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Winter Olympics

Archive: 107 posts

I'm really surprised no one is talking about this yet. Opening Ceremonies are only a few hours away in Vancouver and I'm planning on watching them. I never miss an Olympic Opening Ceremony. I do tend to tune out during the march in of the athletes but the show is always interesting.

So Anyone else really enjoy watching the games? Do you follow the medal counts or are you more into the individual athlete's stories or could you care less?

Just curious.

I may put a link here for the medal count as soon as they have them posted.		2010-02-12 18:16:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I personally don't give a monkeys about the actual games, but the ceremonys are always good...

we never win anything anyways..		2010-02-12 18:26:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Polish+paper+places+Pedobear+alongside+Olympic+mas cots/2542158/story.html

rofl.

edit: pic

http://www.mbarrick.net/livejournal/2009/07/vancouver_2010_mascots_sumi_quatchi_miga_mukmuk_pe dobear.jpg		2010-02-12 18:36:00

Author:
Unknown User

Hehe I live in the Vancouver area and it's getting pretty hectic around here. A lot of major streets closed, tons of tourists and even more security! It's quite the experience seeing your city transformed into what is basically a giant playground for the whole world.

I'm going to be watching the opening ceremonies from home sadly, tickets are wayyy too much. But I do have tickets to a curling game! :o		2010-02-12 19:53:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402

I as well live in Vancouver. Very centrally located, easily walking distance from the downtown core - For me, the Olympics have been more about following the epic financial and social cluster-scrooge that have been caused by the games. I've seen beautiful and recognizable murals being painted over in solid colors (http://www.straight.com/article-276729/vancouver/beatty-street-murals-painted-over-city-vancouver). I've been gloomily jealous of the blizzards on the east coast as we've had nothing but rain and no snow this winter - quite hilarious considering that we're hosting the Winter freaking Olympics. Colbert had a good joke last night - he suggested that future Olympic committees include a new question on the host city application form: "Does it snow in your city?"

I, and anyone else from Vancouver could have answered in a heartbeat: NO! We're lucky to get a day of snow in a year!! What are they THINKING??

At one point the city of Vancouver hit dire straits and had to be bailed out because they couldn't afford the costs of hosting, and are now billions in debt. Let me clarify that: A single city is billions in debt because of the Olympics. Shocking!

The city's attempted to sweep the poor and homeless under the rug instead of actually helping them, and we just happen to have one of the worst poor and drug-addicted neighborhoods in North America (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Canada/Province_of_British_Columbia/Vancouver-903183/Warnings_or_Dangers-Vancouver-Downtown_Eastside-BR-1.html). Rather than spend even a fraction of the money to throw these people a bone, they've been pushed around like animals.

It's a rough situation. The Olympics have not been good to this city, and even tourism is not what it was expected/hoped. A lot of hotel bookings have been cancelled. Big plans to host more people in cruise ships have been shut down. Vancouver's losing a great deal of money and in the long run it doesn't look like the city's gaining much out of this, short of a new skytrain line to the airport.

Here are my plans for the Olympics: Avoid the crowds, avoid downtown. I'll watch the ceremony from the comfort of my living room tonight, and on Wednesday and Thursday I'll walk out to Science World for The Colbert Report tapings. I'll try and get a good spot, and if I can pick myself out in the videos afterwards, I'll post it here!		2010-02-12 23:02:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

That Bobsleigh-track is dangerous man.
Today a guy died on the track!
see this CNN link (http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/02/12/olympic.luge.crash/index.html?hpt=C1)		2010-02-12 23:09:00

Author:
Smelling-Cowboy
Posts: 668

That Bobsleigh-track is dangerous man.
Today a guy died on the track!
see this CNN link (http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/02/12/olympic.luge.crash/index.html?hpt=C1)

Yeah, I saw the coverage this morning just after it happened. It wasn't a boblsed by the way, it was a luge - a single guy on a tiny sled bulleting down an ice-pipe. Here in Vancouver, our local station CTV is feverishly covering every single step of the torch relay, all day long, and all the smiling happy people out to watch it.

And then they cut to show perhaps the single craziest piece of footage I've ever seen from any Olympics, a literally deadly luge accident that was unimaginable to behold. At the time they could only say he was in "critical condition" and that the injuries were described as "life-threatening". And then it went back to the torch relay, and all the smiling happy people clapping their foam sticks and twirling their foil torches. It was pretty surreal.

EDIT: This is also after concerns had been voiced about the dangerousness and difficulty of the luge track. Analysts are saying that seasoned experts may only be "rattled" by it, but people who aren't highly-experienced are risking their lives on this track, as is now confirmed. So the stakes just raised in the luge races, no doubt about that.		2010-02-12 23:13:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Oh god that's awful! Surreal is right.

Yea, Olympics are expensive and don't seem to care too much about the host cities. I love watching the games but they do come at a huge cost to the city and people that host them. Your absolutely right Teebonsey, if they even took a fraction of that money to help those they swept out of sight the world would be a better place.

I still get excited watching the games though... now I feel a bit guilty about it. 		2010-02-12 23:15:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I think he and his family were so proud that he was on the olympics. It's just horrible.2010-02-12 23:18:00

Author:
Smelling-Cowboy
Posts: 668

I saw it happen, and all I can say is holy ****. That's sad. You think the commitee would have made it safer when they witnessed all the previous wrecks.

