It seems that those of you worried about being able to buy tickets for the Olympics 2004, being held in Athens Greece, need not panic.
It is reported that Fani Palli-Petralia, Greece's Deputy Culture Minister, has stated that the Greek authorities may ask for lower ticket prices for the Games if sales don't pick up.
I understand that over 2.5M tickets (out of a total of 5M) for the Games have yet to be sold. This is despite the fact that the prices are lower than 4 years ago, when the Games were held in Sydney.
The Greek government are already very sensitive about the crtiticism that is being heaped upon them, for the poor organisation of the Games. Having half filled stadiums would be the final humiliation.
It seems that the organisers are counting on the well known Greek habit of doing everything at the last minute; and hoping for a last minute dash to buy the tickets.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Saturday, June 19, 2004
The Shooting Party
There is a fascinating story from "down under" which, if true, shows how stupid some athletes really are; and how they give sport and winning an undue, and unhealthy, priority in their lives.
It seems that 6 Australian cyclists, some of whom are due to attend and compete in the 2004 Olympics, are alleged to have used a hotel bedroom last year for injecting prohibited substances into their "healthy" bodies.
The venue for this little "shooting party" was, according to Kate Lundy Labour party sports spokesperson, the Australian Institute of Sport's facility in Adelaide.
Even more bizarrely, is the fact that one of the substances allegedly used was equine growth hormone.
Yes, you did read correctly, something that would normally be given to horses.
In the event that these allegations turn out to be true, my advice to these dimwitted athletes is simply this:
Get a life losers!
It seems that 6 Australian cyclists, some of whom are due to attend and compete in the 2004 Olympics, are alleged to have used a hotel bedroom last year for injecting prohibited substances into their "healthy" bodies.
The venue for this little "shooting party" was, according to Kate Lundy Labour party sports spokesperson, the Australian Institute of Sport's facility in Adelaide.
Even more bizarrely, is the fact that one of the substances allegedly used was equine growth hormone.
Yes, you did read correctly, something that would normally be given to horses.
In the event that these allegations turn out to be true, my advice to these dimwitted athletes is simply this:
Get a life losers!
Friday, June 18, 2004
Greedy Bastards
Following on from my post yesterday, about the threat of strikes by police and other public service workers; it seems that industrial discontent is rising, along with the temperature in Athens, as the clock ticks down towards the Olympic Games.
Now the hotel workers and taxi drivers are "kicking up a fuss" over money.
The taxi drivers are having a "hissy fit" over plans by the Olympic organisers to ferry VIP's around in mini cabs and vans, rather than pay the "Olympic premium" demanded by the taxi drivers during the period of the Games.
The taxi drivers, for reasons best known to themselves, have threatened to remove VIP's from their cabs and any other vehicle they see. It seems that this constitutes some form of threat, that people should lose sleep over!
The hotel workers took more direct action, by having a punch up with the police yesterday. Peace and harmony, that's the true spirit of the Games!
It seems that the ordinary citizens of Greece are beginning to get more than a little "pissed off" with the entire affair, and are wishing the IOC had chosen another country to host the Games.
The cost of holding the Olympic games is now estimated by the finance minister, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, to be around 6BN Euros (up 30% on previous estimates).
These increased costs have forced some cut backs in the spending, the construction of a large sundial outside the main stadium has now been cancelled.
Never mind, so long as the taxi drivers and their chums manage to extort their "wedge" it will all have been worth it!
Now the hotel workers and taxi drivers are "kicking up a fuss" over money.
The taxi drivers are having a "hissy fit" over plans by the Olympic organisers to ferry VIP's around in mini cabs and vans, rather than pay the "Olympic premium" demanded by the taxi drivers during the period of the Games.
The taxi drivers, for reasons best known to themselves, have threatened to remove VIP's from their cabs and any other vehicle they see. It seems that this constitutes some form of threat, that people should lose sleep over!
The hotel workers took more direct action, by having a punch up with the police yesterday. Peace and harmony, that's the true spirit of the Games!
It seems that the ordinary citizens of Greece are beginning to get more than a little "pissed off" with the entire affair, and are wishing the IOC had chosen another country to host the Games.
The cost of holding the Olympic games is now estimated by the finance minister, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, to be around 6BN Euros (up 30% on previous estimates).
These increased costs have forced some cut backs in the spending, the construction of a large sundial outside the main stadium has now been cancelled.
Never mind, so long as the taxi drivers and their chums manage to extort their "wedge" it will all have been worth it!
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Holding The Games to Ransom
It is reported that Greek state employees are threatening to strike during the Olympic Games in Athens this August, unless all workers receive bonus payments during this period.
