photo: Lisa Ovens
Hey Vancouver...did we show up or what!
Bye Bye Olympics :o)
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vancouver. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Two Olympic Shopping Quick Tips...
by Lisa Ovens
Okay, I 've got a shopping theme going on here this week: the Holt Renfrew Windows Displays, my Olympic Inspired Valentine gift ideas (click here for the column), the new sports shop at International Village. I've got to get this stuff out of my system so I can get back to writing about hockey!!!
Visa ONLY!!
If you are not aware, Olympic venues, including the Olympic Superstore at The Bay downtown only accept Visa Cards and cash. Nothing else. I did a little research on pre paid Visa gift cards, and the version available with Vancity is the best deal. The fee is only $2.00, and the card expires after one year. No monthly charge. Easy to check online balance will help you keep track of your Olympic Mad Money Spending!
https://www.vancity.com/VISA/VisaCards/
Let Your Phone Guide You...
More new posts below...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2010 and High Heels Tuesday Photo: Olympic Window Shppping
by Lisa Ovens
Glass Inuksuit (pl.) through the glass. photo: Lisa Ovens
If you are in Vancouver, and you see lots of these in window displays, one after another, chances are good you are in Gastown.
Historically, the Inukshuk was like a tool of communication: sometimes it meant "Someone was here". Suppose you were walking in the northern wilderness hundreds and hundreds of years ago, and you came across stones stacked in the form of a human. You'd instantly know some dude was there before you, and it could also mean you are heading in the right direction. You'd think" cool...I'm almost there!" Or perhaps you came across another one, but slightly different. From the sight of that one you might say "Awesome, there is fish near here and I am hungry."
The 2010 Winter Olympics Inukshuk means welcome and friendship for visitors from all over the world.
I think the ones in the Tuesday Photo mean "We are ready to stand on your credenza and remind you of all that was special on your Olympic journey."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
2010 Vancouver Shopping Notes
Messenger bag at the Olympic Superstore
by Lisa Ovens
I had some free time to spend in downtown Vancouver today, and this is what caught my attention ...and oh, my camera died mid photo in the Ralph Lauren section at The Bay :o( The photos shown are from a previous visit...
2) Just outside the little white Olympic Superstore fence, mixed in with the Team USA Ralph Lauren Collection you'll find a new Embroidery Counter. For about $30 you can have most any country's flag or colours sewn onto a ball cap or a toque. In fact if you are in the mood to customize, they will sew the patches onto any Olympic merchandise purchased in the Superstore...customizing costs extra of course.
4) I'm a hat person, and the selection of Olympic hats is pretty dismal.
5) Inside Pacific Centre, Le Chateau has a little bit of Canada inspired products in stock like ear muffs, hats and pin sets.
6) After walking Pacific Centre, the Olympic Superstore inside The Bay and several blocks along Granville Steet I have to say I think I overdosed on Canada stuff today. Seriously!
Petro Kin: Set to Report from Vancouver 2010 and Other Olympic TidBits
by Lisa Ovens
It's a Random Happenings kind of column here today...
This is a great article introducing the three sets of families chosen to travel to Vancouver for interviews with Canadian athletes and their families during the first week of the Winter Olympics. Let's hope they get some scoops before the regular media does!
Petro Canada Family Correspondents webpage
Petro Canada's Athlete's Program is responsible for putting family members of our athletes in the stands when their loved ones are competing at the games. It was only fitting that their correspondent contest was a search for family members.
Updates from vancouver2010.com
Get a 2010 Winter Olympics Digital Souvenir!
For the first time in Olympic history, people from around the world can receive an official digital souvenir from the Opening Ceremony — and then participate in the Closing Ceremony...virtually! All you need is an e-mail address. Only available through Canada CODE: sharing our stories and images with the world.
Sign up before February 12th at Canada Code webpage
Tickets Still Available...
Buy tickets for some events, bid on tickets for other events. See what 2010 Winter Olympic Games tickets are still knocking about on vancouver2010.com's ticket webpage
And what to do when you buy them...
As I posted yesterday about some of the guidelines when attending events, vancouver2010.com are putting the word out as well. Visit the Spectator's Guide webpage for all the do's and don'ts. And be sure to read the article I posted on the subject too...mine has more humor, especially the last part!
Updates from 2010 and High Heels
Update: Belarus vs. Sweden Swag off
So far Round Three had been the closest race at the 2010 and High Heels Swag Off. Team Belarus's Ruslan Salei Fridge magnet is only 2 votes ahead of Team Sweden's Dala Horse. Voting ends tonight at midnight. Click here for the complete article on Belarus vs. Sweden Swag Off.
Cast your vote now at the top right of this page!
