Just a brief post to say that this site is now a featured blog on sports.feedster.com.
My thanks to the team at Feedster for featuring me.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
The Olympics - The Movie
This is an ablsolute hoot; it takes a few minutes to download, but it's worth the wait.
Enjoy! The Olympics - The Movie
Enjoy! The Olympics - The Movie
It's In The Bag
It seems that the strict rules, concerning foreigners bearing arms in Greece, have been circumvented by a diplomatic sleight of hand.
It is reported that the Greek authorities have allowed US, Israeli and UK security services to arm their personnel during the Olympics in Athens. This breach of the Greek constitution, which forbids foreigners to bear arms in Greece, has been achieved by allowing the arms to be brought in via diplomatic bags; which of course cannot be opened.
The UK has a special armed squad of 130 people, it is not clear how many armed US and Israeli personnel will be in Athens.
Those of you who may be confused as to how the Greek authorities believe that the use of the diplomatic bag negates their constitution, may care to address their queries to Fanny Palli-Petralia (the Culture Minister), who has insisted that none of the nations participating in the Olympic Games would bring armed personnel into Greece.
It is reported that the Greek authorities have allowed US, Israeli and UK security services to arm their personnel during the Olympics in Athens. This breach of the Greek constitution, which forbids foreigners to bear arms in Greece, has been achieved by allowing the arms to be brought in via diplomatic bags; which of course cannot be opened.
The UK has a special armed squad of 130 people, it is not clear how many armed US and Israeli personnel will be in Athens.
Those of you who may be confused as to how the Greek authorities believe that the use of the diplomatic bag negates their constitution, may care to address their queries to Fanny Palli-Petralia (the Culture Minister), who has insisted that none of the nations participating in the Olympic Games would bring armed personnel into Greece.
L'Addition Monsieur
Once the Olympics, which open this Friday in Athens, are over; the Greek government, and Greek citizens, will face the prospect of settling a very large bill which will damage Greece's credit rating.
It is reported that Standard and Poor have published a report today, which gives warning of future problems for the Greek economy.
They note that the Olympics have given Greece an opportunity to shrug off its agrarian economy. However, if Greece wishes to maintain its current credit rating, it will need to increase taxes and cut public expenditure.
They note that the Olympics has improved the mobility of the Greek labour force, and improved the infrastructure.
However, the current cost estimates for the Games stand at $8BN (with some predicting $12BN) on top of a debt burden that has risen from $32BN to $49BN.
The Greek government faces a challenge of Olympic proportions.
Other News
It seems that there is a story going around that athletes and others, who are particpating in the Games, will not be allowed to blog about it.
Wonder why?
It is reported that Standard and Poor have published a report today, which gives warning of future problems for the Greek economy.
They note that the Olympics have given Greece an opportunity to shrug off its agrarian economy. However, if Greece wishes to maintain its current credit rating, it will need to increase taxes and cut public expenditure.
They note that the Olympics has improved the mobility of the Greek labour force, and improved the infrastructure.
However, the current cost estimates for the Games stand at $8BN (with some predicting $12BN) on top of a debt burden that has risen from $32BN to $49BN.
The Greek government faces a challenge of Olympic proportions.
Other News
It seems that there is a story going around that athletes and others, who are particpating in the Games, will not be allowed to blog about it.
Wonder why?
Monday, August 09, 2004
Zeppelin Raid
It seems that the use of the Zeppelin to patrol the skies of Athens, during the forthcoming Olympic Games, has not met with everyone's' approval.
A Greek civil rights group has petitioned the local courts, in respect of the Zeppelin. They believe that it is a violation of people's privacy, and have asked the courts to bring the Zeppelin back to earth.
The court will rule later this week as to whether the Zeppelin, which is equipped with sensors, chemical "sniffers" and ultra-high resolution cameras, will be grounded or not.
The Greek government denies that the Zeppelin violates people's privacy, and state that there is no violation of the Greek constitution.
Other News
500 Thai workers are holding their own alternative Olympic Games in Bangkok; in order to highlight the sweatshop working conditions, and low rates of pay, of the people who produce clothing and other related products for the forthcoming Olympic Games.
The average garment worker may labour for 14 hours a day, and earn 7 cents for every dozen shirts worked on.
A Greek civil rights group has petitioned the local courts, in respect of the Zeppelin. They believe that it is a violation of people's privacy, and have asked the courts to bring the Zeppelin back to earth.
The court will rule later this week as to whether the Zeppelin, which is equipped with sensors, chemical "sniffers" and ultra-high resolution cameras, will be grounded or not.
