Albina Khomich, a Russian weightlifter, has been suspended from the Olympics; as a result of a positive drug test.
That makes him the ninth person to be kicked out.
Will there be any weightlifters left?
Saturday, August 21, 2004
The Real Olympic Spirit
My commendations to Kim Collins, the sprinter from St Kitts, who is competing in the Olympics.
In a gesture displaying the Olympic spirit of days long gone; he has promised his 40000 fellow citizens of St Kitts a massive party, on the beach, when he returns from the Games.
The party will happen whether he wins or loses, as it is a thank you party for the support of his fellow citizens during the run up to the Games.
That is what the Olympics should be about.
In a gesture displaying the Olympic spirit of days long gone; he has promised his 40000 fellow citizens of St Kitts a massive party, on the beach, when he returns from the Games.
The party will happen whether he wins or loses, as it is a thank you party for the support of his fellow citizens during the run up to the Games.
That is what the Olympics should be about.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Touts Scammed by Their Own Petard
Major sporting occasions attract ticket touts, offering inflated priced tickets, like flies around dog s**t.
The Olympics has proven to be no different. However, for the hapless spectator who has been fleeced by these scam merchants in the past; there is at last a feeling of schadenfreude.
It is reported that, as a result of low attendance figures, ticket touts are offering tickets at face value for most events.
However, before you start to weep for the poor ticket tout; do remember that he will have bought his tickets in bulk at a considerable discount.
So if you still want to attend, for example, the 22nd of August men's 100 metre final you can; tickets that are listed on the Athens 2004 official site as sold out, are still available at face value of $110.90.
My advice is to haggle with these guys, you should be able to get a discount.
The Olympics has proven to be no different. However, for the hapless spectator who has been fleeced by these scam merchants in the past; there is at last a feeling of schadenfreude.
It is reported that, as a result of low attendance figures, ticket touts are offering tickets at face value for most events.
However, before you start to weep for the poor ticket tout; do remember that he will have bought his tickets in bulk at a considerable discount.
So if you still want to attend, for example, the 22nd of August men's 100 metre final you can; tickets that are listed on the Athens 2004 official site as sold out, are still available at face value of $110.90.
My advice is to haggle with these guys, you should be able to get a discount.
Dopes
It seems that those competing in the weightlifting part of the Olympic Games are either remarkably unlucky, or remarkably stupid.
It is reported that an eighth competitor in the weightlifting section has tested positive for taking performance enhancing drugs.
The hapless competitor, to add his name to "list of honour", is a Greek whose identity has not been revealed (as at the time of writing).
However, speculation in the local press named Leonidas Sampanis as the likely dope head. He will face losing his bronze medal if found guilty.
The only way to eliminate this problem is to either test all competitors on a regular basis, or to simply allow them to take whatever they want; and damn the consequences.
Views anyone?
It is reported that an eighth competitor in the weightlifting section has tested positive for taking performance enhancing drugs.
The hapless competitor, to add his name to "list of honour", is a Greek whose identity has not been revealed (as at the time of writing).
However, speculation in the local press named Leonidas Sampanis as the likely dope head. He will face losing his bronze medal if found guilty.
The only way to eliminate this problem is to either test all competitors on a regular basis, or to simply allow them to take whatever they want; and damn the consequences.
Views anyone?
Sex - Harder, Deeper, Longer
I thought that would attract your attention!
It seems that ATHOC, the organisers of the Athens Olympics, have a strong puritan streak running through their veins. They have taken exception to the Greek edition of Playboy, which devoted a section in this month's edition to Olympic sex traditions, and tried to ban it.
However, the Playboy edition which used such phrases as "harder, deeper, longer" along with pictures of naked models doing "athletic type things" is still in circulation; the court did not see that ATHOC's case had any merit.
ATHOC also took offence to the use of Olympic images, such as the five rings, which they feel Playboy debased. Seemingly five coloured condoms were arranged, in a pattern similar to the five rings.