R.I.P. Nodar. 		2010-02-12 23:50:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Meh, they realise when they decide to take part in a sport like that, that there is a chance they will be seriously injured, or die. Unfortunatley, it has happened. But blame can't rest with the track. It is him who made the mistake, and maybe the track should have had the metal poles covered, but it wouldn't have saved him at that speed.

Either way, RIP.		2010-02-13 00:17:00

Author:
Unknown User

Well, true it was his choice, but I blame a part of it on the commitee, because they wouldn't take precautions even when they were getting injured, and if the pole was covered he might have come out alive (maybe a broken neck, but alive).2010-02-13 00:43:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

The opening ceremonies was quite good, until Gergia came out. That was sad, and some of the players even cried.

Well it's good they used a black ribbon on their flag, makes him more special to have the honor of being represented with the flag.

R.I.P. Nodar		2010-02-13 03:26:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Yea they were noticeably upset walking in. Must be such a shock for them. I though it was quite moving that they dedicated the ceremony to Noaar officially and that the crowd rose to it's feet for the Georgia team.

So far the ceremony is pretty cool. I loved the Orcas and all the native cultures outfits.		2010-02-13 03:44:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Ya, I like the performances they're showing. Some guy just played the fiddle right now!

But ya, it's good to know that Nodar is being remembered like a hero, rather than just a death.		2010-02-13 03:56:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Just wrapped it up (yeah, we watched every minute of it - including the march of nations). It was very cool. After Beijing, of course, so one could really top that, so why even try. Just do a great show and it will be enough, and I think they pulled that off. But even so, what a bummer that after such a flawless performance, that last bit of grandeur was spoiled by a technical/mechanical difficulty - too bad.

I loved the performances by both Sarah McLachlan and K.D. Lang (love Hallelujah!!).

Cant' wait for the games to begin tomorrow!		2010-02-13 05:39:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

As a French Canadian, I really appreciate they incorporate our francophone language at some points.
Overall, it was a pretty awesome show. I loved the seasons and the performances... except for Garou, wasn't his best in my opinion.		2010-02-13 06:02:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712

I have to say, the ceremony itself was pretty spectacular. I just got downstairs from seeing the fireworks from our attic balcony. But yeah, the orcas were the highlight for me. That just blew me away. First seeing the "ice" crack and break up and drift away - representing the "separating" of the native people ("separating," hm?), but when the orcas started swimming, that was just incredible. What a trip. It was a gorgeous display throughout, the ballet dancing's a bit weird to me, and the little peter pan boy flying through the prairies was a bit on the funny side, but the music and the visuals were spectacular.

And the orcas. Holy crap, it really looked like there were whales swimming underneath the floor. The LED lights that all the audience members had was a really gorgeous touch as well, it was surprisingly dazzling to look at. I didn't expect much coming off of that insane Beijing ceremony, but surprisingly impressed, I was.

It was interesting to see the native and first nations cultural ceremony. I know certain people among the leadership of the tribes here were not happy at all with any bit of the Olympics - from the logo to the mascots to the dancers in the ceremony, some of these guys thought it basically prostituted them and their culture and holding what amounts to a circus that's going to put more of their people into poverty, holding it on stolen land, and then having the audacity to parade their culture in bright happy colors to the world. I have to be clear though - the olympics WERE put on collaboratively with certain native organizations, but much of the population is in disagreement with how some of these councils do their business.

Natives have a pretty sad position here. A great deal of the aboriginal population in Vancouver is at the very bottom, poverty-stricken, addicted, living on the street. It's weird to see the Olympics' attempts to make everything look so shiny for them on the one hand, and then seeing the reality in the city all the time. BC's history is unique in Canada among the aboriginals - when the british colonized the lands here, they took land from the natives with almost no treaties, which was then and still is illegal, and the provincial government has been dealing with it ever since. Canada wasn't as efficient as America in eradicating Native life and culture, but aside from that, their histories are similar.

But in terms of displacement, increased poverty and homelessness, debt, massive increases in social problems - this is the status quo with the Olympics. In terms of displacing poor, it was probably never worse than it was in Beijing, but I never said much about it because, well, I LIVE in Vancouver! So I've seen its effects all over the place. I can only imagine in my wildest dreams what this kind of public money would have done for the downtown east side. But oh well, Olympics it shall be I suppose.

In the rainiest city in the country, where they actually have to helicopter snow into the olympic venues. Unbelievable!

Sorry for being a downer, at the same time it's definitely exciting to be at ground zero. Sort of feel like temporarily the city has become the center of the world, everybody's focused on Vancouver. I'm seeing my neighborhoods, my city, my skyline, all over the place lately, it's pretty weird because this city, despite what it may look like at a glance, is NOT a big place!

Most of all I'm looking forward to attending Colbert's show next week.		2010-02-13 06:04:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

I started watching the recorded ceremony a short while ago. ( different time zone here so i won't get to see much of the actual events, not live anyway ).

What a tragic start though. I didn't know about the luge guy dying until I realised what they were talking about. That was very sad.

I have to say though that the 16 year old girl miming the national anthem ( or rather trying very badly to mime ) was also tragic. She was absolutely useless. I can't believe none of the commentators pointed it out. I would have had to. It wasn't ike it was a secret. Everyone could see how terrible she was. As the camera scanned the crowd and the resident officials you could see the embarrasment on their faces. I'm sure they were regretting ever letting her do that.

