The group, Human Rights Watch, have asked the Chinese government to improve its human rights record before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
A website, China Olympics Watch, is pressing for the end to censorship and for trade unions and other organisations to be legalised.
Human Rights Watch are hopeful that the IOC, and sponsors, of the Games will put pressure on the Chinese to improve its human rights record.
I think this will be a "long march".
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Friday, September 03, 2004
Symbolism
Even though the Olympics 2008 in Beijing are still four years away, people are setting their minds to what should be the symbol for those Games.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
The Party is Over
It seems that post Olympic reality is about to hit Greece.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
A Little Bit of Controversy
The Olympics, wherever they are held, have one abiding characteristic; they cause controversy.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
The Butler, Sorry, Coach Did It
It seems that one half of the "Dynamic Duo" of sprinting, Kenteris, can't keep his mouth shut; and is still protesting his innocence, in relation to the earlier doping scandal that got him kicked out of the Games.
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
Happy Chappy
The head of the Olympics, Jacques Rogge, praised the Greek organisers for the successful organisation of the Olympics 2004.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
The Undiscovered Country
I am pleased to say that, during the course of the Olympic Games, this site has had over 25000 unique visitors from around the world.
Thanks for visiting.
I have also had a number of emails from some of you; some supportive and complimentary, others critical.
I have appreciated the constructive comments, both positive and negative; and have copied below extracts of two emails, that I received on Sunday, that reflect the variety of views that have been expressed about this site. The authors have given me permission to use the extracts.
Regarding the future, this site will continue to grow and develop; as I begin to change focus from Athens to the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.
Therefore, I hope that all of you; both those that like the site, and those that don't, continue to visit.
Ken
View One
"Hi there, first of all what a great site you have - found it only today and wished we had seen it before!!
We are British living in Northern Greece for the last 18 months and our only TV access at the moment is Greek..............
We watched the opening ceremony with our Greek neighbours....... When the doping fiasco started with their athletes it was a case of who was to blame, first the
Americans..., next the Greek Mafia and finally the Norwegians who apparently are tampering with the Greek athletes urine samples in Norway!!
Now that we have found you site we will visit often and will certainly recommend it to friends........."
View Two
"...You certainly know how to put the "frost" on the magnificent Olympics in Greece. Are you simply doing an overkill with your sense of humor?
Ok, granted, many negative occurrences are evident throughout the Olympics, however can you at least focus on a few positive facts? I'm curious; who is your employer?
Greece was like the parents of the bride. They had given gave birth to a beautiful baby- the Olympics. And now came the celebration of their daughter's wedding. They pulled out all of the stoppers. Of course, they will be paying off this "loan" for a long time to come. And if you compare it again to a wedding as a one day event, so much money for one day, so to speak, if it is an only child- it was well worth it.Greece has been slapped around enough, has been tough through global and media verbal abuse. Greece is such a SMALL COUNTRY because it has been made that way by surrounding countries occupations, by the take-over of 1/2 of Cyprus, which should have joined Greece decades before, as did the island of Crete.
Where am I getting to?
It's time to put Greece on the map again. Why don't you try a new approach and write about all the inhumanities history has imposed on Greece. Be mindful of what sources you use for reference.
Are you afraid to do this?
Maybe the Turks will censor such a brave task on your part? Then you can honestly report on what a great job such a small country has accomplished in Athens 2004.
Here's where you can start- the Romans using Greeks as slaves,the stealing of their mythology, teachers, the fatal abuse of their athletic,strong and courageous men in their colliseums. The Ottoman Empire's wrath and exile out of Constantinopole, Smyrna, etc. How the history books of Turkey have been changed with no reference of their "acquired": relics, land, etc. to the Greeks. Their children are led to
believe that they were the oppressed and the Greeks- the oppressor! The Italian
and German invasions What about Serbia- stole the young men, male babies,
trained them in their camps to fight against the Greeks. The new republic of
Macedonia, using the name of Macedonia, birthplace of the Greek-Alexander the
Great, as their newly formed country's name!
This is not propaganda or heresay.
It is the truth of a small country that surrounding nations would like to take
over.
I hope it will not crumble or get strangled by the expensive acceptance of the Euro and I pray it not have the same fate as Sarajevo.
I challenge you to a new view in your "reporting". Do you dare to change your approach. Be the "devil's advocate" or should I say "angel's advocate"? If you
need contacts for referencing, please feel free to contact me...."
Thanks for visiting.
I have also had a number of emails from some of you; some supportive and complimentary, others critical.
I have appreciated the constructive comments, both positive and negative; and have copied below extracts of two emails, that I received on Sunday, that reflect the variety of views that have been expressed about this site. The authors have given me permission to use the extracts.
Regarding the future, this site will continue to grow and develop; as I begin to change focus from Athens to the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.
Therefore, I hope that all of you; both those that like the site, and those that don't, continue to visit.
Ken
View One
"Hi there, first of all what a great site you have - found it only today and wished we had seen it before!!
We are British living in Northern Greece for the last 18 months and our only TV access at the moment is Greek..............
We watched the opening ceremony with our Greek neighbours....... When the doping fiasco started with their athletes it was a case of who was to blame, first the
Americans..., next the Greek Mafia and finally the Norwegians who apparently are tampering with the Greek athletes urine samples in Norway!!
Now that we have found you site we will visit often and will certainly recommend it to friends........."
View Two
"...You certainly know how to put the "frost" on the magnificent Olympics in Greece. Are you simply doing an overkill with your sense of humor?
Ok, granted, many negative occurrences are evident throughout the Olympics, however can you at least focus on a few positive facts? I'm curious; who is your employer?
