Zeppelin!

One of the more imaginative security features of the forthcoming Olympic Games, being held in Athens, is the proposed use of a Zeppelin to monitor the action on the ground.

Unfortunately Zeppelins, having mastered the art of not spontaneously exploding, still have one major draw back. They do not operate very well in high winds.

It seems that the ancient Greek gods were not on the side of the Zeppelin, costing $1.8M to rent for the period of the Olympics, this week; as high winds have prevented it from flying for the third day running.

However, there was some better news regarding water based security measures. The Greek authorities have taken delivery of 10 armed patrol boats.

These will be used to protect the coastline and the cruise ships, which will be housing some 10000 Olympic guests, which will be moored in the port of Piraeus during the course of the Games.

Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Medals Galore

The medals to be awarded at the forthcoming Olympic Games, which are being held in Athens, are currently being minted at a factory in Aspropyrgos a suburb of Athens.

There will be 3000 medals awarded during the Games, using:

• 13 kilos of gold, producing 986 gold medals



• 1000 kilos of silver, producing 986 silver medals



• 1000 kilos of bronze, producing 1150 bronze medals

Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

A Bridge Too Far

Contrary to the other Olympic construction projects that are behind schedule in Greece, the Rion-Antirion suspension bridge will be officially opened on August 12.

This is one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics 2004, being held in Athens; and significantly ahead of the original scheduled opening ceremony for the bridge, which had been set for November 2004.

The Olympic flame will be carried across the bridge on the 8th of August by the Greek football team, winners of Euro 2004.

The bridge is almost 1.4 miles long, and is one of the longest of its kind in the world.

Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Greece Puts It's Foot Down

Earlier reports indicated that armed guards from the USA, Israel and a number of other countries would protect athletes attending the Olympic Games in Athens.

However, the Greek authorities have reportedly insisted that this will not be allowed. The Greek constitution forbids foreigners bearing arms in Greece.

It seems to be a "Colombian standoff".

Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Cheerful News

Here is a snippet of news to cheer everyone up.

It is reported that a mobile chemical detection laboratory will be on standby in Bratislava, during the forthcoming Olympics being held in Athens.

In the event of a chemical attack by terrorists, the unit will be flown into Athens within 12 hours.

It is reported to be able to detect chemical and radiation hazards.

Given the humidity, high temperatures and high level of car pollution in Athens during the summer; it may have its work cut out trying to detect terrorist contamination.

In other news, it is reported (how???) that Greek journalists have been on strike for most of last week.

Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

A President to Brave The Olympics

Earlier doubts about whether the President of the United States would venture out of the USA, and attend the forthcoming Olympics in Athens have been dispelled.

It is reported that President Bush, and family members will be attending the Olympics.

Unfortunately it is not the current President, but his father; in the US former Presidents retain their title.

However, "W's" daughters will also be attending.

Is this a vote of confidence in the security arrangement for the Olympics 2004?

Almost There

It is reported that components of the security system that is meant to protect the Olympic Games 2004, which are being held in Athens, are almost ready to be delivered.

The original delivery date had been scheduled for the end of May. However, delays in the construction of the Olympic stadium; and other unspecified "issues" have been cited as the main factors in the late delivery of these components.

It is reported that the Greek authorities have held back the final payment of 140M Euros to the supplier, Science Applications International Corps, until the components are installed.

These components are necessary for the effective functioning of the cameras, and communication systems, protecting the Games.

Without them, the security forces are in effect deaf and blind.