As Beijing continues its preparations for the 2008 Olympics, organizers are addressing an area of concern infinitely more important than completing the expansion of the city's subway system or putting the finishing touches on any of a number of sports venues.

We are speaking, of course, about cabbie hygiene.

According to the AP report, "Officials cautioned female cabbies against brightly dyed red or yellow hair and large, oversized earrings. Male drivers have been told to keep their hair short. And both were admonished to clean their cabs and brush away the garlic, a key ingredient in many Chinese dishes."

So given the evidence of a direct connection between the Olympics coming to town and improved cabbie breath, is it too late for the USOC to rethink its recent decision and submit New York City as its candidate to host the 2016 Summer Games?