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.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
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"
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Drugs
It is reported that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has conducted approximately 5000 drug tests on athletes, in the first half of 2004; in readiness for the Olympics 2004, which are being held in Athens.
Almost half of the tests were "surprise" tests (the testers turned up at athletes' houses wearing red noses and shouted "Surprise!"). However, 242 were done with advance notice being given to the athletes.
It seems that 12 tests came back positive.
In my view drug testing should be compulsory for all the athletes attending the Olympics, and other major sporting events; that is the only way to clean up the image of sport.
What are peoples' views on this?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Almost half of the tests were "surprise" tests (the testers turned up at athletes' houses wearing red noses and shouted "Surprise!"). However, 242 were done with advance notice being given to the athletes.
It seems that 12 tests came back positive.
In my view drug testing should be compulsory for all the athletes attending the Olympics, and other major sporting events; that is the only way to clean up the image of sport.
What are peoples' views on this?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Friday, July 30, 2004
Bribery and Corruption, In The Olympics; Surely Not?
The BBC's Panorama programme, due to be shown in the UK this Sunday, has put the "cat among the pigeons" in respect of the integrity and honesty of the Olympic Games.
It is reported to allege that a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was willing to take a bribe, from an undercover reporter, to help London host the 2012 Olympics.
Bribery and corruption, in sport?; surely not!
The IOC have started an internal investigation into the allegations. As an old hand at fraud and audit investigations (see my resume), unless the investigation is carried out by an independent third party; it will not be worth the paper it is printed on.
The IOC president Jacques Rogge has made the right PR noises, by saying that he takes the allegations very seriously etc etc.
It is reported that the BBC have stated that Olympic insiders have said that they have taken kickbacks, paid by previous bidding cities, and that they have been approached in respect of the 2012 Games.
Apart from the lack of infrastructure in London, which in my view pretty well kills the bid anyway, this story should finish off London's chances for good.
It is reported to allege that a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was willing to take a bribe, from an undercover reporter, to help London host the 2012 Olympics.
Bribery and corruption, in sport?; surely not!
The IOC have started an internal investigation into the allegations. As an old hand at fraud and audit investigations (see my resume), unless the investigation is carried out by an independent third party; it will not be worth the paper it is printed on.
The IOC president Jacques Rogge has made the right PR noises, by saying that he takes the allegations very seriously etc etc.
It is reported that the BBC have stated that Olympic insiders have said that they have taken kickbacks, paid by previous bidding cities, and that they have been approached in respect of the 2012 Games.
Apart from the lack of infrastructure in London, which in my view pretty well kills the bid anyway, this story should finish off London's chances for good.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
It's The Power Stupid!
Those of you who thought that the recent power blackout in Athens was a one off, should think again.
It seems that over the last fortnight power supplies have been going on and off, more rapidly than a "tart's knickers".
Some cuts in parts of Athens have lasted for up to 2 hours. This is not very pleasant for those people who are in the city at the moment, the temperature is over 35 degrees and the humidity stands at 60%.
The state electricity company (DEI) claim that these outages were due to "technical breakdowns".
Call me pedantic, but isn't that stating the obvious somewhat?
The real "technical problem" is that the power for Athens is generated in the North of Greece; and is being supplied by ageing power lines, which are prone to failure and collapse.
Now don't you think that this issue should have been recognised, and addressed, by the International Olympic Committee; when they were deciding on the merits and demerits of holding the Olympic Games in Athens?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
It seems that over the last fortnight power supplies have been going on and off, more rapidly than a "tart's knickers".
Some cuts in parts of Athens have lasted for up to 2 hours. This is not very pleasant for those people who are in the city at the moment, the temperature is over 35 degrees and the humidity stands at 60%.
The state electricity company (DEI) claim that these outages were due to "technical breakdowns".
Call me pedantic, but isn't that stating the obvious somewhat?
The real "technical problem" is that the power for Athens is generated in the North of Greece; and is being supplied by ageing power lines, which are prone to failure and collapse.
Now don't you think that this issue should have been recognised, and addressed, by the International Olympic Committee; when they were deciding on the merits and demerits of holding the Olympic Games in Athens?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
World's Largest and Longest Party
In order to keep peoples' spirits up, during the forthcoming Olympic Games in Athens, Mayor Dora Bakoyianni has decided to have a citywide party every night during the Games.
In a display of optimistic bravado, the Mayor has booked over 500 concerts and live performances together with other diversions such as; puppet shows, Dutch jazz players, acrobatics and cuisine from around the world.
The party will cost around $5M, now that's a party!
The party may help to boost visitor numbers; as noted earlier on this site, ticket sales are 5 million below target. The mayor has refused to comment on earlier estimates that 1.5 million people would come to Athens.
I suspect that the residents of Athens will be waking up with the world's largest hangover once all of this is over.
In a display of optimistic bravado, the Mayor has booked over 500 concerts and live performances together with other diversions such as; puppet shows, Dutch jazz players, acrobatics and cuisine from around the world.
The party will cost around $5M, now that's a party!
The party may help to boost visitor numbers; as noted earlier on this site, ticket sales are 5 million below target. The mayor has refused to comment on earlier estimates that 1.5 million people would come to Athens.
