It is reported that China will complete Asia's longest roller coaster by the beginning of October 2004, in readiness for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
The roller coaster has a track over 800 metres long, and is based the Shijingshan Amusement Park.
I understand that it cost around $6M, and is up to 33 metres high, that's one hell of a ride!
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Friday, September 10, 2004
Bird's Nest
I understand that work on the $0.6M "bird's nest", the new Olympic TV tower in Beijing, has been halted.
It seems that cuts in funding for the Games have caused designers to reconsider their plans.
The official explanation is, that fears of traffic congestion are the main reasons for the delay in construction.
It seems that cuts in funding for the Games have caused designers to reconsider their plans.
The official explanation is, that fears of traffic congestion are the main reasons for the delay in construction.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Political Tosh
In the dying embers of the 2004 Olympics we see a fine example of political tosh.
It seems that the Iranian government has been greatly pleased by the fact that the Iranian judo champion, Arash Miresmaeili, did not fight an Israeli opponent in the first round of the under 66kg judo competition of the Olympics.
Much like the ostrich with its head in the sand, the Iranians do not recognise Israel. Therefore, by definition, how could they fight a representative from a country that doesn't exist?
All clear?
This, show of "principle", allegedly cost the Iranian a gold medal. To reward him for his "principled" stand, the Iranian government has awarded him $125K; the ceremony was shown on Iranian TV.
However, there is one small problem with this show of "principle"; it seems that Miresmaeili was over the 66kg limit, and would not have been able to fight anyway.
Sometimes the lies and posturing of countries and politicians just make me feel like retching.
It seems that the Iranian government has been greatly pleased by the fact that the Iranian judo champion, Arash Miresmaeili, did not fight an Israeli opponent in the first round of the under 66kg judo competition of the Olympics.
Much like the ostrich with its head in the sand, the Iranians do not recognise Israel. Therefore, by definition, how could they fight a representative from a country that doesn't exist?
All clear?
This, show of "principle", allegedly cost the Iranian a gold medal. To reward him for his "principled" stand, the Iranian government has awarded him $125K; the ceremony was shown on Iranian TV.
However, there is one small problem with this show of "principle"; it seems that Miresmaeili was over the 66kg limit, and would not have been able to fight anyway.
Sometimes the lies and posturing of countries and politicians just make me feel like retching.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Frugal Games
It seems that talk of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing being the most expensive and elaborate ever, may be premature.
It is reported that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, has called for there to be budget cuts. He is calling the 2008 Games "the Frugal Games".
Olympic construction projects will be reduced from 10 to 5, and others will be reduced in size.
The Beijing city government now says it will reduce new construction projects by half, from 10 to five, and scale back the size of others.
Among the cuts are plans to build a hotel, offices and shopping mall at the Wukesong centre.
Building plans are reportedly being postponed from 2004 to 2005.
It is reported that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, has called for there to be budget cuts. He is calling the 2008 Games "the Frugal Games".
Olympic construction projects will be reduced from 10 to 5, and others will be reduced in size.
The Beijing city government now says it will reduce new construction projects by half, from 10 to five, and scale back the size of others.
Among the cuts are plans to build a hotel, offices and shopping mall at the Wukesong centre.
Building plans are reportedly being postponed from 2004 to 2005.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Hands in The Till
It is some four years until the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. However, there are already accusations of impropriety regarding money.
It is reported that some of the money allocated for Olympic construction, may be being "nicked" by certain nefarious individuals.
I understand that the Chinese State Auditing Commission, which is highly respected for its professionalism and integrity, is about to investigate the matter.
The story seems to be the good old "officials on junkets" one; namely, officials and other individuals find reasons to tour cities that have held the Olympics in the past in order to "learn".
Needless to say, they don't use their own money, but that which has been allocated to pay for the construction.
It seems that the accusations go back to 2000, when certain individuals from Beijing went to Sydney on a "learning exercise". Athens, also hosted a very large group of Chinese officials during the 2004 Olympics.
The excuse, "how can we learn, if we do not see?", runs a little thin; when individuals from provincial towns, with no connection to the forthcoming Games in Beijing, take a "jolly". An additional problem, it seems, with these trips is that some of the provincial visitors cannot speak English; hence severely limiting "their learning experience".
Needless to say it is the poor old Chinese tax payer who has to fund these "jollies".
It is reported that some of the money allocated for Olympic construction, may be being "nicked" by certain nefarious individuals.
I understand that the Chinese State Auditing Commission, which is highly respected for its professionalism and integrity, is about to investigate the matter.
The story seems to be the good old "officials on junkets" one; namely, officials and other individuals find reasons to tour cities that have held the Olympics in the past in order to "learn".