Lisa's 2010 Winter Olympics Calendar
Still working on the timetable. One thing is for sure; with all there is to do during the games a person's day planner can really fill up!
Granville street, downtown Vancouver (it's where all the bars are)
It's a Random Happenings kind of column here today...
This is a great article introducing the three sets of families chosen to travel to Vancouver for interviews with Canadian athletes and their families during the first week of the Winter Olympics. Let's hope they get some scoops before the regular media does!
Petro Canada Family Correspondents webpage
Petro Canada's Athlete's Program is responsible for putting family members of our athletes in the stands when their loved ones are competing at the games. It was only fitting that their correspondent contest was a search for family members.
Updates from vancouver2010.com
Get a 2010 Winter Olympics Digital Souvenir!
For the first time in Olympic history, people from around the world can receive an official digital souvenir from the Opening Ceremony — and then participate in the Closing Ceremony...virtually! All you need is an e-mail address. Only available through Canada CODE: sharing our stories and images with the world.
Sign up before February 12th at Canada Code webpage
Tickets Still Available...
Buy tickets for some events, bid on tickets for other events. See what 2010 Winter Olympic Games tickets are still knocking about on vancouver2010.com's ticket webpage
And what to do when you buy them...
As I posted yesterday about some of the guidelines when attending events, vancouver2010.com are putting the word out as well. Visit the Spectator's Guide webpage for all the do's and don'ts. And be sure to read the article I posted on the subject too...mine has more humor, especially the last part!
Updates from 2010 and High Heels
Update: Belarus vs. Sweden Swag off
So far Round Three had been the closest race at the 2010 and High Heels Swag Off. Team Belarus's Ruslan Salei Fridge magnet is only 2 votes ahead of Team Sweden's Dala Horse. Voting ends tonight at midnight. Click here for the complete article on Belarus vs. Sweden Swag Off.
Cast your vote now at the top right of this page!
Lisa's 2010 Winter Olympics Calendar
Still working on the timetable. One thing is for sure; with all there is to do during the games a person's day planner can really fill up!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Torch Relay Videos: Days 64 to 77
by Lisa Ovens
I enjoy these VANOC Webteam Torch Relay Videos because they are a wonderful way to see our big country: everyone is smiling, happy, and sporty. There is alway dancing, and waving and expressions of joy on the faces of young and old. I enjoy the sound bytes from the torch bearers, and what they have to say about what they are going to do, or what they've just done.
And here we are in Vancouver, waiting for that flame to arrive...
Day 64 to Day 70 video: The torch goes through what I call the mothership of my big family, my mom's hometown, Thunder Bay, Ontario and then heads into Manitoba.
Day 71 to Day 77 More Manitoba and then Saskatchewan and into Alberta...
Happy Thursday...
I enjoy these VANOC Webteam Torch Relay Videos because they are a wonderful way to see our big country: everyone is smiling, happy, and sporty. There is alway dancing, and waving and expressions of joy on the faces of young and old. I enjoy the sound bytes from the torch bearers, and what they have to say about what they are going to do, or what they've just done.
And here we are in Vancouver, waiting for that flame to arrive...
Day 64 to Day 70 video: The torch goes through what I call the mothership of my big family, my mom's hometown, Thunder Bay, Ontario and then heads into Manitoba.
Day 71 to Day 77 More Manitoba and then Saskatchewan and into Alberta...
Happy Thursday...
Club Bud Searches and Three Beavers Quenches
By Lisa Ovens
Budweiser Beer created a nice little 2010 Winter Olympics gig for itself: acting as an Official party host at the legendary Commodore Ballroom on Granville Street. "Club Bud’s" list of corporate party goers include The National Hockey league, Under Armour, Burton Snowboards, Lululemon, and of course, themselves. Five party nights promising sports stars, celebrities and keg after keg of ice cold Bud. And Club Bud wants you to crash the party!
Club Bud is searching for two official party crashers to go behind the velvet rope at a minimum of two parties and report on the action via their phones. This contest is only open to BC residents (sorry Ontario...you have to sit this one out!)
To apply for the party crasher gig, become a fan on Club Bud’s facebook page, click on “apply”, answer a few questions and you are entered in the contest. Good luck to the potential crashers.
Lisa’s Commodore Ballroom
Ah the fabulous Commodore Ballroom. I could fill a book with memories from that place. And every chapter would contain my exploits on the spring loaded dance floor. I went to punk shows, rock shows, jazz shows and some crazy Halloween parties, too. But my all time favorite show to see at the Commodore was Bootsy Collins. CAN YOU SAY FUNK??
I actually danced with Bootsy during that time in his show when he heads down into the crowd. I spun around and there he was. He grabbed me and my friend by our arms and we got the funk, baby!!