It seems that 60000 police, firefighters and port workers who are directly involved with the Olympic Games will be entitled to bonuses of around 2500 euros each.
However, others such as; the military, municipal workers and hospital workers won't be getting a "bung".
Therefore, in the spirit of equality, the unions representing the "downtrodden" non bonus receiving masses has threatened to strike.
In a demonstration of "good faith", hospital workers in Athens have planned a "warning" strike on June 23rd. Whilst the ambulance drivers and paramedics have threatened a strike on the 13th of August (oh dear that's the day the Olympic Games actually starts, how embarrassing!).
In the event that the Greek government cowtows to this blackmail; the estimated additional cost, on top of the already extortionate cost of the Games, will be $1.5BN.
What a splendid example of the spirit of the Games!
It seems that 60000 police, firefighters and port workers who are directly involved with the Olympic Games will be entitled to bonuses of around 2500 euros each.
However, others such as; the military, municipal workers and hospital workers won't be getting a "bung".
Therefore, in the spirit of equality, the unions representing the "downtrodden" non bonus receiving masses has threatened to strike.
In a demonstration of "good faith", hospital workers in Athens have planned a "warning" strike on June 23rd. Whilst the ambulance drivers and paramedics have threatened a strike on the 13th of August (oh dear that's the day the Olympic Games actually starts, how embarrassing!).
In the event that the Greek government cowtows to this blackmail; the estimated additional cost, on top of the already extortionate cost of the Games, will be $1.5BN.
What a splendid example of the spirit of the Games!
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Petty Nitpicking
It seems that, despite the fact that the Athens 2004 Olympics are less than two months away, some people are happy to indulge in petty squabbles.
It is reported that the sole Indian entry to Greco-Roman wrestling has been having a bit of a tiff with his coach.
The wrestler had booked a trip to the US without the apparent knowledge of his trainer, who was under the impression that they would be going to Bulgaria.
The coach, in a fit of peek, decided to complain to the Indian Sports Ministry; citing the fact that the hapless wrestler had shown no respect to the Government of India.
The wrestler, Mukesh Khatri, is reported to have speculated that the real reason for the "prima donna hissy fit" of the coach may be more to do with the fact that as he is the only entry from India in that category, the coach is unlikely to be accompanying him to Athens; for it seems that Kahtri has booked his own trainer to go there with him.
Nice to see everyone has their eyes on the "big picture".
It is reported that the sole Indian entry to Greco-Roman wrestling has been having a bit of a tiff with his coach.
The wrestler had booked a trip to the US without the apparent knowledge of his trainer, who was under the impression that they would be going to Bulgaria.
The coach, in a fit of peek, decided to complain to the Indian Sports Ministry; citing the fact that the hapless wrestler had shown no respect to the Government of India.
The wrestler, Mukesh Khatri, is reported to have speculated that the real reason for the "prima donna hissy fit" of the coach may be more to do with the fact that as he is the only entry from India in that category, the coach is unlikely to be accompanying him to Athens; for it seems that Kahtri has booked his own trainer to go there with him.
Nice to see everyone has their eyes on the "big picture".
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
NATO To The Rescue
The security threat to the Olympics, being held in Athens this year, is being taken seriously by Greece's neighbours in Bulgaria.
It is reported that Bulgaria will receive the full NATO database on fighting terror.
It will also upgrade its security on its southern border during the Olympic Games in August. They will be looking to prevent suicide bombers, and explosives crossing the border into Greece.
The Bulgarian secret services and the Interior Ministry were assigned special tasks during the Conference on Olympics Security, which was held in Athens a fortnight ago.
Bulgaria has been given profiles of the most wanted terrorists, together with instructions for recognising them.
Let us hope that they won't be needed.
It is reported that Bulgaria will receive the full NATO database on fighting terror.
It will also upgrade its security on its southern border during the Olympic Games in August. They will be looking to prevent suicide bombers, and explosives crossing the border into Greece.
The Bulgarian secret services and the Interior Ministry were assigned special tasks during the Conference on Olympics Security, which was held in Athens a fortnight ago.
Bulgaria has been given profiles of the most wanted terrorists, together with instructions for recognising them.
Let us hope that they won't be needed.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Coming In Under The Wire
It seems that in a last minute dash to the finishing line, the Greek authorities may just get most things ready for the Olympic Games in Athens this August.
Admittedly it will be "last minute".
However, there are many loose ends to clear up; such as painting the roof of the Olympic stadium and installing the remaining 67000 seats.
