Canada versus USA has become the new hockey rivalry and it's already developed a rich history.
Some say its roots are in the 1991 Canada Cup when U.S D-man Gary Suter body checked Wayne Greztky out of the tournament. Well, perhaps, but it was still Russia that won the Cup. It was really the 1996 World Cup that got the rivalry started when Canada's aging champions couldn't figure out U.S goalie Mike Richter despite showering him with shots in game three of the three game final.
It was a heart breaking loss, but mostly it was a huge surprise, we were used to losing to the Russians, even the Czechs and possibly even the Swedes, but not the Yanks.
Because of Canada's longstanding big brother/little brother rivalry, losing to them at our game let's face it, rankled the most.
In 1998 at the Nagano Olympics Team Canada won something of a rematch, beating the U.S 4-1 in the preliminary round, before going on to lose to the Czechs in the semi-final.
Still it's not the same without all the money on the table, anyone can have a bad day, even elite athletes, but what counts is are they up for the big game? In 2002 Canada was granted another rematch, this time in the gold medal final at the Salt Lake City Olympics, we were playing the U.S in the final on their turf and we won a decisive 5-2 victory and brought Olympic gold in mens' hockey back to Canada for the first time in 50 years (what a long cold draught that was).
But we beat a team that was past its prime, Richter clearly wasn't the goalie he was in 96 and several other key forwards were a step or two slower. And in the intervening years between then and now we've seen a new corp of young American players develop, like the group that beat are boys in the final of the World Juniors (in Saskatchewan) this past winter, are first loss at the Juniors in five years, the previous loss being to, you guessed it the U.S.
So now were back to another gold medal showdown, only this time the U.S team isn't a run down tired group that have already had their glory. No its a pack of rising stars, led by probably the best management team ever assembled in hockey, Brian Burke and Ron Wilson, if anyone can mold a young team of talented stars into a cohesive powerhouse it's these two, plus they're riding hotter than hot goalie Ryan Miller.
One difference between 2002 and now that might be in Canada's favour is we played and lost to the U.S team in the prelims - conventional wisdom says that in sports you learn more from losing than winning. Lets hope Team Canada have studied that game and learn to anticipate every move from the fast American forwards and have found a chink in miller's armour. Never has a game of hockey meant so much for national pride, except possibly Game eight of the 1972 Summit Series. The U.S is trying to play the role of underdog but they are the only undefeated team in this tournament and they are riding high on a wave of confidence. Every player on Team Canada, as talented as they are, will have to play better than they have ever played before to be victorious today - on the plus side when the chips are down have seen Team Canadas in the past do amazing things. This latest incarnation of Team Canada certainly has the spirit and the ability to continue the tradition, so now all we can say is - game on.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Russia v Canada - game or mythology?
Forget the crappy effects heavy Jerry Bruckheimer movie coming out this spring - Canada versus Russia is the real Clash of the Titans. The rivalry began with the Cold War, but when the wall came down the Soviets just became what we always knew them to be, hockey mad Russians and probably the only people on Earth who could really appreciate the ballet and brutality of hockey as we do.
In 1972, right here in Vancouver the Russians played Team Canada to a standstill, Canadian fans booed their own team and applauded the Russians for their mastery of puck control.
But that only ignited a flame under Team Canada, actually more than a flame, it was a conflagration that would soon ignite an entire nation as the Team Canada travelled to Moscow and did what everyone in Canada thought was impossible at that point, they won.
If you ever watch the old news clips of post game Phil Esposito (currently in a contest with Don Cherry for most patriotic Canadian) you don't see a man who has just been humiliated on home ice, you see a man possessed and one who knows that he will find a way to win whatever it takes.
Take that grit and determination and add Paul Henderson's near religious conviction that he would score the winning goals in the final two games (in Game 8 he banged on the boards for a shift change because with less than a minute left he had to get on the ice to score the game winner) and you have the stuff of legend. That may seem a little over the top, especially for a confirmed cynic like myself, but watch the old 1970s Russia/Canada tilts and see the Bobby Orrs and Phil Espositos and Guy Lafleurs in all their sideburned glory and how they played the cold, exciting Russians in their uniquely Canadian style (and no style and Canadian is not an oxymoron) and you'll get a sense of how deep this rivalry truly is.
In 1972, right here in Vancouver the Russians played Team Canada to a standstill, Canadian fans booed their own team and applauded the Russians for their mastery of puck control.
But that only ignited a flame under Team Canada, actually more than a flame, it was a conflagration that would soon ignite an entire nation as the Team Canada travelled to Moscow and did what everyone in Canada thought was impossible at that point, they won.
If you ever watch the old news clips of post game Phil Esposito (currently in a contest with Don Cherry for most patriotic Canadian) you don't see a man who has just been humiliated on home ice, you see a man possessed and one who knows that he will find a way to win whatever it takes.
