Showing posts with label 2008 Olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 Olympics. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Make It Rain
It is estimated that there is a 50/50 chance of it raining on the opening day of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and a further 50/50 chance of it raining on the closing day.
China does not intend to take any chances with the weather, and is going to attempt to make it rain in the period before the games; thus reducing the chances of precipitation on the opening and closing days. Rain will also help clean up the air, in one of Asia most polluted atmospheres.
Chinese meteorologists believe that they can force rain in the days before the Olympics, via the unreliable "science" of cloud-seeding.
Good luck.
China does not intend to take any chances with the weather, and is going to attempt to make it rain in the period before the games; thus reducing the chances of precipitation on the opening and closing days. Rain will also help clean up the air, in one of Asia most polluted atmospheres.
Chinese meteorologists believe that they can force rain in the days before the Olympics, via the unreliable "science" of cloud-seeding.
Good luck.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Olympic Protesters Detained
Three Americans and a Tibetan-American were detained by Chinese authorities on Mount Everest yesterday, as they called for independence for Tibet and protested against the Beijing Olympics.
The protest was organised by Students for a Free Tibet, which said three people were detained for holding up a banner at a base camp on the Tibetan side of the mountain that read:
One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 2008.
The fourth person detained by Chinese authorities was a camera person.
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The protest was organised by Students for a Free Tibet, which said three people were detained for holding up a banner at a base camp on the Tibetan side of the mountain that read:
One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 2008.
The fourth person detained by Chinese authorities was a camera person.
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Torch To Ascend Everest
The Olympic torch for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will ascend to the top of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and pass through Taiwan according to the organising committee.
Wang Wei, executive vice-president and secretary-general of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, said that the torch would cross Mount Everest.
Wang also said Taiwan had agreed that the island would be on the Olympic torch relay programme.
Taiwan had previously indicated that it was not agreeable to the torch entering the island via China's mainland or Hong Kong and Macao, which are special administrative regions of China.
Wang said the route of the relay was still under discussion with interested cities.
Wang Wei, executive vice-president and secretary-general of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, said that the torch would cross Mount Everest.
Wang also said Taiwan had agreed that the island would be on the Olympic torch relay programme.
Taiwan had previously indicated that it was not agreeable to the torch entering the island via China's mainland or Hong Kong and Macao, which are special administrative regions of China.
Wang said the route of the relay was still under discussion with interested cities.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
China's One Ticket Policy
The 7 million tickets for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing are now available for purchase. However, because of China's massive population of 1.3BN, tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies will be limited to only one per person.
Only 25% of the 7 million tickets for sale are available to non residents of China.
The most expensive tickets will be for the opening ceremony on August 8th 2008, which will cost $645. The cheapest tickets for that event will be $26.
Ticket prices for the closing ceremony will range from $19.40 to $390.
Only 25% of the 7 million tickets for sale are available to non residents of China.
The most expensive tickets will be for the opening ceremony on August 8th 2008, which will cost $645. The cheapest tickets for that event will be $26.
Ticket prices for the closing ceremony will range from $19.40 to $390.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Chinese Ban Chinglish
In the run up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Chinese authorities are trying to crack down on "Chinglish" a mangled version of English that is often seen on notices and used by taxi drivers.
One example being this billboard sign:
"Shangri-La is in you mind, but your Buffalo is not."
The Chinese are conscious of the fact that around 500,000 foreign visitors will come to Beijing next year, and the Chinese want to give a good impression.
Liu Yang, head of the "Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program" for the city government, said that 6,500 "standardised" English language signs were put up last year on Beijing roads.
However, it is evident that the private sector is not following the rules.
Liu told journalists:
"We will pass the message on to authorities in the advertising sector. If English translation is needed it must be subject to the standards set forth in the regulations.
In the future when we set up new signs in public places in English, we hope all these standards will be followed to avoid more additional mistakes."
Liu said Beijing taxi drivers have to pass an English test to keep their licenses. However, as I can attest having been in Beijing a few weeks ago not all of the drivers have such a great command of English.
Liu is quoted as saying:
"The taxi training courses are not working effectively, and there is a problem of taxi drivers missing classes. Taxi drivers need to get their licenses renewed every year, and an English test is now part of that exam. But the exam is not so difficult.
Some taxi drivers do speak some English, and that's a big change from the past.
But the overall level still needs to improve. Some taxi drivers speak no English; they understand no English."
However, there is nothing to stop the foreign guest trying to learn Chinese.
One example being this billboard sign:
"Shangri-La is in you mind, but your Buffalo is not."