The cost of these games is estimated at the moment to be around $7BN. However, it is likely that this will rise.
Will the Greeks, once the party is over, say that it has been worth it?
Admittedly it will be "last minute".
However, there are many loose ends to clear up; such as painting the roof of the Olympic stadium and installing the remaining 67000 seats.
The cost of these games is estimated at the moment to be around $7BN. However, it is likely that this will rise.
Will the Greeks, once the party is over, say that it has been worth it?
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Off Message
The Olympics in Athens are barely 60 days away. However, there are some very public fears about the wisdom of holding them in Athens being expressed by some high profile personalities.
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, is reported to have said that holding the Olympic Games in Athens will be risky.
He seems to have a preference for Rome. The impression that Mr Rogge has given is that the Games were awarded to Greece, not for their infrastructure or competence, but as a sign of gratitude for them coming up with the idea of the Olympics some 3000 years ago.
I would venture to suggest that this is a little late in the day to be having second thoughts.
Jumping on the bandwagon of doubters, the head of the World Anti Doping Agency (Dick Pound) is reported to be worried that the Olympic Games in Athens will be "tumultuous".
His list of worries include; air pollution, doping violations, security concerns and the incomplete infrastructure in Athens.
Can anyone tell me which one of these issues was not known at the time of the biding?
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, is reported to have said that holding the Olympic Games in Athens will be risky.
He seems to have a preference for Rome. The impression that Mr Rogge has given is that the Games were awarded to Greece, not for their infrastructure or competence, but as a sign of gratitude for them coming up with the idea of the Olympics some 3000 years ago.
I would venture to suggest that this is a little late in the day to be having second thoughts.
Jumping on the bandwagon of doubters, the head of the World Anti Doping Agency (Dick Pound) is reported to be worried that the Olympic Games in Athens will be "tumultuous".
His list of worries include; air pollution, doping violations, security concerns and the incomplete infrastructure in Athens.
Can anyone tell me which one of these issues was not known at the time of the biding?
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Brain is a Muscle Too
I understand that, aside from celebrating the muscular achievements of athletes, there will also be a celebration of international culture and art in Athens; this will be held alongside the Olympics 2004 in Athens.
This event, known as Articade 2004, will feature the work of artists from around the world; together with a display of culture from their respective countries.
The artists will, via their medium, try to represent the lives, problems and issues facing the citizens of their respective countries.
Artists were selected on the basis of two submissions they were invited to make, focusing on their countries socio-political background.
This event, known as Articade 2004, will feature the work of artists from around the world; together with a display of culture from their respective countries.
The artists will, via their medium, try to represent the lives, problems and issues facing the citizens of their respective countries.
Artists were selected on the basis of two submissions they were invited to make, focusing on their countries socio-political background.
Friday, June 11, 2004
007 Drops In
The original 007, aka Sir Sean Connery and his wife Lady Micheline Roquebrune Connery, dropped in on ATHENS 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki yesterday.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Test Run
The Olympic stadium in Athens will be put through its paces today, as various track and field athletes will compete in front of a "guinea pig" audience of 8000.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
The Great Wall Illuminated by The Olympic Flame
The Olympic flame has arrived in Beijing, the host of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The flame was brought to the Great Wall of China, one of the great construction achievements of mankind.
The torch was carried along a section of the wall by a group of Chinese athletes yesterday. There was a reasonable turnout of spectators, estimated to be around 2000 people.
The official relay with the Olympic torch will begin today, and kick off in Tiananemn Square. It will finish its Chinese journey in the Summer Palace.
Meanwhile in Greece, P. Fasoulas (former President of the Greek Olympic Winners Association) has called those who doubt that the Olympic games will be ready on schedule "moaning Minnies".
In a press conference held yesterday, he expressed the opinion that it was impertinent to suggest that nothing was ready.
No worries then!
The flame was brought to the Great Wall of China, one of the great construction achievements of mankind.
The torch was carried along a section of the wall by a group of Chinese athletes yesterday. There was a reasonable turnout of spectators, estimated to be around 2000 people.
The official relay with the Olympic torch will begin today, and kick off in Tiananemn Square. It will finish its Chinese journey in the Summer Palace.
Meanwhile in Greece, P. Fasoulas (former President of the Greek Olympic Winners Association) has called those who doubt that the Olympic games will be ready on schedule "moaning Minnies".
In a press conference held yesterday, he expressed the opinion that it was impertinent to suggest that nothing was ready.
No worries then!
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
The Secret Opening Ceremony
The day of the Olympic Games opening ceremony, on the 13th of August, draws near.