I stopped watching it after that, she just turned it into a farce.		2010-02-13 13:23:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

I actually think this was my favorite opening ceremony in recent memory. I guess my reason is that it was so personal. It told a story of what Canada is and how they feel. It contrasted the "in your face" nationalism of the Beijing games (their's actually scared me a bit). I also got quite emotional from K.D. Lang's performance of Hallelujah. 2010-02-13 18:57:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537

Not to pull away from the greatness of Canada hosting the olympic games, But i am really quite worried about 2012, We got a really Bad logo, We don't have that much, (besides fish 'n' chips, Pie 'n' Peas, Double Decker Buses and Boris Johnson) << Thats a Losing Combination right there2010-02-13 20:37:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Boris Johnson

I hear ya, Kernel. He's a bumhole, but somehow I like him. (Everyone - Boris Johnson is the current mayor of London, btw!).

I've always loved Canada and am determined to go there someday. It was a great ceremony, and I'm sure the Games will do the country proud. Unlike London 2012, in which we'll show how NOT to host an Olympic Games.

2010-02-13 20:45:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Not to pull away from the greatness of Canada hosting the olympic games, But i am really quite worried about 2012, We got a really Bad logo, We don't have that much, (besides fish 'n' chips, Pie 'n' Peas, Double Decker Buses and Boris Johnson) << Thats a Losing Combination right there

OMG, KernelM. I would kill to go to London someday (well, not kill, but you know)! I'm looking so forward to the London Games. England has so much history, tradition and culture. And from the perspective of someone who grew up in the American Mid-West, you have tons to be proud of. And since I'm a foodie, fish 'n' chips, Pie 'n' Peas alone would be worth the trip!		2010-02-13 20:53:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537

I shall Quote one thing, To prove the reason why our Olympics will fail


Ping Pongs Coming Home		2010-02-13 21:02:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

I shall Quote one thing, To prove the reason why our Olympics will fail

Just watched the Ping Pong youtube clip. Ok, I now understand your concern. 		2010-02-13 22:21:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537

tradition and culture

...in England?		2010-02-13 22:22:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291

...in England?

Well, strictly speaking it's Great Britain. So we get bagpipes, whisky and kilts from Scotland. We get leeks, sheep and dragons from Wales. We get dancing, charm, jokes and a whole heap of not-to-be-mentioned stuff from Northern Ireland. And then we get bugger all from cash-strapped England. Woo hoo.		2010-02-13 22:30:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

...sounds like a party to me! 2010-02-13 22:37:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Oh yeah gold medal on 5 km! oh yeah oh yeah
we in Holland love medals
here i go:
HUP HOLLAND HUP!!!!!
ok that i had to say.		2010-02-13 22:46:00

Author:
Smelling-Cowboy
Posts: 668

Well.. We'll kick all your butts in the drinking, Darts, and dirty eyed looks at the birds at the other side of the bar-athon

2010-02-13 22:51:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

I really hope that Finland would win in icehockey, that would be awesome...
One can have dreams, right?		2010-02-13 23:00:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

I saw the ceremonies, and what is it with the singers being posers? Beijin did that by putting a cute girl on, but she was horrible, and now Vancouver puts on some lip singer? What happened to honor and tradition?

The ending was great yes, but they messed it up with the technical difficulties, by that I mean the fourth platform did not go up, so they killed the whole dramatic scene. I still find it quite emberrasing for everyone to wait like 5-8 minutes for their platforms to come up, and the torch holders to stand there like idiots (who are not idiots by the way), and only to see three come out. God!

Overall, I wish it could have gone better, but it was something memorable. Oh, and the new version of "We Are The World" was kind of good, but not as good as the original. I really didn't like the part with the Jonas Brothers. I don't know why, but a part of myself wishes they never sang at all, mainly because they suck. But I'm glad they were drowned out by the other 70 (or so) voices singing about Haiti.

Finally, Slovakia (2 medals), Switzerland (2), and Netherlands (2) are tied for first, while Poland (1) and Germany (1) are in second. If you want to know the score for now, then check here. NBC Winter Olympics (http://www.nbcolympics.com/medals/index.html)

Peace		2010-02-13 23:59:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

i didn't see much of the ceremony, but i heard bad things about it. lots of technical difficulties, and, what? Gretzky sitting in the back of a truck for 5 minutes?

anyway, i think Vancouver was a good pick for the olympics. maybe not Vancouver, but somewhere in BC, because it's an interesting culture. different from other parts of Canada.

it would be an even MORE interesting Olympics if it were in Toronto...		2010-02-14 00:09:00

Author:
Mopthefloo
Posts: 139

Ya, a LOT of bad things, mainly NBC showing the death of Nodar over and over for like 5 times.

They claim it was for ratings. I mean what type of sickos make money of dead people (producers of "Michael Jackson's This Is It")? That's just vulture habits, not to mention they warned the viewers (who are mostly families... yes including kids) that they're going to show it, but they said it like 6 seconds before they showed it, so it was to late. And, to add insult to injury, they played it first normal, then slow motion, then slower motion, and then a picture of CPR with the dead body. That's cruelty in media I say! 		2010-02-14 02:57:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

After Nodar's father said he didn't want it on TV anymore NBC has said they will not air it again during the games again. I haven't seen it and will not be seeking it out online either. I don't need to see it to understand it's a tragedy.

