Competitors in four combat sports at the 2004 Athens Olympics who wore red, won their events 55% of the time.
That at least is the conclusion of a study published in the latest edition of the journal Nature.
The study covered boxing, taekwondo and the two wrestling disciplines.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Blair To Avoid G8
Tony Blair will launch a series of special events next month in the UK, in respect of Britain's attempts to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
It is reported that he may even go to Singapore, when the IOC announce their final decision, in July.
Downing Street claim that this is:
"a symbol of his commitment to the bid - and his total support for the excellent bid team, who he feels have done a superb job...We are going for this hell for leather."
Both Blair and Chirac (French President) intend to appear at the G8 summit in Gleneagles when the Olympics decision is announced on 6 July.
However, as befitting leaders of international stature who enjoy travelling, there are rumours that Chirac and Blair plan to sneak away from the summit to Singapore.
It is reported that he may even go to Singapore, when the IOC announce their final decision, in July.
Downing Street claim that this is:
"a symbol of his commitment to the bid - and his total support for the excellent bid team, who he feels have done a superb job...We are going for this hell for leather."
Both Blair and Chirac (French President) intend to appear at the G8 summit in Gleneagles when the Olympics decision is announced on 6 July.
However, as befitting leaders of international stature who enjoy travelling, there are rumours that Chirac and Blair plan to sneak away from the summit to Singapore.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
London Olympics Bill
It is reported that a London Olympics Bill will be introduced to Parliament as soon as possible, if London is selected to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Her Majesty The Queen included the Bill in her annual address outlining the Government's legislative programme to the State Opening of Parliament.
The Bill would set up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), grant the Mayor of London specific powers relating to the preparation and staging of the Games and provide legal protection to Olympic logos and symbols.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the news:
"This demonstrates the absolute commitment of Tony Blair and his Government to bringing the Games to London in 2012...It shows how advanced our plans are and work could begin immediately if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Games to London on 6 July."
Culture Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell, who is the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for London 2012, said:
"We will be hitting the ground running if the IOC awards the Games to London in 50 days time...The London Olympics Bill, which will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity if we win the bid, is further evidence of our ability to deliver an outstanding Games."
Tory Sports spokesman Hugh Robertson added:
"We welcome the announcement of the London Olympics Bill. It shows how far advanced planning is for the 2012 Games...We agree with the Bill's principles and will work to ensure London has the best possible legislative framework to deliver a memorable Games if London is successful in the IOC vote 50 days from today."
And Liberal Democrat Don Foster said:
"All major political parties have shown their support for London's bid to host the 2012 Games...Now the Liberal Democrats are resolute that, if successful, the UK will take every opportunity to deliver a Games worthy of enriching the Olympic Movement."
That's the trouble with politicians, they are always very keen on spending other people's money.
Ask the Greeks if the $14BN wasted on the 2004 Games was worth it.
Her Majesty The Queen included the Bill in her annual address outlining the Government's legislative programme to the State Opening of Parliament.
The Bill would set up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), grant the Mayor of London specific powers relating to the preparation and staging of the Games and provide legal protection to Olympic logos and symbols.
London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the news:
"This demonstrates the absolute commitment of Tony Blair and his Government to bringing the Games to London in 2012...It shows how advanced our plans are and work could begin immediately if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awards the Games to London on 6 July."
Culture Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell, who is the Cabinet Minister with responsibility for London 2012, said:
"We will be hitting the ground running if the IOC awards the Games to London in 50 days time...The London Olympics Bill, which will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity if we win the bid, is further evidence of our ability to deliver an outstanding Games."
Tory Sports spokesman Hugh Robertson added:
"We welcome the announcement of the London Olympics Bill. It shows how far advanced planning is for the 2012 Games...We agree with the Bill's principles and will work to ensure London has the best possible legislative framework to deliver a memorable Games if London is successful in the IOC vote 50 days from today."
And Liberal Democrat Don Foster said:
"All major political parties have shown their support for London's bid to host the 2012 Games...Now the Liberal Democrats are resolute that, if successful, the UK will take every opportunity to deliver a Games worthy of enriching the Olympic Movement."
That's the trouble with politicians, they are always very keen on spending other people's money.
Ask the Greeks if the $14BN wasted on the 2004 Games was worth it.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Beijing Olympics Terror Target
China has warned that the 2008 Olympics in Beijing will be a top terror target, security forces and intelligence gathering with other countries will therefore be upgraded.
Beijing has outlined security plans for the Games, and will utilise foreign expertise and subway, taxi and bus drivers.