Take that grit and determination and add Paul Henderson's near religious conviction that he would score the winning goals in the final two games (in Game 8 he banged on the boards for a shift change because with less than a minute left he had to get on the ice to score the game winner) and you have the stuff of legend. That may seem a little over the top, especially for a confirmed cynic like myself, but watch the old 1970s Russia/Canada tilts and see the Bobby Orrs and Phil Espositos and Guy Lafleurs in all their sideburned glory and how they played the cold, exciting Russians in their uniquely Canadian style (and no style and Canadian is not an oxymoron) and you'll get a sense of how deep this rivalry truly is.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Colin Hansen not sure where the money went but what does it matter we're having fun
Speaking at a gathering of local small business owners and politicians at Canada House in Whistler, B.C. Minister of Finance and deputy premier Colin Hansen said sure the Olympics cost billions, and maybe it's not all accounted for, but hey wasn't it a hell of a party - or words to that effect.
He did receive a resounding applause and not to be outdone Squamish mayor Greg Gardner also got in on the backslapping and congratulations, however there were very few answers (few being zero) on what the post-Olymic economy would look like.
He did receive a resounding applause and not to be outdone Squamish mayor Greg Gardner also got in on the backslapping and congratulations, however there were very few answers (few being zero) on what the post-Olymic economy would look like.
Tension mounts for Team Canada
Now that we're playing an additional qualifying game thanks to Miller's spectacular goaltending for Team USA and the spectacularly bad officiating a nation is holding its collective breath for the about to start Canada versus Germany game.
Can't lose? Well remember Sweden versus Belurus, Sweden thought they couldn't lose either and gave us a gift by sending Belurus to meet us in the semi-final game in 2002. No doubt Russia would like us to do them the same favour, hopefully Team Canada is going to wake up and realize it's for real now and play like it.
What happens if we lose, and I don't just mean this afternoon's game, I mean going forward (assuming we do go forward). That's the question no one wants to answer, losing in hockey on home ice is not supposed to be part of the script, as hard as winning is against some very impressive teams, Canadians still hope against hope that the tournament will turn around for Team Canada.
If all does go according to script, rest assured no one will be talking about Canada's low medal count anymore, we will be talking about the game - The Game, the gold medal final, well we better all start believing.
Can't lose? Well remember Sweden versus Belurus, Sweden thought they couldn't lose either and gave us a gift by sending Belurus to meet us in the semi-final game in 2002. No doubt Russia would like us to do them the same favour, hopefully Team Canada is going to wake up and realize it's for real now and play like it.
What happens if we lose, and I don't just mean this afternoon's game, I mean going forward (assuming we do go forward). That's the question no one wants to answer, losing in hockey on home ice is not supposed to be part of the script, as hard as winning is against some very impressive teams, Canadians still hope against hope that the tournament will turn around for Team Canada.
If all does go according to script, rest assured no one will be talking about Canada's low medal count anymore, we will be talking about the game - The Game, the gold medal final, well we better all start believing.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Brits and Guardian newspaper can't dampen Olympic spirit
The humourless Brits led by the Guardian newspaper continue to claim that the Vancouver Olympics are a disaster, perhaps their motives are to direct attention away from the pending disaster of London 2012, perhaps it's because they are too uptight to 'get' the way the Olympics are unfolding in Vancouver - namely spontaneous fun and celebration everywhere you look.
For example late Saturday night on a jam packed bus heading out from Whistler Village to the residential areas of Whistler, a Quebecois (she drove here all the way from Quebec City) bus driver kept the passengers laughing and cheering as she navigated the many speed bumps along the way. That is all the passengers except for two scowling Brits at the back (die hard Guardian readers no doubt).
Or Sunday afternoon on the Seabus heading into downtown Vancouver, when halfway across Burrard Inlet a man who had just received a text message, announced in heavily accented English that he needed everyone's attention so he could tell us that 'they' had just won gold in speed skating, we didn't know who 'they' were but just the same he was greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers. He then added, "and Canada won silver," which of course brought more cheers and applause.
Scenes like those play out thousands of times a day during the Vancouver Olympics and they are why, despite the glitches, organizers claim these Games as the best ever.
Now that boast is admittedly a bit of a whopper - but such is the excitement in the air in Vancouver these days that it lends itself to such claims and it is why people continue to flock to downtown Vancouver even though it may take hours waiting in line for the Skytrain to do so, everyone wants to get in on the feeling.
Oh yes, except for the Brits, who are usually spotted sipping tea at the Hotel Vancouver and sniffing that, 'all these shenanigans just aren't on.'
We can hardly wait for the 2012 Games where excitement will be dutifully curtailed in the name of decorum and silence will be demanded on all public transit. In the meantime enjoy Vancouver's spirit while you can.
For example late Saturday night on a jam packed bus heading out from Whistler Village to the residential areas of Whistler, a Quebecois (she drove here all the way from Quebec City) bus driver kept the passengers laughing and cheering as she navigated the many speed bumps along the way. That is all the passengers except for two scowling Brits at the back (die hard Guardian readers no doubt).
Or Sunday afternoon on the Seabus heading into downtown Vancouver, when halfway across Burrard Inlet a man who had just received a text message, announced in heavily accented English that he needed everyone's attention so he could tell us that 'they' had just won gold in speed skating, we didn't know who 'they' were but just the same he was greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers. He then added, "and Canada won silver," which of course brought more cheers and applause.
Scenes like those play out thousands of times a day during the Vancouver Olympics and they are why, despite the glitches, organizers claim these Games as the best ever.
Now that boast is admittedly a bit of a whopper - but such is the excitement in the air in Vancouver these days that it lends itself to such claims and it is why people continue to flock to downtown Vancouver even though it may take hours waiting in line for the Skytrain to do so, everyone wants to get in on the feeling.