Loved watching the Dutch fans go nuts in the stands today for the short track events. They are always so happy and into their skating. Being of Dutch descent I secretly, or not so secretly root for them in the olympics.

Looking forward to Moguls and Apollo Anton Ono's run tohight!		2010-02-14 03:15:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Apolo Ohno was amazing! I never was a short track fan, but seeing him made me one (not a hardcore one though). Woot, USA!

Dominating the Olympics, then the world... wait what!? :eek:		2010-02-14 03:19:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Short track is awesome. It's mayhem out there and sometimes it's not about the best in the world but who makes the best decisions at the best times. My heart is in my throat the whole time he races! lol very exciting!2010-02-14 03:28:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Was he the one who stayed in the back, waiting for his time to strike, then took 1st place in one swift move? If he was, then I completely shouting "YES!" when that happened. That was an amzing move, I swear I heard the others go "Oh no, it's Ohno!".

EDIT: HOLY ****! Apolo right behind 3 skaters, all same nation, then BOOM, one of them knocks out his teammate, and Apolo and another American takes it! Apolo Ohno comes second, named most decorated skater, and USA takes two medals, all because a Korean's BIG mistake. Hell ya! Apolo, only in America! 		2010-02-14 03:35:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Yes, that was him in his semi-final run.

They just ran the finals and he took Silver and the other American guy took bronze. Very exciting race. Koreans had a bad pass and two of them took each other out. It's so fast!		2010-02-14 03:43:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Ya, I thought he was going to lose, but in the review, Apolo accidentally bumped the American and him back, then the Korean's foot caught his partner, causing both to crash. That was intense!

Apolo Ohno slides to second in 1500m final, makes history. (http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-features/news/newsid=414316.html#wipe+gives+ohno+silver+games+ma rk)

History is written quickly.		2010-02-14 03:50:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

well i cant believe that the guy died :O

hopefully no one else will		2010-02-14 03:59:00

Author:
rseah
Posts: 2701

Ya, and some fear it can happen to them, so some backed out.

In other news, in Women's Mogul, USA has one person who was really good, mess up (noooo!). But that was made up when Shannon got first, with a time of 27.9. Woot!		2010-02-14 04:08:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Yea that faceplant was pretty hard to watch. Eeek! Shannon's looking good though. Loving the big airs on these!2010-02-14 04:11:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

aw, I missed it Hope everyone else enjoyed it though. I love watching them.2010-02-14 06:11:00

Author:
Ainsl3y_xo
Posts: 478

OK - To recap the last several posts (cuz I love the Olympics and want to put my two cents in here, and cuz I mostly agree with you guys):

Hannah Kearney and Shannon Bahrke were awesome and so exciting to watch as the bar just kept getting raised a wee bit higher. Ohno was spectacular in his semi-final and had me gasping for air in the final. Great races both.

And finally, NBC's handling of the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili was appalling and so very typical of the lack of prudence and competence in American media these days. What was once considered yellow journalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_journalism) is now the status quo in this mixed up nation.		2010-02-14 06:42:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

r.i.p luge person, a true tradegy!2010-02-14 09:12:00

Author:
toon_army_azza
Posts: 115

I haven't seen the opening ceremonies yet, but I hear they didn't highlight the cultural aspect of having our milk in bags...





2010-02-14 16:56:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

The opening ceremony was pretty good, the Orcas were amazing. Stupid technical difficulty right at the very end though...

R.I.P. Nodar

Go Ohno and Bahrke!

Oh god, next year when I visit London it is going to be madness while they are setting up for the Olympics!		2010-02-14 19:58:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

Oh god, next year when I visit London it is going to be madness while they are setting up for the Olympics!

Setting up for what? Have we started building the stadium yet?		2010-02-14 20:03:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Setting up for what? Have we started building the stadium yet?

They started construction in 2008. 8S		2010-02-15 00:19:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

I'm still surprised that the Canadians haven't won any Golds in their own country. I sorta feel bad for them (why being "America's Hat" and all).

GO CANADA!!... AND USA!!!		2010-02-15 05:32:00

Author:
Outlaw-Jack
Posts: 5757

Well, USA leads with 6 medals, followed by Germany, and France, then Canada, finally followed by Korea. Oh, and Canada has their first Gold! And Silver... and Bronze... they have one of each, so awesome!

But I just hate the media. You think they will appreciate the Olympic's beauty, but no. They're vultures I say! They're using the Nodar incident (still sad ) and turning it to ratings. How cruel is that? I mean I understand it was for two days, and mainly it was coverage of the ceremonies, but now some are making bull**** stories like "Nodar feared track before accident". I can't find the link, but it said that he was saying that he was scared of a "certain turn". I mean, those media jerks just won't stop.

Well that's it.

Peace		2010-02-15 07:03:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

They started construction in 2008. 8S

I was being sarcastic. I don't think our olympics is gonna be any good becAuse we spent a huge amount on a stupid logo that my baby cousin coulda drawn.		2010-02-15 09:23:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

You mean the one that looks like Bart and Lisa from the Simpsons 'gettin' it on'? lol Such as **** logo.

@Cyber - that's how it goes. It happens in anything, regardless of what sport it is...