Qiang Wei, deputy Communist Party Secretary of Beijing, said:
"As a massive gathering of thousands of athletes, coaches, journalists and leading officials from more 200 countries, the Olympic Games is one of the prime targets for terrorists who want to make worldwide unrest,"
Adding:
"Apart from mobilising domestic resources, Beijing will team up with the security institutions of other countries during its preparations for the Games."
China has invited several leading police officials from six other capitals, including Moscow, to attend a forum in Beijing.
The aim, according to Qiang Wei, is to work together; quote:
"In the future, we will try to work with many more cities, especially those that have hosted the Olympic Games, to learn about their experiences,".
Beijing has outlined security plans for the Games, and will utilise foreign expertise and subway, taxi and bus drivers.
Qiang Wei, deputy Communist Party Secretary of Beijing, said:
"As a massive gathering of thousands of athletes, coaches, journalists and leading officials from more 200 countries, the Olympic Games is one of the prime targets for terrorists who want to make worldwide unrest,"
Adding:
"Apart from mobilising domestic resources, Beijing will team up with the security institutions of other countries during its preparations for the Games."
China has invited several leading police officials from six other capitals, including Moscow, to attend a forum in Beijing.
The aim, according to Qiang Wei, is to work together; quote:
"In the future, we will try to work with many more cities, especially those that have hosted the Olympic Games, to learn about their experiences,".
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Blair Backs Olympics
Prime Minister Tony Blair has endorsed a new brochure, that outlines a time line for the delivery of a London Olympics in 2012.
Blair is quoted in the pamphlet as saying:
"My commitment is total. I will do everything I can to deliver,"
The timeline:
2006 – Opening of the new Wembley Stadium.
2007 – Completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between the Olympic Park and central London.
2008 – Work is finished on the Aquatics Centre and the Velopark.
2011 -- Terminal 5 at Heathrow opens
The brochure also says that if London wins the bid, the organising committee that will follow is to be led by bid chairman Sebastian Coe and Chief Executive Keith Mills.
However, Blair is likely to step down as PM within the next 18 months.
Blair is quoted in the pamphlet as saying:
"My commitment is total. I will do everything I can to deliver,"
The timeline:
2006 – Opening of the new Wembley Stadium.
2007 – Completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link between the Olympic Park and central London.
2008 – Work is finished on the Aquatics Centre and the Velopark.
2011 -- Terminal 5 at Heathrow opens
The brochure also says that if London wins the bid, the organising committee that will follow is to be led by bid chairman Sebastian Coe and Chief Executive Keith Mills.
However, Blair is likely to step down as PM within the next 18 months.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Finger Fighting Olympics
The game of rock, paper, scissors (RPS) has its own world championships.
Last year the RPS world championships were held in Canada, and attracted 1000 competitors from around the world.
This year the Australian contingent will be holding qualifying state, territory, then national rounds in August to pick Australia's best for the international finals.
Last year the RPS world championships were held in Canada, and attracted 1000 competitors from around the world.
This year the Australian contingent will be holding qualifying state, territory, then national rounds in August to pick Australia's best for the international finals.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Singapore Influx
Up to 5,000 people are expected to be in Singapore for the IOC meeting and vote for the host of the 2012 Olympics.
This influx is expected to generate $24M for the local economy.
This influx is expected to generate $24M for the local economy.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
IOC Blow It
Dick Pound, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chairman, claims that both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the official lab of the Athens Olympics made mistakes that enabled time-trial champion Tyler Hamilton to escape charges of alleged blood doping.
Quote:
"As far as I understand...(the lab director) blew it and also the IOC blew it,".
Hamilton tested positive for a blood transfusion in August, after winning the Olympic time-trial gold medal.
However, he kept his gold medal because the IOC said the result of a follow-up sample was "non-conclusive" because it had been destroyed by being deep-frozen.
Pound went on to say:
"The lab director didn't deal with (the sample) right away as a positive case, and the IOC didn't notice the problem for several days...It should have been reported as a positive case instead of merely suspicious, and the IOC should have been reading these forms every day...they didn't respond quickly enough,".
In December, Greek prosecutors launched an investigation into the blunder. They say that they want to determine if the deep freezing was deliberate or negligent.
Quote:
"As far as I understand...(the lab director) blew it and also the IOC blew it,".
Hamilton tested positive for a blood transfusion in August, after winning the Olympic time-trial gold medal.
However, he kept his gold medal because the IOC said the result of a follow-up sample was "non-conclusive" because it had been destroyed by being deep-frozen.