Oh yes, except for the Brits, who are usually spotted sipping tea at the Hotel Vancouver and sniffing that, 'all these shenanigans just aren't on.'
We can hardly wait for the 2012 Games where excitement will be dutifully curtailed in the name of decorum and silence will be demanded on all public transit. In the meantime enjoy Vancouver's spirit while you can.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
VANOC decrees we must all dress like it's winter
Well it's the Winter Olympics but the temperature is in the double digits, the sun is shining and if it was April we'd all be talking about what a great spring we're having.
VANOC has been taking a drubbing in the international media over the warm weather and how it has affected Olympic events, which is actually pretty unfair since despite whatever David Suzuki says VANOC does not control the weather.
Undaunted however VANOC has launched an innovative new campaign, they are calling on, actually demanding, that all locals do their part and dress as if it is in fact a traditional Canadian winter.
"If we just put on some parkas, mittens, scarves and a toque and think cold thoughts that will go along ways towards creating a 'winter atmosphere',"said a semi-official VANOC release. In an aside VANOC CEO John Furlong apparently added that a lot of the recent weather woes can just be put down to bad sportsmanship. He was unfortunately whisked away before anyone could get a clarification, but he may have murmured something about, "those damn Brits."
Realizing that the winter weather clothing demand might not go over so well with the general populace, who are more comfortable in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops these days the RCMP announced they will hold for 'questioning' anyone not wearing clothing appropriate for a January in Winnipeg.
VANOC has been taking a drubbing in the international media over the warm weather and how it has affected Olympic events, which is actually pretty unfair since despite whatever David Suzuki says VANOC does not control the weather.
Undaunted however VANOC has launched an innovative new campaign, they are calling on, actually demanding, that all locals do their part and dress as if it is in fact a traditional Canadian winter.
"If we just put on some parkas, mittens, scarves and a toque and think cold thoughts that will go along ways towards creating a 'winter atmosphere',"said a semi-official VANOC release. In an aside VANOC CEO John Furlong apparently added that a lot of the recent weather woes can just be put down to bad sportsmanship. He was unfortunately whisked away before anyone could get a clarification, but he may have murmured something about, "those damn Brits."
Realizing that the winter weather clothing demand might not go over so well with the general populace, who are more comfortable in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops these days the RCMP announced they will hold for 'questioning' anyone not wearing clothing appropriate for a January in Winnipeg.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Canada wins nail biter against Swiss - nation sighs in relief
Canada versus Switzerland was supposed to be one of those doormat matches on the way to the elimination round, yes Canada actually lost to the Swiss team in Turino in 2006, but that didn't stop them from taking a lackadaisical approach to the game, at least in the first two periods.
Canada scored a quick goal on a Danny Heatly wrist shot, despite squandering an early power play opportunity.
They then played the rest of the period as if victory against the Swiss was all but assured and aside from Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla (both of whom played the entire game with the intensity of a Stanley Cup final) Team Canada made sloppy passes and allowed for defensive breakdowns that they seemed to just shrug off.
At the start of the second period Canada again scored in the opening seconds and it looked as if their uninspirational play would be enough against the Swiss side.
However the Swiss soon capitalized on Team Canada's lack of cohesion and brought the game to within one. They then battle Canada in their own zone for most of the period, peppering Martin Brodeur with shots, but Brodeur, fortunately for Team Canada was back in his old form and was able to stone the Swiss with a series of spectacular saves.
But with less than ten seconds left in the period the Swiss finally found the net and entered the third period tied 2-2. It was clearly a wake up call for Team Canada who came out and finally played with intensity for the next 20 minutes, cheered on by 18,000 rabid Canadians chanting themselves horse with cries of "go Canada go!"
Team Canada had a series of heartbreaking chances right up until the final seconds and the period ended in a tie, as did the five minute overtime, which had everyone on their feet while the Swiss goalie Hiller made his own series of spectacular saves to stone Team Canada.
So it was on to the shoot-out, usually the bane of North American players. Hiller and Brodeur each shut down the first three players from either team. And then it was Sidney Crosby's chance to improve his already growing legend and he didn't disappoint, putting a laser like wrist shot top shelf as Canada Hockey Place exploded in a patriotic frenzy. Brodeur did his part to finish up the drama and easily turned away the Swiss shooter, which again resulted in a frenzy of flag waving, but despite the cheering every Canadian present and every Canadian watching at home or in a bar were secretly breathing a sigh of relief that Canada didn't lose to Switzerland on home ice.
Canada scored a quick goal on a Danny Heatly wrist shot, despite squandering an early power play opportunity.
They then played the rest of the period as if victory against the Swiss was all but assured and aside from Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla (both of whom played the entire game with the intensity of a Stanley Cup final) Team Canada made sloppy passes and allowed for defensive breakdowns that they seemed to just shrug off.
At the start of the second period Canada again scored in the opening seconds and it looked as if their uninspirational play would be enough against the Swiss side.
However the Swiss soon capitalized on Team Canada's lack of cohesion and brought the game to within one. They then battle Canada in their own zone for most of the period, peppering Martin Brodeur with shots, but Brodeur, fortunately for Team Canada was back in his old form and was able to stone the Swiss with a series of spectacular saves.
