2010 & High Heels Tuesday Photo: The Fate of Skate Guard Ends

by Lisa Ovens

photo: Lisa Ovens

Last Christmas I was on a freelance photo shoot at Cyclone Taylor Dance Shop on Oak Street (your number one shop for everything figure skating in Vancouver). The subject: recreational figure skates.

 As I was leaving the shop, I noticed a basket on the floor. It was filled with the ends of skate guards. I guess the good people at Cyclone Taylor felt together, the guard ends were too pretty to throw away.

 I couldn't agree more :o)

2010 Olympics: A Look at Accredited Olympic Media Centres

by Lisa Ovens

                               Grand Opening Weekend photo:Lisa Ovens taken April 2009

Well, after all the talk and action surrounding my video entry into the Petro Canada's Family Correspondent Contest, I felt this would be a good time to talk about Olympic Media Coverage.

There will be two accredited media centres in Vancouver, and one located in Whistler during the Winter Games. This means almost 10,000 media people will be employed around the clock bringing all the Olympic action to their home countries around the world.

Broadcast Media Centre: The Vancouver Convention Centre

A new fixture on Vancouver's downtown waterfront, the Vancouver Convention Centre (pictured above) will be a breezy, natural space for the 7000 accredited members of the broadcast media producing live television and radio coverage of the 2010 Winter Games.

In October I worked on a film in the centre so I had the opportunity to be there for a 15 hour day. Acting as a German business woman in the upcoming remake of the "A -Team" I spent most of my time in the massive lobby (the production company turned it into the Frankfurt train station for the movie).

I rode the escalators up and down for many takes as actress Jessica Biel ran around in a panic. It's quite possible Jessica did not notice the centre's living roof and the natural use of wood the designer's chose for this inviting building. She may not have been aware of the stunning water and mountain views seen through massive walls of windows.

Centre under construction: photo by Lisa Ovens, taken Sept.2007

Print Media and Photo Journalism : Canada Place

Canada Place is a busy spot on any old day:  it's home to the Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal, the Port of Vancouver offices, the World Trade Centre and the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

But during January and February, it's really going to be bustling and filled with the noises of thousands of fingers tapping on laptop keyboards and the sounds of lenses coming out of cordura camera cases. Approximately 2800 accredited print media and photo journalists will work 24/7 churning out the Olympic sport stories to be uploaded and emailed out to the world's newspapers.

Whistler Media Centre

Located in the Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Media Centre will be a warm, cozy retreat for media folk assigned to the skiing and sliding sport venues. Wish I had a photo of the conference centre, but in all my trips to Whistler I have neglected that building. So please enjoy this photo of Whistler Village I shot during the Whistler World Cup February 2008.

Seasons Greetings from Lisa and Hockeyandhighheels.com

by uncle Skeppy

Wishing you all safe, cozy and warm wishes this Holiday season!

With only 48 days to go until the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics, I also would like to wish everyone travelling to my hometown, Vancouver Canada, the smoothest running of your travel plans and a safe and exciting journey to the Games.

See you all soon, in Vancouver!!!

love, hugs and Kisses

Lisa O.

It's official: Lisa Ovens enters PetroCan's 2010 Family Correspondent's Contest!!

By Lisa Ovens

Okay, I am going to come right out and say it. Just get it over with...Please vote for my Video, Behind the Rings on Petro Canada's Family Correspondent Contest Facebook page. I, along with hockeyandhighheels.com's very own contributing writer and photo artist, my Uncle Skeppy, have thrown our hats into the Five Rings, and would love more than anything to be chosen as one of two family teams, working to help tell the stories of our Canadian Athletes' heros...their families. This is a brilliant contest and many thanks to Petro Canada for creating a contest that would appeal to and bring out the best of so many Canadians.

If I may continue to campaign... Uncle Steve (Skeppy) and I are from a massive family, spread out all over Canada, and at re-unions, we often go into "interview mode" to catch up with everyone. (I have over 60 first cousins...yes, you read that right, 60 first cousins!) We love our big family, and know how important it is to have a family support network like our courageous 2010 Winter Olympic athletes have.


between the two of us, Uncle Skeppy and I would have the most unique pairing of voices in this contest: He's retired from media, but for many years was an anchor on news radio and then hosted a television news show while pulling the reins as news director for a television station. His voice is as smooth as any personality out there. I, on the other hand have been likened to Megan who played Karen on Will and Grace. But a much more warmer and friendlier sounding Karen. I do have my "interview, news gal voice as well.

I could go on and on here, but will close and say this: If chosen a  Petro Canada family correspondent, I will be so honored and will do my very best to share the stories with a warm, upbeat and fun presentation to Canadians everywhere.

Wish me Luck....and please go learn more about this super cool Petro Canada 2010 Olympic contest, view the other entries and vote now....

Behind the Rings by Lisa Ovens on Petro Canada Family Correspondent Page on Facebook


Thank you all for your support!

