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Hi, Rusty!
I totally agree with you that if there is any danger at all to the athletes, then they shouldn't go to Rio.
But I think the problem lies in no one being upfront with all the facts.....no one in authority is actually committing his /her self to admitting the true situation - maybe they do not know enough themselves?
But if in (any) doubt, then surely the venue should be moved?
There should be leadership from our Government, and the Olympic body, I think? A positive stance needs to be taken?
It should not be left to an individual athlete to have to make a personal decision. The decision should be taken for them across the board.
Yes, I remember the Mamas and Papas - I think we still have some LPs of theirs somewhere - I shall have to look them out.
Did you find any snowdrops? I haven't seen any this year.......surely they should be out by now? We have none come up in our garden as yet, but some of our daffodils are in bloom! despite our planting them so late in November!
Have you done the Times crossword yet? I've finished it but am stuck on parsing a couple!

Hi, Malone!
Yes, I definitely found today's Times Cryptic 15 x 15 on the easier side.
As you say, it depends on whether one is on the same wavelength as the setter!
I have finished it but am battling with the parsing for a couple - I may need to ask for help later!
I gave up on yesterday's puzzle!
I could "do" Byrd yesterday - I just couldn't agree with the grammatical use of "sacred"; to me the adjective was describing the wrong noun.


Pigale, I'm glad that the cats are safely back home!
Are they wearing "lampshades" to protect their stitches?
I only mentioned the microchipping , in case it saved you money in the long run!

Hello, Elle,
It may be too late to move the Games from Rio.
Yes, leadership is required, and so far it is lacking.
How can Jess and all the other women concentrate on training with this on their minds? They can't.
I would support Jess and the women, not going.
Yes, lots of snowdrops around. Great to see them!
Yes, my crossword is complete, and in the recycle bin.
Update on Victoria P.
She has her first ride under NH rules on Feb 19th at Fakenham.
She rides Pacha du Polder.
Trainer Paul Nicholls says it is the perfect race for her.
Fakenham is not as tough as Cheltenham.
He is delighted with Vic, she rides out six days a week for him.
He says she is capable of being in the first six at Cheltenham.
That will be a great boost for her!

I agree about supporting any woman athlete who does not wish to take any risk at Rio, but I am also sure it is too be to late to move the venue elsewhere - these things are planned months, if not years in advance. It's not just the competition alone to consider but all the things that gravitate around it, such as accommodation both for the teams.

Few countries could face up to such a race against the clock in order to be ready in time. (unless it is a country that has hosted the games recently

Perhaps the only thing to do would be to cancel it, because as Elle mentioned yesterday, there are also all the women members of the public to consider.

Hello, Pigale!
I agree with you.
There will be women travelling to Rio from all over the world to spectate etc.
It looks as if the safest thing would be to cancel the Games.
But.... Big money is involved.
We would be pretty naive to believe women's well being will come first.
A great pity, but I am in favour of cancelling the Games and the sooner the better, for all concerned.

ps - should as well as accommodation for both the teams and the spectators who travelled from afar.

Rusty, I think that you are right in that it may well be too late to move the Games from Rio.
I wonder how viable is Jess' coach's suggestion that the preparation camp be moved out of the affected zone, thus minimising the amount of time competitors would be spending at risk ?
Competitors would only be in an at risk area for the actual competition then?
Although in my book, any time at all is an unnecessary risk for them - and for female spectators.
I think I agree with you that the best and safest option would be to cancel the Games.
I think it would be a mockery of the Olympics anyway, if only some females took part..... where is the value/ the kudos/ of "winning", if not all of the valid competition is there?

That is great news about Victoria! Will the Fakenham race be televised? Will you be able to watch it if so?
I doubt that I shall, because my TV programmes do not cover much!
She has come a long way to be considered likely to be placed in the first six, hasn't she?

Hello, Elle!
The right thing to do is cancel the Games, but they won't.
Too many snouts in the trough.
As Pigale indicated, there are thousands of women going.
Holidays for the Games in Rio booked for ages!
And not a thing from the governing bodies.
Kenya has to set an example!
Pity Team GB and NI did not have a meeting and decide "these Games are unsafe. We choose not to go."
Now Victoria.
I cannot see Channel 4 covering Fakenham.
At The Races channel may, and I will see it. If Racing UK channel covers it, I wont, for that is pay to view.
She is getting ever nearer Cheltenham!
On the Fringe and Nina Carberry are favourites to win, but we are allowed to dream!
Although I am a fan of Nina, too!

Elle, type "at the races" into search box.
Then click on News to read about Vic.
The fine folks at Fakenham are delighted she is paying them a visit!

Hi, Rusty!
I have been reading about Victoria! Thank you for the reference!
That is brilliant news! and the racing officials at Fakenham sound very supportive and delighted that Victoria will be competing there!
I hope she does well in her race there - and will it then be next stop Cheltenham? or will there be more races in between?
I am but a novice at this and really have no idea as to procedure?
Will you be spoilt for choice between Victoria and Nina? (or will Victoria be your favourite? You have followed her prowess for so long!)
Back to the Olympics.............let us hope that someone (who?) will at least show some back bone and "stand up and be counted"!