I would remind ATHOC that, as mentioned earlier in this blog, the five rings myth originated with Hitler and the 1936 Games; there is therefore no harm in debunking them in the manner in which Playboy has done.
As with all half baked attempts at censorship, the story gave a huge amount of publicity to Playboy's Olympic edition; all copies were sold out as soon as they reached the newsagents this morning.
It seems that ATHOC, the organisers of the Athens Olympics, have a strong puritan streak running through their veins. They have taken exception to the Greek edition of Playboy, which devoted a section in this month's edition to Olympic sex traditions, and tried to ban it.
However, the Playboy edition which used such phrases as "harder, deeper, longer" along with pictures of naked models doing "athletic type things" is still in circulation; the court did not see that ATHOC's case had any merit.
ATHOC also took offence to the use of Olympic images, such as the five rings, which they feel Playboy debased. Seemingly five coloured condoms were arranged, in a pattern similar to the five rings.
I would remind ATHOC that, as mentioned earlier in this blog, the five rings myth originated with Hitler and the 1936 Games; there is therefore no harm in debunking them in the manner in which Playboy has done.
As with all half baked attempts at censorship, the story gave a huge amount of publicity to Playboy's Olympic edition; all copies were sold out as soon as they reached the newsagents this morning.
Good For Business
WPP, the world's third largest advertising agency, has reported a notable rise in profits today for the first 6 months of 2004.
Pre-tax profits rose by 15% to £176M, and turnover rose 13% to £2BN.
WPP attributed this improved performance to The Olympics, Euro 2004 and the US Presidential election.
Pre-tax profits rose by 15% to £176M, and turnover rose 13% to £2BN.
WPP attributed this improved performance to The Olympics, Euro 2004 and the US Presidential election.
So Far So Good
Without wishing to tempt fate, it is clear that the $1.5M spent on security for the Olympics in Athens seems to be money well spent.
There have been, at this halfway stage in the Games, no serious security issues. The only breaches have been perpetrated by the media looking for weak links, a man in a tutu diving into the Olympic swimming pool and the accidental arrest of the Olympic doping testing team on suspicion of terrorism.
Here's hoping that this state of affairs continues.
There have been, at this halfway stage in the Games, no serious security issues. The only breaches have been perpetrated by the media looking for weak links, a man in a tutu diving into the Olympic swimming pool and the accidental arrest of the Olympic doping testing team on suspicion of terrorism.
Here's hoping that this state of affairs continues.
Second Opinion Sought
It seems that despite pulling out of the Olympic Games, Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou won't be let off the hook so easily.
The prosecutor looking into their motorcycle "accident" is reported to be now investigating the "injuries" of the athletes.
The prosecutor, Haralambos Lakafosis, wants to question some of the doctors at Athens' KAT hospital; where the dynamic duo were taken after their "accident".
When the athletes were admitted on 13 August the hospital issued a statement saying that Kenteris was suffering from "cranial trauma, whiplash and open wounds on his lower leg". Thanou sustained abdominal bruises, injuries to her right hip and a muscular injury to her right upper leg.
However, the problem is that this doesn't match with the report from medical examiner Philipos Koutsaftis; who examined the athletes on 16 August.
This report noted that Kenteris had a few cuts and bruises on his right leg and left elbow, and detected no significant injuries to Thanou.
Time for a second opinion I think.
The prosecutor looking into their motorcycle "accident" is reported to be now investigating the "injuries" of the athletes.
The prosecutor, Haralambos Lakafosis, wants to question some of the doctors at Athens' KAT hospital; where the dynamic duo were taken after their "accident".
When the athletes were admitted on 13 August the hospital issued a statement saying that Kenteris was suffering from "cranial trauma, whiplash and open wounds on his lower leg". Thanou sustained abdominal bruises, injuries to her right hip and a muscular injury to her right upper leg.
However, the problem is that this doesn't match with the report from medical examiner Philipos Koutsaftis; who examined the athletes on 16 August.
This report noted that Kenteris had a few cuts and bruises on his right leg and left elbow, and detected no significant injuries to Thanou.
