2024 Paris Olympics: U.S. gymnasts have a secret weapon that is not Simone Biles

[Vambram]

2024 Paris Olympics: U.S. gymnasts have a secret weapon that is not Simone Biles

To help provide comfort from both the famed cardboard beds of the Olympic Village and the Paris heat, team members are spending their nights on special mattress toppers.

sports.yahoo.com

In an effort to deliver the most environmentally friendly and self-sustaining Olympics in modern times, local organizers did not equip the athlete village with air conditioning. Additionally, all furniture is made of pressed cardboard that can be recycled after the Games.

That may be good for sustainability but not so much for athletes in need of recovery and rest.
“I sat on the bed and said, ‘Oh, oh my. Help,’” Landi said. “Additionally temperature wise, it was just a little harsh. We just needed some comfort.”
Many athletes from around the world, including the U.S. gymnasts, brought their own air conditioners to chill the air. The gymnasts, though, are uniquely advantaged by the BedJet topper.

 

[AlexB23]

2024 Paris Olympics: U.S. gymnasts have a secret weapon that is not Simone Biles

To help provide comfort from both the famed cardboard beds of the Olympic Village and the Paris heat, team members are spending their nights on special mattress toppers.

sports.yahoo.com

In an effort to deliver the most environmentally friendly and self-sustaining Olympics in modern times, local organizers did not equip the athlete village with air conditioning. Additionally, all furniture is made of pressed cardboard that can be recycled after the Games.

That may be good for sustainability but not so much for athletes in need of recovery and rest.
“I sat on the bed and said, ‘Oh, oh my. Help,’” Landi said. “Additionally temperature wise, it was just a little harsh. We just needed some comfort.”
Many athletes from around the world, including the U.S. gymnasts, brought their own air conditioners to chill the air. The gymnasts, though, are uniquely advantaged by the BedJet topper.

I am excited for the Olympics, but wait, no A/C in 2024? Yes, it is okay to be environmental, but banning A/C is total bull.

For instance, I set my A/C to 77-78°F (25°C), which is plenty green enough, as 72°F (22°C) is too cold for a small framed man such as myself, plus I like being green, though at night as my place has poor window ventilation, I set it to 73°F (22.5°C). Environmental conservation is needed in 2024, but this greenwashing stuff needs to end. There is a reason why some folks dislike environmentalism, and it is because of stupid stuff such as banning air conditioners or shoving Teslas down people's throats instead of compromises.

From A/C installation companies:

Most Efficient Temperature Setting for AC During Warm Weather | Aire Serv

Discover the most efficient temperature setting for your AC. Stay comfortable and save money on energy costs. Read our blog now!

www.aireserv.com

 

[DaisyDay]

According to the article, the rooms were to be cooled by geothermal means. I don't have any experience with geothermal - we looked into it but our property isn't suitable for it. Anyone know how effective that is?

It's going to be hot in Paris next week. Wet towels and a good fan works pretty well, but it's far from ideal for getting a good sleep.

 

[AlexB23]

According to the article, the rooms were to be cooled by geothermal means. I don't have any experience with geothermal - we looked into it but our property isn't suitable for it. Anyone know how effective that is?

It's going to be hot in Paris next week. Wet towels and a good fan works pretty well, but it's far from ideal for getting a good sleep.

My high school was heated by geothermal means, but it is possible to cool using geothermal. One needs to dig pretty deep for this to work. This green stuff has gone too far. One can not compromise health and safety just to be green, and one must sometimes cave in to less green technologies such as A/Cs in order to benefit people.

 

[trophy33]

I am excited for the Olympics, but wait, no A/C in 2024? Yes, it is okay to be environmental, but banning A/C is total bull.

I have never owned A/C and I do not personally know anybody who does ;-)

 

[AlexB23]

I have never owned A/C and I do not personally know anybody who does ;-)

Interesting stuff, however, some of these athletes originate from countries where A/C usage is high, and will not be used to hot rooms, so in order to accommodate people from all countries, it would make sense to allow athletes to have an A/C with a programmable thermostat to set to whichever temperature they choose, whether that be 15°C or 30°C, or anywhere in between. I'd go for 22°C, for good sleeping temperatures.

