[mr.x]

We all know there will be two cauldrons. One inside BC Place and another outside for everyone to see.


From GBids: It appears that the outdoor cauldron is slated for CANADA PLACE. Watch the news report video on the cauldron below, the construction worker at Canada Place is a terrible liar:

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=68cfc84e-3246-499b-9752-23252ff58ece

[sacrifice333]

Makes sense given the media being housed next door.

[GeeCee]

Access to the area around Canada Place will be highly restricted come Games time.. not able to view the video at the moment, however. The media would get access to the outdoor cauldron, but not really very many others, given how tight the corridor is through that area. I think it'd be really impressive if they were able to put it on the water somehow.

[wrenegade]

Canada Place would be awesome. I also like the idea of BC Place itself being the Cauldron with flames around the ring. Can't imagine that would happen though, sounds like a recipe for another roof disaster. lol. How about we light the top of Grouse Mountain on fire? I bet NBC would go for that.

[GeeCee]

Eh, we're replacing the roof anyway.. let the mother burn! :hell: :haha:

[mr.x]

Credible sources: the outdoor Olympic cauldron is located at Jack Poole Plaza at the convention centre. It's currently being built:
[removed]

[SpongeG]

yay so noone can see it since its in the red zone which is off limits to the general public

lame

[johnjimbc]

Well, you can walk up to that fence where that photo was taken so I wouldn't exactly call it hidden from public viewing. I imagine the scaffolding will be removed from around it too ;).

Not to mention the views one will have from downtown (looking down Burrard), from the North shore, or from along the seawall at coal harbour and across at stanley park, which are open to the public.

One does not have to touch the torch to know it's there ;). Most of them have been on top of stadiums in past Games. . . does that mean they were inaccessible to the public as well?

[GeeCee]

I'll be volunteering there starting this weekend - I'll try and take some pictures in the coming weeks.

[VanTowers]

Soooo LLLLAAAAAMMMMMEEEE

This is the most boring and uncreative thing they could have possible done. The spot almost sucks as much as that little candle stick they have holding the flame. I pray to god there is more to it then a whole in the ground and a stick

[SpongeG]

Well, you can walk up to that fence where that photo was taken so I wouldn't exactly call it hidden from public viewing. I imagine the scaffolding will be removed from around it too ;).

Not to mention the views one will have from downtown (looking down Burrard), from the North shore, or from along the seawall at coal harbour and across at stanley park, which are open to the public.

One does not have to touch the torch to know it's there ;). Most of them have been on top of stadiums in past Games. . . does that mean they were inaccessible to the public as well?

if u can get near the fence its in the red zone just to get in there is impossible

[VanHowe]

It could be really a work of art, who knows. I am just disappointed that the Lion's Gate Bridge doesn't have the Olympic Rings. There are a few building wraps so far but nothing like Salt Lake City. Sigh. Still hoping for some sub zero weather in the city with wimpy snow in the city that melts as it falls and a dump of snow in the mountains. Join me in my delusion.

[SpongeG]

it will all be okay once the cherrios wrap goes up

[Spork]

it will all be okay once the cherrios wrap goes up

I have never laughed so hard in my life.

[officedweller]

The absence of wraps is disappointing - I guess the recession hit hard on the advertising budgets.
I'll guess that if Vanoc hadn't curtailed spending, there would be "look of the Games" wraps on serveral towers.

[SpongeG]

has anyone seen the GE Station? they have all the ad space at Vancouver city centre - they look cool

[SFUVancouver]

[removed]

Mr. X, I took that photo.

Here is the original I posted in the Vancouver Convention Centre thread:

I took some camera phone shots of the Convention Centre precinct today.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4958/img00381201001121307.jpg


The source of the the photo that you posted today, Febrary 13th, and labeled "by moi" was "http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4958/img00381201001121307.jpg"
Thread link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=4649367&posted=1#post4649367

The source photo I posted yesterday, February 12th, was "http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4958/img00381201001121307.jpg"
Thread link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4647688&postcount=1383

The original photo I took on my Blackberry was: IMG00381-20100112-1307.jpg

[SpongeG]

i thought that picture looked familiar...

[red-paladin]

At the 9th floor of the Shaw tower there is a cafeteria and patio. I was out there today, which is directly across the street from the Plaza. there were so many tarps and things in the way that all I could see was the top of it.

[shosholoza]

Mr. X, I took that photo.

