skafiend / April 16, 2007 5:58 AM

Whoop-de-freakin'-do

Leroy / April 16, 2007 7:05 AM

Meh.

(Although Meigs Field would probably have come in handy for this)

Pedro / April 16, 2007 8:23 AM

Now would be the time to start up that well-connected construction company I've been thinking about...

peta / April 16, 2007 8:32 AM

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Mikey / April 16, 2007 8:33 AM

I really look forward to the Olympics every two years, I think it's a great thing for the city, and I sincerely hope we win...

At the very least, it should ensure that all of the "slow spots" on the El are fixed by the year 2016. Otherwise, there's no telling when that might actually occur...

Mindy / April 16, 2007 8:42 AM

i'm all for it

adam / April 16, 2007 9:06 AM

I think it would be a bigger boondoggle and waste of taxpayer $$$ than Milllenium Park, and would leave us with very little to show for the whole thing in the way of permanent improvements. Except the improvements to the bank accounts of a few developers and Friends of Richie.

Don't forget the further displacement of lower-income people to who-knows-where and the loss of current parks without replacements.

Let someone else do it.

Yeah, I don't like Millenium "Park" either.

charlie / April 16, 2007 9:21 AM

OK by me......I rather like the idea.

JJZ / April 16, 2007 9:28 AM

I hope we get a really wacky trial sport.

rofimike / April 16, 2007 9:35 AM

it has the potential to be an amazing thing from the viewpoints of both an observer and "participant". i can certainly see why we're the US representative and why we stand a good shot at actually hosting the events.

of course, the whole thing has the potential to be a tremendous pain to those of us who will have to cope with the [potential] preparations for the next decade.

Lori / April 16, 2007 9:44 AM

we're psyched. I'm ready to sign my kids up to be in the opening spectacle.

spook / April 16, 2007 9:59 AM

I would’ve loved to have been the dragon fly on the wall for that conversation!

“Hey guys, lets lure the Olympics here!
Think about how much money we can
Steal!”

You gotta hand it to dirty lil Richie, the tax payers gets robbed, again, as they cheer for some dumb games, suckers!

Andrew / April 16, 2007 10:05 AM

I hope we get a really wacky trial sport.

Baggo/Corn Hole, perhaps?

vise77 / April 16, 2007 10:06 AM

Someone please tell me why everyone is so certain the CTA will be fixed, as at least one poster has predicted here.

I can see a need to fix the Blue Line from O'Hare, and perhaps parts of the Green on the South Side, but why the whole system? All you have to do is set up a short-term bus or trolley system to get the athletes and others to the games--nothing says the state/city have to fix the entire system.

To say I am skeptical that the games will fix our infrastructure is an understatement.

tony / April 16, 2007 10:06 AM

One of the news reports said that "any losses would be covered by private donations." I smirked as I let my imagination run loose on that.

It would probably be fun to watch on TV, but even worse if I had to go to any of the areas where they would have venues.

Jill / April 16, 2007 10:12 AM

The "Olympian" in me has a slight case of Chicago 2016 Fever. Where can I get my hands on one of those posters?

The rest of me is a lot more cynical, and those thoughts are too depressing right now.

jj / April 16, 2007 10:14 AM

I love both the Olympics and Chicago, so I'm more excited than anyone I know. From what I've seen, the risks to taxpayers seem fairly low, especially compared with the jobs and tourism dollars it will generate both in 2016 and residually. I also agree that it will probably help the infrastructure improvements that we need to be hurried along a bit, as the last thing Daley wants is to be embarrassed by the CTA. I have looked at the plans and don't see where there will be much loss of park land, or displacement of low income people. Most of the venues listed so far are already built, although the opening/closing stadium would result in some land lost at Washington Park, which I think I can live with. Low income people aren't living in the South Loop anyway - displacement of superrich condo owners, I can see. Go Chicago, I say!

Leroy - funny story, they're actually going to use "Northerly Island" for three events, including first ever BMX biking contest which I think is funny.

mary / April 16, 2007 10:21 AM

im skeptical of the permanent positive changes. and a little wary of whatever transportation changes i would have to make.

Mikey / April 16, 2007 10:23 AM

Someone please tell me why everyone is so certain the CTA will be fixed, as at least one poster has predicted here.

