One More Gold Canada... Come On!

One more Gold and we break a record for most Gold won.

Canada reached rare heights Saturday, becoming only the third country to win 13 gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games.

A new mark for Winter Olympics will be set Sunday if Canada beats the United States for men's hockey gold.

The 13 gold medals is also a record for a host nation, breaking the previous mark of 10 set by the United States and Norway.

GO CANADA GO!!!

Tomorrow, for the MASSIVE USA vs. CANADA Men's Gold Hockey Game, I will be with friends at the Shark Club Vancouver for celebration and to watch the game on several televisions.

Great food, booze, friends, atmosphere... and across the street from Canada Hockey Place so you bet we will be out on the street partying when Canada beats USA for the Gold.

Cheers!

Olympics Features - What will stay for Paralympics?

I had been wanting to look into what will stick around during the Paraolympic Games as lines have detered me fom experiencing all of the Olympic features Vancouver has added for the celebration.

The always informative Miss 604 has posted just that information.

Once the Vancouver 2010 Olympic party comes to an end it won’t be with a grinding halt. Many attractions will still be open to the public throughout the Paralympic Games March 12th until the 21st.

Pavilions
From my master list of pavilions the following will still be open:

•Canada House: Until March 21st
•Canada’s Northern House: Until March 21st
•Robson Square Ice Skating at GE Plaza: End time unknown
•CentrePlace Manitoba: Until March 21st
•Olympic Line free streetcar: Until March 21st
•Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour
•Cultural Olympiad: Until March 21st

See more on what's happening during the Paralympics at Miss 604's page

I for one plan to FINALLY check out the ZIP LINE on Robson Street... those 7+ hour line up's this week have forced me to wait.

Colbert does Canada

Stephen Colbert, American talk show host, holds up an Olympic torch as the taping of his show begins on February 17, 2010 at a park in Vancouver, B.C during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.Photograph by: Ian Lindsay, Canwest News Service

Vancouver Sun Reports:

VANCOUVER — Hundreds of fans went wild Wednesday morning as late-night comedian Stephen Colbert brought his faux conservative talk show to Creekside Park, located next to Science World in Vancouver.

He shared the stage with a stuffed moose, First Nations' thunderbird totem, fake snow, assorted skis, hockey sticks, snowshoes and U.S. and Canadian flags.

There is also a giant poster of Colbert astride an eagle carrying an Olympic torch.

As hoot, cheers and hollers greeted the U.S. comic to the stage, Colbert implored the crowd: "One last thing — if I f---k up, forgive me."

After a countdown Colbert, well, messed up, stumbling over the introduction.

The satirist explained to onlookers that he was covering the games "without the help of marijuana."

After another countdown, the Colbert Report got under way, with the comedian pretending the show was taking place at the time in the evening when the program airs:

"It's 11:30 at night and the sun is still shining. And they wonder why there is no snow." Colbert is taping segments Wednesday and Thursday for his late-night show.

Guests on Wednesday included Michael Bublé (Colbert called him "Celine Dion without the white jumpsuit") and NBC's Bob Costas.

Just minutes before Colbert took the stage, a bald eagle soared across the enamel blue skies over False Creek.

I know a few people who re down there and the crowd was insane. I think it's hilarious that despite his "Canadian Bashing" so many go to see him.... it shows Canadians have an excellent sense of humour :)

Can't wait to see the episode air.

Olympic Martini Recipes

While buying gold, silver and bronze martini glasses to give to your friends is one way to do it, you can also use different coloured stir sticks, coasters, or glass trinkets.

Another way is to make your martini's based on the three prestigious medals....

Here are some recipes for Gold, Silver and Bronze Martini's.

Gold Cocktail

•2 1/2 oz Stolichnaya Elit vodka
•1 1/2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
•1 tsp shredded coconut
•Garnish: Coconut flakes
•Edible gold powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)

1.Coat bottom of martini glass with gold powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into gold-coated martini glass. The gold powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with coconut flakes.

Silver Cocktail

•2 oz Malibu Rum
•2 oz Cupuacu puree
•Splash of fresh lime juice
•Edible silver powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)
•Garnish: Lime wedge

1.Coat bottom of martini glass with silver powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into silver-coated martini glass. The silver powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with lime wedge.