Here is the original I posted in the Vancouver Convention Centre thread:



The source of the the photo that you posted today, Febrary 13th, and labeled "by moi" was "http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4958/img00381201001121307.jpg"
Thread link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=4649367&posted=1#post4649367

The source photo I posted yesterday, February 12th, was "http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4958/img00381201001121307.jpg"
Thread link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4647688&postcount=1383

The original photo I took on my Blackberry was: IMG00381-20100112-1307.jpg


Just to let you know, although I hope/think you already know it, Mr.X sent your pictures (about the cauldron outside) also to Gamesbids forum. At first I thought they were his pictures. Now I know they weren't.

[Jumpur]

There are a few building wraps so far but nothing like Salt Lake City.

I have to say, The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake were awesome. To me, the Salt Lake Olympic Cauldron was one of the most appealing cauldron's out there.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/thatonekid2/SaltLake-2002_Winter_Olympics_flame.jpg
Also, the building wraps really brought the Olympics alive in the downtown area. Plus they simply looked awesome too. Here's a pic for example
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/thatonekid2/2002_Winter_Olympics.jpg

Oh and the Olympic rings lit up on the mountain... That was cool
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k48/thatonekid2/1628.jpg

Okay, enough with cheering for Salt Lake. Just saying, the 2002 Olympics had decorations everywhere. I'm just here hoping that Vancouver will be the same. And I'm also hoping that the cauldron isn't some weird vomitatious (yes, vomitatious) blah thing that was used in the Atlanta Olympics. That was 15 years ago though... Well at least better than Beijing then.

[nova9]

Beijing's cauldron was awesome!!!

It should aim to beat Torino's which was just incongruent. I didn't know what it was supposed to be.

[mr.x]

Okay, enough with cheering for Salt Lake. Just saying, the 2002 Olympics had decorations everywhere. I'm just here hoping that Vancouver will be the same. And I'm also hoping that the cauldron isn't some weird vomitatious (yes, vomitatious) blah thing that was used in the Atlanta Olympics. That was 15 years ago though... Well at least better than Beijing then.

This is what happens when you cut $17-million from the Look of the Games budget for Vancouver 2010.

And note that Salt Lake spent $5-million on their cauldron alone, separate from the Ceremonies budget. It was actually donated by a wealthy businessman.


Vancouver won't look anything like Salt Lake...partially because we have a forest of towers that will hide decorations, unlike SLC which has only a few tall structures making everything visible and therefore easily decorable, and because of our major cutbacks. It's very unfortunate...I half-wish VANOC were incompetent last year and had not made those cuts, they're doing fine financially right now.

[Yume-sama]

Yes, Salt Lake isn't the most "happening" place. Certainly not very big, and definitely not very exciting. Looks quite massively spread out, too.

The city is 289km2 compared to 44km2, with a *metro* population of 1 million (100,000 city) :sly:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3233722147_cd1aa788d6.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelaaron/3233722147/

I think about 6 building wraps would have covered the whole city! ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2398169377_41a9db6134.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uberbus/2398169377/

A search for "Salt Lake City skyline" returns almost no results :P

[mr.x]

We might not be able to replicate Salt Lake, but I don't recall similar SLC banners at Athens nor Torino nor Beijing either. Still, we should've done much more. Decorations really heighten the Olympic atmosphere of the city...Vancouver isn't where it should be right now with less than 14 days to go.

I will say that the massive lighting display at English Bay will help the night atmosphere quite a bit.

[Jumpur]

Salt Lake isn't the most "happening" place. Certainly not very big, and definitely not very exciting. Looks quite massively spread out, too.

I think about 6 building wraps would have covered the whole city! ;)

A search for "Salt Lake City skyline" returns almost no results :P

I'm sorry, but you obviously don't know anything about Salt Lake, let alone Utah. Let me share some light on this subject. Salt Lake City is currently undergoing construction of the 22 acre City Creek Center. This is the third largest project in the nation, behind the World Trade Center reconstruction in New York and City Center in Las Vegas. Multiple high rises are going up right now as part of the City Creek Center and other areas in the downtown district.

Also, in response to your comment that Salt Lake is "not very exciting", the city's NBA team is the sixth most attended in the Nation. The MLS team, Real Salt Lake, took the cup and topped first in the Country just this last year. Salt Lake is home to the University of Utah which places 80th in the list of best universities around the world. The University also participates in the Nation's fourth largest football rivalry with nearby Brigham Young University. Both teams rank among the best in the country, going to bowl games each year and taking the national title in the past with Heisman winner, Ty Detmer. Temple Square, the center of the LDS church, attracts millions of tourists each year and is among the top 10 religious tourist destinations in the world.

