Holland Heineken House and Me...

by Lisa Ovens

I am still feeling the effects from my time spent at Holland Heineken House on Friday. It was the "Hockey & High Heels House" party, and let's just say I really showed up. As a long time lover of Heineken Beer, it was my night to shine in the happening house at the O Zone.

It's funny but today I read some reviews of HHH, and I was surprised at some of the negativity I saw. From the gate keepers, to the Lodge Restaurant staff, to the bands on stage, I was happy with their service. And those tiny glasses of beer? Well for my small hands they were perfect (don't ask me how many I drank though).

I should say we had dinner reservations, so we were able to by pass waiting in line, and I am sure the perpetual line up in front of HHH might contribute to a negative experience. But here's something people should know...2010 Vancouver's Holland Heineken House is one of the most popular ones ever (and HHH has been an Olympic staple since 1992) Check out this quote...

"We try to make operations as smooth as possible, but we've been embraced by Canada and overwhelmed at times. This is one of the most popular Heineken Houses ever." - Heineken spokesman Freek de Wetta
click here for the full article, Molson Hockey House vs. Holland Heineken House

We dined and drank. We drank and danced. We danced and laughed and made some new friends. The band, De Coronas really contributed to the party atmosphere, and those adorable $15 dollar orange hats have something to do with the fun loving, upbeat mood as well.

So happy I made that reservation last month!

Train ride home was a riot - our car sang three songs  Oh Canada, This land is Your Land, and an instrumental rendition of the theme from Hockey Night in Canada.

Lisa's Olympic Countdown Day Seven: About Vancouver's Mood...

                               composite photo by Uncle Skeppy

by Lisa Ovens

Day seven had me reflecting on the brief interview I did with NBC London on Thursday. The reporter asked several questions about the mood in Vancouver and if there was excitement felt by the locals for the Olympics. I have read articles from out of town media outlets suggesting we are not excited about the Olympics. I get the feeling many Vancouverites might not even be aware of the world’s interest in our mood. Journalists want to know how we feel, people! I do think our actions and reactions could be misunderstood though.

Tourists in the city are business as usual for us. Perhaps we aren’t feeling anything extra special on that front because we are accustomed to welcoming the world. Vancouver has been a popular vacation destination for many years. Granted this time there will be more tourists here, and over a shorter period of time than say Alaskan Cruise ship season.

I have said this before and I will say it again: We are a last minute kind of city and maybe the rain has something to do with that. Everyone seems to be doing their thing and when it’s time to go, then that’s the time to go. Its like, we know the games start next Friday so we’ll see you next Friday, kay?

However, at times we are like a city full of people who leave their schedule open just in case other things come up. We have so many great outdoor places to hang out here, that we’ll just decide to stay there and skip whatever it is we thought we might do later. A photographer I know showed up at my book launch an hour late because the sun came out, a phone call came in and voila, she was out on a speed boat cruising Burrard Inlet. I totally understood: I probably would have done the same thing! There is definitely something a little non committal about Vancouver. Perhaps the media has picked up on that and perceives it as a negative.

One thing is for sure, we have joined a group of cities that have lived with the Olympics and it's seven year long pregnancy...and we are about to bring another "kid" into the world so to speak. Whatever happens..well it's our baby for now. Hey, from this point onward we can share knowing looks with residents of Salt Lake City, and not have to say a word!

So, as I “did my thing today” I noticed plenty of signs that more and more people are starting to get ready: saw plenty of Canada flags on cars, saw more Olympic inspired window displays than yesterday, talked to some people about the Torch Relay and they all were aware of when it will be in their community. And speaking of that torch...wow, we’ve waited a long time for it! Longest. Torch. Relay. Ever. Totally worth the wait :o)

On the personal front, my Olympics hair cut and highlights: done , found my perfect Winter Games hat (on sale, too!) booked another event in my calendar (Panasonic Pavilion launch event on February 11th) and determined Tuesday will be my pre-Olympic laundry day...unless something else comes up ;o)


Uncle Skeppy's Art

Pictured above: My Uncle Skeppy created a beauty: and can you see the red mittens? I know Uncle Skeppy had been quite busy completing some home improvement projects and I am thrilled he shares his Olympic Spirit through art with all of us....Thanks Uncle Skeppy!!!!
Here is an encore of one of his earlier submissions...

