Olympic Videos from Canada's Big Win over USA in Men's Hockey

This is a good hour or more after we beat USA in the Gold Medal Men's Hockey Game. It was absolute insanity - but so much fun! Here are people on the roof tops, traffic lights, store ledges....




The downtown vibe last night was amazing !!! On Robson Street the crowd sang along to "We are the Champions" because... well... we are !!!





Canada beat USA for the 2010 Olympic Gold Medal in Vancouver for Men's Hockey. This also broke the record for most Gold Medals.... I am oozing with pride and have so much to blog and share.... tomorrow....

Here's a brief clip from the bar I was at in gastown after the big win....



Canada won Olympic Gold Medal against USA in Men's Hockey the pub erupted with pride and sang our national anthem in celebration.....



See my youtube for many more olympic videos.

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.

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.

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.

[Source]

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.


[Source and Source]

Live City Downtown Vancouver

More free programming during the Olympics. With the amount people spend to come here [and for me, the amount I can't afford to go to actual Olympic events] it's nice to see all this free stuff popping up.

Live City Downtown Vancouver will be at Georgia and Cambie Streets in the heart of downtown Vancouver. They will feature free concerts and live entertainment along with giant screens to keep up with all the Olympic Winter Game coverage.

Live City Downtown Vancouver is expected to be open 11am-12:30am throughout the Olympics Games and is all free with no tickets required.

Live performances from Jessie Farrell, Romy Mayes, Soulstream and more.

LiveCity Downtown is all about the spirit of Olympic
Winter Games competition. This is the place to mingle
with friends from across the country and around the
world. Watch daily sport competition live on the giant
screens, enjoy the best in local food and drink and
cheer our athletes on to gold.

It's "sister-site" is Live City Yaletown which will be open 11am - 11pm and is located at David Lam Park in Yaletown.

For more information Check out these pages

Richmond Olympic Oval

Vancouver Sun / The first competition at the Richmond oval: the Canadian Single Distance Championships in December.Photograph by: Ian Lindsay, Vancouver Sun

Richmond's Olympic Oval is quite an amazing venue.

The website boasts:

Located minutes from Vancouver International

Airport, the Oval is a breathtaking facility

along the banks of the Fraser River and

a hallmark of public accessibility, environmental

sustainability and worldclass sportsmanship.

Honored with several awards including the Institution of Structural

Engineers 2009 Award for Sports or Leisure Structures, the building

has spacious, modern interiors featuring wood floors, natural light

and a broad public art program incorporated into the Oval itself and

its immediate surroundings.

Large panes of glass along the exterior walls allow natural lighting and provide unique river views.

The unique design includes large paned glass allowing natural lighting and beautiful views of the Fraser River, a giant 2 hectare roof made of "salvaged British Columbia wood that was damaged by a pine-beetle infestation" and a rain collection system which is used for irrigation and the buildings utility systems (toilet flushing).

Perhaps it's most unique feature is the "Waste Heat Energy Recovery"

This energy, recovered from ice-making is reused for heating and cooling water, the building and the rink. It is comparable to the heat you feel beside your fridge or freezer... this extra energy is being used for other sources in the building making it a "green" or "environmentally friendly" energy source.

It is a complex design of tubes and pipes throughout the building that create a "sustainable legacy"

It is a state-of-the-art design and has already recieved numerous awards including:

The Institutional Design Award from BC Wood WORKS!/Canadian Wood Council.

The Innovation in Architecture Award of Excellence from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

The Green Building Practices Award from the Globe Foundation and World Green Building Council.

The Sustainability Star from the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee.

Considered by many to be the shining star of the Olympic Venues, it will be open to the public April 1, 2010.

Olympic Concerts and Medal Presentations in Vancouver

One of the best parts of having the Olympics in Canada, specificly Vancouver, is the amazing Canadian musicians who will be featured.

Those who haven't been following, there are two Olympic sites, Vancouver BC and Whistler BC. Both will feature a number of Olympics events and have musical performances daily.

Victory Ceremonies Daily Schedule:

■6:30 PM Provincial/territorial celebration live in BC Place
Provincial/territorial celebration simulcast live in Whistler Medals Plaza
■7:00 PM Medals presentation in BC Place and Whistler Medals Plaza
■7:30 PM Live concert in BC Place and Whistler Medals Plaza

Vancouver 2010 Website has a comprehensive guide to these performances which I will summarize for you here. Each evening begins with a provincial/territorial celebration, the awarding of the medals and a concert finale honouring the medallists. Vancouver presentations and concerts are held at BC Place, while Whistler's are at the Whistler Medals Plaza.