Just 20 minutes away from Salt Lake, you have Park City - home the #1 ski resort in North America, Deer Valley, which beats out well known Vail and good old Whistler. It is also home to the Sundance Film Festival which attracts thousands of movie-goers annually and happens to snag a few celebrities here and there, including Orlando Bloom and Katie Holmes. The festival has produced movies that you might know such as Paranormal Activity, Slumdog Millionaire, Precious, 500 Days of Summer, and Napoleon Dynamite. Sundance 2010 was just last week.

Salt Lake has also hosted the Summer and Winter Dew Tour the past few years and both keep coming back due to the high attendance and popularity that they receive while here in the City.

When the Olympics were in Salt Lake, it was the largest city ever to host the Winter Olympiad. Just because Vancouver may have a couple more skyscrapers and a larger metro area doesn't mean it's a more happening place. And it definitely does not mean that Salt Lake City "isn't very exciting".

Also, the Olympics in Salt Lake were a HUGE success. Hopefully Vancouver will follow some of it's wise decisions and do the same.

Oh, and PS, I googled Salt Lake Skyline. Got plenty of results. Also, I don't even live near the city, I'm just not part of the cliche majority of the world that doesn't look at the stereotype of Utah. When you actually get to know the place, it's quite awesome. I suggest you do the same.

[Yume-sama]

None of that sounded very exciting :(

[nova9]

I'm sorry, but you obviously don't know anything about Salt Lake, let alone Utah. Let me share some light on this subject. Salt Lake City is currently undergoing construction of the 22 acre City Creek Center. This is the third largest project in the nation, behind the World Trade Center reconstruction in New York and City Center in Las Vegas. Multiple high rises are going up right now as part of the City Creek Center and other areas in the downtown district.

Also, in response to your comment that Salt Lake is "not very exciting", the city's NBA team is the sixth most attended in the Nation. The MLS team, Real Salt Lake, took the cup and topped first in the Country just this last year. Salt Lake is home to the University of Utah which places 80th in the list of best universities around the world. The University also participates in the Nation's fourth largest football rivalry with nearby Brigham Young University. Both teams rank among the best in the country, going to bowl games each year and taking the national title in the past with Heisman winner, Ty Detmer. Temple Square, the center of the LDS church, attracts millions of tourists each year and is among the top 10 religious tourist destinations in the world.

Just 20 minutes away from Salt Lake, you have Park City - home the #1 ski resort in North America, Deer Valley, which beats out well known Vail and good old Whistler. It is also home to the Sundance Film Festival which attracts thousands of movie-goers annually and happens to snag a few celebrities here and there, including Orlando Bloom and Joan Rivers. Sundance was just last week.

Salt Lake has also hosted the Summer and Winter Dew Tour the past few years and both keep coming back due to the high attendance and popularity that they receive while here in the City.

When the Olympics were in Salt Lake, it was the largest city ever to host the Winter Olympiad. Just because Vancouver may have a couple more skyscrapers and a larger metro area doesn't mean it's a more happening place. And it definitely does not mean that Salt Lake City "isn't very exciting".

Also, the Olympics in Salt Lake were a HUGE success. Hopefully Vancouver will follow some of it's wise decisions and do the same.

Oh, and PS, I googled Salt Lake Skyline. Got plenty of results. Also, I don't even live near the city, I'm just not part of the cliche majority of the world that doesn't look at the stereotype of Utah. When you actually get to know the place, it's quite awesome. I suggest you do the same.

I guess we got told? Haha. Still, I'm not convinced. And honestly, all the wraps in such a small town as SLC make it look a little tacky. Just a little TOO produced and contrived. The wraps themselves weren't that imaginative.

[GeeCee]

I've been to Utah.. it's boring, mostly flat (some mountains near the SLC area), and mormon churches -everywhere-. It is very sprawly too.. not a whole lot going on down there, at least during the week I was there.

[Locked In]

^ I went to some cross-country skiing during the Olympics and Soldier Hollow is really stunning. I've heard that southern Utah is gorgeous as well.

Anyways, this is totally off-topic, but I just looked at the Wikipedia entry for Deer Valley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_Valley) since I don't know much about it. It's about 1/4 the size of Whistler/Blackcomb - and is it really true that it is "one of the world's few remaining ski resorts that prohibit snowboarding"!? Wow.

[mooks28]

What's with the hate for Salt Lake? Jesus, guys...

