2016 Olympics...

Neuqua · 10-01-2009, 10:26 PM

The destination gets announced tomorrow morning, and admittedly I've gotten a bit caught up in the excitement. Now I know there are a lot of people who have economic concerns about whether it's the right thing to do, but selfishly I would love to showcase the city of Chicago in front of the world in 2016.

From what I have been reading, Rio has the slight lead on Chicago as of now with Madrid in 3rd and Tokyo in a distant 4th.

Anyone else even care?

Schmidty · 10-01-2009, 10:28 PM

Good Lord. I'll be 41.

My life is ending soon.

RainMaker · 10-01-2009, 10:30 PM

I'd definitely like to see it come to Chicago. I have some concerns that some stuff in government will get overlooked, but I think this is a great way to showcase the city and build up the infrastructure. Will probably cost some tax money, but can't get over how cool it would be to have an Olympics in my hometown.

DaddyTorgo · 10-01-2009, 10:31 PM

i'd like to see it go to Rio...

cartman · 10-01-2009, 10:32 PM

Yeah, I think it comes down to Rio or Chi-town. If the IOC can get past the crime issues in Brazil, then Rio gets the nod. FIFA looked past that same issue and awarded the World Cup to South Africa, so there is a bit of precedence there. Also a lot of pressure exists to award an Olympics to South America. That might win out, since NBC will still be able to show the premier events live, since there isn't a big time zone difference.

DaddyTorgo · 10-01-2009, 10:34 PM

yeah. i'd really like to see it opened up to south america

we've already had enough olympics lately.

and frankly illinois-politics is so dirty it'd just be a den of graft and corruption

illinifan999 · 10-01-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neuqua

From what I have been reading, Rio has the slight lead on Chicago as of now with Madrid in 3rd and Tokyo in a distant 4th.

Anyone else even care?

Really? The vibe I've been getting is that Chicago holds a slight lead because of Obama showing up, Rio's crime issues, and that the World Cup is happening two years earlier.

DaddyTorgo · 10-01-2009, 10:41 PM

obama showing up doesn't mean diddly. every country's president that is in contention shows up to lobby for it. it's a non-story.

Big Fo · 10-01-2009, 10:44 PM

Online gambling sites still have Chicago as the favorite.

odsschecker.com link

I'm rooting for Chicago, if they don't get it then I hope it's Rio since their time zone is close to mine. Western Europe shouldn't get two in a row and East Asia shouldn't get two out of three imo.

PurdueBrad · 10-01-2009, 10:45 PM

I'm pretty torn as an Illinois resident. Would it be cool to have it in Chicago, sure. But we can't afford to support our educational system, taxes have been rising at a fairly steady rate w/o having to support something like this, and I'm never sure that the long-term payoff is worth it. Rio has a pretty big claim to 'need' the Olympics and that fact that South America has never had one, this is a good opportunity to fix that.

Ultimately, I think Chicago wins out, as it would end up being an Obama showcase as well as 2016 would represent his last year in office if he gets a second term.

Young Drachma · 10-01-2009, 10:46 PM

Yeah, Rio deserves it. But that said, if Chicago doesn't get it after pulling out all of the stops like they have, the President will take another hit for a news cycle as a result.

But yeah, it's crazy that South America hasn't hosted an Olympics, they'll get a World Cup in 2014 in Brazil for the first time since Argentina got to host, so Brazil will have World Cup/Olympics in a two-year turnaround.

That'll either be a great dress rehearsal or the thought will emerge that's too much too soon.

Here's some handicapping sites for this stuff. I didn't realize people were this into Olympic bidding:

GamesBids.com - BidIndex
http://www.aroundtherings.com/Defaul...rticleid=30515

RainMaker · 10-01-2009, 11:05 PM

Rio has the South America thing going for them as I'm sure it's an untapped source that the IOC would love to get into. It's also still tecnically in our time zone so TV rights won't suffer too much.

The problem with passing on Chicago though is that it means a long time before the U.S. gets an Olympic Games. The USOC has stated already that they are not going to put together a bid for 2020. The IOC would have also rejected bids from both New York and Chicago, which probably shoots down two of the best spots in the U.S. for a Summer Games. We'd be looking at 2024 before the game had a shot at coming back to the country which seems to be a long time to pass up on your biggest revenue source. You have to wonder if large sponsors start cutting back considering the Olympics have lost some steam over the past decade in this country.