And that springloaded dance floor...you could stand perfectly still and the packed floor would do the dancing for you (but only a fool would do that). I remember the feeling of the first dance of the night: walking out, instantly feeling the floor doing it's own thing, then catching the groove and staying there forever because there was no good reason to stop (okay...eventually the call of a beer would grow louder and louder).
It's been a few years since I've walked up the stairs into the Commodore, and if I am not mistaken, that amazing dance floor was removed during renovations ( a major fire hazaard). If I am right, then when that floor was removed, a little part of Vancouver died with it. Maybe that's how the "No Fun City" nickname got a foothold on this town.
Three Beaver Quenches
And Finally, onto the beavers because the one thing this country needs more of is beaver stuff! Howe Sound Brewing Co of Squamish, BC has launched a new brew named Three Beavers. Like Club Bud, the beaver beer is not an official Olympic Sponsor, they just like to party like one...woot! The three beavers featured on the label even have adorable little medals hanging around their necks. Check it out here Howe Sound Brewing website. It's a red ale, complete with a dual action closure system: a pop stopper and a cap! Enjoy...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"I'll take Olympic things to Wear on your Neck and Chest for 200, Alex"
by Lisa Ovens
You know what I'm thinking? As of February 4th or 5th, Vancouver will be the Lanyard Capital of the World. The reign won't last forever, but one would be hard pressed to come up with another location that will have more lanyards swinging, bouncing, getting tangled and then tucked inside pockets and V- neck sweaters than Vancouver will have because of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
I often wondered who invented the lanyard and why such a name was chosen to describe a necklace that conveniently holds relatively small and important documentation. So I searched and found this website:
http://lanyardsguide.com/. According to lanyardsguide.com, "lanyard is a nautical term used for holding things down on ships. In use since the 1700's, lanyards have a history of miltary use including the Napoleonic Wars."
Earlier today I saw plenty lanyards dangling around the food court at Waterfront Centre : the closest food court to the Main Broadcast Media Centre. My mission at the centre...visit the Tourism Vancouver Office to pick up my "ASK ME! Happy to Help" button.
I learned about the buttons from Andrea, a popular 2010 blogger ( http://2010vanfan.ca/) and Olympic Collector Pin enthusiast. (Andrea's blog rocks...be sure to check it out)
Local Vancouverites can wear the buttons when out and about during the Olympics as a beacon for visitors who may need "directions, advice, or just snapping a photo." I was born to wear this button, becasue I am like a tourist magnet. The buttons come in 24 different languages, so if you speak other languages, definitely pick up a button at the following places...
Tourism Vancouver – Visitor Centre (Plaza Level, 200 Burrard St.)
West End Community Centre (870 Denman St.)
Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch (350 West Georgia St.)
For more information on the Ask me buttons please visit the 2010 Host City Website.
You know what I'm thinking? As of February 4th or 5th, Vancouver will be the Lanyard Capital of the World. The reign won't last forever, but one would be hard pressed to come up with another location that will have more lanyards swinging, bouncing, getting tangled and then tucked inside pockets and V- neck sweaters than Vancouver will have because of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
I often wondered who invented the lanyard and why such a name was chosen to describe a necklace that conveniently holds relatively small and important documentation. So I searched and found this website:
http://lanyardsguide.com/. According to lanyardsguide.com, "lanyard is a nautical term used for holding things down on ships. In use since the 1700's, lanyards have a history of miltary use including the Napoleonic Wars."
Earlier today I saw plenty lanyards dangling around the food court at Waterfront Centre : the closest food court to the Main Broadcast Media Centre. My mission at the centre...visit the Tourism Vancouver Office to pick up my "ASK ME! Happy to Help" button.
I learned about the buttons from Andrea, a popular 2010 blogger ( http://2010vanfan.ca/) and Olympic Collector Pin enthusiast. (Andrea's blog rocks...be sure to check it out)
Local Vancouverites can wear the buttons when out and about during the Olympics as a beacon for visitors who may need "directions, advice, or just snapping a photo." I was born to wear this button, becasue I am like a tourist magnet. The buttons come in 24 different languages, so if you speak other languages, definitely pick up a button at the following places...
Tourism Vancouver – Visitor Centre (Plaza Level, 200 Burrard St.)
West End Community Centre (870 Denman St.)
Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch (350 West Georgia St.)
For more information on the Ask me buttons please visit the 2010 Host City Website.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Petro Canada Selects the Winning Correspondents!!!
by Lisa Ovens
Well hello again everyone! I've been off for a few days working on another project, so it's time to get back to business. First up: The Petro Canada Family Correspondents Contest....
