On Big Bird And Binders

Watching the debates prompted me to dust off my copy of Mitt Romney's book "Turnaround" and his work with the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic organizing committee. I met Romney in December 2001 when the Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay began in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. This book is a good read no matter one's political persuasion.

More on both the book and that brief meeting will follow on a later post. But for today, I just wanted to post a brief thought on last night's debate. See the photo I uploaded with this post -- in a word, "binder" was the blunder of the discussion (among many remarks I suspect Romney wishes he could do over).

I liked most President Obama's closing remarks. Sort of a K.O. Until the next debate ...

Image includes photo via PBS

Wannabe Marine One Helicopter Buzzes Downtown Atlanta

Since a third grade "transportation unit" assignment, I have remained in awe of helicopters.

Today at my high rise desk on the 29th floor of an office building, it was amazing to see Marine One -- or at least a helicopter that would be named as such if President Obama was aboard -- buzzing over downtown Atlanta with a clear sky as its backdrop ... in flight at eye level!

Wishing my camera was handy, watching the massive "bug" one could clearly see "United States of America" emblazoned in white letters across the glossy black tail boom. The aircraft cruised into the downtown area from the east then banked north, over Centennial Olympic Park, continuing along Interstate 75 in the direction of Cobb Co. (home of Dobbins AFB).

I suspect this was a logistics flight -- getting the helicopter into place for a presidential visit elsewhere -- as there was no apparent escort aircraft. A couple of hours later another giant military helicopter buzzed downtown, destination unknown.

Would be cool to see Marine One up close. Anyone got a hook-up at the White House to help me with that?

Photo via this site

WEEKEND UPDATE AUG. 1, 2010: According to this Atlanta Journal-Constitution report by Ariel Hart, President Obama is landing at the aforementioned Dobbins AFB on Monday morning, then heading to the Hyatt tower in downtown Atlanta (via Marine One?). That would be cool to see the presidential helicopter in action again! My camera will be ready. Hail to the Chief in Chopper!

Planting A Seed For GOP Drivel Banter

OK, a quick departure from Olympics (well, actually, this post does discuss Michelle Obama, part of the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid delegation, so there is a five-ringed connection of sorts).

I just read the Reuters report about the First Lady's upcoming segment on the season premiere of "Sesame Street."

To promote nutrition and healthy diet, Mrs. Obama will teach young viewers about planting fruits and vegetables. This seems pretty cool to me.

Given the Red State responses (in media report comments) to President Obama's decision to head to Copenhagen for the Olympic bid, or the recent headlines regarding Obama speaking directly to school children across the U.S., I'm bracing for the Senate Minority response.

Screaming, ludicrous headlines coming to a conservative network or website soon include ...

"Michelle Obama To Plant Seeds of Deceit and Left Agenda on Leftist PBS Program!"

"Ketchup-Gate! First Lady Plants Tomatoes With Big Bird To Help Teresa Heinz Re-Enter Political Arena"

"Obamas Want Cookie Monster to Devour Childrens' Brains!"

"Snuffleupagus (think Rep. logo/symbol) Leaves GOP To Roam Obama Garden"

Any to add?

Photo via Wikipedia screen grab from "Sesame Street"

Odds for 2016 Olympic Vote

During the next few days, it's safe to anticipate a deluge of Olympic bid coverage and buzz. I predict that some media outlets will even quote Olympic industry experts and polls and GamesBids.com, InsideTheGames (cast a vote on the right side of home page online) and/or Around The Rings, which each have good info on the quest for 2016 and other future Olympic bids.

A friendly fellow P.R. pro alerted me that Mickey Richardson, CEO of Bookmaker.com ("one of the largest sports books in the world") apparently "... tasked his team of experienced odds makers with analyzing the chances for each city to take this event and have listed Tokyo as their favorite to host the games, with Madrid as a close second."

I think it would behoove their odds makers to take a look at GamesBids.com, InsideTheGames and Around The Rings, as Tokyo and Madrid are consistently ranked the least likely to win the 2016 hosting duties in their polls.

