Filed Under » London 2012

Gary Heckerdt has worked at Home Depot since 1998, moving his way up from a part-time staffer to shift manager at the Towson, Maryland, location.

"I know most people don't necessarily dream of working at Home Depot, but it's a good job. And they offer benefits and everything to full-time employees," said Heckerdt. "I'm proud to work here."

That's why Heckerdt bristles at fellow employees who don't give their all when it comes to providing customers with the best possible experience while purchasing home improvement and construction goods. One particular employee, Michael Phelps — who works 3 to 9 pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday under Heckerdt — has recently drawn the ire of his boss.

"This guy is getting ready for some swimming competition and he seems to think that's more important than helping customers in aisles 9 through 17," said Heckerdt. "He needs to look at it like this: while swimming is important to him, it's not to the woman who is simply looking for the best deck protector. In fact, to that customer, water is the enemy."

The chairman of the London 2012 organizing group today rejected security concerns ahead of the Olympic Games, despite the firm hired to provide security offers announcing it would be able to offer only 4,200 of the 10,400 personnel it promised.

"People forget that we are welcoming the greatest athletes in the world," said Sebastian Coe. "The biggest and strongest in the world. People willing to accept any challenge. And now we give them the challenge of protecting themselves, Olympic spectators and the historic city of London during the upcoming London Games. We know they will rise to the occasion."

The failure by private security firm G4S escalated fears that the London Games could be targeted by violence or terrorism, but Coe reminded his nation that more than 100 Olympians are trained in martial activities.

"Taekwondo, judo, boxing. I know I wouldn't want to mess with those people," said Coe. "And those are just a few examples. Sprinters could be used to chase down villains, while athletes competing in swimming, sailing, rowing, canoe and kayak will keep our waterways safe. At least that's the idea because it's our only option now."