The Greek government denies that the Zeppelin violates people's privacy, and state that there is no violation of the Greek constitution.
Other News
500 Thai workers are holding their own alternative Olympic Games in Bangkok; in order to highlight the sweatshop working conditions, and low rates of pay, of the people who produce clothing and other related products for the forthcoming Olympic Games.
The average garment worker may labour for 14 hours a day, and earn 7 cents for every dozen shirts worked on.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Banquo's Ghost
Here is an extract from the website of the Greek embassy in Washington USA. This was posted on the 21st of July 1997:
"...The president of the Athens 2004 Olympic candidacy committee, Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, told CNN on Friday that the Greek capital holds the prospect of a "virtually new city" as regards public transport, telecommunications, the environment, accommodations and sports installations.
"Most sports installations are already in place, and we have the financial guarantees for completing all additional necessary projects well before 2004," she added.
Replying to a remark that Athens faces difficult traffic problems, Ms Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said that any existing difficulties will be effectively met with large projects already underway, such as the underground metro, which she claimed will be ready in 1999, the city's new airport at Spata (scheduled for completion by 2000) and a number of circular roads. These projects, she said, will drastically change the situation regarding public transport in Athens.
Turning to the economic impact of the Olympics, she said: "we expect 130,000 new jobs to be created. The overall benefit will be huge..."
Regarding security, she said, "Greece is a safe country, as INTERPOL and other independent analyses show. We have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and moreover, what is very important is that no incident has taken place during any sports, political, or other event that Greece has organized"......"
I have come across an archived version of the Athens Games website from 1997. This contains details of their bid, and promises made regarding infrastructure etc, for the Games. You can visit it here Athens archive.
I am also trying to track down a copy of the Athens Bid Book, which is in excess of 600 pages, and details every promise made by the Greek bid committee in respect of their bid to host the Games in 2004. If anyone knows where I can lay my hands on a copy I would be very grateful.
There are copies held by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland, unfortunately they are under embargo; and cannot be viewed by the public for another 30 years.
I wonder why?
"...The president of the Athens 2004 Olympic candidacy committee, Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, told CNN on Friday that the Greek capital holds the prospect of a "virtually new city" as regards public transport, telecommunications, the environment, accommodations and sports installations.
"Most sports installations are already in place, and we have the financial guarantees for completing all additional necessary projects well before 2004," she added.
Replying to a remark that Athens faces difficult traffic problems, Ms Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said that any existing difficulties will be effectively met with large projects already underway, such as the underground metro, which she claimed will be ready in 1999, the city's new airport at Spata (scheduled for completion by 2000) and a number of circular roads. These projects, she said, will drastically change the situation regarding public transport in Athens.
Turning to the economic impact of the Olympics, she said: "we expect 130,000 new jobs to be created. The overall benefit will be huge..."
Regarding security, she said, "Greece is a safe country, as INTERPOL and other independent analyses show. We have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and moreover, what is very important is that no incident has taken place during any sports, political, or other event that Greece has organized"......"
I have come across an archived version of the Athens Games website from 1997. This contains details of their bid, and promises made regarding infrastructure etc, for the Games. You can visit it here Athens archive.
I am also trying to track down a copy of the Athens Bid Book, which is in excess of 600 pages, and details every promise made by the Greek bid committee in respect of their bid to host the Games in 2004. If anyone knows where I can lay my hands on a copy I would be very grateful.
There are copies held by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland, unfortunately they are under embargo; and cannot be viewed by the public for another 30 years.
I wonder why?
Greece Safest Nation On Earth
Greece, in the shape of Ioannis Lampropoulos the deputy defence minister, has declared itself to be the safest nation on earth yesterday; less than a week before the start of the Olympic Games 2004, which are being held in Athens.
NATO patrols the coast, a Zeppelin patrols the skies, Patriot defence systems are on alert along with the Greek airforce and 70000 troops patrol the streets; in an unprecedented security operation.
The security blanket, which costs in excess of $1.5BN, has been praised by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge. However, he cautioned that there is no such thing as 100% security.
The ambassadors of the member countries of the Arab League paid a visit to the Greek Public Order Minister Voulgarakis during the week; to show their support for the Olympics 2004. They noted that it would be the enemy of Arabs and Greeks who takes action against Greece during the Olympics.
NATO patrols the coast, a Zeppelin patrols the skies, Patriot defence systems are on alert along with the Greek airforce and 70000 troops patrol the streets; in an unprecedented security operation.
The security blanket, which costs in excess of $1.5BN, has been praised by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge. However, he cautioned that there is no such thing as 100% security.