But I'll keep an eye on this -- it's a safe bet that President Obama's decision to head to Copenhagen is a game changer. Any other odds makers out there want to comment with their two cents as to who will claim the 2016 prize?

I asked of Bookmaker.com, "What odds did this Bookmaker have on Sochi 2014, London 2012, Vancouver 2010 (GamesBids.com posted a report about an Australian oddsmaker on this one) or other recent winning cities? What is [Bookmaker.com's] track record for picking the right cities?" -- will post their response as received (they acknowledged this might be a new category for the Bookmaker.com team).

News of Olympic Parks, Press and Putin

The Chicago Tribune's Washington Bureau (a.k.a. The Swamp) and other outlets report that a presidential advance team will embark to Copenhagen to "keep options open" for President Obama to speak to the International Olympic Committee. This is a tremendous boost for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid team, for sure.

Only 11 days remain until the big vote.

In other news, in New York, Olympic gold medalist and "Dancing With The Stars" champ Shawn Johnson took to the air on Fox News yesterday, talking about her support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Her media training skills keep improving with each interview.

Back in Chicago, this past week's Olympic headlines were capped with the opening of the new Jesse Owens Olympic Park presented by Allstate. Long-term good news for the city. Read all about it.

And speaking of Olympic parks, here's some news about the London 2012 Olympic park getting some visitors.

Even the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic team had Olympic park news this week, with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visiting some big cats with IOC member Jean-Claude Killy. Meow!

Hail To The Chief!

Bravo, President Obama! The former Man About Chicago today hosted a Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid sendoff on The White House lawn. Glad to see this Executive Branch support weeks before the big vote at the IOC Olympic Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Oct. 2. Would be cool to be there!

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (interview with him from Beijing available here) gave an inspiring speech regarding Chicago Olympians who competed in the 1936 Games of Berlin.

News reports from today's event in Washington include scenes similar to the Chicago 2016 live athletic demonstrations at the IOC Evaluation Commission visit in April. Michelle Obama is set to be the U.S. delegation lead in the Danish city. Go, Chicago, GO!

The IOC currently offers a video contest through which they will give two individuals an all expenses jaunt to Copenhagen! To enter, anyone may submit their own video via YouTube. It was fun to view many of the fellow competitors' videos (good luck, everyone!) -- the important thing is not to win but to compete!

Here's a link to the official contest rules; deadline to post is Sept. 22.

Photo via Yahoo! News and the Associated Press/AP Photo

Logo via IOC and International World Games Association website

Rude Behavior Trifecta

What's up with all the rude American behavior this past week?

First, no lie! There was the U.S. Senator from South Carolina who spoke up in an inappropriate manner during President Obama's speech before Congress.

Just a few nights later, Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams tore into a line judge during what became Williams' final play of the 2009 U.S. Open (wondering what the consequence would be had she, or any Olympic tennis athlete, did the same in Olympic tournament play). OK, fine.

Tonight's adventures in rudeness were brought to us by Kanye West, who apparently commandeered the microphone from Moon Man trophy winner Taylor Swift (who appeared in this blog for her Olympic connections last year). I enjoy the music of both West and Swift, but Kanye speaking up during an MTV acceptance speech was totally uncalled for, in my opinion.

Kanye, please answer me: How Could You Be So Heartless? Please stick to singing, not speeches! At least he apologized -- sort of -- on his blog. I can just picture West now in his hotel room in front of a laptop typing away ... [yeah, right].

I for one remain hopeful that politeness will prevail, led by example, like this one:

On Friday afternoon, the White House, Chicago 2016 Olympic bid committee and the U.S. Olympic Committee announced that First Lady Michelle Obama will be part of the U.S. delegation at the IOC Sessions in Copenhagen next month -- it seems the polite thing to do, to help the First Lady (and the president's) hometown, Chicago, bring home the 2016 Olympic hosting duties.