Time for a second opinion I think.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Fake Off!
It seems that the dynamic duo of Greek sprinting, Kostadinos Kenteris and Ekaterini Thanou, faked their alleged motorcycle accident. This accident was used as an excuse for missing a hearing into their missing a drugs test.
Why am I not surprised at this revelation?
Our "heroes" seem to have missed two other earlier drugs tests as well.
The Greek prosecutor, who is conducting an investigation into the "accident", has concluded that the accident didn't happen or at least was deliberately caused by the dynamic duo.
It seems that a medical expert who examined the injured heroes, has concluded that the nature of their "injuries" negated them travelling at speed; and that they had exaggerated their condition.
So in addition to being cheats, they are also guilty of being stupid.
Maybe they should have taken a few drugs to improve their mental abilities, instead of their physical abilities?
Why am I not surprised at this revelation?
Our "heroes" seem to have missed two other earlier drugs tests as well.
The Greek prosecutor, who is conducting an investigation into the "accident", has concluded that the accident didn't happen or at least was deliberately caused by the dynamic duo.
It seems that a medical expert who examined the injured heroes, has concluded that the nature of their "injuries" negated them travelling at speed; and that they had exaggerated their condition.
So in addition to being cheats, they are also guilty of being stupid.
Maybe they should have taken a few drugs to improve their mental abilities, instead of their physical abilities?
Mini Blackout
It is reported that internet services for most of East Athens went down at around 18:00 yesterday, and did not come back up until several hours later.
It seems that excess use by the press centre of the Olympic Games is being blamed for this.
However, earlier predictions of chaotic blackouts of the net and phone services have not come to pass.
The reason?
The Games are not attracting the level of interest that the organisers had hoped/hyped for.
It seems that excess use by the press centre of the Olympic Games is being blamed for this.
However, earlier predictions of chaotic blackouts of the net and phone services have not come to pass.
The reason?
The Games are not attracting the level of interest that the organisers had hoped/hyped for.
Where Have All the People Gone?
It seems that the excuse for the empty Olympic stadiums, namely that people are away on holiday, doesn't ring true.
Reports indicate that the citizens of Athens are neither in the city, nor vacationing on their favourite holiday islands.
They instead seem to be taking short breaks at nearby destinations.
The reason? Lack of spare cash it seems.
Since joining the Euro, the Greek economy has been gripped by inflation; as shopkeepers use confusion over the new currency to hike their prices.
Additionally, the Olympics has been used as an excuse by many groups of "entrepreneurs" to raise their prices.
The high prices, reported here some time ago, have deterred foreign visitors from coming to Greece. Oddly enough people don't like being "ripped off".
It seems that in hosting the Olympic Games, the Greeks have killed the goose that lays the golden egg; ie tourism, which normally brings in around 14 million visitors each year.
Add on to this the debt overhang from the $12BN Games, that the Greek citizens will be paying for over the next decade, and I wonder if the average Greek feels that it was all worth it?
Reports indicate that the citizens of Athens are neither in the city, nor vacationing on their favourite holiday islands.
They instead seem to be taking short breaks at nearby destinations.
The reason? Lack of spare cash it seems.
Since joining the Euro, the Greek economy has been gripped by inflation; as shopkeepers use confusion over the new currency to hike their prices.
Additionally, the Olympics has been used as an excuse by many groups of "entrepreneurs" to raise their prices.
The high prices, reported here some time ago, have deterred foreign visitors from coming to Greece. Oddly enough people don't like being "ripped off".
It seems that in hosting the Olympic Games, the Greeks have killed the goose that lays the golden egg; ie tourism, which normally brings in around 14 million visitors each year.
Add on to this the debt overhang from the $12BN Games, that the Greek citizens will be paying for over the next decade, and I wonder if the average Greek feels that it was all worth it?
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Don't Look at My Tutu
A man clad in a blue tutu defied the massive Olympic security measures, and dived into a swimming pool during a diving competition on Monday.
It transpires that the man, a Canadian, was performing a publicity stunt for an on line casino.
