Winner: Tokyo
Rio: one vote separating Tokyo and Rio (could even see a tie vote)
Madrid: out in second round
Chicago: out in first round
My prediction: 3 rounds of voting IF Madrid picks up extra votes from a change of mind of those possibly planning to vote for Chicago. If that doesn't happen, Chicago and/or Madrid don't get enough votes for all four to force a second ballot of all bids.
Or you could see a 2008-vote type situation with Chicago and Madrid going out on the first ballot and a second vote to decide between Tokyo and Rio.
What would be a surprise: a decision on the first ballot which is not likely.
Prediction: the appearance of President Obama blows up in Chicago's face-and those IOC members who think the appearance of the President as meddling (there are some) throw their votes to one of the other three cities.
I stand on it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Copenhagen cool-and the eyes and ears
Sadly, I won't be in Copenhagen (due to some family issues.) Family first-above all else. You only have one set of relatives-there will be other IOC meetings. But that doesn't mean my presence won't be there. My "eyes and ears" will be there.
I think it is quite interesting that some other writers who have been so hot on the Chicago bid are now backing off. Sorry guys...I have called it from the beginning that Chicago will lose-and lose big, possibly in the first round of voting. And even if President Obama shows up in Copenhagen, it won't make one bit of difference. I recall what a senior IOC member said to me many years ago: "We aren't impressed by celebrity. What impresses us is a good bid plan and the resources to back it up. We don't want to have to possibly bail you out if you get into difficulties."
What concerns me now is that the murder rate (especially among minors) in Chicago is the highest it's ever been. Also, the city has had random days off for non-essential municipal staff in order to save money on a projected $500 million dollar deficit. Is this a city that should be bidding? No way.
OK to review-20 reasons, expounded on my 10 original reasons Chicago will come home empty:
1. City deficit-$500 million and no end in sight.
2. Snotty treatment by Chicago 2016 of press-and evasive answers when they do decide to talk. We aren't stupid.
3. Sky-high murder rate.
4. Embracement by some members of the IOC to No Games Chicago-some are listening to their concerns-and they are valid.
5. A mayor that has continued the city's business model of "politics as usual"-a legacy that has been around since the original Mayor Daley.
6. The city's legacy of human rights abuses-anyone remember 1968?
7. The belief in the non-existant "Oprah" factor-the IOC really doesn't give a damm who she is (and this issue has come up before.)
8. Lawsuit settlements in the millions to citizens victimised by corrupt cops.
9. The presence of Michelle Obama in Copenhagen. You will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me-but this is one time he and his wife need to butt out.
10. Possible tax considerations. Montreal was paying off their debt for close to 30 years and folks in Chicago don't want that to happen there.
11. Chicago 2016 refusing to acknowledge opposition to the bid by neighborhood activists and community groups.
12. Possible displacement of affordable housing for venue construction.
13. Lack of legacy plans for venues-many white elephants on the table.
14. Questionable amounts of salaries being paid to bid officials. It's offensive in this economy-and not the smartest use of budgeting.
15. The "we can't lose" mentality of the bid committee. Oh yes you can-and will.
16. Poor international relations people working for them. Not qualified-and you know who you are. I have your business card on my desk right now.
17. Your bid team's uppity attitude at Sport Accord. If you want a major international event such as the Olympics, you have to embrace all people and cultures.
18. Possible environmental issues for the Chicago waterfront-and no plans to preserve that area.
19. Poor and/or non-existant response to basic emails and inquries. You clearly have something to hide-and I told you as much in Denver.
20. Making stupid mistakes all around-but stupid is as stupid does. You only have yourselves to blame.
Besides, keep up what you are doing-Tokyo will love you for it.
I think it is quite interesting that some other writers who have been so hot on the Chicago bid are now backing off. Sorry guys...I have called it from the beginning that Chicago will lose-and lose big, possibly in the first round of voting. And even if President Obama shows up in Copenhagen, it won't make one bit of difference. I recall what a senior IOC member said to me many years ago: "We aren't impressed by celebrity. What impresses us is a good bid plan and the resources to back it up. We don't want to have to possibly bail you out if you get into difficulties."
