My Facebook Thoughts

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Company Is Here!

Remember when you young and your family was having a big family party? You watched Mom and Dad get the house ready while your job was to straighten up your room and stay out of the way.

Well, the City of Chicago is experiencing that type of activity on an epic scale. (I love when things are on epic scales.) The International Olympic Committee is here, in town, now. They are checking out the city to see if Chicago would be able to be a good host city.

They have been polishing up the brass and filling in pot holes and I even heard they put Aquafina in the Chicago River. The mayor, Hizzonor Richard Daley, has asked people to put a smile on just in case they run into members of the Olympic committee.

I think it would be really cool if the Olympics came here. Chicago deserves to be put in the international spotlight. But, I don't think the people need to change. Chicagoans are the nicest people you will meet, anywhere.

This is not new though. Watch this video and see what can happen if you try too hard.

Chicago Gets Ready for Visitors

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

I say NO to the Olympics. For all the money that will be spent it is not worth it. Chicago has nothing to prove about it's worthiness as a major city.

Jeff said...

Gotta

Jeff said...

Gotta spend money to make money. Where's that capitalist spirit? Don't forget, that it was World Cup Soccer in 1996 that put us on the map as a true international city...

Mark Ploch said...

Answer:
It's part of his job - he's a justice of the peace.

Anony, Are you for anything? Besides what Rush whispers in your ear at night.

bill said...

Company is here! i still say that when i pull up at someone's house for a party.

i vote Yes for the olympics. i want to volunteer.

it was probably the World's Columbian Exposition that first put us on the map.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_Columbian_Exposition

great article. talk about epic scale.

Jeff said...

The Colombian what...that's just one country. The entire world was here for the Cup. Thats what did it. I was living down there at the time. So much cash was put in to beautify the city for it. I can remember all the good reviews we got from the world press. The olympics will do the same but more...

Anonymous said...

Mark,

Do you live in the city of Chicago?
I do. And the last thing I need is all of the hassles that an Olympics would bring.

You are a clown.

Mark Ploch said...

The Columbian Exposition is still being talked about 100 years after the fact. Chicago was the center of the World during that time.

The economic impact, if handled correctly, could benefit the whole growing Chicagoland area for decades.

Whiny goats like anony need to suck it up.

Jeff said...

Maybe it's not about you...

Jeff said...

By who? Some ninety year old Colombians...Hahahahah!

Jeff said...

However, Shakira is from Colombia...http://www.chickipedia.com/shakira/photosgallery/

Mark Ploch said...

Jeff,

The World's Columbian Exposition was held where the Museum of Science and Industry now resides. The Ferris wheel was first seen among a slew of others.

Jeff said...

Well, before my time I guess. My point was that there were simply just more countries involved in the W Cup.
Sounds to me like Anonymous dosent want anyone to make any money...what does he have against capitalism anyway? That communist!

bill said...

they sold subscriptions to the public for the Century of Progress (Chicago's other World's Fair) and the fair paid for itself.

i think that it would be great for the city and i like the lakefront plans i have seen.

Scott Plocharczyk said...

I'm sure there are many crabs out there like Anon but think about how the state and the city are viewed now. This could change that perception.

It's seven years away and things will be better. Imagine what it would've been like to see Michael Phelps win his eight gold medals in person.

Sure there will be logistical problems, money loss but it will not matter if the world sees a spectacular city and comes here to visit in the future.

Anon go on vacation to the Dells or Key Lime Cove during that time.

Jeff said...

Me too. I didnt mean to down play its significance or anything, and Im sure there were just as many countries involved as it was a worlds fair. I meant there was surely way more day to day media coverage for more of the world in 1996 than was avaiable in the 1890s. (i think thats when it was) I also just dont get the sense that those historical events are going to play much of a part in the decision making process.

Mark Ploch said...

When the Olympics were in Atlanta locals were renting out their homes for $1500/wk.

I'll rent anonys house.

Tip: Get real good coverage

bill said...

i didn't know who shakira was, so i googled, wow!

we could have world's fair just for her.

i would bet that it could be organized to make money.

Scott Plocharczyk said...

Bill, I'm shocked you did not know who Shakira is. Don't let it happen again

bill said...

i do however, know several 90 year old Colombians?

Jeff said...

Say hello to my little friend!

Mark Ploch said...

Bill,

Have heard of Charro?

bill said...

i think i had a hamburger there once?

Tippy said...

I miss the East German women in the Olympics. They were some bad mofoe's.

Mark Ploch said...

The East Germany women are still in the Olympics. It's the German Mens team.

Warren L. said...

We got Obama. Who needs the Olympics.