Just.... wow! Who knew? UP DATED!!!!!! NOW with MUSIC!!!!

In a session with reporters on Monday, Mrs. Obama said, "You know, there are a number of big cities that are bidding. And when you live in a big city there are issues that are unique to urban settings. Chicago isn't unique in that way. But that's one of the things that I can talk about personally. I mean, you know, most of these Games are taking place blocks away from my house. There's good security by my house these days. And while Chicago is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, it is -- people don't live in fear. The downtown area is completely accessible.

"But more importantly, the character of Chicago shines through. We're Midwestern folks, and there's a bit of southern hospitality that comes along with that place. We know how to treat our visitors with respect and with open arms. And I think that's the character that will shine through, in addition to the fact that it's such an international city.

"Then you think about the countries that are going to be represented and you think of the 77 different community areas in Chicago, it's almost a little U.N. There are significant communities that would support these athletes from across the globe. And it's important for people to understand that Chicago isn't just a U.S. place, it's an international place. And people will be able to go into communities and shop and find food that they get back home. They'll be able to hear their music. They'll be able to see people like them.

"I know Mayor Daley, and he's going to make sure that these Games go off without a hitch because that's the kind of mayor he is. It's not called the "City That Works" for nothing. It really works. And it's not always perfect, but it's really, really good."

So let's recap: Chicago is 1. Mid-western (does that mean "fly-over?), 2. Cosmopolitan 3. International 4. Southern 5. Epicurian 6. Musical 7. Safe (don't forget safe!) and 8. Secure. Oh and 9. Inviting

UP DATE!!!!! #10: and OUT!


I had no idea they used Chicago as inspiration when Disney built Epcot. Why can't we just hold the Olympics in Kissimmee, FL?


She also mentioned something about our kids obesity problem and how holding the 2016 Games in Chicago would address this condition. I'm not sure how watching athletes on TV is going to help kids when funding has been scaled back but hey, what do I know?

"We need all of our children to be exposed to the Olympic ideals that athletes from around the world represent, particularly this time in our nation’s history, where athletics is becoming more of a fleeting opportunity. Funds dry up so it becomes harder for kids to engage in sports, to learn how to swim, to even ride a bike. When we’re seeing rates of childhood obesity increase, it is so important for us to raise up the platform of fitness and competition and fair play; to teach kids to cheer on the victors and empathize with those in defeat, but most importantly, to recognize that all the hard work that is required to do something special." -Michelle Obama

Now, silly me, I would have thought our kids are exposed to this work ethic every DAY in America but now I learn that it takes a Chicago Olympic Village to raise a thin child.


I DEFY you to remain seated with this!"