2010 Vancouver Olympic & Paralympic Super-Thread

[SpongeG]

well they are just reporting - we have just come out of one of the mildest januarys on record just because its the olympics doesn't mean that the media isn't going to report that

they are trucking in snow from 2 hours away - that is just sad

[Yume-sama]

I think the sad thing is, it's not even for the skihill, as there is enough for that. It's to create a nice look for the cameras lol

And they are using their "snow removal" budget to add snow. Better hope we don't get some freak snowstorms.

The media never reports on Whistler. So naturally, everyone just thinks there is no snow ANYWHERE.

In fact, all Global did lastnight was report on how there is no snow, flowers are blooming, and it will be a disaster for VANOC.

[delboy]

on another note, where are the pre-celebrations? a week away and I've yet to see anything that amounts to "getting in the vibe" I have to say, it's been very underwhelming so far. Vancouver lacks any buzz at the best of times, but..............

[Yume-sama]

I suppose you'll probably feel more of an aura once I arrive on the 10th

[SpongeG]

just walk downtown it's hard to miss the vibe - i've seen tourists and athletes walking around, the light thing is starting, the lunar fest is going on granville, the olympic store inside the bay is busy - they have been trading pins there for a few weeks already, almost every store and business has some kind of GO Canada GO thing on display - even the dragon store on granville isnald has little dragons doing winter sports...

i think the zip line starts up soon too

[Yume-sama]

Have you seen them selling other teams jerseys in the Bay or anywhere, yet?

I want a Team Finland jersey. And maybe Russia. Ooh yes, I'm choosing sides in the heated Finland vs. Sweden rivalry.

[SpongeG]

not yet - but in the bay olympic store they have a section of sweaters made somewhere in europe i think norway - thay are quite pricey since they are made in europe and not china

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Have you seen them selling other teams jerseys in the Bay or anywhere, yet?

5th floor of The Bay apparently - read that somewhere - maybe here?

[delboy]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

I suppose you'll probably feel more of an aura once I arrive on the 10th

smashing!

[delboy]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

just walk downtown it's hard to miss the vibe - i've seen tourists and athletes walking around, the light thing is starting, the lunar fest is going on granville, the olympic store inside the bay is busy - they have been trading pins there for a few weeks already, almost every store and business has some kind of GO Canada GO thing on display - even the dragon store on granville isnald has little dragons doing winter sports...

i think the zip line starts up soon too

precisely my point, lunar fest, trading pins and the bay, where's the piss up?

[SpongeG]

did anyone see the piece on david letterman and vancouver's lack of snow and with that US snow boarder? (who btw that snow boarder ears $10 mill a year!) and japan has done a stort on the no snow

anyway also all the flags going up at the village! The athletes are decorating! picture time!

[NewfBC]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Yes, the media scene in Canada is very strange. We're very self-deprecating compared to many other Countries media, like Japan (or especially) USA. Maybe that is just Canadian culture, and why we're viewed as "modest" compared to others. Most probably genuinely don't believe Canada is "the best" place on Earth, as many other people think of their own Country. I guess in a sense fierce nationalism isn't *great* but a little may be OK, too?

It is nice our politicians don't have to fakely espouse their love for the Country and God every time they go on TV like our Southern neighbors. Even Obama panders to that, talking about how he gets his sermons and bible passages on his blackberry everyday, which help him decide on his World view I think people crucified W for the same thing lol But ahh well, now we're off track.

IT WOULD BE NICE to see some positive stories for once The World *is* watching and is actually believing a lot of the half truths our media tells

Yes.. in Japan, they don't think there's a problem with Toyota:

"PERCEPTION GAP

Consumers in Japan have been slow to voice concern, and rival automakers have not offered incentives to capitalise on Toyota's woes.

"It seems to be a problem just in the U.S.," said retiree Masanori Kawami, 63, who said he was expecting delivery of a Prius at the end of this month. "I'm not worried."

But that nonchalance may not last.

North American and Japanese dealers have received several dozen complaints over insufficient braking on Toyota's new Prius hybrid on bumpy or frozen roads, Toyota said."

Ron.

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by delboy

precisely my point, lunar fest, trading pins and the bay, where's the piss up?

whats a piss up? and its games sports not a drinking fest

all the venues are family oriented - expect new years first night restrictions - they won't be as fun as you imagine them i guess

[Waders]

The situation seems to be getting a bit desperate. VANOC is using Sikorsky S64 Skycrane to move snow on Cypress Mountain. The cost is at least $10,000 an hour!
Source: http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local...pter_090203/20100203?hub=BritishColumbia

David Letterman was joking about the situation in "The Late Show" when talking to USA Olympic snowboarder Shaun White.

David Letterman poked fun at the snow-challenged Cypress Mountain, the venue for 2010 snowboard and freestyle skiing events, during an interview with Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun white Tuesday night.

"Now you're off to Vancouver, have they got enough snow for your event?" Letterman joked, eliciting laughs from the audience.

White said he hoped there would be.

"We're getting these random rumours that they're saying Russian helicopters flying snow in and they're building the half pipe out of hay then covering it with snow. These are true stories so we'll see."

Still, Letterman didn't let up.

"Well, I know they are asking ticket holders to bring their own snow so if you're going do what you can," Letterman said.

Source: Watch the story and video at CTV http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local..._100203/20100203?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

[Yume-sama]

Originally Posted by NewfBC

Yes.. in Japan, they don't think there's a problem with Toyota

Well, there's actually not a problem. Cars built IN Japan are not being recalled. Cars built by the incompetent Americans and Canadians, are

They use separate parts from separate suppliers. You can, whenever you buy a Toyota, actually make sure your car is built in Japan and not here.

They go for higher on resale, too.

As for Cypress, they really should have just held every event in Whistler and avoided the nightmare.

[ckkelley]

They're testing strobelight synchronization with spotlights and various multicolored lights over Robson Square right now.

It is TOTALLY COOL!!!! It looks like Close Encounters and Blade Runner!

It definitely giving me a jolt of Olympic energy!

[nobase2010]

This is interesting, Lululemon is sponsoring U.S.A. Bobsledder, Steve Mesler for the Olympic. How about our Canadian Atheletes?

[officedweller]

From Chowtimes.com

Shoryumen and Fumisen and Bakudanyaki Food Trucks in Richmond
http://chowtimes.com/2010/02/02/shoryumen-and-fumisen-and-bakudanyaki-in-richmond/

[Locked In]

Originally Posted by officedweller

5th floor of The Bay apparently - read that somewhere - maybe here?

I checked out the 5th floor of the Bay last night - lots of gear from different countries up there already, and the Russians were setting up a big display as we were walking through. There is a large section of Team Canada gear up there too, with some sizes/styles that were sold out in the main store on the 1st floor.

The 5th floor takes any form of payment as well - I picked up a couple of Canada t-shirts on Mastercard. The sales clerk said that technically, you could even bring Canada gear from the 1st floor upstairs if you want to pay using something other than cash/visa - just not the 'Vancouver 2010' branded stuff.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by ckkelley

They're testing strobelight synchronization with spotlights and various multicolored lights over Robson Square right now.

It is TOTALLY COOL!!!! It looks like Close Encounters and Blade Runner!

It definitely giving me a jolt of Olympic energy!

I'm looking at it from the office - I see floodlights spinning in blue, red, orange and purple (there may be 12 sets of them - 6 north and 6 south of Robson) - plus the flashes of the white strobe lights - but damn the mesh wrap on our windows!!