The Chinese are conscious of the fact that around 500,000 foreign visitors will come to Beijing next year, and the Chinese want to give a good impression.
Liu Yang, head of the "Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program" for the city government, said that 6,500 "standardised" English language signs were put up last year on Beijing roads.
However, it is evident that the private sector is not following the rules.
Liu told journalists:
"We will pass the message on to authorities in the advertising sector. If English translation is needed it must be subject to the standards set forth in the regulations.
In the future when we set up new signs in public places in English, we hope all these standards will be followed to avoid more additional mistakes."
Liu said Beijing taxi drivers have to pass an English test to keep their licenses. However, as I can attest having been in Beijing a few weeks ago not all of the drivers have such a great command of English.
Liu is quoted as saying:
"The taxi training courses are not working effectively, and there is a problem of taxi drivers missing classes. Taxi drivers need to get their licenses renewed every year, and an English test is now part of that exam. But the exam is not so difficult.
Some taxi drivers do speak some English, and that's a big change from the past.
But the overall level still needs to improve. Some taxi drivers speak no English; they understand no English."
However, there is nothing to stop the foreign guest trying to learn Chinese.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Safe Water For Beijing Games
Jiao Zhizhong, the head of the Beijing Water Authority, is confident its water quality will meet or surpass Olympic water quality standards in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Five new sewage treatment plants will be installed this year.
Jiao Zhizhong said that 80% homes have water-saving equipment installed, and that farms are irrigating more conservatively.
When the Olympics begin in August 2008, Beijing will receive an extra 79 million gallons of water from the nearby Hebei province.
Five new sewage treatment plants will be installed this year.
Jiao Zhizhong said that 80% homes have water-saving equipment installed, and that farms are irrigating more conservatively.
When the Olympics begin in August 2008, Beijing will receive an extra 79 million gallons of water from the nearby Hebei province.
Monday, January 22, 2007
China's Olympic Traffic Jam
Chinese media claim that Beijing's horrendous traffic situation will get worse, as the Olympics 2008 draw closer.
The official Xinhua news agency said that Beijing has more than 2,000,000 registered vehicles, and over 4,000,000 people have a drivers licence. Officials predict the number of cars will exceed 3,000,000 by the time of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The increase in cars will worsen Beijing's already chronic levels of air pollution.
The official Xinhua news agency said that Beijing has more than 2,000,000 registered vehicles, and over 4,000,000 people have a drivers licence. Officials predict the number of cars will exceed 3,000,000 by the time of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The increase in cars will worsen Beijing's already chronic levels of air pollution.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
More Drug Tests for 2008 Games
Approximately 4,500 drug tests will be conducted during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This represents a rise of 25%, compared with the 2004 Games in Athens.
Yang Shu'an, the executive vice president of the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) said:
"As part of its zero tolerance approach to fighting doping, the International Olympic Committee has decided to increase the number of tests by a large amount.
Final numbers are to be confirmed but are expected to be around 4,500, a 25 percent increase on Athens 2004."
Beijing is holding an exhibition entitled "The Olympic Movement and Anti-doping Drive" The exhibition highlights a number of drug cases from previous years, and shows a video display of the anti drug test process.
Similar exhibitions will be held in 2007 and 2008 in various parts of China.
Yang Shu'an, the executive vice president of the Beijing Organising Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) said:
"As part of its zero tolerance approach to fighting doping, the International Olympic Committee has decided to increase the number of tests by a large amount.
Final numbers are to be confirmed but are expected to be around 4,500, a 25 percent increase on Athens 2004."
Beijing is holding an exhibition entitled "The Olympic Movement and Anti-doping Drive" The exhibition highlights a number of drug cases from previous years, and shows a video display of the anti drug test process.
Similar exhibitions will be held in 2007 and 2008 in various parts of China.
Monday, January 15, 2007
China Calls For International Olympic Co-operation
Chinahas called for a better exchange of intelligence information from other countries, in the run up to the 2008 Biejing Olympics.
Specifically the threat of terrorism lloms large.
The Olympic Security Command centre founded an International Liaison Department today, which is to improve co-operation with other nations.
Qiang Wei, chief of the Olympic Security Coordination Group and Beijing's deputy Communist Party chief, said:
"Safe Olympics are a common goal of the international society.
It cannot be achieved without sufficient international security cooperation."
The Liaison Department will with the security organisations of other countries and with Interpol.
The Chinese police have established a website, www.bjayab.cn, to inform the public in English, French and Chinese of their work and the security preparations for the Olympics.
Qiang added:
"The present-day world is still far from peaceful.
Olympic Games have been targeted by international terrorist groups. We, therefore, have to be highly alarmed and take pro-active measures in facing every possible threat."