Not Your Average 2010 Contest: Petro Canada's Family Correspondent Challenge

by Lisa Ovens

If you have ever dreamed of being a field reporter uncovering the untold stories, then this is the contest for you. And if that very dream included a favourite member of your own family, then get the cameras rolling and yell "ACTION!"

It's all in the family for Petro Canada as they search for pairs of would be reporters for an assignment of a lifetime: interview the loved ones and number one supporters of Canadian athletes competing at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

All it takes is a facebook account, a twitter account and a 30 second video to enter in the Petro Canada Family Correspondent Contest. Visit Petro Canada's facebook page for all the details, including current entry videos, prize details and contest rules... Petro Canada Dream Big Vancouver 2010 contest page

All I need to do now is get my Uncle Skeppy on board and who knows, you just might see me on Youtube dishing with the kin of our Candian athletes!!

Wish me luck :o)

Free HDTV coverage of the Olympics If you live in a large city with Network Stations.

by Uncle Skeppy


Getting geared up for the 2010 Winter Olympics is on the agenda for most of us and part of the planning... " how am l going to see great TV coverage?"

At the top of this list is the size of our TV screen and with prices on LCD and Plasma units falling.. there are tempting buys out there with 42 inch screens going for 800 dollars or less. So we took the leap and purchased a new 42 inch HDTV and so far only one disappointment. The cost of the largest cable company's HD equipment and programming costs.

Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean in HD

The HD Box runs anywhere from $250 to $500 dollars depending on wether you want the Personal Video Capture part of the deal. Then just when you think you might consider the purchase, you learn that the HD Programming will cost extra.

Refusing to get hooked on these outrages charges we let our fingers do the walking and guess what, you can get the Three Major Network stations HD programming for free !!!!!

ALL YOU NEED ARE A SET OF RABBIT EARS!

CBC,CTV and Global are now transmitting Off-Air HD quality programming, free, The channel numbers for HD off-air are CBC 58.1 CTV 33.1 and Global 22.2 CTV is the Olmpic Coverage Network. We don't know if or when other local stations will make the move to HD Off-air.

All you need is the old fashioned rabbit ears antenna sitting in the garage storage bin. We've hooked up the gizmo and the results floored us !!! the picture quality is super.. in fact better than cable because cable companies compress the HD signals to get more channels into their coaxial cables.
Try it you'll love it. This only works on HDTV sets and only recieves TV off-air broadcasts. Even if you have subscribned to HD cable.. the Rabbit ears are a good cheap back-up in any emergency.

Our thanks to the folks at the Digital Forum website where we found the details.

Happy Holidays and..Happy Viewing !

2010 & High Heels Tuesday Photo: The $800,000 Rain Drop

by Lisa Ovens

Hans Hemmert, Thomas A. Schmidt, Georg Zey, and Axel Lieber felt the people of Vancouver needed something to remind us of the rain...

Yesterday it snowed. Today it is rainy. Time for something sunny! This sculpture landed on a walking/ cycling path that runs along Vancouver's waterfront. The place is known as Bon Voyage Plaza and "The Drop" occupies a spot in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre, soon to be home to the International Broadcast Media for the 2010 Winter Olympics. To the right (off camera) is Vancouver's cruise ship terminal.

Designed by four Swedish and German artists (listed above), The Drop weighs 2700 kilograms (almost three tons) and stands 17 metres (55 feet) high.

 I must say it's the most cheerful looking raindrop I have ever seen :o)

2010 Winter Olympics: The Vodka Battles

By Lisa Ovens

Paradis wheat vodka: triple distilled for your enjoyment.

I think I will finally crack open this bottle in celebration

 during the 2010 Winter Olympics...

Back in October I was out with my buddy Andrew and friends. We watched a Vancouver Canucks away game (a good one, too – beat Chicago Blackhawks, in Chicago...and oooh, that Willie Mitchell hit on Jonathan Toews!) and then decided to walk to a specialty liquor store so Andrew could get a certain bottle of beer. Along the way we stopped at a six foot tall plastic Absolut Vodka bottle just standing, unattended on the edge of a parking lot. I had noticed this bottle in the same spot, earlier that day.

The “Absolut Biggie” was acting as some sort of “speaker’s corner recording device”, but it was only fitted with a camera so naturally some jumping around ensued. I was too short for the lens’s view, but that was remedied quickly. Then off we went into the night.

Well, last night around midnight I had another “Little Water” run-in (Vodka means little water in Russian). I was walking by the Vancouver Art Gallery (Howe Street side) checking out the freshly lit Christmas Tree, heading to see the lights of Robson Square. I noticed an American made automobile parked on the art gallery’s lawn located on the south side of the building. I thought this was unusual.

