London Olympics - what a waste!

I do however find this absolutely disgusting.....

Ambulances on emergency calls not allowed to use VIP lane
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...Try massive traffic jams for a start....


Not for long, I have all the access codes for the traffic system.

Can't we just remove all the bulbs, they say traffic tends to move much smoother
when the traffic lights fail....

[Smirk mode ON]

What's a traffic jam?

Is that a new kind of jam, like strawberry?

[Smirk mode OFF]
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It's good to be back amongst friends and colleagues

[Smirk mode ON]

What's a traffic jam?

Is that a new kind of jam, like strawberry?

[Smirk mode OFF]

[Smirk mode ON]

What's a traffic jam?

Is that a new kind of jam, like strawberry?

[Smirk mode OFF]

I just can't imagine it. I used to commute into London every working day on a motor bike and know how congested London already is. I just can't imagine how horrific it will be if they take away all those lanes for VIP use only, and given that traffic will substantially increase during the Olympics. It can only work if there are hundreds and thousands of people not going anywhere, or spending all their non-working time just trying to get to work, whilst the VIPs and athletes zip around in those empty lanes.

I am quite sure that no-one here will be very surprised when I say that I disagree with a lot of the views expressed. I do not think the Olympics are a waste for many reasons.

The site of the Olympic Village and the main stadium, are in a previously much deprived area of East London, the lower Lea valley and Stratford. The whole area has been regenerated with the Olympics and after the games, will provide much needed housing and sporting facilities. We have the Olympic Village with 5000 homes, the 80,000 seat stadium itself, the cycling Velodrome, and the Aquatics Centre among others, which will be a lasting legacy. We are also hosting the the 2017 World Championships in Athletics don't forget.

The cost of the games has risen from the original £2.4 Billion to £12 billion, and could go higher cost prediction but that should be no surprise to anybody, those of us with a bit of sense expected that. The games themselves will make a loss, we know that, but it is the add ons that will recoup that.

This year is also the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen, so many tourists that might have been in two minds will now come to see both events, that brings in money. The souvenir industry, both tacky and up market, is in full swing and will generate much income. Both the Royal Mint and the Royal Mail are issuing various coins and stamps much sought after by collectors. Thomas Cook are offering a VIP package priced at £450,709 for a group of 23. The long term scenario is good.

But there are of course the cons to all of this. I personally think that the official logo is a total disaster, and a major PR blunder. We have the usual press misrepresentation with lurid headlines saying that VIP lanes can't be used by Ambulances. Yet if you read further the truth is that "Meanwhile ambulances will only be allowed in the lanes if they have their blue lights on" In other words only non urgent cases will carry on as now.

We tied very closely with Paris to hold these games, and there has been much talk about vote fiddling. I think that the IOC chose the UK because they knew that we would be already spending a lot on the Jubilee and were part the way there anyway. But I agree that their clandestine proceedings are not to be desired. It is also the same with World Football Football, behind the scenes Politics rules and always has done. But when there are billions at stake it's hardly surprising.

I still think overall that the Olympics is a good thing, and of course while it may be being held in London, it is the UK that is hosting the Games not just England, therefore it is a National event. I have applied to be one of the hundreds of Olympic Surrey Ambassadors and have got through the first round of selections. The Olympic cycle race is due to come through my town and I might also be one of the Marshalls for that event.

I was only 4 when the UK last held the Olympics so I don't remember much about it, but I haven't bothered to apply for tickets to any events, I reckon I'll get a better view on the TV. In any case it's only on for 14 days, life will go on before and after. But it's very fashionable to knock it all at the moment, and a lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon.

I am quite sure that no-one here will be very surprised when I say that I disagree with a lot of the views expressed. I do not think the Olympics are a waste for many reasons.

The site of the Olympic Village and the main stadium, are in a previously much deprived area of East London, the lower Lea valley and Stratford. The whole area has been regenerated with the Olympics and after the games, will provide much needed housing and sporting facilities. We have the Olympic Village with 5000 homes, the 80,000 seat stadium itself, the cycling Velodrome, and the Aquatics Centre among others, which will be a lasting legacy. We are also hosting the the 2017 World Championships in Athletics don't forget.

snip

Here we go again...didn't Northern Ireland prove that troops are useless used as police officers?

Reservists Part of Olympic Security

Damn, shame I'm over 45, I could've had some fun there.... LOL

What are they going to do when/if police numbers are cut even further? Go back to 1926?
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Here we go again...didn't Northern Ireland prove that troops are useless used as police officers?

Here we go again...didn't Northern Ireland prove that troops are useless used as police officers?

I assume that you would not want to risk a repeat of Munich in 1972 ?

Joining the Army as a TA Territorial means that you do all your training and military duties in your spare time. It makes it possible to get many of the benefits of Army life and combine them with your civilian life and career. You’ll be paid for all the time you spend with the Army, and you’ll also have the chance to go on operations.

Joining the Army as a TA Territorial means that you do all your training and military duties in your spare time. It makes it possible to get many of the benefits of Army life and combine them with your civilian life and career. You’ll be paid for all the time you spend with the Army, and you’ll also have the chance to go on operations.

Joining the Army as a TA Territorial

I tried to join the TA when I was starting university but they turned me down. I was stateless and didn't have British nationality. The British Army is so picky. I even thought about representing Britain in the Olympics at the time, but it's a bit difficult travelling without a passport.

It's not a case of being picky. It's a case of security.

I do however find this absolutely disgusting.....

Ambulances on emergency calls not allowed to use VIP lane

Blue lights can only be switched on by those specifically trained to do so