He was detained by police, and is understood to be "helping them with their enquiries".
It transpires that the man, a Canadian, was performing a publicity stunt for an on line casino.
He was detained by police, and is understood to be "helping them with their enquiries".
Security Works
The massive Olympic security operation, in and around Athens, is working.
It is reported that the levels of petty crime, such as theft, have fallen dramatically; by up to 40%.
It seems that it is not so much the Zeppelin patrolling the skies or cctv monitoring the citizens; but good old fashioned "bobbies on the beat", who have contributed to this fall.
There are lessons to be learned here, for other crime spots around the world. However, putting 70000 police on the beat, as is the case in Athens, may be a bit extreme.
The criminal element does still have some free reign, it seems that Athens's taxi drivers are still cheating their customers.
It is reported that the levels of petty crime, such as theft, have fallen dramatically; by up to 40%.
It seems that it is not so much the Zeppelin patrolling the skies or cctv monitoring the citizens; but good old fashioned "bobbies on the beat", who have contributed to this fall.
There are lessons to be learned here, for other crime spots around the world. However, putting 70000 police on the beat, as is the case in Athens, may be a bit extreme.
The criminal element does still have some free reign, it seems that Athens's taxi drivers are still cheating their customers.
Out They Go
The "dynamic duo" of Greek sprinting have bowed to the inevitable, and have pulled out of the Olympic Games (before being thrown out).
The Greek Olympic 200 metres champion, Costas Kenteris, has withdrawn out of "a sense of responsibility".
He is still in denial about the fact that he deliberately missed the drugs test, last Thursday; claiming that he was not told about it.
Katerina Thanou, the other half of the "dynamic duo", issued an apology to the Greek people; noting that as she was not be able to race, she had to pull out of the Games.
For good measure their coach, Christos Tzekos, also pulled out; defiantly noting that he had done nothing wrong.
This decision will certainly hit their pockets.
It is reported that Kenderis's sponsorship contract, with Greek Telecom OTE, is worth over 5M Euros. Needless to say this goes to the wind, as the contract contained an anti doping clause.
They may even lose their honourary positions as lieutenants in Greece's air force.
But they are innocent, right?
The Greek Olympic 200 metres champion, Costas Kenteris, has withdrawn out of "a sense of responsibility".
He is still in denial about the fact that he deliberately missed the drugs test, last Thursday; claiming that he was not told about it.
Katerina Thanou, the other half of the "dynamic duo", issued an apology to the Greek people; noting that as she was not be able to race, she had to pull out of the Games.
For good measure their coach, Christos Tzekos, also pulled out; defiantly noting that he had done nothing wrong.
This decision will certainly hit their pockets.
It is reported that Kenderis's sponsorship contract, with Greek Telecom OTE, is worth over 5M Euros. Needless to say this goes to the wind, as the contract contained an anti doping clause.
They may even lose their honourary positions as lieutenants in Greece's air force.
But they are innocent, right?
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Dynamic Duo Leave Hospital
Reports are coming in that the dynamic Greek sprinting duo, Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, who missed a drugs test and then had a motorcycle "accident"; thus avoiding a hearing to discuss the drugs test, are leaving hospital now.
It's Radio Jim, But Not as We Know It
It seems that some Australian radio broadcasters, ABC and 2GB, have fallen foul of the arcane restrictions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the broadcast of Olympic material.
The broadcasters had secured the rights to broadcast live from the Olympics, and were happily doing so. However, they were broadcasting via the internet.
It seems that the grandees of the IOC do not approve of such means of communication, and have banned the companies from making further broadcasts.
There is a possibility that the hapless Australian companies may also be sued, and lose their rights to broadcast Olympic material again.
The broadcasters had secured the rights to broadcast live from the Olympics, and were happily doing so. However, they were broadcasting via the internet.
It seems that the grandees of the IOC do not approve of such means of communication, and have banned the companies from making further broadcasts.
There is a possibility that the hapless Australian companies may also be sued, and lose their rights to broadcast Olympic material again.
