A couple of years back, I was up in Toronto visiting relatives, when the Olympic Committee was in town considering "Hog Town" for the site of the 2008 Olympics.
The Natives were restless, alright. After all, the competition was tough. In spite of that, T.O. made it to the short list.
At a time when one of Canada's largest metropolitan areas was seeking status as a "World Class City", fate dealt Mayor Mel Lastman a nasty blow.
While touring a facility in the downtown core, all the Officials got trapped in an elevator for thirty to forty-five minutes before a rescue crew saved 'em from the sweltering heat.
Although the Committee assured his honor that the mishap would not affect their vote, many swear to this day that the incident cost Toronto "the good" their bid for a shot at the gold ring.
To the elevator company, it was just about life's ups and downs.
To the residents of Toronto, it was Otis' fault for failing to provide the much-needed lift beneath their wings.
With all the brouhaha brewing over a boycott of the Olympics in Beijing - and likewise, the ensuing headaches - in retrospect, maybe the Committee wishes they took the stairs instead.