It is reported that France is at a standstill today, as workers have taken to the streets in an effort to embarrass Paris's bid to stage the 2012 Olympics.
Postal services have been stopped, schools closed and the transport network shut down; as the French try to stop plans to end the maximum 35 hour week, how nice to live in Lah Lah Land!
The strikes coincide with the visit by the inspectors from the International Olympic Committee, who are there this week examining its bid to stage the games in seven years' time.
Trade unionists set off flares and waved banners in the Place d'Italie, and along the city's grand boulevards, a nice picture for the IOC to take home with them.
Public transport faced stoppages in 55 towns and cities, and there was severe disruption on the Paris Metro and RER.
The morning headlines were "France paralysed".
The mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, admits that he is concerned.
The French are not that happy to host the Games, an article in Le Monde yesterday called for the games not to be staged in the capital; dismissing them as a money-making spectacle riddled by drugs.
I couldn't agree more.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Street Riots in Paris
The chances of Paris hosting the 2012 Olympics suffered a sever blow yesterday, as street riots erupted in the French capital.
Scuffles and tear gas spread throughout the city centre, as inspectors from the International Olympic Committee arrived.
In scenes reminiscent of the 1960's, tens of thousands of students clashed with the police and smashed shop windows.
The punch up also marred a march by an estimated 40,000 secondary school pupils through central Paris, who were trying to protest against the government's education reforms.
The Olympic officials avoided the violence and were quickly shuttled to the Grand Hotel Intercontinental, where they spent the night ahead of their four-day inspection.
Bertrand Delanoë, the city's mayor, said:
"Social democracy cannot be put on hold for seven years just because of the 2012 Olympics..We are a democratic country, where debate is freely expressed."
The student protest is the start of a week of nationwide industrial action, set to culminate in the total shutdown of public transport tomorrow, the day the inspectors will be touring the city's venues and infrastructure.
Despite the brave words of the mayor, it is likely that the protests will kill Paris's bid.
Tomorrow hundreds of thousands of public sector workers will vent their anger on issues ranging from the reform of the 35 hour working week, to employment policies and wages.
How can the IOC be confident that there will not be similar disruptions in 2012?
Scuffles and tear gas spread throughout the city centre, as inspectors from the International Olympic Committee arrived.
In scenes reminiscent of the 1960's, tens of thousands of students clashed with the police and smashed shop windows.
The punch up also marred a march by an estimated 40,000 secondary school pupils through central Paris, who were trying to protest against the government's education reforms.
The Olympic officials avoided the violence and were quickly shuttled to the Grand Hotel Intercontinental, where they spent the night ahead of their four-day inspection.
Bertrand Delanoë, the city's mayor, said:
"Social democracy cannot be put on hold for seven years just because of the 2012 Olympics..We are a democratic country, where debate is freely expressed."
The student protest is the start of a week of nationwide industrial action, set to culminate in the total shutdown of public transport tomorrow, the day the inspectors will be touring the city's venues and infrastructure.
Despite the brave words of the mayor, it is likely that the protests will kill Paris's bid.
Tomorrow hundreds of thousands of public sector workers will vent their anger on issues ranging from the reform of the 35 hour working week, to employment policies and wages.
How can the IOC be confident that there will not be similar disruptions in 2012?
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
Paris Under The Spotlight
The IOC evaluation commission begin their inspection visit to Paris, the French capital, tomorrow.
Paris is the front runner in the five city race to win the 2012 Olympics.
Madrid, London and New York have already been visited by the commission and, after their four-day investigation into Paris, the commission will fly to Moscow.
Unfortunately for Paris, 24 hours after the commission begins its work, a national strike called to protest unemployment and French government plans to tamper with the 35-hour working week begins.
A cynic might suggest that the timing of the strike was deliberate!
However, the French unions say they are backing the bid and have no plans to disrupt the commission; but they would say that, wouldn't they?
That being said, a deal has even been reached with the staff of the Grand Hotel where the commission is staying not to strike.
The commission contains seven IOC members and one ex-member. Their private comments to colleagues after the five-city tour is completed, are likely to carry as much, if not more, weight as the official report.
Jean-Paul Huchon, president of the Ile de France regional council and a member of the Paris bid, told the French daily sports newspaper L'Equipe on Saturday that one IOC member told him during the Athens Games that he would never vote for Paris.
"One of your Olympic Committee friends voted against me,".
A French monthly magazine, asked five clairvoyants for their insight into the battle for 2012 and if Paris would win.
Only one 'saw' a Paris victory, one was uncertain, and three pictured a Paris defeat announced the magazine in it's February issue.
July 6 is the date that the decision will be announced.
