[officedweller]

Samsung on TD Tower (almost done (one strip to go) - easier on the all glass facade) and Royal Bank wrap on Royal Tower - definitely a problem adhering the wrap to the precast spandrel panels - they've stopped applying it to those section of the facade:
Pics by me today

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8561/p1150184q.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1416/p1150183.jpg

[Stingray2004]

Yay! David Hasselhoff!

Actually it looks like 'Sachsen Haus" are bringing in top name talent from Germany.

De Erbschleicher: Cool name! :D

http://www.saxony-in-vancouver-2010.com/FNCMSFiles/erbschleicher.jpg



And the following makes me think hmmmmm.... is this for real?

Should you prefer to experience the competitions at first hand, we will be pleased to offer you a wide variety of tickets. The focus will lie on the Nordic skiing events, biathlon, the bobsleigh and luge competitions as well as on figure skating and speed skating - depending on our ticket allotment.

http://www.saxony-in-vancouver-2010.com/index.php?ILNK=home&iL=2&PHPSESSID=rlg5v9kos6dp1g92kbok7fv0c3pnr7fk


BTW, Sachsen is also the home state of Olympic gold medallist and figure skater Katarina Witt.

[nova9]

An ad from Team Belgium

QQHr6jjYt94

[SpongeG]

cool^^^

What Happens When You Throw a Winter Olympics and Winter Forgets to Show Up?

By Mike Seely in Environment, Seattle Times, Sports
Thursday, Jan. 14 2010 @ 3:00PM


​Seattle is in the midst of an El Niño--read: very mild--winter. Coming on the heels of last year's Snowpocalypse, which froze the city into immobility, this is probably a welcome environment for most Seattleites. But what's warm for Seattle is sending chills down Vancouver, B.C.'s spine.


Why? Vancouver has a Winter Olympics to host in a little under a month, and it's so toasty there right now that they're having to shut down ski slopes in order to "to preserve and protect the integrity of the snowboarding and freestyle-skiing courses." Worse yet, it doesn't look like this tropical front will be returning to the Caribbean anytime soon, predicts the Northwest's (and perhaps the nation's) preeminent weather guru, Cliff Mass.

"On [Feb. 12, the day the Games are set to start] the high will be 49F, the low 38F. Mostly cloudy with scattered light rain showers," Mass informs the Daily Weekly, upon request. "Now you realize of course that I could be off a degree or two!"

Ru-roh, Raggy! And here we thought a front-page ticketing "scandal" was going to be the biggest hurdle for Vancouver's Olympic Committee to overcome. Either that or the fact that nobody outside of hard-core fans tends to give two shits about the Winter Olympics, aside from when Johnny Weir takes the ice in one of his gayer-than-Bowie get-ups.

...

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2010/01/what_happens_when_you_throw_a.php

[Yume-sama]

:P Seattle continues their bitter rants. Can't handle that one of their neighbors is going to get some attention ;)

And all of these media reports fail to actually report that it's Vancouver by name, but mostly in Whistler. Where there is snow.

So, while you won't be cross-country skiing down Robson Street, you will be able to in Whistler Olympic Park.

However, every good blogger knows never to let a little thing like facts and reality get in the way of a really good pompous rant.

[canucks23]

:haha:

[Delirium]

HEAVY SNOWFALL HAMMERS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB WITH 70 CENTIMETRES / 28 INCHES FALLING IN 24 HOURS
Snowbase reaches 297 centimetres or 9.7 feet; well over a metre/47 inches of snow has fallen in the past seven days.

WHISTLER, BC, January 15, 2010 – The latest storm to hit Whistler Blackcomb has dumped a whopping 70 centimetres or 28 inches in 24 hours, immersing the resort in deep winter conditions. Although the heavy snow and high winds prevented a number of lifts from opening today, the forecast for clearer skies this afternoon and tomorrow bodes well for weekend skiers and riders.

“Even with all the snow this year, this latest storm was one of the most intense storms we’ve dealt with in a long time,” says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain manager. “Ski Patrol has been conducting extensive avalanche control work, and Operations crews have been working throughout the night and day digging out. For those guests who endured the storm, the rewards were plentiful as there were many fresh tracks to be had. We would have loved to have opened up more terrain today; with the avalanche control work we can get done tonight and tomorrow morning, Saturday will be epic.”

The snowbase is on the verge of reaching three metres or 9.8 feet. With the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games now less than a month away, the resort is primed ready to welcome the world to its snowy slopes.

The five-day forecast is calling for a mix of sun and clouds tomorrow, followed by another strong frontal system that will approach the region late Saturday bringing 20 to 40 centimetres or eight to 15 inches of snow to the resort.

http://newschoolers.com/web/content/readnews/id/3097/

check out Whistler's webcam this morning :slob: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/cams/index.htm

[nova9]

:P Seattle continues their bitter rants. Can't handle that one of their neighbors is going to get some attention ;)

And all of these media reports fail to actually report that it's Vancouver by name, but mostly in Whistler. Where there is snow.

So, while you won't be cross-country skiing down Robson Street, you will be able to in Whistler Olympic Park.

However, every good blogger knows never to let a little thing like facts and reality get in the way of a really good pompous rant.

Seriously right? Seattle has had it in for the Olympics in the last couple of months. I hope they don't get any of the tangential benefits they predicted - I mean, is their US border crossing renovation completed?

[Locked In]

Speaking of snow, Cypress had 71cm in the last week, and has a mid-mountain base of 230cm. I don't think we're exactly in crisis mode here...

http://cypressmountain.com/alpine-conditions

[johnjimbc]

You and your so-called "facts" getting in the way of a good rant . . . really now ;)

[Locked In]

^ Don't worry - facts will never get in the way of a good rant!
----
TD Tower wrap:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9FW9P3-u1EI/S1LP_iA1QgI/AAAAAAAACN0/x20t1UdC7Gk/s800/IMG_3263.jpg

(my photo, January 17)

[Stingray2004]

Ontario Pavillion u/c:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4279715189_8970877060.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4279712309_62a7d2b1ca.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4280458282_2dd0a80247.jpg

Quebec House (Maison Quebec) u/c:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4279731141_f776c46b11.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4279730179_abb28016dc.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4279725497_2065aee57a.jpg

Saskatchewan Pavillion u/c:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4280526446_eb86529df5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4279781263_f26ba48bfb.jpg

Canada's Northern House - now open:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4279754603_4c99efaa90.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4279767739_dc306b6d12.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4280505644_89960a6f40.jpg

Source: http://www.citycaucus.com/2010freevenues#5380

[SFUVancouver]

^ Don't worry - facts will never get in the way of a good rant!
----
TD Tower wrap:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9FW9P3-u1EI/S1LP_iA1QgI/AAAAAAAACN0/x20t1UdC7Gk/s800/IMG_3263.jpg

(my photo, January 17)

Thanks for all the photos everyone. The vents really mess up the graphic. In retrospect it would have been wiser to start four storeys higher.