It'll be interesting to see. I think Chicago will get it as I don't think Obama would have gone to Copenhagen unless he had some inside information that our shot was good. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Rio come up, and while disappointed, could look on the bright side and not have to worry about this topic dominating the city for the next 7 years.

DaddyTorgo · 10-01-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Rio has the South America thing going for them as I'm sure it's an untapped source that the IOC would love to get into. It's also still tecnically in our time zone so TV rights won't suffer too much.

The problem with passing on Chicago though is that it means a long time before the U.S. gets an Olympic Games. The USOC has stated already that they are not going to put together a bid for 2020. The IOC would have also rejected bids from both New York and Chicago, which probably shoots down two of the best spots in the U.S. for a Summer Games. We'd be looking at 2024 before the game had a shot at coming back to the country which seems to be a long time to pass up on your biggest revenue source. You have to wonder if large sponsors start cutting back considering the Olympics have lost some steam over the past decade in this country.

It'll be interesting to see. I think Chicago will get it as I don't think Obama would have gone to Copenhagen unless he had some inside information that our shot was good. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Rio come up, and while disappointed, could look on the bright side and not have to worry about this topic dominating the city for the next 7 years.

obama going has nothign to do with "inside info." the presidents of every nation in contention are there to lobby for their countries.

RainMaker · 10-01-2009, 11:10 PM

Big difference in Obama and the leader of Brazil. It does look bad for Obama's image if he goes and they don't get it. Probably shouldn't, but it does eliminate some of that international prestige that he has. I just think with all that is going on in this country, he probably wanted to make sure that Chicago's bid had a relatively good shot if he attended. I don't think he makes the trip if we're sitting in the position Tokyo is in.

DaddyTorgo · 10-01-2009, 11:13 PM

tony blair went in order to get it for london.

i disagree with you. the leader of the country going to lobby for it has essentially become a necessity in recent years. the fact that he went doesn't mean that chicago has any sort of "inside track" on it

illinifan999 · 10-01-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

obama showing up doesn't mean diddly. every country's president that is in contention shows up to lobby for it. it's a non-story.

They've said it's a big deal because he was the first U.S. President to show up. And CNN says the "experts" say that gives Chicago an edge.

stevew · 10-02-2009, 12:04 AM

I hope it's in Rio or Chicago. Im really more concerned about the time zone than anything else. Actually Rio might even be better cause then somewhere in America(NYC?) would have to be a near lock for 2020.

Greyroofoo · 10-02-2009, 12:12 AM

Am I the only one who finds it REALLY hard to get excited about the olympics?

cthomer5000 · 10-02-2009, 12:15 AM

couldn't care less

M GO BLUE!!! · 10-02-2009, 12:18 AM

I hope for Chicago. Let Rio get it for 2020.

One thing I would love to see in my lifetime is a Detroit/Windsor Olympics. I know that Detroit is in no shape now, nor will it be for some time. The prospect of an Olympics hosted in two countries simultaneously, with just the river between may cause logistical problems but it sure sounds nice.

I think the Olympic games have lost something since they stopped having the complete 4 year cycle. It seemed more special when they both happened, then you had to wait.

stevew · 10-02-2009, 12:21 AM

I actually prefer the split winter/summer.

Schmidty · 10-02-2009, 12:38 AM

The only reason I would care if Chicago got it is because Southwest Michigan, namely my hometown of Kalamazoo, might get some economic benefit as far as lodging and such.

It's kind of like here in Bellingham. The Winter Olympics are in Vancouver in 2010, and this town has been booked up since last winter. And we're about an hour away and in a different country.

Other than the benefit to my home state, I couldn't give a flying fuck if Chicago gets it. Actually, that's not true. It would be cool for the midwest to get something for once.

Lathum · 10-02-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

I actually prefer the split winter/summer.

I do as well. I still get beyond giddy when they roll around and find myself immersed in sports I would ordinarily never watch.

MrBug708 · 10-02-2009, 01:13 AM

Would have liked them in Los Angeles, but I have a cousin who lives in Chicago so I have a place to stay! (And with Neuq!)

Lathum · 10-02-2009, 01:15 AM

I call Hoopguys couch!