 

[trophy33]

Interesting stuff, however, some of these athletes originate from countries where A/C usage is high, and will not be used to hot rooms, so in order to accommodate people from all countries, it would make sense to allow athletes to have an A/C with a programmable thermostat to set to whichever temperature they choose, whether that be 15°C or 30°C, or anywhere in between. I'd go for 22°C, for good sleeping temperatures.

Maybe their mild temperature discomfort will also help with this known Olympic games issue:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2024/03/19/olympics-2024-paris-sex-condoms/

People imagine the athletes are 100% focusing on the games, but its rather a big party.

 

[AlexB23]

Maybe their mild temperature discomfort will also help with this known Olympic games issue:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2024/03/19/olympics-2024-paris-sex-condoms/

People imagine the athletes are 100% focusing on the games, but its rather a big party.

Yeah, that grosses me out.

 

[DaisyDay]

My high school was heated by geothermal means, but it is possible to cool using geothermal. One needs to dig pretty deep for this to work.

I should learn more about it.

This green stuff has gone too far.

Or not far enough.

One can not compromise health and safety just to be green, and one must sometimes cave in to less green technologies such as A/Cs in order to benefit people.

You would have to show that the health and safety were actually compromised if you want your criticism to be taken seriously. Its always a bit of a balance as to who benefits immediately and who pays the costs long term.

That said, I'm a fan of AC. I'm much more cold tolerant than heat tolerant - but my comfort range is pretty limited. I'm amazed that people of the past were as productive as they were, given the conditions.

 

[Pommer]

I am excited for the Olympics, but wait, no A/C in 2024? Yes, it is okay to be environmental, but banning A/C is total bull.

For instance, I set my A/C to 77-78°F (25°C), which is plenty green enough, as 72°F (22°C) is too cold for a small framed man such as myself, plus I like being green, though at night as my place has poor window ventilation, I set it to 73°F (22.5°C). Environmental conservation is needed in 2024, but this greenwashing stuff needs to end. There is a reason why some folks dislike environmentalism, and it is because of stupid stuff such as banning air conditioners or shoving Teslas down people's throats instead of compromises.

From A/C installation companies:

Most Efficient Temperature Setting for AC During Warm Weather | Aire Serv

Discover the most efficient temperature setting for your AC. Stay comfortable and save money on energy costs. Read our blog now!

www.aireserv.com

My high school was heated by geothermal means, but it is possible to cool using geothermal. One needs to dig pretty deep for this to work. This green stuff has gone too far. One can not compromise health and safety just to be green, and one must sometimes cave in to less green technologies such as A/Cs in order to benefit people.

Interesting stuff, however, some of these athletes originate from countries where A/C usage is high, and will not be used to hot rooms, so in order to accommodate people from all countries, it would make sense to allow athletes to have an A/C with a programmable thermostat to set to whichever temperature they choose, whether that be 15°C or 30°C, or anywhere in between. I'd go for 22°C, for good sleeping temperatures.

There was no air-conditioning until the 1920s and people did just fine without it.
There’s very little air-conditioning in Europe outside of office complexes.
Your views are very American-centric, (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), and geothermal-cooling is much less damaging to the environment seeings as the heat-transfer is rather passive.

[Fluorocarbon based AC creates heat by compressing the medium, which is then forced into the evaporator where it cools significantly and air is forced past this, dehumidifying and cooling the air. This requires a lot of electricity to be generated, mostly by burning natural gas, driving up the CO2]

 

[AlexB23]

I should learn more about it.

Or not far enough.

You would have to show that the health and safety were actually compromised if you want your criticism to be taken seriously. Its always a bit of a balance as to who benefits immediately and who pays the costs long term.

That said, I'm a fan of AC. I'm much more cold tolerant than heat tolerant - but my comfort range is pretty limited. I'm amazed that people of the past were as productive as they were, given the conditions.