[Denscity]

"Vancouver may have a couple more skyscrapers" :haha: :haha: Like, 500 more skyscrapers? :haha:

[Yume-sama]

What's with the hate for Salt Lake? Jesus, guys...

I don't think anybody could muster up the strength to actively "hate" Salt Lake. It's just not that interesting of a place. And that's OK!

[touraccuracy]

SLC and Utah look like beautiful places and I'll be visiting this summer, if everything goes according to plan :)

[deasine]

Let's get back on track now.

[CBeats]

Bans snowboarding!? What the hell!

[mr.x]

Considering there's the victory ceremonies stage inside BC Place, and there are floor seats during the victory ceremonies, I would think that the cauldron would be lifted pretty high into the air. They would want to show off the cauldron during the victory ceremonies.

[Yume-sama]

Are we sure the cauldron will actually be *inside* BC Place?

[mr.x]

Are we sure the cauldron will actually be *inside* BC Place?

IOC protocol requires that the main Olympic cauldron be lit in front of the Olympic Stadium crowd during the Opening Ceremony.

[Yume-sama]

:P Maybe they'll "light it" but through the magic of VANOC, the Flame will travel from BC Place and be lit up by the convention center, outside.

As doesn't it have to be always visible?

[mr.x]

:P Maybe they'll "light it" but through the magic of VANOC, the Flame will travel from BC Place and be lit up by the convention center, outside.

As doesn't it have to be always visible?

There will be at least two other cauldrons, but they don't have to be lit in the traditional way. They will most likely be lit electronically. If you watch the "Journey of Vancouver" video, towards the end of the video you see Calgary Tower lit up with the Olympic Flame. That's what Calgary '88 did...the main flame was at McMahon Stadium under the giant teepee while another cauldron was lit atop Calgary Tower in Downtown.

We already know the locations of two other caldrons: Whistler Celebration Plaza and Jack Poole Plaza. I'm personally banking on a cauldron in the middle of False Creek.

[Yume-sama]

But what if the APC learns how to canoe?

[mr.x]

But what if the APC learns how to canoe?

lolll...well then it'll be the APC canoes versus RCMP and military speed boats.

[SpongeG]

speaking of fals creek i noticed they put barges up under the cambie bridge to block it off

[wrenegade]

I don't know why anyone would want to hate on SLC or Utah. SLC isn't very big, but it may be boring to big city types. If you like the outdoors though, it can easily match Vancouver. The skiing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing is amazing there. It's a very beautiful place.

http://www.adambarkerphotography.com/

^He is a SLC based action/nature photographer, take a browse through some of this stuff, it's gooooood.

[crazyjoeda]

Olympic Cauldron Revealed
http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20100209/470_bc_cauldron_100209.jpg
http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20100209/470_bc_cauldron_tarp_100209.jpg

By: ctvbc.ca

Date: Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010 7:18 PM PT

One of the biggest secrets of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games could be out tonight.

There's been much speculation about where the Olympic cauldron will burn after it's lit at the climax of Friday's opening ceremony.

CTV ‘s Chopper 9 shot images just outside the new convention centre Tuesday that showed a structure that looks a lot like a large burner or cauldron surrounded by several other small structures.

The construction is surrounded by scaffolding and tarps.

VANOC officials have not confirmed whether this is the site of the cauldron.

[Yume-sama]

Olympic Cauldron? Oh, that's what they'd LIKE YOU to believe.

THERE'S A REASON WHY GORDO WANTED THE NUCLEAR FREE SIGNS DOWN.

...I hope it looks cool.

[Jumpur]

Wow. What a failure for Vancouver. The ceremonies were going so great! And then, it all had to be ruined with a mechanical error... Well, the half of the cauldron was pretty good....

[MechMike]

hopefully it will be fixed for the Victory ceremonies!

[zivan56]

Wow. What a failure for Vancouver. The ceremonies were going so great! And then, it all had to be ruined with a mechanical error... Well, the half of the cauldron was pretty good....

Umm, most people had no clue there was a problem until the announcer started talking about it. Hardly a failure...more of a minor glitch. A "failure" would have been the roof collapsing or someone being killed performing...otherwise, it was a success to most people.

[mrjauk]

Umm, most people had no clue there was a problem until the announcer started talking about it. Hardly a failure...more of a minor glitch. A "failure" would have been the roof collapsing or someone being killed performing...otherwise, it was a success to most people.

I agree. This glitch didn't lessen my viewing pleasure.

