Continuing wet weather in London has created "last-minute construction issues" on the Olympic Park, which is still "considered a hard hat zone" a week shy of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Organizers say all of the venues on the Olympic Park have now been finished to the point where athletes can train. There is still "on-site works" at the beach volleyball venue, the equestrian venue as well as spectator walkways (TELEGRAPH, 7/19).
NOT SO GREEN: In London, Fiona Harvey reported that the "greenest Olympics ever" could have been a great deal greener than they will be, according to a critical new report that finds fault with the handling of the Games' environmental impact. On key issues such as energy, waste and the use of resources, as well as the effects on public health, the management of London 2012 "has fallen short," according to WWF and BioRegional, two green campaigning groups. They found that the Games would not be "zero carbon nor zero waste," with not enough new renewable energy generated to cover the amount consumed. Many opportunities "have been lost" -- which may be in part "owing to the practices of the sponsors and major commercial partners to use locally grown food and Fairtrade products" (GUARDIAN, 7/19).
PAY TO PLAY: In London, Helienne Lindvall wrote on the Music Blog that while LOCOG has had "no problem doling out hundreds of millions to corporations, its generosity does not extend to the professional musicians it has asked to perform at Olympics events." In fact, the vast majority of musicians are expected, in effect, "to pay to play." In the letter of engagement LOCOG sent out to musicians it has asked to help "create a once in a lifetime experience for all the spectators" it offers £50 ($79) per act, per hour (GUARDIAN, 7/19).
BANK ON IT: CIT MAGAZINE's Tom Hall reported that the Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed it "will be providing Olympics hospitality," but declined to comment on whether budgets have been reduced following its recent cancellation of client entertainment at events, including Wimbledon (CITMAGAZINE.com, 7/19).