Congratulations to the winning duos...the Radoslav's and the Brown Families. Their videos were selected by the judges who I am sure had their work cut out for them. But here's a new development...Petro Canada added a third prize so another family team will be in on the action: the Van Deckers won, too!!
Kudos to Petro Canada for creating such a unique opportunity: reporting from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver!. The three teams of families, or what I like to call "The Petro Kins" will fly to Vancouver, and while they enjoy a three night hotel package (includes tickets to three Olympic events, luxury motor coach transportation, dining in fine restaurants, and access to the Co Sport Hospitality Suite) they will also be meeting with Canadian Winter Olympic athletes and their families for interviews that will ultimately wind up on a special Youtube Channel for all to see. Plus they will keep us informed via blogging and twitter. Petro Canada is also giving each team an honorarium to the tune of $2010.00!
My Uncle Steve and I had entered the contest, too, and although we didn't win we had fun "dreaming big", and participating with families from all over Canada. I messaged my facebook friend, Denis Van Decker to congratulate, and suggest we all somehow meet up in Vancouver for a photo op so I can place it here on the 2010 and High Heels blog. I realize the Petro Kin will be on a super busy schedule, but hopefully I can catch them on their way in for the refreshments at the hotel Hospitality Suite!
Best wishes to the Winners and have a safe, happy Journey to Vancouver!
Petro Canada's I Will Dream Big Website
Finnish Reindeer Hat Mission Now Underway....
I saw my friend Michelle off at the YVR Airport this evening. She's on her way to Finland for a Hockey trip of a Lifetime. Readers may recall the reindeer hats pictured above that we saw during the Canada Hockey Cup back in August. We found out the hats were purchased at a marketplace in Helsinki. Michelle will be on the look out for the hats, and if her mission is succesful, I'll be sporting one of these adorable hats on an Olympic day when Team Canada is NOT playing!!
Well hello again everyone! I've been off for a few days working on another project, so it's time to get back to business. First up: The Petro Canada Family Correspondents Contest....
Petro Canada's always popular fund raising glasses
Congratulations to the winning duos...the Radoslav's and the Brown Families. Their videos were selected by the judges who I am sure had their work cut out for them. But here's a new development...Petro Canada added a third prize so another family team will be in on the action: the Van Deckers won, too!!
Kudos to Petro Canada for creating such a unique opportunity: reporting from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver!. The three teams of families, or what I like to call "The Petro Kins" will fly to Vancouver, and while they enjoy a three night hotel package (includes tickets to three Olympic events, luxury motor coach transportation, dining in fine restaurants, and access to the Co Sport Hospitality Suite) they will also be meeting with Canadian Winter Olympic athletes and their families for interviews that will ultimately wind up on a special Youtube Channel for all to see. Plus they will keep us informed via blogging and twitter. Petro Canada is also giving each team an honorarium to the tune of $2010.00!
My Uncle Steve and I had entered the contest, too, and although we didn't win we had fun "dreaming big", and participating with families from all over Canada. I messaged my facebook friend, Denis Van Decker to congratulate, and suggest we all somehow meet up in Vancouver for a photo op so I can place it here on the 2010 and High Heels blog. I realize the Petro Kin will be on a super busy schedule, but hopefully I can catch them on their way in for the refreshments at the hotel Hospitality Suite!
Best wishes to the Winners and have a safe, happy Journey to Vancouver!
Petro Canada's I Will Dream Big Website
Finnish Reindeer Hat Mission Now Underway....
I saw my friend Michelle off at the YVR Airport this evening. She's on her way to Finland for a Hockey trip of a Lifetime. Readers may recall the reindeer hats pictured above that we saw during the Canada Hockey Cup back in August. We found out the hats were purchased at a marketplace in Helsinki. Michelle will be on the look out for the hats, and if her mission is succesful, I'll be sporting one of these adorable hats on an Olympic day when Team Canada is NOT playing!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2010 in Vancouver: Waiting for that Flaming Torch!
by Lisa Ovens
Hi everyone...I have a bit of a head cold right now...but I'm still here in Vancouver...yep....just waiting for the flame to arrive! After watching the VANOC Webteam video below I began to imagine the excitement that will be resonating around Vancouver when the torch bearers and their entourage jog into the Greater Vancouver Reginal District. I'm lying. I only got as far as imagining my own excitement: I got so excited with the thought of that day I swear my stuffed up sinuses drained on impact!! The 2010 Winter Olympics can help cure the common cold...who knew?
So, if you are feeling under the weather or have the Monday Morning Blues, just sit back, relax and click play.....
Happy Monday...
