Today Chicago came one step closer to hosting the 2016 Olympic Games by beating Los Angeles to become the US candidate city. Now we’re up against Rio, Tokyo, Madrid and Rome (among others). Winner to be announced in October 2009.

There’s a raging debate on in Chicago about whether hosting an event of this magnitude is a good idea for the city. Both sides make some compelling arguments for and against, but I’ve got to admit that regardless of the economic impact (or lack thereof), it will be pretty darn cool for the Olympics to come to town.