Cringer · 10-02-2009, 01:41 AM

I hate the city of Chicago, so give it to Rio.

QuikSand · 10-02-2009, 06:02 AM

I think my only selfish interest is that watching live Olympics is easier to do when it's in the Western Hemisphere, to avoid wacky time differentials. Since that seems to be a done deal, I don't much care between Rio and Chicago.

hoopsguy · 10-02-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I call Hoopguys couch!

The current couch is no good for sleeping, but we have an excellent futon. Now what kind of exorbitant rate should I charge you and Saldana (oops, Molly)?

ISiddiqui · 10-02-2009, 08:24 AM

I'm rooting for Rio! Go South America!

Kodos · 10-02-2009, 08:34 AM

Even though my interest in the Olympics is nearly non-existant, I hope Chicago gets it. Nice boost for the economy, nice showcase for a great city. Chicago kicks NYC's butt in my book.

heybrad · 10-02-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

Chicago kicks NYC's butt in my book.

But New York is better in the clutch.

Kodos · 10-02-2009, 08:56 AM

I'm waiting for RomaGoth's verdict on that.

Galaxy · 10-02-2009, 08:58 AM

Any place to watch the announcement live?

spleen1015 · 10-02-2009, 08:59 AM

Does anyone know what time today the voting takes place?

Eaglesfan27 · 10-02-2009, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spleen1015

Does anyone know what time today the voting takes place?

ESPN just said that the "final presentations" start in the next hour and an announcement is expected between 12-1PM Eastern time.

spleen1015 · 10-02-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

ESPN just said that the "final presentations" start in the next hour and an announcement is expected between 12-1PM Eastern time.

Thank you sir!

airulf · 10-02-2009, 09:25 AM

Just out of curiosity, what kind of coverage is Copenhagen and Denmark getting in the US?

In Denmark, the Chicago and Rio have been given most air time. Obamas visit was covered minute by minute on all major networks.

I think Chicago and Rio are neck by neck in the race.

RainMaker · 10-02-2009, 09:33 AM

Everyone of our local stations carried the presentation which was at like 2am. It's pretty big news here but that's because it's Chicago. Not sure how the rest of the country is covering it. I think CNN had some stuff on it the other day and Fox News is on an anti-Chicago kick for the past week.

QuikSand · 10-02-2009, 09:48 AM

The odds are shifting toward Rio - see the oddschecker link above. I suspect that's early word slipping out.

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 10-02-2009, 10:01 AM

Rio has moved in front according to that link.

headtrauma · 10-02-2009, 10:09 AM

I didn't think straight males were interested in the Olympics.

Kodos · 10-02-2009, 10:16 AM

What red-blooded straight male doesn't enjoy rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming?

Coffee Warlord · 10-02-2009, 10:16 AM

I'm leasing my house to the Danish women's swim team if Chicago gets it.

Big Fo · 10-02-2009, 10:25 AM

Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting.

Neuqua · 10-02-2009, 10:25 AM

Uh, ouch. Out in the first round.

kingfc22 · 10-02-2009, 10:26 AM

Time for Change

ISiddiqui · 10-02-2009, 10:29 AM

Go Rio!!! (again)

Mizzou B-ball fan · 10-02-2009, 10:32 AM

Cue articles blaming O&O (Obama and Oprah) intervention for loss of Summer Olympics bid.

King of New York · 10-02-2009, 10:35 AM

A hard and very public dis for the prez!

DataKing · 10-02-2009, 10:36 AM

I can't say I'm upset, and I know I speak for a lot of others who are glad we won't be hosting the Olympics in 2016.

Now it will be interesting to watch Mayor Daley's reaction...see what sort of fit he pitches over not getting his way.

10-01-2009, 10:28 PM	#2
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	Good Lord. I'll be 41. My life is ending soon. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

10-01-2009, 10:31 PM	#4
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	i'd like to see it go to Rio... __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

10-01-2009, 10:32 PM	#5
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Yeah, I think it comes down to Rio or Chi-town. If the IOC can get past the crime issues in Brazil, then Rio gets the nod. FIFA looked past that same issue and awarded the World Cup to South Africa, so there is a bit of precedence there. Also a lot of pressure exists to award an Olympics to South America. That might win out, since NBC will still be able to show the premier events live, since there isn't a big time zone difference. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

10-01-2009, 10:34 PM	#6
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	yeah. i'd really like to see it opened up to south america we've already had enough olympics lately. and frankly illinois-politics is so dirty it'd just be a den of graft and corruption __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9 Last edited by DaddyTorgo : 10-01-2009 at 10:34 PM.

