Put on a happy face...

Here we are at day number nine of the Sochi Olympics and two really important things have happened. First, there have been no major problems in or out of the competition (Spring weather on the slopes aside). And secondly, none of the infrastructure and venue problems have gotten any better. Our Russian friends are still not taking advice well and regardless of the difficulties, the response to the criticism is something that can be loosely translated as "Put on a happy face."

Twice a day, a group that includes members of the local organizing committee, Olympic staff and advisers like me come together to discuss and strategize the possible public communications around prevalent issues. We've talked about the weather, the accommodations, travel, transportation, the athlete village, the doors to the bathrooms and media accommodations. Today the subject was surveillance or as I would like to call it "spying".

It's been made very clear by the media in attendance that there is complete lack of privacy once you enter the grounds. The Russians are touting what they profess to be the most sophisticated audio tracking system in existence.  They can hear anything, anywhere, any time. And even US officials don't seem to be arguing that point.

Of course, the system is to combat potential terrorist threats (which are being received on a regular basis, and immediately being dismissed in most cases). However, there is some consternation from visitors and, especially athletes, who feel being unable to have free and open discussion in the privacy of their rooms is overstepping the bounds. You'll notice that the NBC crew is not now taking too many shots at the negatives in this situation.  I wonder why?

Here is where our hosts can't seem to grasp the difficulties brought on by the situation. Long discussions follow where several of us outline scenarios that would make surveillance an impediment to the competitive nature of some sports. "Really?!" is the response from our Russian counterparts. Why don't they get it? We wonder if it's ingrained in the culture.

Two media visitors submitted this example of the surveillance techniques. They checked into a room in one of the media hotels and, as they were settling in, one said to the other, "We have most of what we need here but a good sized work table would sure be helpful in getting our writing done." Fifteen minutes later, there was knock at the door.  "We understand you need a table in your room. We have one for you right here." There was no phone in the room.

And this doesn't begin to address the issue of surveillance cameras...everywhere and I mean everywhere. I guess we have to find comfort in knowing that anything strange is going to be noticed and, hopefully, that will impede something really bad happening.

Our hosts don't seem to want to budge on these public issues. They are obviously going to handle things their way. Our group is making tiny steps toward transparency, but it's not easy. I'll talk more about cell phones, the transportation to the venues and security guards.

All this is not to say that you can't have a good time.  The Stolichnaya is 120 proof and the rock and roll is loud and you can dance to it. So what's left...enjoy the 60-degree weather and put on a happy face.

More later...