HIs family can be happy that no one had any idea who he was... Ayrton Senna still gets discussed today, he died in '94. Some ******** stories about him too, it's just the way it goes.		2010-02-15 11:24:00

Author:
Unknown User

I'm still surprised that the Canadians haven't won any Golds in their own country. I sorta feel bad for them (why being "America's Hat" and all).

GO CANADA!!... AND USA!!!

They did last night! Mens mogals... was really cool too. The crowd went nuts! Alexandre Bilodeau was awesome on his last run and they had mentioned he dedicated the event to his brother with cerebral palsy who was cheering him on in the stands. That was one cool moment to see when he won.		2010-02-15 13:19:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

They did last night! Mens mogals... was really cool too. The crowd went nuts! Alexandre Bilodeau was awesome on his last run and they had mentioned he dedicated the event to his brother with cerebral palsy who was cheering him on in the stands. That was one cool moment to see when he won.

It was pretty exciting. I was at a restaurant when it happened, but I was out in a suburb coming off of a hike. For some reason, even though it was nearly a packed house, NOBODY cheered for Canada's first at-home gold medal. I was tempted to do it myself, but what the hell's that all about? The only guy who cheers for Canada's first medal is a TEXAN? It didn't seem right for a Texan to teach Canadians how to be patriotic.

Still it was exciting.

I had streaming NBC coverage on the first night, while watching Canada's coverage on tv. The NBC one was on mute, I was just keeping an eye on it in case something interesting came up. Mostly what I saw was the shot of Nodar crashing over and over and over and over, in slower and slower motion, again and again, and I couldn't believe it. I couldn't BELIEVE it. It went way, way beyond tasteless.

But I'm still interested in finding out other nations, and especially America's coverage's point of view is of Vancouver's olympics. What's the outside perspective?

I knew with the opening ceremony that a really important thing to get across is "Canadian identity", because nobody in the world knows it (short of hockey and maple syrup and mooses and mounties), and even most Canadians don't know what the Canadian identity is. When they announced a "slam poet" was taking center stage to close the ceremony I was CRINGING, but the guy ended up doing an admirable job, and at least locally seemed to strike a nerve with Canadians. So, while it was definitely the least spectacular part of the ceremony, perhaps it was the most crucial.		2010-02-15 20:48:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Yeah, I expect Bilodeau to go down in history as a Canadian sports hero. He's got quite the story behind him and a lot of support. There's commercials on CTV dedicated to just him and Canada's first gold on Canadian soil that air every 5 minutes. And the Olympics just started! Hopefully that gold is not our last 2010-02-15 20:49:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402

But I'm still interested in finding out other nations, and especially America's coverage's point of view is of Vancouver's olympics. What's the outside perspective?

Nothing but stories of "USA's Hannah..." and "Snowboarder Has Issues With Pants". Not to mention some monatges of USA getting medals. Other than that, same as any other. 		2010-02-15 20:54:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Yeah, I expect Bilodeau to go down in history as a Canadian sports hero. He's got quite the story behind him and a lot of support. There's commercials on CTV dedicated to just him and Canada's first gold on Canadian soil that air every 5 minutes. And the Olympics just started! Hopefully that gold is not our last

Yeah, CTV's been treating him like the great Canadian hero, and REALLY jumping on the fact that his personal story with his brother and family is ridiculously touching. Some of these interviews I really hate, actually, like that Canadian Brian Williams. We can all see that his story is touching, we don't need to pour our journalistic sap all over them, sticking our needles in and trying to suck them for all the good stuff. We can see for ourselves and judge for ourselves how touching it is.

It is quite touching though. Seeing Bilodeau talking to camera just after learning he won, and talking about his brother was the highlight for me.		2010-02-15 20:56:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Yeah, CTV's been treating him like the great Canadian hero, and REALLY jumping on the fact that his personal story with his brother and family is ridiculously touching. Some of these interviews I really hate, actually, like that Canadian Brian Williams. We can all see that his story is touching, we don't need to pour our journalistic sap all over them, sticking our needles in and trying to suck them for all the good stuff. We can see for ourselves and judge for ourselves how touching it is.


I hate that! That's exactly what's been happening in the US, mainly on the Nodar inccident.

Still, Canada finally got gold on their soil, so yay! I'm a USA supporter, but I'm still glad Canada achieved their goal. 		2010-02-15 21:03:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Some of these interviews I really hate, actually, like that Canadian Brian Williams. We can all see that his story is touching, we don't need to pour our journalistic sap all over them, sticking our needles in and trying to suck them for all the good stuff. We can see for ourselves and judge for ourselves how touching it is.

I know what you mean. That's the media for you. They'll continue to play it up so long as it helps their ratings. But at least it's about something positive. I do think he deserves the attention and that his story is a sincere and touching one. Like CyberSora was saying earlier, the luge incident was tragic and sad, but the media is playing out and twisting the story until the focus is no longer mourning the loss of an amazing athlete. They just care about their ratings.		2010-02-15 21:12:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402

Oh my god almighty. This is incredible. I don't know how much other countries are covering the men's mogul gold medal competition, but in Canada there's a lot of coverage. there's actually a very entertaining story at the heart of that race.

So there's a Vancouver native by the name of Dale Begg-Smith. Oh, the Vancouverites just LOVE this one. He was skiing for Canada and pursuing his olympic dreams as a teenager, while on the side making bundles of money on his own spyware/malware business. His coaches were trying to get him to train more, because he was neglecting his training for his malware business. So, at the tender age of 16, he moved to Australia to freely develop his smarmy company while competing for Australia's skiing team.

