British skeleton's performance director, Andi Schmid, said before the Games that a lack of track time for athletes in the run-up to the Games had increased the risk of accidents.

BBC: Olympic luger Nodar Kumaritashvili dies after crash

Mr. Gelb told me that he had a limited amount of time to talk since he had to be at the evening's performance before the curtain went up.

WSJ: Drinking Wine With Peter Gelb

In a few years' time utilities might be able to monitor the performance of home appliances, sending repairmen or replacements even before they break down.

ECONOMIST: The surveillance society | The