Oprah Winfrey is getting polite, too -- according to the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips, Winfrey may also travel to the Denmark-based vote by the International Olympic Committee. Winfrey compared Chicago to "Gone With The Wind" and Tara earlier this year, as noted on this video.

Nice to read also that Beyonce invited Swift back on stage to re-do her acceptance speech later in the evening. Classy.

Mind your manners!

Photo from Getty via MTV.com

The IOC, Chicago and "All That Jazz"

Just returned from a fulfilling volunteer experience with the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid during the International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission visit to the city.

My post was at the downtown Sheraton, in the media hospitality and workroom area just steps from the river and Michigan Avenue (the organizing committee helped with a special rate at the neighboring Embassy Suites, which was lovely -- Southeast room facing Lake Michigan, much like a similar room at the same hotel for a 2007 visit with client Rock City Gardens).

Flying into the city from Atlanta, it was a clear night and I caught a glimpse of the John Hancock Tower, site of an evening event with commanding views of the city. About an hour after landing and meeting for a CTA ride with my girlfriend (she arrived from Milwaukee via Coach USA as the plane touched down), we were up on top of the world with a few colleagues and the new contacts at Chicago 2016 inside The Hancock.

Every inch of the city, from the arrivals area at O'Hare, to The El, taxis, the train station, flag and light poles, bridges, shop windows -- everything -- had colorful signage proclaiming "we support the bid" or other "Chicago 2016" messages. It was impressive and reminiscent of arriving at Torino, Beijing or other Games decked out with "look of the Games" treatment.

Official volunteer business commenced on Saturday with a series of official press briefings at the Sheraton. Our team, lead by the media relations staff and partner P.R. firm team members, included several of Chicago's best and brightest communicators and volunteers with media-specific backgrounds. One minute some of us would compile or update press releases, the next we'd set up or take down portions of the press conference room.

I was fortunate on the first day to be assigned to two Olympians who were on site for media interviews after the press conferences -- Olympic Champion Donna de Varona was one of these athletes and it was fun to briefly get reacquainted (we first met at British Columbia Canada Place -- an Edelman client -- in Beijing last August) before she spoke with several Chicago TV stations. Later in the day, judo Olympic silver medalist Robert Berland (a Chicago 2016 staff member) also spoke with several reporters.

Day one was punctuated by viewing (and contributing to a press release for) President Obama's welcome video presented to the IOC. It was remarkable, and I believe unprecedented, for a sitting U.S. president to provide such advocacy for an Olympic bid at this stage of the process.

Day two was all over town! With four teammates packed in a rental car, we drove from site to site in advance of two media buses shadowing the IOC entourage visiting McCormick Place (a massive convention center and potential site of the 2016 Olympic media center and several sports disciplines), Soldier Field, Washington Park and United Center. I had not experienced any of these venues previously, but each one blew my mind!

Soldier Field, for instance, has the most mac daddy luxury suites ANYWHERE -- commanding views of the field with downtown's skyline decorating the horizon (historic and amazing!). Washington Park would be developed as the Olympic Stadium site, and reminded me of St. Louis' glorious Forest Park (site of the 1904 Summer Games near Washington University).

At our final stop of the day, dozens of young athletes played team handball and basketball, or did gymnastics, across the United Center floor while the IOC evaluators viewed a welcome video from hometown hero (and two-time Olympic champion) Michael Jordan.

Tuesday (day four) included a final volunteer assignment inside the final, and only, IOC press conference of the week -- it was enriching to be in the room with the IOC guests providing feedback to several of the nation's (and the world's) top Olympic and sports reporters. It was moving to see one of the Chicago 2016 official videos the IOC had screened earlier in the day -- athletes and folks of all ages were shown across the U.S. handing off 2016 batons symbolic of the city's strengths at sharing Olympism. A few fellow volunteers and most members of the media team then handed out the same batons to the working media, who had some strong and positive reactions to the display.