Bronze Cocktail

•1 1/2 oz Kahlua
•2 oz Monte Cristo 12-year
•1/2 oz Grand Marnier
•Edible bronze powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)
•Garnish: Coffee beans
1.Coat bottom of martini glass with bronze powder.
2.Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3.Shake well.
4.Strain into bronze-coated martini glass. The bronze powder should float to the top.
5.Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color.
6.Garnish with coffee beans.

Olympic Cocktail recipes courtesy of cocktailtimes.com

Olympic Bouquets of Green Flowers

CTV Reports:

The bouquets presented to medalists at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games have been seen on televisions and in pictures around the world.

But the bouquets are more than just pretty flowers. A lot of thought and design revisions went into making them, and they are helping to give people a second chance.

The bouquets feature plants and foliage were chosen to represent British Columbia and Canada and include various shades of green, from spider mums, hypericum berries and broad leaf greens to loops of monkey grass, leatherleaf fern and aspidistra leaves.

When I first saw them I was confused. I really expected red and white, perhaps dogwood which is our BC Flower and maybe even some symbolic red maple leaves... tee hee.

I am not a florist... I just know pretty.... and though green is my favourite colour, these bouquets just aren't that pretty.

CTV Continues:

The bouquets are green in more ways than one. They are wrapped in recycled, chlorine and acid-free paper, and the flowers are from environmentally-friendly farms in Ecuador.

"The problem that we have about [our] native plants and using some of our own plant material at this time of the year [is] we're in our winter months, where we don't have light levels to kind of sustain or be able to provide a supply of flowers," Ferragine said.

As well, many of the women making the bouquets are part of a program that trains people who have overcome drug problems and criminal pasts.

Well, at least they get a gold, silver or bronze medal too ;)

Can't be at the Games? Host your own Olympic Party

Not everyone can get to the games, but enjoying and celebrating the Olympics is easy to do from home.

First of all, the games are played (and replayed) all day on almost every channel. Invite some friends over and let the party begin...

Food:

Ask friends choose a country and make a dish that is authentic to that country. A variety of ethnic food will help everyone get into the spirit. Or choose a country you are rooting for and doo all the foods from that one country.

I root for Canada so I would make poutine, pancakes with Maple Syrup and maybe some smoked salmon ha ha ha. - - - OK - - - I am joking... mostly.

But there are many countries with such delicious food, it would be fun.

Beverages:

You have to have booze. Again, you could base your drinks on a particular country (I would say Canadian Whiskey for example) but why stop there?

Make Olympic Medal Martini's in Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Try drinks with your favourite countries flag colours.

Garnish with mini flag stir sticks or toothpicks (you can usually find at the dollar store)

Decorations:

Flags is the easy answer, big ones, small ones, a variety of ones... though you can use items from whatever sport you are watching to get into the spirit.

At a hockey party I had people over with their hockey masks and sticks with Canada Flags on them.... Very Fun!

Just don't use the olympic rings - Vanoc will get you ;)

Celebration:

As if the food and booze weren't enough... I have coloured sparklers and some fireworks in which I use to celebrate. When Canada got their first Gold (Love you Alex Bilodeau) we set off the red and gold while my daughter had red sparklers sizzling as she drew shapes in the sky wearing her Canada Jersey.

Of course hooting and hollering and screaming and cheering works well too ;)

So, no matter where you are - enjoy the Olympics and Celebrate!

Today Show at Grouse Mountain - Monday February 15, 2010

This morning my husband, daughter and I woke up at 3am and went to Grouse Mountain for another session with the Today Show.

It was busier than Friday and there were tons of kids there this time.

We didn't even try to find a spot inside but instead enjoyed the outdoor filming.

We knew Wayne Gretzky was going to be there and also KD Lang. We also new some of the USA Olympians would be there but what we did not expect was to see Canada's Gold Medallist Alexandre Bilodeau up on the mountain!

What an amazing experience to meet the man who brought the first gold home on Canadian soil.

Alex Bilodeau

I'm not gonna lie - - - I teared up with excitment and pride.


My kiddo was a superstar and got hugs and gifts from all the hosts and even got to pose with USA nordic combo Silver Medalist Johnny Spillane... with his silver medal!

We also met the very kind Shane Koyczan (Slam Poet from Opening Ceremonies) and the VERY talented KD Lang.

