Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#1

Posted: 1/15/14 at 8:32am

I was already nervous about the upcoming Winter Games due to Russia's ridiculous laws and this just makes that feeling worse.
Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[Liza's Headband]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#2

Posted: 1/15/14 at 10:12am

I would never feel comfortable traveling to Sochi. Even if it were for work. There have been so many warnings and memos sent out: never travel alone, do not drink their water, do not visit tourist attractions, etc.

[tazber]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#2

Posted: 1/15/14 at 12:13pm

I saw an article this morning that said travel agencies can't believe how few Americans are even going.

The staggering figure: they are 75% below what was already a modest prediction.

I guess only the athletes and their families will be going.

....but the world goes 'round

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#3

Posted: 1/15/14 at 8:25pm

...and me. For work.
Sometimes it's not an option, LH.

I can't live in fear.
I live in Manhattan. I work next to Ground Zero.
I am, statistically, more at risk in my every day life than I will be in Sochi.

I can see how this has been having an impact on tourism, however, and those numbers don't surprise me, tazber. I think large events of this nature are going to be targets for terrorists and violence in any part of the world. It's a tragic sign of our times.

I will be there. Nerves of steel...

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

Updated On: 1/15/14 at 08:25 PM

[PalJoey]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#4

Posted: 1/15/14 at 10:28pm

I would go as your bodyguard in a heartbeat. My grandfather stole a horse from the Cossacks and battled an entire Russian regiment with a single sword.

According to family legend, that is.

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#5

Posted: 1/15/14 at 11:38pm

That's quite a legend.
I believe every word!

I will channel your grandfather - and will draw from that great strength.
I just wish they'd let me pack a sword...

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#6

Posted: 1/16/14 at 2:20pm

I was thinking about tazber's post regarding how few people are planning to travel to Sochi, and then came across this article.

Given that Trials and other Olympic team selection competitions take place so close to the start of the Olympic Games, that puts a great challenge on the families who want to travel to see their loved one compete.

It's not a 'last minute' kind of place to travel to.
Even the visa process, alone, takes a crazy amount of time. (I spent the better part of a day filling out the application in December and just received my passport/visa back a few days ago).

I know they can't reschedule Trials, but, it does challenge the families.
Travel Issues Challenge Families

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[tazber]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#7

Posted: 1/16/14 at 4:00pm

Just come home safe!

I know you'll be fine, but still I worry.

....but the world goes 'round

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#8

Posted: 1/16/14 at 4:51pm

I promise!

Don't worry! Just enjoy the excitement of it all.

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[PalJoey]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#9

Posted: 1/16/14 at 7:24pm

I know you'll be fine. You have my grandfather watching over you.

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#10

Posted: 1/21/14 at 8:15pm

Be careful, Addy, truly.
Russian Islamic video threatens Sochi Olympics

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#11

Posted: 1/21/14 at 8:19pm

I promise.

I don't want anyone to worry. I won't be travelling on my own. I'll be with NBC, and they have a strong extra security force in place for us.

And, I have PalJoey's grandfather watching over me.

I truly promise I'll be ok.
Thank you!! xox

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

Updated On: 1/21/14 at 08:19 PM

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#12

Posted: 1/21/14 at 8:22pm

But yes - it's very important to be aware of all of these threats.
I've been following the news closely.

Thank you for posting that link.

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#13

Posted: 1/21/14 at 9:11pm

Well, the Tower Heist crew is on standby if you need us.

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#14

Posted: 1/21/14 at 9:25pm

I love that!

I may feign trouble just to bring you all to my rescue...

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[CarlosAlberto]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#15

Posted: 1/22/14 at 10:43am

Oh wow Addy you're going to Sochi?!! I know it's work related but I am impressed. You are braver than I am even with all that extra protection and security, and of course PalJoey's father looking after you and all.

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#16

Posted: 1/24/14 at 2:40pm

"The State Department has warned American athletes not to wear their patriotic-themed uniforms outside of Sochi venues during the Winter Olympics, and it's not out of concern for their fashion sense."

I think it's really because those outfits are going to win Ugly Sweater contests for years! What was Ralph Lauren thinking?!
State Department warns US Athletes not to wear Uniforms in Sochi

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[TheatreDiva90016]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#17

Posted: 1/24/14 at 4:01pm

^^^LOL I was thinking the same thing!

"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>> “I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>> -whatever2

[Broadwayboobs]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#18

Posted: 1/24/14 at 4:16pm

They're so ugly, yet I want one.

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. Ralph Waldo Emerson

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#19

Posted: 1/24/14 at 4:23pm

I kind of do, too... (but not to wear there!)

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#20

Posted: 1/25/14 at 8:48am

I guess we won't be using them as our "break into Russia" uniforms.

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#21

Posted: 1/26/14 at 1:58am

At least five European countries' Olympic committees received letters last week making a "terrorist threat", but Russia dismissed the warnings as a hoax.

Really, Russia, are you 1,000,000,000% positive about that?
Militants tell Russians to rebel against Kremlin or face attacks

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#22

Posted: 1/27/14 at 10:17am

“It seems to me that the law that we have adopted does not hurt anyone. Moreover, individuals of non-traditional orientation cannot feel like second-rate humans in this country because they are not discriminated against in any way,” Putin said.

Does he actually believe what's coming out of his mouth?
No Gay People in Sochi, Mayor Claims

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[Eris0303]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#23

Posted: 1/27/14 at 10:25am

The United States is moving to two warships into the Black Sea. If ordered, helicopters could be launched from there to Sochi, a U.S. official told CNN recently.
And if more capacity is needed, C-17 transport aircraft will be on standby in Germany and could be on the scene in about two hours.

Can't we just cancel this? I'm all for the Olympics and what they stand for but all these preparations totally go against all of that. The Olympic Spirit is not what it was and I'm very nervous about these games. I'm not one to jump on the media hype bandwagon but I just have a sinking feeling every time I see an article about the upcoming games.
Welcome to Sochi, the security Games

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[NYadgal]

Russian security forces battle militants before Olympics#24

Posted: 1/27/14 at 11:41am

The head of Olympics at NBC sent me an email to let me know that they are having cancellations. Two of my clients have cancelled, as did the President of my agency department (he and I were the two agency people attending from our office)

The CEO of my agency sent me a note saying he was concerned and that I did not have to attend if I have any level of concern.

So, I may be able to get out of this. I have to make some calls when I get home tonight. (Am stuck on jury duty today!). I know my family has been worried sick. And I admit to losing some sleep over it.

Russia should never have been awarded the Olympic Games. What a sad situation.

I'll keep you posted. But am at least relieved that if I DO end up still attending that I will not be at either the Opening or Closing ceremony.

"Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. . ."