On approach to the vehicle I noticed it had a projector sitting on the roof. I looked at the building across the street (the white exterior of Sears) and sure enough a large bottle of what I think was Russian Standard Vodka was there on the wall, glowing in the night (It was only a two scene commercial). I looked at the car and a guy was seated in the driver’s seat, but slumped down trying to be invisible. With so few people around, his cover wasn’t exactly threatened.

It’s a different kind of gang war: Vodka brands fighting for a shot to splash inside Vancouver’s tumblers. The 2010 Winter Olympics are 61 days away, and local Vancouverites can expect more marketing warfare in the weeks to come.

Personally, these vodkas have nothing on the limited edition Vodka pictured above: Paradis Wheat Vodka from Armenia. I bought this bottle three years ago at the Vancouver International Airport. It was obviously something I couldn’t live without.

It’s a bottle shaped like a freakin’ goal tender, Vodka peddlers. Enough said.

The 2010 and High Heels Tuesday Photo : Flashback to Torino 2006

"Luongo Eyes the Cupcakes"

by Lisa Ovens

At least this photo is a flashback for me. February 19th, 2006 my friend Michelle came over to watch Team Finland vs. Team Canada. Along with her 2006 Olympic Hockey Tournament enthusiasm, she brought two teams of Cupcakes: Team Finland's were decorated with our fave Finnish Player names, and Team Canada decorated with our fave Canadian players names. Plus she did up some cupcakes with the team flags. We had two plates loaded with the Patriotic treats.

At one point early in the game, there was a long close up of Team Canada goal tender, Roberto Luongo in his crease. It was like he was hypnotized by the cupcakes in front of me...just gazing at them.

Finland won the game 2-0 (Antero Nittymaki was in net for the Finns; obviously he didn't get distracted...)

Olympic Victory Ceremony Performers Announced

by Lisa Ovens

(This is what I look like when it's really cold in Vancouver, and it's been really cold lately. I'm talking -1 to -6 degrees Celsius kind of cold)


                                  BC Place Stadium and False Creek

The following is a list of musical acts that will be rocking BC Place as headliners during the nightly Victory ceremonies. I should say, mostly male musical acts. They are calling this the Vancouver 2010 Concert Series presented by Bell, but I'm calling it the 2010 Mostly Men Concert Series. 

Lisa's Tiny Rant

Yes, it's time for another tiny rant (I haven't had one since October) It's one thing to keep the ladies off the ski jump, but now the concert stage? The lack of female talent is a concern to me not only here with the Victory Ceremonies, but also with the acts scheduled at Molson Hockey House, too. As of now, these Vancouver 2010 Olympics are really shaping up to be just one BIG SAUSAGE FESTIVAL on Stage!

 I can only hope more rockin' chicks are enlisted to entertain soon. Alanis Morrisette, Bif Naked, Feist...where are you??

End Lisa's Tiny Rant

Performance Schedule...6:30pm Nightly


Feb 14 Nelly Furtado presented by British Columbia

Feb 15 To be confirmed  presented by Quebec

Feb 16 Barenaked Ladies presented by Nova Scotia

Feb 17 Paul Brandt  presented by Alberta

Feb 18 Hedley presented by Prince Edward Island

Feb 19 Theory of a Deadman presented by Northwest Territories

Feb 20 Stereophonics presented by Yukon

Feb 21 Trooper and Loverboy presented by Nunavut

Feb 23 Billy Talent  presented by Saskatchewan

Feb 24 INXS presented by Ontario

Feb 25 Burton Cummings presented by Manitoba

Feb 26 Great Big Sea presented by Newfoundland and Labrador

*Please note: there will be no medal ceremony on February 20 and no Victory Ceremony at BC Place on February 22nd. Schedule subject to change.

2010 and High Heels Swag Off: Round Two Finland vs. Russia

by Lisa Ovens

Welcome to Round Two of the 2010 and High Heels Olympic Swag Off!

Before we begin round two, congratulations are in order to the winner of Round One, Team USA Olympic Rings Bracelet. The Bangle swag beat out Team Canada's drinking glasses (75% of votes) Click here for Round One.















Now onto Round Two...

Team Finland: Reindeer Antler Hats

The Finnish Reindeer Hat could very well be the must have 2010 Winter Olympic accessory, but you can’t get them in Vancouver (even though the photo was taken at the Hockey Canada Cup Tournament in August) We found out from these two Fin Fans that the Hats are only available at a market in Helsinki, Finland. What we wouldn't do for these hats!! But there is hope: Hockey and High Heels book designer/ field correspondent, Michelle will be searching for these hats on a Finland trip in January.


Team Russia: Cheburashka Doll

CHEBURASHKA, Team Russia Mascot. According to Cheburashka.com, “Troll dolls don’t have a thing on Cheburashka!” Cheburashka dolls were all the rage in Turin, host city of the 2006 Winter Olympics. A red version was Russia’s Mascot in Beijing 2008.

