View Full Version : Chicago Eliminated in First Round of Voting for the 2016 Olympics
Team Sergeant
10-02-2009, 09:40
LOLOLOL political corruption doesn't always pay......:D
Chicago Eliminated in First Round of Voting for the 2016 Olympics
By Nancy Armour • THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • October 2, 2009
Hoping to persuade the IOC to award Chicago the 2016 Olympics, Obama and his wife led a heartfelt and, at times, very personal plea Friday. Instead of stodgy technical details, discussions of finances or computer-generated graphics, Chicago took members inside the city to show why it should win the games.
Obama spoke of finally finding a home in Chicago after a nomadic childhood. Michelle Obama recounted how, growing up on the city's South Side, her disabled father taught her how to throw a ball and a “mean right hook.” Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley invoked the memory of Jesse Owens.
“Like so many young people, I was inspired” by the Olympics, the first lady said. “I found myself dreaming that maybe, just maybe, if I worked hard enough, I, too, could achieve something great. But I never dreamed the Olympic flame might light up lives in my neighborhood.
“But today I can.”
Chicago, competing with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo for the 2016 Games, was the first of the finalists to make its presentation. Some of its speakers looked nervous and parts of the presentation came off as stilted. It also was surprisingly low-key, with a video featuring blues legend Buddy Guy and slick snapshots of the city the splashiest part of the presentation.
But that's how it was designed, Daley said.
“It's not about the words,” he said. “It's about the heart and the soul.”
Though Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, it is largely unknown overseas. Or, if people are familiar with it, they see it as the home of Michael Jordan and Al Capone — and not necessarily in that order.
So Chicago showed videos of its picturesque lakefront, where most of the venues will be clustered, and artsy Millennium Park, which will be a gathering place for fans during the games. Schoolchildren read letters to the IOC in another video, and a teacher spoke of a troubled student who turned his life around after joining the wrestling team.
Highlighting the city's diversity — “It's a place where our unity is on colorful display,” Obama said — the videos featured people of different colors and nationalities, including a group of veiled women playing basketball.
Bid chairman Patrick Ryan, who made his considerable fortune in insurance, spoke of the many companies that are based in the Midwest, making it “fertile territory” for new Olympic sponsors. He also mentioned the universities in and around Chicago, how they would be a source for research.
In planning the games, Chicago has made the athletes its focus, decathlon gold medalist Bryan Clay and Paralympic champion Linda Mastandrea said. The compact plan puts 90 percent of athletes within 15 minutes of their venues — a not insignificant detail, Clay said, describing a day that begins at 5 a.m. and doesn't end until midnight.
Athletes would also feel at home in Chicago, Clay said. Pick pretty much any country in the world, and it likely has its own neighborhood in Chicago — the Walgreens in Greektown has English and Greek lettering on the building. Not only does that mean “local” cheering sections for all athletes, but there will be a homestay program for their families.
Chicago will use mostly existing and temporary facilities. While that means there won't be any grand building, like the Bird's Nest in Beijing, operations chief Doug Arnot said Chicago will leave a far more lasting — and important — legacy.
“We know that concrete and steel do not build sport, people build sport,” Arnot said.
The U.S. Olympic Committee has had a testy relationship with the IOC, including recent flare-ups over revenue sharing and a USOC TV network. Chicago leaders addressed that head on, repeatedly talking about wanting to be partners with the IOC. Stealing a page right out of Obama's “Yes, we can” campaign theme, one video even featured residents repeating “Together we can.”
“I see a future in which the Olympic movement and the United States will move shoulder to shoulder toward the horizon, with a shared mission, together as true partners, thanks to an Olympic Games in Chicago in 2016,” said Bob Ctvrtlik, a former IOC member and the USOC's vice chair of international relations.
The presentation wasn't without its hiccups. Ctvrtlik rambled when asked a specific question about legacies. Ryan confused questions asked by different IOC members.
But those missteps might well be forgotten in the wake of the Obamas.