[Yume-sama]

I was holding my breath when the snowboarder was jumping through the rings. If someone was seriously injured in rehearsal doing that, that's the last thing we needed to happen tonight!

Everyone in the crowd was oblivious to any problem with the cauldron.

[SpongeG]

i loved the look on steve nash's face haha

[whatnext]

The message of the malfunctioning BC Place cauldron to future host cities: Keep It Simple Stupid.

[Yume-sama]

*edit*

Posted in wrong topic. Fail :(

[Delirium]

here's the cauldron at the convention centre. it looks better than the one in BC Place. its unfortunate though that you can't get close to it because of security.
the woman who took the picture wrote on her flickr page that this is permanent. while i think its cute for the Olympics, i would not like to see it there permanently.

not for anything but seeing as Vanoc wanted a "green" olympics, does it make sense having FIVE cauldrons burning instead of maybe just one?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4353172554_54ac73a922_b.jpg
photo by Susan Gittins on flickr.com http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4353172554_54ac73a922_b.jpg

[GeeCee]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4354593876_7831304d72_b.jpg
My picture on Flickr

[SpongeG]

what a crappy day nice pics but do we have any mountains? haha

[Waders]

The cauldron at the convention centre is permanent. It will serve as a legacy for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. It was a partnership between Terasen Gas Inc. and VANOC.

Source: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/vancouver-2010-cauldron-to-stand-as-permanent-legacy-of-games-in-downtown-vancouver-terasen-gas-inc.-provides-iconic-symbol-located-at-jack-poole-plaza-_274412vx.html

[Yume-sama]

That's cool! Then it can be lit on special occasions like the Calgary Tower :D

[SpongeG]

it takes up so much freaking room so much for a nice large plaza for people to gather

[Zassk]

People can walk right underneath it... it doesn't steal much space.

[SpongeG]

knowing this city though skateboarders will be all over it so the officials will errect fencing or something

[johnjimbc]

I don't think the concern is that people won't be able to walk by or under it. The concern is that it will take up an open broad space that could be used for public concerts or events.

Seeing it in person (though over a fence in a crowd ;)), it appeared to sit in the area between the "arm lights" and the road. If that's the case, then there is still plenty of truly vacant space between it and the water.

But if it sits in the middle, it might well prevent the use of the space for other purposes.

Either way, l like it and am glad it will remain.

[EdinVan]

The cauldron at the convention centre is permanent. It will serve as a legacy for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. It was a partnership between Terasen Gas Inc. and VANCO.

Source: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/vancouver-2010-cauldron-to-stand-as-permanent-legacy-of-games-in-downtown-vancouver-terasen-gas-inc.-provides-iconic-symbol-located-at-jack-poole-plaza-_274412vx.html

Surely there must be a better place for it. It's tacky, completely disproportionate to its immediate surroundings, ruins the tranquility of a beautiful wide open plaza and, as others have mentioned, detracts from space that can be used for public gatherings. Very poor judgment on this.

[EdinVan]

Everyone in the crowd was oblivious to any problem with the cauldron.

Everyone in the crowd was oblivious, period --- to all the misery located five blocks away while they oooed and aaahed about some silly lights.

[cabotp]

The cauldron at the convention centre is permanent. It will serve as a legacy for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. It was a partnership between Terasen Gas Inc. and VANCO.

Source: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/vancouver-2010-cauldron-to-stand-as-permanent-legacy-of-games-in-downtown-vancouver-terasen-gas-inc.-provides-iconic-symbol-located-at-jack-poole-plaza-_274412vx.html

What I can't figure out is by permanent do they mean it will always be lit or just a statue

I've always thought once the olympics leave the flame can never be lit again.

So to have it stay is nice, but it would awesome if it was lit.

[mr.x]

Everyone in the crowd was oblivious, period --- to all the misery located five blocks away while they oooed and aaahed about some silly lights.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73822&d=1258470173




Do you know what's REAL misery? It's called Africa.

[mr.x]

What I can't figure out is by permanent do they mean it will always be lit or just a statue

I've always thought once the olympics leave the flame can never be lit again.

So to have it stay is nice, but it would awesome if it was lit.

It'll be a permanent fixture, but it won't always be lit...it'll be lit during special occasions, likely every February 12th from now on.

[cabotp]

It'll be a permanent fixture, but it won't always be lit...it'll be lit during special occasions, likely every February 12th from now on.

Which raises the question what is considered a special occasion.