What concerns me now is that the murder rate (especially among minors) in Chicago is the highest it's ever been. Also, the city has had random days off for non-essential municipal staff in order to save money on a projected $500 million dollar deficit. Is this a city that should be bidding? No way.
OK to review-20 reasons, expounded on my 10 original reasons Chicago will come home empty:
1. City deficit-$500 million and no end in sight.
2. Snotty treatment by Chicago 2016 of press-and evasive answers when they do decide to talk. We aren't stupid.
3. Sky-high murder rate.
4. Embracement by some members of the IOC to No Games Chicago-some are listening to their concerns-and they are valid.
5. A mayor that has continued the city's business model of "politics as usual"-a legacy that has been around since the original Mayor Daley.
6. The city's legacy of human rights abuses-anyone remember 1968?
7. The belief in the non-existant "Oprah" factor-the IOC really doesn't give a damm who she is (and this issue has come up before.)
8. Lawsuit settlements in the millions to citizens victimised by corrupt cops.
9. The presence of Michelle Obama in Copenhagen. You will never find a bigger supporter of the President than me-but this is one time he and his wife need to butt out.
10. Possible tax considerations. Montreal was paying off their debt for close to 30 years and folks in Chicago don't want that to happen there.
11. Chicago 2016 refusing to acknowledge opposition to the bid by neighborhood activists and community groups.
12. Possible displacement of affordable housing for venue construction.
13. Lack of legacy plans for venues-many white elephants on the table.
14. Questionable amounts of salaries being paid to bid officials. It's offensive in this economy-and not the smartest use of budgeting.
15. The "we can't lose" mentality of the bid committee. Oh yes you can-and will.
16. Poor international relations people working for them. Not qualified-and you know who you are. I have your business card on my desk right now.
17. Your bid team's uppity attitude at Sport Accord. If you want a major international event such as the Olympics, you have to embrace all people and cultures.
18. Possible environmental issues for the Chicago waterfront-and no plans to preserve that area.
19. Poor and/or non-existant response to basic emails and inquries. You clearly have something to hide-and I told you as much in Denver.
20. Making stupid mistakes all around-but stupid is as stupid does. You only have yourselves to blame.
Besides, keep up what you are doing-Tokyo will love you for it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cheating ends January 1st
Suits. Yes, those suits. The ones that were worn at the recent FINA championships in Rome where swimmers broke all sorts of records. And guess who was complaining about them? Yup. Bong Boy.
Ironcially, he didn't get upset until he was beat in a race and had to settle for second place. But it was Phelps who lobbied for FINA to include the suits in the first place.
Pot.Kettle.Black.
I think we have a narrow-minded view of what cheating is. It's not all doping. I am just as guilty of a narrow-minded view as anyone out there. We're so busy worrying about the latest positive dope test, that other things have come down the pike position and blindsided us.
It's the swimming equivelent of Barry Bonds-well, almost. And it was nipped in the bud before the next Olympics.
As to the records set in Rome? Simple: toss 'em out-along with the swimmers who decided to have a bit of high-tech help in their arsenal, to the detrement of the others who competed clean.
Give me Mark Spitz in his Speedos any old day.
Ironcially, he didn't get upset until he was beat in a race and had to settle for second place. But it was Phelps who lobbied for FINA to include the suits in the first place.
Pot.Kettle.Black.
I think we have a narrow-minded view of what cheating is. It's not all doping. I am just as guilty of a narrow-minded view as anyone out there. We're so busy worrying about the latest positive dope test, that other things have come down the pike position and blindsided us.
It's the swimming equivelent of Barry Bonds-well, almost. And it was nipped in the bud before the next Olympics.