Pound went on to say:
"The lab director didn't deal with (the sample) right away as a positive case, and the IOC didn't notice the problem for several days...It should have been reported as a positive case instead of merely suspicious, and the IOC should have been reading these forms every day...they didn't respond quickly enough,".
In December, Greek prosecutors launched an investigation into the blunder. They say that they want to determine if the deep freezing was deliberate or negligent.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Size Matters
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that size matters after all.
They have imposed a ruling on sports manufacturers to reduce the sizes of uniform logos for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics.
The IOC are to ban brand logos larger than 3.1 square inches, or 7.8 square centimeters, on uniforms starting at next year's Games.
Addidas and Nike are reportedly working on changes.
They have imposed a ruling on sports manufacturers to reduce the sizes of uniform logos for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics.
The IOC are to ban brand logos larger than 3.1 square inches, or 7.8 square centimeters, on uniforms starting at next year's Games.
Addidas and Nike are reportedly working on changes.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Money For Competing
Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen is reported to have said that NBA players should be paid for appearing at the Olympics.
Quote:
"You're dealing with a different animal than the other sports..You've got people who are selling out buildings (venues) and if you want these particular (NBA) players there, how do you get them there?..You're making money off their merchandising. You're not making money off the discus thrower."
He added:
"I'm by no means saying I need to get paid..but you're talking about some of these young players who are some of the best players in the world and why would they want to play in the summer?..Most athletes, they hunger for the Olympics every four years. They spend their lives wanting to get there and that's what they want to do..But we're different. We've just finished an 82-game season and we want to chill out."
He said that salaries for the NBA professionals could be generated from merchandise that is sold featuring the players.
The Olympics is all about money anyway, what possible difference would this proposal make?
Otherwise, these guys needn't bother going and the Games will continue without them.
Quote:
"You're dealing with a different animal than the other sports..You've got people who are selling out buildings (venues) and if you want these particular (NBA) players there, how do you get them there?..You're making money off their merchandising. You're not making money off the discus thrower."
He added:
"I'm by no means saying I need to get paid..but you're talking about some of these young players who are some of the best players in the world and why would they want to play in the summer?..Most athletes, they hunger for the Olympics every four years. They spend their lives wanting to get there and that's what they want to do..But we're different. We've just finished an 82-game season and we want to chill out."
He said that salaries for the NBA professionals could be generated from merchandise that is sold featuring the players.
The Olympics is all about money anyway, what possible difference would this proposal make?
Otherwise, these guys needn't bother going and the Games will continue without them.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Pac Man Logo Upsets Inuits
The new logo for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics has caused quite a stir amongst the Inuit population of Canada.
The freehand interpretation of an Inuit stone figure, known as "inukshuk", is called "Ilanaaq" the Inuit word for "friend."
However, Edward John, the grand chief of Canada's First Nations Summit has condemned it.
He said that the logo does not reflect the indigenous people of Canada's western coast.
Quote:
"We're very surprised at the choice..If the Games were in the North or in the Arctic, and we had a totem pole or a west coast design, I'm not sure (the Inuit would) be happy either,".
Chief Stewart Philip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs added:
"I can't help but notice the remarkable resemblance it has to Pac-Man,".
John said that he would be sending a letter to International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, about the matter.
They may have a job convincing Rogge, he is quoted as saying:
"I loved it immediately..I smiled when I saw it. It reminds me of a hockey goalie."
The freehand interpretation of an Inuit stone figure, known as "inukshuk", is called "Ilanaaq" the Inuit word for "friend."
However, Edward John, the grand chief of Canada's First Nations Summit has condemned it.
He said that the logo does not reflect the indigenous people of Canada's western coast.
Quote:
"We're very surprised at the choice..If the Games were in the North or in the Arctic, and we had a totem pole or a west coast design, I'm not sure (the Inuit would) be happy either,".
Chief Stewart Philip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs added:
"I can't help but notice the remarkable resemblance it has to Pac-Man,".
John said that he would be sending a letter to International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, about the matter.
They may have a job convincing Rogge, he is quoted as saying:
"I loved it immediately..I smiled when I saw it. It reminds me of a hockey goalie."
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
The Office Olympics
In order to mark Administration Professionals Day, Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the annual Office Olympics today.
This was formerly known as Secretaries Olympics.
Secretaries, administrative assistants and office workers can competee between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Recreation Department on Pascagoula Street in the old high school gym.
Free lunch will be provided.
Sponsor Office Depot will award one $100 shopping spree, two $50 shopping sprees and many other prizes to this year's winners.
