Unsolicited Advice for the IOC from a Bostonian

A fresh coat of paint?  It could work. (Courtesy of/imagesdaily.blogspot.com)

Hopes for Boston 2024 have fallen through

Because local opposition to it only grew.

It became apparent that the city can't afford

Hosting the Olympic Games (despite claims from their Board.)

I believe the I.O.C. has got to reassess,

Sparing hosts, in future, from a huge financial mess.

Why not give the Games to Greece in perpetuity?

They could help to bolster up the Greek economy.

Winter Games on Mount Olympus* - Summers' on the isles...

Marathoners could retrace Pheidippides' long miles.

If the Games stayed in one place, a profit could be made

Which is not the case most times the modern Games are played.

*(Okay, not on Mount Olympus - but you get my point.)

The 118th Boston Marathon

Congratulations to men's winner Meb Keflezighi of San Diego, CA

Praying Boston's Marathon is run without a hitch.

Weather's looking perfect; 'though our winters are a bitch

There is nothing prettier than Massachusetts' spring.

Still, you wouldn't catch me running. Not for anything.

Not because the terrorists have made me too afraid;

It's because I couldn't run...  Not even were I paid.

Why does someone choose to run until their feet have bled?

First to run a marathon (Pheidippides) dropped dead.

Why would runners put themselves through agony like that?

My knees hurt just thinking of it.  I'm too old and fat.

If I go I'll bring a chair and cheer as they go by

But I guarantee that's not a sport I'm gonna try.

The 117th Boston Marathon

(Photo/Matthew Wilkinson)

It's the Boston Marathon today and thousands run.

I will never understand the folks who think it's fun.

I have driven Heartbreak Hill and, even on a bike,

Those poor runners have to face a really daunting hike.

I'm more like Pheidippides; the first from Marathon,

Ran to tell Athenians the Persian threat was gone.

Once he gasped the tidings out, Pheidippides dropped dead:

Heart stopped beating, lungs collapsed.  He should have stayed in bed.

Then these crazy people wouldn't have to run so far.

I believe, today, Pheidippides would use a car.

I'll be on my couch - the TV on - when they begin.

If you're laying bets then pick the Kenyan guy to win.

Later...
My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured or killed by the bombings at the finish line.