The Olympics will draw many tourists. Tourists will be spending money and traveling throughout the city, not just from their hotels to events. The city/state/federal governments are not going to allow the public transit system to languish when the eyes of the entire world are upon us...

And somebody please come up with a better arguement against the Olympics other than that it's just another way for Daley and his cronies to fill their coffers. I doubt you're going to see that level of blatant corruption again anytime soon since the Feds have been swarming around City Hall like cockroaches...

Jeez...if the question concerned the end of world poverty or a cure for cancer, some of you would still find a way to spin it into an anti-Daley rant. Get over it already. You'll be happily living in Naperville or Wheaton with 2.5 kids and 2 SUVs in the driveway by 2016 anyway...

Emerson Dameron / April 16, 2007 10:43 AM

Another jewel in Daley's crown of bullshit. We're all winners.

Eric / April 16, 2007 11:01 AM

I just think that the city can't get its act together with the CTA and many other "issues," proves that we will probably drop the ball in the long run.

charlie / April 16, 2007 11:02 AM

JJZ (April 16, 2007 9:28 AM) said:
I hope we get a really wacky trial sport.

From the way back machine:
charlie (August 23, 2005 8:29 AM) said:
Sure....why not?
Mister C wondered about Mt Biking?
Um well just give em all 54cm Surly Steamrollers,make em all wear Black socks and Dickies cut off at the calf,mirrored aviator sunglasses,a chrome bag, a t-shirt size too small of course, a chain wallet,pumas,really fat watch bands and three bucks.
Line them all up at The Skylark, make em chug 3 PBR's eat a vegan polish sausage,with no map and see who gets to the corner of Howard and Paulina first.
Now that would be a Chi Town classic

paul / April 16, 2007 11:02 AM

Our wacky trial sport should be hot dog eating. At least we could wrest control of the sport from wretched Nathan's.

I don't see why everyone is so excited. Unless you work for a design or consultant committee, or one of those firms that makes the little models, you won't see any benefit since we don't have a chance against Rome or Rio. Daley's only good at bribes going in his direction.

Blagg the Axman / April 16, 2007 11:17 AM

Sporting feats and games are the rare occasion that brings childlike wonder to the lips of both adults and tots. In what seems several lifetimes ago, an Axman briefly flirted with the pursuit of shot-tossing, winning a few baubles and trifles in fair-day challenges. However, a glimpse of the lifestyle afforded those seemingly gifted with the ability to project an iron ball through the air filled my belly with an angry boiling of rage and disgust—high-hats and jerrymen all, afraid to peel an orange off the field for fear of marring their manicured nails. Since then, shot-tossing has been for me an occasional diversion, a lark, but never anything more.

sparky / April 16, 2007 11:21 AM

Mikey,
Why do so many people have the mentality that if you have constuctive criticisms about the city that you need to move to Naperville or some other suburb?
Chicago is my home. I plan on staying here for a while, without a car. I like this city. I volunteer in Chicago and try to make it a better place for the residents living here. But I can also be critical of the city, can't I? If the Olympics could be done right, yeah, it would be great for Chicago. But this current mayor has shown otherwise with Millenium Park, blatant corruption, and the crumbling CTA, to name a few. And with past Olympics being wildly over budget, what real guarantee do we have that you or I will not have to pay for it somehow down the road?
I want to get on the bandwagon, but I can't.

vise77 / April 16, 2007 11:44 AM

Mikey: You are so full of shit when you trot out the tired old "move to the burbs" rant.

You are one of those cheerleading assholes who say "love it or leave it," "my way or the highway." You are no better than some Bush umbrella holder.

Mikey, fuck you, and fuck your attitude, and fuck your Kool-Aid drinking ways. (Yes, I would say this to your face if we were, say, in a bar.)

By the way, the city/state/feds don't seem to care about the millions of dollars in lost productivity due to CTA problems, so I doubt they will give two shits about CTA improvements except those that have a direct impact on the games. Where the faith of you people comes from, I will never understand.

Mikey / April 16, 2007 11:45 AM

My sentiment was not that people critical of the city should move, but that many of those same people will move, nonetheless...