Hi everyone...I have a bit of a head cold right now...but I'm still here in Vancouver...yep....just waiting for the flame to arrive! After watching the VANOC Webteam video below I began to imagine the excitement that will be resonating around Vancouver when the torch bearers and their entourage jog into the Greater Vancouver Reginal District. I'm lying. I only got as far as imagining my own excitement: I got so excited with the thought of that day I swear my stuffed up sinuses drained on impact!! The 2010 Winter Olympics can help cure the common cold...who knew?
So, if you are feeling under the weather or have the Monday Morning Blues, just sit back, relax and click play.....
Happy Monday...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Molson Canadian Hockey House: Canada's Biggest Hockey Party Ever
by Lisa Ovens
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Here's more Olympic hockey news...Molson Canadian announced details regarding the 81,000 square foot Hockey House being built just a slap shot away from Canada Hockey Place. This hockey party place features...
- 57,000 square foot sports bar/ restaurant with a 2000 person capacity
- Three 40 foot High Definition TV screens
- Tyler Stewart, drummer, the Bare Naked Ladies appointed as entertainment director, with performances from comedians, Brent Butt and Sean Cullens
-Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl are house ambassadors
- Former NHL stars will drop by at game time. (Paul Coffey, Cam Neely, Luc Robitaille, Peter Mahovlich, Danny Gare and Russ Courtnall)
- Karaoke, comedy and beer...lots of beer
- A Wolfgang Puck Catering menu - is anyone chuckling at this yet? Hockey is played with a puck...Hockey House chef's last name is Puck...anyone...Bueller? Oh, I guess everyone is still in shock over the $500 ticket price.
Yes, a one day pass at M.C. Hockey House will set you back $500.00. However, for that $500 dollar ticket you can arrive at 11:00 am, eat, drink, cheer, dance, drink and sing your face off and then shut'er down at 2:00 am when the joint closes. Think of it like a serious party day at an all inclusive resort in Mexico but instead of the beach, swim up bar, sunshine, and nearly naked bodies, you get better quality food, lots of over sized jerseys, a bald guy named Tyler, and two chubby faced guys named Brent Butt and Sean Cullen.
Have I got you excited about this yet? So excited that you want to sign up for the full meal deal, a 17 day pass at da House? The pass costs $8500.00 and with that you'll get your own private booth along with the food, beer, and entertaining bald and chubby guys. This seriously is Hockey in Canada, folks.
Okay, I am teasing the entertainment guys a bit. Doesn't mean I don't want to check out the Hockey House, though! I love the idea of such a huge dedicated hockey space. And if ticket sales are slow we can expect the price to drop, which is good.
This will be the largest temporary building/ pavillion ever built in Canada. 15,000 square feet of this space will be sacred hockey ground: Hockey Canada's Olympic Headquarters. That's right, a portion of the house is reserved for our Team Canada (women's and men's) and their families. It will be their place to kick back and chill out. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will have a cozy 9000 square feet to call their own as well.
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If I remember correctly, the Hockey House decor will include hockey art. Now, if I can't manage to get inside the Hockey House for some serious indoor hockey fun, I would like to at least see my hockey art hanging on a wall. These are my second and third Olympic Challenges:
Lisa's Olympic Challenges
Spend a day at Molson Canadian Hockey House
Get the person in charge of decor to accept a piece of my hockey art for display
Watch a game from the perches of the Vancouver 2010 Premier Lounge
Wish me luck ;o)
photo by Lisa Ovens
Here's more Olympic hockey news...Molson Canadian announced details regarding the 81,000 square foot Hockey House being built just a slap shot away from Canada Hockey Place. This hockey party place features...
- 57,000 square foot sports bar/ restaurant with a 2000 person capacity
- Three 40 foot High Definition TV screens
- Tyler Stewart, drummer, the Bare Naked Ladies appointed as entertainment director, with performances from comedians, Brent Butt and Sean Cullens
-Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl are house ambassadors
- Former NHL stars will drop by at game time. (Paul Coffey, Cam Neely, Luc Robitaille, Peter Mahovlich, Danny Gare and Russ Courtnall)
- Karaoke, comedy and beer...lots of beer
- A Wolfgang Puck Catering menu - is anyone chuckling at this yet? Hockey is played with a puck...Hockey House chef's last name is Puck...anyone...Bueller? Oh, I guess everyone is still in shock over the $500 ticket price.
Yes, a one day pass at M.C. Hockey House will set you back $500.00. However, for that $500 dollar ticket you can arrive at 11:00 am, eat, drink, cheer, dance, drink and sing your face off and then shut'er down at 2:00 am when the joint closes. Think of it like a serious party day at an all inclusive resort in Mexico but instead of the beach, swim up bar, sunshine, and nearly naked bodies, you get better quality food, lots of over sized jerseys, a bald guy named Tyler, and two chubby faced guys named Brent Butt and Sean Cullen.