Michelle Obama arrived Wednesday and spent the last two days charming IOC voters. She held a series of one-on-one meetings, and greeted a steady stream of members after the opening ceremony Thursday night. She arrived knowing small details of all of the members, a nice touch in a contest where the tiniest of things can make the biggest difference.
“I know you'll all agree that she's a pretty big selling point for the city,” the president say.
He's not bad, either. Though Obama had barely any time to meet people — he was on the ground for all of about five hours — he left Chicago's presentation shaking hands with anyone in reach and clapped Monaco's Prince Albert on the shoulder. Outside, he and the first lady lingered for about 10 minutes, talking to members and introducing themselves.
And as proof of why his presence was so important to Chicago, several IOC members whipped out their cell phones to snap pictures of him before he left.
“I think Chicago could not have made a better presentation,” Obama said as he left. “Obviously now it's up to the IOC members, but we are just grateful for the incredible hospitality.”
Continued:
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20091002/NEWS01/91002001/1069/YOURUPSTATE01/Chicago-eliminated-in-first-round-of-voting-for-2016-Olympics.-
Man, epic "fail". Don't worry though, fearless leader will be on the TV shortly telling us how he saved a hundred-million jobs from being cut. We should name our kids after him.
Team Sergeant
10-02-2009, 10:12
This had nothing to do with it I'm sure......;)
Hey kids, can you spell HATE.
I guess there was something rotten in the State of Denmark?
Does this mean the Danes are racists? :eek:
Chris Cram
10-02-2009, 10:22
That was millions of tax dollars pissed away for nothing. Thanks there oh great one.
But like taking the used care in for the $100 pre-inspection, and then walking away from the $20K Lemon.
We just walked away from perhaps a 4+ Billion dollar Lemon...
:D
Atlanta, GA is under water and no one from this admin has visited the area.
Healthcare, the economy, (to be honest, will correct itself), A-stan, Iraq, Flu, the list goes on.
He's pitching 'Chicago' as the place to be in 2016 -
I want to become an isolationist - everyone go away, we want to be alone for awhile, were kinda busy with GWOT, just lost a few friends this week, kinda distracted right now.
Did anyone notice that America still moved forward despite the fact that he was'nt around to save us?
He pitching Chicago was a sure bet in loosing the venue, kinda glad he left.
Points dropping below 40, stand by folks, this is going to be fun seeing the guy go down.
Snaquebite
10-02-2009, 10:33
He'll no doubt comment that this trip was ALSO necessary so he could meet with Gen. McChrystal (for a whole 25 minutes).....:confused:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2009/10/02/obama-meets-mcchrystal-denmark/
Does this mean the Danes are racists? :eek:
This is the only possible conclusion. ;)
armymom1228
10-02-2009, 11:21
My tax dollars at work. :rolleyes:
He flys to Denmark be there only for 4 hours, to fly back again. :(
I wagered with my dtr last week that Rio would get it. Its the logical choice. Japan, US and Spain have all had the olympics. SA has never had a games of any flavor there. Makes a lot of sense to me.
Congratulations Brasil!!
AM
I know it was before 0's time, and it should serve as required meeting for politicians. Referring to the best selling novel and acclaimed motion picture "The Ugly American". Zero should realize that no matter what they say to your face, the rest of the world dont really like us.
BHO deserves the "Richard Cranium" Award of 2009.
Wife is from Chicago. The state of Illinois didn't want the Olympics, the state is broke. She thinks one of his "handlers" from Chi-town made a phone call and called in a marker. That is why he went. Plus, maybe the rest of the world is starting to lose interest in him too?
Agreed, what a waste of my money! Hopefully the O's flew over in seperate planes, so they can double the cost of this boondoogle!
This had nothing to do with it I'm sure......
Hey kids, can you spell HATE.
A one ounce picture worth a thousand pounds of BS. Precisely, TS. :D
Ret10Echo
10-02-2009, 12:19
I want my money back...