Greece was like the parents of the bride. They had given gave birth to a beautiful baby- the Olympics. And now came the celebration of their daughter's wedding. They pulled out all of the stoppers. Of course, they will be paying off this "loan" for a long time to come. And if you compare it again to a wedding as a one day event, so much money for one day, so to speak, if it is an only child- it was well worth it.Greece has been slapped around enough, has been tough through global and media verbal abuse. Greece is such a SMALL COUNTRY because it has been made that way by surrounding countries occupations, by the take-over of 1/2 of Cyprus, which should have joined Greece decades before, as did the island of Crete.
Where am I getting to?
It's time to put Greece on the map again. Why don't you try a new approach and write about all the inhumanities history has imposed on Greece. Be mindful of what sources you use for reference.
Are you afraid to do this?
Maybe the Turks will censor such a brave task on your part? Then you can honestly report on what a great job such a small country has accomplished in Athens 2004.
Here's where you can start- the Romans using Greeks as slaves,the stealing of their mythology, teachers, the fatal abuse of their athletic,strong and courageous men in their colliseums. The Ottoman Empire's wrath and exile out of Constantinopole, Smyrna, etc. How the history books of Turkey have been changed with no reference of their "acquired": relics, land, etc. to the Greeks. Their children are led to
believe that they were the oppressed and the Greeks- the oppressor! The Italian
and German invasions What about Serbia- stole the young men, male babies,
trained them in their camps to fight against the Greeks. The new republic of
Macedonia, using the name of Macedonia, birthplace of the Greek-Alexander the
Great, as their newly formed country's name!
This is not propaganda or heresay.
It is the truth of a small country that surrounding nations would like to take
over.
I hope it will not crumble or get strangled by the expensive acceptance of the Euro and I pray it not have the same fate as Sarajevo.
I challenge you to a new view in your "reporting". Do you dare to change your approach. Be the "devil's advocate" or should I say "angel's advocate"? If you
need contacts for referencing, please feel free to contact me...."
Monday, August 30, 2004
Adieu Athens
The closing ceremony of the 2004 Olympics went without a hitch last night.
The show included fireworks, dancing, closing remarks by International Olympics Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge; and the presentation of the Olympic flag to the mayor of Beijing, China, where the 2008 Summer games will take place.
Kudos to the organisers, the Games went off without calamity or disaster.
Now those that attended the Games, along with the locals who delayed holidays, are all making their way to the airport.
It is estimated that 200,000 people will leave for overseas destinations over the next 48 hours.
The show included fireworks, dancing, closing remarks by International Olympics Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge; and the presentation of the Olympic flag to the mayor of Beijing, China, where the 2008 Summer games will take place.
Kudos to the organisers, the Games went off without calamity or disaster.
Now those that attended the Games, along with the locals who delayed holidays, are all making their way to the airport.
It is estimated that 200,000 people will leave for overseas destinations over the next 48 hours.
What a Plonker!
In one of the most bizarre incidents of the Games, an Irish gentleman wearing a rather unusual costume grabbed the leading marathon runner (Brazil's Vanderlei de Lima) in yesterday's race.
Needless to say this put the poor chap (the runner) off his stroke, and he came in third.
Italy's Stefano Baldini won the race.
The incident happened after about 22 miles. The man, dressed in a green beret, a white shirt, a red kilt and green knee socks ran onto the course, grabbed de Lima and pushed him off the roadway onto the sidewalk.
He later claimed that he was promoting the "second coming".
Needless to say this put the poor chap (the runner) off his stroke, and he came in third.
Italy's Stefano Baldini won the race.
The incident happened after about 22 miles. The man, dressed in a green beret, a white shirt, a red kilt and green knee socks ran onto the course, grabbed de Lima and pushed him off the roadway onto the sidewalk.
He later claimed that he was promoting the "second coming".
Sunday, August 29, 2004
The Olympic Spirit
It is reported that Britain's Olympic boxing hero Amir Khan, who won silver today, has turned down the chance to become a professional boxer; opting instead to remain as an amateur fighter, for at least the next two years.
His performances in the ring in Athens have been likened to Muhammad Ali.
He has indicated that he wishes to fight in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
His performances in the ring in Athens have been likened to Muhammad Ali.
He has indicated that he wishes to fight in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Let Wheat Grow
Tonight sees the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, as the Greeks pass on responsibility for hosting them to the Chinese.
Therefore expect fireworks, and an Asian feel to tonight's ceremony.
The Olympic stadium will be put to good use afterwards, it will be turned into a wheatfield.
Therefore expect fireworks, and an Asian feel to tonight's ceremony.
The Olympic stadium will be put to good use afterwards, it will be turned into a wheatfield.
Dopehead
Another dope addled "athlete" has been kicked out of the Games.
This time it is the Colombian cyclist, Maria Luisa Calle Williams, who has been stripped of her bronze medal after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
This time it is the Colombian cyclist, Maria Luisa Calle Williams, who has been stripped of her bronze medal after testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Dopes Out
More dope ridden "athletes" have been ejected from the Games.
This time the honour falls on Hungary's Ferenc Gyurkovics, a silver medal winning weightlifter, and Puerto Rican wrestler Mabel Fonseca.
This time the honour falls on Hungary's Ferenc Gyurkovics, a silver medal winning weightlifter, and Puerto Rican wrestler Mabel Fonseca.
The Party's Almost Over
The Athens Olympics have abut a few hours left to run, before the closing ceremony.
However, the Chinese are already preparing to take the Olympic flag this evening; in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing.
The Chinese are promising that their Games will be the best ever.
This site will follow the progress towards the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
However, the Chinese are already preparing to take the Olympic flag this evening; in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing.
The Chinese are promising that their Games will be the best ever.
This site will follow the progress towards the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
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