My husband's fave was of course the great one - Wayne Gretzky

We met everyone, got photos and autographs and enjoyed ourselves until our toes were cold and we had to head home for school (kiddo) and work (me)

It was a long day - I have been up far too long.... Sorry for lack of details but all my photos are on my facebook "Mandy S Mind"

If you haven't gone to Grouse I suggest checking it out.

Go during the Olympics to see live taping of the Today Show - it's such a blast!

Go early as the first 100 people are free and the show begins taping at 4am LIVE. The guests and hosts move around *ALOT* so inside or outside you will get to see a lot of action and really appreciate how the show is created.

The crew is super awesome and helpful in letting you know what's coming up so you can avoid, or b-line for the next location shoot. Lot's of swag given out and just a great atmosphere!

Today Show at Grouse Mountain - Friday February 12, 2010

Thanks for your patience with this blog. My camera had died so most photos were taken with a friends camera, which I prefered shotting with as it is a MUCH better camera than mine. I also used it for video, but I think that will come later as it is being edited.

Anyways, Here is my story from Friday.... I also went today Monday February 15, 2010 and will blog about that tonight.

My Grouse Today Show Experience #1 - Friday February 12, 2010

Thursday February 11, 2010 - 10:00pm - My husband drops me off at the skytrain and I kiss him and my daughter good night.

10:30 pm - Meet Theresa and Emmy at Blenz. We grab essentials and hop into the party van as Amy pulls up.

10:45 pm - Stop at Tim Hortons for a Take Ten Giant Coffee Box, some sweets and some giggles.

11:15 pm - Park at Grouse. We take shifts of two people to wait in the line that is already about 20 people. It is not too chilly, or too wet. There are some rowdy teachers behind us and some snobby teenagers in front of us, but overall, everyone is in good spirits.

**The time in between now and the gondola rid eup is a blur of coffee and bailey's, photos and giggles, meeting new friends and winning free stuff (hats, umbrellas, pins, etc.)**

At one point the hosts and guests began to arrive.

We saw Al Roker, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Michael Bublé, Emily Cook and Jeret "Speedy" Peterson all arrive at various times and load a gondola with their entourage.

Here are some snap shots:

Al Roker

Meredith Vieira

Michael Bublé

Jeret "Speedy" Peterson

Perhaps my best moment was getting a photo WITH Michael Bublé. Of course I was going on 18 hours of being awake at that point and plopped a free hat on my head to help look less horrific... it didn't help much, but I am ok with that.

Finally at about 3:30am we are amongst the first 100 people to load the first gondola up Grouse Mountain.

it is VERY cramped.

As the doors open we rush out. Somehow, I managed to run in rain boots on the snow and be one of the first 10 people inside claiming my spot up front for the taping.

I can easily see the comfy chairs for the hosts to my left, the tv reader prompts, a ton of cameras and lights straight ahead and to my right a piano, drum set and mic..... the rumours of Bublé performing outside seem to be false.

At 4am we go live - 7am EST and the hosts are outside with the crowd, some gathered around a fire, some ice skating. I am inside wondering if I chose the best spot to be.

I sit it out. The hosts are a flurry of movement. Between commercials, pre-taped clips and guest spots they move swiftly from inside to outside to the rink to the fire to the mountain side.... I am impressed.

We get to meet Bublé, Peterson, and Cook as well as surprise guest Premier Gordon Campbell, during breaks. I can see me on tv and keep my promise not to act crazy waving like a looney.

Bublé performs inside - I do have the best spot in the house - quite literally - just WAIT for the video I took OMG!

The show tapes, after Bublé sings two songs i head outside to meet with some of my friends. We get photos with some of the hosts and enjoy the fresh air.

Here we are with Kristi Yamaguchi

And Matt Lauer

It's beautiful up there with all the snow and lights and people.

A Great way to open the Olympics in my book.

**Today, Monday February 15, 2010, I went up again for the taping of the Today Show and met Canadian Gold Medalist Alex Bilodeau, The Great One - Wayne Gretzky, as well as several USA medalists and Slam Poet Shane Koyczan. Stay Tuned for Pix and Deets later today.

Overwhelmed with sadness Nodar Kumaritashviliv's friend did not compete today

Photo from The Canadian Press

The news of Nodar Kumaritashviliv's death struck the world just hours before the official opening ceremonies in Vancouver. Today, the lugers started at the women's starting point, but one athlete, to filled with sorrow, just could not compete.

