The International Olympic Committee has come and gone, but the challenges surrounding Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid still loom large. more ›

We know most of you out there have been scratching hash marks on your bedroom wall counting down to October 2nd -- the day we find out if our 2016 summer Olympic dream (or nightmare, depending on your point of view) will come true. Fortunately, the team behind Chicago 2016 has come up with a better way to do that without risking your security deposit -- an iPhone Olympic bid countdown application. Not since the introduction of iBeer has there been such a productive app -- not only can you instantly see how many days are left until the IOC decision (no messy hours/minutes/seconds to clutter up the screen like most countdown apps), there are also "fun facts" about the Olympic bid such as:

The Chicago metropolitan area spends more than $2 billion annually to maintain and improve its transportation network of trains, buses, roadways and bikeways. It expects to spend approximately $27 billion on highway and transit projects through 2016.

The Chicago 2016 bid is 100% financed by private-sector contributions from individuals, foundations and the corporate community. Chicago is no stranger to privately funded events: The 1933 World's Fair was also funded privately, by paid memberships.

It looks everyone’s favorite Olympic events, mountain biking and road cycling, could take place in Madison and Mt. Horeb, Wis. if Chicago wins the 2016 Summer Games. Hey, at least it’s not table tennis. But it turns out the cheese-head state is a cycling hot spot that offers more competitive courses than Chicago. Sadly, it’s doubtful that moving the events to Wisconsin will significantly lessen the economic troubles looming for Chicago taxpayers. more ›