Hockey and High Heels: The Commercial

by Lisa Ovens

It's time to do a little plugging! I decided to make a commercial for my book Hockey & High Heels. Readers heading to Whistler during the Olympics might like to know H&HH is available there, but it's only sold at one store. You have to watch the video to find out which store (and it is the coolest store in Whistler!).

Press Release: World's Smallest Olympic Hospitality House Lands First Sponsor

For Immediate Release
Wednesday January 20, 2010

The 2010 Winter Olympic’s Smallest Hospitality House Lands First Sponsor


Vancouver Canada. Great things come in small packages. Measuring in under a foot high, Hockey and High Heels House is the smallest and most charming Hospitality House going at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Named after the critically acclaimed hockey book and website, Hockey and High Heels House could possibly be the only completely mobile Olympic Hospitality House.

House Director, Lisa Ovens is pleased to announce the first sponsor, an atlas software company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. 360° World Atlas developers had been following Lisa's 2010 and High Heels blog since early October. Being Olympic Hockey enthusiasts, the software company owners jumped on board for this unusual sponsorship . " The irony that a software company that presents the vastness of the Earth is sponsoring something so small...wow! Now all I need is some tiny 360° World Atlas logos and I can start decorating!” says Ovens.

As pleased as Ovens is with her first sponsor, there is room for more. “Well, it would be nice to have a small tent as an alternative to this tiny house....that way I could actually invite people inside. How many do you think I could have in an eight foot by eight foot tent? I may have to get a velvet rope and a red carpet for the line up.” Ovens says with a wink.

At this point in time the house is so small Ovens can tote Hockey & High Heels House in her purse where ever she go during the Games. “For example, I’m booked in at the Lodge Restaurant at Holland’s Heineken House, so Olympic party goers there might get a peek at the house and maybe a free copy of my book ” Ovens added.

Some lucky Olympic enthusiasts may be in the right place at the right time to receive a complimentary copy of Hockey and High Heels. Ovens has a limited quantity of her hockey book to give away during the Games. “The book is exclusive for the events I do with hockey teams in the States, but I always planned on giving some away personally during the Winter Games.”

Ovens had planned to host a party during the Olympics, but everything had to be put on hold after her mother, Stella was diagnosed with cancer. Ovens took over a year off to help care for her mother as she fought for her life, but recently passed away. “My mom was my hockey buddy. This is my first Olympics without her, and that’s why I have to carry on with Hockey & High Heels House" says Ovens..."she was my number one supporter and she would have wanted me to keep going with my plans for the house, even if it turns out to be only eight inches high.”

Ovens has nicknamed the house Stella's House, after her late mother. Interested sponsors for Hockey and High Heels House can contact Lisa via email  info@hockeyandhighheels.com.

About Hockey and High Heels

Author Lisa Ovens wrote the critically acclaimed Hockey & High Heels- A Different Kind of Hockey Book as a means to recognize and celebrate the female commitment to the game. She has been enlisted by US based hockey teams in the United States to help grow the game by hosting special events for women. Ovens has worked with the Pittsburgh Penguins, LA Kings, and Phoenix Coyotes among others. Her second hockey book is due out this fall. For book reviews and media interest please visit the official website.

website: http://www.hockeyandhighheels.com/
email:     info@hockeyandhighheels.com

About 360 Degrees World Atlas

The 360° World Atlas DVD software program is the world’s first interactive Virtual Reality atlas. One disc features over 1200 360° Virtual Tours from around the world. The easy-to-use software allows a viewer to explore the world by continent, and then zoom in by country or region. The specially designed maps are linked to Virtual Tours. One click will take you to a revolving Virtual Reality image - a 360° view of that destination. Clearly written historic and geographic information complements each tour.

360° World Atlas been featured in Air Canada’s Enroute Magazine, Discover Magazine, Popular Photography, National Geographic Adventure Magazine

website: http://360atlas.com/index.html
Salt Lake City, Utah
Email:                         service@360atlas.com
General Information:  (801) 364-2642
Press Inquiries:           (801) 364-2642


About Hockey and High Heels House

House designed by Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts member artist, Robert Chaplin. It comes with its very own mortgage. Chaplin is a world reknowned Sculptor and Illustrator.

