Posts tagged Vancouver 2010
Tonight – Hockey Tweetup at MolsonCoors Brewery
Feb 27th
Early this month, MolsonCoors opened up it’s doors to a number of people involved in the Vancouver social media scene (being pretty involved in the social media scene themselves), as well as some rabid sports fans to take in the Canada/Norway men’s hockey game. I did have a chance to go, but as I was taking in men’s and women’s curling that day, had to opt out. Apparently fun was had by all and I missed out.
Is this guy legal? – courtesy of John Biehler
So when I saw a tweet from Ferg Devins (@MolsonFerg) asking if there was interest in attending a tweetup for tonight’s bronze medal game between Finland and Slovakia, I nearly broke my phone tweeting him back to advise of my interest.
Fortunately, Ferg did receive my message and I’m happy to say I’ll be there tonight. If you’re going, track me down – the real name is Chris and on twitter y’all know me as @lyteforce.
Vancouver 2010 Victory Ceremonies
Feb 17th
Maybe I’m simply being greedy, or inconsiderate, or picky. Or maybe a combination of the three. But I almost feel let down when the victory ceremony and medal presentation is held the following day.
Victory Ceremony Stage – courtesy of Chris Reddy
Why you ask? Well…
“Here I am, all psyched up from the euphoria of watching Canadian athletes tear it up. I’m shouting, pumping my fists in the air, and getting my voice tuned to do a little Canadian anthem karaoke. But wait, there isn’t anything like that taking place. I have to wait. And then.. I’ve lost the groove.”
Now I still get amped watching the gold medal get handed off. And I do sing along any chance I get when the Canadian anthem is concerned, but it’s not as exciting or enthusiastic as it would have been live. You know?
What do y’all think?
Slash rant.
Review: Inniskillin Icewine
Feb 16th
Inniskillin Icewine Gallery
If you’ve walked by the fantastic Ice Gate outside of Richmond City Hall on your way to the Richmond OZone, you’ve likely passed the Inniskillin Icewince Gallery providing tastings of three of their Icewines.
Established in 1975 (and being granted the first winery license in Ontario since prohibition), Inniskillin has vineyards in both the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley here in British Columbia. Furthermore, parent company Vincor is also the official supplier of wine for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Icewine Gallery is located at the main entrance to the Richmond OZone with Inniskillin having two 36′ bars serving tastings as well as a VIP lounge – all of which is designed to match the icy appeal of the Ice Gate across the way.
Now for anyone keeping score, I’m far from an expert when it comes to Icewine. In fact, I’d wager to say that I’d never tried Icewine prior to stopping by the Icewine Gallery. So after some discussion on twitter, I was offered a chance to try a small taste of each, not bad way to take the first step to becoming an Icewine connoisseur.
Inniskillin’s Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition – courtesy of Inniskillin
Available to try in the Icewine gallery were the Inniskillin Vidal from Niagara, the Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine, and the Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition from Niagara. Although I can’t remember the exact order I tried the first two in, I was blown away by the intense flavour each provided – it was like an explosion on my palate to tell you the truth. But my favourite, was the last of the three – the Commemorative Edition.
I can’t really begin to describe why I liked the Commemorative Edition over the other two. I just found the flavour to have the right intensity and the the Icewine itself just to go down nice – heck, I could see myself sticking a straw in the bottle it was that good. Not only did the selection taste great,the artwork on the bottle itself is awesome – work from Gordon Halloran, the creator of the Ice Gate itself. To me, I’d love to have a bottle (empty or full) simply out for display, the image is so neat. Furthermore, proceeds of each bottle sold go to the Canadian Olympic Team and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games so how can you not feel good about supporting our Canadian athletes?
Available throughout the 2010 Winter Games, the Inniskillin Icewine Gallary will be open from 3:00pm to 11:00pm on weeknights and noon to 11:00pm on weekends. The tastings cost $5 for each half oz. sample, but the best deal is $10 to try all three. Make sure you also follow them on twitter (@2010Wines) to keep abreast of news and events.
Disclosure: I received a half oz. tasting of all three icewines (value $10). I simply chose to review the tasting on my own afterwards – cmp.ly/1
Reflection: Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies
Feb 14th
The Olympic Flame has been lit and the first medals have already been awarded. Yet I still have butterflies of excitement and expectation in my stomach from watching the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremony – courtesy of nucksfan604
Even with it’s minor blemishes, I thought the ceremonies to open the Winter Games was awesome. The opening montage of having a snowboarder start on the peak of one of the coastal mountains while an announcer progressed through the various Winter Games leading to Vancouver amped up my anticipation. And having him jump into the stadium had me sitting forward in my seat at home.
Aboriginal Welcome – courtesy of nucksfan604
What has to be the best welcome of any Olympic Ceremonies I’ve seen was the Four Host First Nations welcoming both the world and the many first nations of Canada to the traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. The dancing and colours were electric and enthralling and the music alone had me racing to iTunes to pick up the Official Commemorative Album.
Alpine Activities – courtesy of s.yume
I found much of the cultural component of the opening ceremonies truly representative of Canada. With the entire stadium wearing white ponchos and a white raised floor, images were displayed throughout to outline the different seasons, the many flags, and even iconic images of Orca swimming through (and breathing too boot).
Cosmopolitan Vancouver – courtesy of nucksfan604
In my opinion, the best part of the ceremonies, was the introduction of “We Are More” from Shane Koyczan. I am at a loss for words to describe how this poem got me psyched up for what will come from our Canadian athletes and introduced our new-found patriotism to the world. Yes, we ARE the “what” in “What’s new?”
And although our ceremonies did not surpass what we saw in 2008 in Beijing, I don’t think we need to fret. Canada instead did it our way and for that I’m a proud. And every day throughout the games, I will wear feel honoured to wear red knowing that we have welcomed the world in the best way possible.
The Canadian way.
Let the Flame Burn – courtesy of s.yume
Canadian Pride
Feb 10th
Having only driving across the border a handful of times, I’d never consider myself an expert on the subject, but there seems to be a US flag on every corner – they’re everywhere. And people would likely agree that the pride that those from the US show is unreal (some would even say obnoxious). And yet as close as we are to our neighbours to the south, Canadian patriotism tends to be quiet and subdued. Sure we like to throw a party now and then, but we’re pretty laid back overall.
But not anymore.
If there is one thing that the Winter Games has done, it’s allowed Canadians to bust loose. Everywhere I go there are flags flying high, flags hanging in windows, on cars and on clothes. In fact, I’ve gotten into the action by hanging my Canadian flag up for all to see.
And you know what? I like it. I like that we Canadians are showing the world we are a proud nation. I like that we are ready to welcome the world with open arms and show them what it’s like to be a Canadian. Can you imagine what it will be like when the first Canadian athlete brings home our first gold medal on home soil? Or better yet, the sound of the Canadian anthem being played as the flag is raised high for all to see.
I’d be lying if I didn’ t say hearing the anthem at the Richmond Torch Relay Ceremony didn’t bring tears to my eyes, but I’m proud to say it nonetheless. I like to think that our pride as a nation will continue beyond the games – because that’s a Canada I could get used to.
True North Strong & Free – courtesy of John Bolwitt
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