Acropolis Now
Oh dear, it seems that the Olympics Games chief Gianna Angelopoulos attempted her own version of Armageddon on Saturday.
She held a party Saturday night for foreign VIP's, with a spectacular firework display as a climax.
Unfortunately, the fireworks set fire to a nearby park; odd that, given the fact the Athens is bone dry at the moment!
The result is that the mayor is filing a suit against her, and an investigation has been launched into whether proper safety precautions were taken.
Maybe she should have stuck to water features, such as the opening ceremony, something she has more skill with.
She held a party Saturday night for foreign VIP's, with a spectacular firework display as a climax.
Unfortunately, the fireworks set fire to a nearby park; odd that, given the fact the Athens is bone dry at the moment!
The result is that the mayor is filing a suit against her, and an investigation has been launched into whether proper safety precautions were taken.
Maybe she should have stuck to water features, such as the opening ceremony, something she has more skill with.
More Intolerance
Having already caused offence to the gay community (see previous post), it seems that intolerance in Greece extends to religion as well.
The Olympics village house over 10000 athletes, plus entourage. They come from far and wide, and not surprisingly have different religious beliefs. In order to tend to their beliefs, many athletes have brought their own priests, spiritual advisers etc.
However, Greece has a few rules with regard to religion. It seems that they only allow certain Christian churches from countries with which they have good relations.
There are ongoing discussions between the Athens Olympic Committee (ATHOC) and religious leaders, as to what the church representatives can and can't do; and where they can do it.
I believe that issues regarding non Christian religions are even more "complex".
The Olympics village house over 10000 athletes, plus entourage. They come from far and wide, and not surprisingly have different religious beliefs. In order to tend to their beliefs, many athletes have brought their own priests, spiritual advisers etc.
However, Greece has a few rules with regard to religion. It seems that they only allow certain Christian churches from countries with which they have good relations.
There are ongoing discussions between the Athens Olympic Committee (ATHOC) and religious leaders, as to what the church representatives can and can't do; and where they can do it.
I believe that issues regarding non Christian religions are even more "complex".
The Death of Tolerance
It seems that Greece, once renowned in ancient times for its tolerance towards gay issues, has caused deep offence and anger with modern day gay and lesbians.
It seems that at a concert, sponsored by the Jamaican Olympic team and Puma, held outside the Olympic village over the weekend; the reggae star Buju Banton performed a selection of his hits.
One of these, and it is not clear as to whether he actually sang this one, is "Boom Bye Bye"; an odious little number, in which he encourages people to pour acid on gays then burn them alive.
It seems that at a concert, sponsored by the Jamaican Olympic team and Puma, held outside the Olympic village over the weekend; the reggae star Buju Banton performed a selection of his hits.
One of these, and it is not clear as to whether he actually sang this one, is "Boom Bye Bye"; an odious little number, in which he encourages people to pour acid on gays then burn them alive.
Monday, August 16, 2004
The Scandal That Won't Go away
It seems that the scandal surrounding the Greek sporting heroes Kenteris and Thanou, won't go away.
Having missed their drug test last week they then mysteriously had a "motorcycle accident", which prevented them from attending a hearing into their missed drug test.
Their lawyer Michalis Dimitrakapoulos is now reported to have told the media that, as they are on drips in hospital, there is no way that they can give interviews.
Funny that!
However, insiders from the hospital are rumoured to be leaking stories that the wounded "heroes" seem to be suffering from no more than a few cuts and bruises.
Even the "accident site" seems to have had a rapid recovery, the police are reported to be having a little difficulty in finding it and indeed any witnesses.
If anyone can help the police find the missing accident site, please give them a call. I am sure that Kenteris and Thanou would be very pleased.
Having missed their drug test last week they then mysteriously had a "motorcycle accident", which prevented them from attending a hearing into their missed drug test.
Their lawyer Michalis Dimitrakapoulos is now reported to have told the media that, as they are on drips in hospital, there is no way that they can give interviews.
Funny that!