Paris is the front runner in the five city race to win the 2012 Olympics.
Madrid, London and New York have already been visited by the commission and, after their four-day investigation into Paris, the commission will fly to Moscow.
Unfortunately for Paris, 24 hours after the commission begins its work, a national strike called to protest unemployment and French government plans to tamper with the 35-hour working week begins.
A cynic might suggest that the timing of the strike was deliberate!
However, the French unions say they are backing the bid and have no plans to disrupt the commission; but they would say that, wouldn't they?
That being said, a deal has even been reached with the staff of the Grand Hotel where the commission is staying not to strike.
The commission contains seven IOC members and one ex-member. Their private comments to colleagues after the five-city tour is completed, are likely to carry as much, if not more, weight as the official report.
Jean-Paul Huchon, president of the Ile de France regional council and a member of the Paris bid, told the French daily sports newspaper L'Equipe on Saturday that one IOC member told him during the Athens Games that he would never vote for Paris.
"One of your Olympic Committee friends voted against me,".
A French monthly magazine, asked five clairvoyants for their insight into the battle for 2012 and if Paris would win.
Only one 'saw' a Paris victory, one was uncertain, and three pictured a Paris defeat announced the magazine in it's February issue.
July 6 is the date that the decision will be announced.
Monday, March 7, 2005
Olympic Ambassador Appointed
Lord Sebastian Coe has selected Ivan Corea, of Redbridge, to be Olympic Ambassador. He has been selected for the honour, because of his vocal support for London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
In his new role, Mr Corea, will be using his prominence in the Redbridge community to encourage people to Back the Bid.
He has garnered support via a variety of channels, including; the UK Autism Awareness Campaign, which he established in Redbridge, and Stratford's Dream Harvest Group, of which he is managing director.
Mr Corea reportedly said:
"I'm delighted to accept this appointment. The Dream Harvest Group has been hugely involved in backing the bid right from the very start..We will continue to support the London 2012 bid, particularly in reaching out to minority ethnic communities."
Adding:
"We're very excited about the bid; London is a great city, a city of many cultures, languages and communities. The Olympic Games will enhance this kaleidoscope of peoples so let us celebrate this diversity."
In his new role, Mr Corea, will be using his prominence in the Redbridge community to encourage people to Back the Bid.
He has garnered support via a variety of channels, including; the UK Autism Awareness Campaign, which he established in Redbridge, and Stratford's Dream Harvest Group, of which he is managing director.
Mr Corea reportedly said:
"I'm delighted to accept this appointment. The Dream Harvest Group has been hugely involved in backing the bid right from the very start..We will continue to support the London 2012 bid, particularly in reaching out to minority ethnic communities."
Adding:
"We're very excited about the bid; London is a great city, a city of many cultures, languages and communities. The Olympic Games will enhance this kaleidoscope of peoples so let us celebrate this diversity."
Friday, March 4, 2005
New York's Dilemma
A recent poll of New Yorkers, showed that they overwhelmingly support the city's efforts to host the 2012 Olympics. However, the majority oppose building the $1.7BN stadium necessary to lure the Summer Games.
The poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, asked if they supported the construction of a new stadium; 56% of New Yorkers said no.
In Manhattan, where the stadium would rise above the Hudson River, 64% opposed the construction while 27% supported it.
When asked about hosting the Summer Games, 63% said yes and just 30% said no.
The results are of course illogical, without the stadium New York does not get to host the Games.
It seems to be a case of having your cake, and eating it.
The poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, asked if they supported the construction of a new stadium; 56% of New Yorkers said no.
In Manhattan, where the stadium would rise above the Hudson River, 64% opposed the construction while 27% supported it.
When asked about hosting the Summer Games, 63% said yes and just 30% said no.
The results are of course illogical, without the stadium New York does not get to host the Games.
It seems to be a case of having your cake, and eating it.
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Japan To Terminate Aid
It is reported that Japan plans to terminate its main aid to China by 2008, when Beijing is to host the Olympic Games.
This is in light of China's growing economic and military power.
Tokyo will gradually reduce the amount of low-interest yen loans, which account for some 90 percent of Japanese aid to China; pahsing them out completely by the 2008 Olympics.
Since 1980, Japan's yen loans to China have exceeded $29BN for projects including; the building of highways, airports, sewage systems and other infrastructure.
Japan has now concluded that Beijing will no longer need the cheap loans, they will divert resources to Africa.
Grants and technical assistance accounted for some 10 percent of Japan's total aid to China in the year to March 2004.
Calls for ending Japanese aid to China have increased, as their rleations become more strained.
China has been angered by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's pilgrimages to a Tokyo shrine that honors Japan's World War II dead, including those convicted for war crimes committed during Japan's occupation of China.
