And that's where I'm from
Today the U.S. Olympics Committee announced that Chicago, my town, is the US applicant city for the 2016 Olympics. It beat out Los Angeles for this decision, and that's what makes me even happier.
While I had my doubts when it was first in the running, being torn between wanting the city to profit from hosting such an event, and really fearing the amount of craziness that will be going on, while we, the people who live and work here try to carry on with our daily lives (If I'm still living 9 years from now, well, and living here, which I'm pretty sure I will unless I move to Paris or Geneva). Being a host city would bring Chicago a lot of well-deserved visibility, and a lot of economic benefits. Of course that would also mean many MANY people around the town, and in the way when I'm trying to get to work/home.
Of course, now, Chicago has to compete with other cities from other countries for the honor. But the campaign that the city had put up was great and got the job done here. That's why I am OK with the Daley dynasty. They get the work done!
But I actually got a little teary when the announcement was made. Hometown pride!
3 comments:
My hometown was chosen for the 2010 Winter Olympics. So far there has been some scandal and concern about overspending. Loads of politics about who gets what and where. Outrage over impact to people of poverty. More shmoozing than ever thought humanly possible. Tonnes of excitement and pride. All for 2 weeks of sports. There certainly will be loads of benefits but who knows what the negatives will be. I'll let you know how it all turns out.
Kranki - Yeah. Actually I do think that most cities lose money when they host these things. Chicago isn't selected yet, it's just the US city to enter the run for hosting. I'm sure things will be nuts if it does end up being chosen. I am hoping though for one good out of that: improving the public transportation by getting newer buses! I'm just being selfish :)
if i were still living in chicago, i would be rooting against chicago getting chosen. olympics do get visibility, but i think they can also be pretty rough on the people who live in the host city (except for the people in hotel and tourism-related industries). it also often leaves the city deeply in debt. personally, i think the way cities beg and plead to host the olympics is a big scam. in the end, i think cities end up worse off for it.
and in related news, it looks like mrs. noz and i will be in beijing right around august 2008, which is gonna screw up everything.
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