Thursday, February 25, 2010

Olympic Gold

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, became the first Canadians and North Americans to win Olympic gold in ice dancing.

Watch the video of their exquisite and flawless performance.

 

We Are More by Shane Koyczan



 

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Olympics Fever

What a week! Last week I trekked, laughed, gazed and socialized all over the 2010 Olympics bonanza. Last Monday, we saw DJ Spooky from New York mix-mash it up with violinist Daniel at the Yaletown stage.



DJ Spooky provided an amazing performance showcasing his mixing talents off his new album. We avoided the corporate pavilions. After the show, we wandered up to Davie Street for some French Canadian poutine at La Belle Patate.

On Wednesday, Yonderboy and I met at the Olympic Station and walked over the Cambie Street bridge on a beautiful sunshine day. We could see the sea of red at China Creek Park next to Science World for the taping of Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert. I wanted to be at the taping, but I did not want to line up at 7 am for 6ish hours. Although, from the photos online, I see he rode a moose, hoisted up a stuffed beaver and sang O Canada to the music of the Star-Spangled Banner.

We checked out all the live shows and zip trek at Robson Square. It was incredible to watch people zip trek across the square. The ice skating rink looked awesome too. It was so great to walk around the crowds of people from all over the world excited and wearing their nations' colours with pride.



We walked down to the Olympic Flame (Cauldron) and took some photos. We also queued for 30 minutes to see the Cauldron from the viewing platform. The mountains were majestic behind Stanley Park. We also went into the movie theatre housed in double-stacked shipping containers to watch a short-film.



On Friday, I rode the new Canada Line train to Yaletown. I was very impressed with the signage and announcements to assist passengers to their destinations. The train felt like a high-class form of transportation. I met Nic in Yaletown. The streets were humming with young folks. I heard that fans has been lined up for the Deadmau5 evening show since 9 am in the morning.

We walked over the Vancouver Library to meet Y. Her mate has been VJing in the Aboriginal Peoples Pavilion all week. You could see the video displays from the exterior next to Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We went to Roxy Burger on Granville Street for dinner. Granville Street was a mad-house full of youths and people wear the flag as capes. A few more friends joined us as we cheered on Manitoba's Jon Montgomery win gold in skeleton.

We met up with a few more friends on Georgia Street and walked around Granville and Robson Streets. The art installations on Granville Street looked fantastic lightened at night.



Then, we went to see the cauldron at night. It was so beautiful. It was around midnight and the streets were still jammed with people. We headed over to Steamworks Pub to have some beers and bites. The pub was adjacent to Germany House, but the cover was $20. Needless to say, the Germany House was empty and the music played was terrible.
On the way home on the Night Bus over the Burrard Bridge, the male youths broke into song singing O Canada.

On Sunday, we tried to go to La Belle Patate for brunch, but the potato cutter broke and the shop was closed. Plan B was Japadog on Burrard and Smithe, but there was a huge lineup. I like Japadog, but not for a half an hour wait. We ended up with grilled panini sandwiches at IGA Marketplace.

We checked out Robson Square. I cheered as the zip trekkers went overhead. We were lucky enough to see the Squamish Nation's Eagle Dancers perform their songs and dances at the stage. Wow, their performance was so mesmerizing. Then, we watched a bit of the Mascots on Ice. Sumi is my favourite.

The naysayers may still be griping about the Olympics in Vancouver. But they are here, so why not enjoy the special events, live performances, showcasing our beautiful city and welcoming International visitors?



 

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Someone Like You

A survey resulting with the top 10 annoying things at work.

Funny signs from the Flickr Blog.

Funny commercial featuring a Japanese Business Cat (thanks JD!).