[NetMapel]

heres some to start: add em if you know em

West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square
2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Surrey 2010 Celebration Site
Holland Park
(King George Highway and Old Yale Road), Surrey

2010 Aboriginal Pavilion
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza
649 Cambie Street at Georgia Street, downtown Vancouver

Richmond O Zone
Richmond City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road) and Minoru Park (7191 Granville Avenue), Richmond

Whistler Live!
Whistler Village Stroll

British Columbia’s Robson Square Celebration Site
Robson Square

LiveCity Downtown and LiveCity Yaletown
LiveCity Downtown corner of Georgia Street and Beatty Street;
LiveCity Yaletown David Lam Park, Pacific Boulevard at Drake Street.
The two sites are connected by pedestrian thoroughfares.

The BCLC 2010 Winter Games Dome
at the Richmond O Zone

Bell Ice Cube Pavillion
Robson and Beatty streets

Irish House - http://www.irishhouse2010.com/
620 Nelson St.

holland heinekenhouse
7551 Minoru Gate, richmond

House of Switzerland
Bridges Restaurant - Granville Island

New Westminster (Keep the Dream Alive)
Queensborough Community Centre.

Ontario Pavilion
between BC Place Stadium and Sochi House (Science World)

Sochi 2014 - Russia
Science World

Quebec House (Maison Quebec)
Concord Pacific site near science world

Saskatchewan Pavilion
Concord Pacific site near science world

Abbotsford Live Site
abbotsford recreation centre

Alberta House
Robson and Beatty

Atlantic Canada House
Arts Club Theatre Granville Island

BC Hydro PowerSmart Village
Outside their building downtown

Canada Northern House
602 W. Hastings Street

Canada Pavilion
LiveCity Vancouver – Downtown site (on Georgia Street at Cambie)

CentrePlace Manitoba
LiveCity Vancouver – Downtown site (on Georgia Street at Cambie)

Four Host Nations Pavilion
Queen Elizabeth theatre

French Quarter
Granville Island

GE Plaza
Robson Square

German Saxony House
Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park

Coca-Cola House
Granville Island Hotel

Molson Canadian Hockey House
Concord Pacific site near science world

US Olympic House
Seymour Street

Royal Canadian Mint
500 Granville street

Budweiser House
Commodore Ballroom

Pride House
Davie & Bute (Qmunity centre)

Jamaican Bobsleigh House
Savage Beagle club in Whistler

Laser Waterworks Show
Live city yaletown/falsecreek

any more to add?

This list is good. Where can I find those houses on Vancouver 2010's official site though ???

[ckkelley]

The scene so far

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4282402105_7c6a27c8c8_b.jpg

Photo by me

[ckkelley]

Note the scaffold platform recently erected here north of the Smithe Street overpass.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4282402189_c3d2221c0f_b.jpg

Photo by me.

Could this be a camera position? Security?

[SFUVancouver]

^ In the foreground the multi-storey scaffolding is the likely departure point for the zipline.

[SFUVancouver]

heres some to start: add em if you know em

West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square
2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

Surrey 2010 Celebration Site
Holland Park
(King George Highway and Old Yale Road), Surrey

2010 Aboriginal Pavilion
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza
649 Cambie Street at Georgia Street, downtown Vancouver

Richmond O Zone
Richmond City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road) and Minoru Park (7191 Granville Avenue), Richmond

Whistler Live!
Whistler Village Stroll

British Columbia’s Robson Square Celebration Site
Robson Square

LiveCity Downtown and LiveCity Yaletown
LiveCity Downtown corner of Georgia Street and Beatty Street;
LiveCity Yaletown David Lam Park, Pacific Boulevard at Drake Street.
The two sites are connected by pedestrian thoroughfares.

The BCLC 2010 Winter Games Dome
at the Richmond O Zone

Bell Ice Cube Pavillion
Robson and Beatty streets

Irish House - http://www.irishhouse2010.com/
620 Nelson St.

holland heinekenhouse
7551 Minoru Gate, richmond

House of Switzerland
Bridges Restaurant - Granville Island

New Westminster (Keep the Dream Alive)
Queensborough Community Centre.

Ontario Pavilion
between BC Place Stadium and Sochi House (Science World)

Sochi 2014 - Russia
Science World

Quebec House (Maison Quebec)
Concord Pacific site near science world

Saskatchewan Pavilion
Concord Pacific site near science world

Abbotsford Live Site
abbotsford recreation centre

Alberta House
Robson and Beatty

Atlantic Canada House
Arts Club Theatre Granville Island

BC Hydro PowerSmart Village
Outside their building downtown

Canada Northern House
602 W. Hastings Street

Canada Pavilion
LiveCity Vancouver – Downtown site (on Georgia Street at Cambie)

CentrePlace Manitoba
LiveCity Vancouver – Downtown site (on Georgia Street at Cambie)

Four Host Nations Pavilion
Queen Elizabeth theatre

French Quarter
Granville Island

GE Plaza
Robson Square

German Saxony House
Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park

Coca-Cola House
Granville Island Hotel

Molson Canadian Hockey House
Concord Pacific site near science world

US Olympic House
Seymour Street

Royal Canadian Mint
500 Granville street

Budweiser House
Commodore Ballroom

Pride House
Davie & Bute (Qmunity centre)

Jamaican Bobsleigh House
Savage Beagle club in Whistler

Laser Waterworks Show
Live city yaletown/falsecreek

any more to add?


Samsung pavillion (product demos, 3D movie theatre)
LiveCity Yaletown.

Vancouverism architectural show
Woodwards atrium, DTES

The Candahar - an exact replica of a famous Belfast neighbourhood pub. Live music and art show nightly, working bar.
Playwrights Theatre Centre Studio, Granville Island

CODE Live (Cultural Olympiad Digital Edition) - nightly concerts paired with experimental art installations
Great Northern Way Campus

Vectorial Elevation - Interactive light display with searchlights
English Bay

Also, a bit more detail: US Olympic House: Seymour and Nelson St.

[deasine]

The building wrap looks kind of odd on the TD building... I think they should've went with a dark scheme (matching the tone of the building), with the brighter colours popping out instead of the white. Thanks for the photo CKKelly.

[nobase2010]

My visit to Canada's northern house. Admission is free.

-kyynspUWoI

[nobase2010]

It was a nice beautiful day.

-s6fbymE0WE

[mr.x]

^ nice vid.

But I've gotta say, that's not much of a security fence.

[touraccuracy]

are there still any ways to buy tickets other than the fan-to-fan thing? those are all extremely overpriced. i heard on the news there were still speed skating tickets in the range of 25 bucks... but that seems impossible to find.

also, does anyone know the rules to getting up to whistler? i can crash on a friend's floor up there and i just need to know how i'm allowed to commute up there, how much busses are, is there available parking, etc.

[Yume-sama]

lol CTV Calgary just showed a meeting of "anti-Olympic" activists in Calgary, as the torch prepares to come through the city. They were explaining how the games are bad for the environment, bad for the aboriginal peoples, unsustainable, how all of the money should have been spent on combating homelessness, and how the government is treating protesters bad. Then they showed the crowd. There was literally more media people than people in attendance, a generous estimate is 7 including the speaker. How do they even get the media out to their event as if they have some legitimacy?? The media needs to stop giving literally half a dozen people so much attention as if they matter.