Chicago..you owe the American taxpayer the cost of that BOONDOGGLE...oh, that's right, you're brok too.
Then get it from your benfactor.
I'm getting the paper-boy on this
"I want my 2 dollars"
Utah Bob
10-02-2009, 12:26
As someone o Fox pointed out, he spent more time flying to Denmark than he has talking to McChrystal about Afghanistan.
The people of Chicago dodged a bullet on this one. If I lived in a city whose elected officials advocated an Olympic bid when there was a budget shortfall, urban blight, and runaway crime, I'd scream bloody murder.
I have a friend who is a Chicago cop. He's ecstatic right now.
As someone o Fox pointed out, he spent more time flying to Denmark than he has talking to McChrystal about Afghanistan.
The people of Chicago dodged a bullet on this one. If I lived in a city whose elected officials advocated an Olympic bid when there was a budget shortfall, urban blight, and runaway crime, I'd scream bloody murder.
I have a friend who is a Chicago cop. He's ecstatic right now.
I really hope there is major blow back on Daley and he loses the up coming mayoral election. That with the handgun ban suit hitting SCOTUS the people of Illinois might get to breath some free air for the first time in a long time.
I for one am glad that POTUS expended political capital on this snipe hunt. He now has less then he did yesterday.
Having spent time in Chicago. I will say it's one of the cleanest Cities I ever been to. The people there are also extremely friendly. I even tried to tranfer there.
Having been to Rio. There is no other way to describe Rio other then a Virtual Reality Porn Shop. I never saw more Porn and Prostitution all in one place. The main strip was entertaining with countless Bars, Restaurants and Street Performers.
Venture one block over and you are in a War Zone. Street crime is out of control. I spent a lot of time in many different Cities thru out Central and South America. Rio was one City where I never traveled alone and always watched my back.
The Police at the time actually did strafing runs using Helo's over the Ghetto.
Chris Cram
10-02-2009, 15:39
Having spent time in Chicago. I will say it's one of the cleanest Cities I ever been to. The people there are also extremely friendly. I even tried to tranfer there.
Having been to Rio. There is no other way to describe Rio other then a Virtual Reality Porn Shop. I never saw more Porn and Prostitution all in one place. The main strip was entertaining with countless Bars, Restaurants and Street Performers.
Venture one block over and you are in a War Zone. Street crime is out of control. I spent a lot of time in many different Cities thru out Central and South America. Rio was one City where I never traveled alone and always watched my back.
The Police at the time actually did strafing runs using Helo's over the Ghetto.
Sir
Are you implying that the IOC wants to have their fun in the Southern Sun?
Go to Rio... Lease a condo... Buy some 'Furniture'... :eek:
dadof18x'er
10-02-2009, 16:05
"Chicago eliminated" good phrasing!!:p
My tax dollars at work. :rolleyes:
He flys to Denmark be there only for 4 hours, to fly back again. :(
I wagered with my dtr last week that Rio would get it. Its the logical choice. Japan, US and Spain have all had the olympics. SA has never had a games of any flavor there. Makes a lot of sense to me.
Congratulations Brasil!!
AM
Was the crime rate in Chicago considered? What is the crime rate in Brasil?
greenberetTFS
10-02-2009, 16:24
I really hope there is major blow back on Daley and he loses the up coming mayoral election. That with the handgun ban suit hitting SCOTUS the people of Illinois might get to breath some free air for the first time in a long time.
I for one am glad that POTUS expended political capital on this snipe hunt. He now has less then he did yesterday.
Sten,
Daley will never lose an election......I was born and raised on the south side of the city and know how well the politics work there........When I was discharged from the service,my wife's uncle who was a precent captain, told me if I wanted to be a cop or fireman just let him know and it will get done......My wife said no way,once you get on the payroll your life is theirs....I didn't go that route.....That's a machine that won't ever break......His job by the way was to collect pennies which at that time is what you could use in the old time parking meters. He did it in while driving in his cadillac..........It's not the mafia,but it's so close you can't tell the difference...