Needless to say, they don't use their own money, but that which has been allocated to pay for the construction.
It seems that the accusations go back to 2000, when certain individuals from Beijing went to Sydney on a "learning exercise". Athens, also hosted a very large group of Chinese officials during the 2004 Olympics.
The excuse, "how can we learn, if we do not see?", runs a little thin; when individuals from provincial towns, with no connection to the forthcoming Games in Beijing, take a "jolly". An additional problem, it seems, with these trips is that some of the provincial visitors cannot speak English; hence severely limiting "their learning experience".
Needless to say it is the poor old Chinese tax payer who has to fund these "jollies".
Monday, September 06, 2004
Filthy Lucre
Those of you who thought that the $12BN expenditure by Greece, on the 2004 Olympic Games, was a "tad excessive" should take a deep breath.
It seems that China intends to spend a stonking $35BN, on the 2008 Games being hosted in Beijing, now that's what I call serious money!
The Chinese, it seems, intend to do "the full monty" and build; roads, subways and another airport.
The costs of the Games rise each time for a number of reasons:
That being said, there are some rewards to be had; if the host country doesn't "cock it up". I understand, for example, that Athens earned $1.5Bn from the sale of the TV rights; together with another $1.2Bn from those health conscience companies Coke and McDonald's.
The motto of the Games is in fact:
"Mo Money!, Mo Money!, Mo Money!"
It seems that China intends to spend a stonking $35BN, on the 2008 Games being hosted in Beijing, now that's what I call serious money!
The Chinese, it seems, intend to do "the full monty" and build; roads, subways and another airport.
The costs of the Games rise each time for a number of reasons:
- The host country's ego in trying to outdo the previous Games
- An increase in the number of events considered to be Olympic sports. I understand that the ancient, and noble, "sport" of darts is being considered for inclusion
- Increased security costs
- The costs of bribing, oops sorry, "bidding" for the Games
That being said, there are some rewards to be had; if the host country doesn't "cock it up". I understand, for example, that Athens earned $1.5Bn from the sale of the TV rights; together with another $1.2Bn from those health conscience companies Coke and McDonald's.
The motto of the Games is in fact:
"Mo Money!, Mo Money!, Mo Money!"
Sunday, September 05, 2004
A Small Statistic
Mr Yuan Weiming, director of the State Sports General Administration (SSGA) of China, has done some sums.
He has worked out, and I have no idea how, that for each gold medal won at Athens; China spent around $40M to $100M investing in the training etc.
Wouldn't it have been easier, and cheaper, just to mine the gold instead?
He has worked out, and I have no idea how, that for each gold medal won at Athens; China spent around $40M to $100M investing in the training etc.
Wouldn't it have been easier, and cheaper, just to mine the gold instead?
Environmental Aspects of 2004 Panned
Worldwide environmental groups have panned the Athens Olympics 2004, for being environmentally worse than Sydney's Games in 2000.
Greenpeace noted, without deliberate irony, that it was surprised at the lack of solar energy used in the Athens Games; given the amount of sunshine Greece enjoys.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) noted that, efforts must now be made to undo the environmental damage done by the Games.
Needless to say the International Olympic Committee (IOC), don't seem to be too bothered; their prime concern is the money made from sponsorship deals.
Greenpeace noted, without deliberate irony, that it was surprised at the lack of solar energy used in the Athens Games; given the amount of sunshine Greece enjoys.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) noted that, efforts must now be made to undo the environmental damage done by the Games.
Needless to say the International Olympic Committee (IOC), don't seem to be too bothered; their prime concern is the money made from sponsorship deals.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
The Long March To Beijing
The group, Human Rights Watch, have asked the Chinese government to improve its human rights record before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
A website, China Olympics Watch, is pressing for the end to censorship and for trade unions and other organisations to be legalised.
Human Rights Watch are hopeful that the IOC, and sponsors, of the Games will put pressure on the Chinese to improve its human rights record.
I think this will be a "long march".
A website, China Olympics Watch, is pressing for the end to censorship and for trade unions and other organisations to be legalised.
Human Rights Watch are hopeful that the IOC, and sponsors, of the Games will put pressure on the Chinese to improve its human rights record.
I think this will be a "long march".
Friday, September 03, 2004
Symbolism
Even though the Olympics 2008 in Beijing are still four years away, people are setting their minds to what should be the symbol for those Games.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
I understand that three students, from Ningbo University, have started a campaign for the Tibetan antelope to be the mascot for the 2008 Olympics.
They have started a bicycle journey, with a banner proclaiming their support for the symbol; and are collecting signatures in support of their cause.