[raggedy13]

Some Olympic stuff I took photos of on Saturday:

One of those faux-trolley tourist buses with Olympic sponsor advertising...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4280526310_d83de8be6b_b.jpg

This wrap is old news, but whatever...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4279798911_c231d339fe_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4280599918_c535790fcf_b.jpg

Olympics tents at the Westin Bayshore:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4284071496_bede81b225_b.jpg

Mystery work going on at Jack Poole Plaza...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4283369761_78881b0d87_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4283371447_5571c21a15_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4284119774_fee70bc466_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4283381533_6d181779e7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4284123642_59684860e6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4283383381_1084ea860d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4284133218_a990c2ea0f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4284223696_6a3460d656_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4284225380_13c0a3d26f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4283483307_d71c71cd21_b.jpg

Lots of people taking pictures at the clock
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4283486559_455e5069b5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4283488955_ff709b5c07_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4284301730_d118f98248_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4283509967_7cf2643dfb_b.jpg

BC advertising being applied to the steps at Robson Square...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4283534211_99ba959238_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4284294708_2279dc6fb6_b.jpg

[SpongeG]

This list is good. Where can I find those houses on Vancouver 2010's official site though ???

i don't know i looked there and ended up scouring google and went to a number of different sites - most of it was from memory of what i saw on here in the news and there has been a lot of advertising in the canada line trains and stations - thats how i found out about the royal canadian mint setting up a place...

[SpongeG]

^ nice vid.

But I've gotta say, that's not much of a security fence.

that street will be closed to the public january 27th after that people will not be allowed anywhere near the fences unless they have a red zone clearance to do so- i believe its a block south of there at cordova - people and cars definately - are not allowed there - a lot of businesses within the red zone were only told recently that they would have restricted access as well - some were thinking of just closing up - a number of condos are even affected apparently

[SpongeG]

speaking of Vanoc buying all the advertising space in the city billboards bus shelters etc - is going to be artsy fartsy Vanoc posters like the fences or will some of it be Vanoc approved official sponsors?

like right now Yaletown is all Bell advertising, Vancouver centre is all GE advertising etc etc... will those stay up for the games or will they be changed?

[jlousa]

That fence is on the north side of Canada Place Way, there will be a second fence installed on the South side of Canada Place Way which will house the security gates. So only people with clearance will be able to even get to that second fence.

[GeeCee]

speaking of Vanoc buying all the advertising space in the city billboards bus shelters etc - is going to be artsy fartsy Vanoc posters like the fences or will some of it be Vanoc approved official sponsors?

like right now Yaletown is all Bell advertising, Vancouver centre is all GE advertising etc etc... will those stay up for the games or will they be changed?

expo line west of broadway-commercial and most of the mark 3 cars at least are all 2010 advertising only. there are platform ads for each of the mascots zoomed up very close to the mascot costume - they look very nice! there are also mcdonalds olympics-themed ads and samsung ads. nothing else though..

[Hed Kandi]

Raggedy thanks very much for the photos!!!

[wrenegade]

When was the Convention Centre Plaza named Jack Poole Plaza? Is that permanent or just an Olympic thing? Either way, that's pretty cool.

[SFUVancouver]

are there still any ways to buy tickets other than the fan-to-fan thing? those are all extremely overpriced. i heard on the news there were still speed skating tickets in the range of 25 bucks... but that seems impossible to find.

also, does anyone know the rules to getting up to whistler? i can crash on a friend's floor up there and i just need to know how i'm allowed to commute up there, how much busses are, is there available parking, etc.

There are still ways to buy tickets without using the Fan-to-Fan website.

1. There are normal tickets remaining for some womens qualifications curling, and preliminary mens and womens hockey, plus about half of the victory ceremonies and the closing ceremonies.

2. There are obstructed view (10% - 50% view obstruction) seats available for most Vancouver-based sports available and these can be purchased in person at the Main Ticketing Centre at the UBC Bookstore at Robson Square or at Tickets Tonight in the Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre at 200 Burrard Street, at Cordova.

Additional tickets may go on sale as the various national Olympic committees return any unsold tickets to VANOC for sale at games time, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Also, some things on the Fan to Fan marketplace may be overpriced now but I would expect a glut of tickets to start showing up as we get closer to the events. If you purchase the tickets through the fan to fan marketplace you can have the tickets printed at the main ticketing centre or at Tickets Tonight, or at the venue box offices on the day of the event. I would personally really avoid the day of event box office line ups if it is at all possible.

As for getting to Whistler; no, you cannot drive up without a permit as there will be no parking. You can make your way up by private carrier, like Snowcoach, Greyhound, etc., and once at Whistler you can buy tickets on the day of the event. At this point they won't sell you tickets if you cannot show proof of residency but if you bring along the friend upon whose floor you will be sleeping you should have no problem buying Whistler tickets at the Whistler ticketing centre.

The reason for all these hurdles is that all the seats on the Olympic Bus Network shuttles between Vancouver and Whistler are now full, Cypress too, so the Olympics cannot assure any future ticket buyers that they will be able to get up to Whistler from vancouver in order to see the event. If you are already in Whistler then it's a moot point, hence the residency requirement.

[mr.x]

I was thinking about getting two or three more events: snowboarding, speed skating, and figure skating....but I haven't been able to find any affordable ones, and I need quite a few as I have friends coming back to town just for the Games. But it's just too much hassle...and I'm not very keen with having to buy a special bus ticket just to get to Cypress. I already have Opening Ceremony, 2 victory ceremonies (Nelly Furtado and Billy Talent), 1 mens ice hockey (USA vs. Norway), and the 50-km cross country final.

The prices on the fan-to-fan website are ridiculous...$500 for two pairs of tickets to speed skating???


On a lighter note, yes lighter note, our good old friend towerguy has been reported to the RCMP by members of another forum as they were extremely concerned about his pyromania. It is now an actual serious investigation.

[SpongeG]

City will close 30 streets during Games

Despite traffic concerns, downtown casino hopes to cash in on Olympics

Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier
Published: Friday, January 15, 2010

The marketing director for Edgewater Casino, located in the heart of Olympics-related street closures downtown, isn't concerned that vehicle access to the casino, including the closure of the Cambie Street Bridge, will be limited now to the end of the Games.

"It's obviously a challenge, but it's also a chance to get creative and find other ways to drive visitors to us," said Vanessa Kelly.

The casino is hosting the Edgewater Celebration Village in the adjoining plaza from Feb. 12 to 28, which will include more than 100 food and retail vendors. It's estimated more than 30,000 people will walk by the casino each day, while between 190,000 and 230,000 visitors, athletes and volunteers will be in the immediate area daily, Kelly noted.

