EOC Meeting in Istanbul

Chicago 2016 Officials, including Mayor Daley, met with, and presented to members of the EOC in Istanbul. Tokyo, Rio, & Madrid also were there to present their bids as well. I was happy to hear that Chicago hit the ground running that morning, as all the members of the EOC woke up to a complimentary copy of a special Chicago 2016 Edition of the International Tribune. Later that day President-Elect Obama expressed his support of the Chicago Bid to the EOC in a 90-Second Video for the Committee. This is the biggest presentation that Chicago will do before the meeting in Denmark with the IOC. I believe they did a great job.

Crazy Hap Ki Do

I wanted to show you a video of the Martial Art of Hap Ki Do. This is actually my Master's Grand Master. My master is awesome at Hap Ki Do, and now I know why.....look at his teacher! :)

The "Obama" Factor

Although I personally didn't Vote for President-Elect Obama, I wanted to see the Silver Lining in the Cloud. Foremost in my mind is the tremendous amount of both Publicity and Support that he has and will bring to Chicago's Olympic Bid. Already Tokyo 2016 Officials have commented on their concern for the influence that he brings to Chicago's Bid. A couple days later Madrid and Tokyo tried to downplay their concerns and comments......but that quick break in their confidence invigorates our Bid. Only Upstart Rio hasn't commented (to my knowledge). Two major things I sincerely hope Obama will do as President is:

1. Make the Case for Chicago's Bid in the Final Presentation.

2. Go to Denmark to support Chicago on the day the Host City is chosen.

Having the President pitch for his Hometown is always welcome. I hope that he can take some time out of his busy schedule for that.

Also, USA Soccer is hoping that he will be able to do his bit for their hope to capture either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. Having the Olympics followed directly by the World Cup would be an awesome experience for the United States.

Tuesday is Election Day!

I just wanted to urge everyone to Vote in Tuesday's Election as it is important that Americans exercise their privilege as citizens. Many people all over the world have died or were thrown in jail trying to obtain the privilege that many people in the U.S. take for granted, or look at as an annoyance. I myself am excited to Vote for the 1st time, and take part in the democratic process.

That being said, I would also like to urge everyone to Vote sensibly. Do not vote for a candidate just because of Skin color (whether White or Black), or because a certain candidate is better looking. It should always be about the issues. If you evaluate your pick on the issues, and still come to the same conclusion, great. Never Vote solely on emotion either. Ask yourself if you stand for what this candidate stands for, and if "yes", then vote for him. For me, there is no such thing as life long Republican, or life long Democrat....only Liberal and Conservative Ideology. Don't vote for a party, just because of the party.