Website: Robert Chaplin's Treasury
Robert Chaplin's Publishing Website: http://www.robertchaplin.ca/pubs/brussels/

-30-

Lisa Ovens' 2010 Winter Olympics Bucket List

By Lisa Ovens

Back in October I began a list of things to accomplish before the 2010 Winter Olympics end. Sure the list has things like magically scoring free tickets to events like the Opening/Closing Ceremonies, the Women’s and Men’s Gold Medal Hockey Games. Some of it was more like a wish list, while other items involved some work.

After reviewing my list the other day, well, things are not going so well for my bucket list. Here’s the list....

Lisa Ovens' 2010 Winter Games Bucket List

1) Have my hockey art hanging in Molson Hockey House (click here for my art gallery)




2) Spend a day in Molson Hockey House (but get in for free)


3) Watch a Hockey game from the lux perches of the Vancouver 2010 Premier Lounge


4) Get a gig reporting from the games, in addition to my work here at 2010 and High Heels


5) Win a Trip to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games


6) Have an Olympic Fling with a sexy and single French Canadian man “Behind the Rings”!

7) Go To Whistler without a single ticket to an event


8) Enjoy a Cold Heineken over dinner with friends at reserved table at the Lodge Restaurant in Holland Heineken House


9) Have my very own Hockey and High Heels House



Here are the updates...

Art in Hockey House

I did try to do this, but I did not succeed. I contacted Molson Blogger/Twitter Adam Moffat and asked about displaying my work. Within seven minutes he responded, and within 30 minutes, the assistant producer from Vision Co, the Toronto based PR/ branding firm contacted me and requested to see some of my hockey art. Now, even though my art was ultimately turned down (mostly bureaucratic reasons), at least this Big Toronto Company gave a little guy like me a chance, and I am very appreciative of Vision Co for doing that.
Remember what Wayne Gretzky said...“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I’m sure Molson Hockey House is going to look fabulous.
Be in Molson Hockey House...for free

Okay, I humored myself thinking if my Hockey Art got in, well that would be an automatic buy for me to get in...

Game at 2010 Premier Lounge

So far, I haven’t seen these expensive tickets drop down in price to $0, but here’s hoping...

Get a Gig Reporting from the Games

I tried here, too. I entered a video into a Petro Canada Family Correspondents contest, but I didn’t win. It would have been pretty cool, but I am excited for the winners and will follow them as they follow our Canadian Winter Olympic athletes. At least I still have this blog, and my beautiful followers around the world...hi beautiful followers...thanks for your support ;o)

Win a Trip to Vancouver

Now before you all say “But Lisa, you are already in Vancouver”, let explain my stance. You know that old saying “be a tourist in your own town?” Well, I’m just trying to exercise that popular expression! Weirder things have happened. Downed by the Petro Canada Contest again...winning the Petro Canada contest would have made this bucket item come true as that was part of the prize...

Olympic Fling with sexy, single, French Canadian man

Hey, can’t be the athletes in the Village getting all the action, many of us civilians are, and to put a spin on the Bode Miller quote, keen on cuddling at the "Olympic level". Now this item is cascading (just like buying Olympic tickets online) meaning Feb 12th...he’s a sexy, single French Canadian man. Feb 19th, he’s a boom microphone operator from the Mid West and his nickname is Frenchie. Feb. 28th he’s a man and hopefully has a part time job ;o)

Go To Whistler without a single event ticket

This would be fun...who doesn't love Whistler when there is a big event going on? The whole village is one big hospitality house! I was in Whistler watching the 2002 Salt Lake City Men's Gold Medal Hockey game when Team Canada won Gold. Of course this time could prove to be a logistical nightmare for me.
Here's hoping!

Reserved Table at Holland Heineken House
Done!


Hockey and High Heels House

I had this idea a few years back, have my own Hospitality House, in a white tent, and throw a super fun party! But, sadly my mom got sick and I needed to be with her as much as possible over a year’s time as she fought cancer. Recently she passed away. There was no time to plan the house. But I have a house now, however it's a little small...and its secret nickname is Stella’s House (my wonderful mom’s name). Perhaps with a little work, I can grow it bigger...