As to the records set in Rome? Simple: toss 'em out-along with the swimmers who decided to have a bit of high-tech help in their arsenal, to the detrement of the others who competed clean.
Give me Mark Spitz in his Speedos any old day.
Monday, July 13, 2009
He's still a loser
I still haven't changed my mind-unfortunately, Subway sandwiches thinks otherwise.
I'm talking about Michael Phelps-and his apparent inability to own up to that infamous bong incident.
We've been taking a break for the past several months, and observing. While everyone else fawns and oohs and ahhs over him. I, for one, refuse to.
Come on, people. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the PR spin and the "will he won't he compete in 2012" crap. I for one am tired of it-and those playing right into it by putting this jackass up on a pedestal, when he really should be contrite and apologetic for his actions, of which he has yet to do.
John Meyer of the Denver Post and I think a lot alike. We had some very interesting email exchanges during Sport Accord. I said that I didn't think anyone would agree with me or have similar thoughts.
Phelps is no hero. When will we as a nation learn that, and STOP elevating this guy to a position he has yet to earn? I for one would welcome the IOC taking action-sadly I don't think that day will ever come. But say this was an athlete who didn't medal and got caught with the bong. USA Swimming would be on that guy's case in a heartbeat, and probably sanctioned too.
Double standard-one for Phelps, one for the rest of the pool.
Enough already.
I'm talking about Michael Phelps-and his apparent inability to own up to that infamous bong incident.
We've been taking a break for the past several months, and observing. While everyone else fawns and oohs and ahhs over him. I, for one, refuse to.
Come on, people. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the PR spin and the "will he won't he compete in 2012" crap. I for one am tired of it-and those playing right into it by putting this jackass up on a pedestal, when he really should be contrite and apologetic for his actions, of which he has yet to do.
John Meyer of the Denver Post and I think a lot alike. We had some very interesting email exchanges during Sport Accord. I said that I didn't think anyone would agree with me or have similar thoughts.
Phelps is no hero. When will we as a nation learn that, and STOP elevating this guy to a position he has yet to earn? I for one would welcome the IOC taking action-sadly I don't think that day will ever come. But say this was an athlete who didn't medal and got caught with the bong. USA Swimming would be on that guy's case in a heartbeat, and probably sanctioned too.
Double standard-one for Phelps, one for the rest of the pool.
Enough already.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday's Random Thoughts
We haven't had one of these in awhile---plus blind items for you to figure out!
Just Asking:
What network president snubbed two employees in the restaurant at the Hyatt;didn't even go over to say hello, even though one of them was his Vice President? He could have said hello, as he was only sitting four tables away!
What reporter for a Far East newspaper also got snubbed by same said network VP in the Hyatt lobby? Hey girl, next time kick him in the shin or the bum!
What city's bid committee made a bunch of promises to a lot of people-and has yet to make good? C'mon, Sport Accord attendees have been home for, what, a month now?!?
What bid city's rep made a half-hearted attempt at intimidation to this writer in the elevator at the Hyatt? I think he mistook me for someone else-until he saw the name on the accreditation badge, then he beat a hasty retreat. Well, that's one way to tell me you read me!
*******
Could someone tell me the difference between anime and cartoons?
It's sad about the news with all these missing kids.
I just love the music of Kevin Rudolf-be sure to watch the Miss USA pageant on Sunday night when he performs.
Does anyone believe the predictions that the Cleveland Indians will make the post-season?
RIP Harry Kalas-Puppy Bowl will never be the same!
Just Asking:
What network president snubbed two employees in the restaurant at the Hyatt;didn't even go over to say hello, even though one of them was his Vice President? He could have said hello, as he was only sitting four tables away!
What reporter for a Far East newspaper also got snubbed by same said network VP in the Hyatt lobby? Hey girl, next time kick him in the shin or the bum!
What city's bid committee made a bunch of promises to a lot of people-and has yet to make good? C'mon, Sport Accord attendees have been home for, what, a month now?!?