The exact nature of the ceremony is, to ensure maximum effect, being kept secret. However, it would not take too much brain "muscle" to speculate that it will involve Greek heritage (history, culture art etc) and their gift to the world of the Games.
I think it fair to expect a significant number of references to Greek mythology, I wonder if they will mention Glaux?, and a very large number of people wearing ancient Greek costumes.
It is reported that there will be 8000 volunteers involved in the actual ceremonies, and another 2000 support staff.
Rather mysteriously, a large hole has been dug in the Olympic stadium. It is rumoured to be for some form of water spectacular. Maybe a large amount of water is a good idea, in case of a fire, as it seems that the Olympic cauldron may be suspended over the stadium.
The music for the ceremonies is also being kept a secret. However, I have seen rumours that George Michael may have been commissioned to write something; he has come a long way since working as a waiter in a Greek restaurant in London, all those years ago.
The exact nature of the ceremony is, to ensure maximum effect, being kept secret. However, it would not take too much brain "muscle" to speculate that it will involve Greek heritage (history, culture art etc) and their gift to the world of the Games.
I think it fair to expect a significant number of references to Greek mythology, I wonder if they will mention Glaux?, and a very large number of people wearing ancient Greek costumes.
It is reported that there will be 8000 volunteers involved in the actual ceremonies, and another 2000 support staff.
Rather mysteriously, a large hole has been dug in the Olympic stadium. It is rumoured to be for some form of water spectacular. Maybe a large amount of water is a good idea, in case of a fire, as it seems that the Olympic cauldron may be suspended over the stadium.
The music for the ceremonies is also being kept a secret. However, I have seen rumours that George Michael may have been commissioned to write something; he has come a long way since working as a waiter in a Greek restaurant in London, all those years ago.
Monday, June 07, 2004
It's an Ill Wind
It seems as though Athens has been waiting a few centuries, or so, for the Olympic Games to return.
That at least is the impression one gains from the massive building site that has consumed the ancient city of Athens.
The massive construction and restoration effort is entirely due to the forthcoming Olympics. It seems that without these, the city's infrastructure and monuments would have been left very much alone.
Not all are happy with the makeover, archaeological purists are aghast at the attempts to renovate ancient monuments such as the Parthenon.
Aside from the ancient, there is also the modern such as; 15000 new taxis, buses that use natural gas, a new underground system, a tram link and a spanking new suspension bridge between Rio and Antirio.
The IOC is 100% confident that everything will be ready on time.
The question is, are these modern wonders as durable as their ancient forebears; will they still be around in the centuries to come?
That at least is the impression one gains from the massive building site that has consumed the ancient city of Athens.
The massive construction and restoration effort is entirely due to the forthcoming Olympics. It seems that without these, the city's infrastructure and monuments would have been left very much alone.
Not all are happy with the makeover, archaeological purists are aghast at the attempts to renovate ancient monuments such as the Parthenon.
Aside from the ancient, there is also the modern such as; 15000 new taxis, buses that use natural gas, a new underground system, a tram link and a spanking new suspension bridge between Rio and Antirio.
The IOC is 100% confident that everything will be ready on time.
The question is, are these modern wonders as durable as their ancient forebears; will they still be around in the centuries to come?
Sunday, June 06, 2004
The Games of Smiles
The clock is ticking, there is now a little over two months left until the start of the Olympic Games on the 13th of August.
Bearing this in mind, the Greek hosts are testing the facilities.
A basketball game will be played today in the new sports complex, which is built on the site of the former Athens airport.
Next week swimming and track cycling will be performed at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex; track and field events will be held in the Olympic Stadium, which is still classified as "work in progress".
It is reported that the President of Athens 2004, Gianna Angeloulos, has put pressure on the Greek Prime Minister to "pull his finger out"; in respect of hurrying things along.
Gianna Angeloulos is quoted as saying: "These Games must be the Games of smiles and not the Games of misery. Whatever outstanding issues there are, they must be solved."
Well said!
Bearing this in mind, the Greek hosts are testing the facilities.
A basketball game will be played today in the new sports complex, which is built on the site of the former Athens airport.
Next week swimming and track cycling will be performed at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex; track and field events will be held in the Olympic Stadium, which is still classified as "work in progress".
It is reported that the President of Athens 2004, Gianna Angeloulos, has put pressure on the Greek Prime Minister to "pull his finger out"; in respect of hurrying things along.
Gianna Angeloulos is quoted as saying: "These Games must be the Games of smiles and not the Games of misery. Whatever outstanding issues there are, they must be solved."
Well said!
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