Big Teddy :munchin
Red Flag 1
10-02-2009, 16:35
This had nothing to do with it I'm sure......;)
Hey kids, can you spell HATE.
Great photo op!
armymom1228
10-02-2009, 16:50
! Hopefully the O's flew over in seperate planes, so they can double the cost of this boondoogle!
I believe they did. I heard mention that SHE was there before he was.
CNN commented that the First Lady introduced her husband with the Hope and Change line. I guess it did not impress the IOC. :D
Having spent time in Chicago. I will say it's one of the cleanest Cities I ever been to. The people there are also extremely friendly. I even tried to tranfer there.
Having been to Rio. There is no other way to describe Rio other then a Virtual Reality Porn Shop. I never saw more Porn and Prostitution all in one place. The main strip was entertaining with countless Bars, Restaurants and Street Performers.
Venture one block over and you are in a War Zone. Street crime is out of control. I spent a lot of time in many different Cities thru out Central and South America. Rio was one City where I never traveled alone and always watched my back.
The Police at the time actually did strafing runs using Helo's over the Ghetto.I agree that Chicago is a beautiful city and its residents wonderful. (Maybe that's why support for the president was so strong in his home town? They wanted him to move.)
The sex industry in Rio is going to cause at least one Olympian some heartache. The IOC needs to put together a multi-lingual flash card "How to recognize a T-girl without playing the Crying Game."
In regards to Chicago not getting the games, I'm ambivalent. I don't know if I should just snicker or if I should laugh hysterically.
The people of Chicago dodged a bullet on this one. If I lived in a city whose elected officials advocated an Olympic bid when there was a budget shortfall, urban blight, and runaway crime, I'd scream bloody murder.
I have a friend who is a Chicago cop. He's ecstatic right now.
You are most correct. I am ecstatic...for many reasons.
I realize the athletes would love to compete in their home country...I'm just glad it's not going to happen in Chicago. The last thing this city needed was a way for the unions and others to grease their palms, for one. The common tax payer would have been left with one hell of a bill. Far too many things that need to be addressed here, dealing with the Games would have been a nightmare.
armymom1228
10-02-2009, 17:17
Was the crime rate in Chicago considered? What is the crime rate in Brasil?
I highly doubt it. Crime in Rio is thru the roof.
I am of the opinion that the whole thing was decided in advance. Otherwise why would Rio build all that stadium for such a party. No other city did such a thing?
MY congratulations was because no other city in SA has been able to host the Summer Olympics.
CNN made mention of the fact that there was a comment about walling off a part of Rio from the Olympics visitors. Interesting concept. Dunno how that will stop the crime. :rolleyes:
The last thing this city needed was a way for the unions and others to grease their palms, for one.
I wonder what role NBC Universal played in the games not going to Chicago?
During the set up for the 2003 NCTA Show (the cable television industry's major trade show), the electricians deliberately antagonized NBC by doing shoddy work slowly. The woman in charge of getting the booth set up was enraged.
That show was so bad that the NCTA, under pressure from member companies, teamed with other industry organizations (including, IIRC, NAB) and decided to skip Chicago for a couple of rotation sequences. The consensus was: "Great city as long as you didn't need to get any work done."
I wonder what role NBC Universal played in the games not going to Chicago?
I have absolutely no doubt that kind of situation, not isolated, played a part. I've worked at trade shows before, I was amazed. The reputation had to preceed "us". Hell if you're in the city you cannot plug in a light without an electrician filing a grievance. If you confront them, (mind you I'm speaking generally...there are some decent folks) then you get the slow-mo workers. It is unbelievable.