But with less than ten seconds left in the period the Swiss finally found the net and entered the third period tied 2-2. It was clearly a wake up call for Team Canada who came out and finally played with intensity for the next 20 minutes, cheered on by 18,000 rabid Canadians chanting themselves horse with cries of "go Canada go!"
Team Canada had a series of heartbreaking chances right up until the final seconds and the period ended in a tie, as did the five minute overtime, which had everyone on their feet while the Swiss goalie Hiller made his own series of spectacular saves to stone Team Canada.
So it was on to the shoot-out, usually the bane of North American players. Hiller and Brodeur each shut down the first three players from either team. And then it was Sidney Crosby's chance to improve his already growing legend and he didn't disappoint, putting a laser like wrist shot top shelf as Canada Hockey Place exploded in a patriotic frenzy. Brodeur did his part to finish up the drama and easily turned away the Swiss shooter, which again resulted in a frenzy of flag waving, but despite the cheering every Canadian present and every Canadian watching at home or in a bar were secretly breathing a sigh of relief that Canada didn't lose to Switzerland on home ice.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
VANOC to buy carbon offsets
In an effort to continue to pretend these Olympics will be the greenest games ever VANOC announced this week, at a sparsely attended press conference, that they will buy carbon offsets.
The six reporters in the room stifled a collective yawn at the announcement and the VANOC spokesperson fearing she was losing her audience quickly added that VANOC still had about $50 -$60 million left in their contingency fund, so it was important they spend it or it might go back to the taxpayers or something.
So what sort of 'carbon offsets' does $60 million buy you? Apparently for that princely sum VANOC can write off all of the carbon emissions from their 2,000 plus SUVs, their flights around the world promoting the Games and anything else they didn't think to put in their press release but might yet come up. "It will be like they were never here," said one observer. "Think of the millions of lives it will save," said another man, who as it turned out wasn't their officially but was in fact stalking Vice President Joe Biden and got lost.
Of course the vast majority of sane individuals are asking, 'well what exactly are carbon credits?' And that's the great thing, they can be just about anything; plant some trees in your backyard, there's a carbon credit, use fluorescent lightbulbs - carbon credit, low flow toilets (we know that makes know sense even by carbon trading standards) yup, carbon credit. 'So does that mean I can sell VANOC carbon credits for being a socially responsible individual?' Some of you may be asking. I'm afraid not my unwashed, Birkenstock shod friend. Carbon credits are traded by large companies that only deal with other large companies or organizations and only deal with carbon credits on a vast scale, like for instance Canada's boreal forest. 'But that forest already exists!' You would be right to exclaim but it would be in vain, carbon traders don't see an already existing forest they see untapped carbon offsets that will make them millions. And VANOC...well are you surprised that a large government bureaucracy would spend millions of dollars on something that serves no discernable purpose, you are? You aren't also by chance stalking the Vice President?
The six reporters in the room stifled a collective yawn at the announcement and the VANOC spokesperson fearing she was losing her audience quickly added that VANOC still had about $50 -$60 million left in their contingency fund, so it was important they spend it or it might go back to the taxpayers or something.
So what sort of 'carbon offsets' does $60 million buy you? Apparently for that princely sum VANOC can write off all of the carbon emissions from their 2,000 plus SUVs, their flights around the world promoting the Games and anything else they didn't think to put in their press release but might yet come up. "It will be like they were never here," said one observer. "Think of the millions of lives it will save," said another man, who as it turned out wasn't their officially but was in fact stalking Vice President Joe Biden and got lost.
Of course the vast majority of sane individuals are asking, 'well what exactly are carbon credits?' And that's the great thing, they can be just about anything; plant some trees in your backyard, there's a carbon credit, use fluorescent lightbulbs - carbon credit, low flow toilets (we know that makes know sense even by carbon trading standards) yup, carbon credit. 'So does that mean I can sell VANOC carbon credits for being a socially responsible individual?' Some of you may be asking. I'm afraid not my unwashed, Birkenstock shod friend. Carbon credits are traded by large companies that only deal with other large companies or organizations and only deal with carbon credits on a vast scale, like for instance Canada's boreal forest. 'But that forest already exists!' You would be right to exclaim but it would be in vain, carbon traders don't see an already existing forest they see untapped carbon offsets that will make them millions. And VANOC...well are you surprised that a large government bureaucracy would spend millions of dollars on something that serves no discernable purpose, you are? You aren't also by chance stalking the Vice President?
Rumours of Premier's drug addiction spread
A rumour has started that Premier Gordon Campbell’s imbutain addiction is behind some of his recent strange behavior.
Recently the premier has claimed the Olympics will not be over budget, that there are no snow problems at Cypress and the H.S.T is good for small business – self-delusion and incoherent speech is, apparently, a sign of advanced imbutain addiction. What can we expect if the premier continues to decline to seek treatment for imbutain addiction, you may ask trembling at the thought that the premier already has a history of ‘self-medicating’ and is probably unlikely to seek treatment.
Which means he will likely become increasingly paranoid, delusional and monomaniacal – yes it will be difficult to differentiate the symptoms from his usual personality so we will have to watch closely for tell tale signs. For example if the premier insists on carting around his urine samples or if he insists that all incoming correspondence first be approved by his imaginary friend ‘Bob, the giant rabbit.’ Or if he stands atop the legislature building and screams, ‘I’m king of the world!’ Those are definite signs, although he may have already done that last one.