Friday February 12, 2010

Vancouver

• Opening Ceremonies at BC Place

Saturday February 13, 2010

Whistler

• All American Rejects
• Men's downhill skiing, ski jumping (individual normal hill) and women’s biathlon (7.5-kilometre sprint).

Sunday February 14, 2010
British Columbia Night

Vancouver

• Nelly Furtado
• Short track speed skating (men’s 1,500 m), ladies’ freestyle skiing moguls and speed skating (men’s 5,000 m and ladies’ 3,000 m).

Whistler

• Estelle
• Ladies’ alpine skiing (super combined), as well as men’s Nordic combined (individual normal hill) and biathlon (10-km sprint).

Monday February 15, 2010
Quebec Night

Vancouver

• TBA
• Men's freestyle skiiing moguls.

Whistler

• Pierre Lapointe
• Men’s luge and cross-country skiing (ladies’ 10-km free and men’s 15-km free).

Tuesday February 16, 2010
Nova Scotia Night

Vancouver

• Barenaked Ladies
• Men’s and ladies’ snowboard cross, as well as men’s 500-metre speed skating.

Whistler

• Fiest
• Men’s alpine skiing (super combined), women’s luge and biathlon (women’s 10-km pursuit and men’s 12.5-km pursuit).

Wednesday February 17, 2010
Alberta Night

Vancouver

• Paul Brandt
• Ladies 500-metre speed skating

Whistler

• Our Lady Peace
• Alpine skiing (ladies’ downhill) and cross-country skiing (men’s and ladies’ individual sprint classic).

Thursday February 18, 2010
Prince Edward Island Night

Vancouver

• Hedley
• Short track speed skating (ladies’ 500 m), men’s snowboard halfpipe, as well as men’s and ladies’ 1,000-metre speed skating.

Whistler

• Deadmau5
• Men’s luge doubles and biathlon (women’s 15-km individual and men’s 20-km individual).

Friday February 19, 2010
Northwest Territories Night

Vancouver

• Theory of a Deadman
• Ladies Snowboard halfpipe

Whistler

• Hedley
• Men’s alpine skiing (super-G) and ladies’ cross-country skiing (pursuit, 7.5 km classic and 7.5 km free).

Saturday February 20, 2010
Yukon Night

Vancouver

• Stereophonics
• No medals presentations

Whistler

• Stars
• Men’s and women’s skeleton, ladies’ alpine skiing (super-G) and men’s ski jumping (individual large hill).

Sunday February 21, 2010
Nunavut Night

Vancouver

• Trooper & Loverboy
• Short track speed skating (ladies’ 1,500 m and men’s 1,000 m), men’s 1,500-metre speed skating and men’s freestyle skiing ski cross.

Whistler

• One Republic
• Men’s cross-country skiing (pursuit, 15 km classic and 15 km free) alpine skiing (giant slalom) and two-man bobsleigh, as well as biathlon (men’s 15-km mass and women’s 12.5-km mass).

Monday February 22, 2010

Vancouver

• TBA

Whistler

• TBA
• Cross-country skiing (men’s and ladies’ team sprint free) and men’s ski jumping (team large hill).

Tuesday February 23, 2010
Saskatchewan Night

Vancouver

• Billy Talent
• Ladies’ freestyle skiing ski cross and men’s 10,000-metre speed skating

Whistler

• The Fray
• Nordic combined (men’s team relay) and women’s biathlon (4x6-km relay).

Wednesday February 24, 2010
Ontario Night

Vancouver

• INXS
• Ladies’ 5,000-metre speed skating.

Whistler

• Jet
• Ladies’ alpine skiing (giant slalom) and men’s cross-country skiing (4x10-km relay classic/free).

Thursday February 25, 2010
Manitoba Night

Vancouver

• Burton Cummings
• Short track speed skating (ladies’ 3,000 m relay) and ladies’ freestyle skiing aerials.

Whistler

• The Roots
• Women’s bobsleigh, Nordic combined (men’s individual large hill) and ladies’ cross-country skiing (4x5-km relay classic/free).

Friday February 26, 2010
Newfoundland & Labrador Night

Vancouver

• Great Big Sea
• Men’s freestyle skiing aerials and ladies’ snowboarding parallel giant slalom.

Whistler

• K'Naan
• Ladies’ alpine skiing (slalom) and men’s biathlon (4x7.5-km relay)

Saturday February 27, 2010

Whistler

• Usher
• Men’s alpine skiing (slalom) and four-man bobsleigh, as well as ladies’ cross-country skiing (30-km mass start classic).