But I have to skip back to day three for the cake and icing assignment of the week: Red carpet for the "City Night" dinner and cultural event at The Art Institute of Chicago. With thanks to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for running with the story suggestion (submitted by our Chicago 2016 P.R. team from the Sheraton on Tuesday), I'll just add that seeing Oprah Winfrey in person, in her home town, was an experience I'll never forget -- at once it was similar yet drastically different from seeing Bill Gates speak at the Microsoft Vista launch in New York (disclosure: an Edelman project) or interacting with Ted Turner at the Atlanta Press Club (I only need to encounter Rupert Murdoch to complete the 'trifecta' of media mogul encounters).

It still does not seem real that Oprah was inches away speaking to reporters about all the positive potential Chicago 2016 has as an Olympic host. Hearing her enthusiasm and booming broadcaster voice in person was dramatic. I'm sure my jaw was gaping when she turned to face us.

The week did include a few critics of the bid. Part of the media volunteer assignment included keeping an eye on comments reported by media, or responding to those who have not yet embraced the Games' potential to be all positive for the USA, the Midwest, Illinois and Chicago. At least one of the responses we worked on is available online.

Several of the working media on site blogged or twittered from the experience. It was good to gain a few new Twitter followers, and start following new folks, during the week (in case you need it, follow me to http://twitter.com/nickwolaver for the real-time updates from April 3-8).

The complete volunteer experience was enriching -- I hope there will be further opportunities to contribute a verse to Chicago's efforts. It will be intense to track the other cities in the running, now that Chicago's presentations are complete, and very exciting when the IOC votes on October 2 in Copenhagen.

Best photo opp ... EVER!

Euphoria! Joy! Relief!

Oh, the wonderful range of emotions of the last 24 hours. Last night was amazing, and I envy all those who were in Chicago in person for America's, and the world's, big party at Grant Park.

It came as no surprise that every newsstand in downtown Atlanta was void of newspapers today -- my colleague John and I trolled eBay and before 8 a.m. there were already dozens of listings for what will become coveted newspaper bits of history. My favorite front page remains the New York Times, the first spotted in my driveway (it is a keeper!).

Watching last night, my favorite moments included John Lewis from Georgia (he was also on NPR this morning), and spotting Jesse Jackson's reaction just past 11 p.m. ET on CNN and WGN's local crews in The Windy City (caught a small dose from Chicago's NBC5 as well). The Daily Show had a few great moments, too. Fox News seemed remarkably subdued. I was pleased with McCain's speech (and actually proud of him -- those who wrote it did amazing work). I was inspired and moved by Obama's wise and timeless words.

Viewing with the public relations practitioner hat on, have been searching all day for photos of the massive media tents overfilled with live cameras rolling for all the world -- what an awe-inspiring photo opportunity with East Randolph Street's gleaming towers including Aon Center behind Obama's victory stage. I've seen some large press conferences over the years, and last night's event was like no other.

By mid-morning Wednesday, media reports started popping up about how Chicago's hours in the spotlight may work wonders for the city's 2016 Olympic bid (from what I can tell, the Associated Press and the LA Times' Philip Hersh earned the scoop on this angle). Just a few minutes ago (about 10:30 ET tonight) the New York Times added their two cents (by Juliet Macur) to outlets reporting on remarks from Japan and Tokyo's bid. It took me back to Patrick Ryan's answer to my question at the Bid Cities press event in Beijing ... I think Mr. Ryan may be able to sleep a bit easier now that Chicago got some limelight, Obama-style.

Some of the wire photos from the big event are comparable to the night shots from the 1936 Summer Games in Berlin, or the evening skyline shots from Beijing with postcard-ready fields of spotlights ablaze over the scene. Check out the Chicago Tribune photos here, then go to these shots from Berlin and Beijing.

Journaling last night as the coverage was winding down (or settling in awaiting decisions on senators like hopeful Al Franken -- hang in their, Al!), I could not help but ponder how amazing it would be to see President Obama declare open the Games of Chicago in eight years. Could be Chicago's only way to top last night for "best photo opp - EVER!"