sports cars in france image
Rupert Roo
What sport brings in the most money and is seen by the most people in the world? I know that most people play football (soccer) but my Dad is convinced that auto racing is the #1 spectator PRO sport seen in the world. I have a hard time believing it as I find car racing extremely boring. I don't love soccer either but at least the people competing are excellent athletes. So what PRO sport is seen by the most people and brings in the most money in the world?
Any statistical data to back up an answer would be appreciated, a $1 bet is on the line here!
Answer
Soccer
Football - Soccer.
A cumulative total of 30 billion viewers tuned into the FIFA World Cup 2002, of which one billion watched the Brazil-Germany final alone."
Here's a list of popular events from a few years ago:
1 Football: Euro 2004 final Portugal v Greece 153 million
2 Olympic Games: opening ceremony 127 million
3 Olympic Games: closing ceremony 96 million
4 American football: Super Bowl 95 million
5 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres 87 million
6 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming 66 million
7 Formula one: Monaco grand prix 59 million
8 Football: Champions League final Porto v Monaco 56 million
9 Basketball: NBA finals 25 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon women's singles final 21 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon men's singles final 21 million
12 Cycling: Tour de France final stage 16 million
13= Football: FA Cup final Millwall v Man Utd 9 million
13= Horseracing: Grand National 9 million
15 Rowing: University Boat Race 5 million
Initiative collected data from 57 major TV markets, accounting for over 90% of TV households globally.
And another list, more recent events:
1. 2006 World Cup Final (300 million viewers)
2. Euro 2004 Soccer Final (153 million viewers)
3. 2004 Olympic Games: opening ceremony (127 million viewers)
4. 2004 Olympic Games: closing ceremony (96 million viewers)
5. 2004 Super Bowl (95 million viewers)
6. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres (87 million viewers)
7. 2003 Champions League (67 million viewers)
8. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming (66 million viewers)
9. 2004 Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix (59 million viewers)
10. 2004 Basketball: NBA finals (25 million viewers)
Soccer
Football - Soccer.
A cumulative total of 30 billion viewers tuned into the FIFA World Cup 2002, of which one billion watched the Brazil-Germany final alone."
Here's a list of popular events from a few years ago:
1 Football: Euro 2004 final Portugal v Greece 153 million
2 Olympic Games: opening ceremony 127 million
3 Olympic Games: closing ceremony 96 million
4 American football: Super Bowl 95 million
5 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres 87 million
6 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming 66 million
7 Formula one: Monaco grand prix 59 million
8 Football: Champions League final Porto v Monaco 56 million
9 Basketball: NBA finals 25 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon women's singles final 21 million
10= Tennis: Wimbledon men's singles final 21 million
12 Cycling: Tour de France final stage 16 million
13= Football: FA Cup final Millwall v Man Utd 9 million
13= Horseracing: Grand National 9 million
15 Rowing: University Boat Race 5 million
Initiative collected data from 57 major TV markets, accounting for over 90% of TV households globally.
And another list, more recent events:
1. 2006 World Cup Final (300 million viewers)
2. Euro 2004 Soccer Final (153 million viewers)
3. 2004 Olympic Games: opening ceremony (127 million viewers)
4. 2004 Olympic Games: closing ceremony (96 million viewers)
5. 2004 Super Bowl (95 million viewers)
6. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 100m metres (87 million viewers)
7. 2003 Champions League (67 million viewers)
8. 2004 Olympic Games: men's 200m freestyle swimming (66 million viewers)
9. 2004 Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix (59 million viewers)
10. 2004 Basketball: NBA finals (25 million viewers)
What are some things an American can do or say that would earn him admiration and respect while in France?
Rita K
How can an American win over the French when traveling for an extended time in their country? What sort of things should he say or do to win their respect and friendship? What things in particular, do the French hold especially dear? What are the usual codes of behaviour between the sexes? What is acceptable in France and what are definite no-no's?
Answer
Generally speaking the French are more formal than most North Americans.
In everyday speech this means appending "s'il vous plâit" to any request. It means saying "je voudrais" and not "donnez moi" when ordering from a menu. It means calling the waiter "Monsieur" and not "Garçon." It means greeting the staff at a shop with "Bonjour" (madam or monsieur as appropriate) before ordering something and saying goodbye when you leave.
The French tend to follow the older practice of not calling each other by first names or using the familiar without at least some acquaintance (although this is not so much true of young people).
The easy presumption of friendship or the discussing of personal matters with relative strangers that is common in North America is sometimes seen as boorish or crude by the French.
Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outré.
On the other hand, Americans, who have been taught to never discuss politics or religion, sometimes think they are being singled out for abuse when the French express their opinions on such matters. They are not, of course. they are simply engaging in the second most popular French indoor sport (and the one that does not usually require a bed).