Specifically the threat of terrorism lloms large.
The Olympic Security Command centre founded an International Liaison Department today, which is to improve co-operation with other nations.
Qiang Wei, chief of the Olympic Security Coordination Group and Beijing's deputy Communist Party chief, said:
"Safe Olympics are a common goal of the international society.
It cannot be achieved without sufficient international security cooperation."
The Liaison Department will with the security organisations of other countries and with Interpol.
The Chinese police have established a website, www.bjayab.cn, to inform the public in English, French and Chinese of their work and the security preparations for the Olympics.
Qiang added:
"The present-day world is still far from peaceful.
Olympic Games have been targeted by international terrorist groups. We, therefore, have to be highly alarmed and take pro-active measures in facing every possible threat."
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Construction Continues During Olympics
Beijing has confirmed that its construction projects will continue during the 2008 Olympics, even though there are serious concerns about the air quality and pollution levels in the city.
The majority of the Olympic venues will be completed before the end of the 2007.
Deputy director of Project Management for the Beijing Olympics, Xu Bo, confirmed that there have been cost overruns on some Olympic building projects, with some contractors facing bankruptcy.
Quote:
"It is true that certain construction companies are having problems with the fact that their actual spending on certain venues is beyond the expectation in their bid, and we are paying close attention to this issue. However, we are confident there will be no problems, because all the construction companies selected for the construction work of all the big projects for the Olympics, are first class enterprises in our country and we have done a strict inspection of their capability of implementing the contracts and they all passed our examination of qualification."
Executive deputy director of Project Management for 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sui Zhenjiang, said:
"The construction projects in Beijing will continue to be developed both before the Olympics and after it and they would not be stopped for the opening ceremony of the Olympics because every project has its own economic background and will be developed naturally.
However, before the Olympics, or during the process of the Olympics, we will conduct strict management to some projects in specific areas such as the places near the Olympic venues so as to make the air quality of Beijing better."
They of course haven't said how they will do this though.
The majority of the Olympic venues will be completed before the end of the 2007.
Deputy director of Project Management for the Beijing Olympics, Xu Bo, confirmed that there have been cost overruns on some Olympic building projects, with some contractors facing bankruptcy.
Quote:
"It is true that certain construction companies are having problems with the fact that their actual spending on certain venues is beyond the expectation in their bid, and we are paying close attention to this issue. However, we are confident there will be no problems, because all the construction companies selected for the construction work of all the big projects for the Olympics, are first class enterprises in our country and we have done a strict inspection of their capability of implementing the contracts and they all passed our examination of qualification."
Executive deputy director of Project Management for 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sui Zhenjiang, said:
"The construction projects in Beijing will continue to be developed both before the Olympics and after it and they would not be stopped for the opening ceremony of the Olympics because every project has its own economic background and will be developed naturally.
However, before the Olympics, or during the process of the Olympics, we will conduct strict management to some projects in specific areas such as the places near the Olympic venues so as to make the air quality of Beijing better."
They of course haven't said how they will do this though.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Auditors Keep an Eye on Olympics
Li Jinhua, China's head auditor, has stated that he will be exercising special scrutiny of construction projects in the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Li will also place emphasis on auditing social security funds and other big projects.
Last year auditors uncovered US$909M in illegally used social security funds, including a scandal in Shanghai that led to the sacking of city Party Secretary Chen Liangyu.
A former Beijing deputy mayor, Liu Zhihua, who was in charge of US$40BN in Olympic construction funds, was fired last year for alleged corruption.
Increasing auditing oversight is an important measure to ensure a "clean" Olympics, Li said.
Li will also place emphasis on auditing social security funds and other big projects.
Last year auditors uncovered US$909M in illegally used social security funds, including a scandal in Shanghai that led to the sacking of city Party Secretary Chen Liangyu.
A former Beijing deputy mayor, Liu Zhihua, who was in charge of US$40BN in Olympic construction funds, was fired last year for alleged corruption.
Increasing auditing oversight is an important measure to ensure a "clean" Olympics, Li said.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The Clean Olympics
Liu Qi, secretary of the Chinese Communist Party's Beijing Municipal Committee, promised a "clean" 2008 Olympics.
This promise comes one day after the party expelled Liu Zhihua, the Beijing vice mayor in charge of Olympic construction projects. He has been accused of bribery and other offences.
Liu Zhihua took bribes of "several million yuan" and "helped his mistress to seek profit in projects".
Liu Qi said:
"We must tighten auditing and monitoring efforts on the preparatory work of the Olympics to prevent all potential problems. Efforts must be made to ensure that staff members involved in the Olympic preparations and venue construction projects remain on track, and make sure the Olympics are clean."