A lead character in a Russian children’s story, Cheburashka was originally from Africa. The wide eyed furry creature managed to find a crate of oranges to eat, fell asleep and then wound up being shipped to Russia along with the oranges. Cheburashka has been melting hearts ever since.

Vote for your favorite Round Two Swag Now...place your votes at the poll located top, right of this page.

The 2010 and High Heels Tuesday Photo

By Lisa Ovens


One of the "quick change" changing room pods at the 2010 Superstore in the Hudson's Bay Downtown.

Could also be a terrific little place to share Olympic kisses with your sweetie, too...

2010 Art Feature- Artist: Uncle Skeppy

by Lisa Ovens

                                                       Composite photo art by Uncle Skeppy

It's quite easy to get caught up in everything but sport when the Olympics are coming to your home town.

 And it is sport and athletes that the winter games are built on. As sports fans we can easily recall great moments during Winter Olympics past.

 The above work of composite photo art captures some thrilling moments. (Click photo to enlarge)

Hockeyandhighheels.com contributing artist and writer, Uncle Skeppy blends spectacular moments of triumph with some highly skilled moves of athletes hard at work. Behind it all: snowy, powerful peaks, that could almost represent the invisble mountains our athletes have to climb to make it to the world's stage.  (and we can't forget some adorable fuzziness by way of some fun loving mascots!)

-Visit Lisa's Hockey Lounge and read Uncle Skeppy's recent hockey article: Why We are Such Good Hockey players.

Hockey& High Heels Swag-Off: 2010 Olympics Edition!!

by Lisa Ovens

Welcome to the 2010 Olympics Swag Off! Vote for your favorite Swag! Over the next two months we'll be hosting preliminary rounds of swag matches. Come February, the top swag will compete along side the Olympic Ice Hockey Tournaments during the 2010 Winter Games.

  First up: Two competitors that happen to be fundraising swag in the “Under Six Dollars Category."

Team Canada: “The Robson” Tumbler

Team USA Olympic Rings Bracelet

Cast your vote at the polls at the top, on the right!!!!

Round One Swag Statistics....

Petro-Canada 2010 Drinking Glasses CDN $3.99 each ($4.99 when ordered from vancouver2010.com store)
Cheers to Team Canada, eh? Petro-Canada Vancouver 2010 Glasses are one-time only, limited edition keepsakes. Collect the series of Vancouver 2010 Glasses now! Each limited edition glass sold helps support Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Teams at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Petro- Canada recently released the 3rd and fourth glasses: The Garibaldi and The Jericho. Also available, the Capilano.More Drinking Glass info and purchase options click here

Team USA: Olympic Rings Bracelets US $5.95

Wear your support for Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics! The Team Rings bracelets!
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bracelet benefits the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team. These rubber bangles feature Team USA colors with a silver tone logo, and fits most wrists. Not for kids under three (could be a choking hazard) Order bracelets here

History of the Hockey & High Heels Swag-Off

Pitting souvenirs, merchandise and general swag items against each other was born during the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. My home team, the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make the playoffs, and I needed something to do, so I followed the playoff series matching up team swag corresponding to each round. Click here for the Original swag off page at hockeyandhighheels.com.

Olympic Swag ON DECK: Reindeer Antler Hats from Finland!!!!

Gimme Shelter: UBC Students Will!

By Lisa Ovens

2010 Count down clock...when it's not raining

Some exciting news from the University of British Columbia: a competition was held for architecture and planning students to see which team could come up with the best design for a temporary pavilion to be constructed on Granville Street between West Georgia and Dunsmuir Streets. The winners of the First Annual Spacemakers Competition will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity to Vancouver and the world during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The teams had 24 hours to design a space that will dazzle Olympic enthusiasts, and keep them comfortable and dry should it be raining buckets in February. The pavilion, located on a pedestrian only downtown street, will be alive with people: it’s close to the entrances of Pacific Centre Mall, the Hudson’s Bay Company (2010 Olympic Superstore) and the entrance to the Granville Street Skytrain Station. An estimated 6000 people will be passing through the area daily during the games. Rain or Shine, it’s another venue to experience.

photo: ralphlauren.com

Speaking of the 2010 Olympic Superstore... I was passing through it the other day and noticed a “Team USA” apparel section under construction. Polo Ralph Lauren designed Team USA’s Closing Ceremony outfits, and they are looking pretty sharp. The merchandisers told me the full collection with be on display over the next two weeks. The Team USA department is actually located just outside of the little white fence dividing the Superstore from the “regular” Hudson's Bay departments on the main floor. When you eye ball the situation, Team USA is in the opposite corner from Team Canada’s corner. Let’s hope there aren’t any rumbles by the Shiseido counter.

Speaking of rain, it’s still soaking us, and is supposed to continue into the weekend. Perhaps Mother Nature is just using up February’s supply of rain now, so we’ll have beautiful, spring like conditions during the Olympics. It’s happened before....

