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.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
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?
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Off Message
The Olympics in Athens are barely 60 days away. However, there are some very public fears about the wisdom of holding them in Athens being expressed by some high profile personalities.
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, is reported to have said that holding the Olympic Games in Athens will be risky.
He seems to have a preference for Rome. The impression that Mr Rogge has given is that the Games were awarded to Greece, not for their infrastructure or competence, but as a sign of gratitude for them coming up with the idea of the Olympics some 3000 years ago.
I would venture to suggest that this is a little late in the day to be having second thoughts.
Jumping on the bandwagon of doubters, the head of the World Anti Doping Agency (Dick Pound) is reported to be worried that the Olympic Games in Athens will be "tumultuous".
His list of worries include; air pollution, doping violations, security concerns and the incomplete infrastructure in Athens.
Can anyone tell me which one of these issues was not known at the time of the biding?
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, is reported to have said that holding the Olympic Games in Athens will be risky.
He seems to have a preference for Rome. The impression that Mr Rogge has given is that the Games were awarded to Greece, not for their infrastructure or competence, but as a sign of gratitude for them coming up with the idea of the Olympics some 3000 years ago.
I would venture to suggest that this is a little late in the day to be having second thoughts.
Jumping on the bandwagon of doubters, the head of the World Anti Doping Agency (Dick Pound) is reported to be worried that the Olympic Games in Athens will be "tumultuous".
His list of worries include; air pollution, doping violations, security concerns and the incomplete infrastructure in Athens.
Can anyone tell me which one of these issues was not known at the time of the biding?
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Brain is a Muscle Too
I understand that, aside from celebrating the muscular achievements of athletes, there will also be a celebration of international culture and art in Athens; this will be held alongside the Olympics 2004 in Athens.
This event, known as Articade 2004, will feature the work of artists from around the world; together with a display of culture from their respective countries.
The artists will, via their medium, try to represent the lives, problems and issues facing the citizens of their respective countries.
Artists were selected on the basis of two submissions they were invited to make, focusing on their countries socio-political background.
This event, known as Articade 2004, will feature the work of artists from around the world; together with a display of culture from their respective countries.
The artists will, via their medium, try to represent the lives, problems and issues facing the citizens of their respective countries.
Artists were selected on the basis of two submissions they were invited to make, focusing on their countries socio-political background.
Friday, June 11, 2004
007 Drops In
The original 007, aka Sir Sean Connery and his wife Lady Micheline Roquebrune Connery, dropped in on ATHENS 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki yesterday.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Test Run
The Olympic stadium in Athens will be put through its paces today, as various track and field athletes will compete in front of a "guinea pig" audience of 8000.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
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