It is reported that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has conducted approximately 5000 drug tests on athletes, in the first half of 2004; in readiness for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens.
Almost half of the tests were "surprise" tests (the testers turned up at athletes' houses wearing red noses and shouted "Surprise!"). However, 242 were done with advance notice being given to the athletes.
It seems that 12 tests came back positive.
In my view drug testing should be compulsory for all the athletes attending the Olympics, and other major sporting events; that is the only way to clean up the image of sport.
What are peoples' views on this?
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Saturday, July 31, 2004
Friday, July 30, 2004
Bribery and Corruption, In The Olympics; Surely Not?
The BBC's Panorama programme, due to be shown in the UK this Sunday, has put the "cat among the pigeons" in respect of the integrity and honesty of the Olympic Games.
It is reported to allege that a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was willing to take a bribe, from an undercover reporter, to help London host the 2012 Olympics.
Bribery and corruption, in sport?; surely not!
The IOC have started an internal investigation into the allegations. As an old hand at fraud and audit investigations (see my resume), unless the investigation is carried out by an independent third party; it will not be worth the paper it is printed on.
The IOC president Jacques Rogge has made the right PR noises, by saying that he takes the allegations very seriously etc etc.
It is reported that the BBC have stated that Olympic insiders have said that they have taken kickbacks, paid by previous bidding cities, and that they have been approached in respect of the 2012 Games.
Apart from the lack of infrastructure in London, which in my view pretty well kills the bid anyway, this story should finish off London's chances for good.
It is reported to allege that a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was willing to take a bribe, from an undercover reporter, to help London host the 2012 Olympics.
Bribery and corruption, in sport?; surely not!
The IOC have started an internal investigation into the allegations. As an old hand at fraud and audit investigations (see my resume), unless the investigation is carried out by an independent third party; it will not be worth the paper it is printed on.
The IOC president Jacques Rogge has made the right PR noises, by saying that he takes the allegations very seriously etc etc.
It is reported that the BBC have stated that Olympic insiders have said that they have taken kickbacks, paid by previous bidding cities, and that they have been approached in respect of the 2012 Games.
Apart from the lack of infrastructure in London, which in my view pretty well kills the bid anyway, this story should finish off London's chances for good.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
It's The Power Stupid!
Those of you who thought that the recent power blackout in Athens was a one off, should think again.
It seems that over the last fortnight power supplies have been going on and off, more rapidly than a "tart's knickers".
Some cuts in parts of Athens have lasted for up to 2 hours. This is not very pleasant for those people who are in the city at the moment, the temperature is over 35 degrees and the humidity stands at 60%.
The state electricity company (DEI) claim that these outages were due to "technical breakdowns".
Call me pedantic, but isn't that stating the obvious somewhat?
The real "technical problem" is that the power for Athens is generated in the North of Greece; and is being supplied by ageing power lines, which are prone to failure and collapse.
Now don't you think that this issue should have been recognised, and addressed, by the International Olympic Committee; when they were deciding on the merits and demerits of holding the Olympic Games in Athens?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
It seems that over the last fortnight power supplies have been going on and off, more rapidly than a "tart's knickers".
Some cuts in parts of Athens have lasted for up to 2 hours. This is not very pleasant for those people who are in the city at the moment, the temperature is over 35 degrees and the humidity stands at 60%.
The state electricity company (DEI) claim that these outages were due to "technical breakdowns".
Call me pedantic, but isn't that stating the obvious somewhat?
The real "technical problem" is that the power for Athens is generated in the North of Greece; and is being supplied by ageing power lines, which are prone to failure and collapse.
Now don't you think that this issue should have been recognised, and addressed, by the International Olympic Committee; when they were deciding on the merits and demerits of holding the Olympic Games in Athens?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
World's Largest and Longest Party
In order to keep peoples' spirits up, during the forthcoming Olympic Games in Athens, Mayor Dora Bakoyianni has decided to have a citywide party every night during the Games.
In a display of optimistic bravado, the Mayor has booked over 500 concerts and live performances together with other diversions such as; puppet shows, Dutch jazz players, acrobatics and cuisine from around the world.
The party will cost around $5M, now that's a party!
The party may help to boost visitor numbers; as noted earlier on this site, ticket sales are 5 million below target. The mayor has refused to comment on earlier estimates that 1.5 million people would come to Athens.
I suspect that the residents of Athens will be waking up with the world's largest hangover once all of this is over.
In a display of optimistic bravado, the Mayor has booked over 500 concerts and live performances together with other diversions such as; puppet shows, Dutch jazz players, acrobatics and cuisine from around the world.
The party will cost around $5M, now that's a party!
The party may help to boost visitor numbers; as noted earlier on this site, ticket sales are 5 million below target. The mayor has refused to comment on earlier estimates that 1.5 million people would come to Athens.
