I visited the Olympic Park...

[max_tranmere]

... or as near to it as I could get. I didn't realise until my arrival that the whole place is not only presently locked up but will be for the duration of the Games aswell. The fencing and gates around it will only let ticket holders, competitors, and those with 'day passes' to walk around the common areas between the venues. I assumed anyone would be able to walk around outside the venues, like you can at any other sports venues in London, but no. Obviously they are concerned for security reasons, but I think they are going over the top. You can't get near the venues and these 'day passes' you can apparently get online.

I've not investigated it but I don't know how getting one of the passes will make you less of a security risk, I imagine you could get one claiming to be someone else, and the pat-down they will no doubt give you before you enter they could give to anyone without such a pass. If you want to see the venues, you can go to Westfield Shopping Centre next door, go to John Lewis on the third floor, and they have a shop selling Olympic items which has good views across the Olympic Park from its large galleried windows. I took some nice photos.

What are people's views on the security at the Olympic Park? This is probably the first Olympics anywhere which members of the public are unable to walk around the common areas near the venues. But then it is probably the first Olympics ever to have rocket launchers on nearby buildings.

[David Johnson]

On the subject of taking things a bit too far and Olympic security seems an example of this, I'll share the Indian approach to cleaning up the locality.

I remember being in New Delhi when the Asian Games were on. About a month previously you could hardly move for beggars in the New Delhi area. Yet when I went back and the Games were on, no beggars!

I asked what happened and was told that the army had gone round for about a week, collecting all the beggars, loading them into the back of trucks and then driving them hundreds of miles out of town and dumping them in the middle of nowhere. Problem solved.

Don't blame me Max, if you inadvertently find yourself in the back of a lorry heading for Grimsby as a result of wandering round without a day pass or even, heaven forbid, any intention of buying Cokes, Big Macs, Wenlock dolls and not forgetting a teeshirt with the ever so closely guarded Olympic rings design.

Consume Max, consume!!!

On the flip side, come on Vickie Pendleton, come on Paula you can finally do it in the marathon, come on Wiggie the team pursuit gold is yours for the taking, go Mo go, start us off with a bang, Cav, go Laura Trott, a superstar in the making,

Bring it on. I've been practising sitting for long periods on the sofa. I've got plenty of tea bags and a couple of bottles of whisky at hand with a selection of snackettes. My Olympic preparation is all going totally to plan Just need BT Broadband on the Iplayer not to bugger me up.

[max_tranmere]

Talking of Big Macs, I heard they have built Europe's (or possibly the world's) biggest McDonalds at the Olympic Park. However no one will be able to get to it - unless the fans, competitors, or day-pass holders want to visit it. Everyone else, who arrives out of curiousity, like I did, can't get to it, so they will lose a hell of a lot of trade. (I am assuming it's inside the park, I certainly didn't see it when I visited the area.)

[Dick Moby]

Can I ask you what your taste in whisky is?

[David Johnson]

Of course, Mr Moby.

I realise that this might be viewed as sacrilege by some, but I like to use the cheap stuff eg. supermarket blended whisky in my tea with milk and a spoon or two of Manuka honey. It's the perfect sports drink in a cup.

Alternatively, by itself, I enjoy the peatiness of a Lagavulin Single Malt, one of Islay's finest.

[David Johnson]

Whilst we are on a Scottish theme, go Sir Chris Hoy, go! Two more Olympic medals would crown a fantastic career!

[Dick Moby]

For a special treat may I suggest a healthy nip of Royal Salute --- more than one and you wont fully appreciate the full flavour. If you're going to have a few then a drop of the "Low Flier" is hard to beat and not too expensive.

[Arginald Valleywater]

No crime is bad enough to send a man to Grimsby - a most aptly named town!!

[David Johnson]

Thank you for the tip. The 21 year old Royal Salute looks a tad pricy at ?84 for 70cl. though a Xmas/birthday/Olympics treat might be in order.

Whilst in Porto awhile ago, I had a sampling trip round various wine producers. Had a wonderful 40 year old tawny at Sandemans. Alas 150 euros a bottle. Rather above my pay grade.

[max_tranmere]

I've never been to Grimsby, but the Soham monster Ian Huntley is from there.