A Big Fat Cow
I understand that the "beautification" of Athens, in time for the Olympics, has fallen foul of the budget constraints.
It seems that good quality plants and shrubs, that would have been able to take root and flourish in the hottest part of the year, have been axed.
So much for the Games adding value to the city that hosts them!
In fact, as I have noted, these games are likely to be the most controversial ever held. An "anti 2004 alliance", consisting of; artists, anarchists, architects, greens and other assorted "scallywags" is organising an ongoing campaign of protests against the Athens 2004 Games.
The anti 2004 alliance believes that the Games have turned into a money making extravaganza; with the lofty ideals of sportsmanship, and co-operation between nations long since abandoned.
They believe that the Games have become a "big fat cash cow".
True or not, I suspect that the good citizens of Athens will see very little of the cash themselves.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
Dad to the Rescue
It is reported that President Bush says Greece is making "good progress", in its efforts to protect the Olympics 2004 from a terrorist attack.
A cynic might remark that praise from the man who engineered the current "stability and security" in Iraq, is not necessarily worth that much.
Unfortunately, it being an election year, the President won't be attending the games himself. He will instead send his 80 year old father.
I doubt that the election is the prime reason for skipping the Olympic Games.
Those of you who were present in London a while ago, when the President visited, will recall the enormous security precautions taken there. They were exceptionally costly in terms of manpower, money and disruption to daily life.
All of that was required to make the President feel safe in a country that is a stable ally, and well used to protecting VIP's.
Imagine the chaos and confusion that would occur if he went to Greece.
The sad fact for the USA is, that there are simply very few countries in the world now that can make the President of the world's most powerful nation feel safe.
It is reported that President Bush says Greece is making "good progress", in its efforts to protect the Olympics 2004 from a terrorist attack.
A cynic might remark that praise from the man who engineered the current "stability and security" in Iraq, is not necessarily worth that much.
Unfortunately, it being an election year, the President won't be attending the games himself. He will instead send his 80 year old father.
I doubt that the election is the prime reason for skipping the Olympic Games.
Those of you who were present in London a while ago, when the President visited, will recall the enormous security precautions taken there. They were exceptionally costly in terms of manpower, money and disruption to daily life.
All of that was required to make the President feel safe in a country that is a stable ally, and well used to protecting VIP's.
Imagine the chaos and confusion that would occur if he went to Greece.
The sad fact for the USA is, that there are simply very few countries in the world now that can make the President of the world's most powerful nation feel safe.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Enhance Your Performance
The drug scandal that simply won't go away.
Kelli White, a world class sprinter, has been barred from the Olympics 2004 being held in Athens; seemingly as a result of the investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO).
Kelli, it appears, has admitted to using steroids and another nefarious enhancing substance. She has been suspended from competition for two years.
It seems that others may well be given a "spanking", for dabbling in enhancing drugs, as the evidence from the BALCO investigation is scrutinised.
Rumours are that the Olympic sprint champion Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, another runner, are also in the sights of the US Anti Doping Agency.
USADA will be conducting tests, seemingly this will be a case of "urine, you're out".
In other news, London is through to the next stages of deciding who will host the Olympic games in 2012. It came third out of five.
However, the judges gave London a dressing down for its lousy transport infrastructure.
Not much of a surprise there then?
Given the above, the only question that the citizens of the UK should be addressing is; why waste £25M of taxpayers' money, on bidding for something that they have no chance of winning.
The drug scandal that simply won't go away.
Kelli White, a world class sprinter, has been barred from the Olympics 2004 being held in Athens; seemingly as a result of the investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO).
Kelli, it appears, has admitted to using steroids and another nefarious enhancing substance. She has been suspended from competition for two years.
It seems that others may well be given a "spanking", for dabbling in enhancing drugs, as the evidence from the BALCO investigation is scrutinised.
Rumours are that the Olympic sprint champion Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, another runner, are also in the sights of the US Anti Doping Agency.
USADA will be conducting tests, seemingly this will be a case of "urine, you're out".
In other news, London is through to the next stages of deciding who will host the Olympic games in 2012. It came third out of five.
However, the judges gave London a dressing down for its lousy transport infrastructure.
Not much of a surprise there then?
Given the above, the only question that the citizens of the UK should be addressing is; why waste £25M of taxpayers' money, on bidding for something that they have no chance of winning.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Volte Farce
It seems that, in a complete turn around from earlier statements, Greece now expects to reduce its public deficit to 2.9 percent of output in 2004. This is in contrast to earlier statements predicting another year of deficits in excess of 3%, the EU's budgetary ceiling.
Greece seems to be relying on the Keynesian principle of "pay a man to dig a hole, rather than pay him to do nothing" coming to the rescue of its bloated budget.