Oh canucks winning the cup :haha:

[Rusty Gull]

I don't know why anyone would want to hate on SLC or Utah. SLC isn't very big, but it may be boring to big city types. If you like the outdoors though, it can easily match Vancouver. The skiing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing is amazing there. It's a very beautiful place.


Amen to that. I love the US Rockies. And SLC put on a very good games.

One of my all-time fave cities is Denver, which is like a hybrid of Vancouver and Salt Lake.

[ckkelley]

Surely there must be a better place for it. It's tacky, completely disproportionate to its immediate surroundings, ruins the tranquility of a beautiful wide open plaza and, as others have mentioned, detracts from space that can be used for public gatherings. Very poor judgment on this.



I think it's a terrific location! Excellent idea VANOC!

Although a likely target for anti-games losers/vandals.

[natelox]

Everyone in the crowd was oblivious, period --- to all the misery located five blocks away while they oooed and aaahed about some silly lights.

Life, people and cities are multivalent and complex. Vancouver has many challenges to confront and deal with. But Vancouver also has many qualities to be proud of. Watching the Opening Ceremony for three hours does not mean people are oblivious to the challenges in the Downtown Eastside. The Olympics are not the cause of, nor the solution to, nor a scapegoat for, all the problems of Vancouver, Canada and the world over. Furthermore, the people attending the ceremony are not the people who are going to solve (if solve it the right word) the challenges of the DTES. Nor will it be people such as yourself, if you continue to complain about misallocation of taxes on the basis of moral righteousness, rather than getting your hands dirty and actually trying to help those in need. No one wants to do anything themselves and until we start to take action individually, we (myself included) and our communities are all equally to blame for at least some of the problems in the DTES. Those who are so concerned about housing and the issues at hand really should stop complaining and start trying to make a difference.

Implicit in your statement are a number of issues which I must address. So, if people are being evicted from their lodgings in the DTES, it is because of the ethical and moral choices of specific individuals (those running the lodges). If more money should be spent on housing for the homeless, I don't see how it should be in conflict with Olympic funding. It could be blamed on numerous government spending initiatives, such as the Golden Ears Bridge, or the new Portman, or port expansion or anything. This is especially true if people are going to lump in the cost of the Canada Line, Convention Centre or Sea to Sky improvements into the $6 billion figure for hosting the games.

More to the point, however, is the lack of value you placed on the Opening Ceremonies and their "silly lights". The positive meanings, values and effects of such celebrations are profound. The values of inclusiveness, community and acceptance are powerful and needed. In fact, in a recent article in the Vancouver Sun, the president of Georgia said, in the face of death and national tragedy, said (http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Georgians+thank+Canadians+their+compassion+following+luge+death/2562616/story.html), the "Olympics will go down in history as a great celebration of human solidarity, and of humanity, and perseverance, and in a very Canadian way." These feelings aren't as measurable as beds in a building, I grant you, but community building may just be what Vancouver needs.

The opportunity to assert "Canada" to the world is a powerful community and country building event that, for such an young and insecure nation, is difficult to accomplish in any other manner. Finally, it is the ability to create and take part in these celebrations which make our cities and our nation such a desirable place to live. There is no forgetting the fact that the ceremony and games are an indulgence when compared to a world in which fully half of the population survive on less than $2.50 a day, and where half lack basic sanitation. But to devalue the ceremony because of it is a short-sighted act.

And, just to state the obvious, this is much less a reply to the quoted statement at the beginning than a venting of growing frustration with many Olympic detractors. There are great points made by the detractors, and I agree with many of their concerns. Their protesting is a healthy affirmation of Canadian democracy and ensures we don't get too swept up in the atmosphere of the Games. But many of the arguments are unbalanced, illogical and are focusing too much on the games and too little on the issues at hand. If the protesters really believe that more should be done about housing, why not protest everyday, everyday, not just during the Olympics. Do so in front of the Legislature, do so in front of the MLA's offices. Make change happen.

And on an unrelated note: I don't think the crowd was oblivious to the malfunction. I was there and noticed it. The fact that there was a big hole in the floor with nothing coming up where something did earlier, and the fact that there were four torch bearers standing around made it rather obvious. But what were we supposed to do? Let that minor mishap mangle the whole ceremony, or accept it and celebrate it for what it is?

[SpongeG]

they are lucky the torches never went out while they waited they have a short span of time for flame

[Pinion]

I can't believe it's going to be there permanently. It looks like giant paper towel tubes wrapped in tinfoil. Maybe once everyone reaches consensus on how shitty the games were for us, it'll be removed due to embarrassment.