...

http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/story.html?id=df5310d7-87ee-4b6b-8482-75ef00c9d144

this part sounds good
Feb. 12 to 28, which will include more than 100 food and retail vendors

[mr.x]

From the Edgewater Casino website:



Event: Edgewater Celebration Village 2010
Venue: Plaza of Nations
Date: Feb 12-28, 2010 (17 days in total)
Time: 2:00pm - 11:00pm (Mon-Thurs)/ 12:00noon - 12:00am (Fri-Sun)
Contact: (604) 687-3343 ext# 224 or (604) 617-1199
Email: info@northernstarevent.com
Website: www.edgewatercasino.ca
Early Bird Promo: 10% off All Merchandise Booths Rental until End of November, 2009.

Edgewater Celebration Village is proud to present The Edgewater Celebration Village 2010 at the Plaza of Nations to celebrate Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day and the Winter Sports Events. This 17 days event lies at the heart of the major games venue in Downtown Vancouver, and is also located along the corridor to the games celebration venue, Molson Canadian Hockey House and Concord Place. It is expected that there will be at least 190,000 visitors and volunteers traveling in and out along Expo Blvd and Pacific Blvd where the four major venues located. With such an advantageous location and amazingly high volume of visitors, this event will certainly bring unrivalled business opportunities for all vendors with extreme profits in return.

We offer 80 heated merchandise booths and 40 heated food booths comfortably sited under giant tents with three rental period options for both types of vendors. You may choose to take part in the event for the full duration or from Feb 12-18 (a total of 7 days) or from Feb 19-28 (a total of 10 days) at an affordable rental rate. Take advantage of the 10% off Early Bird Special for all merchandise booths by signing up today as this promo only lasts until the end of November, 2009! Don't miss out this once in a life time business opportunity to showcase the world your inspiring products and services at this charming festive venue.

This prominent event offers free admission, free daily live entertainment and free Year of the Tiger souvenirs to all visitors. Thousands of give-away prizes, lucky Edgewater Casino Cash Coupons and daily lucky draw prizes will be given to visitors and vendors as well. For more details and information, please email us at info@northernstarevent.com.

* Location: Plaza of Nations, Vanvouver
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[Yume-sama]

The Olympic Flame just arrived at Olympic Plaza in Calgary, with *thousands* of people on hand :)

Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people watched the torch relay.

The girl (who was little) who lit the BIG Flame in 1988 at the Opening Ceremonies, is the final Calgary torchbearer, and lit the cauldron.

[touraccuracy]

good list of (mostly) free venues to check out:

http://www.citycaucus.com/2010freevenues

[ckkelley]

^ In the foreground the multi-storey scaffolding is the likely departure point for the zipline.

Riiiight. I forgot about the ol' Olympic zipline. I actually thought it might be dead in the water because we hadn't heard much.

[NetMapel]

good list of (mostly) free venues to check out:

http://www.citycaucus.com/2010freevenues

Vancouver 2010's website, CTV and Rogers sportsnet should be going all out advertising these venues. Those will be the only venues, other than volunteering, I'll be attending for fun :haha:

[Delirium]

Club Bud Re-emerges in Vancouver
Budweiser to Host Five Nights of Exclusive Parties in February

VANCOUVER, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - Club Bud, host of the hottest parties in Beijing and Torino, will claim its place on top of the party podium in Vancouver. Budweiser will be the center of the Vancouver's social scene for five nights in February.

In Torino, Budweiser introduced the world to Club Bud with a six-story pyramid-shaped nightclub. Club Bud kept the party going in Beijing with 360 degrees video screens, an electrifying dance floor and an outdoor pool. In February 2010, Club Bud will transform the famed Commodore Ballroom into the place for athletes, celebrities and some lucky fans to celebrate in style.

Club Bud will be located on pedestrian-friendly Granville Street in the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district. The 19,000-square foot, 1,000-person capacity, multi-level venue will feature a concert stage, elevated seating, several bar and lounge areas and the legendary 2,646-square foot sprung dance floor. Partygoers will enjoy live DJs and music throughout the night and three separate bar areas will offer distinct atmospheres to enjoy a cold Budweiser with friends.

Club Bud party co-hosts Burton, the National Hockey League (NHL), Under Armour and lululemon athletica will present themed evenings, with doors opening at 9 p.m. Athlete and celebrity arrival times on the red carpet will vary by party. More information will be available via media advisories prior to each event.

- Friday, February 19; Burton Party
- Saturday, February 20; NHL Party
- Thursday, February 25; Budweiser Party
- Friday, February 26; Under Armour Party
- Saturday, February 27; lululemon athletica Party

"Budweiser is renowned for its exclusive parties and guests," said Richard Musson, Vice President of Marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "Club Bud is bringing Vancouver five epic parties and will be the place to be for competitors to come together to celebrate their achievements and enjoy the camaraderie shared among world-class athletes."

In addition to drawing top name athletes and celebrities to Club Bud, Budweiser is searching for two lucky people to crash the parties in Vancouver. The Club Bud Party Crasher job search offers applicants the chance to attend one of the Club Bud weekends and will require the winner to use social media tools to capture and share the Club Bud experience online. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/budweisercanada

------

i heard that the Mint has completely decorated the olympic village station. can anyone confirm? the Mint will also have a pavilion downtown...

[Yume-sama]

Sounds cool, I guess. At least there will be something that tastes worse than Molson out there.

[GeeCee]

Budweiser isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name 'Club Bud'.. especially when it comes to Vancouver. :jester:

[officedweller]

The City's website has listings and descriptions of the Public Art for 2010:

Overview
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/cityhighlights/thecreativecity/publicartprogram/#1

Legacy Sites
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/cityhighlights/thecreativecity/publicartprogram/legacy-sites.htm
Cambie Bridge installation is a bit disappointing - it's a "vase" at West 2nd Ave.
The one on the south plaza of Library Square was being installed this morning.

Mapping
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/cityhighlights/thecreativecity/publicartprogram/mapping-marking.htm

Partner Projects
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/cityhighlights/thecreativecity/publicartprogram/partner-projects.htm

Bright Lights DTES
http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/cityhighlights/thecreativecity/publicartprogram/bright-light.htm

[SpongeG]

Club Bud Re-emerges in Vancouver
Budweiser to Host Five Nights of Exclusive Parties in February

VANCOUVER, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - Club Bud, host of the hottest parties in Beijing and Torino, will claim its place on top of the party podium in Vancouver. Budweiser will be the center of the Vancouver's social scene for five nights in February.

In Torino, Budweiser introduced the world to Club Bud with a six-story pyramid-shaped nightclub. Club Bud kept the party going in Beijing with 360 degrees video screens, an electrifying dance floor and an outdoor pool. In February 2010, Club Bud will transform the famed Commodore Ballroom into the place for athletes, celebrities and some lucky fans to celebrate in style.

Club Bud will be located on pedestrian-friendly Granville Street in the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district. The 19,000-square foot, 1,000-person capacity, multi-level venue will feature a concert stage, elevated seating, several bar and lounge areas and the legendary 2,646-square foot sprung dance floor. Partygoers will enjoy live DJs and music throughout the night and three separate bar areas will offer distinct atmospheres to enjoy a cold Budweiser with friends.

