USVI-On-Line

Not that anyone asked me but I'm a little surprised. I thought Chicago would get it, of no other reason, than a Summer Games hasn't been in North America since 1996.

Madrid really had no chance with London hosting 2012, but Rio did surprise me. From the very little I know of the city, they're going to have a LOT of work to get it ready.

I always like trying to figure out where the next games are going.

2020 is either coming to the USA or to somewhere in Asia. I read on the ever-reliable Wikipedia that Birmingham, AL is considering a run at the 2020's. Knowing nothing of Birmingham, I'm looking at them quizzically right now. They barely have a "real" airport!

Then there are the 2018 Winters. With '10 in N America and '14 in Europe (Russia), look for an Asian city to get them. If so...look again at a N American city in 2020. Unless a darkhorse African City gets them. Cape Town could get the 2020's if the world Cup goes well...but that would be 2 southern hemispheres in a row.

Maybe Raleigh could make a run. We'd create new events like "The 25-mile sprawl", the "Turn Left from the Right Lane" and the very competitive "Turn 1-Syllable Words into 2-Syllable Words Dash"

I love wasting time pondering things that don't matter!

And...before I croak, I will attend an Olympics. I've been a sucker for them since I was 10 and Los Angeles hosted.

I am a bit bummed. We had already decided to go if it was in Chicago. My dad fenced competitively (internationally) until about 5 years ago. I would have liked to see those events. Won't be making the trek to Rio.

I've been lucky enough to attend games in '84 and '96.

I'd like to visit Rio some time, but after seeing the price gouging, etc. in and around Atlanta in '96 I'll probably plan that visit for either before or after the Olympics.

I was hoping to see the Equestrian Events live and in person, but other than that I don't feel too bad about Chicago missing out.

We're still braggin about that World's Fair back in 1893 We are a patient people. (Ducking Cubs fans throwing things at me)

I had really mixed feelings about hosting the Olympics (cost vs. how very cool it would be), but overall I'm sad that they won't be here, not to mention surprised that we were knocked out in the first round! Who do those IOC people think they are?!? This is a great city!

We don't live downtown anymore but are an easy walk-to-the-train ride away, and I was hoping to go to at least a few events with the family and maybe have some out of town friends stay with us to enjoy them too.

Oh well, as ifloat said we are a patient bunch. (Yes, Cub fan here, fully acknowledging that we are called "long suffering" for a reason.)

What a surprise that Rio was the winner and not Chicago.

I can tell you that Denmark especially Copenhagen has been Americanised the last few days. The newspapers have been filled with pictures and mentions of Chicago, the president couple, Oprah and all the sport stars. Danish-Americans have been interviewed about differences between Denmark and USA, what the worst and the best is concerning USA etc., there have been a lot of arrangements in the city with the sport stars, and Oprah has been talking with a lot of people.Obama and Michelle has lunched with our queen, and Obama has had a meeting with our prime minister. So had other important persons, but the most important seems to be Obama.

As I have told before many people in our country like and admire Obama and his wife. No one complained even though that some main roads were blocked for a longer time because of Obama’s visit. Both did a very good recommendation of Chicago, so many thought that Chicago would be the winner. But one thing is of course the Danes and another thing is the IOC members.

After hearing the speech of the president couple I also wished that Chicago would be the winner. But I have to say that I also think that Rio was a good choice. South America was in turn for OL, and I believe it will be good for Rio. They need it. Perhaps more than Chicago.

Linne

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SJ/NJ...the people of this forum, and Anthony, have spoken.

If you want to start a separate post on why you believe Obama screwed up Chicago's bid, feel free to do so. That way, we can decide whether to read it or not.

Please stop hijacking threads with your political views. You did it with Maggie's post and you are trying to do the same thing here. It would be nice if you would stop.

I don't consider SJ's comments as inflammatory or "hijacking"...He has a different point of view, why is that bad? Why are some here so fearful of a different point of view? I will never understand that thought process, as I have said here before.

I think Obama lost his bid because, as usual, he and his wife made it about them. He said (paraphrase), "I would love to walk out of my home in Chicago with my two girls and welcome the world to the United States...". What the hell about the rest of us? Maybe the American citizenry would like to welcome the world? Why is it always about him? Nevermind, I know why.

And you can't go around the world for the better part of two years badmouthing and apologizing for the actions and attitudes of Americans, and then expect the IOC to want to visit your country.

Again, Mr. Obama...You have made it clear that America is exceptional in no way.

You reap what you sew, sir.

Oh, and in response to the likes of Ed Schultz and his ilk saying that conservatives were "rooting against America" today:

I support the athletes, but I am against the olympics (at least in chicago).

Sound familiar?

soxfan22 wrote:You reap what you sew, sir.

One reaps sweaters? Drapes?

pipanale wrote:

soxfan22 wrote:You reap what you sew, sir.

One reaps sweaters? Drapes?

Yeah, that made me smile, too.

Awe, you smart guys got me. Sox is the dimwit who doesn't know that the saying (from the bible) is "you reap what you sow", not "you reap what you sew".

I'll be more careful next time.

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maybe if you are not careful, you rip what you sew.

So you libs here may think I'm a moron because I apparently don't know the difference between "sowing seeds" and "sewing drapes", however...

At least I am not out and out lying, ala the First Lady when she said the following during her "speech" to the IOC:

“Some of my best memories are sitting on my dad’s lap, cheering on Olga and Nadia, Carl Lewis, and others for their brilliance and perfection.”

Mrs. Obama was 20 years old when Lewis first competed in the Olympics in 1984.

I mean, maybe she did sit on Daddy's lap when she was 20...who am I to judge?