunt C can be the cruise line's bartender. Mrs. H and Aunt K can hold their own in the piano bar....I'm sure the could do a great rendition of Coppa Cabaña! Lena can be chief security, get some good use out of the bow! Michelle can be the cruise director, you know she loves organization. I will of course be the cabaña gal. It's a tough job applying spf, but someone must do it. This is a far better idea then Montreal.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/19/2005 3:49 PM  

  • Mrs.H, were you one of those families which got inadvertently booked in a brothel? I heard some absolutely epic stories. My old boss, who covers swimming for a sports magazine that is probably on your coffee table, stayed in a hotel that was (a) so far from the site that he literally hitchhiked, (b) so far from convenient edible food that he lost six pounds in two weeks, (c) so "generous to its guests" that they sent a young girl to his room for "favors" and he had to pay her to leave. I was genuinely worried about him over there.

    My fantasy: let's pull an Indianapolis, build a temp pool on the floor of Madison Square Garden, and prove to the world that this is the site for Olympics 2012.
    We definitely have enough hotels and restaurants. :) It'll never happen -> let's see where FINA can generate enough pull to get this together on short notice. This will be a highly politicized decision, I think.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/19/2005 3:50 PM  

  • YES!!! Madison Square Garden! I would so be there in a heartbeat!

    By Blogger Andrea, at 1/19/2005 4:20 PM  

  • I do agree with the Madison Sq. Garden thing, not b/c I live here, but because it would be a great pitch for the 2012 olympics. They could have four pools( is that what they need?) each in a different borough. Perhaps we should make some phone calls... If the cruise ships are all taken and the wonderful swimmers are deported to Greece, we should just meet in a central sunny location and watch together!

    By Blogger Heather, at 1/19/2005 4:35 PM  

  • Mrs. H, im so surprised Greece wasnt a good experience for you. I mean i have never been so i cant compare but i always picture Greece as this beautiful place. still paying for it?..that sounds bad...

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/19/2005 5:04 PM  

  • I'm truly sorry for those of you who were looking forward to go to Montreal and had already made reservations and bought tickets.

    I'm delurking to say it amazes me that somehow people here seem to have forgotten that not all Brendan fans are from the USA. Some of us are actually from Europe and there could be even somebody from Athens, so I have to say with all respect that some of the comments I've read today are quite offensive (i.e. "people that bath").

    I've hear all kind of stories about Athens2004, some good and some bad so I guess it all depends on who is telling them. Greece have so much to offer regarding culture, ancient history, etc. that having to put up with a few inconveniences would be the least of my worries.

    If I'm finally able to go to the worlds, I just know I'll try to see, enjoy and take in as much as I can of that city/country, regardless of where it is.

    European Fan

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 5:18 PM  

  • Yes, we were one of 7 families that were booked in a brothel in Athens. Our hotel to be brief was in an ally way two door down from a gay and lesbian bath house. Filthy dirty, drug dealing, dangerous area. We paid $12,000 in hotel fees for this place they said was a three star hotel. Room could not fit our luggage and us in at the same time. Blood stains, cigarette holes on mattress that was wall to wall etc., etc. The Jensen family was there ahead of us and told us we have to leave. Benko family came 5 minutes after us. USA swimming hired this Yankee travel agency. We had to pay at trial the full bill ahead of time. When we left the hotel and walked the streets of Athens to find another we were desperate, sick and wanted to go home. We found another hotel that was 5 blocks away and in the end we paid a grand total of $20,000 in hotel fees in Athens. They would not give us a refund in the first hotel. Funny thing is they charge the women working there $30 a night, we were charged $600 a night. It was a crime. Now you know our huge mistake, trusting USA swimming and Yankee travel. Mrs H.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 5:24 PM  

  • European Fan -

    Just to note that USA Swimming booked Mrs. H into a brothel for her time in Athens, so perhaps she didn't get to see the best of the city. And I can only imagine the smells emanating from that international mass of humanity that was baking under the Greek sun at the swimming venue. Thanks for delurking and I hope you'll post again.

    Can I ask where you're from and when you became interested in Brendan?