Club Bud party co-hosts Burton, the National Hockey League (NHL), Under Armour and lululemon athletica will present themed evenings, with doors opening at 9 p.m. Athlete and celebrity arrival times on the red carpet will vary by party. More information will be available via media advisories prior to each event.

- Friday, February 19; Burton Party
- Saturday, February 20; NHL Party
- Thursday, February 25; Budweiser Party
- Friday, February 26; Under Armour Party
- Saturday, February 27; lululemon athletica Party

"Budweiser is renowned for its exclusive parties and guests," said Richard Musson, Vice President of Marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "Club Bud is bringing Vancouver five epic parties and will be the place to be for competitors to come together to celebrate their achievements and enjoy the camaraderie shared among world-class athletes."

In addition to drawing top name athletes and celebrities to Club Bud, Budweiser is searching for two lucky people to crash the parties in Vancouver. The Club Bud Party Crasher job search offers applicants the chance to attend one of the Club Bud weekends and will require the winner to use social media tools to capture and share the Club Bud experience online. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/budweisercanada

------

i heard that the Mint has completely decorated the olympic village station. can anyone confirm? the Mint will also have a pavilion downtown...

the royal canadian mint? yes they have all the posters at that station and they have a house on granville street i think its 500 granville - its in "the list"

[David]

the Mint is taking over SFU's Segal Centre. German House will be using SFU Harbour Centre

http://www.sfu.ca/pamr/Olympics/Olympics_10070901.html

[officedweller]

Richmond Review - click on link for pic:


Container inukshuk to tower above downtown

http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/400*300/86435richmondkevinouelletteinukshuk2.jpg
Kevin Ouellette holds a Duplo-block model of an inukshuk that will be assembled using shipping containers near the oval.
Matthew Hoekstra photo

By Matthew Hoekstra - Richmond Review

Published: January 16, 2010 3:00 AM
Updated: January 16, 2010 9:33 AM

Look up. Six storeys up.

An inukshuk like no other is taking shape in the container storage yard of Coast 2000 Terminals in East Richmond in preparation for its pre-Olympic debut in downtown Richmond.

Nine shipping containers of varying sizes and colours will be secured together next week to form the iconic symbol of the 2010 Games.

The multi-coloured sculpture is expected to be erected late next week on the side of Gilbert Road at Elmbridge Way on the way to the Richmond Olympic Oval and within a stone’s throw of two 20th century communist leaders. Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head is near the site.

“It will look like a giant robot,” mused Kevin Ouellette, president of Coast 2000, one of several Richmond companies contributing to the project. “It’ll be a mosaic of earth tones using shipping containers.”

It’s part of the city’s Richmond Revealed program, designed to showcase to the world some of what Richmond is all about. The containers salute one of Richmond’s leading industries—shipping and distribution—while the inukshuk symbolizes Richmond’s role as a gateway to the Canadian economy, and its venue city status.

City engineer Jim Young was handed the inukshuk assignment in late November. He put a team together, organized a meeting and told his staff they weren’t leaving until they came up with an idea.

Out came brightly-coloured Duplo blocks, and the team landed on a design that will employ containers of 10-, 20- and 40-foot lengths.

“Inukshuks are random, randomly built out of rocks, and we wanted this to simulate that,” said Young.

The team engineered the sculpture for stability, and several local companies came on board with donations of land, time, materials and expertise: Richmond Holdings, Progressive Construction, Big Dog Containers and Coast 2000.

[Stingray2004]

Just a heads up.

Was watching the Global NewsHour tonight and they had a tidbit about the Olympic venue up at Cypress Bowl.

Not only will one need to arrive by shuttle bus but one will also apparently be required to walk another 2 km to the grandstand. Yikes - that 2 km figure sure had me scratching my head.

Hopefully most of the attendees will be hearty - it is a once in a lifetime event. ;)

[Yume-sama]

Just a heads up.

Was watching the Global NewsHour tonight and they had a tidbit about the Olympic venue up at Cypress Bowl.

Not only will one need to arrive by shuttle bus but one will also apparently be required to walk another 2 km to the grandstand. Yikes - that 2 km figure sure had me scratching my head.

Hopefully most of the attendees will be hearty - it is a once in a lifetime event. ;)

The same can be said for games at UBC, and the oval. They will drop you off WAAAAY far away. And you need to follow signs up a big hill, and quite a few blocks.

It seems silly to me, and I'm glad I'm only going to events at BC & GM Place.

[SpongeG]

you also have to leave the venue at the scheduled time and must stay for the duration of the event

also there is a list of contraban items not allowed - seems reasonable/normal expected but there is no procedure to give back conviscated items - so leave the expensive cameras at home i guess

[Delirium]

pavilion progress..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4289793098_ff8b36bd11_o.jpg
photo by Kate on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kate/4289793098/

[hollywoodnorth]

pavilion progress..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4289793098_ff8b36bd11_o.jpg
photo by Kate on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/kate/4289793098/

thanks for posting that! saved me the trouble of using a pic I took yesterday.

I was just about to flame Concord a little. Lets start

The Concord Place project is very very sad to say the least. Notice the whole East End of the area........EMPTY.......3 weeks to go and not a hint of activity ;)

good work leasing the spaces Concord ;) glad one of their money grabs is not working out as much as they usually do ;)

Also I will make the call early that the Ontario Pavillion as its build to last by the looks of it will be the next Concord Pacific sales and office Pavilion.......with the current building and such being loaded about barges again and moved to richmond for the upcoming mega project they have lined up there ;)

only speculation but would seem logical. :cheers:

[Stingray2004]

And some medal count prognostications...

Canada Poised To Win Olympic Medal Count: Professor

Prognosticator with excellent track record says we could beat U.S. and Norway

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 CBC News

Canada is set to win a record number of medals at the 2010 Winter Games, according to an academic who has accurately predicted Olympic medal counts since 2000.

"Canada for the first time ever will win the most Olympic medals of any nation at the Games, 27 medals," said Daniel Johnson, an associate professor of economics at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/01/19/bc-olympic-medal-count-prediction.html

Knock on wood.

:fireworks

[wrenegade]

you also have to leave the venue at the scheduled time and must stay for the duration of the event

also there is a list of contraban items not allowed - seems reasonable/normal expected but there is no procedure to give back conviscated items - so leave the expensive cameras at home i guess

Wait, what? We aren't allowed to bring cameras now?

[johnjimbc]

Here is the official VANOC list of restricted items at official venues:

http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-spectator-guide/at-the-games/entering-the-venue/

I don't see anything there that tells me I can't bring a personal camera. I see some stuff about not bringing equipment for making professional videos for resale. I also see a statement about no flash photography near sporting fields, which is typical.

Does someone have other information or are people just speculating about the camera rules? I simply can't imagine a person would be prohibited from bringing a digital camera for personal use, as long as they aren't snapping flash photographs as the athletes compete.

But if someone knows differently, please clarify.