YVR: Vancouver International Airport

by Lisa Ovens

 If I had my way, every airport in the world would have a customs and immigration area like Canada customs in YVR (Vancouver International Airport). It’s a great room, complete with water features running the length of two escalators, calming a traveler’s nerves after a long flight. The use of wood, soft blues and natural light makes it seem like a grand living room posing as a government run point of entry. But that’s Canada for you, eh?

YVR has been busy, preparing for the increase of travelers before, during and after the 2010 Winter Olympics. Yes, YVR can be a calm place to be, but maybe not the day after the Closing Ceremonies. Airport staff will be handling some 39, 000 people and their 77,000 travel cases. They will be using a temporary check in terminal just for athletes, their families, and other Olympic officials to help lighten the load.

Last December, Vancouver experienced an unusual amount of snow (a dozen snowfalls) causing all kinds of problems. YVR is now ready for a repeat dumping after adding 10 snow plows and spending $30 million dollars on de-icing upgrades. Bring it on, they say.

                                          Canada Line arrives at YVR.

 One mega project serving YVR is the new Canada Line train running to downtown every seven minutes. Vancouver may be the second city in Canada to host a Winter Olympics (Calgary was first), but it’s the first city in Canada to have rapid rail service to the airport. Take that, Toronto! Travel time from YVR to Vancouver’s downtown waterfront is only 26 minutes. Okay, the city isn’t THAT far from the airport, but 26 minutes still sounds impressive.

I love YVR, and visit it as often as possible whether I’m travelling or not. Before the Canada Line opened, I had an informal airport car service for my friends jetting off to see the world. I called it “Lisa’s Super Cute Airport Car Service”. My tag line: “You get a smile along the way and a hug at the curb!” Then I'd slip inside and grab a slice of Flying Wedge Pizza to go. My favorite slice: Tropical Pig.

I spend a few hours at YVR every week. It’s become my favorite public place to write. I set up by a window overlooking the infield, have a little breakfast and write. And the wireless Internet connection is free! There’s something about the quiet, steady hum of airport activity that makes it work for me.

And I’m enjoying it right now.

official website for YVR

It's Raining in Vancouver Right Now...

by Lisa Ovens

photo: Lisa Ovens

Just a heads up to 2010 Olympic travellers new to Vancouver: when it rains here, it really freakin' rains here! This part of Canada is a rain forest, so be prepared for possible soggy days in February.

Have a look at this weather report for tonight as I write this post...

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 20 TO 50 MM EXPECTED BY TUESDAY MORNING. THIS IS A WARNING THAT SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING IN THESE REGIONS. MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS..LISTEN FOR UPDATED STATEMENTS.

A SLOW MOVING PACIFIC FRONTAL SYSTEM OVER THE SOUTH COAST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA WILL CONTINUE TO BRING RAIN AT TIMES HEAVY OVER THE AREA TONIGHT. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 20 TO 50 MM CAN BE EXPECTED BY TUESDAY MORNING WITH HIGHEST AMOUNTS OVER HOWE SOUND AND NEAR THE NORTHSHORE MOUNTAINS. MEANWHILE, STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS UP TO 70 KM/H WILL DEVELOP LATER THIS EVENING. THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO EASE TUESDAY MORNING AS THE FRONT MOVES INLAND.
 
That's nothing: by Monday morning (yesterday) up to 100 mm of rain, rained down on us! That's almost four inches. I'm not wearing my four inch heels in this weather; they'll be ruined!!!
 
My choice of boots (actually the only choice I have since the freakish piles of snow and cold weather that stunned us last Christmas destroyed my other boots) are weather proof, leather Hush Puppies with chunky rubber souls. I'm rotating three umbrellas, only wearing jackets with hoods and using one of my more popular phrases... "Okay, I gotta run: its not raining at this moment." (I do love those mini breaks from the down pour.)
 
So Oly travellers, that's your Vancouver "RAIN WARNING".
 
Pack extra socks, think about gum boots, and plan on losing a few umbrellas during your sporty vacation.
Should rain be a factor during your 2010 visit, batton down the hatches and just start singing :o)
 
 

 
 
 
 
Fun "Kidorable" umbrella's from The Umbrella Shop in Vancouver (since 1935). Three locations and all of them are handy to Olympic hot spot areas: downtown, Granville Island and West Broadway. Lots to see at the Umbrella shops website. Click here and let the rain inspire you
 
 

Book Review: Only in Whistler- Tales of a Mountain Town

by Lisa Ovens

Author Stephen Vogler’s new book is full of love...and plenty of beer. But, at the heart of the book is the passion for skiing and how that passion lured some pretty interesting people to Whistler back in the Seventies. And with the 2010 Winter Olympics fast approaching, the timing couldn’t be better to get to know them, and their stories.

Stephen Vogler shares his personal account of growing up in Whistler and introduces readers to some of the coolest characters you’ll ever meet in a book.