Meanwhile in Montreal, Alexandre Bilodeau grew up pursuing a similar career (in skiing, not in freaking malware). In a heartwarming foil to Begg-Smith's despicable rise to prominence, Bilodeau looked up to his older brother Frederic, who suffered greatly from a strong case of Cerebral Pallsy (doctors told his family when he was 5 that he would probably lose the ability to walk by age 10 - at 28, he's still walking today). Alexandre has been very open about Frederic being his inspiration and the source of his strength. They supported each other growing up, and Frederic never misses a performance of his younger brother - he's always there at the front cheering him on.

So it really came down to these two guys in the mogul - the "good guy" won in the end, a close call, warming hearts everywhere and making history for Canada. The bronze medalist was an American who could not have been happier on the podium. He was so thrilled to represent his country and to be up there accepting a medal, you'd be hard-pressed to find a happier athlete at the games. On the other side, with the silver medal, was Begg-Smith, who didn't even feign a fake smile, not visibly disappointed, but visibly ticked off.

Afterward, Begg-Smith and his people cried fowl, accusing the olympic judges of having a bias against him, a charge dismissed by Olympic officials.

This guy doesn't seem to get that WINNING silver is not "losing". Just look at the bronze medalist!

And also:

Don't be such a ****ing *********, Beggy! GOD!

EDIT: You should see CTV's smear coverage of this Begg-Smith character. They have footage of him walking on the waterfront at Canada Place and being asked "does it feel like you're back home?"
"This isn't my home," he responds.

Oh yeah, the Vancouverites just love this guy.		2010-02-16 01:43:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

They haven't mentioned that on the NBC coverage here. Interesting story though. Glad the guy with the great attitude won out. 2010-02-16 01:50:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

All sports have their idiots and pricks

Another chance for an F1 reference, i'm full of them today.

Look at Kimi Raikkonen... He never smiled, even when he won the Drivers Championship, and after Shcumachers last race, instead of going to some thing to say bye, he missed it. When asked why he missed it in an interview, he simply said, 'I was taking a ****.'

Actually, that doesn't fit. Raikkonen is a complete legend.

Edit: 2000th post!

And it was about F1, so awesome.		2010-02-16 01:54:00

Author:
Unknown User

Finland is currently playing (icehockey) against Belarus... 2-0 o/ YAY!
UPDATE: 3-1 after two periods, looking pretty good...
UPDATE2: Finland won 5-1 		2010-02-17 20:46:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

I watched the womens snowboarding today. Team GB just missed out on the finals!!! ****!2010-02-17 21:05:00

Author:
The Gentleman
Posts: 360

And now one of my favorite sports, snowboard. I can't wait to see Shaun White's "secret tricks"...2010-02-17 21:09:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712

I'm still shocked about Lindsey DQ'ing last night in Snow Board Cross.... unbelieveable. Really looking forward to Shaun White tonight too... he has his own private halfpipe to do his "secret" stuff on... this could get really good really fast!! That plus he's just all around awesome.2010-02-17 21:39:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

yeah he did his first round earlier today and it was pretty good... :O2010-02-17 21:47:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712

Snowboarding is an olympic sport now?

Anyway Women's Downhill was very good. 		2010-02-17 22:10:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Snowboarding is an olympic sport now?

Yup, since a while now... Today at school instead of doing English class, the teacher brought the class to watch the Olympics on a big project screen in the cafeteria

GO CANADA GO! Alex Bilodeau and Ma?lle Ricker		2010-02-17 22:29:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712

I attended The Colbert Report's taping today! I took a bunch of pictures, but the camera's downstairs, and uugh. So I'll post some later. It was quite funny. He made Bob Costas ride the moose, made fun of our incessant chanting, which we then validated by chanting about it.

Aside from the bewilderingly overbloated crowd and ridiculous attempt at composing it into a line which fell apart and ended up with a mob rush to the stage, it was a good bit of fun. It looked like a concert, and so a bunch of people there treated it like a concert and were quite disappointed when they realized it essentially boiled down to a "sneak preview" of next week's show (he showed us the segment "Better Know a Riding") and a handful of interviews. What did they expect for god's sake??

• His intro segment (TONIGHT!!) took 3 tries to get right.

• He also redid his intro to the Bob Costas interview.

• He sings a duet with Michael Buble in which they sing O Canada to the tune of The Star Spangled Banner. A lot of Canadians in the crowd thought this was a very uncool thing to do. Some people's patriotism is like religion. Anytime you can poke that balloon with a humor needle is great in my book.

• You'll get a taste for the crowd's penchant for chanting during the Costas interview with the chant that was probably used more than any other: "Ride the moose! Ride the moose!"

Pictures to come. The shows won't air until next week, and when they do I'll try to comb through the crowd shots carefully for my wild mane.		2010-02-18 00:54:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Very cool Teebs - One of my favorite shows!

I just wanted to take a moment to mention Shaun White... 48.4 (of a possible 50) on a throw away run with the Gold already won! Now THAT's how you take a victory lap!		2010-02-18 05:49:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

That was truly epic v0rtex - He's so amazing and to just totally dominate even in a throw away was so impressive. What an athlete!2010-02-18 05:53:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I just wanted to take a moment to mention Shaun White... 48.4 (of a possible 50) on a throw away run with the Gold already won! Now THAT's how you take a victory lap!