What bid city's rep made a half-hearted attempt at intimidation to this writer in the elevator at the Hyatt? I think he mistook me for someone else-until he saw the name on the accreditation badge, then he beat a hasty retreat. Well, that's one way to tell me you read me!
*******
Could someone tell me the difference between anime and cartoons?
It's sad about the news with all these missing kids.
I just love the music of Kevin Rudolf-be sure to watch the Miss USA pageant on Sunday night when he performs.
Does anyone believe the predictions that the Cleveland Indians will make the post-season?
RIP Harry Kalas-Puppy Bowl will never be the same!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Pat Ryan: foot in mouth disease
Pat Ryan, the head of Chicago 2016 may have just sealed his city's fate several weeks ago before the IOC evaluation commission visit when he made a comment that the visit of the evaluators "won't necessarily win you the Olympic Games." His reasoning was that because they don't have votes, that in the whole scheme of things, they were a minor factor in the process.
But they can and do issue the final report that influences greatly the votes of those who do. Also, some members of the commission met with a group called No Games Chicago. Big oops. Very rarely do evaluators meet with opposition groups. It has happened before. But not to this scale-and with two members of Chicago 2016 present.
You have to keep your nose clean at every step of the process. I have seem some really stupid mistakes made by bid cities (Mayor Bloomberg's meltdown in the lobby of the Raffles hotel in Singapore ranks right up there) and I have always maintained that it is the little things that will either make or break your bid.
Chicago would bode well to reach out to those folks that they have dismissed (including the IOC visitors) if they hope to have any chance of this bid even coming close in the voting in Copenhagen. But right now-it would take a miracle for Chicago to pull this one off, and I just don't see it happening.
You get what you deserve-in this case, defeat in October.
But they can and do issue the final report that influences greatly the votes of those who do. Also, some members of the commission met with a group called No Games Chicago. Big oops. Very rarely do evaluators meet with opposition groups. It has happened before. But not to this scale-and with two members of Chicago 2016 present.
You have to keep your nose clean at every step of the process. I have seem some really stupid mistakes made by bid cities (Mayor Bloomberg's meltdown in the lobby of the Raffles hotel in Singapore ranks right up there) and I have always maintained that it is the little things that will either make or break your bid.
Chicago would bode well to reach out to those folks that they have dismissed (including the IOC visitors) if they hope to have any chance of this bid even coming close in the voting in Copenhagen. But right now-it would take a miracle for Chicago to pull this one off, and I just don't see it happening.
You get what you deserve-in this case, defeat in October.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ebersol's irresponsible comments
As reported by Around the Rings, NBC Olympics president Dick Ebersol has made a comment in regards to Bode Miller. "He's the greatest American skier of all time. He's certainly entitled to his opinions."
In case for review: Bode is the guy who was criticised for his excessive partying during the Turin Olympics and failing to medal. He also boasted about "skiing drunk" during some of his competitions.
Bode is not the greatest of all time. True sports stars know of their responsibility to the community and of the example they must set once they make the Olympic team. I would be personally happy if Bode would just shrink and go away. He's a poor example of what an Olympian should be.
Let's not make Bode into a hero. He's far from it, and there are so many others that deserve our recognition more.
The Olympics celebrate heroes-and not losers like Miller who think the world revolves around them and their irresponsible actions both off and on the piste.
In case for review: Bode is the guy who was criticised for his excessive partying during the Turin Olympics and failing to medal. He also boasted about "skiing drunk" during some of his competitions.
Bode is not the greatest of all time. True sports stars know of their responsibility to the community and of the example they must set once they make the Olympic team. I would be personally happy if Bode would just shrink and go away. He's a poor example of what an Olympian should be.
Let's not make Bode into a hero. He's far from it, and there are so many others that deserve our recognition more.
The Olympics celebrate heroes-and not losers like Miller who think the world revolves around them and their irresponsible actions both off and on the piste.