In the Chair Challenge, participants will race backwards through an obstacle course on a wheeled desk chair. Contestants will see how fast they can type using an old-fashioned typewriter in Type Mania.
Other games include File Crazy, Trash It and Toss Your Boss.
Erm, are they sure about the last one?
This was formerly known as Secretaries Olympics.
Secretaries, administrative assistants and office workers can competee between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Recreation Department on Pascagoula Street in the old high school gym.
Free lunch will be provided.
Sponsor Office Depot will award one $100 shopping spree, two $50 shopping sprees and many other prizes to this year's winners.
In the Chair Challenge, participants will race backwards through an obstacle course on a wheeled desk chair. Contestants will see how fast they can type using an old-fashioned typewriter in Type Mania.
Other games include File Crazy, Trash It and Toss Your Boss.
Erm, are they sure about the last one?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
London Olympic Bid In Trouble Again
A coalition of more than 300 businesses in London, have written to the IOC accusing the bid and the London Development Agency (LDA) of acting in bad faith.
It seems that if London were to win the 2012 Olympics, these businesses would have to relocate.
They claim that three reports examining land issues contain conclusions that are "neither impartial nor true".
The businesses, located in Marshgate Lane, are concerned that the LDA has failed to provide adequate alternative land to relocate to. They also note that the valuation of land prices is 25% below market value.
They also claim that there is a £2BN shortfall in the LDA's budget for relocation or acquiring alternative sites.
It seems that if London were to win the 2012 Olympics, these businesses would have to relocate.
They claim that three reports examining land issues contain conclusions that are "neither impartial nor true".
The businesses, located in Marshgate Lane, are concerned that the LDA has failed to provide adequate alternative land to relocate to. They also note that the valuation of land prices is 25% below market value.
They also claim that there is a £2BN shortfall in the LDA's budget for relocation or acquiring alternative sites.
Monday, April 25, 2005
London Caves In
The London bid team for the 2012 Olympics has caved into pressure from the IOC, and withdrawn the offer of inducements for national sporting bodies.
The IOC Ethics Commission had been asked to examine the financial incentives offered by London and New York.
The London bid team issued this statement:
"In light of President Rogge's remarks and the importance of London 2012's commitment to working in close co-operation with the IOC, we feel it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to withdraw the charters at this stage..The IOC President has made clear that all candidate cities need to avoid a bidding war in the race to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012."
London had promised to give a $50K credit to each National Olympic Committee towards the cost of using British training camps, as well as air fares for team members and discount cards for restaurants, shops and theatres.
It had also offered free accommodation and living expenses for technical delegates from international sporting federations, to stay in London for up to a year to oversee preparations.
Meanwhile, in a twist of fate, New York's bid team was cleared of any wrongdoing by the IOC over their offer of inducements.
The IOC Ethics Commission ruled that the creation of an Olympic Sports Marketing Council was an integral part of New York's bid, and that there was no case to answer.
The IOC Ethics Commission had been asked to examine the financial incentives offered by London and New York.
The London bid team issued this statement:
"In light of President Rogge's remarks and the importance of London 2012's commitment to working in close co-operation with the IOC, we feel it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to withdraw the charters at this stage..The IOC President has made clear that all candidate cities need to avoid a bidding war in the race to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012."
London had promised to give a $50K credit to each National Olympic Committee towards the cost of using British training camps, as well as air fares for team members and discount cards for restaurants, shops and theatres.
It had also offered free accommodation and living expenses for technical delegates from international sporting federations, to stay in London for up to a year to oversee preparations.
Meanwhile, in a twist of fate, New York's bid team was cleared of any wrongdoing by the IOC over their offer of inducements.
The IOC Ethics Commission ruled that the creation of an Olympic Sports Marketing Council was an integral part of New York's bid, and that there was no case to answer.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Shot Across The Bows
Olympic President, Jacques Rogge, has fired a warning shot across the bows of the five cities bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games.
He issued a statement at the Berlin Intercontinental Hotel, where the final presentations for the 2012 Games are being made, saying:
"We do not want a kind of bidding war in the final few days. This would not be good for the Olympic movement,".
Adding:
"But remember where we (IOC) come from and where we never want to go back. I want a fair system for candidate cities and I want a fair system for the IOC".
He issued a statement at the Berlin Intercontinental Hotel, where the final presentations for the 2012 Games are being made, saying:
"We do not want a kind of bidding war in the final few days. This would not be good for the Olympic movement,".
Adding:
"But remember where we (IOC) come from and where we never want to go back. I want a fair system for candidate cities and I want a fair system for the IOC".
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