91Èȱ¬

One of the reasons for having this blog is accountability: explaining what we're doing in our 2012 planning and opening up a debate about the issues.

What I also intend to use it for is setting the record straight when newspapers come up with daft items, so here's the first in what I expect to be an occasional series.

A headline today: "91Èȱ¬ to splash £1million on Olympic Penthouse". The story says "bosses" are looking to buy two £350,000 top-floor flats in an "exclusive" block, and then there's the favourite device - the anonymous source.

The source tells the paper: "There will be no expense spared when it comes to coverage and bosses are prepared to spend a fortune."

So let me tell you what we told the journalist. First, we are not buying any flats. Second, the figure of £1m for purchasing property around the Olympic Park is ludicrous.

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The people planning London 2012 haven't exactly been slacking in the past, but the next few days give an idea of how life is changing for everyone involved.

From long-term deadlines and (literally) careful groundwork, there's now a relentless pace in the activity.

It will, of course, only intensify; and it will be everywhere you look - from buildings and events to broadcasting. Here's a sample of what to look out for in the immediate future.

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What's the word you most associate with the United Kingdom?

This blog is read both home and abroad, so anyone can join in - as long as you keep it clean. But the recommended answer is "generous".

The suggestion comes from the who've been pondering the impact of London 2012 on the UK's global reputation - and reviewing how the Foreign Office is responding to the challenge.

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