Have I got you excited about this yet? So excited that you want to sign up for the full meal deal, a 17 day pass at da House? The pass costs $8500.00 and with that you'll get your own private booth along with the food, beer, and entertaining bald and chubby guys. This seriously is Hockey in Canada, folks.
Okay, I am teasing the entertainment guys a bit. Doesn't mean I don't want to check out the Hockey House, though! I love the idea of such a huge dedicated hockey space. And if ticket sales are slow we can expect the price to drop, which is good.
This will be the largest temporary building/ pavillion ever built in Canada. 15,000 square feet of this space will be sacred hockey ground: Hockey Canada's Olympic Headquarters. That's right, a portion of the house is reserved for our Team Canada (women's and men's) and their families. It will be their place to kick back and chill out. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will have a cozy 9000 square feet to call their own as well.
photo by Lisa Ovens
Lisa's Olympic Challenges
Spend a day at Molson Canadian Hockey House
Get the person in charge of decor to accept a piece of my hockey art for display
Watch a game from the perches of the Vancouver 2010 Premier Lounge
Wish me luck ;o)
To see more of Lisa's hockey art, please visit her online art gallery, Mesh Galleria at hockeyandhighheels.com
Fan's of Lisa's hockey art are invited to purchase a Mesh Galleria blank greeting card set available exclusively at The Shop at hockeyandhighheels.com
Sunday, October 4, 2009
It's Starting...
by Lisa Ovens
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photo: Lisa Ovens
I spent some time in the newly expanded 2010 Winter Olympics Superstore at The Bay downtown this afternoon. If there are Vancouverites out there who need a shot of 2010 fever, this is the place to get it.
La Superboutique Olympique (en Francais) is colourful, hot, cool and cozy all at the same time. I felt so, so athletic cruising through the aisles. It might have been the pumpin' DJ tunes, or maybe the oversized images of snowboarders and skiiers that put me in such a great state of mind. Seeing the downtown store decked out like this should convince the locals that the pre-Olympic build up is in full swing.
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I spent some time in the newly expanded 2010 Winter Olympics Superstore at The Bay downtown this afternoon. If there are Vancouverites out there who need a shot of 2010 fever, this is the place to get it.
La Superboutique Olympique (en Francais) is colourful, hot, cool and cozy all at the same time. I felt so, so athletic cruising through the aisles. It might have been the pumpin' DJ tunes, or maybe the oversized images of snowboarders and skiiers that put me in such a great state of mind. Seeing the downtown store decked out like this should convince the locals that the pre-Olympic build up is in full swing.
photo: Lisa Ovens
The Canadian Olympic Team apparel section was missing something. Where are the sweaters?
I asked a staff member about the status on the sweaters. She said as of saturday afternoon they were sold out, along with the matching toques. Wow, all gone in two and a half days! There are two versions of the sweater: machine made (CDN $125) and hand knitted (CDN $350). She didn't have an E.T.A. on the next shipment.
I didn't have time to try on the clothes, but here is a guy's perspective on how he felt donning the cool threads.....
"As soon as you pull on these colours, you think about Canada and what it stands for - quiet determination, hard work and sharing the load... These are values all Canadians share. You think of heros like Gordie Howe, Terry Fox and Rick Hansen." -Steve Yzeman, Executive Director Canadian Men's Olympic Hockey team
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Canadian Athletes...this is your look....and ours too!
This is good. Not only do I love the new look for our Canadian Winter Olympic athletes, but I'm very impressed with the man modeling the collection! Steve Yzerman, you are looking very good!
Just for the female readers, at 2010andhighheels, I give you the guys. This cozy and sporty collection is only available at The Bay and Zellers stores. Check out the Bay's website here.
To see more and read the story behind the clothing, please visit olympic.ca
The sweater below reminds of a beautiful Cowichan sweater my grandma knitted for me when I was 12 years old. I still have the sweater, correction, my sister has had it for like, the last ten years!
Hey Canada, what are YOU made of?
Upload a story, photo or video. The best entry will win a trip for two to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to watch the men’s gold medal ice hockey game, including flights, cash, 2010 Canadian Olympic Team Apparel and more!
Time to unleash your creativity, Canadians...check out the contest, and the latest entries at whatareyoumadeof.hbc.com
The Launch
Here is a photo from the launch event earlier today at the 2010 Olympic store in the downtown Hudson's bay store. Unfortunately, yours truly wasn't able to attend, but I talked about it all day!
photo credits: olympic.ca, globaltv
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What to Wear: Canadian Olympic Athlete Uniforms to be revealed
By Lisa Ovens
A big Olympic happening will be going down on Thursday Oct. 1st, 2009 at the Hudson’s Bay Department store, downtown Vancouver. It’s time to see what Canadian Winter Olympic Athletes will be wearing at the games. Plus, the store is now decorated with huge Olympic Banners I am told (I will get pics very soon).