I suspect that the residents of Athens will be waking up with the world's largest hangover once all of this is over.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Another Nail In The Coffin
In order to help ticket sales, which are currently 5 million below target, the hotel workers in Athens are doing their bit to make the Olympic tourist feel welcome for this year's Olympic Games in Athens.
The hotel workers are planning to go on strike on the 4th of August, just when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrive to take a final look at the readiness of Athens to host the Games.
The hotel workers are not alone, in wishing to claim more money during the Olympics; taxi drivers, hotel owners etc have all been pushing the "economic envelope", as they seek ways to milk the "Olympic cow".
It is reported that even some doctors are asking for more money during the Games, doctors in Athens will strike tomorrow for 6 hours.
The current estimate of the costs for holding the Games, by the way, is $12BN.
Value for money?
Comments welcome.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
The hotel workers are planning to go on strike on the 4th of August, just when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrive to take a final look at the readiness of Athens to host the Games.
The hotel workers are not alone, in wishing to claim more money during the Olympics; taxi drivers, hotel owners etc have all been pushing the "economic envelope", as they seek ways to milk the "Olympic cow".
It is reported that even some doctors are asking for more money during the Games, doctors in Athens will strike tomorrow for 6 hours.
The current estimate of the costs for holding the Games, by the way, is $12BN.
Value for money?
Comments welcome.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Monday, July 26, 2004
Unsinkable
Following on from the recent power cut in Athens, there have been questions raised about the reliability of the IT, power and communication systems being used during the Olympics 2004.
It is reported that all possible threats, from earthquakes to hacking have been taken into account; and that the systems won't go down, they are in effect unsinkable.
There will be 10500 pcs, 4000 terminals and 900 servers employed to cover the Olympic Games. These are powered by two power lines, and employ power supply units that will keep them going for 30 minutes in the event that the main grid goes down.
What could possibly go wrong?
Didn't they say that about the Titanic?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
It is reported that all possible threats, from earthquakes to hacking have been taken into account; and that the systems won't go down, they are in effect unsinkable.
There will be 10500 pcs, 4000 terminals and 900 servers employed to cover the Olympic Games. These are powered by two power lines, and employ power supply units that will keep them going for 30 minutes in the event that the main grid goes down.
What could possibly go wrong?
Didn't they say that about the Titanic?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Economic Reality Dawns
It seems that the forces of economics have finally prevailed on the hotel owners of Greece.
As reported earlier on this site, there are some 5 million unsold tickets for the Olympics 2004; which are being held in Athens in a few weeks time. This shortfall of an Olympic audience naturally has had a knock on effect on hotel occupancy rates.
I have noted on several occasions that, when tickets don't sell, one helpful mechanism is to reduce the price.
Although the Olympic Committee stubbornly refuses to lower the prices of the tickets, at least the hotel owners in and around Athens have a little more economic "savvy".
The greedy hotel owners, who had attempted to "milk the Olympic tourists dry" by putting up their prices (by up to four time the normal amount for this time of year); have realised they will be left with empty rooms, unless they curtail their greed.
It is reported that the "bargain" rates on offer now include rooms in the Holiday Inn at £800 per night, down from a whopping £1260 per night.
I have to say that the greed displayed by the hotel owners, and others connected with the Olympics, is truly mind numbing. I have little sympathy for them if they take a loss on this event; Olympic tourists are not mindless cattle, that can be milked for every last Pound or Dollar.
My advice, to any of you who are thinking of travelling to Athens for the Olympic Games, is to "play hard ball" with the hotel owners and airlines.
Whatever price they quote you, ask for another 20% off at least; and remind them that there are 5 million unsold tickets for the Games.
Use the "Last Minute" advert on the menu bar of this page as a starting point for pricing your trip.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
As reported earlier on this site, there are some 5 million unsold tickets for the Olympics 2004; which are being held in Athens in a few weeks time. This shortfall of an Olympic audience naturally has had a knock on effect on hotel occupancy rates.
I have noted on several occasions that, when tickets don't sell, one helpful mechanism is to reduce the price.
Although the Olympic Committee stubbornly refuses to lower the prices of the tickets, at least the hotel owners in and around Athens have a little more economic "savvy".
The greedy hotel owners, who had attempted to "milk the Olympic tourists dry" by putting up their prices (by up to four time the normal amount for this time of year); have realised they will be left with empty rooms, unless they curtail their greed.
It is reported that the "bargain" rates on offer now include rooms in the Holiday Inn at £800 per night, down from a whopping £1260 per night.
I have to say that the greed displayed by the hotel owners, and others connected with the Olympics, is truly mind numbing. I have little sympathy for them if they take a loss on this event; Olympic tourists are not mindless cattle, that can be milked for every last Pound or Dollar.
My advice, to any of you who are thinking of travelling to Athens for the Olympic Games, is to "play hard ball" with the hotel owners and airlines.
Whatever price they quote you, ask for another 20% off at least; and remind them that there are 5 million unsold tickets for the Games.
Use the "Last Minute" advert on the menu bar of this page as a starting point for pricing your trip.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
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