It is reported that, in the light of the security concerns over the Olympics 2004 (being held in Athens), Israel will be taking a prominent role in assisting with the security arrangements.
The reports indicate that even the Israeli navy may be deployed in Greek coastal waters, in order to deal with "suspicious" ships.
The cost of the security operation for the Olympics 2004, is currently estimated to be around $1.2BN.
In addition to the navy, Israeli intelligence and private Israeli firms will be on hand to provide expertise, training and equipment.
It seems that had Greece not agreed to receive this assistance, Israel may well have boycotted the Olympics 2004; as they perceived the original security arrangements to be dreadful.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Can't Drop, Won't Drop
The organisers of the Olympic Games 2004, which are being held in Athens this August, are faced with something of a dilemma.
There are over 3 million unsold tickets for the Games, which begin in a little over 50 days time.
The organising committee will be launching a media blitz, which will push the Games as the safest yet etc. However, the simplest way to shift tickets would be to drop the prices.
Unfortunately, a mixture of stubbornness and worries about complaints from people who have already paid full price for their tickets are preventing this most sensible idea being implemented.
If you have any ideas as to how the tickets could be shifted, please feel free to drop me a line.
There are over 3 million unsold tickets for the Games, which begin in a little over 50 days time.
The organising committee will be launching a media blitz, which will push the Games as the safest yet etc. However, the simplest way to shift tickets would be to drop the prices.
Unfortunately, a mixture of stubbornness and worries about complaints from people who have already paid full price for their tickets are preventing this most sensible idea being implemented.
If you have any ideas as to how the tickets could be shifted, please feel free to drop me a line.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
No Sweat
Those of you who lay in bed at night worrying about where to buy Olympic T shirts and sports products, that have not been produced by "sweat shop" labour, may soon be able to rest a little easier at night.
It is reported that NGO's, such as Oxfam, are increasing the pressure on firms such as Adidas et al to remove the taint of sweated labour.
The campaign "Play Fair at the Olympics", launched earlier this year, highlights the concern of the NGO's that manufacturing firms have been pushing their workers to the limit; in order to stock the shelves in time for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens Greece.
The campaign highlights the wages of those who make these products; eg in Indonesia one company was paying its workers $99 per month for a 16 hour day.
The major companies that produce these articles claim that they have codes of conduct, that cover the ages and working conditions of their workforce. However, enforcing and policing them is difficult.
I would like to offer these companies a little tip; I was directly involved in the development and distribution of the codes of conduct for Philips and De Beers (see my resume), guys you are more than welcome to approach me for advice.
It is reported that NGO's, such as Oxfam, are increasing the pressure on firms such as Adidas et al to remove the taint of sweated labour.
The campaign "Play Fair at the Olympics", launched earlier this year, highlights the concern of the NGO's that manufacturing firms have been pushing their workers to the limit; in order to stock the shelves in time for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens Greece.
The campaign highlights the wages of those who make these products; eg in Indonesia one company was paying its workers $99 per month for a 16 hour day.
The major companies that produce these articles claim that they have codes of conduct, that cover the ages and working conditions of their workforce. However, enforcing and policing them is difficult.
I would like to offer these companies a little tip; I was directly involved in the development and distribution of the codes of conduct for Philips and De Beers (see my resume), guys you are more than welcome to approach me for advice.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Flame in New York
The Olympic flame stopped off at the UN yesterday, as part of its world tour.
Kofi Annan lit an altar in front of the UN, which had been designed for the flame. Much was made of the symbolism of the visit of the flame to the UN.
Peace and goodwill to men were very much on peoples' minds at the ceremony.
Kofi Annan lit an altar in front of the UN, which had been designed for the flame. Much was made of the symbolism of the visit of the flame to the UN.
Peace and goodwill to men were very much on peoples' minds at the ceremony.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
It'll Be Alright on The Night
It seems that those of you worried about being able to buy tickets for the Olympics 2004, being held in Athens Greece, need not panic.
It is reported that Fani Palli-Petralia, Greece's Deputy Culture Minister, has stated that the Greek authorities may ask for lower ticket prices for the Games if sales don't pick up.
I understand that over 2.5M tickets (out of a total of 5M) for the Games have yet to be sold. This is despite the fact that the prices are lower than 4 years ago, when the Games were held in Sydney.
The Greek government are already very sensitive about the crtiticism that is being heaped upon them, for the poor organisation of the Games. Having half filled stadiums would be the final humiliation.
It seems that the organisers are counting on the well known Greek habit of doing everything at the last minute; and hoping for a last minute dash to buy the tickets.
It is reported that Fani Palli-Petralia, Greece's Deputy Culture Minister, has stated that the Greek authorities may ask for lower ticket prices for the Games if sales don't pick up.
I understand that over 2.5M tickets (out of a total of 5M) for the Games have yet to be sold. This is despite the fact that the prices are lower than 4 years ago, when the Games were held in Sydney.
The Greek government are already very sensitive about the crtiticism that is being heaped upon them, for the poor organisation of the Games. Having half filled stadiums would be the final humiliation.
It seems that the organisers are counting on the well known Greek habit of doing everything at the last minute; and hoping for a last minute dash to buy the tickets.
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