2020 Olympics Summer Games Vote Is Today

Above, a view looking up the Sumida River from Tokyo Bay.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The vote on who will be hosting the 2020 Olympic Summer Games will be held today. Earlier reports indicated that the vote would be held September 6.

According to reports I've read, the vote will come at 9:00 am Tokyo time (which will be around 5:00 in the afternoon Los Angeles time).

According to the United Kingdom's The Independent:

This morning the Buenos Aires Hilton will host an eclectic global cast. There will be princes, prime ministers, plenty of promises, awkward sports stars stuttering over speeches and almost certainly a fair number of immaculately attired children out to tug any heartstrings available. At stake is the greatest sporting prize a city can earn: the right to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The bid teams from Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid each have 45 minutes to make their final presentations to the 100 or so members of the International Olympic Committee and convince them the 2020 Games should be theirs.

They see Tokyo as the "safe" choice, Istanbul as the "bold" choice and Madrid as the "bargain" choice.

To view the article, go here.

2020 Olympic Summer Games: Decision In 6 Days

Above, Harajuku Station, part of one of the best city transit systems in the world.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo residents are getting behind (for the most part) the city's bid to host the 2020 Olympic Summer Games.

According to JapanToday:

TOKYO —Tokyo knows better than most how an Olympic Games can rebrand a city. It did it once already at the 1964 Games, shaking off a war-ravaged reputation and showing a modern face to the world. 

Fifty years later, Japan’s capital now wants to show that it is back, showcasing a new energy and dynamism after two lost decades, by hosting the 2020 Games. 

As the clock ticks down to choosing the host city and the government touts the games as everything from more stimulus for an economy tiptoeing back from economic stagnation to the final step of recovery from 2011 disasters, once reluctant Tokyo residents are finally coming around to support them as well.

Some bookmakers have given Tokyo an edge, and property firms are eagerly hoping for victory over rivals Istanbul and Madrid on Sept 7, when the decision is made. Builders, hotels and restaurants would gain as well, with a range of other businesses also betting the positive attention will boost investment.

Some are worried about traffic and other problems. But I remember how well things went in Los Angeles when it hosted the 1984 Games. Businesses and government entities worked in close coordination with the organizing committee and traffic problems were virtually non-existent. Los Angeles put on its best face and people still have glowing memories of that week.

Traffic really won't be a problem as Tokyo has one of the best transit systems in the world.

We'll see in six days whether or not Tokyo is to host the 2020 Games.

To view the full article, go here.

Chicago Eliminated From Hosting 2016 Olympics

What does Barack Obama and "Reptilicus" have in common? Both were killed in Copenhagen!

The International Olympic Committee has eliminated the city of Chicago from consideration to be the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

"The Ego Has Landed!"

According to the Washington Post:

U.S. city won't be host of 2016 Summer Games despite personal pitch by President Obama; International Olympic Committee still to determine eventual host: Madrid, Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro.

Looks like Obama's trip to Copenhagen was a waste of time and taxpayers' money. It appears that the IOC didn't want any part of that corrupt city or Obama's colossal ego. It is even funnier as Chicago as eliminated in the first round!

UPDATE:

Chicago's CBS affiliate reported:

A disappointed USOC President Larry Probst left the venue and refused to comment, saying the Chicago delegation would respond later.

Supporters gathered in Chicago were equally shocked. Many left the rally in Daley Plaza tears.

Tokyo was also eliminated in the first round.

UPDATE: The host city has been chosen. It is Rio de Janeiro! Now Obama can blame it on Rio!