In the meantime former premier Bill Vanderzalm has launched an official recall petition to block the H.S.T (who says there are no second acts in politics, just look at Nixon…yeah I know no one cares about Nixon anymore, but he sounds like he was a lot more fun to make fun of than Campbell).
Vanderzalm may be getting a little long in the tooth to begin his political resurrection, but on the plus side there are no rumours of imbutain addiction circulating about him. Plus unlike Campbell and NDP leader Carole James Vanderzalm is clearly opposed to taxing the province into oblivion and…did we mention he’s free of imbutain addiction?
Actually the irony here is Campbell may be pulling a Vanderzalm, letting his shortcomings pull down the entire party, with Vanderzalm it was questionable real estate deals, with Campbell it’s a drug fueled imaginary bunny named Bob. Maybe the Liberals should rethink their choice for leader of the party before we all wake up to Vanderzalm saying, ‘hah, how do you like them apples!’ Or considering the above maybe we should get behind the Zalm and wish him well in his struggle against the powermad, drug addicted (allegedly) premier.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Is it wrong to win 18-0?
The Canadian women's hockey team annihilated the Slovack team last weekend and ever since there's been a lot of hand wringing about how wrong it is to win like that.
Well how should we win? By a one or two goal lead followed by a a tap on the back to their opponents and the acknowledgement that they played well?
But they didn't play well and the Canadian women don't want to pull back on a crucial training game in the short Olympic tournament, they want to play their best at all times and woe to their opponents if they're not up to it.
In the 1936 Olympic games the Canadian hockey team, which had won in 1920 (exhibition sport at the Summer Games), 1924, 1928 and 1932 had to face rule changes mid-tournanment. The IOC was determined to thwart another Canadian victory at the Olympics and allowed Canadian men serving in the British Army to join the British hockey team, they then forced onerous amateur qualifying standards on the Canadian team that they completely ignored for the European teams. It was actually Great Britain that won the Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1936 and it took until 1952 for the Trail Smoke Eaters (back then existing teams were selected to represent Canada at the tournament) to bring hockey Gold back to the motherland and then it took another 50 years for a Canadian team to repeat the feat, since the IOC refused to block so-called amateur European players, who were in fact often much better paid than NHL stars of the day.
So when the women beat Slovakia 18-0 I say good for them, and although the tournament will get harder and there are those out there who say were are compiling a Karmic debt that will have to be paid, the reality is it is Canada that is now reaping its Karmic pay back - and it's a bitch.
Well how should we win? By a one or two goal lead followed by a a tap on the back to their opponents and the acknowledgement that they played well?
But they didn't play well and the Canadian women don't want to pull back on a crucial training game in the short Olympic tournament, they want to play their best at all times and woe to their opponents if they're not up to it.
In the 1936 Olympic games the Canadian hockey team, which had won in 1920 (exhibition sport at the Summer Games), 1924, 1928 and 1932 had to face rule changes mid-tournanment. The IOC was determined to thwart another Canadian victory at the Olympics and allowed Canadian men serving in the British Army to join the British hockey team, they then forced onerous amateur qualifying standards on the Canadian team that they completely ignored for the European teams. It was actually Great Britain that won the Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1936 and it took until 1952 for the Trail Smoke Eaters (back then existing teams were selected to represent Canada at the tournament) to bring hockey Gold back to the motherland and then it took another 50 years for a Canadian team to repeat the feat, since the IOC refused to block so-called amateur European players, who were in fact often much better paid than NHL stars of the day.
So when the women beat Slovakia 18-0 I say good for them, and although the tournament will get harder and there are those out there who say were are compiling a Karmic debt that will have to be paid, the reality is it is Canada that is now reaping its Karmic pay back - and it's a bitch.
Olympic fever overtakes protesters
Perhaps it was bound to happen in what could be described as a variation of Stockholm Syndrome - Olympic protestors have now themselves succumbed to Olympic fever.
Downtown Vancouver this past weekend had the atmosphere of a giant carnival and the world's greatest block party rolled into one. Despite the crowds and long line-ups for the Sea Bus, West Coast Express and Skytrain most people remained in good spirits, supposedly unpatriotic Canadians were heard breaking into spontaneous renditions of O' Canada, volunteers in their distinctive blue jackets (the Smurf army) were cheered and the flags of visiting nations were given equal respect in the spirit of the Olympics and in keeping with the general mood of good cheer for all.
It certainly helped that the weather cooperated Sunday afternoon relieving the persistent Vancouver overcast and gloom.
Visitors to Vancouver may think the sparkling city on the Pacific Ocean is usually a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis - however as Vancouver advice columnist Alice Archer noted, "this is the Vancouver I always hoped could exist one day. The excitement, the vibe of living in a rich and diverse city with a cultural life that reflects that - that's not really Vancouver and never has been until now."
Despite having voted for the Olympics in 2002 Archer said she remained largely indifferent to the Games until now. "I'm glad they're here, I can't believe people left town to get away from the Games, why? You're never going to experience anything like this in your hometown again."
Which brings us to the Olympic protestors, engaged in running street battles with the police only the previous day, by Sunday they too had succumbed to Olympic fever.