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/19/2005 5:29 PM  

  • Aw, Mrs. H, I'm sorry that you had a not-so-great experience in Athens. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous city and I loved it when I was there. But I can see how staying in a brothel wouldn't be the most pleasent experience. If the World's are moved to Athens, maybe you'll have a better experience the next time? It's a beautiful city.

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 5:31 PM  

  • Oy, Mrs. H beat me to it. You've made me very nervous about Turino Mrs. H.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/19/2005 5:33 PM  

  • Hi Michelle and everybody else!
    I'm from Spain and first noticed Brendan back at the Barcelona Worlds last year but I have been "watching him closely" just since Athens.
    I've been lurking here since the beginning of your site (by the way, great job!!!) but I don't think my english is good enough to keep up with you all so I hadn't posted until today.

    I understand Mrs H. because she had an awful experience. I'm just saying one shouldn't generalize because I'm sure Athens could be as good place as any other city to hold the worlds. I could say great and awful things about my city too.

    European Fan

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 5:41 PM  

  • I like the idea of the hot-swimmer-diver-cruise, except I get motion sickness watching IMAX so I don't know how I'd fair on a cruise... I guess it'd be worth all the nausea- count me in!

    By Blogger Anna, at 1/19/2005 5:46 PM  

  • Hola European fan de España!!! Aca tambien hablamos castellano! Asi que no te hagas problema... Bienvenida!

    And don't worry about English... we all lose it in front of pics of Brendan.

    I'm still rooting for Latin America: warm places, great food, cheap. What else can you ask for?

    Ah yes, I'm here too... I guess that says it all!

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 6:01 PM  

  • European fan - you are from Spain? Well I cant speak for the Athens experience(although I've heard the stories from the family...ugh)
    but I can speak for Spain, and as Cruise director we are taking a HUGE U-turn and its full speed ahead to Barcelona!!! (Sorry Dana- we will stop on our way back to your island for some partying!!)
    Bren and the boys trained in Spain before Athens - they have the facilities!?!? Barcelona had the Olympics!
    And I had a blast in Spain, nice people, hot men, very modern, clean, hot men, not so expensive, good wine, and hot men. (sangria anyone?)
    Mrs. H you would love Spain, ask Bren!!
    I think with the Olympics in Athens some people totally took advantage of American families...that can happen in any country, even in our own. Jack up the prices cuz they know you'll pay to see your baby swim... nightmare.


    michelle - I dont want to be cruise director, can you? I'll just steer the boat...wait, cant drink and drive our boat...rats.

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/19/2005 6:05 PM  

  • ¡Hola Lena! Yeah, in front of Brendan I'm sure I would loose my english. Oh well, who am I kidding? I wouldn't be able to utter a single word!

    Swimphilly78, you cracked me up! For a second there I thought you said really nice clean hot men not too expensive!

    Yeah, they trained in Mallorca and I've heard they loved it there. Barcelona has great facilities from the 92 Olympics and the 2003 Swimming Worlds. Madrid could be another option since they are running for the 2012 Olympics and getting ready for the championships on such short notice could favour their chances of being designated for the games.

    European Fan

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 6:23 PM  

  • Swimphilly, I heard this rumor, maybe you can confirm it: I heard there are hot men in Spain. Is that true? Do you know? ;)

    Michelle: "I can only imagine the smells emanating from that international mass of humanity that was baking under the Greek sun at the swimming venue. Thanks for delurking and I hope you'll post again." might be the funniest, edgiest thing I've read recently. You are priceless. Thanks for the smile

    Europeans: I love you all. You employ me. I spent enough of this year in Paris to have to pay FRENCH taxes. So I humbly say, speaking from New York City, a place where the unwashed masses huddle and pee in the subways - we are all justified to our opinions. I personally prefer cities where deodorant is the norm. Cultural norms differ in this way. Paris - no deodorant. I still love Paris, still think it's full of intelligent people, and if the sharpest comment I have to make about them involves body odor, I think we can all live with that. It's hardly news that the vast majority of French, Greek and Spanish people might have some extremely sharp things to say about Americans. Also, not such good form to lecture to a lovely mom on her own son's unauthorized website, but I'll guess that you're pretty young and you didn't mean any harm.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/19/2005 6:30 PM  