I understand that they have covered over 3500KM.
The antelope is on the endangered species list, and there is a campaign to protect it.
To read more about the antelope, and to see a very cute picture of one, visit Tibetan Antelope.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
The Party is Over
It seems that post Olympic reality is about to hit Greece.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
It is reported that as a result of budget deficits hitting 5% (the $12BN cost of the Olympics will have had something to do with that), the government will be introducing emergency measures such as; increasing taxes and one off levies on businesses.
Other countries who, for reasons that escape me, are scrambling to secure the 2012 Games should take note.
In my view, the Games in their current form are unsustainable; both logistically and financially.
A Little Bit of Controversy
The Olympics, wherever they are held, have one abiding characteristic; they cause controversy.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Shortly after the handover of the Olympic responsibility from Athens to Beijing, controversy reared its head again.
This time the issue of Tibet, and its freedom, has been thrown into the Olympic melting pot.
It is reported that two members of the International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) displayed a banner; reading "No Olympic for China until Tibet is Free", at the Ethnic Minorities Park in Beijing.
This park will be part of the 2008 Olympic complex. The two protesters, Han-shan a US citizen and Liam Phelan from Australia, were arrested by the police together with two journalists.
It seems that this is one small action, in a series of increasingly intense protests being planned by ITSN.
The ITSN are campaigning for the Chinese occupation of Tibet to end.
In another action, just before the Games in Athens ended, the campaigners attempted to deliver a banner with 5 bullet holes (akin to the Olympic symbol) to the IOC.
They were stopped by the police, doubtless the police were concerned that the use of the symbol breached the trademark rules which are so jealously guarded by the IOC.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
The Butler, Sorry, Coach Did It
It seems that one half of the "Dynamic Duo" of sprinting, Kenteris, can't keep his mouth shut; and is still protesting his innocence, in relation to the earlier doping scandal that got him kicked out of the Games.
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
My sources tell me that Kenteris has had non-stop coverage on his home island of Lesbos; being kissed by all and sundry, posing for photo's with old ladies, babies and even a priest. He is still proclaiming his innocence, and blamed it all on the coach; he thought that he was only taking vitamins.
Methinks he doth protest too much!
In other news...
Having gotten rid of the Olympics, Greece is now on war footing for a football match between Greece and Turkey; word has it the riot police are already on the streets, even before the game has started.
Ah, where did the Olympic spirit of co-operation and friendly competition go?
Happy Chappy
The head of the Olympics, Jacques Rogge, praised the Greek organisers for the successful organisation of the Olympics 2004.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
He declared himself to be "very, very happy about the Games".
However, it seems that there may be more drug issues; over and above the 22 positive tests so far.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
The Undiscovered Country
I am pleased to say that, during the course of the Olympic Games, this site has had over 25000 unique visitors from around the world.
Thanks for visiting.
I have also had a number of emails from some of you; some supportive and complimentary, others critical.
I have appreciated the constructive comments, both positive and negative; and have copied below extracts of two emails, that I received on Sunday, that reflect the variety of views that have been expressed about this site. The authors have given me permission to use the extracts.
Regarding the future, this site will continue to grow and develop; as I begin to change focus from Athens to the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.
Therefore, I hope that all of you; both those that like the site, and those that don't, continue to visit.
Ken
View One
"Hi there, first of all what a great site you have - found it only today and wished we had seen it before!!
We are British living in Northern Greece for the last 18 months and our only TV access at the moment is Greek..............
We watched the opening ceremony with our Greek neighbours....... When the doping fiasco started with their athletes it was a case of who was to blame, first the
Americans..., next the Greek Mafia and finally the Norwegians who apparently are tampering with the Greek athletes urine samples in Norway!!
Now that we have found you site we will visit often and will certainly recommend it to friends........."
View Two
"...You certainly know how to put the "frost" on the magnificent Olympics in Greece. Are you simply doing an overkill with your sense of humor?
Ok, granted, many negative occurrences are evident throughout the Olympics, however can you at least focus on a few positive facts? I'm curious; who is your employer?
Greece was like the parents of the bride. They had given gave birth to a beautiful baby- the Olympics. And now came the celebration of their daughter's wedding. They pulled out all of the stoppers. Of course, they will be paying off this "loan" for a long time to come. And if you compare it again to a wedding as a one day event, so much money for one day, so to speak, if it is an only child- it was well worth it.Greece has been slapped around enough, has been tough through global and media verbal abuse. Greece is such a SMALL COUNTRY because it has been made that way by surrounding countries occupations, by the take-over of 1/2 of Cyprus, which should have joined Greece decades before, as did the island of Crete.