Lucrative projects, such as the Olympics, do seem to bring out the worst in people.
This promise comes one day after the party expelled Liu Zhihua, the Beijing vice mayor in charge of Olympic construction projects. He has been accused of bribery and other offences.
Liu Zhihua took bribes of "several million yuan" and "helped his mistress to seek profit in projects".
Liu Qi said:
"We must tighten auditing and monitoring efforts on the preparatory work of the Olympics to prevent all potential problems. Efforts must be made to ensure that staff members involved in the Olympic preparations and venue construction projects remain on track, and make sure the Olympics are clean."
Lucrative projects, such as the Olympics, do seem to bring out the worst in people.
Friday, December 08, 2006
The True Cost of The Olympics
It is reported that Beijing intends to demolish 22 remaining "urban villages", which are home mainly to poor migrants, as it "cleans up" in readiness for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The villages will be demolished by the end of June 2007.
The destruction of the "urban villages" are part of the greening programme to "create a better environment for the Olympic Games".
Beijing denies that they are trying to force poor migrants out of the city before the Olympics.
Over the past 10 years, as Beijing maked ready to host the 2008 Games, many residents have accused developers of using violence to evict people unwilling to move.
Such is the price people have to pay, if they wish to host the Olympics. Sponsorship and advertising deals come before people's rights and liberties.
The villages will be demolished by the end of June 2007.
The destruction of the "urban villages" are part of the greening programme to "create a better environment for the Olympic Games".
Beijing denies that they are trying to force poor migrants out of the city before the Olympics.
Over the past 10 years, as Beijing maked ready to host the 2008 Games, many residents have accused developers of using violence to evict people unwilling to move.
Such is the price people have to pay, if they wish to host the Olympics. Sponsorship and advertising deals come before people's rights and liberties.
Friday, December 01, 2006
China Relaxes Rules
China has announced that it will relax some of its restrictions on foreign reporters. It says that it will allow foreign media greater freedom to travel and report in the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2007, and will temporarily abolish requirements that currently prohibit foreign reporters from traveling or conducting interviews without government approval.
The new rules state that only the consent of the interview subject is needed.
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, said:
"It is crystal clear that as long as the interviewee agrees, you can do your reporting."
Melinda Liu, president of the Foreign Correspondents Club of China and Beijing bureau chief for Newsweek, said:
"In general, this is progress in terms of liberalizing the conditions under which foreign journalists work in China."
However, the new Olympic regulations contain loopholes and expire on October 17th 2008.
Liu, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, said:
"Foreign journalists will not limit their activities to the Games themselves. They will also cover politics, science, technology and the economy.
The 'related matters' ... actually expands the areas on which foreign journalists can report."
The question is, what will happen after the 17th of October 2008?
The regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2007, and will temporarily abolish requirements that currently prohibit foreign reporters from traveling or conducting interviews without government approval.
The new rules state that only the consent of the interview subject is needed.
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, said:
"It is crystal clear that as long as the interviewee agrees, you can do your reporting."
Melinda Liu, president of the Foreign Correspondents Club of China and Beijing bureau chief for Newsweek, said:
"In general, this is progress in terms of liberalizing the conditions under which foreign journalists work in China."
However, the new Olympic regulations contain loopholes and expire on October 17th 2008.
Liu, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, said:
"Foreign journalists will not limit their activities to the Games themselves. They will also cover politics, science, technology and the economy.
The 'related matters' ... actually expands the areas on which foreign journalists can report."
The question is, what will happen after the 17th of October 2008?
Monday, October 30, 2006
More Doping Tests
The IOC are increasing their precautions against doping in the forthcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics. Athletes will face more testing for performance enhancing drugs at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with a 25% increase in the number of tests to be conducted.
The IOC said that the number of tests would be raised to 4,500 in 2008, 25% more than in 2004 Athens Games, "as part of its zero-tolerance approach to fighting doping."
The IOC said that the number of tests would be raised to 4,500 in 2008, 25% more than in 2004 Athens Games, "as part of its zero-tolerance approach to fighting doping."
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Cars and Trucks To Be Banned
Kevan Gosper, Vice-Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Beijing Olympics, has claimed that Beijing is prepared to stop private cars and trucks from driving and to shut down industry, if that's what is needed to cut pollution during the 2008 Beijing Games.
The joys of a one party state!
When pressed in the interview, on political issues such as Falun Gong, he adopted the ostrich position of head in the sand. As noted the Olympics is about money, not sport.
To read the interview visit ABC.
The joys of a one party state!