10-01-2009, 10:41 PM	#8
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	obama showing up doesn't mean diddly. every country's president that is in contention shows up to lobby for it. it's a non-story. __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

10-01-2009, 10:30 PM	#3
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	I'd definitely like to see it come to Chicago. I have some concerns that some stuff in government will get overlooked, but I think this is a great way to showcase the city and build up the infrastructure. Will probably cost some tax money, but can't get over how cool it would be to have an Olympics in my hometown.

10-01-2009, 10:44 PM	#9
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Online gambling sites still have Chicago as the favorite. odsschecker.com link I'm rooting for Chicago, if they don't get it then I hope it's Rio since their time zone is close to mine. Western Europe shouldn't get two in a row and East Asia shouldn't get two out of three imo.

10-01-2009, 10:45 PM	#10
PurdueBrad Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: DeKalb, IL	I'm pretty torn as an Illinois resident. Would it be cool to have it in Chicago, sure. But we can't afford to support our educational system, taxes have been rising at a fairly steady rate w/o having to support something like this, and I'm never sure that the long-term payoff is worth it. Rio has a pretty big claim to 'need' the Olympics and that fact that South America has never had one, this is a good opportunity to fix that. Ultimately, I think Chicago wins out, as it would end up being an Obama showcase as well as 2016 would represent his last year in office if he gets a second term. Last edited by PurdueBrad : 10-01-2009 at 10:45 PM.

10-01-2009, 10:46 PM	#11
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	Yeah, Rio deserves it. But that said, if Chicago doesn't get it after pulling out all of the stops like they have, the President will take another hit for a news cycle as a result. But yeah, it's crazy that South America hasn't hosted an Olympics, they'll get a World Cup in 2014 in Brazil for the first time since Argentina got to host, so Brazil will have World Cup/Olympics in a two-year turnaround. That'll either be a great dress rehearsal or the thought will emerge that's too much too soon. Here's some handicapping sites for this stuff. I didn't realize people were this into Olympic bidding: GamesBids.com - BidIndex http://www.aroundtherings.com/Defaul...rticleid=30515

10-01-2009, 11:05 PM	#12
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Rio has the South America thing going for them as I'm sure it's an untapped source that the IOC would love to get into. It's also still tecnically in our time zone so TV rights won't suffer too much. The problem with passing on Chicago though is that it means a long time before the U.S. gets an Olympic Games. The USOC has stated already that they are not going to put together a bid for 2020. The IOC would have also rejected bids from both New York and Chicago, which probably shoots down two of the best spots in the U.S. for a Summer Games. We'd be looking at 2024 before the game had a shot at coming back to the country which seems to be a long time to pass up on your biggest revenue source. You have to wonder if large sponsors start cutting back considering the Olympics have lost some steam over the past decade in this country. It'll be interesting to see. I think Chicago will get it as I don't think Obama would have gone to Copenhagen unless he had some inside information that our shot was good. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Rio come up, and while disappointed, could look on the bright side and not have to worry about this topic dominating the city for the next 7 years.

10-01-2009, 11:10 PM	#14
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Big difference in Obama and the leader of Brazil. It does look bad for Obama's image if he goes and they don't get it. Probably shouldn't, but it does eliminate some of that international prestige that he has. I just think with all that is going on in this country, he probably wanted to make sure that Chicago's bid had a relatively good shot if he attended. I don't think he makes the trip if we're sitting in the position Tokyo is in.

10-01-2009, 11:13 PM	#15
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	tony blair went in order to get it for london. i disagree with you. the leader of the country going to lobby for it has essentially become a necessity in recent years. the fact that he went doesn't mean that chicago has any sort of "inside track" on it __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

10-02-2009, 12:04 AM	#17
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	I hope it's in Rio or Chicago. Im really more concerned about the time zone than anything else. Actually Rio might even be better cause then somewhere in America(NYC?) would have to be a near lock for 2020.

10-02-2009, 12:12 AM	#18
Greyroofoo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alabama	Am I the only one who finds it REALLY hard to get excited about the olympics?

