2010 Vancouver Olympic & Paralympic Super-Thread

[Yume-sama]

You don't own anything that costs $800 (or even $200, as that is the cost per person) ?

My guess is they are older than you, and both have jobs.

That, or, they saved their pennies for the 6 years they knew they wanted to go to the Olympics

[SpongeG]

of course i do but not at the drop of a hat and saving up for 6 years to see curling or hockey is not my idea of vlaue - maybe a gucci sock perhaps but not a sporting event

anyway lets just move on

the tickets are pricey from what I have seen reported but on par with any concert or sporting in 2010 - thats why i don't go to concerts anymore either - i'm a cheap ass what can i say

[nova9]

I think cornholio's reply to my comment stated his position best - he chose vacations over Olympic tickets. We have someone complaining about the unaffordablility of Olympic sports event tickets because they wouldn't then be able to afford a vacation as well. As if a vacation is everyone's right and not a privilege.

If you can afford a vacation, you could have afforded some event tickets. If you value a vacation more over a once-in-a-lifetime event, then you have no argument.

I bet if they had priced more affordably and you were able to go to the Olympics and on a vacation BUT the Olympics lost a lot of money from poor revenue, you'd be complaining about that.

[mr.x]

I don't even understand how one could even complain about Olympic ticket prices, they are standardized and set on precedent from what previous Olympics have had...deal with it.

[nova9]

Below is an article that actually defends the Olympics and states that The Olympics has not wrought the mass evictions that punks like the APC or DERA have fear-mongered about. The rest speaks to issues surrounding affrodability of housing and availability of rental housing versus home-owners but I think this is should be publicized more to allay fears of some naysayers and maybe bring them into the Olympic fold. (here's hoping)

From The Georgia Straight(of all places)

Martha J. Lewis: Impact of Olympics on Vancouver tenants less than feared

Vancouver remains one of the most expensive cities to live in within Canada, although in 2009, due to the economic downturn, the increase in rents slowed. According to the fall 2009 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Market Report, average rents for a Vancouver apartment rose 2.9 percent in 2009 compared to 4.3 percent in 2008.

Vacancy rates improved. The rental apartment vacancy rate in Vancouver increased to 2.1 percent following several years of vacancies below one percent—still below the national average and among the worst rates in the country. The higher vacancy rates are attributed to a slowdown in employment and a shift to home ownership because of historically low interest rates. The change in vacancy rates in investor-owned condominiums was notable—from 0.6 percent in October 2008 to 1.7 percent in October 2009.

What does this have to do with the impact of the 2010 Games? The improved vacancy rate should make it easier for Olympic visitors to find accommodation in unrented homes and condos without the owners being tempted to displace sitting tenants.

As for evictions for the Olympics, at this point we have not heard of many. It’s hard to determine the effect on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, considering all the factors at play there. As for the rest of Vancouver, how much of the low impact on rental housing is due to normal demand and supply, and how much is due to public education? The City of Vancouver passed a temporary accommodation bylaw so that landlords who wanted to rent out units for the Olympics could apply for a temporary accommodation permit or face a fine. It also prohibited them from renting out any unit that was occupied by a tenant after June 1, 2009. The city established an on-line tenant registry for tenants concerned they might be evicted because of the Olympics. So far 193 tenants have registered.

The B.C. Apartment Owners and Managers Association and the Rental Owners and Managers Society of B.C., two landlord groups who represent many of the landlords in B.C., especially those with multi-unit buildings, advised their members that it would be folly to evict sitting tenants for the Games. As the Olympics are only a three-week event, why evict a good sitting tenant?

With only a few weeks left before the Olympics, we don’t anticipate many landlords evicting tenants for landlord use of property or renovations because those evictions require a two-month notice period.

Another factor is the economic slowdown that has cut down on the number of visitors planning to attend. And Vancouver is the largest city to ever host a Winter Olympics. The last North American host was Salt Lake City, which has only one-third the population of Vancouver. Vancouver has the capacity to absorb visitors because we are a popular tourist destination during the summer months. Until very recently, the media reported that there was still capacity in hotels in Vancouver and Whistler—although this week they reported that the rooms are filling fast.

Whatever the exact reasons, we have not heard of many evictions taking place that can be linked to the Winter Olympics.

Of course, the real problem has nothing to do with the 2010 Winter Olympics. The real problem is a succession of federal governments which have failed to introduce a national housing policy, which have no stated deadlines for dealing with homelessness, which have not provided leadership nor adequate funding for non-market housing solutions such as housing cooperatives and social housing, and whose taxation polices have failed to provide incentives for investors to build market rental buildings.

The real problem is government which promotes home ownership and ignores the needs of the many Canadians who can never compete in the private market. And because of the government’s resounding silence about how we will house Canadians who need assistance, including a very rapidly aging population, the question of the impact of the Olympics doesn’t compare to the larger problem.

Martha J. Lewis is the executive director of TRAC Tenants Resource & Advisory Centre.