CTV reports:

Just minutes before Nodar Kumaritashvili launched himself down the luge track in Whistler for the training run that would bring a sudden and violent end to his life, the Georgian athlete called his parents.

The 21-year-old said he planned to make them proud.

What a terrible accident to cast a shadow over the otherwise exciting Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Today, the grief was too much for some to bare.

CTV Reports:

WHISTLER - They were fast friends in the fastest of winter sports. They grew up together in the in the town of Borjomi in the thick of the Georgian mountains. They were classmates and training partners; a couple of 21-year-olds eager to test their skills at their first Olympics.

Luge was their sport, their passion.

And now Nodar Kumaritashviliv is gone and his buddy Levan Gureshidzev has become a man so wracked with sorrow he couldn't bring himself to do what they both loved.

Every competitor in Saturday night's opening runs of the men's singles event wore a strip of black tape on the left side of their helmet. It was a symbolic tribute to Mr. Kumaritashvili, who lost control Friday morning coming out of the left side of curve 16 and was catapulted from his sled into a metal pole.

But Mr. Gureshidze wore no stripe, no helmet, no spandex outfit. He was listed on the start sheet but did not compete as the 38th racer down the same track that claimed his teammate. Instead, he laid a bouquet of flowers at curve 16. How do you slide when your friend is gone and so many grieve his loss? It was a question left to others to explain.

"It was a tough run today, for sure," said Canadian Sam Edney. "For me, personally, I really felt like I was sliding with Nodar today."

"All of us," added Japan's Takahisa Oguchi, "don't want to forget our friend."

Some day, as Mr. Sakashvili predicted, they will build a sliding track in Georgia and name it in honour of their lost luger. But for Mr. Gureshidze, it was all too much, too soon so he left; the flowers at curve 16 the only proof that he was ever here.

Photo from Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

This news is so sad. What upsets me more is that right after the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, CTV aired the footage of his last run and crash which killed him. I found it extremely distasteful, appauling and inconsiderate.

I personally, feel that such footage should NOT be aired on television. I do understand that people want the news, the facts, and the ability to choose to see such footage, however, I didn't get that choice, it was aired and I saw it. The sound, the image, the memory is now etched in my brain and it is quite disturbing.

I feel that such things, if available at all, should be available online for those who choose to see it, not broadcast on the most watched news immediately following the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

What do you think?

Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver

Well.... in one word... amazing!

I had perma-goosebumps, shed more tears than I care to admit and overall just LOVED every second of the Winter Olympic Games opening Ceremonies in Vancouver.

No, I wasn't down town, I was comfy, cozy on my couch with my husband and kiddo enjoying the show on the big screen.

Part of me would have liked to be downtown and perhaps see the legendary Wayne Gretzky cruise by with the torch, but the angles, commentary, High-definition and comfort of my own home was most enjoyable.

I did tweet throughout so scroll down and you can get my own play-by-play.

I also twitpict screen caps from my television to go with comments about the show.

I have to say I can't recall a time that I have felt so excited and proud to be Canadian.

From the light show to the amazing audience participation with lights and movement, to the whales that seemingly swam across the floor where giant trees then grew and mountains stood.... the effects were amazing.

The talented performers such as KD Lang, Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado and Ashley McIsaac moved me and made me remember how many amazing and talented artists are Canadian.

Dancers and Singers and Fiddlers and Athletes and Dignitaries all shared the stage and it was truly memorable.

There were so many awesome moments and I am so excited to have the 2010 Olympics Here.

My excitement has been slowly mounting but after the torch relay running by my house, then Grouse Mountain, the Opening Ceremonies peaked my excitment and now I plan to just treasure this amazing experience.

If you missed the Opening Ceremonies I encourage you to find it online as there were some amazing performances and effects and it was such a special event.

I really loved Shane Koyczan "We are More" where he defines Canadians. I don't want VANOC on my ass so here is a youtube video of him (not at the olympic ceremony, but the same poem, though his pace tonight was much more emotional and moving) The transcript is below the video.