"Everyone's just having too much fun," said one protestor who did not wished to be named. "We were just bumming everyone out and I have to admit now that there this is actually pretty cool...but don't tell anyone I said that."
Antifur protestors in front of the Vancouver did attempt a brief protest Sunday, parading naked along Robson street as Asian men filmed them (apparently they have a thing for overweight women with hairy armpits. But even they were undermined by a a five-year old Australian sheep dog named Buttercup, who amazed the crowd by doing handstands and barking out 'Waltzing Matilda.'
Several bystanders gave Buttercup a perfect '6' except one French tourists who gave her a '1.5.'
Downtown Vancouver this past weekend had the atmosphere of a giant carnival and the world's greatest block party rolled into one. Despite the crowds and long line-ups for the Sea Bus, West Coast Express and Skytrain most people remained in good spirits, supposedly unpatriotic Canadians were heard breaking into spontaneous renditions of O' Canada, volunteers in their distinctive blue jackets (the Smurf army) were cheered and the flags of visiting nations were given equal respect in the spirit of the Olympics and in keeping with the general mood of good cheer for all.
It certainly helped that the weather cooperated Sunday afternoon relieving the persistent Vancouver overcast and gloom.
Visitors to Vancouver may think the sparkling city on the Pacific Ocean is usually a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis - however as Vancouver advice columnist Alice Archer noted, "this is the Vancouver I always hoped could exist one day. The excitement, the vibe of living in a rich and diverse city with a cultural life that reflects that - that's not really Vancouver and never has been until now."
Despite having voted for the Olympics in 2002 Archer said she remained largely indifferent to the Games until now. "I'm glad they're here, I can't believe people left town to get away from the Games, why? You're never going to experience anything like this in your hometown again."
Which brings us to the Olympic protestors, engaged in running street battles with the police only the previous day, by Sunday they too had succumbed to Olympic fever.
"Everyone's just having too much fun," said one protestor who did not wished to be named. "We were just bumming everyone out and I have to admit now that there this is actually pretty cool...but don't tell anyone I said that."
Antifur protestors in front of the Vancouver did attempt a brief protest Sunday, parading naked along Robson street as Asian men filmed them (apparently they have a thing for overweight women with hairy armpits. But even they were undermined by a a five-year old Australian sheep dog named Buttercup, who amazed the crowd by doing handstands and barking out 'Waltzing Matilda.'
Several bystanders gave Buttercup a perfect '6' except one French tourists who gave her a '1.5.'
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wait in Starbucks and watch the world come in
With the Olympics in town Starbucks has become the great equalizer, you may not get invited to all of the so-called A list soirees (hey at least you won't get stuck in a corner talking with John Doyle) but eventually, it seems everyone needs their caffeine fix.
Sighted in the Starbucks in the Garibaldi Highlands between Vancouver and Whistler so far: The Governor General Michelle Jean and her entourage. Apparently she was polite, soft-spoken and patient as she waited for her large order, which she placed and paid for. Bob Kostas from NBC was a different story apparently. The diminutive broadcaster, rumour has it, skulked off to one side as one of his minions ordered an extra hot, non-caf, soya latte, which he then complained was too hot, and questioned whether it was in fact made with soya milk and added did local staff know what soya milk even was?
At Galileo Coffee House down the highway in Britannia Beach Sarah Mclaughlin and a friend came in and ordered the Canadiano (an Americano with maple syrup) she had never heard of such a concoction but she said she had heard maple syrup was good for a variety of common ailments such as, dropsy, the ague and skin failure.
She also bought a pound of fresh roasted coffee beans, after first enquiring about fair trade practices.
Down in Vancouver at the Starbucks in Gastown a local resident elbowed Russell Crowe out if the way when the movie star thought he should get the movie star treatment and go to the head of the line. When said resident asked Mister Superstar if he wanted to make something out of it, he allegely responded that know he was fine and demurely returned to the back of the line.
Sighted in the Starbucks in the Garibaldi Highlands between Vancouver and Whistler so far: The Governor General Michelle Jean and her entourage. Apparently she was polite, soft-spoken and patient as she waited for her large order, which she placed and paid for. Bob Kostas from NBC was a different story apparently. The diminutive broadcaster, rumour has it, skulked off to one side as one of his minions ordered an extra hot, non-caf, soya latte, which he then complained was too hot, and questioned whether it was in fact made with soya milk and added did local staff know what soya milk even was?
At Galileo Coffee House down the highway in Britannia Beach Sarah Mclaughlin and a friend came in and ordered the Canadiano (an Americano with maple syrup) she had never heard of such a concoction but she said she had heard maple syrup was good for a variety of common ailments such as, dropsy, the ague and skin failure.
She also bought a pound of fresh roasted coffee beans, after first enquiring about fair trade practices.
Down in Vancouver at the Starbucks in Gastown a local resident elbowed Russell Crowe out if the way when the movie star thought he should get the movie star treatment and go to the head of the line. When said resident asked Mister Superstar if he wanted to make something out of it, he allegely responded that know he was fine and demurely returned to the back of the line.
Canada poor sports for wanting to win
After spending upwards of $5 billion to host the Winter olympic Games apparently some commentators miss the good old days when we didn't win gold at home, but gee, we sure were all nice and stuff about losing.