[ckkelley]

Didn't the government also give away a large number of tickets (I think it was thousands!) to social agencies for low income folk as well? So yes, I would say that 2010 has been very inclusive.

Those two Olympic live sites are a part of the special atmosphere of the Olympics and they're there so everyone and anyone can enjoy it for free! And frankly, if you live in Metro and don't come downtown to at least enjoy some of the electricity....well, you're missin' out and you're probably going to be regretful in the post Olympic era.

[ckkelley]

Originally Posted by nova9

Below is an article that actually defends the Olympics and states that The Olympics has not wrought the mass evictions that punks like the APC or DERA have fear-mongered about. The rest speaks to issues surrounding affrodability of housing and availability of rental housing versus home-owners but I think this is should be publicized more to allay fears of some naysayers and maybe bring them into the Olympic fold. (here's hoping)

Wow, that was in the Straight? Holy.

Yep, Chris Shaw and crew aren't going to like reading that.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by nova9

Below is an article that actually defends the Olympics and states that The Olympics has not wrought the mass evictions that punks like the APC or DERA have fear-mongered about. The rest speaks to issues surrounding affrodability of housing and availability of rental housing versus home-owners but I think this is should be publicized more to allay fears of some naysayers and maybe bring them into the Olympic fold. (here's hoping)

Umm, that's probably because the Olympics aren't as successful at attracting visitors as the fanboys had everyone believe. Hence the reduction in planned RV parking and cruise ship accomodation prices, and Molson Hockey House having to flog discount tickets.

Glad to see the deflating hype has allowed some low income folks to stay in their homes though. Its an ill wind that blows nobody good.

[Yume-sama]

I don't think Molson House has anyone to blame but themselves. Would ANYONE pay $500 per day to sit there and drink Molson?

That's relying on a certain set of the population, who let's face it, isn't really part of Molson Canadian's core audience.

Even $99 seems steep to me, and for that they best have the REAL Wolfgang Puck cooking my food, not just his brand

As for cruiseship pricing, the free market always determines the best price. Some of them were obscenely priced (up to $20,000 for 4 days), so they've had to come down.

If nobody is buying your item because it is astronomically priced, it only makes sense to lower the price to get some bites.

If anything, the myth of the extremely wealthy Olympic visitor coming en masse has been shattered. Hell, most already have a vacation home here

Originally Posted by ckkelley

Wow, that was in the Straight? Holy.

Yep, Chris Shaw and crew aren't going to like reading that.

Like any of their arguments are actually based on facts. It won't change anything.

[GeeCee]

Took a picture of the rings today from Canada Place..


My photo on Flickr

[hollywoodnorth]

a nice fuck you from VANOC to Staples customers.......



January 22, 2010.

Dear Valued Customer,

As has been widely communicated, due to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, VANOC requires businesses located in the downtown core to reduce their vehicular traffic by at least 30% during the Olympics.

It is important for you, our valued customers, to understand the changes we will be making during the games to comply with this mandate.

During the month of February, Staples will offer the following delivery service within Olympic-designated areas:

All customers outside of the Olympic-designated areas will be serviced as normal.

For residences and businesses located WITHIN a restricted access area, we unfortunately cannot attempt delivery. However, orders placed will be available for pick-up between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM at our Vancouver distribution centre located at 1125 Vernon Drive Vancouver V6A 3P5 for THREE (3) business days after order placement. To ensure you receive the right order, please provide one piece of ID at pick-up*.

For residences and businesses located OUTSIDE a restricted access area, but WITHIN the Olympic-designated areas, delivery will be limited and only attempted once between the hours of 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If delivery is unsuccessful, orders will be available for pick-up between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM at our Vancouver distribution centre located at 1125 Vernon Drive Vancouver V6A 3P5 for the TWO (2) business days following the date of the unsuccessful delivery attempt. Please provide one piece of ID for pick-up*.

*The person picking up an order should be the one who placed it, or another designated person.

For a map outlining affected areas go to - http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca.

We highly recommend that leading up to the Olympics you place larger orders (before February 1st) and 'stock up' on your anticipated necessary supplies.

Please note that during the games, our retail stores will continue to operate for your shopping convenience. To locate the nearest store, visit www.Staples.ca/findastore.

If you have any questions about our modified delivery schedule, please speak with a customer service representative at 1-800-668-6888.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this exciting time in our city's history.

Sincerely,

Peter Watanabe
Director of Marketing, Staples Business Delivery

[Yume-sama]

A nice story from the Olympics...

McKeever 1st Paralympian to compete in Winter Olympics

Visually impaired cross-country skier Brian McKeever is about to make history.

The 30-year-old Canmore, Alta., native has been named to Team Canada, becoming the first Paralympian to compete in a Winter Olympics.

"I think this is a really neat opportunity for all of us," McKeever said in a press conference.

"The Paralympic world is not usually one that builds Olympic athletes, but it was a good opportunity for me … and I hope it shows that Paralympic athletes are training at the same sort of level as the Olympic athletes, despite their physical disabilities," he continued.

