London Diary
The mood in England ahead of the Olympics was significantly lifted yesterday. One of the reasons for this is the brilliant, uncharacteristic sunshine that the whole of Britain have been enjoying, a stark contrast to the events of a few weeks ago when showers were claimed to be apocalyptic.
But a large part of the upturn in moods was also the victory of Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France. The Metro and the Independent both chose a well worked pun proclaiming "Here-Wiggo, Here-Wiggo".
The Telegraph sums up the mood of the nation, saying "Bring on the Olympics".
Indeed, London seems finally excited that the Olympics is here and it took the prospect of medals to do so. There is also speculation that Wiggins, the first British Tour de France winner in over a century, could be fast-tracked into the role of lighting the Olympic torch.
Hard to find Javelin
London's creaking transport system was not helped by some confusing signage at the central hub of King's Cross St. Pancras on Monday. Numerous journalists and members of the Games Family were found wandering trying to locate the high-speed Javelin train that transports one from Central London into the Olympic Park in six minutes. Many journalists expressed their frustration and despite the best efforts of the brightly dressed volunteers sometimes finding the right carriage still proved a challenge.
Sick? So am I
Offices in London are bracing for a raft of sick leave applications in the coming weeks. According to research from recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark younger employees and those from London are most likely to pull a 'sickie', with more than a quarter of workers aged 18-24 and the same amount of those who live in the capital tempted to call in ill.
Don't count your suns before they rise
Despite the recent upswing in the weather, it is no guarantee that the Opening Ceremony on Friday will be rain-free. According to the met office, midweek temperatures are set to hit 30C in the south yet, worryingly, showers have been forecast for London on Friday, threatening to put a dampener on the 27-million-pound show directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle. Bookmakers William Hill are offering odds of 3-1 on rain but those watching can still take heart from the fact that the weathermen, at least in Britain, are not often right.
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