Aug 11 2008
Beijing to Chicago
Three days ago, we were given one of the most spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremonies ever.
The precision of the drummers and performers was outstanding.
The artistry and demonstration of the country’s history and culture was breath taking.
Let’s not forget the pyrotechnics. So many unique and technological methods utilized throughout the ceremony.
A reported record-breaking number, 70 Million, tuned in Friday night to witness the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics for themselves.
Saturday morning we were met with the devastating news of an American having been murdered and two others injured from an attack by a Chinese
Talk about your yin-yang; the high and beauty of Friday night next to the low and darkness of Saturday morning.
I am saddened for the family and those touched by the death of Todd Bachman, father-in-law to the U.S. Men’s Volleyball team coach, Hugh McCutcheon.
I am thankful that we, as a team, were able to continue the games on a positive note. The American Team is doing well with medaling so far. We swept Women’s Fencing, have taken several medals in swimming as well as setting many records. We are off to a great start.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Mayor Daley has been scoping out the way the city is handling various aspects of the games, such as mass transit, as well as presenting Chicago for the 2016 Olympics to an international audience in hopes that Chicago is chosen to host the Games.
For some time now, I have been hearing Mayor Daley’s plans and hopes for us to host the Olympics in 2016. While some think it is a bad idea because Chicago is already so congested with traffic along with other issues, most Chicagoans like the idea.
Personally, I think it would be great. Chicago has so much to offer as it is, but add the plethora of hotels and accommodations for visitors, the fantastic nightlife, the massive Lake and the access from all over the world via O’Hare and Midway airports, Chicago would be a wonderful choice.
Of course, we have our challenges too, such as traffic. We have a great CTA system as well as the Metra, so I think in 8 years we ought to be able to get rid of any kinks in transportation. I hope. Whether we are chosen as host or now, I hope we get the traffic under control!
Another issue is crime. After the Taste of Chicago this year, there was a shooting in the city, which concerned Daley as to how it would affect the Olympic bid. Violence, in general, in Chicago has increased over the last few years. I’m curious as to how that will pan out as well, for the Olympic bid, but mostly for the people of Chicago. We have a new superintendent, who is former FBI and seems to be a no-nonsense type, and the Governor has added the State Police to the Chicago Streets to aid in reducing the amount of violence.
I am also curious about how we would do the Opening Ceremony. We have significant resources. I am pretty certain, however, that it won’t be nearly as fantastic as the Beijing Opening Ceremony.
i love the opening ceremony too, just hauntingly awesome. i too doubt if it can be equalled or surpassed in the next olympics, wherever it may be. that will be everybody’s challenge. it would be good if the next olympics will be in chicago, then, it will be closer to us. san diego to chicago is a lot closer than san diego to beijing.
yes, betchai, san diego is MUCH closer to Chicago! I don’t know if I could handle the flight to China, is would be so long! My best friend’s mom is Chinese, but raised in the Philippines, so she has gone to the Philippines a few times and has said the flight is very difficult.
I hope that if we do get it, that we can do something artistic and respectful and not something that ends of being a mockery….