When pressed in the interview, on political issues such as Falun Gong, he adopted the ostrich position of head in the sand. As noted the Olympics is about money, not sport.
To read the interview visit ABC.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Beijing Works on Olympics Air Quality
The Chinese authorities are setting up special working groups in Beijing, and four surrounding regions, to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
The groups will be set up in Beijing, Shanxi, Tianjin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia.
Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the State Environmental Protection Administration, said that they would look for new ways to deal with air pollution so as to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
it is hoped that research, currently being conducted, will result in new measures to ensure good air quality during the games.
Pei Chenghu, deputy director of Beijing Environmental Protection Administration, said that pollution in Beijing is a problem for the region, and improving air quality must involve the entire region.
Local statistics show that by the end of August, Beijing had 166 'blue sky' days, 72 days short of its target for the year.
The groups will be set up in Beijing, Shanxi, Tianjin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia.
Zhang Lijun, deputy director of the State Environmental Protection Administration, said that they would look for new ways to deal with air pollution so as to ensure good air quality during the 2008 Olympics.
it is hoped that research, currently being conducted, will result in new measures to ensure good air quality during the games.
Pei Chenghu, deputy director of Beijing Environmental Protection Administration, said that pollution in Beijing is a problem for the region, and improving air quality must involve the entire region.
Local statistics show that by the end of August, Beijing had 166 'blue sky' days, 72 days short of its target for the year.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Education, Not Money, At The Heart of The Olympics
It seems that my sometimes cynical remarks about money being the driving force of the Olympics are wrong, that is at least the belief of Jacques Rogge president of the International Olympics Committee (IOC).
Rogge, who was opening the World Forum on Sport Education and Culture in Beijing, said that education remained at the heart of the Olympic movement with millions of Chinese youngsters now being introduced to its values.
Rogge noted that the IOC had a duty to educate the world's youth on matters such as doping and even some not directly related to sport, such as HIV prevention.
Quote:
"The goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in the spirit of Olympism.
I am particularly pleased that this effort is being continued right now in China and that millions of young Chinese ...are being introduced to the strength and power of the Olympic values such as friendship, excellence and respect."
Liu Qi, head of the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG), said that the exposure of China to the rest of the world in 2008 would be an education in itself.
Quote:
"Through the staging of the Olympic Games, we are willing to further reinforce the exchange with international friends and accelerate the development of China and Beijing to leave a precious legacy to China and world sports."
Rogge went on to warn about the dangers of drugs:
"Scientists and doctors who contribute to unethical behavior through the misuse of drugs must be stigmatised.
That can be considered another form of education.
In conjunction with BOCOG, the IOC intend to make the Beijing Olympics a festival of harmony and peace, education and culture and above all of sporting perfection."
We shall see.
Rogge, who was opening the World Forum on Sport Education and Culture in Beijing, said that education remained at the heart of the Olympic movement with millions of Chinese youngsters now being introduced to its values.
Rogge noted that the IOC had a duty to educate the world's youth on matters such as doping and even some not directly related to sport, such as HIV prevention.
Quote:
"The goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced in the spirit of Olympism.
I am particularly pleased that this effort is being continued right now in China and that millions of young Chinese ...are being introduced to the strength and power of the Olympic values such as friendship, excellence and respect."
Liu Qi, head of the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG), said that the exposure of China to the rest of the world in 2008 would be an education in itself.
Quote:
"Through the staging of the Olympic Games, we are willing to further reinforce the exchange with international friends and accelerate the development of China and Beijing to leave a precious legacy to China and world sports."
Rogge went on to warn about the dangers of drugs:
"Scientists and doctors who contribute to unethical behavior through the misuse of drugs must be stigmatised.
That can be considered another form of education.
In conjunction with BOCOG, the IOC intend to make the Beijing Olympics a festival of harmony and peace, education and culture and above all of sporting perfection."
We shall see.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Successful Dress Rehearsal
China is attending the world gymnastics championships in Aarhus, Denmark. It's goal, apart from winning, is to show that it is the leading Olympic nation as it readies itself for the Beijing Olympics 2008.
The Chinese male team got off to a flying start yesterday and won the team title, beating Russia, Japan and the USA.
Yang Wei said:
"This world championships was good practice for the Olympics and we feel we are now well prepared to take gold.
Now that we have established a good team, we don't want to stop here."
The women compete today.
The Chinese male team got off to a flying start yesterday and won the team title, beating Russia, Japan and the USA.
Yang Wei said:
"This world championships was good practice for the Olympics and we feel we are now well prepared to take gold.
Now that we have established a good team, we don't want to stop here."
The women compete today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)