Vogler, along with the rest of the young, fun loving pioneers he meets along the way not only established a community and a lifestyle, but they went to great lengths to maintain it, preserve it, and eventually honoring it as the inevitable changes swept over Whistler, catapulting the small town into the world class ski resort it has become.

Vogler blends his own narrative with conversations he had with his Whistler peers, painting a picture of Whistler that looks nothing like the mall on the mountain the town is now. Some of the tales of the mountain include creation of a transit system to ferry around the ski bums, a clever Cappuccino stand, the plight of a twice dead horse named Dusty (that one really had me laughing out loud) and one ripper of a party after another. And of course the skiing, I can’t forget that. The days well spent on the slopes were worthy of many celebrations, and Vogler chronicles each event with great detail.

If you are going to appease Ullr, the Norse God of Skiing...you’ve got to do it right, and this book will show you the way, grasshopper.

Stephen Vogler's Website

Harbour Publishing/ Only in Whistler website page
 
Only in Whistler by Stephen Vogler is available online and in bookstores, but don't plan on buying it on a BC Ferries. Because of those bare bums on the cover, the ferries passed on stocking the book in their gift shops (protecting the children from bare bums). Read more about the story here.

2010 Olympic Thrill Ride: Downtown Zipline

by Lisa Ovens

photo: Lisa Ovens

Hey extreme 2010 Olympic visitors...get your zip on! CTV News is reporting Zip Trek EcoTours will be constructing a dual zipline over Robson Square (pictured above) located in downtown Vancouver.

Robson Square, home of the 2010 Commerce Centre/ Business Centre, British Columbia Showcase space, the International Media Centre (unaccredited media) and the soon to be re-opened outdoor ice skating rink will be a blur below you as you whiz along the zip line. The last thing you'll be thinking about is Olympic commerce and just how exactly one gets accredited at an unacreddited media centre.

And get this: your zipline ride will be free! At least that is what they are saying now...

Visit Zip Trek's website here

Robson Square was designed by world famous Canadian architect, Arthur Erickson. Building enthusiasts should explore the square that covers several city blocks. You might capture a cool photo or two, plus it's a nice place to hang out at on a sunny day...

More photos of Robson Square here

One Way to Celebrate the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

by Lisa Ovens

Let's say you entered in a contest to win an opportunity to be a 2010 Olympic Torch bearer, but you were not chosen. What's the next best thing? How about a Birks 2010 Olympic Torch Replica?

It's a scale model of the torch with a brushed aluminum base, stored  in a gorgeous, genuine Canadian Alder wood box. The replica torch is a limited edition piece (50,000) and the set includes a certificate of authenticity.
Cost:  CDN $295

Birks is the official supplier of jewelry for the 2010 Winter Olympic games. The name Birks goes back to the late 1800's in Canada. Generations of Canadians have received precious keepsakes in Birks blue boxes for birthdays, Christmases, graduations, weddings and those gifts "just because..."

Birks 2010 Olympic Collection website

Okay, let's say you you didn't make the torch bearer team, and the replica doesn't fit your budget. How about a nice 2010 Winter Olympic Torch scarf? These scarves are an acrylic/ polyester blend in beautiful rich, fall colors.

Cost: CDN $20.00

The Olympic Torch replica and scarves are both available at the 2010 Olympic Superstore in The Hudson's Bay, downtown Vancouver.

Happy Torch Bearing!!!!

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

by Lisa Ovens

Made by Bombardier , the 2010 Winter Olympic Torch is supposed to remind us of the track a skiier leaves in the snow. I can see that. That's the official description. But to many, the first thing they saw was a big marajuana joint (the unofficial description). 12,000 of these torches will be used during the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay heading across Canada beginning Friday Oct. 30th, 2009.

The Olympic Flame symbolizes the principles of peace, brotherhood and friendship; characteristics I believe Canada has an abundance of.

45,000 Kilometres 1000 communities 106 days

 The Olympic Torch is coming to a town or point of interest near you! In fact, about 90 per cent of Canada’s population will be within a one-hour drive of torch relay. And there will be parties. Over 200 community parties will take place over the course of the 106 days, with the biggest party on February 12, 2010, the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games at BC Place in Vancouver.

12,000 people will be responsible for running the torch and lighting up the torch in the hand of the next runner. I know what "next runner" I'd like to be: The runner after NHL superstar, Sidney Crosby. His leg of the relay is on Nov. 18th through Halifax, Nova Scotia, and he's feeling very honored to be involved in this long standing bit of Olympic pomp and circumstance.

Sidney Crosby is a Stanley Cup champion, a dedicated althete and is respected by many the world over, but especially by the citizens of his home province, Nova Scotia. Wouldn't that be cool to be standing on a road, and it's Sid the Kid running towards you all smiling and happy to see you? I'd like that, and I know I'm not the only one who would.

Best wishes to all the torch bearers as they keep the flame alive and burning bright over the winter!