Yeah, I don't think Michelle Obama's speech earlier in the week helped. She opened with what a sacrifice it was for her, and her husband, to travel to Copenhagen. I figured we lost the bid right there. :D
Now I ask you, what would you think if you were an IOC member? Pffft, what sacrifice? She didn't travel coach. :rolleyes:
Having spent time in Chicago. I will say it's one of the cleanest Cities I ever been to. The people there are also extremely friendly. I even tried to tranfer there.
Having been to Rio. There is no other way to describe Rio other then a Virtual Reality Porn Shop. I never saw more Porn and Prostitution all in one place. The main strip was entertaining with countless Bars, Restaurants and Street Performers.
Venture one block over and you are in a War Zone. Street crime is out of control. I spent a lot of time in many different Cities thru out Central and South America. Rio was one City where I never traveled alone and always watched my back.
The Police at the time actually did strafing runs using Helo's over the Ghetto.
I remember the trip from the airport into the city and looking out the window at the favelas. words can't describe slums of that magnitude and population density. Now, as long as you stay within a block of the beach and be "big city smart" the most shocking thing you'll likely run into is a 70yr old man in a speedo bathing suit:eek: Was there over their independence day. What a great military parade. They took great pride in their service with the allies during WWII (the only country that did so, IIRC) and their airborne units (and school) in their lineage make specific reference to interaction with the U.S. Very cool.
The best is that I have a picture somewhere of me under canopy with nothing but Rio in the picture all around. :lifter
Good trip and good times.
Both their speeches were about themselves. Me, Myself and I. When will they learn it's not about them. I heard a Congressman on the News say it was Bushes fault. Obama has not had enough time yet to make the World like the USA again.
Another tidbit on crime in Rio. There are actually sections of the City that are no go areas for the Police. Because they are so out Gunned. Thus the Airborne strafing runs.
I highly doubt it. Crime in Rio is thru the roof.
I am of the opinion that the whole thing was decided in advance. Otherwise why would Rio build all that stadium for such a party. No other city did such a thing?
MY congratulations was because no other city in SA has been able to host the Summer Olympics.
CNN made mention of the fact that there was a comment about walling off a part of Rio from the Olympics visitors. Interesting concept. Dunno how that will stop the crime. :rolleyes:
On another note, security. Much easier for Al-Qaeda to use the O games in SA to target "Heads of State". Who bets few "heads" will show?
Utah Bob
10-02-2009, 18:08
In 1970 Denver was awarded the 76 Games after a bid by business owners and politicians. By '72 a grass roots movement of voters looked at the estimated costs, which had ballooned from $14 million to $152 million) and what the damage to the land would be and rebelled.
The result was for the only time in Olympic history, a city rejected the games it had been awarded.
:D:D
One would spend $152 Million, for a 45 seconds of TV commercial time.
Remington Raidr
10-02-2009, 20:15
Another tidbit on crime in Rio. There are actually sections of the City that are no go areas for the Police. Because they are so out Gunned. Thus the Airborne strafing runs.
Hey, if the CPD could get away with it, there are more than a couple neighborhoods in Chi-town that could use a Hind-D.:rolleyes:
Remington Raidr
10-02-2009, 20:16
Having been to Rio. There is no other way to describe Rio other then a Virtual Reality Porn Shop. I never saw more Porn and Prostitution all in one place. The main strip was entertaining with countless Bars, Restaurants and Street Performers.
Wait. WUT? I gotta pack a bag . . .:D
armymom1228
10-02-2009, 20:52
On another note, security. Much easier for Al-Qaeda to use the O games in SA to target "Heads of State". Who bets few "heads" will show?
Ala Munich?
Considering a radio interview I listened to on WTOP in DC about how the CA/SA drug guys are hanging out in W Africa and so are the terrorist guys and they all visit the same brothels, hotels and restaurants. That is not such a far fetched scenario. One that crossed my mind when I first heard that Rio was in the running. OTOH, who would try to kill hizzoner Hugo C.? Isn't he ten feet tall and bullet proof?