Yeah, I am not that good with understanding how geothermal works. Yeah, health and safety are complex. One would have to know how hot each room gets without A/C, and whether A/C causes more harm than good. But yes, I am a fan of A/C and dehumidifiers. My summer tolerance is 78 during the day, and 72 during night, and for winter heating, 64-66 during the winter, 60-62 at night.

 

[AlexB23]

There was no air-conditioning until the 1920s and people did just fine without it.
There’s very little air-conditioning in Europe outside of office complexes.
Your views are very American-centric, (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), and geothermal-cooling is much less damaging to the environment seeings as the heat-transfer is rather passive.

[Fluorocarbon based AC creates heat by compressing the medium, which is then forced into the evaporator where it cools significantly and air is forced past this, dehumidifying and cooling the air. This requires a lot of electricity to be generated, mostly by burning natural gas, driving up the CO2]

Yeah, my A/C uses HFCs or something along those lines, made in 2007. People did fine without A/C for thousands of years, though, the American athletes would not be used to this. Geothermal cooling is a good idea, and even better are heat pumps combined with rooftop solar or wind power. I am weird for an American, as I set my A/C to 78 during the day, when most other folks have it a bit cooler, but I get cold real easily, and wear sweaters when it is 72 degrees.

 

[Palmfever]

According to the article, the rooms were to be cooled by geothermal means. I don't have any experience with geothermal - we looked into it but our property isn't suitable for it. Anyone know how effective that is?

It's going to be hot in Paris next week. Wet towels and a good fan works pretty well, but it's far from ideal for getting a good sleep.

Geothermal energy, a natural resource of heat energy from within Earth that can be captured and harnessed for cooking, bathing, space heating, electrical power generation, and other uses. The total amount of geothermal energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current energy requirements, but it can be difficult to harness for electricity production.

 

[AlexB23]

Geothermal energy, a natural resource of heat energy from within Earth that can be captured and harnessed for cooking, bathing, space heating, electrical power generation, and other uses. The total amount of geothermal energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current energy requirements, but it can be difficult to harness for electricity production.

Iceland uses a lot of geothermal energy. Around 2/3rds of Iceland's energy mix is from heat generated from the land, with the rest from hydropower and other renewables.

Iceland Geothermal:

Geothermal

www.government.is

 

[RileyG]

My high school was heated by geothermal means, but it is possible to cool using geothermal. One needs to dig pretty deep for this to work. This green stuff has gone too far. One can not compromise health and safety just to be green, and one must sometimes cave in to less green technologies such as A/Cs in order to benefit people.

I agree. This world is passing and wont last forever. Focus on the eternal. Sadly, most people are obsessed with materialism.

 

[AlexB23]

I agree. This world is passing and wont last forever. Focus on the eternal. Sadly, most people are obsessed with materialism.

Agreed. I'd say the 1980s is when the big wave of materialism started taking over, with another, even bigger wave during the 21st century. I am not liking where this focus on money and stuff is going.

Quote: "We now look at products as the salvation for our lives and livelihoods more than ever before." — Grant Blackburn, economics teacher

Source of Quote:

Materialism: At What Cost?

Produce. Promote. Consume. Repeat

cmagazine.org

1980s Explained (History):

1980s: Fashion, Movies & Politics | HISTORY

The 1980s were a decade of political conservatism, such as President Ronald Reagan’s Reaganomics, and of blockbuster movies, pop culture and fashion on MTV.

www.history.com

 

[Pommer]

I agree. This world is passing and wont last forever. Focus on the eternal. Sadly, most people are obsessed with materialism.

For those of us who do not have a glorious afterlife to look forward to, our legacy is focused on leaving the planet at least as well suited to human habitation as possible. If a Christian perspective suggests that it’s okay to trash the place because we’re in the “end times” anyway, then expect some pushback from secular folk.

 

[AlexB23]

For those of us who do not have a glorious afterlife to look forward to, our legacy is focused on leaving the planet at least as well suited to human habitation as possible. If a Christian perspective suggests that it’s okay to trash the place because we’re in the “end times” anyway, then expect some pushback from secular folk.

