respublica

The dizzying Orbit Tower

London's centerpiece for the summer Olympics is the Orbit Tower. Take a look at the images and see if this doesn't make you dizzy or wonder if the architect was dizzy when he designed it.

But, every olympic host city seems to feel the need to outdo the previous city with drama.

A fishy headline

Asian Carp could invade by truck.

Best response to this headline:  "They learned to drive"?

Women are ready to fly

But wait.  The Olympic committee says no.

Did you ever watch the Olympic ski jumping and think, "wow, I'd love to try that, woosh down the ramp and just take off into the air."

I know I did, I even stood up in the living room and practiced the distinctive lean, but practically I knew the midwest was not the place to even give it a try much less develop any skill.

But in the last 20 years or so women have been giving this sport a try and working hard to get good at it.  They have begged the Olympic committee to add women's ski jumping to the event roster, but have been told no everytime. 

Watch this video of women flying off the ramp.

The closest most of us women get to this is wii sports. 

Come on, give them the opportunity, it's long past time.

Gore needed

Lots of people are having fun at Al Gore's expense during these days of record snowfall and frigid temperatures on the East Coast.

Well, here's a way for Al Gore to help.

Vancouver seems to be in need of snow down in the lower elevations.  The city is trucking in snow for some of the Olympic venues.

The city officials should convene a global warming climate change conference for this weekend and invite Mr. Gore to speak.

That ought to end the lack of snow issues.

Learn to throw, buster

Some guy in Minnesota's Mall of America thought he'd make a political statement by throwing tomatoes at Sarah Palin during one of her book signings.

He missed her, but hit a policeman in the face while spattering a second officer with pulp.

The thrower, Jeremy Olson, has no permanent address.  He does now.  Bloomington city jail.

Jeremy Olson, good Minnesotan name, though.

Chicago eliminated on first ballot

The Olympic Committee took it's first vote this morning and dropped Chicago from contention.

Tokyo, Rio and Madrid remain in the running to host the 2016 Olympics.

I'm shocked that Chicago went out so fast.

95 members of the committee voted.  Those who did not vote included 1 NFL hockey player who is in preseason training and a rep from Guinea who could not make the trip to Copenhagen.  Plus, 7 members from countries submitting bids were not allowed to vote, and the Olympic committe chairman does not vote.

Now that Chicago has been eliminated, U.S. Olympic committee reps will be eligible to vote on the next ballot (s).

Updated:

Tokyo is the second city eliminated which leaves Madrid and Rio. 

And the winner is:  Rio

Obamalympics

Chicago has a huge pep rally planned today at Daley Plaza with stage, huge Jumbotron screen, probably music and cheerleaders.  All these expected 1000's coming to hear the live announcement about who will host the Olympics in 2016.

No one claims to have a clue about how the Olympic committee will vote, voting or debating is probably going on as I write this, but my money is on Chicago.  I still can't make myself believe they will vote against the Obamas. 

So, we'll see.  The New York Times sort of likes Rio, many think since London has the 2012 games, Europe is out so good-bye Madrid.  That leaves Tokyo's bid.  

The announcement will be made sometime around noon, EST, with a first cut announcement at around 11:10.  The first vote eliminates the city with the fewest votes and then keep voting until they have a winner.

Talking with a general, an Olympian task

I don't really mind the president heading to Denmark to lobby Olympic officials for Chicago's 2016 bid.  I love the Olympics and a part of me would love to have them so close.  As a matter of fact, there's some who believe that if Chicago gets the games, St. Louis would be the site of a few events.

But, it is troublesome when you compare Obama going to Denmark, with his speaking only one brief time during his 9 months in office to our Afghanistan general McChrystal. 

Click

And, Heh!

Via Exurban League

Closing the Olympic category

One last impression of the 2008 Olympics.

The closing ceremony mirrored the opening ceremony in its "whoa" factor.  Remarkable technological feats with lighting etc, but even more riveting was how so many participants were able to work together to provide breathtaking moments.  Last night's Tower of flame was outstanding.

Then came the "skit" by the 2012 Olympic city, London.  They dragged out a big red doubledecker bus (at least I think that is what it was) and costumed London Bobbies walked around. 

The two cities were like comparing a grade school play with the New York Metropolitan Opera. 

London has some big shoes to fill and lots of work to do.

Metro east Olympic medal

Dawn Harper of East St. Louis won the gold today in the 100 meter hurdles.  Hopefully local viewers will be able to watch the race tonight.  She joins Missouri native Christian Cantwell as local medal winners.