Like you, I too plan on sticking around for a long time, do not own a car and volunteer (see? we're not that far apart). I just get tired of every "Chicago" conversation invoking Daley-bashing. Give me a good argument as to why the Olympics would not be in our best interests, and I'll promise to listen with an open mind. I just find it far too lazy and uninspired to constantly march out the "Daley is corrupt" mantra over and over. Even if the Olympics themselves do not turn out to be profitable on paper, I think the intangible benefits will be felt for years to come. I enjoy the spirit of the Olympics and think it would be a fascinating and exciting time to live in the city...

jonk / April 16, 2007 11:53 AM

anyone know what kind of resources were used for the U.S. bid?

there are now two more years to to work on the international bid - what kind of resources are planned for that?

Mikey / April 16, 2007 11:54 AM

vise77 -

Fuck you too. Maybe you should have read my last post before you shot your big mouth off...

Were you to get in anyone's face at a bar and launch an unprovoked diatribe like that, you'd be guaranteed to get punched in the mouth, which is exactly what would happen, asshole...

skafiend / April 16, 2007 12:01 PM

Even if the Olympics themselves do not turn out to be profitable on paper, I think the intangible benefits will be felt for years to come.

Like what? Seriously...

spook / April 16, 2007 12:04 PM

sparky:

I'm still shaking my head at this little ditty.....

"I love both the Olympics and Chicago, so I'm more excited than anyone I know"

Yey! Yey.. Gooooo team!

As if because we actually take the time to think critically past the Red Eye white wash and
Daley speak rhetoric, that
we don't love chicago.

my game suggestions?

What about inner city Chicago High Schools sending their most prolific gang bangers to face off in the Soldier Field Coliseum? The winner could face off against the 15 cops arrested this year for various felonies.

Daley of course should preside wearing a toga

The Cub’s much loved but still homeless mascot Ronnie Woo Woo could do the half time show

In a perky voice, Go Chicago, I say!

Emerson Dameron / April 16, 2007 12:08 PM

Mikey-
It's a bit hard to prove a negative. I don't think the Daley crowd has proven any positives. Speaking for myself, I can't see much use for the Olympics besides bringing in an enormous, fleeting influx of tourists, crowding downtown without providing any long-term benefits. (Ask an Atlantan.) Considering Daley's record with such projects, I see no reason to trust that his people will follow through with this as promised, or that there's any real motive for it beyond the glorification of RMD at the expense of everyone else. If I didn't love Chicago, at least on the good days, I wouldn't give a shit. My opinion certainly doesn't count for anything.

Eric Grafenberg / April 16, 2007 12:19 PM

"You'll be happily living in Naperville or Wheaton with 2.5 kids and 2 SUVs in the driveway by 2016 anyway..."

Someone's been reading my diary.

madachode / April 16, 2007 12:21 PM

clean up n halsted to avoid mockery from the rest of the world.

Brandy / April 16, 2007 12:34 PM

I couldn't give a rat's ass about sports. But it'd probably be my only chance to get into the Olympic spirit. I'm scared of the crowds if we get it. But I am proud of Chicago. I adore Chicago and I'd love to see more people discover it. And yes, I'd love to see some infrastructure improvements in the long run come about if we get the games.

I know there's plenty of cynicism, but I'm happy for the city.

Mikey / April 16, 2007 12:38 PM

Like what? Seriously...

As the city would be showcased worldwide on television, it would be great PR for Chicago in an international community that still largely equates us with Al Capone, the stockyards and Michael Jordan. We take it for granted that there is so much more to this city, because we live here...

It would add to our city's great history and provide memories and stories to tell the grandkids someday. Look at how the two world's fair have become cemented into the Chicago lexicon...

It would provide improved infrastructure and opportunities for more daring architecture. Not all of the structures would be permanent, but surely the Olympics would leave the general landscape of the city changed forever...

An admittedly weak argument, but how about just because it would be fun? Why do anything at all?

As Burnham so famously stated, "Make no small plans, for they have no magic to stir men's blood." What better world stage for this than the Olympics?

p / April 16, 2007 12:43 PM

positive international attention on the south side could possibly spur economic development. an influx of investment dollars met with organization of local ownership and entrepreneurs would create more benefits than current attention to the proposed sites (very little). displacement is not an issue and washington park has greenspace to burn, but the construction would, i hope, treat it respectfully. if you've ever been there u know it's mfing huge and can handle the removal of a little sod. any residual structures left in the park would hopefully be put to good use by the park district.

a big tangible benefit would be the brand new natatorium that would be built. alot of city pools are pretty old and after the games the pools would be a great upgrade for park district aqautic programs, public league schools and the public. this means meter length pools and olympic heighth diving boards baby!!

