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.

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.