The ambassadors of the member countries of the Arab League paid a visit to the Greek Public Order Minister Voulgarakis during the week; to show their support for the Olympics 2004. They noted that it would be the enemy of Arabs and Greeks who takes action against Greece during the Olympics.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Gas! Gas! Gas!
It is reported that the US Olympic Committee (USOC) will be supplying gas masks to all 500 of their athletes and entourage, who will be attending the Olympics 2004 in Athens.
The emergency escape masks (gas masks to you and I) are designed to provide protection against tear gas, and other noxious agents.
It is estimated that the USOC bought around 1000 of these, at $150 a piece.
They might come in handy if the summer winds, needed to disperse the Athens smog, don't appear.
The emergency escape masks (gas masks to you and I) are designed to provide protection against tear gas, and other noxious agents.
It is estimated that the USOC bought around 1000 of these, at $150 a piece.
They might come in handy if the summer winds, needed to disperse the Athens smog, don't appear.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Greedy, Gutless Meanmindedness Update
Regarding my earlier post on the use of the word "Olympics" on my products; I have made an adjustment to the design which I think neatly sidesteps the problem, whilst giving my view of the absurdity of the issue.
Check out the new design at www.theolympicswarehouse.com
Ken
Check out the new design at www.theolympicswarehouse.com
Ken
Greedy, Gutless Meanmindedness
In a crushingly meanminded and gutless act, my third party on line store provider has disbarred me from selling my "Big Fat Olympics" T shirts, as they contain the word "Olympics".
It seems that they are worried that the use of the word "Olympics" may upset the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who are desperately seeking ways to milk this event for every penny that they can get their hands on.
I would make a small point here, the word "Olympics" is used in the media on a regular basis; are they asking each paper, TV and radio station that use the word to pay a fee everytime the word "Olympics" is used?
I regard this as absolutely pathetic.
If anyone out there with more brains and balls than my current shop provider, would like to host my T shirt emporium please feel free to drop me a line.
In the meantime I will redesign my T shirts to exclude the word Olympics, oops said it again!...
Please feel free to come up with suggestions for an alternative wording that excludes the word "Olympics", I will; be keeping the Owl design.
Note, there is one product remaining in my Olympic store if you are interested you can see it at www.theolympicswarehouse.com
In other news, it appears that the street signs being erected in Athens for the forthcoming Olympics (oops there I go again, I am not meant to use that word!!!) are pointing the wrong way.
That should help the Athens traffic flow!
On the environmental front, Athens authorities are praying for some summer winds to blow the smog and pollution away from the city; if there is no wind, there is a risk that the athletes may have a little trouble breathing.
It seems that they are worried that the use of the word "Olympics" may upset the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who are desperately seeking ways to milk this event for every penny that they can get their hands on.
I would make a small point here, the word "Olympics" is used in the media on a regular basis; are they asking each paper, TV and radio station that use the word to pay a fee everytime the word "Olympics" is used?
I regard this as absolutely pathetic.
If anyone out there with more brains and balls than my current shop provider, would like to host my T shirt emporium please feel free to drop me a line.
In the meantime I will redesign my T shirts to exclude the word Olympics, oops said it again!...
Please feel free to come up with suggestions for an alternative wording that excludes the word "Olympics", I will; be keeping the Owl design.
Note, there is one product remaining in my Olympic store if you are interested you can see it at www.theolympicswarehouse.com
In other news, it appears that the street signs being erected in Athens for the forthcoming Olympics (oops there I go again, I am not meant to use that word!!!) are pointing the wrong way.
That should help the Athens traffic flow!
On the environmental front, Athens authorities are praying for some summer winds to blow the smog and pollution away from the city; if there is no wind, there is a risk that the athletes may have a little trouble breathing.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Budget Busting Debt
It is reported that the cost of the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens, will exceed $7BN. I understand that the original budget had been set at just under $6BN.
Petros Doukas, Greece's Deputy Finance Minister, is reported to have said that these costs (being 4% of GDP) are likely to put Greece in violation of the EU fiscal rules on debt; which state that member nations should not have a debt burden in excess of 3% of GDP.
The costs are being paid by the Greek taxpayer who, if predictions that the total cost will exceed $12BN are correct, will be paying for the Olympics for more than a decade after they have ended.
Petros Doukas, Greece's Deputy Finance Minister, is reported to have said that these costs (being 4% of GDP) are likely to put Greece in violation of the EU fiscal rules on debt; which state that member nations should not have a debt burden in excess of 3% of GDP.