10-02-2009, 12:18 AM	#20
M GO BLUE!!! Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2005	I hope for Chicago. Let Rio get it for 2020. One thing I would love to see in my lifetime is a Detroit/Windsor Olympics. I know that Detroit is in no shape now, nor will it be for some time. The prospect of an Olympics hosted in two countries simultaneously, with just the river between may cause logistical problems but it sure sounds nice. I think the Olympic games have lost something since they stopped having the complete 4 year cycle. It seemed more special when they both happened, then you had to wait.

10-02-2009, 12:21 AM	#21
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	I actually prefer the split winter/summer.

10-02-2009, 12:38 AM	#22
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	The only reason I would care if Chicago got it is because Southwest Michigan, namely my hometown of Kalamazoo, might get some economic benefit as far as lodging and such. It's kind of like here in Bellingham. The Winter Olympics are in Vancouver in 2010, and this town has been booked up since last winter. And we're about an hour away and in a different country. Other than the benefit to my home state, I couldn't give a flying fuck if Chicago gets it. Actually, that's not true. It would be cool for the midwest to get something for once. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

10-02-2009, 01:13 AM	#24
MrBug708 Head Coach Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Whittier	Would have liked them in Los Angeles, but I have a cousin who lives in Chicago so I have a place to stay! (And with Neuq!)

10-02-2009, 01:15 AM	#25
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I call Hoopguys couch!

10-02-2009, 01:41 AM	#26
Cringer Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Edinburg,TX	I hate the city of Chicago, so give it to Rio. __________________ You Stole Fizzy Lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and steralized, so you get NOTHING! You lose!

10-02-2009, 06:02 AM	#27
QuikSand lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Annapolis, Md	I think my only selfish interest is that watching live Olympics is easier to do when it's in the Western Hemisphere, to avoid wacky time differentials. Since that seems to be a done deal, I don't much care between Rio and Chicago.

10-02-2009, 08:24 AM	#29
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	I'm rooting for Rio! Go South America! __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

10-02-2009, 08:34 AM	#30
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Even though my interest in the Olympics is nearly non-existant, I hope Chicago gets it. Nice boost for the economy, nice showcase for a great city. Chicago kicks NYC's butt in my book. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

10-02-2009, 08:56 AM	#32
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	I'm waiting for RomaGoth's verdict on that. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

10-02-2009, 08:58 AM	#33
Galaxy Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2005	Any place to watch the announcement live?

10-02-2009, 08:59 AM	#34
spleen1015 Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2003	Does anyone know what time today the voting takes place? __________________ Why choose failure when success is an option?

10-02-2009, 09:25 AM	#37
airulf H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Odense, Denmark	Just out of curiosity, what kind of coverage is Copenhagen and Denmark getting in the US? In Denmark, the Chicago and Rio have been given most air time. Obamas visit was covered minute by minute on all major networks. I think Chicago and Rio are neck by neck in the race. __________________ Umpire of Mermaid Bowl XVIII and XX

10-02-2009, 09:33 AM	#38
RainMaker General Manager Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago, IL	Everyone of our local stations carried the presentation which was at like 2am. It's pretty big news here but that's because it's Chicago. Not sure how the rest of the country is covering it. I think CNN had some stuff on it the other day and Fox News is on an anti-Chicago kick for the past week. Last edited by RainMaker : 10-02-2009 at 09:33 AM.

10-02-2009, 09:48 AM	#39
QuikSand lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Annapolis, Md	The odds are shifting toward Rio - see the oddschecker link above. I suspect that's early word slipping out. Last edited by QuikSand : 10-02-2009 at 09:53 AM.

10-02-2009, 10:01 AM	#40
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	Rio has moved in front according to that link. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

10-02-2009, 10:09 AM	#41
headtrauma H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: D/FW	I didn't think straight males were interested in the Olympics.

10-02-2009, 10:16 AM	#42
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	What red-blooded straight male doesn't enjoy rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming? __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

10-02-2009, 10:16 AM	#43
Coffee Warlord Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Colorado Springs	I'm leasing my house to the Danish women's swim team if Chicago gets it.

10-02-2009, 10:25 AM	#44
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting.

10-02-2009, 10:25 AM	#45
Neuqua Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Chicago, Ill	Uh, ouch. Out in the first round. __________________ Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?