[johnjimbc]

I think this should settle the matter. Here is the specific FAQ from the Vancouver 2010 site:

Can I take photographs or use my video camera at the venues?

Photography for personal use is permitted, but flash photography is not permitted at Canada Hockey Place, Pacific Coliseum, Richmond Olympic Oval, UBC Thunderbird Arena and The Whistler Sliding Centre. The use of broadcast or photographic equipment for commercial purposes is prohibited

[officedweller]

Just a heads up.

Was watching the Global NewsHour tonight and they had a tidbit about the Olympic venue up at Cypress Bowl.

Not only will one need to arrive by shuttle bus but one will also apparently be required to walk another 2 km to the grandstand. Yikes - that 2 km figure sure had me scratching my head.

Hopefully most of the attendees will be hearty - it is a once in a lifetime event. ;)

I think I recall the same complaints about Turin.

[officedweller]

What better advertising than hosting the Olympics...

Whistler owner Intrawest on auction block

Vancouver Sun
January 20, 2010 12:27 PM

VANCOUVER — Intrawest ULC, the owner of Whistler-Blackcomb, has been put on the auction block less than a month before it is slated to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Creditors of Fortress Investment Group LLC , the New-York based private equity and hedge fund which owns Intrawest, forced the auction after Fortress failed to make a the final payment on a $1.7-billion loan used by Fortress to buy Intrawest.

Notice of the auction — scheduled to take place on Feb. 19, in the midst of the Olympics — was published Tuesday in newspapers by the lender-appointed trustee, according to Bloomberg.

The Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (Vanoc) said Whistler-Blackcomb would still be ready to host the Olympics, which start Feb. 12.

“We understandably cannot comment on Intrawest's finances beyond our continued support for their efforts to settle outstanding financial matters,” Dan Doyle, Vanoc's executive vice-president of construction, said in a written statement. “What we can confirm is that Whistler Blackcomb is an important partner in the staging of the 2010 Games and we continue working in very close partnership with them to finalize overall preparations and readiness for the skiing and sliding sport events.

“We look forward, with them, to welcoming the world in 23 days.” Doyle added.

In addition to Whistler Blackcomb, where many of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic events are to take place, Intrawest owns three other ski resorts in Canada and seven in the United States.

Fortress paid $2.8 billion, including the assumption of debt, for Intrawest in 2006.

More to come on this breaking story …

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Toronto Star:

Lenders seize Intrawest assets, including Olympic ski resort

January 20, 2010
The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER—Lenders have seized the assets of Intrawest ULC, including the Whistler ski resort that will be home to the Olympic downhill races next month, sparking uncertainty about whether the Games will still be held on the property.

A public notice has been posted in newspapers by the company's lenders, which include Lehman Brothers, saying that an auction to sell the assets will be held on Feb. 19, right in the midst of the Olympics.

Vancouver-based Intrawest, which is owned by New York private equity firm Fortress Investment Group LLC, reportedly missed payments last month that were due on a $1.4 billion (U.S.) loan.

Intrawest has been struggling with financial problems since it was bought by Fortress in 2006 for $2.8 billion in cash and debt.

The deal was a leveraged buyout with a $1.7-billion loan which came due in late 2008, around the time when the financial meltdown hit.

Intrawest has sold several assets in order to meet the payments, including a resort at Copper Mountain, Colo., and two resorts in France.

Calls to the company were not immediately returned.

[Yume-sama]

VANOC board of directors declare Vancouver and Whistler ready to host the world in 23 days

Arrival of Olympic Flame in British Columbia heralds final leg of journey towards 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Vancouver, BC — With just 23 days remaining before the world is welcomed to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the board of directors — in their final meeting before the Games begin — gave their seal of approval to the finishing touches the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is preparing on behalf of all Canadians for a worldwide audience.

“The board is confident the organizing committee and its partners are well prepared to meet the extraordinary day-to-day challenges of hosting one of the largest international sporting events,” said board chairman Rusty Goepel. “Many hurdles have been overcome in the past few months —both with ingenuity and a lot of long hours by dedicated staff, contractors and volunteers, which will make all Canadians proud.”

Among the general updates discussed was the final leg of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, whichofficially starts Thursday when the Olympic Flame re-enters British Columbia, the Host Province of the Games, through the Rocky Mountains and into the town of Golden. The flame will complete its 106-day journey across Canada towards BC Place and light the Olympic Cauldron on February 12, welcoming the world to the Games.

“Tomorrow will be an incredibly exciting day for all of us involved in the 2010 Winter Games as we welcome the Olympic Flame back to British Columbia. It’s been an inspiring relay throughout Canada with warm welcomes extended everywhere leading to a steadily growing excitement towards the Games. We are truly in the home stretch now of final preparations to welcome the world,” Goepel continued.

Peter Lougheed, who was instrumental in the securing and organizing of the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games, will pass the flame to Wally Buono, head coach of the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions, as it officially enters British Columbia through Kicking Horse Pass. The pass, the highest point on the Canadian Pacific Railway at 1,627 metres, is a national historic site and played an important role in connecting Canadians to each other and the world through the railway in the 1880s and later on with the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway in the 1960s.

“It’s been a remarkable journey up to this point and we take a moment now and again, like today, to enjoy the moment but then it’s back to work asour team continues to work around the clock to make sure every detail is tended to,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of VANOC. “The relay continues to showcase what a marvelous and beautiful country Canada is, filled with people willing to share their amazing stories and show lots and lots of heart. We hope you’ll all be with us in spirit, if not in person, on February 12.”
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/vanoc-board-of-directors-declare-vancouver-and-whistler-ready-to-host-the-world-in-23-days_234938tn.html

God, I'm so excited. I went overboard and will end up going to 21 hockey games in 12 days. :haha:

Do other sports even exist ;)?

[Delirium]

i definitely notice all the extra people walking around and pointing at stuff :D

here's some renderings and construction shots of "Vancouver House"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/causeandaffect/sets/72157623126869441/

[Yume-sama]

Hmmm. Is Vancouver House really necessary :P? Being that the games are.... in Vancouver. It doesn't even look that impressive, like say, looking out your window would.

[sacrifice333]

Quite the developments re: Intrawest & Fortress!

I guess Joe Hussein may get his opportunity afterall to buy back his baby. Rumour is he's been waiting, very patiently, for an opportunity to re-purchase solely Whistler Blackcomb.

Hmmm...

[sacrifice333]

INTRAWEST COMMENTS ON INACCURATE MEDIA REPORTS

VANCOUVER, BC. – January 20, 2010 – There have been inaccurate and misleading media reports surrounding Intrawest today. Fortress Investment Group continues to own and control Intrawest and all of its properties. Serious discussions with Intrawest’s lenders are ongoing regarding refinancing and the Company continues to operate “business as usual” at all of its resort properties. Intrawest is looking forward to the success of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games..

[Waders]

Yike! No snow for Cypress. :(

Source: from CTV website: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=27124.html?cid=rsstsn?cid=rssctv

Olympic snow woes: Officials give up on Mother Nature
By Stephanie Levitz and Jim Morris,
Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:29 PM ET
VANCOUVER -Winter Games officials have given up on any help from Mother Nature and will now be trucking in snow for the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at Cypress Mountain, on Vancouver's North Shore.