  • I am sorry European Fan I didn't mean to offend you. Athens is a city in Greece. We walked everyday 15 block to and from the metro system and the Family home center set up for Olympic families. We have a Greek pizza place near us we go to for take out. We talked to them about Athens as well. The girl who works the counter was from Aromonia Square. She told my husband that is why she lives in the US to get out of there. I think if you saw what we saw , experienced what we did and spent as much as we did, you would feel the same way. I cannot afford to see my son swim anywhere outside the US now because we will be still paying for this trip years to come. Both my children never want to go back to Europe because they think it is going to be like the one place they visited. That is sad! Mrs.H

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 6:30 PM  

  • Swimphilly, I heard this rumor, maybe you can confirm it: I heard there are hot men in Spain. Is that true? Do you know? ;)

    Michelle: "I can only imagine the smells emanating from that international mass of humanity that was baking under the Greek sun at the swimming venue. Thanks for delurking and I hope you'll post again." might be the funniest, edgiest thing I've read recently. You are priceless. Thanks for the smile

    Europeans: I love you all. You employ me. I spent enough of this year in Paris to have to pay FRENCH taxes. So I humbly say, speaking from New York City, a place where the unwashed masses huddle and pee in the subways - we are all justified to our opinions. I personally prefer cities where deodorant is the norm. Cultural norms differ in this way. Paris - no deodorant. I still love Paris, still think it's full of intelligent people, and if the sharpest comment I have to make about them involves body odor, I think we can all live with that. It's hardly news that the vast majority of French, Greek and Spanish people might have some extremely sharp things to say about Americans. Also, not such good form to lecture to a lovely mom on her own son's unauthorized website, but I'll guess that you're pretty young and you didn't mean any harm.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/19/2005 6:32 PM  

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    By Blogger Jaclyn, at 1/19/2005 6:34 PM  

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    By Blogger Jaclyn, at 1/19/2005 6:35 PM  

  • Oh... Spain... great art, great food... and, according to my mom, quite the night life...

    I really need to get out more. My mom has beat me out on the night life thing for life. By the time she was my age, she was in Spain. But, since she was in the Navy at 19 and I'm in college (GO HUSKIES!... what, a little pac-10 pride never killed anyone?), so that's acceptable.

    Someone told me today that Austin tops the list in places to be single/date. That's it, Great Uncle Cooter, I'm coming down (visit my me-ma and that whole deal--can you tell we have southern roots?). Although, I doubt I could transfer into UT--so many people here weren't accepted it amazed me...Not to discourage anyone. I don't know the entire circumstances in which people were turned away. Popular school though--people wear longhorns gear up here.

    Is that crazy? I've never heard of college students going to another college to watch their football games. I could understand in-state, but from Seattle to Austin? That's a little far--though I so would have gone if they invited me.

    I like Cheerios, peace out. I'm a dork, but I swear, you will all learn to love me.

    By Blogger Jaclyn, at 1/19/2005 6:43 PM  

  • DC - I love ya, seriously...so eloquent, and SO true. thank you! And, its time for the perculator... ;)

    I think my fav Michelle quote was in the previous thread - re: no one recognizes Bren in clothes: "solution -just dont wear any clothes." classic!

    How about bloggers from Ireland?? anyone? bueller? bueller? do you guys have a big pool? :)

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/19/2005 6:49 PM  

  • Mrs.H, like I said I understand where you are coming from. You had a really awful experience which in my opinion not only the city of Athens itself is to blame but mainly the travel agency that ripped you off.

    I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to go abroad to see Brendan compite, that's just so unfair. Hasn't the US Swimming Federation taken any responsability for recomending that agency to you?

    Oh, I'm sure Brendan hasn't got such terrible memories from Barcelona or Mallorca? Please, tell me that's not so! He is got to come back to Europe sometime and we his european fans will show him the best of what we got! And some touristic places too!;)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 7:05 PM  

  • OK, in the one corner, we've got European Fan with a pervasive sense of cultural defensiveness engendered by an offhand comment about olfactory offensiveness.

