Money Well Spent?
It seems that the delivery of the IT security system for the Athens Olympics will be delayed until the end of June.
The system is being supplied by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), who had promised to deliver it by the end of May.
There are unconfirmed reports that even when delivered, the system will only be 85% functional; does that give you a feeling of confidence, or not?
Security is proving to be an expensive headache, the cost is estimated to be 1BN Euros. Given the cost, one might have expected that the authorities would get a system that was 100% functional.
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Friday, May 28, 2004
Oops, Off Message
In a splendidly frank and honest admission the Greek Public Works Minister, George Souflias, has said that Greece may have made a mistake in taking on the Athens Olympics for this summer.
Costs seem to be out of control, with construction and security matters proving to be a major headache.
One particular tale, that probably best sums up the chaos wrt security and construction, has caught my eye.
It seems that one of the companies hired to dig the sewers for the Olympic sites, and lay the manhole covers over the sewers, has done a splendid job in respect of laying the nice new manhole covers.
Unfortunately, the cover nothing; as they neglected to dig the sewers.
These games are going to be fun!
In a splendidly frank and honest admission the Greek Public Works Minister, George Souflias, has said that Greece may have made a mistake in taking on the Athens Olympics for this summer.
Costs seem to be out of control, with construction and security matters proving to be a major headache.
One particular tale, that probably best sums up the chaos wrt security and construction, has caught my eye.
It seems that one of the companies hired to dig the sewers for the Olympic sites, and lay the manhole covers over the sewers, has done a splendid job in respect of laying the nice new manhole covers.
Unfortunately, the cover nothing; as they neglected to dig the sewers.
These games are going to be fun!
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Webathon
It seems that this site is not alone in providing commentary on the Olympics, via the internet.
It is expected that the Olympics 2004 will see a surge in reporting via the net, and mobile phones.
The doubling of broadband subscribers over the last two years is expected to fuel this demand for live streaming and related news.
The Olympic organisers expect 10M web visitors a day.
Major companies such as Canon and T-Mobile are jumping on the Olympic internet bandwagon.
It seems that this site is not alone in providing commentary on the Olympics, via the internet.
It is expected that the Olympics 2004 will see a surge in reporting via the net, and mobile phones.
The doubling of broadband subscribers over the last two years is expected to fuel this demand for live streaming and related news.
The Olympic organisers expect 10M web visitors a day.
Major companies such as Canon and T-Mobile are jumping on the Olympic internet bandwagon.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
The Nuclear Olympics
I understand that the US Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, has given hand held radiological detection equipment to Greek officials; to help with improving security for the forthcoming Olympic Games, being held in Athens.
Additionally, the US are also providing assistance with regard to protecting against the theft of radioactive materials located within Greece; that could be used for terrorist purposes during the Olympic Games. They are also implementing security upgrades at the Demokritos research reactor.
How reassuring for the athletes and the spectators!
I understand that the US Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, has given hand held radiological detection equipment to Greek officials; to help with improving security for the forthcoming Olympic Games, being held in Athens.
Additionally, the US are also providing assistance with regard to protecting against the theft of radioactive materials located within Greece; that could be used for terrorist purposes during the Olympic Games. They are also implementing security upgrades at the Demokritos research reactor.
How reassuring for the athletes and the spectators!
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Place Your Bets Ladies and Gents
As we all know people like to take a little "flutter" on sporting events, the Olympics 2004 provides the whole world a stupefying opportunity to indulge in a betting fest.
In some senses, it can be argued that this betting frenzy offers a rare opportunity for people around the world to be unified in a common cause namely; trying to make money from the effort of others.
I understand that many gaming firms are getting ready for an explosion of online betting trade during the Olympics.
The pace of change in technology means that people around the world can now place a bet via their TV, mobile phone, internet or betting shop.
I suspect though, that at the end of the day, it will be the "bookies" who make the most money rather than the "punters".
As we all know people like to take a little "flutter" on sporting events, the Olympics 2004 provides the whole world a stupefying opportunity to indulge in a betting fest.
In some senses, it can be argued that this betting frenzy offers a rare opportunity for people around the world to be unified in a common cause namely; trying to make money from the effort of others.
I understand that many gaming firms are getting ready for an explosion of online betting trade during the Olympics.
The pace of change in technology means that people around the world can now place a bet via their TV, mobile phone, internet or betting shop.
I suspect though, that at the end of the day, it will be the "bookies" who make the most money rather than the "punters".
Monday, May 24, 2004
Less Haste More Speed
Yesterday's tragic roof collapse at Charles De Gaulle Airport, provides an apposite reminder to the Greek authorities over the possible dangers of rushing building works.
As has been widely reported, building works in time for the 2004 Olympic Games (being held in Athens) are falling behind schedule.
As anyone, who has had building work done for them, knows when things start to fall behind schedule there is an almighty temptation for the builders to "rush and bodge".
We trust that the Greek authorities are fully supervising construction and will, if necessary, have the "guts" to say "we cannot complete certain works"; rather than hide a bodge job under paint and flowers.
Yesterday's tragic roof collapse at Charles De Gaulle Airport, provides an apposite reminder to the Greek authorities over the possible dangers of rushing building works.
As has been widely reported, building works in time for the 2004 Olympic Games (being held in Athens) are falling behind schedule.
As anyone, who has had building work done for them, knows when things start to fall behind schedule there is an almighty temptation for the builders to "rush and bodge".
We trust that the Greek authorities are fully supervising construction and will, if necessary, have the "guts" to say "we cannot complete certain works"; rather than hide a bodge job under paint and flowers.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
The Alternative Olympics
Those of you not of a sporting bent, may be pleased to know that there is an alternative to the sporting fest being held in Athens.
Barcelona is holding a five month cultural/intellectual forum aimed at solving the world's problems.
Now that does sound worthwhile!
Subjects to be covered include; peace, diversity and sustainable development.
Visitors to Barcelona will not be bored, there will be an array of exhibitions and conferences, plus 450 concerts by a variety of artists including; Sting and Bob Dylan.
Barcelona has built a 125 acre site to host the forum, this will be one of the world's largest conference centres.
The Forum's website is www.barcelona2004.org
Those of you not of a sporting bent, may be pleased to know that there is an alternative to the sporting fest being held in Athens.
Barcelona is holding a five month cultural/intellectual forum aimed at solving the world's problems.
Now that does sound worthwhile!
Subjects to be covered include; peace, diversity and sustainable development.
Visitors to Barcelona will not be bored, there will be an array of exhibitions and conferences, plus 450 concerts by a variety of artists including; Sting and Bob Dylan.
Barcelona has built a 125 acre site to host the forum, this will be one of the world's largest conference centres.
The Forum's website is www.barcelona2004.org
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