However, insiders from the hospital are rumoured to be leaking stories that the wounded "heroes" seem to be suffering from no more than a few cuts and bruises.
Even the "accident site" seems to have had a rapid recovery, the police are reported to be having a little difficulty in finding it and indeed any witnesses.
If anyone can help the police find the missing accident site, please give them a call. I am sure that Kenteris and Thanou would be very pleased.
Shank's Pony
It seems that the new tram line installed for the Olympics, which was designed to speed spectators and Olympic officials smoothly and efficiently between Olympic venues in Athens, is having a few teething problems.
Among the issues being reported are the following:
Aside from the above, they seem to be working fine!
I suggest that visitors and officials take to the streets, and use "Shank's Pony", ie walk.
Among the issues being reported are the following:
- The installation of the tram line caused the destruction of hundreds of trees and associated foliage.
- The trams are not running on time.
- There have been several traffic accidents between the tram and other road users.
- There have been power blackouts.
- The trams are slow.
- The air conditioning doesn't work.
Aside from the above, they seem to be working fine!
I suggest that visitors and officials take to the streets, and use "Shank's Pony", ie walk.
The Half Million Giveaway
In an effort to fill empty stadiums, and to create the illusion of success, the Olympics organisers are reportedly going to give away 500,000 tickets for Olympic events.
It seems that a combination of fears about terrorist activities, and the extortionate prices being charged by hotels, restaurants and other tourist services in Athens; have driven the Olympic tourist away.
Around 1.3 million tickets remain unsold, and the IOC does not want to see pictures on TV screens of half empty stadiums.
The Greek authorities are pleading with Greek citizens to buy tickets, so as the honour of Greece is not tainted by the low attendance figures.
One bright spot is that the ticket touts, who normally make a killing at such events, are being "screwed"; as tickets that they hold, and "cornered the market in", are simply not shifting.
It seems that a combination of fears about terrorist activities, and the extortionate prices being charged by hotels, restaurants and other tourist services in Athens; have driven the Olympic tourist away.
Around 1.3 million tickets remain unsold, and the IOC does not want to see pictures on TV screens of half empty stadiums.
The Greek authorities are pleading with Greek citizens to buy tickets, so as the honour of Greece is not tainted by the low attendance figures.
One bright spot is that the ticket touts, who normally make a killing at such events, are being "screwed"; as tickets that they hold, and "cornered the market in", are simply not shifting.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Off The Air
Greek TV went off the air, for a second time in a week last night, when the state run network ET1 lost the Olympic signal for 20 minutes.
It seems that Greece's telephone operator, OTE, were responsible. As an act of atonement, two senior executives were offered up to appease the gods.
Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis is confident that it wont happen again.
It seems that Greece's telephone operator, OTE, were responsible. As an act of atonement, two senior executives were offered up to appease the gods.
Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis is confident that it wont happen again.
Rancorous Odour
Full marks for the vigilance of the security teams in the Olympic villages of Athens.
Sniffer dogs sounded the alarm on Saturday night, when a journalist was returning home.
The hapless fellow founded himself surrounded by security forces, who conducted a thorough search of his person, looking for a dangerous substance. It seems that the dangerous substance he was thought to be carrying was no more lethal than a bottle of aftershave.
I wonder what effect it has on his dates?
Sniffer dogs sounded the alarm on Saturday night, when a journalist was returning home.
The hapless fellow founded himself surrounded by security forces, who conducted a thorough search of his person, looking for a dangerous substance. It seems that the dangerous substance he was thought to be carrying was no more lethal than a bottle of aftershave.
I wonder what effect it has on his dates?
Insecurity
A British tabloid journalist has blown the "watertight" security of the Olympics apart.
He is reported to have gained work on one of the Olympic construction sites, without any form of security clearance.
He then left various "suspicious" packages in situ, which allegedly have not been found or detected.
He is reported to have gained work on one of the Olympic construction sites, without any form of security clearance.
He then left various "suspicious" packages in situ, which allegedly have not been found or detected.
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