If Chicago had gotten the bid, I am certian that the entire nation of taxpayers would have footed the bill. At the moment, I am clean out of handouts for the government's latest whimsy. Quite honestly, IF, I have to give handouts and have my choice. Raise the pay of our soldiers and sailors. They make little enough as it is. :)
Both their speeches were about themselves. Me, Myself and I. When will they learn it's not about THEM.:lifter
Stay safe.
I have absolutely no doubt that kind of situation, not isolated, played a part. I've worked at trade shows before, I was amazed. The reputation had to precede "us". Hell if you're in the city you cannot plug in a light without an electrician filing a grievance. If you confront them, (mind you I'm speaking generally...there are some decent folks) then you get the slow-mo workers. It is unbelievable.IMO, the attachment illustrates of Gypsy's point.
The photo is from the set up for the 2003 NCTA National Show in Chicago. The display being built was a joint venture between HD Net and the NCTA itself. The purpose of the display was to trumpet the cable industry's ability to deliver HD feeds to customers.
The NCTA reached out to many of its members to contribute materials to the booth. The NCTA took a 'spare no expense' approach to the design and construction of the booth (a preliminary invoice was a tad over $100,000 and this did not include the costs to run the booth or to tear it down.) It was understood by all that this was important.
Well, not exactly everyone. The photo, taken for another purpose, shows the typical work pattern of the union folks at McCormick Place (Chicago's convention center).
Work for five, talk for ten. (This pattern seemed synchronized. The Borg wish they had a network like this.)
If one person could do the job, no reason not to send two.
If two could do the job, three could do it better.
Take five minutes to get ready for a fifteen minute break.
Take thirty minutes to get ready for the end of the shift.
These work patterns and the culture they reflect make for interesting reading in a research library. When one observes them during the "here and now," it becomes a question of how much Advil and Imodium can one take safely in one day.
IMO, the attachment illustrates of Gypsy's point.
The photo is from the set up for the 2003 NCTA National Show in Chicago. The display being built was a joint venture between HD Net and the NCTA itself. The purpose of the display was to trumpet the cable industry's ability to deliver HD feeds to customers.
The NCTA reached out to many of its members to contribute materials to the booth. The NCTA took a 'spare no expense' approach to the design and construction of the booth (a preliminary invoice was a tad over $100,000 and this did not include the costs to run the booth or to tear it down.) It was understood by all that this was important.
Well, not exactly everyone. The photo, taken for another purpose, shows the typical work pattern of the union folks at McCormick Place (Chicago's convention center).
Work for five, talk for ten. (This pattern seemed synchronized. The Borg wish they had a network like this.)
If one person could do the job, no reason not to send two.
If two could do the job, three could do it better.
Take five minutes to get ready for a fifteen minute break.
Take thirty minutes to get ready for the end of the shift.
These work patterns and the culture they reflect make for interesting reading in a research library. When one observes them during the "here and now," it becomes a question of how much Advil and Imodium can one take safely in one day.
Looks a bunch of Amtrak Employees. Amtrak is the perfect example of why the Government should not have their hand in any part of the private sector. I swear I'm thinking of writing a Book about it.
You haven't seen sloth until you've seen the USPS in action (or, more like in-action) - astounding. :eek:
Richard
...the Government should not have their hand in any part of the private sector. I swear I'm thinking of writing a Book about it.
Sarcasm has it's limits. And while humor is found in many forms, I will check my fire.
WD
It was President Bush's fault. :rolleyes:
Chicago torpedoed by anti-U.S. sentiment?
Comments
October 3, 2009
BY ABDON M. PALLASCH Political Reporter apallasch@suntimes.com
Some Chicago officials say anti-American resentment likely played a role in Chicago's Olympic bid dying in the first round Friday.
President Obama could not undo in one year the resentment against America that President Bush and others built up for years, they said.
"There must be" resentment against America, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said, near the stage where he had hoped to give a victory speech in Daley Center Plaza. "The way we [refused to sign] the Kyoto Treaty, we misled the world into Iraq. The world had a very bad taste in its mouth about us. But there was such a turnaround after last November. The world now feels better about America and about Americans. That's why I thought the president's going was the deal-maker."
State Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) said she saw firsthand the resentment against America five years ago when she was in Rio de Janeiro. "I feel in my gut that this vote today was political and mean-spirited," she said.
"I travel a lot. ... I thought we had really turned a corner with the election of President Obama. People are so much more welcoming of Americans now. But this isn't the people of those countries. This is the leaders still living with outdated impressions of Americans."
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) said she was approached by a consul general at the plaza as they waited for word Friday. "He said ... he was hearing that there wasn't enough time for Barack Obama to dispel the old image. ... But I don't know if that's it."
Presidential press secretary Robert Gibbs rejected the notion that the vote was influenced by the United States' standing: "No, I think you saw both at the U.N. General Assembly, you saw at the G20 last week ... I think virtually every measure of our standing in the world is different than it was just this time last year. So I don't read too much of that into this."
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/olympics/1804170,CST-NWS-olyresent03.article
It was President Bush's fault. :rolleyes:I love the way the critics of Bush the Younger constantly rely on the chimera of world public opinion.
In regards to Reverend Jackson's scurrilous accusation that "we misled the world into Iraq," I disagree. If anyone misled the world into Iraq, it was Saddam Hussein.
For some reason, the president neglected to congratulate Brazil on landing the games in his weekly address. Source is here (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Weekly-Address-President-Obama-Explains-How-Health-Insurance-Reform-Will-Strengthen-Americas-Small-Businesses/). Yet, in urging the congress to move forward on health reform, he said:Instead, I expect us to move forward with a spirit of civility, a seriousness of purpose, and a willingness to compromise that characterizes our democratic process at its very best.Well, how about leading by example with a rhetorical handshake and a "We'll get 'em next time"? After all, the decision was reached through a vote.
the typical work pattern of the union folks at McCormick Place (Chicago's convention center).
Work for five, talk for ten. (This pattern seemed synchronized. The Borg wish they had a network like this.)
If one person could do the job, no reason not to send two.
If two could do the job, three could do it better.
Take five minutes to get ready for a fifteen minute break.
Take thirty minutes to get ready for the end of the shift.
These work patterns and the culture they reflect make for interesting reading in a research library. When one observes them during the "here and now," it becomes a question of how much Advil and Imodium can one take safely in one day.
This work philosophy cracked me up. In another life, I had a retail business and the city of San Diego-maintained-sidewalk had a lip on it that old folks kept tripping on. I called the city to come out and fix the problem. 3 months later a guy in a city truck pulls up and eats lunch...for two hours... then he gets out, places a traffic cone on top of the lip and enjoys the rest of his super big gulp while listening to the radio for another half hour before driving off (presumably to write up a report on action taken).
The next day the cone was gone. It doesn't matter if its city, state, or federal there is just a different work ethic when pay is not performance based. Hijack of thread over.
Not long ago, the US Government seized the property of a Nevada Brothel for back taxes. A new management team was put in place. For the first time, the property is not making a profit.
If the US Govt can't make money with this simply business, then we really are in trouble. Maybe they will have better luck with US Auto Manufacturing or Health care.
Seems most customers are going two doors down where cash still gets one in the door.
WD
Same with Commuter Rail/Amtrak. Why bother to try and make a profit. If your in the Red then the Government makes up for your lose. I see it every day. Amtrak is basically one big Welfare program. The last CEO actually turned a profit in 2007 for the first time in like 20 years. Of course he was replaced once the new administration took office. This is why I have no doubt that Govt run Health care will be a disaster. My hijack is over to.
Keith Out
Not long ago, the US Government seized the property of a Nevada Brothel for back taxes. A new management team was put in place. For the first time, the property is not making a profit.
http://urbanlegends.about.com/b/2008/12/17/the-strange-case-of-uncle-sams-bordello.htm
Richard