This is in light of China's growing economic and military power.
Tokyo will gradually reduce the amount of low-interest yen loans, which account for some 90 percent of Japanese aid to China; pahsing them out completely by the 2008 Olympics.
Since 1980, Japan's yen loans to China have exceeded $29BN for projects including; the building of highways, airports, sewage systems and other infrastructure.
Japan has now concluded that Beijing will no longer need the cheap loans, they will divert resources to Africa.
Grants and technical assistance accounted for some 10 percent of Japan's total aid to China in the year to March 2004.
Calls for ending Japanese aid to China have increased, as their rleations become more strained.
China has been angered by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's pilgrimages to a Tokyo shrine that honors Japan's World War II dead, including those convicted for war crimes committed during Japan's occupation of China.
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Lest We Forget
In case anyone has forgotten about the "dynamic duo" of Greek sprinting, Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, it is reported that the Greek sports authorities have postponed by two weeks the judgement on them for missing doping tests.
They were expected to learn their fate by the end of February, but late evidence from them has pushed the date back.
A decision is now expected by around mid-March.
The athletes, who withdrew from the Athens Olympics days before they were scheduled to race in front of a home crowd, have been suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for missing the three tests, including the one scheduled for Athens.
The IAAF said the sprinters had failed to provide samples for tests in Tel Aviv, Chicago and Athens and ordered SEGAS to hold a disciplinary inquiry.
The athletes also face a criminal hearing in Greece over the missed drugs tests and have been charged with faking a motorcycle accident on the day of the Athens test, which led to them spending four days in hospital.
It seems that there seem to have been some new documents, submitted by the (athletes) lawyers, which are now being evaluated.
It was not clear what this new evidence is.
They were expected to learn their fate by the end of February, but late evidence from them has pushed the date back.
A decision is now expected by around mid-March.
The athletes, who withdrew from the Athens Olympics days before they were scheduled to race in front of a home crowd, have been suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for missing the three tests, including the one scheduled for Athens.
The IAAF said the sprinters had failed to provide samples for tests in Tel Aviv, Chicago and Athens and ordered SEGAS to hold a disciplinary inquiry.
The athletes also face a criminal hearing in Greece over the missed drugs tests and have been charged with faking a motorcycle accident on the day of the Athens test, which led to them spending four days in hospital.
It seems that there seem to have been some new documents, submitted by the (athletes) lawyers, which are now being evaluated.
It was not clear what this new evidence is.
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Beijing Looks for Ideas
It is reported that the Beijing Olympic organisers are seeking ideas to inspire a team designing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games.
The Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games will collect ideas up until July 31, committee officials told a press conference.
They are looking for ideas that could turn the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games, which are to emphasize technology, the environment and peace, into "wonders."
Quote:
"The ocean-themed opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the one inspired by the ancient Greek mythology of the 2004 Athens Games struck high marks around the globe, and the world is anxiously waiting to see what Beijing, a center of ancient oriental civilization, will present during the 2008 Games,".
The ceremonies proposed "should help to spread the Olympic spirit, create a jubilant atmosphere for the games and a homecoming feeling for all the participants."
"The proposals should visualize the concepts of 'Green Olympics,' 'High-Tech Olympics' and 'People's Olympics,' and interpret the rich connotations of 'harmony' and 'peace' that the idea of 'People's Olympics' tries to convey to the whole world."
Any individual or institution can submit a proposal, but non-Chinese applicants must form "consortiums" with Chinese citizens or organizations, the committee said.
It said all applicants must sign legal documents for transfer of intellectual property rights, and there will be no payment given to those whose ideas are chosen.
The Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games will collect ideas up until July 31, committee officials told a press conference.
They are looking for ideas that could turn the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games, which are to emphasize technology, the environment and peace, into "wonders."
Quote:
"The ocean-themed opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the one inspired by the ancient Greek mythology of the 2004 Athens Games struck high marks around the globe, and the world is anxiously waiting to see what Beijing, a center of ancient oriental civilization, will present during the 2008 Games,".
The ceremonies proposed "should help to spread the Olympic spirit, create a jubilant atmosphere for the games and a homecoming feeling for all the participants."
"The proposals should visualize the concepts of 'Green Olympics,' 'High-Tech Olympics' and 'People's Olympics,' and interpret the rich connotations of 'harmony' and 'peace' that the idea of 'People's Olympics' tries to convey to the whole world."
Any individual or institution can submit a proposal, but non-Chinese applicants must form "consortiums" with Chinese citizens or organizations, the committee said.
It said all applicants must sign legal documents for transfer of intellectual property rights, and there will be no payment given to those whose ideas are chosen.
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