It seems that the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens this August, have caused problems for one of the earth's less annoying creatures; the humble turtle.
The humungous costs of the Olympics have caused the Greek authorities to cut back on other, "non essential work". One victim of the cutbacks has been the turtle nesting beaches.
It is reported that the staff at the National Marine Park, on the island of Zakynthos, fed up with not being paid for 9 months stopped work in May.
In addition to hosting the Olympics, Greece's other claim to fame is the fact that it also hosts the largest nesting population of Mediterranean loggerhead turtles. However, the poor creature is somewhat less speedy and sexy than those competing at the Olympics; hence the Greek authorities assumed that people would not care about the cuts.
Unfortunately for the turtle, its hatching cycle coincides with the tourist season and this year's Olympic Games.
Needless to say, once the Greek government indicated that it couldn't "give a toss" about the turtle; the local population started ensuring that they could make as much money as possible from the tourist. They have, for example, erecting unauthorised buildings and are holding speed boat races; not very nice for the poor old turtle!
In my view the Olympics are only around for a few weeks for people to "enjoy", the turtles should be (if the Greek government did it's job) around for ever for people to enjoy.
Get your priorities right!
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Shades of Big Brother
It seems that there are concerns in Athens that the elaborate security precautions, being taken by the authorities for the hosting of the Olympics 2004, may still be there long after the last gold medal has been awarded and the Olympic flame extinguished.
The forthcoming Games have given the Greek authorities an excuse to do what very government in the world wants to do, namely to spy on its citizens. The Greek government passed an anti terrorist bill; and as a result of that, the streets of Athens are literally festooned with cameras and surveillance/listening devices.
There is, I suspect, the lingering doubt in the minds of the citizens of Athens that these "security measures" may well be left "in situ" when the Games are over at the end of August.
It seems that, if reports are to be believed, certain high ranking officials in the Greek authorities have already floated the idea that "it would be a shame to waste the hard work, and money expended in making Athens a national security capital".
Oh dear, monitoring people for their own protection does seem to have an uncomfortable Orwellian echo.
The forthcoming Games have given the Greek authorities an excuse to do what very government in the world wants to do, namely to spy on its citizens. The Greek government passed an anti terrorist bill; and as a result of that, the streets of Athens are literally festooned with cameras and surveillance/listening devices.
There is, I suspect, the lingering doubt in the minds of the citizens of Athens that these "security measures" may well be left "in situ" when the Games are over at the end of August.
It seems that, if reports are to be believed, certain high ranking officials in the Greek authorities have already floated the idea that "it would be a shame to waste the hard work, and money expended in making Athens a national security capital".
Oh dear, monitoring people for their own protection does seem to have an uncomfortable Orwellian echo.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Cars Come First
In a far cry from the simpler times of the first Olympics held in Athens, the Olympics 2004 need to take into account the needs of the automobile.
To this end, over 56000 parking and access control permits have been handed out to the various municipalities in the Athens area. During the period from the 2nd of August to the 31st of August special parking and access restrictions will be in place; in order to ensure that Athens, noted for its free flowing easy to navigate streets and highways, remains free of congestion.
The allocation of these valuable documents, doubtless there will be a black market in them, has been based on on the number of applications filled in at the Municipalities.
From a cursory glance at the different codings on the permits, and the restrictions applicable to each type of permit, it seems that the citizens of Athens will need to apply some considerable intellectual effort if they wish to understand the rules and regulations.
I cite this, as a random example, of the rules from the official press release:
"All vehicles may enter the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), but only those with a Venue Access and Parking Permit for the specific CPZ may park and, of course, those with Permit for the respective CACZ. A CPZ permit holder is not permitted to park within the CACZ...."
To add to the confusion, that this system will doubtless cause, the access and parking permits will have 3 variables:
1 Colour
2 Venue
3 Vehicle number
Got that?
My advice to the good citizens of Athens is simple, whilst the Games are on, go away on holiday to another city or country.
To this end, over 56000 parking and access control permits have been handed out to the various municipalities in the Athens area. During the period from the 2nd of August to the 31st of August special parking and access restrictions will be in place; in order to ensure that Athens, noted for its free flowing easy to navigate streets and highways, remains free of congestion.
The allocation of these valuable documents, doubtless there will be a black market in them, has been based on on the number of applications filled in at the Municipalities.
From a cursory glance at the different codings on the permits, and the restrictions applicable to each type of permit, it seems that the citizens of Athens will need to apply some considerable intellectual effort if they wish to understand the rules and regulations.
I cite this, as a random example, of the rules from the official press release:
"All vehicles may enter the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), but only those with a Venue Access and Parking Permit for the specific CPZ may park and, of course, those with Permit for the respective CACZ. A CPZ permit holder is not permitted to park within the CACZ...."
To add to the confusion, that this system will doubtless cause, the access and parking permits will have 3 variables:
1 Colour
2 Venue
3 Vehicle number
Got that?
My advice to the good citizens of Athens is simple, whilst the Games are on, go away on holiday to another city or country.
Monday, June 28, 2004
The Games Will Run Like Clockwork
Preparations for the forthcoming Olympic Games, being held in Athens in August, have been overseen by Swiss lawyer; this, it is hoped, will ensure that they will run smoothly.