    And in the other corner, we have Mrs. H who drained her bank account in less than a month so she could hang with hookers and watch the fruit of her womb get robbed of a gold medal.

    Nope, I think I'm gonna have to give this one to Mrs. H. I'm a sucker for details.

    By Blogger Jane, at 1/19/2005 7:16 PM  

  • swimphilly...bueller? bueller?........I was having the worst night ever until I read that! I went from crying my eyes out to laughing hysterically. I think my mom might have me committed. You would have to come and visit me! Ahhhhhh...this board. It never stops with the good times.

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/19/2005 7:22 PM  

  • Dana Cara: I'm old, respecful and polite enough to know what I say and how I word it and of course to not lecture Mrs H or anybody else. I just gave my opinion on what was being said in what I believe was a correct manner.

    I see you don't share my view that to generalize is wrong. For instance I'm sure lots of frenchs do use deodorant but hey, the cliché that french are smelly is supposed to be funny, right? Not to me, sorry, it is not.

    Just think, how would you feel if somebody here said something like "I prefer countries that as a norm aren't racist, don't have death penalty or torture their war prisoners"?

    And to stay on topic, I just hope as many of us as possible can go and cheer Brendan at the Worlds wherever they take place!

    European Fan

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 7:26 PM  

  • Agh! Blogger ate my post just now. Try again... A few things I'd like to comment on.

    1. Bummer re: Montreal. It's a great city. And of course, they'll drag this out ad nauseum so that nobody will know where to go and when. In the meantime, I'm skeptical about a lot of the conjecture in these articles. I can't imagine sponsors were basing their contributions on ticket sales two years out, when tickets weren't even on sale two years out. If I had to guess, something in the sponsorship sales package isn't working. Or there's an underlying lack of confidence in the management team of this event, and perhaps rightfully so...?

    2. People, when they are hot, smell bad. Athens in summer is uncomfortably hot. I can guarantee you that everyone smelled, regardless of race, religion, or geographic residence. Except maybe the swimmers, because they were in a pool. But they probably smelled like chlorine.

    3. Athens can be a fascinating city. But Greece is not first world. Pack a myriad of tourists there, I can imagine that the infrastructure might crumble a bit. Mrs. H, your experience in Athens sounds unduly horrific! I find it hard to believe that USA Swimming hasn't sued that travel agency on your behalf. That said, I hope you find it in your heart to go back to Greece one day, because it is a beautiful country (especially the islands) with fabulous cheap cuisine.

    Now, if the WCs actually do get cancelled altogether, I hope we see the Hansens out here in California for DUEL IN THE POOL! (Actually, I hope they come either way.)

    By Blogger crackinup, at 1/19/2005 7:57 PM  

  • Jumping in to say that I've enjoyed every single minute I've spent in Europe, both times. But I also understand Mrs H's bad experience and her feelings on the subject, which I'm sure she does not carry to every single country/city/person in Europe. Every place has good and bad things.

    That being said, Pumpkin, I can assure you that Amsterdam can be the most amazing thing you can experience in your life and I was hoping to tour you around it at some point of our lives...

    Seriously, I can offer my old club pool--- true it does not fir more than 100 people to go watch the event... but who wants more than that? As long as there's place for us Bren's fans and no heights for Aunt K, who cares about the rest?

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 8:10 PM  

  • Hey Anonymous, No USA swimming were very sorry but took no accountablity. They did say however that they would be making the arrangements for 2008 for the families.
    Brendan loved all the countries he has visited. Especially, Spain. He said he would love to go back and just vacation there one day. Hong Kong, he wasn't thrilled with. Wanted to come home the first day he arrived. He even liked Athens. He did visit one day to the square where we were staying and was shocked. For the most part he was in the Village and then the Islands, which were beautiful! Mrs. H

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/19/2005 8:18 PM  

  • Dang Montreal! All a girl wanted to do is see some swimming and party a little. Is that so much to ask? This sucks. I don't even have any words to describe it so I'm just going to sulk. *Sticks out lower lip and pouts*

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/19/2005 8:55 PM  

  • Hey guys, just had a moment to check the blog with my vodka/tonic in hand...didn't read all the previous posts...did I miss anything?? :)

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 8:57 PM  

  • Ew, vodka/tonics!!