The forecast for the week ahead suggests that there will be no new snow for the mountain, nor will it get cold enough to allow them to make any, the organizers said Wednesday after their final board meeting before next month's Games.

"We are planning that we will not have snow,'' said Cathy Priestner Allinger, executive vice-president of sport and Games operations for the organizing committee, known as VANOC.

Contingency plans are now being rolled out which include using straw and wood to take the place of snow to build the base for the courses.

But Priestner Allinger says they believe there is enough snow elsewhere on the mountain and they will use trucks, snow cats and if necessary helicopters to move snow to the event sites.

"We are going to create a fantastic field of play and we are just doing it a little differently than we had originally planned,'' she said.

Christian Hrab, high performance director for Canada Snowboard, said the design of the course is what matters most to his athletes.

"What we are looking for is shape,'' said Hrab.

"How it is built is irrelevant to our performance. Usually it's made of snow. If the builders in VANOC find alternate ways of giving us a great course, it will not affect us.''

The lack of snow could result in a less demanding course for the ski cross and snowboard cross races, but moguls and aerials don't require much snow, said Peter Judge, chief executive officer of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association.

"If they don't have the material they can't build the features (jumps) as big or as radical as maybe they had originally planned,'' said Judge. "That may have some affect in terms of dumbing the course down a little bit.''

Judge doubted the change would harm the image of the Vancouver Games.

"Everybody understands we are dealing with outdoor sports and with venues that are susceptible to these kind of things,'' he said. "I don't see it would be something that would be extremely negative.

"At the end of the day it's all going to come off, it's going to be white and it's going to look good.''

Mild temperatures and heavy rains earlier this month forced officials to close the mountain ahead of schedule, as snow gave way to mud.

Organizers were always prepared for weather challenges at all of their outdoor events and said Wednesday in some respects they were thankful that they were only having the one problem so far.

Whistler has snow, but that doesn't mean it hasn't posed its own problems for Olympic organizer.

Lenders have moved to auction off the assets of Intrawest ULC, including the B.C. ski resort that will be home to the Olympic downhill races next month.

Intrawest said it will be "business as usual,'' despite the possibility Whistler-Blackcomb could be on the auction block even as Olympic athletes grace its slopes.

Dan Doyle, VANOC's executive vice-president of construction, said the venues in Whistler are ready.

"It doesn't make very good business sense for people to put them out of business at the time of the year when they're making their most earnings,'' Doyle told reporters in Vancouver following the local organizing committee board's final meeting before the Games.

Doyle said bankruptcy doesn't happen overnight.

"It's a long process, it's a process that takes months. Given all of that, we're very confident that the Games will go on at those two venues in Whistler, and they'll go on with the co-operation of the people that are running the mountain,'' he said, noting that Games organizers have sought legal advice on the situation.

Whistler Mountain will host the alpine skiing events, while sister mountain Blackcomb is the site of the sliding centre. Both mountains make up the Intrawest resort.

While Mother Nature isn't helping organizers, it is helping is helping VANOC's bottom line.

"We have a snow clearing budget which we haven't had to use, so we've put that effort, that equipment and people against moving the snow to the course as opposed to clearing snow off bleachers,'' said Dave Cobb, the committee's deputy executive director.

But Cobb didn't rule out being forced to dip into the committee's $50 million operational contingency fund in order to cover off the costs associated with moving to their plan B.

[Stingray2004]

VANOC has contingency plans in place. Still keeping my fingers crossed that some arctic air will move in just prior to the games though.

[zivan56]

During the 84 Olympics in Sarajevo, there was barely any snow on the ski hills on the days leading up to the opening and there was real concern that events would have to be canceled. Then, at the start of the games, there was a huge dump of snow which made it difficult to even get to venues. So you never know whats coming...

[b31den]

Yike! No snow for Cypress. :(

Source: from CTV website: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=27124.html?cid=rsstsn?cid=rssctv

Olympic snow woes: Officials give up on Mother Nature
By Stephanie Levitz and Jim Morris,
Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:29 PM ET

I've cross-country skied in Europe a lot over the past 5 years, this is actually not so uncommon for snow sports. Four winters ago, which I heard was the warmest winter on record for Europe, the lack of snow was so bad that even most areas of the Alps didnt have enough for skiing.

Unlike in Canada they have a lot of community-based/owned ski areas, so as you drove through the mountains everything would be green or brown except for "White Ribbons of Death".

For some reason in Europe they've built most of their World Cup Venues (Biathlon, Cross-Country, Nordic Combined) at low altitudes, so this made the situation worse for these sports. One venue, Oberhof in central Germany, trucked in crushed ice from a fish-packing plant on the baltic sea, while another place in Austria scraped snow off a glacier.

Thankfully this winter in Europe has been very good so far.

[Yume-sama]

Calgary also had a lot of snow problems. We got a chinook just in time for the Olympics, and some events had to be delayed :P

Luckily, not many events are actually at Cypress, and the "important" ones will be fine in Whistler.

I think it could have been smart to make it more the "BC" Olympics and in lieu of using Cypress, went to the Okanagan.

A lot of Countries have done similar, heck Hong Kong hosted some Beijing events, and they are 2000km apart.

[Stingray2004]

We got a chinook just in time for the Olympics.

Yeah, I recall the chinook that Calgary received during the 1988 games. IIRC, the temperature approached ~19 C at one point but everything turned out quite well in the end.

[Yume-sama]

Yeah, I recall the chinook that Calgary received during the 1988 games. IIRC, the temperature approached ~19 C at one point but everything turned out quite well in the end.

Yeah. And, of course, Canada Olympic Park is right in the middle of Calgary (well, now, I suppose in 1988 it would have been way out there :P), not exactly in some mountain range... so it definitely made things interesting, as we can go from +20 to -35 in the course of 4 days :haha: . Other events were held in the mountains, and they were fine.

[mr.x]

Hopefully everything works out at Cypress, they've been storing snow at the peak for quite some time now...I just can't fathom how they'd move that much snow down the mountain.

[GeeCee]

VANOC is really getting hosed when it comes to the mountain venues.. with Whistler in deep trouble financially and Cypress without a whole lot of snow.. :(

[Yume-sama]

In the end, Whistlers financial problems don't affect the Olympics in the slightest.

I really can't imagine how bad the mismanagement of the owners was if they were able to make *that* fail.

[jlousa]

Whistler isn't in bad shape financially, it's owners are. The resort itself has been a money maker for years and there are numerous companies ready to buy it.

[Yume-sama]

Well, that certainly makes sense. But it's not very doom and gloom like CBC paints it :(

That place must be using wheelbarrows year round to transport the money they make.

[Denscity]

Its definitely getting very exciting! I will be in downtown Vancouver for the entire month of February!!

[NetMapel]

Yeah I find it inconceivable that Whistler, one of the most popular vacation destination, could be in financial trouble. This Olympics will only make it even more popular.