Yep, I caught that as well. Dude is unbelievable. There was no competition at all, he just annihilated the entire field. He may look like Carrot Top, but he sure is the "top carrot" of the half pipe.

...



















I made this (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=22828-The-Colbert-Report-in-Vancouver-%28with-picties%29).		2010-02-18 05:55:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Shaun did amazing last night! So did Vonn, both amazing athletes.
I can't believe Vonn won with her hurt shin too. Shaun's new trick was awesome. There was no competition for both of them. 8D
Anyone see 5000m qualification? Two people wiped out again for the US, Korea, France to qualify along with Canada and some one else.		2010-02-18 12:56:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

Just got done watching women's aerials and how about that flying kangaroo! That was pretty awesome! Can't believe the air those girls were getting tonight. I was dizzy just watching them!2010-02-25 04:41:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

YAY! Finland won 2-0 against Czech Republic. It also means that the next game will be against USA. Wooo!
Edit:
SLOVAKIA WON AGAINST SWEDEN! That was kinda unexpected but awesome at the same time! 		2010-02-25 05:42:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

ooh, I can't believe I forgot to come here after the big hockey game. THE big hockey game! Canada couldn't wait for this one, it was a huge event, the most-watched sporting event in Canadian history. I went out about a half hour before the game with a couple of friends to find a pub or a bar or any restaurant with a tv to watch the game with a crowd. Places were PACKED. Absolutely overflowing. We just kept looking, and looking, and eventually found a hardcore Italian restaurant with a projected screen. We went in and everyone was dressed to the nines and packing up their stuff. Turns out we were coming in on the tail end of a private function, a baby's baptism. We took our seats, and gradually the place filled up. It took the entire first period for the restaurant staff to get the sound working, but eventually it was good to go.

It was quite the lively game. You could hear the cheering and the groaning from up and down the street. When the game finally ended, we walked down the drive and just witnessed the saddest quiet. It was so QUIET. People just stayed in the pubs and drank and didn't talk much.

Today's the gold medal game for the women, america vs canada.

The really exciting thing will be if America beats Finland and Canada beats Slovakia tomorrow. That means that for the gold medal, it will be a rematch - Canada vs America. Because of the previous game, the stakes are GREATLY raised. It's going to be HUGE. Like Colbert said on his show: "I temporarily care!"
I'm normally not a hockey guy or even a sports guy period, but being in Canada for this is incredibly exciting. I really hope it comes down to the U.S. and Canada.

I'm not even a Canadian citizen, I'm American, but I HAVE to root for Canada because I live here - I have to live with the results! I swear to god, if America wins, people are going to be jumping off the bridge.

Whatever happens, I'm going to have to find a good pub EARLY this time, much earlier than half an hour.		2010-02-25 21:30:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

The city's attempted to sweep the poor and homeless under the rug instead of actually helping them, and we just happen to have one of the worst poor and drug-addicted neighborhoods in North America (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Canada/Province_of_British_Columbia/Vancouver-903183/Warnings_or_Dangers-Vancouver-Downtown_Eastside-BR-1.html). Rather than spend even a fraction of the money to throw these people a bone, they've been pushed around like animals.


Just an fyi.. I actually saw a story about this very thing on Fox News the other day. Pretty tragic and sorta reminded me of what was reported about the games in China, though in their case they really did shove everyone out of the way. ...really tragic.		2010-02-25 21:43:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

That hockey game was crazy! I'm not a huge hockey fan either (mainly I like the fights... I know how barbaric of me) but that game was great. I honestly didn't care who won because both teams were fighting so hard! I'm hoping for a rematch too - will make excellent tv. I hear ya Teebonesey about people getting so depressed about it so I sort of hope Canada wins.... sort of 2010-02-25 22:01:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Here's the highlights to those who missed the action:

The hockey games get more and more exciting, with Team USA dominating many matches, along with rival country Canada. Womens hockey is set right now with superior Team USA against almost unstoppable Canada in the USA-CAN rivalry match up. Meanwhile, the speedskating team South Korea is disqualified in a dramatic fashion when one of their players accidentally bump a Chinese speedskater, leaving South Korea to go home empty handed. The Chinese won gold instead of South Korea, Canada won silver, and Team USA- who were supposed to be fourth and not win a medal- got bronze, their first medal in speedskating since Winter Olympics 1994. USA leads the Olympics with 30 medals, followed by Germany with 26, Norway with 19, Canada with 15, and Russia with 13.

That's enough for you to get the picture of how exciting things are at the Olympics right now. 		2010-02-26 00:06:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

have anybody seen Sven on the 10km he was wining big time when his coach send him on the wrong track at Ice scating
he could be the world champion 		2010-02-26 12:54:00

Author:
Unknown User

Welp, America's beaten Finland.

tonight, Canada vs Slovakia. I'm pretty confident in Canada on this one.

That means that this sunday (sunday SUNDAY), it's rematch time: America vs Canada.

The stakes are raised. ****'s about to go BANANAS!

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

I better pick a good spot out near lion's gate bridge in case Canada loses.