    No offense, Aunt C, but tonic? Grooooooss.

    7&7s? Yum. Wine? YUUUUM.

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 9:02 PM  

  • Seriously, what I don't get is how they can confirm slow ticket sales, when none of the swimmers (At least in the U.S.) know if they have made the team. After April's trials, I am sure more friends/fans/families would make the arrangements to go and thus, buy the tickets. Or, I wonder if it is ticket sales in some of the other "not as well attended" water sports (e.g. sync. swimming) that have hurt the entire event.

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:02 PM  

  • Just a splash of tonic, atrophy, trust me. Also, Spain would be an ideal location...I wish I could go...but I know the swimmers really loved it there. (Brendan especially).

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:04 PM  

  • "Just think, how would you feel if somebody here said something like "I prefer countries that as a norm aren't racist, don't have death penalty or torture their war prisoners"?"

    Personally, I probably would agree with them.

    Perspective is based on personal experience. The Hansens had a bad experience, which colors their thinking. You have a different one living in Spain, which colors yours.

    I lived in Luxembourg for 6 months several years ago, and it colors mine. I tried very hard not to be an "ugly American," but I'm sure I failed every now and again. There were times where I had to pretend not to be American at all, because claiming my nationality was dangerous. There were times I had to pretend not to be Jewish, because that could have gotten me killed. Thankfully, those times were few and far between, enough to say that given the opportunity, I would jump at the chance to live in Europe again. Had my experience been different, I might never have wanted to set foot on European soil again.

    The point is, not everything is the way you or I see it. Allowing for a healthy discussion of differences of opinion may educate us all. I'm glad that you didn't get insulting or defensive (as has happened before on this blog) when something you read offended you.

    By Blogger JHD, at 1/19/2005 9:04 PM  

  • I don't want to be a huge asshat/GaryHall, but...... I will. So say that Athens takes over the WC or some other continent gets it and it uses the same dates.... The Duel in the pool will either have to be moved or the US and Aussie B-team will be competitng in it. The duel is on the 3rd of August.... the WC ends on the last day of August. I cannot imagine having to switch time zones like that and be able to swim a big meet. I am the biggest loser in the world. I have already bought my flight. And have had my tickets since like a week after SC championships. I hate FINA. I hate Montreal.... (although ireally really wanted to go) and I hate BHO! And I hate Lena becasue she was the first one to tell me.
    Okay I dont hate BHO or Lena. I am just bitter! Ya know what would make me feel better? A longhorn tattoo peek. Just the tip of the horns...

    By Blogger lala, at 1/19/2005 9:06 PM  

  • ::cries:: Why you hate me lala? People always shoot the messenger...
    I'm so sad I need a tattoo pic... or to see the tattoo in person.
    yeah, the tatto in person is gonna make me feel much better ::sobs::

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 9:10 PM  

  • Hmm... maybe I'll have to try gin/vodka & tonic again. The few times I've tried it, I couldn't handle the strong taste of alcohol in there.

    I'm telling you. The Worlds should come to Long Beach. I'd hold your hand, Aunt K! And Aunt C could introduce me to the perfect Vodka Tonic.

    Sounds like a plan, right?

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 9:12 PM  

  • Atrophy, LB would be great, but from what I am reading, they don't seem interested. Too much, too soon, not enough rooms. I hope FINA learns from their past mistakes with this one. Canada did not have a sterling rep when they were selected (by if I recall, a very narrow margin).

    la la...I am not good at certain blogging tecniques such as *cries*, etc..but I do feel for you. You know you will get a refund from the venue...hopefully something can be worked out with the airline....and maybe it will all be for the best. Maybe the chosen location will be easily accessible to BHO girls...I'll keep hoping...and working on getting Bren to use his new camera in a creative way for his fans. It probably won't be the horns...but it may be comforting anyway.