[GeeCee]

Whistler isn't in bad shape financially, it's owners are. The resort itself has been a money maker for years and there are numerous companies ready to buy it.

Sure, but it's still something that the already very busy VANOC will have to deal with to an extent.

[Yume-sama]

Sure, but it's still something that the already very busy VANOC will have to deal with to an extent.

Well, not really. It would be like if you were renting a house, and the owner sold it... and the new owners agreed to let you stay as was planned :P

[Stingray2004]

Jlousa is correct in ascertaining that Whistler/Blackcomb has very positive cash flows and will continue to do so and will continue to operate uninterrupted. The matter at hand has more to do with inside ownership/creditor issues, which will have NO impact upon ski/resort operations.

These matters happen all the time regarding shopping centres, office buildings, etc. but have NO impact upon the operations of the assets and the tenants themselves. Well, very minimal impact if any in my experience.

From todays' Globe & Mail:

The date of the planned sale is coincidence and had nothing to do with the Olympics, said a source familiar with the talks. Should the auction go ahead, the high profile of the Games ensures good advertising for the sellers, said Lindsay Meredith, a marketing strategy and economics professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. He expects the resorts would be sold off in pieces, with Whistler Blackcomb bringing the highest bid.


“It's the jewel asset … I can't think of a better venue than the Olympics to do that,” Mr. Meredith said in an interview Wednesday. “The banks aren't stupid here.”

A change of ownership isn't expected to affect the Games. In fact, behind the scenes, some close to the Olympic committee say it could actually be a boon.

Relations between the organizing committee and Fortress have at times been fractious as Fortress fought financial turmoil brought on by the economic slowdown and a decline in asset values. One source characterized Fortress as indifferent to the Olympics, given all the firm's other issues. By contrast, because the banks are trying to maximize the price in a sale, they are likely to see the value in having a successful Olympics that showcases the resort.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/whistler-a-step-closer-to-the-auction-block/article1438225/

[nova9]

Yeah I find it inconceivable that Whistler, one of the most popular vacation destination, could be in financial trouble. This Olympics will only make it even more popular.

Once again, Whistler Resort is not in financial trouble. The people that OWN them are.

This will have NO impact on the Olympics.

[Yume-sama]

Maybe not, but if you want your daily dose of stupid, be sure to head on over to CBC and read the comments :D
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/01/20/intrawest-whistler-olympics.html

I'm such a masochist. :( They are, though, by far more interesting and entertaining than anything CBC broadcasts on TV.

Even Little Mosque.

[Yume-sama]

Winter Olympic Venues in Google Earth

http://www.google.com/earth/newsletter/jan10/vancouver.png

The Google Earth team is pretty excited about the upcoming Winter Olympics! In December we added 3D buildings for a number of venues in the Vancouver area. We recently published the remaining buildings, including the Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler Sliding Centre. There are over fifty buildings in total, all of them developed using Google SketchUp. Want to (virtually) experience what it feels like to stare down the ski jump? Fire-up Google Earth and steer your 3D mouse to Vancouver and Whistler!

[ckkelley]

Has Vanoc published a map of the Torch Route once it arrives in Vancouver? Obviously the last leg is Robson street. It'll be so cool seeing it pass on its way to BC Place.

[Yume-sama]

Hmm, no I don't believe they have published the *exact* route yet.

[SpongeG]

its very secretive - most of the route is known for the tri cities though

[SpongeG]

Quebec house looks cool but they should have used the placement of the words better its barely visible from anywhere so close and yet not quite right

the convention centre is insane - so many people and media people there now - i assume setting up their TV studios etc...

[officedweller]

Yeah, "Quebec" should be visible from SkyTrain, but isn't.

Has Vanoc published a map of the Torch Route once it arrives in Vancouver? Obviously the last leg is Robson street. It'll be so cool seeing it pass on its way to BC Place.

The last leg isn't Robson Street (it's not a running leg) - it'll arrive near BC Place during the day and go into hiberation until the evening Opening Ceremonies.

[ckkelley]

Yeah, "Quebec" should be visible from SkyTrain, but isn't.



The last leg isn't Robson Street (it's not a running leg) - it'll arrive near BC Place during the day and go into hiberation until the evening Opening Ceremonies.

Thanks officedweller. Wow is that disappointing.

[officedweller]

I just know about the last leg until it goes into hibernation (similar to the arrival at the legislature, but bigger) - I suppose it could run around the stadium just before the Opening Ceremonies, but I don't know (could be a logistical nightmare though if the concourse is crowded with spectators lining up to get in).

[David]

I've been wondering if the Cambie Street Bridge closure on the day of the ceremonies is for the torch's final grand entrance into the stadium. Might be neat if the last bit of the torch relay was from City Hall to BC Place, or from the OV to BC Place, for example. The bridge closure (on the day of the ceremonies AND on dress rehearsal day, Feb 10) is from noon-midnight. Gives them plenty of prep time...

[nobase2010]

My first ride on the streetcar.
jIIKgSVuJgo

[officedweller]

I heard the bridge closure was for marshalling buses

[SpongeG]

i was at the bay yesterday and their were people trading pins already about half the tables were full of pin traders

and urban outfitters is selling previous winter olympic t-shirts

[johnjimbc]

If I were worried about last ditch efforts to thwart the torch relay, I'd say the bridge is closed due to buses as well (which it might well be). But then I'd still have the torch run from the Olympic village and across the Cambie bridge for the final leg of the route. As long as it isn't raining, it would make for some great shots of the torch on the bridge with the city and mountains in the background as it enters downtown and the opening ceremony.

[Waders]

i was at the bay yesterday and their were people trading pins already about half the tables were full of pin traders


I just came back from the CTV downtown studio to get the Vanouver 2010 Commemorative Collectable Pins. The lineup wrapped around, around and around the street block. It was a 1 hour wait but it was worth it and the atmosphere was good. I now have 6 pins. I only need 2 more pins to complete the set. :) I didn't expect so many people in Vancouver are pin collectors!

[GeeCee]

I just bought a bunch of pins from the website a few days ago - they arrived today, including the (oddly shaped) skytrain pin. I seem to have misplaced my volunteer pin though.. :(

[NetMapel]

I just bought a bunch of pins from the website a few days ago - they arrived today, including the (oddly shaped) skytrain pin. I seem to have misplaced my volunteer pin though.. :(

Volunteer pins ? Tell me more about it :O

[Waders]

Hopefully everything works out at Cypress, they've been storing snow at the peak for quite some time now...I just can't fathom how they'd move that much snow down the mountain.

By tractors and helicopters according to news. Helicopter? This seems to be a desperate measure.

The medias like CBC seems to keep reporting on the weather issue. Who can really blame them when spring flower start to appear. The Winter Games is now being referred to as the "Spring" Games. :(

[GeeCee]

Volunteer pins ? Tell me more about it :O

You should have gotten a silver colored one with the Olympic and Paralympic logos on them after your first interview. If I could find mine, I'd take a picture for you. :P