Greece's Economy and Finance Minister Yiorgos Alogoskoufis, is now expecting the general government deficit will reach 2.9%.
This is despite the fact that the cost of the Olympic Games 2004 is now expected to be a whopping 5.4BN Euros.
The magic 2.9% (below the 3% threshold) is to be achieved by unidentified funds saving post Olympics 2004.
Well we can all hope!
In May, the much respected and trusted, Eurostat statistics agency (see In Your Face and read my article about fraud to see what I think of them) said that the Greek deficit was 3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2003. In April 2004 the EU's executive commission noted that the Greek deficit was likely to stay at 3.2% in 2004.
Given the above, would anyone care to venture an opinion as to how Greece will dip below the 3% threshold?
Answers please on a postcard to the Greek Finance Minister, I suspect he needs all the help that he can get.
It seems that, in a complete turn around from earlier statements, Greece now expects to reduce its public deficit to 2.9 percent of output in 2004. This is in contrast to earlier statements predicting another year of deficits in excess of 3%, the EU's budgetary ceiling.
Greece seems to be relying on the Keynesian principle of "pay a man to dig a hole, rather than pay him to do nothing" coming to the rescue of its bloated budget.
Greece's Economy and Finance Minister Yiorgos Alogoskoufis, is now expecting the general government deficit will reach 2.9%.
This is despite the fact that the cost of the Olympic Games 2004 is now expected to be a whopping 5.4BN Euros.
The magic 2.9% (below the 3% threshold) is to be achieved by unidentified funds saving post Olympics 2004.
Well we can all hope!
In May, the much respected and trusted, Eurostat statistics agency (see In Your Face and read my article about fraud to see what I think of them) said that the Greek deficit was 3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2003. In April 2004 the EU's executive commission noted that the Greek deficit was likely to stay at 3.2% in 2004.
Given the above, would anyone care to venture an opinion as to how Greece will dip below the 3% threshold?
Answers please on a postcard to the Greek Finance Minister, I suspect he needs all the help that he can get.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Sex Is No Barrier
The International Olympic Committee has approved a measure that will allow individuals, who have undergone sex change surgery, to be eligible for competing in the Olympics.
They must have undergone a minimum of two years post operation hormone therapy, and be legally recognised in their new gender.
There had, until now, been concerns that those individuals who had changed from men to women; may have had an advantage, in terms of capacity and strength. However, it is believed that the hormone therapy counteracts that advantage.
However, there are some concerns voiced by a few; that the love of money may encourage certain "idiots" to change sex, in order to have a perceived advantage.
The International Olympic Committee has approved a measure that will allow individuals, who have undergone sex change surgery, to be eligible for competing in the Olympics.
They must have undergone a minimum of two years post operation hormone therapy, and be legally recognised in their new gender.
There had, until now, been concerns that those individuals who had changed from men to women; may have had an advantage, in terms of capacity and strength. However, it is believed that the hormone therapy counteracts that advantage.
However, there are some concerns voiced by a few; that the love of money may encourage certain "idiots" to change sex, in order to have a perceived advantage.
It's All BALCO's
I understand that Marion Jones, two time 100 metre champion, has indicated that she will go to court if the USA Anti Drug Agency stops her going to the Olympics in Athens this year.
It seems that the USADA can now keep athletes from competing not just because of a positive drug test, but also if there is other evidence of drug violations.
Marion Jones is a tad "pissed off" at this, and vented her spleen to journalists about the matter.
However, she made no comment about the BALCO issue.
BALCO is the Bay Area Lab Co-operative, it seems that there have been allegations about drug violations; whereby athletes have allegedly been obtaining steroids.
Marion Jones and other athletes have testified in front of a grand jury about BALCO.
It seems that a Senate committee may be handing over documents to USADA about their investigation into BALCO.
I understand that Marion Jones, two time 100 metre champion, has indicated that she will go to court if the USA Anti Drug Agency stops her going to the Olympics in Athens this year.
It seems that the USADA can now keep athletes from competing not just because of a positive drug test, but also if there is other evidence of drug violations.
Marion Jones is a tad "pissed off" at this, and vented her spleen to journalists about the matter.
However, she made no comment about the BALCO issue.
BALCO is the Bay Area Lab Co-operative, it seems that there have been allegations about drug violations; whereby athletes have allegedly been obtaining steroids.
Marion Jones and other athletes have testified in front of a grand jury about BALCO.
It seems that a Senate committee may be handing over documents to USADA about their investigation into BALCO.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Hardly Sporting, Is It?
I understand that, despite qualifying to attend the Olympics in Athens 2004, the South African Hockey Team may have hit a snag.
The Greeks are miffed at not qualifying; instead of taking their defeat on the chin, "like a man", they have taken the matter up in court (how very mature and sporting of them!).
Their case will be heard at the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday.