[As a personal observation, I have never hesitated to make my own opinion perfectly clear, even when it is one unpopular with the French. Despite the fact that I speak French with an obvious Canadian accent (I learned how to speak French in Montreal) I always correct people who identify me as a Quebecois and never hesitate to say I am an American. If people want to argue politics and/or current events I am happy to oblige. I have never met a worthwhile person who was offended by a sincerely held opinion that is supported with logic and facts. Some Americans seem to believe that they must meekly agree with every opinion expressed in France (or pretend to be Canadians.) to avoid being labeled an "Ugly American." This is, in my opinion just as bad as those halfwits who routinely mouth insulting anti-French platitudes. The French are some of the most well informed and intellectual people in the world. Match them thought for thought and you'll be respected and liked.]
When in a cafe, which often seems the center of life in Paris, recall that Cafe au lait is only called that at breakfast. At other times it is "café crème " or "une crème." If ordering the a standard tiny cup of black coffee, sound like a native by calling for "un espress."
Asking for special preparation of food items is generally frowned on as is the practice of the "doggy bag."
By law, prices must be posted in the window of cafes. You will notice that there are usually at least two price levels. One is for service at the bar (le zinc) and the other for table service. It is cheating to buy a drink at the bar and then take a table to drink it at.
Butter is served with bread only at breakfast and with the cheese course.
When you pay for something the person taking your money expects you to put it down, rather than taking it directly from your hand. Most places have a sort of tray on the counter expressly for this purpose.
When you're in a theater and have to go by someone to get to your seat always pass in front of them facing toward them, that is, away from the screen or the stage. It's very rude otherwise. Ushers in theaters, including movie theaters, should be tipped when they show you to your seat. A small coin is enough.
Although there are fewer and fewer of them with each passing year there are still public toilet facilities that have attendants. They should also be tipped.
When traveling on public transportation you'll notice little fold down seats close to the doors. These can be used until the subway car fills up. If and when it does become crowded you should stand up to make more room. You'll also notice that there are some seats which are identified as being for wounded war veterans, pregnant women etc. You may sit there but should give up your seat if someone in these categories needs it.
If you keep you eyes open, watch what others do, and bear in mind that even in the simplest things there can be differences, you'll do fine.
Generally speaking the French are more formal than most North Americans.
In everyday speech this means appending "s'il vous plâit" to any request. It means saying "je voudrais" and not "donnez moi" when ordering from a menu. It means calling the waiter "Monsieur" and not "Garçon." It means greeting the staff at a shop with "Bonjour" (madam or monsieur as appropriate) before ordering something and saying goodbye when you leave.
The French tend to follow the older practice of not calling each other by first names or using the familiar without at least some acquaintance (although this is not so much true of young people).
The easy presumption of friendship or the discussing of personal matters with relative strangers that is common in North America is sometimes seen as boorish or crude by the French.
Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outré.
On the other hand, Americans, who have been taught to never discuss politics or religion, sometimes think they are being singled out for abuse when the French express their opinions on such matters. They are not, of course. they are simply engaging in the second most popular French indoor sport (and the one that does not usually require a bed).
[As a personal observation, I have never hesitated to make my own opinion perfectly clear, even when it is one unpopular with the French. Despite the fact that I speak French with an obvious Canadian accent (I learned how to speak French in Montreal) I always correct people who identify me as a Quebecois and never hesitate to say I am an American. If people want to argue politics and/or current events I am happy to oblige. I have never met a worthwhile person who was offended by a sincerely held opinion that is supported with logic and facts. Some Americans seem to believe that they must meekly agree with every opinion expressed in France (or pretend to be Canadians.) to avoid being labeled an "Ugly American." This is, in my opinion just as bad as those halfwits who routinely mouth insulting anti-French platitudes. The French are some of the most well informed and intellectual people in the world. Match them thought for thought and you'll be respected and liked.]
When in a cafe, which often seems the center of life in Paris, recall that Cafe au lait is only called that at breakfast. At other times it is "café crème " or "une crème." If ordering the a standard tiny cup of black coffee, sound like a native by calling for "un espress."
Asking for special preparation of food items is generally frowned on as is the practice of the "doggy bag."
By law, prices must be posted in the window of cafes. You will notice that there are usually at least two price levels. One is for service at the bar (le zinc) and the other for table service. It is cheating to buy a drink at the bar and then take a table to drink it at.
Butter is served with bread only at breakfast and with the cheese course.
When you pay for something the person taking your money expects you to put it down, rather than taking it directly from your hand. Most places have a sort of tray on the counter expressly for this purpose.
When you're in a theater and have to go by someone to get to your seat always pass in front of them facing toward them, that is, away from the screen or the stage. It's very rude otherwise. Ushers in theaters, including movie theaters, should be tipped when they show you to your seat. A small coin is enough.
Although there are fewer and fewer of them with each passing year there are still public toilet facilities that have attendants. They should also be tipped.
When traveling on public transportation you'll notice little fold down seats close to the doors. These can be used until the subway car fills up. If and when it does become crowded you should stand up to make more room. You'll also notice that there are some seats which are identified as being for wounded war veterans, pregnant women etc. You may sit there but should give up your seat if someone in these categories needs it.
If you keep you eyes open, watch what others do, and bear in mind that even in the simplest things there can be differences, you'll do fine.
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