Looks like the Globe's Shirley Leung has a one-way ticket on the express train to Olympicsville. Today, she quotes David D'Alessandro, you know, of the John Hancock D'Alessandros, on why a 2024 Olympics in Boston makes so much sense:
"Is it technically feasible? Of course it is," said D’Alessandro, who has attended eight Olympics. "If Atlanta can do it, Boston can do it, please. Atlanta is a second-rate city at best. And they pulled it off in 1996."
D'Alessandro then says, presumably with a completely straight face, that in a city in which people are forever figuring out new ways we can prove how world class we are, he and his fellow rich people aren't doing this because they have something to prove, but because they just want it. And what's wrong with that?
Meanwhile, the committee planning our bid has a list of venues all set, but is, of course, keeping that list secret.
Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!
Ad:
Comments
Yes, I understand what the
By Scratchie
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 2:37pm
Yes, I understand what the problem is, and it happens in every city that hosts the Olympics. What I don't understand is what the specific solution would be, other than just saying "don't let them do this". If you live in a tenancy-at-will apartment, your landlord has the right to raise your rent at any time with 30 days notice (or whatever it says in your contract). You signed the contract, and accepted the terms. Why should that contract be invalidated because of a sporting event?
Thank You
By cybah
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 1:43pm
This is exactly what happened in Atlanta!!! My rent went from a nice 650/mo to 4500/mo (well for July 15 to Aug 15).
I had to move in with friends to stay in Atlanta (and stay at my job in Dunwoody) otherwise I would have had to leave for the summer (like many Atlanta residents did)
SO many things wrong with this article (not Uhub, but the comment about Atlanta from this chick at the Glob). Maybe I'll comment later (big fire at work and only typing this while I woof down a cheeseburger to stop the coffee shakes)
Not totally a secret
By G
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 12:11pm
The venues aren't set in stone, and not totally secret. Take a look at this report:
http://issuu.com/figureground/docs/praud_boston_ol...
Atlanta columnist to Boston: Don't force us to like the Yankees
By adamg
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 12:48pm
It is on.
Well, the comments on that
By Rob Not Verified
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 2:36pm
Well, the comments on that article show boston.com does not have a monopoly on whackadoodle internet people commenting on its site at least...
Sadly
By Kaz
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 2:38pm
In Atlanta, that's not whackadoodle.
Actually...
By Sally Skinner
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 4:02pm
Given that D'Alessandro dropped an unasked for insult on their city, a fair number of them are being pretty gracious.
Say no to the Olympics
By Kaz
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 12:57pm
I don't want to have to put debris and dead bodies in the Charles to compete with Rio. We'd just have to end up spending more money to fish them all out afterwards.
This might be my favorite UHub headline of all time.
By pesky62235
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 1:00pm
Thanks, Adam, for making me spit out my lunch with laughter.
Thanks!
By adamg
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 2:35pm
It just came to me when I saw how Leung had italicized "please" in her D'Alessandro quote about Atlanta - I suddenly pictured this insurance executive getting all huffy.
The suffocating embrace
By Chris Rich
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 3:15pm
of the hick insurance oligarchs here may well be the most significant obstacle to getting this old hag of a city the world class accolades it pitifully craves.
Let's have our true guardians of probity and sound sense handle the larval stage fiasco.
Put Grover Norquist in charge, like yesterday and drag that Barbara Anderson woman out of whatever obscurity took her and have her work out the budget.
Get Mittins back from his exile in San Diego as he magically graced Salt Lake City with the Olympiad shine.
Oh and trot out our Beloved Jane Swift to cover operations.
The Dems can work the graft angles from the sideline like always.
This will be Terry Murray's finest hour..
How about Boston just being home to Special Olympics?
By Markk02474
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 5:46pm
Smaller scale and would kick up ADA compliance.
Maybe most of Boston knows better?
By anon
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 6:55pm
What was it your mom always told you about the difference between CAN and SHOULD?
Just look at Montreal 40 years ago
By fenway
Fri, 06/20/2014 - 11:50pm
Just ask anybody from Montreal if the 1976 Olympics were worth it.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/mag...
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/19/world/canada-mon...
I can see it now
By SwirlyGrrl
Sat, 06/21/2014 - 12:18am
All the budget gets blown, then they cancel all the transit enhancements, substitute Olympic shuttle buses everywhere, and dump the shuttle busing costs on the MBTA.
Cue douchebag State Senator from Northampton with the usual "can't subsidize Boston" line.
Olympics in Boston?
By anon
Sat, 06/21/2014 - 9:50am
Sure, as long as you put it out along 495, no problem.
Look at it this way...
By Swirly's Bro
Sat, 06/21/2014 - 10:42am
Atlanta got the 96 Olympics because-
1. CNN
2. Ted Turner
Enough said.
Pages
Add comment