Their argument runs along these lines:
"Since we are hosting this event, our hockey team must appear even if they are not very good".
If the Greeks win then the South Africans, who deserve to attend, will be booted out; as only 12 teams can compete.
Absolutely pathetic, I hope the South Africans win the court case.
I understand that, despite qualifying to attend the Olympics in Athens 2004, the South African Hockey Team may have hit a snag.
The Greeks are miffed at not qualifying; instead of taking their defeat on the chin, "like a man", they have taken the matter up in court (how very mature and sporting of them!).
Their case will be heard at the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday.
Their argument runs along these lines:
"Since we are hosting this event, our hockey team must appear even if they are not very good".
If the Greeks win then the South Africans, who deserve to attend, will be booted out; as only 12 teams can compete.
Absolutely pathetic, I hope the South Africans win the court case.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
A Peaceful Sporting Festival?
Despite the fact that, so we are all told, the Olympics Games are about peace and friendly competition between nations; approximately $1.2BN has been spent on security for the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens.
Nothwithstanding the above, people still seem to be nervous.
Particularly the Americans who are contemplating, so it is rumoured, pulling out at the 11th hour.
In my view this would be a very foolish message to send to the world; in effect it would be saying "we, the citizens of the US, are afraid to interact with the rest of the world".
To help the US get over its nerves the Games will have an estimated 70,000 security personnel on duty, NATO will be helping out and others such as; Russia and the UK will be sending their security people into the general melee as well.
However, it seems that there are a few glitches that the organisers need to attend to. On Thursday a handful of UK and German journalists strolled round the main stadium for a while, before being stopped.
Despite the fact that, so we are all told, the Olympics Games are about peace and friendly competition between nations; approximately $1.2BN has been spent on security for the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens.
Nothwithstanding the above, people still seem to be nervous.
Particularly the Americans who are contemplating, so it is rumoured, pulling out at the 11th hour.
In my view this would be a very foolish message to send to the world; in effect it would be saying "we, the citizens of the US, are afraid to interact with the rest of the world".
To help the US get over its nerves the Games will have an estimated 70,000 security personnel on duty, NATO will be helping out and others such as; Russia and the UK will be sending their security people into the general melee as well.
However, it seems that there are a few glitches that the organisers need to attend to. On Thursday a handful of UK and German journalists strolled round the main stadium for a while, before being stopped.
Friday, May 14, 2004
It's The Money Stupid
I see that the biggest ever Olympic Store has opened, in a shopping centre in Athens. It has around 700 square metres of selling space.
This is enough space to contain all the trivia, trinkets and associated bits and pieces that go to make the modern day Olympics what it is today; a massive marketing exercise in brand and product placement.
But don't forget, in spite of the massive commercialisation, the Games are still about sport and competition between "amateurs".
Yeah right!
I see that the biggest ever Olympic Store has opened, in a shopping centre in Athens. It has around 700 square metres of selling space.
This is enough space to contain all the trivia, trinkets and associated bits and pieces that go to make the modern day Olympics what it is today; a massive marketing exercise in brand and product placement.
But don't forget, in spite of the massive commercialisation, the Games are still about sport and competition between "amateurs".
Yeah right!
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Delphic Reasoning
It seems that, with a logic that only terrorists can come up with, a Greek fringe group calling itself the "Revolutionary Struggle" has claimed responsibility for three bomb blasts in Athens last week.
The reasons for the attack, according to the group, were to protest against the heavy security measures ahead of the Olympics.
The group is claiming to be concerned about "Greece's transformation into a fortress". Their other worries are; NATO's involvement and the involvemnet of various intelligence agencies.
They feel that the Olympics are turning into a war, rather than a sporting event.
Maybe guys, if you stop letting off bombs the Olympics may feel less like a war? Just a thought!
It seems that, with a logic that only terrorists can come up with, a Greek fringe group calling itself the "Revolutionary Struggle" has claimed responsibility for three bomb blasts in Athens last week.
The reasons for the attack, according to the group, were to protest against the heavy security measures ahead of the Olympics.
The group is claiming to be concerned about "Greece's transformation into a fortress". Their other worries are; NATO's involvement and the involvemnet of various intelligence agencies.
They feel that the Olympics are turning into a war, rather than a sporting event.
Maybe guys, if you stop letting off bombs the Olympics may feel less like a war? Just a thought!
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Pop Goes The Weasel
It seems that the cost of hosting the Olympics will push the Greek government's budget deficit over the EU limit for 2004.
Slightly embarrassing, as Greece "busted" the limit last year as well.
The Greek Economics Minister George Alogoskoufis has assured the EU that they will try to stay within the limits in 2005.
I don't think he needs to worry, the EU "Stability Pact" is routinely ignored by other members of the EU; without suffering any more than a mild rebuke from the "Gnomes" in Brussels.