*waits for some idiot to post debbie downer pic again*

[nova9]

I can't believe it's going to be there permanently. It looks like giant paper towel tubes wrapped in tinfoil. Maybe once everyone reaches consensus on how shitty the games were for us, it'll be removed due to embarrassment.

*waits for some idiot to post debbie downer pic again*

No need for another idiot, you're more than enough.

[Pinion]

No need for another idiot, you're more than enough.

http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-jerkbag.gif

[SpongeG]

i thought they kind looked like supermans whatever it is he goes to on a much smaller scale

[Yume-sama]

i thought they kind looked like supermans whatever it is he goes to on a much smaller scale

Fortress of Solitude! Yes!

http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/superman_returns/design_fortress1.jpg\

If that wasn't the inspiration, I'd be *shocked*.

[nova9]

The Cauldron of Solitude - considering it's fenced in, that's apropos no?

[Yume-sama]

Haha. They said on CTV News that VANOC is considering taking down those security fences so people can get closer.

Sounds like a bad idea for now :P

[jsbertram]

The cauldron at the convention centre is permanent. It will serve as a legacy for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. It was a partnership between Terasen Gas Inc. and VANCO.

Source: http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/vancouver-2010-cauldron-to-stand-as-permanent-legacy-of-games-in-downtown-vancouver-terasen-gas-inc.-provides-iconic-symbol-located-at-jack-poole-plaza-_274412vx.html

Who is vanco?
Don't you mean VANOC (VANcouver Organizing Committee)

Or more formally:
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

[jsbertram]

I don't think the concern is that people won't be able to walk by or under it. The concern is that it will take up an open broad space that could be used for public concerts or events.

Seeing it in person (though over a fence in a crowd ;)), it appeared to sit in the area between the "arm lights" and the road. If that's the case, then there is still plenty of truly vacant space between it and the water.

But if it sits in the middle, it might well prevent the use of the space for other purposes.

Either way, l like it and am glad it will remain.

Is there a skateboard skid mark on it yet?

[Waders]

Who is vanco?
Don't you mean VANOC (VANcouver Organizing Committee)

Or more formally:
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Oop! Typo corrected. Thanks for spotting the error.

[Waders]

Haha. They said on CTV News that VANOC is considering taking down those security fences so people can get closer.

Sounds like a bad idea for now :P

According to various news reports, VANOC is considering to replace the chain-link fence with more photo-friendly one.
The cauldron location was jammed with people today. Everyone wanted to take a picture of the cauldron. 2 policemen were standing guard. One in front and one behind the fence to prevent people from pushing against the fence.

[mr.x]

Life, people and cities are multivalent and complex. Vancouver has many challenges to confront and deal with. But Vancouver also has many qualities to be proud of. Watching the Opening Ceremony for three hours does not mean people are oblivious to the challenges in the Downtown Eastside. The Olympics are not the cause of, nor the solution to, nor a scapegoat for, all the problems of Vancouver, Canada and the world over. Furthermore, the people attending the ceremony are not the people who are going to solve (if solve it the right word) the challenges of the DTES. Nor will it be people such as yourself, if you continue to complain about misallocation of taxes on the basis of moral righteousness, rather than getting your hands dirty and actually trying to help those in need. No one wants to do anything themselves and until we start to take action individually, we (myself included) and our communities are all equally to blame for at least some of the problems in the DTES. Those who are so concerned about housing and the issues at hand really should stop complaining and start trying to make a difference.

Implicit in your statement are a number of issues which I must address. So, if people are being evicted from their lodgings in the DTES, it is because of the ethical and moral choices of specific individuals (those running the lodges). If more money should be spent on housing for the homeless, I don't see how it should be in conflict with Olympic funding. It could be blamed on numerous government spending initiatives, such as the Golden Ears Bridge, or the new Portman, or port expansion or anything. This is especially true if people are going to lump in the cost of the Canada Line, Convention Centre or Sea to Sky improvements into the $6 billion figure for hosting the games.

More to the point, however, is the lack of value you placed on the Opening Ceremonies and their "silly lights". The positive meanings, values and effects of such celebrations are profound. The values of inclusiveness, community and acceptance are powerful and needed. In fact, in a recent article in the Vancouver Sun, the president of Georgia said, in the face of death and national tragedy, said (http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Georgians+thank+Canadians+their+compassion+following+luge+death/2562616/story.html), the "Olympics will go down in history as a great celebration of human solidarity, and of humanity, and perseverance, and in a very Canadian way." These feelings aren't as measurable as beds in a building, I grant you, but community building may just be what Vancouver needs.