The costs are being paid by the Greek taxpayer who, if predictions that the total cost will exceed $12BN are correct, will be paying for the Olympics for more than a decade after they have ended.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
What Did You Do in The War Daddy?
The children of today's Greek armed forces will get an unusual answer to the timeless question "What did you do in the war daddy?".
Their fathers will say "I went to the Olympics".
Instead of being dispatched to the corner of a foreign field, the Greek armed forces are on war alert in their own country.
Is there a threat of invasion?
No
Are they at war?
No
This high state of alert is due to the forthcoming Olympic Games being held in Athens, which are scheduled to kick off on 13th August.
All problems, costs and security issues are being blamed (as with everything else in the world that goes wrong, or is used as an excuse for increased government intrusion) on September 11th.
The cost of the security arrangements for the Olympics 2004 will exceed 1.2BN Euros.
It seems that every member of Greece's armed forces will be involved, one way or another, in protecting the Games. The operation is code named "Ifitos", after the king who founded the Olympic Games. Greece's Patriot missile defence system will be on alert, and around 70000 security personnel will be on duty during the Games.
On top of the home defence forces, Greece has also called on NATO to lend a hand. NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft will patrol the skies, NATO's Mediterranean fleet will patrol the seas and an emergency biochemical and nuclear warfare unit will be on standby.
Let us trust that with the confusion, delays and use of illegal labour in the Olympic construction projects; that terrorists have not copied the IRA's bomb attack in Brighton 1984, which was an almost successful attempt to kill Margaret Thatcher during the Conservative Party conference being held in Brighton.
The IRA planted the bomb, a good few weeks before the detonation, in the paneling of a hotel bathroom. No amount of body searches of delegates, or "ring of steel" security measures prevented that attack.
To read about the 1984 bomb, please visit 1984 Brighton bombing.
Their fathers will say "I went to the Olympics".
Instead of being dispatched to the corner of a foreign field, the Greek armed forces are on war alert in their own country.
Is there a threat of invasion?
No
Are they at war?
No
This high state of alert is due to the forthcoming Olympic Games being held in Athens, which are scheduled to kick off on 13th August.
All problems, costs and security issues are being blamed (as with everything else in the world that goes wrong, or is used as an excuse for increased government intrusion) on September 11th.
The cost of the security arrangements for the Olympics 2004 will exceed 1.2BN Euros.
It seems that every member of Greece's armed forces will be involved, one way or another, in protecting the Games. The operation is code named "Ifitos", after the king who founded the Olympic Games. Greece's Patriot missile defence system will be on alert, and around 70000 security personnel will be on duty during the Games.
On top of the home defence forces, Greece has also called on NATO to lend a hand. NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft will patrol the skies, NATO's Mediterranean fleet will patrol the seas and an emergency biochemical and nuclear warfare unit will be on standby.
Let us trust that with the confusion, delays and use of illegal labour in the Olympic construction projects; that terrorists have not copied the IRA's bomb attack in Brighton 1984, which was an almost successful attempt to kill Margaret Thatcher during the Conservative Party conference being held in Brighton.
The IRA planted the bomb, a good few weeks before the detonation, in the paneling of a hotel bathroom. No amount of body searches of delegates, or "ring of steel" security measures prevented that attack.
To read about the 1984 bomb, please visit 1984 Brighton bombing.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Multinationals 1 - Greek Government 0
It is the nature of life that it can, on occasions, throw up a few surprises. One such surprise relates to the forthcoming Olympic Games, which are being held in Athens.
It is reported that Greenpeace, scourge of multinational polluters throughout the world, have complemented Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Unilever for their contribution to the environment in respect of the Olympics 2004.
However, they have taken "a pop" at the Greek government's less than spectacular contribution to the environment. It seems that once the Olympic party is over, the Greek government is going to have a lot of cleaning up to do; in order to repair the environmental damage that the Olympic Games have inflicted on Athens.
One area that has been marked out for special criticism is the Olympic Village, which will house 2300 athletes, this does not use renewable or efficient energy sources.
To be honest that doesn't really matter, as the evidence suggests that Athens will probably be enveloped in power blackouts on a regular basis; thus saving dwindling energy resources and the environment.
On the "cosmetic front", the much vaunted trees and shrubs that were planted to "beautify" Athens, have died; they were planted out of season.
In effect the "third pillar", the promise that the Greek government made to protect the environment when bidding for the Olympics, has been ignored; as with everything, where an excuse is needed for failure, September 11th is being blamed.
Not good enough!
In my view, if they were unable to meet their promises, then they should have forfeited the Games.