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:19 PM  

  • Hi Mrs H., since the 'brothel' in Athens ranks at the bottom of your list, ;), what country has been your favorite? Considering the hotels, swimming arena's, food, etc.

    When you mentioned how gross your rooms were, yuck, it sent shivers up and down my spine. How some of these 'hotels' stay in business just boggles my mind.

    I wonder why the Today show didn't cover these "elite" hotels on their show during the Olympics? hmmmm.

    =) Maria

    By Blogger Maria, at 1/19/2005 9:19 PM  

  • My vote for the Worlds is still Dubai (Because Dubai is lovely and everyone has to go there at least once) or somewhere in Southern California. Preferably San Diego. Preferably La Jolla. Preferably in my apartment- oh, we're talking about the Worlds, right. ;)

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 9:23 PM  

  • Maria, I will answer for Mrs. H since I am sure she is in bed. Athens was her first trip out of the country (if you don't count Bermuda). The brothel was really a brothel...not just a run-down place frequented by prostitutes. That was their first welcome to Greece, therefore it didn't matter what the rest of the sites in Athens held from then on (although they did tour some smaller islands that were beautiful).

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:26 PM  

  • OK, to recap, we've got:
    1) people's experiences of different cultures, both good and bad, are their own;
    2) if US Swimming opens a travel agency, we should run really fast in the other direction;
    3) lala made a frightful error in judgement when she booked her plane tix to Montreal;
    4) and vodka tastes best with just a splash of tonic.

    Onto more important matters -- my son (the Curmudge) borrowed a metal slinky from his buddy across the street today. Has anyone ever successfully untangled one of these things or should I just go buy a new one?

    By Blogger Jane, at 1/19/2005 9:27 PM  

  • Maybe Fina will change their mind if Montreal digs up the money after all. Maybe they didn't think that they would actually take it away from them. All this does make Montreal look bad. All I can think right now is if they cancel the WC all together there will be no Indy for me. Don't cry Lala,maybe a miracle will happen.

    Mrs. H,I would not be too happy with my Athens experience either if I were you. But then again you got to see Bren win his medals so I guess it's a trade off. Maybe we can start a fund to help you with all those bills. It can be an offshoot of the "We need to see hot swimmers" fund and the get Lena to meets fund.

    Aunt C,Vodka and cranberry juice=yummy. Sometimes it also equals a headache the next day but that's another story. Also,all I have stuck in my mind now is creative with a camera. Goodness! *Starts fanning herself with Catalog*

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/19/2005 9:27 PM  

  • Aunt C, lovely for you to join us... do you have AIM? Cause if you do, send me an IM to culturalbug so we can chat about WC!

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 9:30 PM  

  • Vodka and cranberry juice is a Cosmopolitan, right? Or am I thinking of something else? Comos = good.

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 9:31 PM  

  • This is a recipe for a Cosmopolitan. It's got a little bit more in it.

    2 tablespoons of Vodka
    1½ tablespoons of Cointreau (Triple sec)
    1½ tablespoons of Cranberry juice
    2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
    crushed ice
    twist of lime

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/19/2005 9:35 PM  

  • Cosmos are made of vodka (preferably citrus), triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice. One of my fav drinks and i make a mean one. ;)

    By Blogger afadingvoice, at 1/19/2005 9:36 PM  

  • My favorite way to drink vodka (besides off the abs a very cute guy *ahem*) is with a splash of orange juice. And when I say splash, I mean a splash a la Will, my favorite bartender in the whole wide world.

    And a splash a la Will is to take your glass, put a little ice in it, and fill the REST of the way to the top with vodka. Take the pitcher of orange juice and put it next to the glass. Turn them so they face each other. Remove pitcher of orange juice from vicinity of glass of iced vodka. Drink glass of iced vodka with oj fumes.

    I'd say repeat, but after one of those you are pretty well toasted. Probably toasted enough so that a brothel looks like a five star hotel. Well, okay maybe a three star hotel, but you get the idea. =)

    And please don't say "creative with a camera." Last time I heard that phrase, my underwater camera ended up in a pitcher of beer. Then it ended up other places best not mentioned.