Writing in the Globe and Mail John Doyle, the only Irishman on the planet who would choose Toronto over Boston or New York, says we shouldn't be focusing so much on the winners or winning in general, let's hear from the eighth or ninth place finishers and how it's just great to be able to be at the Olympics and all.
Wow, how completely underwhelming John, we imagine if the men's hockey team (God forbid) is knocked out in the quarter finals he'll 'treat' us to a column on how the boys played their hearts out and that's all we really care about.
Actually Canadians are not the uncompetitive lot those of us who don't get out enough would have us believe. Here on the West Coast where sports are much more a way of life than downtown Toronto, everyone knows that weekday group rides are never as friendly as they're made out to be and conversations at the top of the Grouse Grind (for those of us who do it regularly) almost invariably begin with, "so what was your time?"
We like to compete with the best of them and in the Olympics we'd like to see are elite athletes kick ass and fortunately for most of us they are elite athletes for a reason, they're deadly competitors and they want that gold.
Writing in the Globe and Mail John Doyle, the only Irishman on the planet who would choose Toronto over Boston or New York, says we shouldn't be focusing so much on the winners or winning in general, let's hear from the eighth or ninth place finishers and how it's just great to be able to be at the Olympics and all.
Wow, how completely underwhelming John, we imagine if the men's hockey team (God forbid) is knocked out in the quarter finals he'll 'treat' us to a column on how the boys played their hearts out and that's all we really care about.
Actually Canadians are not the uncompetitive lot those of us who don't get out enough would have us believe. Here on the West Coast where sports are much more a way of life than downtown Toronto, everyone knows that weekday group rides are never as friendly as they're made out to be and conversations at the top of the Grouse Grind (for those of us who do it regularly) almost invariably begin with, "so what was your time?"
We like to compete with the best of them and in the Olympics we'd like to see are elite athletes kick ass and fortunately for most of us they are elite athletes for a reason, they're deadly competitors and they want that gold.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Downhill cancelled again
Three training runs and the actual Women's Downhill twice has been cancelled, or postponed that is at the Whistler Creekside Alpine venue. Why? Because the track looked more like Shannon Falls in spring than an Olympic downhill run, and throw in a blanket of heavy fog and you have what's known as less than ideal conditions.
Actually the Dave Murray Downhill has a long history of weather induced cancellations or postponements.
Beginning with the first World Cup downhill to be run in Whistler in 1980, cancelled for lack of snow, through to the last few in the 1990s, variously, too much snow, fog, wind and rain. But this is the Olympics and there has to be a downhill and fortunately Mother Nature decided to play nice for a change and had the good grace to dump a few centimetres of snow on the course Saturday night and cleared the skies Sunday allowing for a few training runs before the race Monday.
Actually the Dave Murray Downhill has a long history of weather induced cancellations or postponements.
Beginning with the first World Cup downhill to be run in Whistler in 1980, cancelled for lack of snow, through to the last few in the 1990s, variously, too much snow, fog, wind and rain. But this is the Olympics and there has to be a downhill and fortunately Mother Nature decided to play nice for a change and had the good grace to dump a few centimetres of snow on the course Saturday night and cleared the skies Sunday allowing for a few training runs before the race Monday.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It's not easy to spend a $billion afterall
Those of us living in the Sea to Sky Corridor were treated to the incesscent buzz of military aircraft flying overhead for most of the day - so why did they need to fly around and around for hours on end?
We asked a policeman in line at a local Starbucks (hey you can't fight terrorists without being properly caffeinated), his response, they were doing surveillance while the Olympic athletes were transported back and forth between Whistler and Vancouver for the opening ceremonies.
Well of course it's very likely the Al Qaeda mountain bike brigade was lurking in the hills above Squamish and that furthermore they would attack in broad daylight for the convenience of are flying forces, who couldn't navigate the narrow valley at night in the heavy overcast weather.
Actually, on second thought it's probably more likely someone at the Department of National Defense decided the Air Force could use a few training runs over mountainous terrain and what the hell VANOC's paying for it.
This reminds of the ill fated Springfield bear patrol, as jets screamed overhead and high tech surveillance vans prowled the streets Homer Simpson remarked, "well not a bear in sight the bear patrol must be working."
So in that same vein I would like to offer VANOC my magical anti-terrorist rock for the low, low price of $65,000. Does it even work? You ask. Well I've had it on my desk for years and I've never been bothered by any terrorists.
We asked a policeman in line at a local Starbucks (hey you can't fight terrorists without being properly caffeinated), his response, they were doing surveillance while the Olympic athletes were transported back and forth between Whistler and Vancouver for the opening ceremonies.
Well of course it's very likely the Al Qaeda mountain bike brigade was lurking in the hills above Squamish and that furthermore they would attack in broad daylight for the convenience of are flying forces, who couldn't navigate the narrow valley at night in the heavy overcast weather.
Actually, on second thought it's probably more likely someone at the Department of National Defense decided the Air Force could use a few training runs over mountainous terrain and what the hell VANOC's paying for it.
This reminds of the ill fated Springfield bear patrol, as jets screamed overhead and high tech surveillance vans prowled the streets Homer Simpson remarked, "well not a bear in sight the bear patrol must be working."