However, the Greeks do try to spread the blame; they also accuse the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of failing, the IOC naturally refute any shortcomings.
That's the true Olympic spirit of competitiveness!
It is reported that Greenpeace, scourge of multinational polluters throughout the world, have complemented Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Unilever for their contribution to the environment in respect of the Olympics 2004.
However, they have taken "a pop" at the Greek government's less than spectacular contribution to the environment. It seems that once the Olympic party is over, the Greek government is going to have a lot of cleaning up to do; in order to repair the environmental damage that the Olympic Games have inflicted on Athens.
One area that has been marked out for special criticism is the Olympic Village, which will house 2300 athletes, this does not use renewable or efficient energy sources.
To be honest that doesn't really matter, as the evidence suggests that Athens will probably be enveloped in power blackouts on a regular basis; thus saving dwindling energy resources and the environment.
On the "cosmetic front", the much vaunted trees and shrubs that were planted to "beautify" Athens, have died; they were planted out of season.
In effect the "third pillar", the promise that the Greek government made to protect the environment when bidding for the Olympics, has been ignored; as with everything, where an excuse is needed for failure, September 11th is being blamed.
Not good enough!
In my view, if they were unable to meet their promises, then they should have forfeited the Games.
However, the Greeks do try to spread the blame; they also accuse the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of failing, the IOC naturally refute any shortcomings.
That's the true Olympic spirit of competitiveness!
Monday, August 02, 2004
Not Long Now
With less than 2 weeks to go until the start of the Olympics 2004 in Athens, the final "touches" are being put to the Olympics infrastructure.
Despite the dead bodies of the construction workers, see yesterday's article, the organisers are beginning to feel proud about the achievements they have made.
Greek minister Voulgarakis is very optimistic that everything will be ready in time, for the start of the Games. Most importantly of all, the computer system that is meant to protect the Olympics; has finally been delivered, at a cost of $350M.
All they have to do now, is sell the remaining 5 million unsold tickets.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Despite the dead bodies of the construction workers, see yesterday's article, the organisers are beginning to feel proud about the achievements they have made.
Greek minister Voulgarakis is very optimistic that everything will be ready in time, for the start of the Games. Most importantly of all, the computer system that is meant to protect the Olympics; has finally been delivered, at a cost of $350M.
All they have to do now, is sell the remaining 5 million unsold tickets.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Sunday, August 01, 2004
The Olympics Body Count - The True Cost of the Olympics
As has been noted on this site many times, the construction projects for the Olympics 2004 in Athens are seriously behind schedule.
In order to speed things along, something which had the planning and construction work been done in a professional manner would not be necessary; the Greek authorities have employed thousands of illegal labourers from Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
It is reported that their working conditions are squalid, to say the least; a 14 hour day in 40 degrees, with no water or electricity. The workers have no insurance or permits, they earn around 20 Euros a day (the minimum wage in Greece is 30 Euros a day).
This "slave labour" is no overnight phenomenon, but has been in place for the last four years. Where was to International Olympic Committee (IOC) during this time?
Aside form the squalid conditions, the safety aspect is also a disgrace; to date 14 workers have died, and there have been 180 serious injuries (Sydney recorded 1 death and only a handful of serious injuries).
Is this something that the IOC, the Greek authorities and the Olympic sponsors should be proud of?
I don't think so.
Precisely how many dead bodies does it take to expose the disgraceful organisation of this event, and to get official sponsors and competing nations to do some serious soul searching about attending the Games?
In case you are wondering, the official response from the Greek government is that "accidents happen, people die".
How very compassionate!
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
In order to speed things along, something which had the planning and construction work been done in a professional manner would not be necessary; the Greek authorities have employed thousands of illegal labourers from Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
It is reported that their working conditions are squalid, to say the least; a 14 hour day in 40 degrees, with no water or electricity. The workers have no insurance or permits, they earn around 20 Euros a day (the minimum wage in Greece is 30 Euros a day).
This "slave labour" is no overnight phenomenon, but has been in place for the last four years. Where was to International Olympic Committee (IOC) during this time?
Aside form the squalid conditions, the safety aspect is also a disgrace; to date 14 workers have died, and there have been 180 serious injuries (Sydney recorded 1 death and only a handful of serious injuries).
Is this something that the IOC, the Greek authorities and the Olympic sponsors should be proud of?
I don't think so.
Precisely how many dead bodies does it take to expose the disgraceful organisation of this event, and to get official sponsors and competing nations to do some serious soul searching about attending the Games?
In case you are wondering, the official response from the Greek government is that "accidents happen, people die".
How very compassionate!
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
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