Denis Oswald is the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) top inspector, and as such was charged with overseeing the preparations for the Games.
Given the infrastructure issues at Athens, he has been quite busy as of late. He has been monitoring the progress for the last 3 years, since being asked to do so by the IOC President Jacques Rogge.
He will now be very familiar with the city of Athens, as it is reported that he has been there 25 times in the last 3 years.
His nickname, to some Greeks, is "Denis the Menace". Let's hope things turn out a little better for him in the end, than his cartoon namesake.
Denis Oswald is the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) top inspector, and as such was charged with overseeing the preparations for the Games.
Given the infrastructure issues at Athens, he has been quite busy as of late. He has been monitoring the progress for the last 3 years, since being asked to do so by the IOC President Jacques Rogge.
He will now be very familiar with the city of Athens, as it is reported that he has been there 25 times in the last 3 years.
His nickname, to some Greeks, is "Denis the Menace". Let's hope things turn out a little better for him in the end, than his cartoon namesake.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Safe as the Middle East
It is reported that, in the light of the security concerns over the Olympics 2004 (being held in Athens), Israel will be taking a prominent role in assisting with the security arrangements.
The reports indicate that even the Israeli navy may be deployed in Greek coastal waters, in order to deal with "suspicious" ships.
The cost of the security operation for the Olympics 2004, is currently estimated to be around $1.2BN.
In addition to the navy, Israeli intelligence and private Israeli firms will be on hand to provide expertise, training and equipment.
It seems that had Greece not agreed to receive this assistance, Israel may well have boycotted the Olympics 2004; as they perceived the original security arrangements to be dreadful.
The reports indicate that even the Israeli navy may be deployed in Greek coastal waters, in order to deal with "suspicious" ships.
The cost of the security operation for the Olympics 2004, is currently estimated to be around $1.2BN.
In addition to the navy, Israeli intelligence and private Israeli firms will be on hand to provide expertise, training and equipment.
It seems that had Greece not agreed to receive this assistance, Israel may well have boycotted the Olympics 2004; as they perceived the original security arrangements to be dreadful.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Can't Drop, Won't Drop
The organisers of the Olympic Games 2004, which are being held in Athens this August, are faced with something of a dilemma.
There are over 3 million unsold tickets for the Games, which begin in a little over 50 days time.
The organising committee will be launching a media blitz, which will push the Games as the safest yet etc. However, the simplest way to shift tickets would be to drop the prices.
Unfortunately, a mixture of stubbornness and worries about complaints from people who have already paid full price for their tickets are preventing this most sensible idea being implemented.
If you have any ideas as to how the tickets could be shifted, please feel free to drop me a line.
There are over 3 million unsold tickets for the Games, which begin in a little over 50 days time.
The organising committee will be launching a media blitz, which will push the Games as the safest yet etc. However, the simplest way to shift tickets would be to drop the prices.
Unfortunately, a mixture of stubbornness and worries about complaints from people who have already paid full price for their tickets are preventing this most sensible idea being implemented.
If you have any ideas as to how the tickets could be shifted, please feel free to drop me a line.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
No Sweat
Those of you who lay in bed at night worrying about where to buy Olympic T shirts and sports products, that have not been produced by "sweat shop" labour, may soon be able to rest a little easier at night.
It is reported that NGO's, such as Oxfam, are increasing the pressure on firms such as Adidas et al to remove the taint of sweated labour.
The campaign "Play Fair at the Olympics", launched earlier this year, highlights the concern of the NGO's that manufacturing firms have been pushing their workers to the limit; in order to stock the shelves in time for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens Greece.
The campaign highlights the wages of those who make these products; eg in Indonesia one company was paying its workers $99 per month for a 16 hour day.
The major companies that produce these articles claim that they have codes of conduct, that cover the ages and working conditions of their workforce. However, enforcing and policing them is difficult.
I would like to offer these companies a little tip; I was directly involved in the development and distribution of the codes of conduct for Philips and De Beers (see my resume), guys you are more than welcome to approach me for advice.
It is reported that NGO's, such as Oxfam, are increasing the pressure on firms such as Adidas et al to remove the taint of sweated labour.
The campaign "Play Fair at the Olympics", launched earlier this year, highlights the concern of the NGO's that manufacturing firms have been pushing their workers to the limit; in order to stock the shelves in time for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens Greece.
The campaign highlights the wages of those who make these products; eg in Indonesia one company was paying its workers $99 per month for a 16 hour day.
The major companies that produce these articles claim that they have codes of conduct, that cover the ages and working conditions of their workforce. However, enforcing and policing them is difficult.
I would like to offer these companies a little tip; I was directly involved in the development and distribution of the codes of conduct for Philips and De Beers (see my resume), guys you are more than welcome to approach me for advice.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Flame in New York
The Olympic flame stopped off at the UN yesterday, as part of its world tour.
Kofi Annan lit an altar in front of the UN, which had been designed for the flame. Much was made of the symbolism of the visit of the flame to the UN.
Peace and goodwill to men were very much on peoples' minds at the ceremony.
Kofi Annan lit an altar in front of the UN, which had been designed for the flame. Much was made of the symbolism of the visit of the flame to the UN.
Peace and goodwill to men were very much on peoples' minds at the ceremony.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
It'll Be Alright on The Night
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.
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.
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?
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