Olympic Torch Relay Map

Offical Olympic Torch Relay Webpage at vancouver2010.com

The Olympic Flame is on its Way

Random Olympic Snippets : Today's Colour is Red

by Lisa Ovens

That's right, only Red 2010 Winter Olympic Items today. Let's begin with a building under wraps...

This is the Hotel Georgia, a historical building on the
corner of West Georgia Street and Howe Street in downtown Vancouver. It's being restored and a 48 storey glass residential tower will be squeezed in behind. Yes, everything downtown has to be tucked right in; space is at a premium here. And for years developers have been having a hayday "tearing them down" and squeezing them in.

My cousin Jen and I were reminiscing about bars we used to refresh at in Vancouver that have since been destroyed (not by us!) and the basement bar in the Georgia came up: the Chameleon. It was a hot, tiny club. And it was very red.

Olympic visitors who like to party should be prepared: most downtown Vancouver clubs are tiny in comparison to night clubs in other North Amercian cities.

Please visit the Hotel Georgia/ Residences website and see "the old meets new" architecture.



My "Paint the Town Red" Shirt is here!!!

 Thanks to Olympic cereal sponsor, General Mills, I received my free gift with cereal purchase on Friday. I had no choice but to order a kids size large because they had run out of adult sizes.
I was concerned if this adorable red shirt would fit...and it does! It will look even better when I drop a few more pre-Olympic pounds in preparation to paint Vancouver Red!

For the whole story and a review of the cereal, please click here.

Seeing  RED?

Many British Columbians see RED when they think of Premier
Gordon Campbell. But the audience of the Today Show probably just saw the RED mittens Gordo handed out to the hosts as he promoted the Winter Games in New York yesterday.

 By the time you read this, Campbell will be on his way to Olympia, Greece for the lighting of the Olympic Flame. Don't worry, he brought the torches with him. Yes, the torches that look like joints...geez...no matter what we do here, there's always a weed reference :o) 

The Red Mittens: Only $10 and for sale at the Hudson's Bay, Home Outfitters and Zellers with proceeds going to Canadian Olympic Athletes. Here's a link where you can order online Red Mittens.   

End red.

Heavy Medal: The 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Medal Design

by Lisa Ovens


"The biggest challenge was feeling that it was worthy of the Athletes."
- Corrine Hunt, artist, 2010 Winter Olympic Medals

This video says it all. It's just over 7 minutes long, but I encourage everyone to watch it. Meet Corrine Hunt and Omer Arbel (the artist and designer), see footage of the process in making the treasures, see beautiful scenery of British Columbia, and meet past medal winners and hear their thoughts on what it was like to win an Olympic medal. It will get you excited about the games. Enjoy...



vanoc webteam

Note to hockey fans: The video even includes two Vancouver Canuck players, wondertwins, Henrik and Daniel Sedin (teammates on the 2006 Gold Medal men's hockey team from Sweden)

These are the heaviest Olympic medals to date: weighing 500- 576 grams (17 to 20 ounces). That's over a pound...chunky! If anything, these medals are majestic. The artist and designer have captured the majesty of the land surrounding Whistler and Vancouver perfectly.

For my previous Olympic medal post, including the medal count from the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, please click here...2010 Olympic Hardware

The Award Winning Richmond Olympic Oval

by Lisa Ovens

Richmond Olympic Oval: home of the long track speed skating competition for the 2010 Winter Olympics

Photo taken by Lisa Ovens Dec. 13th 2008, Grand Opening Weekend

And the first Gold Medal goes to...The Richmond Olympic Oval!!!! Hearts working at the Oval will be a little more a glow than usual after learning about the engineering award bestowed on the beautiful speed skating/ fitness facility earlier this week. The Institution of Structural Engineers awarded the Oval a Gold Medal in the Sports and Leisure category, beating out the stunning “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium in Beijing, China.

I first saw the site for the Oval when riding my bike on along the Middle Arm Trail, spring 2007. You can see the trail running along the edge of the river. This is one of my favorite flat places to ride when I’m in the mood to ride, write, picnic and watch planes take off (Vancouver International Airport is quite close by, on the other side of the river).

The best part about the building is the roof. The designers chose to use wood that had been destroyed by pine beetles. (The pine beetle infestation is a serious issue in a province filled with trees like BC is.)

It was less than a year ago, the facility celebrated it's grand opening, which included a variety of ceremonies and entertainment. The big draw however, was free skating on the track. Thousands showed up despite the unusually cold weather to skate where the Olympic stars will skate.

My friends and I navigated the packed ice, and with that many people gliding, you really had to be careful. The craziest thing I saw was a dad and son having a skating lesson. I guess the dad decided the grand opening weekend would be a great time to teach his kid how to skate. The dad had a big broom in his hands. He skated backwards, and his kid held on for dear life. I tried to get a photo of this, but then decided to leave the man and his misguided judgement alone.