The Canadian Olympic Team Style Kits will be revealed with pumping DJ Music (DJ Hedspin) in the background, and guest appearances from the Cowboy Junkies at 12:15pm (remember them?), singer Dan Mangan at 3:30pm and Sam Roberts Band (5pm- don’t be late for the bearded one)
The first 500 people who show up at noon at the concierge desk will receive a free toque!
OMG, it’s going to be a “love it hate it weekend” I can see it all now!!
Just a heads up, but this Olympic clothing event does happen on the same day as Opening night of the NHL season on Hockey Night in Canada. Early game: Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs 4:15 pm PST. Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames 7pm PST.
So, it’s a tough choice for some: Free Sam Roberts concert in a store, or Habs and Leafs on the tube....
A big Olympic happening will be going down on Thursday Oct. 1st, 2009 at the Hudson’s Bay Department store, downtown Vancouver. It’s time to see what Canadian Winter Olympic Athletes will be wearing at the games. Plus, the store is now decorated with huge Olympic Banners I am told (I will get pics very soon).
The Canadian Olympic Team Style Kits will be revealed with pumping DJ Music (DJ Hedspin) in the background, and guest appearances from the Cowboy Junkies at 12:15pm (remember them?), singer Dan Mangan at 3:30pm and Sam Roberts Band (5pm- don’t be late for the bearded one)
The first 500 people who show up at noon at the concierge desk will receive a free toque!
OMG, it’s going to be a “love it hate it weekend” I can see it all now!!
Just a heads up, but this Olympic clothing event does happen on the same day as Opening night of the NHL season on Hockey Night in Canada. Early game: Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs 4:15 pm PST. Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames 7pm PST.
So, it’s a tough choice for some: Free Sam Roberts concert in a store, or Habs and Leafs on the tube....
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Memory: Backing the Bid
by Lisa Ovens
You see this pin? That’s where it all started: a bid to throw the 2010 Winter Olympic Party. I acquired the pin on a city street somewhere. A smiling, happy group of people were handing them out. I thanked them and punctured my purse with it. Then one day I had to put my money where my pin was and vote in a referendum asking Vancouverites if we wanted the Olympics or not.
This vote was for Vancouver city only which probably at the time (Feb 2003) had a population somewhere between 500,000 and 600,000 people. I had plenty of friends and family living outside of city limits seething with jealously that I was a member of this exclusive Olympic voting elite. (Yes, they were seething...I could see it in there eyes.)
On that mild February day I headed over to City Hall and cast my vote, but not before I moved that little pin from my purse’s cell phone pocket up to my lapel. I, along with 134, 764 people voted that day, and 86, 113 of us voted yes. Not the best turn out, but that can happen in Vancouver. Turn outs can be weird. Same with RSVP’ing: people can be so “last minute” here, if they show up at all.
So, this little pin was my very first 2010 Olympic Swag, and if you know me, you will know I am fascinated with sports swag.
Five months later, on July 2nd, 2003, Vancouver/Whistler won the bid, and it was a close race. The 2010 Winter Olympics were all ours. I had stayed up quite late (Canada Day was the day before, and my friend Andrew threw a ripper of a party) and decided to stay up all night to watch the televised Olympic Bid Award Ceremony at 7am. Salzburg, Austria and Peyongchang South Korea looked lovely as the runner ups. I was excited by this news, and that helped get me through the work day. The last thing on my mind that day was logistics, infrastructure, construction, homeless and housing. Oh...and money...can’t forget that!
photo by Lisa Ovens
You see this pin? That’s where it all started: a bid to throw the 2010 Winter Olympic Party. I acquired the pin on a city street somewhere. A smiling, happy group of people were handing them out. I thanked them and punctured my purse with it. Then one day I had to put my money where my pin was and vote in a referendum asking Vancouverites if we wanted the Olympics or not.
This vote was for Vancouver city only which probably at the time (Feb 2003) had a population somewhere between 500,000 and 600,000 people. I had plenty of friends and family living outside of city limits seething with jealously that I was a member of this exclusive Olympic voting elite. (Yes, they were seething...I could see it in there eyes.)
On that mild February day I headed over to City Hall and cast my vote, but not before I moved that little pin from my purse’s cell phone pocket up to my lapel. I, along with 134, 764 people voted that day, and 86, 113 of us voted yes. Not the best turn out, but that can happen in Vancouver. Turn outs can be weird. Same with RSVP’ing: people can be so “last minute” here, if they show up at all.
