Well, Boston did not get the go-ahead for the 2024 Summer Olympics, while an all-too-likely snowless Beijing got the thumbs-up to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. I say good for Beijing, and good for Boston!

There are reasons, to be sure, why Boston might have been a good choice: the proximity of water venues, dormitories to house the athletes at numerous colleges and universities, the highly likely chance of pretty good weather, a variety of fields and sporting facilities, and a city that has the ability to be pretty friendly when it wants to be.

And no doubt, the investment to improve those areas that are lacking (most notably transportation infrastructure) would be very welcome indeed! But at what cost?

I think many of us have tried to forget or have at least relegated to the inner recesses of our memory banks the highway project that shall not be named. Yes, of course, I’m talking about those endearing lovable, laughable three simple words, and I’m going to name it anyway: The Big Dig.

How long did it take? How many billions over budget did it eventually run. I know, I know, I should let bygones be bygones, but… Well, yes, you say, but at least we have a wonderful and safe new highway system. And those chunks of concrete that occasionally dislodge from above and shatter unsuspecting windshields? Well, hey, nobody’s perfect.

And so, with only nine years left until 2024, I remain dubious that we would have had enough time to get the city to be the showcase we would have wanted it to be. And regarding funding? When was the last time, anything around here cost less than it was supposed to and we the people didn’t get stuck holding the bill?

So all the best to Beijing. Maybe we can send them some of our snow!