This weekend ( Oct. 17-20, 2009) will be the Fall World Cup  Trials, and it will also be the last time we will see Team Canada's speed skaters at the Oval before the games in February. It's only a $5.00 admission for adults, and free for kids 12 yrs and younger. For more information on the trials, and everything else you can do at the Richmond Olympic Oval, please visit the website Richmond Olympic Oval ...don't forget to check the schedule for public skating!

Olympic Ticket Update

Email message from vancouver2010.com...

Phase 3 Tickets On Sale November 7



The third and final phase of Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games tickets will go on sale to Canadian residents on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 am (Pacific Time). What will be available? More than 100,000 tickets to Olympic events in city venues plus thousands of great seats to cheer on our Paralympic athletes in ice sledge hockey, alpine skiing and more!

Locals' Ticket Offer


For one weekend only, "locals" from Squamish to Mt. Currie will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase Whistler-based Olympic tickets.

Step 1: Pre-register your ticketing account by October 23 at 7:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Step 2: Purchase your Whistler Olympic tickets from October 24 at 10:00 am to October 25 at 5:00 pm
Step 3: Celebrate! Get two tickets to a Whistler Victory Ceremony!*

*Visit vancouver2010.com/tickets for more information and conditions, or check out the FAQs to learn more!


Pre-Sale Offer: Molson Canadian Hockey House

Vancouver 2010 account holders have been offered the chance to purchase individual day passes for Molson Canadian Hockey House at Concord Place Exposition and Activity Zone prior to the general public. This is a great chance to experience an unprecedented venue that will feature 80,000 square feet of club space, gourmet dining, entertainment, giant high-definition screens, celebrities, hockey legends and heroes from Team Canada past and present as well as live music.

2010 Oympic Hardware : The Olympic Medals

By Lisa Ovens

Before there were medals, there were ribbons. Remember being a kid, earning a ribbon in competition? I do. I also remember imagining what it would be like to win Gold in an Olympic event. Didn’t matter which event either. In my head I was winning them all. But I only really imagined the last part of competing: the finish.

On Thursday October 15th, we will find out what awaits the top three athletes of each winter Olympic sport. The design of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics medals will be revealed in a ceremony at the recently complete Athlete’s Village in Vancouver.

The Royal Canadian Mint is making the medals, and Teck Cominco are the metal suppliers.

Side Note: Going back to my youth again...as a child of British Columbia, my school field trips involved tours of our natural resources and the places that worked with them. If it involved water, salmon, trees and mining, I was there.

So, yes I donned a hard hat and gingerly walked around scalding hot cauldrons of molten metals at the Cominco smelting plant outside of Trail, BC. On a side note to this side note, the Trail/ Rossland area of British Columbia is a hockey hot bed. Check out the hockey history including some great old photos here. The home team, the Trail Smoke Eaters are two time Champions in the World Ice Hockey Championships (1939,1961)

For readers who like to keep score, here are the combined medal (gold, silver, bronze) wins tallied after the last Winter Olympics...

2006 Torino Winter Olympics Medal Count 

Germany 29 ,USA 25, Canada 24

Austria 23, Russia 22, Norway 19

Sweden 14, Switzerland 14, South Korea 11

Italy 11, China 11, France 9

Netherlands 9, Finland 9, Czech Republic 4

Estonia  3, Croatia  3, Australia  2

Poland  2, Ukraine  2, Japan  1

Belarus  1, Bulgaria  1, Great Britain  1

Slovakia  1, Latvia  1

Coming up...

October is a busy month for all things Winter Olympics. Here are a few other happenings...

October 14: Release of Phase 2 of the integrated transportation plan

October 22: Official Olympic Flame lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece

October 30: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay starts in Victoria, BC

Cowichan Sweater Gate: Turning Lemons into Lemonade

By Lisa Ovens

                                            Cowichan sweater and purse (below(  photos: Hills Native Arts

It’s is a little sad to hear a Vancouver Island Native Arts company lost out on the bid to supply beautiful traditional sweaters to our Canadian Olympic Team and Officials. But that’s big business for you. You win some, you lose some.

However, Hills Native Arts has scored some valuable face time in the media, and people are talking about this story. This could mean more sales for Cowichan sweaters and accessories. I spent some time on their website, and for only $30.00, fans of the look can order the cute Cowichan knitted purse (shown below).

The website is outfitted with an online store, and plenty of crafts to browse. So if you are feeling like you want to support the First Nations business community, check out the website and find yourself something special to wear this winter.

Hills Native Arts

If you'd like to learn more about the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island, please visit some of the following websites:

Cowichan Valley Reginal District Tourism

Cowichan Valley Photos

Vancouver Island Tourist Information
                                                                                             Along with a rich First Nations history, the Valley is home to many wineries, farms and outdoor recreation activities. Yours truly toured the wine country on a bicycle a few years back, and that definitely is great way to experience the Cowichan Valley.