The cost of the Olympics is expected to be around 2.5BN Euros, a staggering 1BN Euros over budget.
By the way, that cost does not include the expense of building the infrastructure (such as new rail links etc); to cope with the influx of people expected to attend the Olympics in Athens.
Let's hope the organisation of the security and logistics is better than the financial management!
It seems that the cost of hosting the Olympics will push the Greek government's budget deficit over the EU limit for 2004.
Slightly embarrassing, as Greece "busted" the limit last year as well.
The Greek Economics Minister George Alogoskoufis has assured the EU that they will try to stay within the limits in 2005.
I don't think he needs to worry, the EU "Stability Pact" is routinely ignored by other members of the EU; without suffering any more than a mild rebuke from the "Gnomes" in Brussels.
The cost of the Olympics is expected to be around 2.5BN Euros, a staggering 1BN Euros over budget.
By the way, that cost does not include the expense of building the infrastructure (such as new rail links etc); to cope with the influx of people expected to attend the Olympics in Athens.
Let's hope the organisation of the security and logistics is better than the financial management!
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
It is reported that the USA's Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Tom Ridge, believes that more work is required on security matters for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
He aired his views whilst meeting with the Greek Public Order Minister, Yiorgos Voulgarakis, during the latter's visit to Washington.
The USA is willing to help with security, if invited by Greece to do so.
The Greek Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos is reported to have said that "Greece is a safe destination. The noise made across the world (about the attacks) was louder than the one created by the firecrackers that went off."
So that's alright then.
He aired his views whilst meeting with the Greek Public Order Minister, Yiorgos Voulgarakis, during the latter's visit to Washington.
The USA is willing to help with security, if invited by Greece to do so.
The Greek Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos is reported to have said that "Greece is a safe destination. The noise made across the world (about the attacks) was louder than the one created by the firecrackers that went off."
So that's alright then.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Welcome to "The Village"
Good news, the Athens Olympic Village at the foot of Mount Parnitha, will open 3 weeks before the Olympic Games start.
Over 16,000 athletes and their entourages will be accommodated there.
Some statistics:
Needless to say, it also has some athletic facilities; should the contestants feel the need to "stretch their legs".
Once the Olympic Games are over, the area will be used for low cost public housing.
Good news, the Athens Olympic Village at the foot of Mount Parnitha, will open 3 weeks before the Olympic Games start.
Over 16,000 athletes and their entourages will be accommodated there.
Some statistics:
- 2292 air conditioned apartments
- 10000 staff
- 71 days days of life, until it closes on 1 October
- Multi faith; Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew and Hindu, will all have places for prayer and counseling
- Restaurants a plenty, from kosher to halal
- Shopping mall facilities including; a museum, shops, a bank, a library, a post office, hairdressers, snack bars, internet cafes, video games rooms and massage rooms.
Needless to say, it also has some athletic facilities; should the contestants feel the need to "stretch their legs".
Once the Olympic Games are over, the area will be used for low cost public housing.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Smoke and Mirrors
Much like a conjurer seeking to dazzle his audience, the authorities in Greece managing the Athens Olympics are hoping to distract the eyes of the world wide audience away from the unfinished buildings and eyesores; by using banners to cover the buildings.
A team of graphic designers has been hired to manage the building dressing.
It is estimated that over 6500 banners will be used, plus a vast swathe of fabric to cover fences and other "bits and pieces".
The banners will be up between July and October whilst the Olympic Games are being held.
I wonder if the ordinary citizens of Athens are impressed by this "tart's dressing"?
Much like a conjurer seeking to dazzle his audience, the authorities in Greece managing the Athens Olympics are hoping to distract the eyes of the world wide audience away from the unfinished buildings and eyesores; by using banners to cover the buildings.
A team of graphic designers has been hired to manage the building dressing.
It is estimated that over 6500 banners will be used, plus a vast swathe of fabric to cover fences and other "bits and pieces".
The banners will be up between July and October whilst the Olympic Games are being held.
I wonder if the ordinary citizens of Athens are impressed by this "tart's dressing"?
Saturday, May 08, 2004
100 trees have been planted in the Garden of Nations by volunteers.
The Garden of Nations is a theme garden in the Olympic village, which will accommodate the great and good from the world of sport during the Athens Olympics.
Doubtless this will make up for the forests of wood used in the manufacture of the brochures, pamphlets and other assorted media literature that have been disseminated around the world publicising the Olympics.
The Garden of Nations is a theme garden in the Olympic village, which will accommodate the great and good from the world of sport during the Athens Olympics.
Doubtless this will make up for the forests of wood used in the manufacture of the brochures, pamphlets and other assorted media literature that have been disseminated around the world publicising the Olympics.
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