The opportunity to assert "Canada" to the world is a powerful community and country building event that, for such an young and insecure nation, is difficult to accomplish in any other manner. Finally, it is the ability to create and take part these celebrations which make our cities, our nation such a desirable place to live. There is no forgetting the fact that the ceremony and games are an indulgence when compared to a world in which fully half of the population survive on less than $2.50 a day, and where half lack basic sanitation. But to devalue you the ceremony because of it is a short-sighted act.

And, just to state the obvious, this is much less a reply to the quoted statement at the beginning than a venting of growing frustration with many Olympic detractors. There are great points made by the detractors, and I agree with many of their concerns. Their protesting is a healthy affirmation of Canadian democracy and ensures we don't get swept up in the atmosphere of the Games. But many of the arguments are unbalanced, illogical and are focusing too much on the games and too little on the issues at hand. If the protesters really believe that more should be done about housing, why not protest everyday, everyday, not just during the Olympics. Do so in front of the Legislature, do so in front of the MLA's offices. Make change happen.

And on an unrelated note: I don't think the crowd was oblivious to the malfunction. I was there and noticed it. The fact that there was a big whole in the floor with nothing coming up where something did earlier, and the fact that there were four torch bearers standing around made it rather obvious. But what were we supposed to do? Let that minor mishap mangle the whole ceremony, or accept it and celebrate it for what it is?

Great post...i couldn't have said it better myself.

[Brokenhead]

Who is vanco?
Don't you mean VANOC (VANcouver Organizing Committee)

Or more formally:
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games


I think majority of people well still know what he meant.

Frankly, who cares about easy typos.

[officedweller]

The cauldron arms look like they are clad in glass.

[SpongeG]

so VANOC is surprised that people have any interest in seeing the cauldron

are they being serious? they thought no one would want to see it?

according to the global news report thats what VANOC said and they are looking into using plexiglass as an option

[VanJerry]

I agree with natelox. Well done.

I have 2 design thoughts about the Cauldron arm:

First, whether it was intentional or not, using 4 arms which pivoted towards the central cauldron as they rose provided a wonderful redundancy as they closed with each other. Even if two failed there would still have been an interesting structure. And by one failing it introduced an asymmetry that was organically aesthetic—especially for something crystalline.

Second, whether the fourth indoor arm is rectified in the future, there was during the televising of the ceremony a sense of dramatic progression going from the indoor 3-arm to the outdoor 4-arm structures. The indoor cauldron was surrounded by a mass of humanity. The outdoor cauldron was relatively (in terms of televised framing) lonely—surrounded by dreary weather and open water. Having an additional arm seemed to compensate for this contrast.

That's my lemonade out of lemons.

[ozonemania]

There are plenty of people complaining about the chain link fence keeping people away from a potentially dangerous situation. However, I can totally understand the safety issue.

Plexiglass isn't really the solution as it would just get wet and would be awful for photographers.

Really the problem is an installation issue. They probably should have installed it on a raised podium surrounded by a moat. A low fence around that should deter most people.

Either that or surround it by a field of 6 inch iron spikes that come out of the ground. Clean up could be messy though.

[GeeCee]

In past Games, have you EVER been able to go up close to the exterior cauldrons? It seems like kind of an obvious target..

[SpongeG]

they were/are usually in or part of the stadium so no access would not be easy but it would be in a visible location so you wouldn't get close anyway

[Brokenhead]

I just thought of this, I guess they must keep it well blocked off from the public. Knowing all those morons out there - one is bound to attempt to climb up onto it.

Last thing we need is a toasted human.

[SpongeG]

i don't know a few black masked toasted ones would be okay

[cabotp]

Anyone who figured it smart to climb on top. Should be toasted.

[nobase2010]

fm8ApiQmZzQ

[SpongeG]

I was down there today pretty big crowds

apparently i just missed Stephen Colbert who was down there i don't know - i think he was taping a segment or something

[jsbertram]

I was down there today pretty big crowds

apparently i just missed Stephen Colbert who was down there i don't know - i think he was taping a segment or something

Colbert is doing something at Creekside Park Wed and Thurs at 9AM. I thought he is in reruns this week, so he's likely taping some segments for his show or for NBC (or both).

With all the Canadian writers on his show, expect some pointy jabs.

[SpongeG]

according to his site he is going around vancouver all week filming segments for his show before doing a full show taped down there - anyone going? loads of people i know on facebook are going