and f meigs field, i laughed so hard when i woke up and saw the headline and frontpage photo i fell on the floor.

and the revelry of it all would be super exciting to be a part of. and everyday chicagoans who perhaps never got to study abroud in prague or spent spring break in hegewisch rather than amsterdam will be able to mingle with and play host to an international community. we'll be able to mix w/ so many boisterous travelers in our own backyard- the possibilities for epic goodtimes are endless. seriously- think of the possibilities of having the world travel to a city you love so much to enjoy an event as hopeful and exciting as the olympics.

plus- your uncle might get laid by an argentinian sychronized swimmer!

Eric / April 16, 2007 12:51 PM

madachode...what do you mean about n. halsted? Is this a subtle bashing? There are many cities that have neighborhoods with a high gay population and they are not hanging their heads in shame. We should not either.

amyc / April 16, 2007 12:53 PM

Maybe I could rent my place out for enough money to get the hell out of town for three weeks. That would be cool.

skafiend / April 16, 2007 1:18 PM

As the city would be showcased worldwide on television, it would be great PR for Chicago

I hear this all the time but doesn't the international traveling community already KNOW about Chicago? Isn't that what the Art Institute and the architecture and the Bears traveling to London after the Super Bowl and Chicago hosting part of the World Cup a few years ago were all about? And if it's because of MJ, even better (I don't think Al Capone is point of reference for them anymore). Besides, what are all of those Sister Cities for? And I don't believe the international community even thinks about the stockyards in Chicago. Hell, I don't think about them anymore and I've lived here all my life.

Look at how the two world's fair have become cemented into the Chicago lexicon...

Huh? They have? Who the heck still discusses the Chicago World's Fair? Other than "Devil in the White City," the World's fairs are not a topic of conversation anymore and anyone who holds them as a source of civic pride is pretty much dead by now.

As far as that "economic improvement" song, I've read too many articles about how previous cities either made a minor profit but little in the way of longterm benefits, or were in the red. I just don't like the idea that we have to have an Olympics to have improved infrastructure, job opportunities and new affordable housing. That should be a given, not held over our heads like an apple.

Sure it might be "fun", but that's not enough reason to sway me.

Again, don't mean to down your argument, but I'm a professional wet blanket.

kate / April 16, 2007 1:20 PM

Meh, big deal.

However, if it means amazing upgrades to the CTA, then a hearty "fuck yeah!" from this gal.

piece / April 16, 2007 1:39 PM

Daley has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't give a rat's ass about the CTA, and it hasn't hurt him in the slightest. Time to get bikes, people.

peta / April 16, 2007 1:45 PM

CTA, bikes, corruption, Olympics (good/bad) yada yada. You have to admit that Daley gives you something to talk about and fill up your days. But let me sleep now.

Mikey / April 16, 2007 1:59 PM

I don't think Al Capone is point of reference for them anymore...

You might be surprised. Speaking from personal experience, I was greeted with Capone references on both of my recent trips to Italy upon stating I was from Chicago (granted, maybe because it was Italy). And to be honest, the Capone references don't even bother me--just another colorful chapter in our city's history as far as I'm concerned. But we've come a long way since those days...

Huh? They have? Who the heck still discusses the Chicago World's Fair?

Not in everyday conversation, but to Chicago enthusiasts and history buffs, they're still two major events that have been deemed worthy of stars on the city flag. The Chicago Fire (another star) occurred a long time ago too, and I don't hear too many people discussing that every day either, but that doesn't make the event any less significant. Surely, the Olympics would go down in Chicago history as a major event...

I just don't like the idea that we have to have an Olympics to have improved infrastructure, job opportunities and new affordable housing. That should be a given, not held over our heads like an apple.

I completely agree with you here. But if it takes hosting the Olympics to bring some urgency to these issues, isn't that better than them not getting addressed at all?

Ultimately for me, I think it comes down to "you only live once," so let's throw caution to the wind and make a go of it. Who's to say any of us will still be alive the next time this opportunity comes along?

skafiend / April 16, 2007 2:21 PM

Mikey...
you make some good points. I supposed no matter what it takes to get it done (streets, etc.), as long as it gets done... Still, I'm not sold on the benefits of an Olympics here, not by a long shot.