Where am I getting to?
It's time to put Greece on the map again. Why don't you try a new approach and write about all the inhumanities history has imposed on Greece. Be mindful of what sources you use for reference.
Are you afraid to do this?
Maybe the Turks will censor such a brave task on your part? Then you can honestly report on what a great job such a small country has accomplished in Athens 2004.
Here's where you can start- the Romans using Greeks as slaves,the stealing of their mythology, teachers, the fatal abuse of their athletic,strong and courageous men in their colliseums. The Ottoman Empire's wrath and exile out of Constantinopole, Smyrna, etc. How the history books of Turkey have been changed with no reference of their "acquired": relics, land, etc. to the Greeks. Their children are led to
believe that they were the oppressed and the Greeks- the oppressor! The Italian
and German invasions What about Serbia- stole the young men, male babies,
trained them in their camps to fight against the Greeks. The new republic of
Macedonia, using the name of Macedonia, birthplace of the Greek-Alexander the
Great, as their newly formed country's name!
This is not propaganda or heresay.
It is the truth of a small country that surrounding nations would like to take
over.
I hope it will not crumble or get strangled by the expensive acceptance of the Euro and I pray it not have the same fate as Sarajevo.
I challenge you to a new view in your "reporting". Do you dare to change your approach. Be the "devil's advocate" or should I say "angel's advocate"? If you
need contacts for referencing, please feel free to contact me...."
Thanks for visiting.
I have also had a number of emails from some of you; some supportive and complimentary, others critical.
I have appreciated the constructive comments, both positive and negative; and have copied below extracts of two emails, that I received on Sunday, that reflect the variety of views that have been expressed about this site. The authors have given me permission to use the extracts.
Regarding the future, this site will continue to grow and develop; as I begin to change focus from Athens to the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.
Therefore, I hope that all of you; both those that like the site, and those that don't, continue to visit.
Ken
View One
"Hi there, first of all what a great site you have - found it only today and wished we had seen it before!!
We are British living in Northern Greece for the last 18 months and our only TV access at the moment is Greek..............
We watched the opening ceremony with our Greek neighbours....... When the doping fiasco started with their athletes it was a case of who was to blame, first the
Americans..., next the Greek Mafia and finally the Norwegians who apparently are tampering with the Greek athletes urine samples in Norway!!
Now that we have found you site we will visit often and will certainly recommend it to friends........."
View Two
"...You certainly know how to put the "frost" on the magnificent Olympics in Greece. Are you simply doing an overkill with your sense of humor?
Ok, granted, many negative occurrences are evident throughout the Olympics, however can you at least focus on a few positive facts? I'm curious; who is your employer?
Greece was like the parents of the bride. They had given gave birth to a beautiful baby- the Olympics. And now came the celebration of their daughter's wedding. They pulled out all of the stoppers. Of course, they will be paying off this "loan" for a long time to come. And if you compare it again to a wedding as a one day event, so much money for one day, so to speak, if it is an only child- it was well worth it.Greece has been slapped around enough, has been tough through global and media verbal abuse. Greece is such a SMALL COUNTRY because it has been made that way by surrounding countries occupations, by the take-over of 1/2 of Cyprus, which should have joined Greece decades before, as did the island of Crete.
Where am I getting to?
It's time to put Greece on the map again. Why don't you try a new approach and write about all the inhumanities history has imposed on Greece. Be mindful of what sources you use for reference.
Are you afraid to do this?
Maybe the Turks will censor such a brave task on your part? Then you can honestly report on what a great job such a small country has accomplished in Athens 2004.
Here's where you can start- the Romans using Greeks as slaves,the stealing of their mythology, teachers, the fatal abuse of their athletic,strong and courageous men in their colliseums. The Ottoman Empire's wrath and exile out of Constantinopole, Smyrna, etc. How the history books of Turkey have been changed with no reference of their "acquired": relics, land, etc. to the Greeks. Their children are led to
believe that they were the oppressed and the Greeks- the oppressor! The Italian
and German invasions What about Serbia- stole the young men, male babies,
trained them in their camps to fight against the Greeks. The new republic of
Macedonia, using the name of Macedonia, birthplace of the Greek-Alexander the
Great, as their newly formed country's name!
This is not propaganda or heresay.
It is the truth of a small country that surrounding nations would like to take
over.
I hope it will not crumble or get strangled by the expensive acceptance of the Euro and I pray it not have the same fate as Sarajevo.
I challenge you to a new view in your "reporting". Do you dare to change your approach. Be the "devil's advocate" or should I say "angel's advocate"? If you
need contacts for referencing, please feel free to contact me...."
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