I suspect that the residents of Athens will be waking up with the world's largest hangover once all of this is over.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Another Nail In The Coffin
In order to help ticket sales, which are currently 5 million below target, the hotel workers in Athens are doing their bit to make the Olympic tourist feel welcome for this year's Olympic Games in Athens.
The hotel workers are planning to go on strike on the 4th of August, just when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrive to take a final look at the readiness of Athens to host the Games.
The hotel workers are not alone, in wishing to claim more money during the Olympics; taxi drivers, hotel owners etc have all been pushing the "economic envelope", as they seek ways to milk the "Olympic cow".
It is reported that even some doctors are asking for more money during the Games, doctors in Athens will strike tomorrow for 6 hours.
The current estimate of the costs for holding the Games, by the way, is $12BN.
Value for money?
Comments welcome.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
The hotel workers are planning to go on strike on the 4th of August, just when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrive to take a final look at the readiness of Athens to host the Games.
The hotel workers are not alone, in wishing to claim more money during the Olympics; taxi drivers, hotel owners etc have all been pushing the "economic envelope", as they seek ways to milk the "Olympic cow".
It is reported that even some doctors are asking for more money during the Games, doctors in Athens will strike tomorrow for 6 hours.
The current estimate of the costs for holding the Games, by the way, is $12BN.
Value for money?
Comments welcome.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Monday, July 26, 2004
Unsinkable
Following on from the recent power cut in Athens, there have been questions raised about the reliability of the IT, power and communication systems being used during the Olympics 2004.
It is reported that all possible threats, from earthquakes to hacking have been taken into account; and that the systems won't go down, they are in effect unsinkable.
There will be 10500 pcs, 4000 terminals and 900 servers employed to cover the Olympic Games. These are powered by two power lines, and employ power supply units that will keep them going for 30 minutes in the event that the main grid goes down.
What could possibly go wrong?
Didn't they say that about the Titanic?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
It is reported that all possible threats, from earthquakes to hacking have been taken into account; and that the systems won't go down, they are in effect unsinkable.
There will be 10500 pcs, 4000 terminals and 900 servers employed to cover the Olympic Games. These are powered by two power lines, and employ power supply units that will keep them going for 30 minutes in the event that the main grid goes down.
What could possibly go wrong?
Didn't they say that about the Titanic?
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Economic Reality Dawns
It seems that the forces of economics have finally prevailed on the hotel owners of Greece.
As reported earlier on this site, there are some 5 million unsold tickets for the Olympics 2004; which are being held in Athens in a few weeks time. This shortfall of an Olympic audience naturally has had a knock on effect on hotel occupancy rates.
I have noted on several occasions that, when tickets don't sell, one helpful mechanism is to reduce the price.
Although the Olympic Committee stubbornly refuses to lower the prices of the tickets, at least the hotel owners in and around Athens have a little more economic "savvy".
The greedy hotel owners, who had attempted to "milk the Olympic tourists dry" by putting up their prices (by up to four time the normal amount for this time of year); have realised they will be left with empty rooms, unless they curtail their greed.
It is reported that the "bargain" rates on offer now include rooms in the Holiday Inn at £800 per night, down from a whopping £1260 per night.
I have to say that the greed displayed by the hotel owners, and others connected with the Olympics, is truly mind numbing. I have little sympathy for them if they take a loss on this event; Olympic tourists are not mindless cattle, that can be milked for every last Pound or Dollar.
My advice, to any of you who are thinking of travelling to Athens for the Olympic Games, is to "play hard ball" with the hotel owners and airlines.
Whatever price they quote you, ask for another 20% off at least; and remind them that there are 5 million unsold tickets for the Games.
Use the "Last Minute" advert on the menu bar of this page as a starting point for pricing your trip.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
As reported earlier on this site, there are some 5 million unsold tickets for the Olympics 2004; which are being held in Athens in a few weeks time. This shortfall of an Olympic audience naturally has had a knock on effect on hotel occupancy rates.
I have noted on several occasions that, when tickets don't sell, one helpful mechanism is to reduce the price.
Although the Olympic Committee stubbornly refuses to lower the prices of the tickets, at least the hotel owners in and around Athens have a little more economic "savvy".
The greedy hotel owners, who had attempted to "milk the Olympic tourists dry" by putting up their prices (by up to four time the normal amount for this time of year); have realised they will be left with empty rooms, unless they curtail their greed.
It is reported that the "bargain" rates on offer now include rooms in the Holiday Inn at £800 per night, down from a whopping £1260 per night.
I have to say that the greed displayed by the hotel owners, and others connected with the Olympics, is truly mind numbing. I have little sympathy for them if they take a loss on this event; Olympic tourists are not mindless cattle, that can be milked for every last Pound or Dollar.
My advice, to any of you who are thinking of travelling to Athens for the Olympic Games, is to "play hard ball" with the hotel owners and airlines.
Whatever price they quote you, ask for another 20% off at least; and remind them that there are 5 million unsold tickets for the Games.
Use the "Last Minute" advert on the menu bar of this page as a starting point for pricing your trip.
Brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
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