Not all Christians are anti-environment. For instance, I do leave the planet as in a condition as best as I can, cos God told us to be good stewards, as stated in Genesis 2:15 and Isaiah 24:4-6. Good stewardship does not mean ditching A/C, but it can mean reducing our plastic usage, getting more energy efficient lighting, using LED backlit TVs, driving smaller cars, and taking public transit. I will stand by you, and other secular folks when it comes to protecting our environment, as God looks on Christians more favorably if we do the right thing, even though doing the right thing all the time is not needed for salvation.

Date	April 21, 2024
Verse	Genesis 2:15: "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Isaiah 24:4-6: "The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left." Jeremiah 2:7: "I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable."
Explanation	These verses from the Bible, Genesis 2:15, Jeremiah 2:7, and Isaiah 24:4-6, speak to the relationship between humanity and the Earth, highlighting our role as stewards and the consequences of disobedience and neglect. Genesis 2:15 sets the stage for God placing Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it, indicating a divine mandate for humans to tend to the Earth. This responsibility extends beyond just working the land but also involves taking good care of it. Jeremiah 2:7 emphasizes God's provision of a fertile land for His people to enjoy its fruit and rich produce, but they defiled it instead. This verse serves as a reminder that we are not the owners of the Earth but rather caretakers, and our actions have consequences on the land and future generations. Isaiah 24:4-6 speaks of the Earth being defiled by its people due to their disobedience and violation of divine laws. The passage suggests a curse upon the Earth, leading to scarcity and destruction. This verse relates to modern issues such as anthropogenic global warming and pollution in that human actions are causing detrimental effects on the Earth, ultimately affecting its ability to sustain life as intended.
Life Anecdote	In the context of our modern world, these verses call us to be good stewards of the Earth and apply biblical principles to mitigate environmental degradation. Here are some ways we can apply these verses to our lives in 2024: 1. Cultivate a mindset of care and respect for the Earth as God's creation, acknowledging our responsibility to tend to it. 2. Reduce our carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar and adopting ecological practices in daily life (ex. composting, using energy efficient LED bulbs, riding a bike to the store, driving small fuel-efficient Japanese hybrids/crossovers). 3. Support and advocate for environmentally sustainable policies, including reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, investing in public transport & mixed-use urban developments, and minimizing waste. 4. Practice conservation by preserving natural resources and protecting habitats for various species. 5. Educate ourselves and others about the importance of caring for the Earth as a moral imperative, rather than just an environmental concern. 6. Pray for God's guidance in our efforts to be good stewards of the Earth and ask for His help in overcoming challenges related to caring for creation.

 

[Ana the Ist]

2024 Paris Olympics: U.S. gymnasts have a secret weapon that is not Simone Biles

To help provide comfort from both the famed cardboard beds of the Olympic Village and the Paris heat, team members are spending their nights on special mattress toppers.

sports.yahoo.com

In an effort to deliver the most environmentally friendly and self-sustaining Olympics in modern times, local organizers did not equip the athlete village with air conditioning. Additionally, all furniture is made of pressed cardboard that can be recycled after the Games.

That may be good for sustainability but not so much for athletes in need of recovery and rest.
“I sat on the bed and said, ‘Oh, oh my. Help,’” Landi said. “Additionally temperature wise, it was just a little harsh. We just needed some comfort.”
Many athletes from around the world, including the U.S. gymnasts, brought their own air conditioners to chill the air. The gymnasts, though, are uniquely advantaged by the BedJet topper.

I love that sustainability is something that you and I are supposed to do....while every billionaire pushing will be flying private to the next Bilderberg meeting (and everywhere else).

They aren't living without AC and on cardboard sofas.

 

[Ana the Ist]

For those of us who do not have a glorious afterlife to look forward to, our legacy is focused on leaving the planet at least as well suited to human habitation as possible.

Great legacy. You're killing it.

If a Christian perspective suggests that it’s okay to trash the place because we’re in the “end times” anyway, then expect some pushback from secular folk.

And that pushback will happen online...over laptops and smartphones.