Hello all ….

Are you bursting to know my highlights today? Probably not but sadly I'm bursting to tell you. For an hour or so this afternoon I was left by myself in the "Marketing Partners" bendy-bus area. With a clipboard! And a radio!! And if that wasn't enough, a coach and a driver!!! No sign of Zaf - the Traffic Supervisor who despatches the bendy-busses. Sadly the bendy-bus there was full of fairly agitated Omega people [Marketing Partners] who were itching to get going. The driver called me over. "Shall I go?" I said "Sorry mate. Way above me. Only Zaf can give that order". And left them to get more agitated.

Did I hell! This was time for an executive decision. No-one around so I gave him the thumbs-up and off he went. Might annoy Zaf [and my Team Leader] if they ever get to hear of it but I don't think they will. But at least the Omega people were happy. Or probably more accurately, not quite as unhappy as they might have been. Not a bad result eh?

They didn't give me a pin though. Does anyone know about "pins" at big events like this? First I'd heard of them. Apparently corporates gives out "pins" to anyone who's done something special [like a merit badge at school I suppose]. And it seems there's a lot of competition to get them. Games Makers are starting to sport them on the accreditation ribbon like trophies. There's even a black market in them. One of the guys I was on with all day was Dean. Now he's at uni and had never come across them before. But I think he's got the bit between his teeth now and is determined to outdo everyone else. By fair means or foul. I'm expecting to see him tomorrow festooned with them. I think he's a good young man but this seems to be bringing out his darker side. In case you're wondering, I haven't got any yet but have struck a deal with Dean. I suppose it's a bit like Pokemon cards [are they still around?]. I'll keep you posted.

Loads of Games Makers stayed on for the Opening Ceremony last night and saw the athletes walk over a bridge back to the Olympic Village. Usain Bolt's name was mentioned a lot. He's seems to be a very chatty and pleasant man. One Games Maker - Scarlett - is never going to wash her right hand again after he shook it. Earlier yesterday, I saw Nicole Kidman and someone called Orlando Bloom [I'd never heard of him but Scarlett told me how fit he is and what films he's been in].

Other than that, it was hundreds and hundreds of MPs [come on, I've already told you - Marketing Partners]. After yesterday's amazing Opening Ceremony, it all felt a bit flat today to be honest. And rather disorganised. That may be harsh but maybe that's inevitable. Communications seems to be a problem. I just smile. But some Games Makers got a bit hot under the collar about it. One example [of many]. First thing this morning, a few of us were told where to go and check in and get a meal ticket. Which we duly did and returned. Only to be told that was wrong and to return the meal ticket as that "would take them over budget". [The sadder people amongst us - including me - saw that as a challenge I'm afraid]. That was followed by the words "We'll make sure you get one". Now we might all be dripping wet behind the ears but we've already clocked that this phrase means nothing. So we all held onto them.

We therefore had lunch [courtesy of the meal tickets - they say where and when you can redeem them] at the workers bit of the hospitality centre where all the corporates are. Where we ate was a way off from there but we could see them. And they were in suites above us with a veranda each. Struck me this was a bit like "Upstairs Downstairs".

One last thought to finish on. The Opening Ceremony is gone now and the stadium is being made ready for the athletics. Loads of lorries, trailers earth-movers and whatever were parked round the back. I saw a procession of lorries take out bits of the dismantled opening ceremony landscape. Didn't seem quite the same.

OK, that's the news from today. Tune in soon for an update ….. will Zaf find out I despatched one of his bendy-busses? Will Dean show up tomorrow with dozens of pins? Did Scarlett wash her hand?

Back soon. Take care. Ken