Cross Country Canada announced its roster on Friday, indicating McKeever had joined one of Canada's "most talented teams" of cross-country athletes.

The team includes six men and five women, with 2006 Olympic gold and silver medallists Chandra Crawford and Sara Renner on the roster.

McKeever has had his heart set on qualifying for the 2010 Olympic team since he came 21st at the able-bodied World Championships in 2007.

Tom Holland, high-performance director of Cross Country Canada, said McKeever accomplished his goal when he won the 50-kilometre race at the Canadian trials.

"This is truly one of the most talented Olympic Teams Canada has ever assembled, which is not only a testament to the continued strength and growth of the national program but also demonstrates what an incredible athlete Brian is and the enormity of his accomplishment," he said in a press release.

More: http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/crosscountrys...spo-mckeever-olympics-cross-country.html

[Yume-sama]

Obama likely a no show for opening ceremonies

VANCOUVER - U.S. President Barack Obama is not expected to attend the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but that doesn't mean he isn't coming at all.

An official announcement from the White House may come as early as next week regarding the American delegation to the Games.

It's expected that Vice-President Joe Biden will be named as the U.S. government's official face at the lavish Feb. 12 event.

He'll join a roster of kings, queens and government ministers who have said they'll be attending, though not all of the heads of state of the 80 nations competing at the Games have RSVP'd.

It's a low-profile list, so far.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown isn't expected to attend nor is Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Instead, sports ministers from their countries are confirmed, including the U.K.'s Tessa Jowell, who is in charge of preparations for the London 2012 Games.

Russia, which is hosting the 2014 Winter Games, is expected to be represented by current President Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, as well as Vice-President Dmitry Kozak, who oversees those Olympics.

As for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, it's a qualified maybe.

In the guessing game of which dignitaries will or won't be at the 2010 Winter Games, getting positive confirmations is tricky.

While the invitations were sent months ago, RSVPs are only trickling in as heads of state are just now finalizing their schedules.

There's no master list at the Department of Foreign Affairs either. Unlike official state visits, these ones are under the auspices of the Olympic organizing committee, not the federal government.

And the organizing committee isn't saying.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=27557.html#obama+likely+show+opening+ceremonies

I hope he stays as far away as he can. The last thing we need is more lockdown just because he is here.

Can't wait to see what dumb things Joe Biden says while he is here. Maybe amazement we don't live in Igloos?

[entheosfog]

Originally Posted by nova9

If you can afford a vacation, you could have afforded some event tickets. If you value a vacation more over a once-in-a-lifetime event, then you have no argument.

Or twice in a life-time event for some of us
I'm sure I could scrounge up some dough for an event and I may just do that to be a part of things. But also just going to the free stuff and taking pics could suffice for me.

[nobase2010]

This is part of the Culture Olympiad. It's located on Granville street downtown. I wish to see more of this after the Olympic.

• Video Link

[Yume-sama]

Anyone know if they sell those nerdy little ticket holders that you can wear around your neck? I want one

The tickets are HUGE and don't fit in my wallet, or anything else. They are gigantic. I don't want to bend them, either

[Pinion]

2,500 elective surgeries delayed for 2010 Games

Patients with blocked arteries, cancer and hernias could face longer waits

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/elective+surgeries+delayed+2010+Games/1795763/story.html

Upwards of 2,500 patients waiting for surgery for everything from blocked arteries to cancer to hernias will find their elective surgeries postponed during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health authorities said Wednesday they have decided to cut by 35 per cent the number of elective surgeries performed over a one-month period in February and March 2010.

Hope you or no one you care about dies as a result of this.

[Yume-sama]

Well, that is definitely ridiculous. And exactly what happens when the government controls your healthcare.

It does say elective however, as in not life saving, not that it makes the situation any less egregious.

[nova9]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Well, that is definitely ridiculous. And exactly what happens when the government controls your healthcare.

It does say elective however, as in not life saving, not that it makes the situation any less egregious.

Wow, I'm trying hard to let this one slide because it would be off topic. But really? PM me if you wanna discuss. Hahah.

They're ELECTIVE surgeries!!!!!

[Yume-sama]

Well, I have experience enough to know that the definition of "elective" in Canada is VERY broad, and is just defined as something that you could live without. And this is done to cut costs, so the government can ration how many of these surgeries per year will be performed. As if they were compulsory, they would HAVE to be performed no matter what. Probably the best example that I am familiar with within my own circle is.... blindness. If you suddenly wake up blind, and it is correctable, the government considers the surgery that will fix you to be "elective" because your life is not in any immediate danger. You can still live. So, they put a limit on how many of these surgeries the government will pay for each year. You can, however, pay $800 and have your surgery tomorrow. So, really, it could be more serious than what you may think an elective surgery is.... like, plastic surgery or something You can be in EXCRUCIATING pain with broken bones, but, you're not gonna die, so...

I don't find their reasoning to be very good, I must say.