So, this little pin was my very first 2010 Olympic Swag, and if you know me, you will know I am fascinated with sports swag.
Five months later, on July 2nd, 2003, Vancouver/Whistler won the bid, and it was a close race. The 2010 Winter Olympics were all ours. I had stayed up quite late (Canada Day was the day before, and my friend Andrew threw a ripper of a party) and decided to stay up all night to watch the televised Olympic Bid Award Ceremony at 7am. Salzburg, Austria and Peyongchang South Korea looked lovely as the runner ups. I was excited by this news, and that helped get me through the work day. The last thing on my mind that day was logistics, infrastructure, construction, homeless and housing. Oh...and money...can’t forget that!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
In My Back Yard
by Lisa Ovens
We are six months away from the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics in my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, and I haven't even begun to get in shape for this monumental sporting event. I am way behind schedule on my pre- Olympic workouts, beer drinking and sporty life style shtick.
2010 and High Heels is a spin of Hockeyandhighheels.com, the home of my first baby, Hockey and High Heels- A different kind of hockey book. Because of that book, h&hh.com welcomes visitors from around the world and many of them haven't been to Vancouver. So here are a few things about Vancouver that readers might like to know...
Age
Vancouver is 123 years young. Yeah, we're just a bunch of pups over here...woohooo!
Location
From my own experiences traveling around the world, everyone seems to know where Toronto is, and Vancouver is no where near Toronto. It's a 42 hour drive west of TO according Mapquest. That's 2700 miles (4300 km), if you drive through the United States like Mapquest suggests. Vancouver lies on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, nestled behind a wall of mountains that act as a natural barrier from the rest of Canada. If we have itchy feet and want to visit another country, we only have to drive 30 miles south and we're in the United States.
Inhabitants
Vancouver is Canada's third largest city with it's metropolitan area home to just over 2.3 million people. Because we have the mountains, ocean and the United States border hemming us in, "urban sprall" is a phrase not in our vocabulary. We have lots of high rises, but not too high because people should have at least a little view of the surrounding natural beauty.
Animals that dig the natural beauty: squirrels, raccoons, bears, ducks, sea otters, orcas, seals, sea lions, cougars....those are some of the bigger ones, and a few of them walk by my living room window almost ever night and look in at me, like I'm some sort of zoo exhibit or something.
The Migration of Retail
Vancouver is the first city to have Lululemon, and the last city to get a Sephora (It literally just opened a few weeks ago).
I'll stop there at the subject of retail/ merchandise; a subject that will pop up plenty as I empty the Olympic contents of my mind and closet.
We are six months away from the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics in my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, and I haven't even begun to get in shape for this monumental sporting event. I am way behind schedule on my pre- Olympic workouts, beer drinking and sporty life style shtick.
photos by Lisa Ovens
However, for the last five years I've been taking pictures, writing notes and generally lying around thinking about this five ringed spectacle about to take place in my back yard. This blog is the place for me to unload the material and free my mind of it, finally.
2010 and High Heels is a spin of Hockeyandhighheels.com, the home of my first baby, Hockey and High Heels- A different kind of hockey book. Because of that book, h&hh.com welcomes visitors from around the world and many of them haven't been to Vancouver. So here are a few things about Vancouver that readers might like to know...
Age
Vancouver is 123 years young. Yeah, we're just a bunch of pups over here...woohooo!
Location
From my own experiences traveling around the world, everyone seems to know where Toronto is, and Vancouver is no where near Toronto. It's a 42 hour drive west of TO according Mapquest. That's 2700 miles (4300 km), if you drive through the United States like Mapquest suggests. Vancouver lies on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, nestled behind a wall of mountains that act as a natural barrier from the rest of Canada. If we have itchy feet and want to visit another country, we only have to drive 30 miles south and we're in the United States.
Inhabitants
Vancouver is Canada's third largest city with it's metropolitan area home to just over 2.3 million people. Because we have the mountains, ocean and the United States border hemming us in, "urban sprall" is a phrase not in our vocabulary. We have lots of high rises, but not too high because people should have at least a little view of the surrounding natural beauty.
Animals that dig the natural beauty: squirrels, raccoons, bears, ducks, sea otters, orcas, seals, sea lions, cougars....those are some of the bigger ones, and a few of them walk by my living room window almost ever night and look in at me, like I'm some sort of zoo exhibit or something.
The Migration of Retail
Vancouver is the first city to have Lululemon, and the last city to get a Sephora (It literally just opened a few weeks ago).
I'll stop there at the subject of retail/ merchandise; a subject that will pop up plenty as I empty the Olympic contents of my mind and closet.
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