But I love the fact that people in Italy were STILL making the Al Capone/Chicago connection to you... LOL

spook / April 16, 2007 2:49 PM

“Ultimately for me, I think it comes down to "you only live once," so let's throw caution to the wind and make a go of it.”

That's what I keep saying about finally addressing Chicago's failing and deeply
discriminatory school system! What about Pat Ryan raising 500, 000 million to pay the best and brightest teachers to teach at the failing schools on the south and wesides? We could bring them in from across the nation! Maybe this could be our claim to fame?

And what about doing something about the affordable housing crisis, not to mention police brutality? What about foregoing the bread and circus and concentrating on these problems first?

The only practical thing that might come out of this circus is a temporary jump the number of minimum wage service sector jobs

And it seems like a lot of long time residents of Washington Park are deeply concerned about being gentrified out of Washington Park, ala the United Center, but who cares about them, they after all don’t look like “Us” right?

I wish for once most of you would consider putting down your Lake View/ Lincoln Park view master

p.s

Hey skafiend, I’m writing your name is for Alderman of the 35th ward

Brandy / April 16, 2007 3:02 PM

In the UK last week, a Dutch man brought up the Chicago gangster connection. I think we'll always own that in the global psyche.

skafiend / April 16, 2007 4:28 PM

Hey skafiend, I’m writing your name is for Alderman of the 35th ward

If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve. But if I can eventually get my niece or nephew to take over my seat in the council when the times comes, I'm all up in there!!!

And I find myself shocked (shocked!) to say I pretty much agree with you. It pisses me off that it takes talk of an Olympics to get city pledges of pothole-filling, affordable housing and jobs. We don't need that stuff nine years from now, we need NOW!

Leelah / April 16, 2007 4:54 PM

I can't believe this Olympics story is bigger than mine....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/q/chi-0704110334apr15,1,1287724.story

Alderman Deez Nutz / April 16, 2007 9:25 PM

Skafiend does remind me of an alderman. The first post here is SF proclaiming "Whoop-de-freakin'-do".

Since then...3 entries and 5 paragraphs regarding the issue.

Is "Skafiend" hipster talk for "Joe Moore"?

nu / April 16, 2007 9:47 PM

Daley rocks. Get over it, moaning elitists.

Anyway, I hope Chicago gets it. It will happen eventually, they happen every 2 years and we're a major city. Quit yer' whinin'.

skafiend / April 16, 2007 9:47 PM

Is "Skafiend" hipster talk for "Joe Moore"?

Thank God the newsboard police are here! Keeping the world safe from... well whatever it is they think they need to monitor.

And for those keeping track, all one of you, that's 4 entries and 7 graphs...have a nice night

jj / April 17, 2007 1:05 AM

Spook - I wasn't implying that those who don't want the Olympics here don't love Chicago, just that I personally love my hometown and am excited about having it showcased to the world as a host of the Olympics.

I'm not sure why you think answering a stupid blog question (no offense GB) has to require in depth analysis, but lest I be relegated to a Red Eye reader (the horror! and coming from a troll at that!), I will explain my position - I plan to live the rest of my life in this city, so the more people who love it, visit it, and invest in it, the better off I think we all are. I work in a recreation - related field, so I understand and agree with the research showing potential long term economic benefits for the city. Philosophically and politically, I am a strong supporter of the Olympic movement's ideals of bringing the world together for playful competition and cross cultural exchange. I think having the Olympics in Chicago would allow us the opportunity to be a part of positive international cross cultural exchange, while at the same time increasing Chicago's profile on the world stage which residually leads to investment. Plus, I have always wanted to experience the Olympics, and I think it would be fun to see other people come to Chicago to experience them.

This doesn't mean I don't care about corruption, poverty, CTA problems, or kittens stuck in trees (especially if it's fluffy's cat), it just means I think we can help make the city and the world a better place on multiple levels and with multiple strategies. That's how the best problems are solved both in business and in life.

fuq nu / April 17, 2007 8:54 AM

"Daley rocks. Get over it, moaning elitists.

Anyway, I hope Chicago gets it. It will happen eventually, they happen every 2 years and we're a major city. Quit yer' whinin'."

World, meet Chicago.

fluffy / April 17, 2007 9:16 AM

jj-
paw power!

Mikey / April 18, 2007 10:22 AM

This can't be helping Rio's chances...

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/04/17/brazil.rio.violence.ap/index.html