When defining Canada

you might list some statistics

you might mention our tallest building

or biggest lake

you might shake a tree in the fall

and call a red leaf Canada

you might rattle off some celebrities

might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie

might even mention the fact that we've got a few

Barenaked Ladies

or that we made these crazy things

like zippers

electric cars

and washing machines

when defining Canada

it seems the world's anthem has been

" been there done that"

and maybe that's where we used to be at

it's true

we've done and we've been

we've seen

all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine

and turned into theme parks

but when defining Canada

don't forget to mention that we have set sparks


we are not just fishing stories

about the one that got away

we do more than sit around and say "eh?"

and yes


we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One

who inspired little number nines

and little number ninety-nines

but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines

off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

and some say what defines us

is something as simple as please and thank you

and as for you're welcome

well we say that too

but we are more

than genteel or civilized

we are an idea in the process

of being realized

we are young

we are cultures strung together

then woven into a tapestry

and the design

is what makes us more

than the sum total of our history

we are an experiment going right for a change

with influences that range from a to zed

and yes we say zed instead of zee

we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy

we dream so big that there are those

who would call our ambition an industry

because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow

we do more than grow wheat and brew beer

we are vineyards of good year after good year

we reforest what we clear

because we believe in generations beyond our own

knowing now that so many of us

have grown past what used to be

we can stand here today


filled with all the hope people have

when they say things like "someday"


someday we'll be great

someday we'll be this

or that

someday we'll be at a point

when someday was yesterday

and all of our aspirations will pay the way

for those who on that day

look towards tomorrow

and still they say someday


we will reach the goals we set

and we will get interest on our inspiration

because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks

more than backpacks and hiking trails

we are hammers and nails building bridges

towards those who are willing to walk across

we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss

we are not the see-through gloss or glamour

of those who clamour for the failings of others

we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers

uncles and nephews aunts and nieces

we are cousins

we are found missing puzzle pieces

we are families with room at the table for newcomers

we are more than summers and winters

more than on and off seasons

we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay

because we are more than what we say or do

we live to get past what we go through


and learn who we are

we are students

students who study the studiousness of studying

so we know what as well as why

we don't have all the answers

but we try

and the effort is what makes us more

we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for

so keep exploring

go far and wide

or go inside but go deep

go deep

as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss

and suddenly there was this location scout

trying to figure some way out

to get inside you

because you've been through hell and high water

and you went deep

keep exploring

because we are more

than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

we are more than hills to ski

or countryside ponds to skate

we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes

a country that is all the ways you choose to live

a land that can give you variety

because we are choices

we are millions upon millions of voices shouting

" keep exploring... we are more"

we are the surprise the world has in store for you

it's true


Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"

so don't say "been there done that"

unless you've sat on the sidewalk

while chalk artists draw still lifes

on the concrete of a kid in the street

beatboxing to Neil Young for fun

don't say you've been there done that

unless you've been here doing it

let this country be your first-aid kit

for all the times you get sick of the same old same old

let us be the story told to your friends

and when that story ends

leave chapters for the next time you'll come back

next time pack for all the things

you didn't pack for the first time

but don't let your luggage define your travels

each life unravels differently

and experiences are what make up

the colours of our tapestry

we are the true north

strong and free

and what's more

is that we didn't just say it

we made it be.

Georgian Olympic Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili dies

It is sad news that casts a sad shadow over what is bringing cheer and excitement to the city of Vancouver and the entire world.

Just hours before the official opening ceremonies, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died after what is being called a "horrific accident."

Nodar Kumaritashvili went flying off the Olympic luge track at high speed during training practice. He smashed into a metal pillar and was knocked unconscious. He was air-lifted out on stretcher covered in blood and was later pronounced dead.

Some news sources had photos of the injured luger right before his death plastered all over websites, a move that seems quite disrespectful and reminds me of the horror I felt when Michael Jackson's photos on stretcher with air-mask were released.

CTV Reports:

Kumaritashvili is from Borjomi, a resort town of 15,000 on the Georgian south. The area was an early candidate for the 2014 Winter Games that eventually went to Sochi, Russia.


Coaches and team captains have been told to expect an announcement from the IOC and luge federation by 6 p.m. ET tonight. Meanwhile, the RCMP had begun investigating the crash site, virtually locking down the facility to accredited media.


This is the third known competition or training death at a Winter Olympics. Both previous deaths occurred at the 1964 Winter Games in Innsbruck and one of them came in luge.

With opening ceremonies on a few hours away, it is so sad to have such a terrible accident occur and I sincerely hope the other lugers honour him. There are no words to really deal with this except emotional saddness from the world looking on.