Sunday February 28, 2010

Vancouver

• Closing Ceremonies at BC Place

Glowbal Lunch Special this January

So Glowbal in Yaletown re-opened after some renovations and is no longer called Glowbal Grill & Satay but Glowbal Steaks & Satay.

Fine.

The good news is for the entire month of January their lunch menu is 50% off.

Being massive Glowbal fans (especially of the satay items and Caprese Salad and Kobe meatball with Tomatoe Garlic Truffle Cream Sauce Spaghetti) a few of us headed down to enoy a lunch together.

Natalie and her husband Jarod, Theresa, my husband and I arrived at about 1:30pm and enjoyed the afternoon. Two and a half hours later we paid and left. Here is how I feel about the "new" Glowbal.

There's some good and some bad to this experience. Read on....

It was their very first day open after reno's apparently, so things were a bit rocky but not bad. They were very busy for a midweek lunch.

We ordered our favourite satay items and tried some of the new items.

Short Rib in truffle aioli

Wagyū Chuck in black sea salt

Ahi Tuna with panko crust and tobiko aioli

Coconut Chicken with a spicy tropical glaze

Hamachi Crudo pineapple ponzu

As always it was served with a thai slaw, ginger white soya and hot chinese mustard.

What was different about the satay, however, was that the slaw has changed and although it seemed to use fresher ingredients, it was very bland. The Ginger Chicken had been replaced, with a much tastier Coconut Chicken and a few new items were added.

The server suggested we add Dungeness Crabcakes which we did and it was delicious.

The server also suggested the Hamachi Crudo after we ordered the Ahi Tuna, however, it was not very tasty and a very small, jellied portion.

The short ribs are by far my favourite on the satay, they literally melt in your mouth. My friend Amy convinced me to try them after several visits, and I am so glad as it's the most enjoyable item on the satay in my opinion.

I also enjoyed the new Coconut chicken far better than the Ginger Chicken, and the Waygu was excellently cooked and anice sample of the steak.

For Salads I got my normal Caprese Salad, however, I was disappointed with the changes they made to it.

The new menu has Caprese with vine ripened tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella
extra virgin olive oil, which was not nearly as flavourful or even appealing as the previous which came with balsalmic vinegar, basil, a large block of cheese, a toast along with the vine tomatoes.

My problem with the new Caprese was that the cheese did not look appealing (it was like a blob of cream plopped and dripping all over my plate - visually and texturally unappealing) and the salad overall was simply lacking the flavour from the basil (though they had a bit on there along with some other greens that were tasteless and more hard stem than leaf) and most importantly, there was no balsalmic vinegar!

To resolve this issue I simply ordered balsalmic vinegar on the side and asked the server about the cheese, to which I was told that this way was better, it was hand-turned.... hmmm....

Personally, everything I loved about the Caprese is gone and I don't think I will order it again, sadly.

On to the main course.

Natalie and I both ordered the Spaghetti Kobe Meatballs spicy tomato basil sauce, garlic confit parmigiano reggiano. It was good, but I prefer the dinner menu with the truffle cream sauce. I could only get through half after the massive satay and salad we enjoyed, along with the martini's.

Jarod ordered the Roasted Chicken Club. It seemed to use dark thigh meat, as well as too much watercress aioli causing the bread to be saturated in oil. He didn't even care to eat it as he was looking for something a bit healthier [ such as white meat, non-greasy sandwich ]

To promote their new steaks they had all of them for 50% off in addition to all food items on the lunch menu.

If you are going for the discounted lunch this month I suggest trying the Wagyū which is $15 an ounce (minimum 6 oz.) but at 50% off, it's a fantastic deal.

Wagyū, if you do not know, is like the Australian version of Kobe beef.

Wikipedia explains:

The meat from wagyū cattle is known worldwide for its marbling characteristics, increased eating quality through a naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness, and thus a high market value.

My husband got the 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak, medium, while Theresa had the Tenderloin Steak, medium rare, both served with whipped buttermilk potatoes, undercooked green beans and your choice of other side dishes À la carte.

À la carte items ranged from Poutine (which we had, besides being a tad cold and not allowing the cheese to melt it was good), Polenta with blue cheese and crispy speck, Sweet Potato with butter poached lobster tail, Asparagus in bearnaise, Baked Potato loaded with lobster fondue, bacon and gruyère and many more.

There was also the Wild Mushroom Risotto which we decided to try.