So in that same vein I would like to offer VANOC my magical anti-terrorist rock for the low, low price of $65,000. Does it even work? You ask. Well I've had it on my desk for years and I've never been bothered by any terrorists.
Schwarzenegger mobbed by 1,000 sad losers
So you're 35 and living in your parents basement, working at 7-11 and surviving on nacho cheese flavoured chips and root beer. The highlight of your week is the online forum of obsessive geeks (like yourself) who dissect the minutiae of the series Lost.
Then you read (online of course) that former action movie star and current governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger will be running the Olympic torch relay along the Stanley Park seawall - so what do you do? Well what any thirty-something arrested adolescent, with zero life prospects would do, you show up at 4 am and wait for the Terminator to come jogging along, so you can ask him,"Mr. Governor will you be back?"
"It's the moment of a lifetime," said one pasty faced, chubby fan, between lusty chews of his bear claw.
Unfortunately for him more than 1,000 other lonely, overweight Terminator fans also thought it was the chance of a lifetime. A CBC news report said almost all of them were males between the ages of 20-35 and few, if any looked if they had any meaningful interactions with a flesh and blood female (okay I made up that last part, but come on, we're all thinking it.)
four hours later they were still debating the best pop cultural reference to pose as a question to the California governor when he cam loping around the corner, with Premier/lap dog Gordon Campbell in tow.
Despite their almost complete lack of any sort of athletic ability or even coordination the lumbering mass of sweaty, chocolate milk stained men overcame the security cordon. One security guard had this to say about the sudden assault of grown men with absolutely no familiarity with personal hygiene waving Terminator and True Lies action figures at the passing superstar turned politician.
"The horror, the horror."
Campbell was overwhelmed in the ensuing melee, although the more nimble Californian governor escaped unharmed. As his guest trotted on ahead Premier Campbell made the best of a bad situation.
"Hey isn't this great, what a turnout," said the premier in his most oleanginous manner, even while taking an elbow to the jaw from an obese man in a size xxxxxl sweatshirt holding a Predator poster that he so clearly, desperately wanted autographed.
But it wasn't to be, just as soon as he arrived Schwarzenegger was gone again, like the mythical unicorn lost in the mists.
To the assembled men it slowly dawned on them that their moment had passed, their date with destiny had come and gone and now all that was left was Elfquest and Warhammer. Although it wasn't all disappointment.
"hey did you see me nail Cambpell?" Exclaimed the rolly, polly fellow with the Predator poster, who had now produced a burrito from somewhere within the folds of his corpulence.
"Yeah that was cool, hey can I have a bite of that?" said his compatriot.
Then you read (online of course) that former action movie star and current governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger will be running the Olympic torch relay along the Stanley Park seawall - so what do you do? Well what any thirty-something arrested adolescent, with zero life prospects would do, you show up at 4 am and wait for the Terminator to come jogging along, so you can ask him,"Mr. Governor will you be back?"
"It's the moment of a lifetime," said one pasty faced, chubby fan, between lusty chews of his bear claw.
Unfortunately for him more than 1,000 other lonely, overweight Terminator fans also thought it was the chance of a lifetime. A CBC news report said almost all of them were males between the ages of 20-35 and few, if any looked if they had any meaningful interactions with a flesh and blood female (okay I made up that last part, but come on, we're all thinking it.)
four hours later they were still debating the best pop cultural reference to pose as a question to the California governor when he cam loping around the corner, with Premier/lap dog Gordon Campbell in tow.
Despite their almost complete lack of any sort of athletic ability or even coordination the lumbering mass of sweaty, chocolate milk stained men overcame the security cordon. One security guard had this to say about the sudden assault of grown men with absolutely no familiarity with personal hygiene waving Terminator and True Lies action figures at the passing superstar turned politician.
"The horror, the horror."
Campbell was overwhelmed in the ensuing melee, although the more nimble Californian governor escaped unharmed. As his guest trotted on ahead Premier Campbell made the best of a bad situation.
"Hey isn't this great, what a turnout," said the premier in his most oleanginous manner, even while taking an elbow to the jaw from an obese man in a size xxxxxl sweatshirt holding a Predator poster that he so clearly, desperately wanted autographed.
But it wasn't to be, just as soon as he arrived Schwarzenegger was gone again, like the mythical unicorn lost in the mists.
To the assembled men it slowly dawned on them that their moment had passed, their date with destiny had come and gone and now all that was left was Elfquest and Warhammer. Although it wasn't all disappointment.
"hey did you see me nail Cambpell?" Exclaimed the rolly, polly fellow with the Predator poster, who had now produced a burrito from somewhere within the folds of his corpulence.
"Yeah that was cool, hey can I have a bite of that?" said his compatriot.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Driving and cell phones
Driving while talking on your cell phone is now illegal in B.C., actually it's driving and using a handheld device, so that means no texting, creating Ipod playlists or online shopping while driving either - great, what are we supposed to do just watch the road?
Actually as far as laws go this one isn't such a bad one (until I get caught that is) it's just that I think it will have little effect. I'm still just as likely to be rear ended by a teenager, who's too busy sending out Tweets to notice we've come to a red light.
Actually as far as laws go this one isn't such a bad one (until I get caught that is) it's just that I think it will have little effect. I'm still just as likely to be rear ended by a teenager, who's too busy sending out Tweets to notice we've come to a red light.
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