Today Show at Grouse Mountain

** MORE PIX, VIDEOS and COMPLETE STORY SOON - - I NEED SLEEP*****

I enjoyed my overnight campout to go up Grouse Mountain.

Again, scroll down for some videos and reports, I am going off of VERY little sleep and promise FULL details soon - for now - here are a couple pics... Thanks for your patience... Enjoy these for now...

The Today Show will be taping live on top of Grouse Mountain for the duration of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and offers free passes 3-6am but go early to avoid disappointment.

Congrats New Orleans Saints

Congrats New Orleans Saints!!!

What an epic game!

7 Layer Dip

I love 7 layer, but I find the store-bought versions always load on the beans and olives (I hate olives and beans I enjoy but prefer not to pay for a 7 layer dip that is 70% beans)

This recipe is great... remember you can use plain sour cream and store-bought guacamole if you wish, but I prefer the sour-cream mix as it is more flavourful and the home-made guacamole because you can season it to taste.

The best part of making this yourself is you can put as much or as little (or none) of certain layers as you wish.

What you'll need:
- 2 cans of bean dip (or refrined beans)
- 1 cup onion (chopped, I prefer green onion as garnish on top but the recipe is regular inion mixed with or on top of beans)
- 1 1/2 cups guacamole dip (see recipe for home made here)
- Sour cream mix (see recipe here or use plain sour cream)
- 2 cup fresh plum tomatoes (chopped or diced)
- 6 ounces black olives (optional - I don't use)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded/grated - you can use mexi-mix pre-shredded if you wish)

So easy you won't believe it! All you need to do is layer the ingredients above in the order you read them. For instance, place a nice layer of the bean dip on the bottom of a glass bowl, followed by a layer of the chopped onion, etc... You can also use Salsa instead of or together with tomatoes.

Your dip will look beautiful through the glass bowl and should be topped with the tomatoes, shredded cheese, olives (and green onion if you choose)

Home Made Tortilla Chips

I always buy tortilla chips but for Superbowl this year I will be using this recipe to make some (as well as buy some in case it's a fail on the home-made chips)

What's great about these is that they are lower caolries but equal taste...

What you'll need:
- 1 12-ounce package corn tortillas
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt

What to do:
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Next, cut each tortilla into 8 wedges (like you would a pie or pizza) and arrange the wedges in a single layer on a cookie sheet. (I've heard wax paper is useful to avoid sticking, we shall see)

You will need a mister and if you don't have one, a spray bottle might work, but not as efficiently as a mister would. With the mister, combine the oil and lime juice. Mix it well and then spray each tortilla chip wedge until it is slightly moist.

Then, combine the cumin, chili powder and salt in a small bowl and sprinkle on the chips by hand.

All you need to do is bake for about 7 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for another 8 minutes or until the chips are crisp, but not too brown. Serve with salsas, garnishes dips or guacamole.

I will let you know how it turns out.

DIPS for CHIPS

I will use this as a spot to link all my recipes for dips and sauces.

Check back often.

Superbowl Sunday

What are your superbowl plans?

I am having the annual Superbowl Party where my husband makes super-hot-wings, stuffed jalepeno peppers, and other tasty treats.

We have football mugs, trays, plates, napkins, you name it

We basically begin drinking at noon, make a ton of appies, invite friends over with appies in hand to share and we all drink, pig out, and yell at the big screen.

I am rooting for the Saints this year. I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans and I also love the story. They've played amazingly, they've overcome so much and they are my team. I think if Colts were against anyone except the Saints or the Hawks I would cheer for them, but that's not the situation.

So this SUnday no matter what you are doing I hope you tune into the game and cheer for your team.... I will be decked out in Gold and Black GO SAINTS GO!

CLICK HERE TO SEE AMAZING INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO FOR THE SAINTS TEAM

Vancouver's CLimate Scorecard.... Bronze.....

The David Suzuki Foundation has awarded 2010 Vancouver Olympic organizers a bronze for their climate initiatives. (THE CANADIAN PRESS file photo/Darryl Dyck)

CTV BC Reports:

An environmental assessment of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games has commended organizers for building energy-efficient venues, using clean-energy sources and relying on public transit.

But the assessment said organizers fell short for not leaving the region with long-term improvements in sustainable transportation.

The climate scorecard was released Wednesday by the David Suzuki Foundation, which awarded the 2010 Olympic Winter Games a bronze for its efforts to reduce the event's climate impact.