Let me advise you to not try this side dish unlesss you love oily mushroom flavour. It was over loaded with the smell and taste of mushrooms, very oily and we didn't get past one bite of the large bowl they brought.

Next time I will try the Baked Potato... the lady beside us had it and it looked delicious with the lobster fondue, bacon and gruyère cheese.

Despite some flaws with the side dishes, the steaks themselves were done well.

Glowbal steaks boast:

All steaks are hand selected naturally aged for maximum tenderness and flavor. Steaks are broiled at 1700 degrees and finished with café de paris butter

.

No Joke.

These guys are taking their steaks seriously.

So seriously they changed their name to include "steaks."

If that wasn't enough, you should see the display they have, and chefs ready to chat about any steak cut, and history.

Overall, Glowbal made some changes that I am disappointed with. I am used to my favourite items being removed from a resturant menu, but it is always sad.

The Caprese is not horrible, but definately not as good as it was. The chicken club, undercooked green beans, cold poutine and questionable Hamachi were disappointing.

The service was not as pretentious as I have seen it, and they were obviously very eager for feedback on this first lunch after renovations.

I like that they are exploring and expanding, I enjoyed the new Coconut Chicken on the Satay as well as the addition of steaks, particularily the Wagyū.

The two and a half hours for lunch was a bit long, even with the satay then salads then main course. Minimum Parking outside is 2 hours so I got a ticket. [ and I do not think they offer valet during the day ]

Overall, I enjoyed myself, but will make adjustments to my order next time now that I have tried a few of the changed and new items.

Vancouver Prepares for Olympics

Photo by The Canadian Press

CTV Reports:
VANCOUVER - Vancouver is putting on its Sunday best with just a month to go before the Winter Olympics.

Banners and signs are sporting the official colours of the Games, downtown buildings are wrapping themselves up with Olympic spirit and even bed-bug-sniffing dogs are getting in on the action as the city puts on its best face to welcome the world.

Up until a few months ago, the most visible indication that Vancouver was about to host one of the biggest events in the world appeared to be the ever-present construction that has irritated residents and clogged up traffic.


It's true - The Olympics are coming soon and the construction had better wrap up. All my favourite resturants and bars and nightclubs will be packed with tourists and it will be an amazing time to meet people from around the world.... if you can find your way and don't mind the buzzing atmosphere.

CTV continues:
The regional health authority rescheduled annual inspections to take a look at every one of the 7,000 restaurant and food vendors in the city during the past six months. Several dozen restaurants were forced to close, most for a day or two, to fix violations that ranged from pest infestations to a lack of hot water.

I have mixed feelings about heading downtown during the Olympics. Part of me thinks, "it will be way too busy and I should just avoid it all together" while the other part of me, which is far more dominant, screams, "go!!! experience this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and take it all in!"

I will likely listen to the second voice... it's louder and usually far more entertaining than the first.

But downtown Vancouver is only one part of our city.

I hope that tourists step outside of the downtown core to experience more of Vancouver and the surrounding area.


Photo from Image Bank/Getty Images

Many "Guide to Vancouver" websites have suggestions for tourists visiting our city:

Escaping downtown will be especially important starting Feb. 13, when the Vancouver National Organizing Committee (Vanoc) will start running two "LiveCity" sites, one right downtown, the other a few blocks away, in Yaletown. Featuring live music and food, "interactive sponsor pavilions" and giant television screens, these sites promise to be bustling, popular and commercial—in other words, places some people might want to avoid.

There will be areas that will be too crowded to venture into unless you are prepared to wait, and wait and wait....

As a local, I have a ton of recommendations for tourists which I will be featuring in upcoming weeks. Resturants, Bars, Tourist Sites, Beaches, Mountains, Events..... not just from my own experiences but from many of my friends who live in the downtown core.

Stay Tuned

My Liquor Cabinet

I recently moved to a new place and one of the first things I unpacked and set up was my liquor cabinet.

At my previous place we had all our goodies in a cupboard in the kitchen, but this time we dedicated an entire shelf to our liquor.

That's just how we roll.

Keep in mind, we live in Vancouver, which is a short drive to Seattle and involves crossing an international border which offers amazing deals at Duty Free.

We stock up as often as possible.

Personally, I enjoy having all the flavored vodkas and rums for my own sweet and tastey concoctions. At one time we had every available flavour of Absolut and also of Sminoff.

I've started stocking up on various liquers which add a nice zip to some of my fave drinks.

My husband prefers his whiskey's, the older the better. I am a whiskey girl also, but let him think it's all for him.

We also like to get specialty, limited edition items when they are available.

I will deffo post some of the cool items we have soon.