    By Blogger JHD, at 1/19/2005 9:38 PM  

  • Oh and cranberry and vodka is called a Sea Breeze.

    By Blogger JHD, at 1/19/2005 9:39 PM  

  • JHD: Our Favourite Bartender

    By Blogger a, at 1/19/2005 9:41 PM  

  • Lena, I think we have AIM..I hear my 13 year-old daugher mention it...but I am challenged in this area. I am sure it is simple..but she is asleep and my husband is traveling...it will be another New Year's resolution for me to take on.

    BTW, has anyone heard from Michelle? I gotta feeling on a recent e-mail from her that she might be under the weather.

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:42 PM  

  • JHD, don't forget about the grapefruit juice for the Sea Breeze! Cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and vodka. Yum!

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/19/2005 9:45 PM  

  • Here's a drink question I think Lena may help me with. A friend of mine lived in Brazil for a year or so and made me a great drink she had on the beaches there. I think it was called a "capperdena", or something like that. Vodka, fresh squeezed lime juice (lots of limes!) and a bit of sugar...very good! Have you heard of them?

    By Blogger Aunt "C", at 1/19/2005 9:46 PM  

  • Caipirinha, Aunt C... is the most popular drink of Brazil. Although my fav is Daiquiries, which I'm very good at doing (college parties in Argentina are fun considering you can legally drink at the age of 18): Sugar, strawberrys, ice and rhum. A blender and voila!

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/19/2005 9:48 PM  

  • Hi Aunt C! There was a vote, and it was decided that I would help out out. Needless to say, it would be my pleasure! :)

    The easiest thing to do would be to go to AIM, and set up your own screen name. That way you don't have to use your daughter's. It's very easy! The site will walk you through everything. Lena did it a few weeks ago at my prompting as well.

    Once you have AIM, you can add Lena (culturalbug) to your buddy list. Then the rest will be magic! :)

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/19/2005 10:00 PM  

  • Oh man, my mom and I are planning a girls weekend this weekend, lunch, movies, dinner, and cosmopolitans one night since my brother bought her a nice Cosmo set for Christmas...but that drink Aunt C was describing sounds good...hmm

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 1/19/2005 10:01 PM  

  • OH and Aunt C..if you figure out that AIM thing..feel free to IM me , my screen name is iloveconverses13..for that matter, any BHOer feel free:)
    ~Angie A

    By Blogger LongHornLove, at 1/19/2005 10:04 PM  

  • I'm checking here first from now one. You just don't get this kind of knowledge from Peirsol boards. Too bad my roomie finished off the vodka after we got back from Hooters on my birthday--without me. Oh yeah, don't go there on your birthday--I weasled out of hula hooping on the chair, but I still had to stand on it and shake it, wasn't too bad, until my friends pointed out the men in their late sixties/early seventies watching me. I could handle the business men, but them, no.

    Again, I can't get over how much I love you guys!

    By Blogger Jaclyn, at 1/19/2005 10:07 PM  

  • Eeeek! Aunt C, I left out one very important part! I forgot to tell you to IM Lena (culturalbug). Otherwise, she won't know your AIM screen name, and then the magic won't begin!

    Silly, Aims! I left out the most important part...

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/19/2005 10:18 PM  

  • Jane--just throw the thing away and buy a new one, :). The thing will drive you up the wall if you try to detangle it, speaking from personal experience.

    Aunt C--thanks for answering for your sis, =). Sounds very familiar, my sister's and I do the same thing, lol.

    -Maria

    By Blogger Maria, at 1/19/2005 10:19 PM  

  • Can someone please pass me a vodka tonic? 2nd week of the semester and I already have 2 papers due, a test, and a quiz. Ok never mind I'm going to start drinking straight from the bottle.

    p.s. speaking of AIM...my name is kimmyb100683 if anyone wants to chat..I always chat while I am in class. I mean, I always STUDY while I am in class..that is what I meant to say! ;)

    By