"Climate change is a defining issue of our time, and the winter Olympics are an opportunity to show leadership by reaching and inspiring billions of fans and spectators with solutions to global warming," said the foundation's Paul Lingl in a press release.

"Despite some missed opportunities, the positive steps taken by the 2010 Olympics demonstrate that climate solutions are doable, affordable and can have a lasting legacy."

The report, however, was critical of Vancouver organizers for not providing enough long-term improvements in transportation and for not doing enough to "tell the story of their climate initiatives to Canadians and the world."

To read the climate scorecard, click here.

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Re-make of "We are the World" will debut at Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

Stars perform at the "We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti" recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on Feb. 1 in LA. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Handout)

How different is the "We are the World" remake from the original version, which shined a light on famine in Africa 25 years ago?

Well, Lil Wayne is singing Bob Dylan's verse this time around and Justin Bieber is singing Lionel Richie's opening line. And as far as the sound goes, mtv.com said it has a "modern Southern hip-hop bounce to it."

As if that isn't confusing enough for your grandparents, the video is being shot in 3-D.

The remake has been in the works for a while but changed its focus last month after the earthquake in Haiti. "We Are The World - 25 for Haiti," recorded in a Hollywood studio on Monday (they wanted to take advantage of the star power in town for the Grammys), will now have a Haiti angle. All profits from the single will go to the earthquake victims.

The original song, which featured Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles and Diana Ross, raised $63 million.

Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie brought back the "We Are the World" project 25 years after Richie wrote the song with Michael Jackson.

The very large cast of very large stars was surely hard to manage. Kanye West reportedly showed up to the Jim Henson Studios with an entourage complete with girlfriend Amber Rose and a film crew. In 1985, Quincy Jones did his best to get his talent in line by hanging a sign over the studio entrance that said, "Check Your Ego at the Door."

While the orginal recording was sold to raise money in the fight against world famine, the remake will be sold to benefit victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Many stars have already started talking about the experience, and it sounds like it will match up to the original.

Nicole Richie was there with her father, Lionel Richie, when he worked on the original. This time she was there with husband Joel Madden and their son, Sparrow. She wrote on her Twitter Monday, "WOW. Brian Wilson stood next to me & I got to hear him sing right into my left ear. Can you say AWESOME!"

Quincy Jones, singer Lionel Richie and producer Rickey Minor at the "We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti" recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (January 31, 2010 - Photo by Handout/Getty Images North America)

Meanwhile young singer Justin Bieber said he could barely keep his eyes off Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. He Tweeted, "Singing We Are The World right now with celine dion next to me!! Everyone is here!! I'm meeting everyone!! This is insane! Ok ok chill."

The full list of all 81 choir singers hasn't yet been released, but here are some of the stars we know were there.

-Celine Dion
-Jennifer Hudson
-Justin Bieber
-Vince Vaughn
-Kanye West and Amber Rose
-Julianne Hough
-will.i.am
-Wyclef Jean
-T-Pain
-Randy Jackson
-Gladys Knight
-Brandy
-Keri Hilson
-Faith Evans
-Rob Thomas
-Nancy Wilson
-Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls)
-Harry Connick Jr
-Katharine McPhee
-Robin Thicke
-Josh Groban
-India.arie
-Usher
-Carrie Underwood
-Fergie
-Jason Mraz
-Anthony Hamilton
-Trey Songz
-Musiq Soulchild
-Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland)
-Kristian Bush (Sugarland)
-Nicole Richie
-Joel Madden
-Snoop Dogg
-Tyrese
-Miley Cyrus
-Nick Jonas
-Joe Jonas
-Kevin Jonas
-Jordin Sparks
-Enrique Iglesias
-Jeff Bridges
-LL Cool Jnico
-Natalie Cole
-Toni Braxton
-Barbra Streisand
-Lady Gaga
-Jay-Z
-Eminem

The video for the song will debut Feb. 12 on NBC during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.

Mandy's Mind - I can't Wait!! For Celebrity News please subscribe to follow my alternate blog MandysMind.com.


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Mexi-Sour Cream Dip

I like to use this with tortilla chips or in 7 layer dip or just to add a zip to anything really.

Mexi-Sour Cream Mix:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 envelope of taco seasoning

Mix, Serve, Use, Enjoy