Juuuust kidding.

no, but seriously people are going to kill themselves here if America wins.		2010-02-26 22:21:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

As well as Americans. The Women's Hockey event was won by Canada, leaving Team USA flabbergasted. Now we can only look foward into beating the Canadians on the Men's Hockey event. For those of you wondering why USA and Canada always seem to pop up when it comes to hockey talk, here's an overview:

Canada is USA's rival when it comes to hockey. On the last Olympic games, Canada and USA went head-to-head in a brutal match for the textbooks to come. Canada won, leaving Team USA dissappointed. Now that we're on Canadian soil, Canada has no means on backing down, because they're main goal now is to beat USA on, because Canada will not afford their rivals Team USA to win on their own soil. Still, USA isn't backing down either, because Team USA is determined to beat Canada for the first time since 2002. So it's on now between USA and Canada in the last hockey event in the Olympics, and the results will determine if Canada prevails in protecting their own turf, or if USA can prove they're ready to end Canada's winning streak and claim gold.

Itza gonna get a crazah! 		2010-02-27 01:18:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Here's hoping Teebonesey... If you're thinking of jumping just remember the women's team beat the USA - all is not lost 2010-02-27 02:41:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

My sworn enemies - the swedish - alpine team stayed in our house during the 94 winter olympics. (I'm norwegian) They brought with them lots and lots of BILAR AND BEER. Ugh. That's what I remember from them staying. The house smelling of beer. Empty cans all over.

Oh...and SUCK IT CANADA! CLOWN PANTS RULE!		2010-02-27 13:44:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

everyone give a round of applause for Britain 1 medal 1 gold that 100% gold winning streak :?} Kinda2010-02-27 14:09:00

Author:
robotiod
Posts: 2662

everyone give a round of applause for Britain 1 medal 1 gold that 100% gold winning streak :?} Kinda

What now Harry Potter!? You got nothing on USA!		2010-02-27 19:40:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Now I'm back from eastern Finland...
USA - Finland 6-1... not much of a surprise with the team we had but still made me mad to see them lose and literally do nothing and just take in 6 goals.
Well, bronze is good... or is it? At least it's better than nothing.

I really hope Canada wins tonight, I dunno why but after that USA - Finland match Canada somehow deserves to win.		2010-02-28 18:28:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

BA-DA-BOOM! End of 2nd Period on Men's Hockey! USA 1, Canada 2. It's hectic! This IS the hockey game of the decade! WOOT! 2010-02-28 22:00:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

We may only have one medal, but British pride remains!...2010-02-28 22:06:00

Author:
The Gentleman
Posts: 360

2-2 :eek:
Now THIS is exciting...		2010-02-28 22:34:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

2-2 :eek:
Now THIS is exciting...
Holy crap, yes...what a game this is turning out to be!		2010-02-28 22:35:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Oh my God! Just when you think Canada had the gold in Mens' Hockey right in their hands, BOOM, USA scores with only 22 second left! It's 2-2, and it's overtime between the two rival hockey power houses USA and Canada!

It's getting really exciting! 		2010-02-28 22:37:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

DANG! Canada wins! Oh well, USA got silver. Congrads Canada!

Highlights of the last 30 seconds:

Miller blocks. Crosby gets it. Miller blocks, making it recochei (don't know ho to spell), and bounces off a corner. Some Canadian player gets it, and BOOM, shoots it through Miller, ending the game. Miller is named MVP. Ah, but still, USA lost again.

We shall return on 2012! :kz:		2010-02-28 22:53:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!2010-02-28 22:57:00

Author:
napero7
Posts: 1653

Darn it, USA lost again to Canada, and it's sad because here in the US, we don't feel that happy until we win the Olympics AND hockey. So ya, only one checked off the list. Still, we got something Canada doesn't: MVP player Ryan Miller! USA for 2012! 2010-02-28 23:03:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Well, as much as I hate to see the US loose, I'm very happy for Canada This is HUGE for them. Congratulations guys! Really amazing game to watch. If every hockey game were that good maybe more Americans would watch NHL. Now where's Teebonesey with our street level reaction from the pub?2010-03-01 00:26:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Yep - that was one very well played, extremely exciting game. Congrats to the Canadians for their ice hockey excellence!2010-03-01 01:28:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

So far, the USA's celebrating the awesomeness of our medals. Mainly montages, interviews, and the Closing Ceremonies.

Oh, and if this site had the "100th Post Event", I would win gold! 		2010-03-01 01:31:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

lol - looks like you'd win Silver The gold would go to Vortex So yea, closing ceremonies. I'm not as impressed with them as the opening ones. Although the Russian presentation was interesting.2010-03-01 03:11:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

lol - looks like you'd win Silver The gold would go to Vortex So yea, closing ceremonies. I'm not as impressed with them as the opening ones. Although the Russian presentation was interesting.
LOL - Might have to send this one to the IOC for review... depends on your interpretation of the rules and the term "post". Because if we discard the OP and only count replies, then CyberSora takes the gold. ;P

Yeah - the closing ceremonies were not spectacular - seemed to lack any cohesion or purpose: "Well here's all the material we have left... let's just throw it all at 'em. And let's make it corny and quirky - that'll surely come off as endearing." (Sorry - just my opinion). Also... was it just me, or was Michael Buble obviously lip-syncing?		2010-03-01 04:11:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

lol - looks like you'd win Silver The gold would go to Vortex .

Darn! Silver in the last even AGAIN! It's the USA-CAN match all over again! 		2010-03-01 05:03:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

lol - well your initial post said "Post" so I have to include the OC. So silver on 100 posts but gold for replies how about that for good diplomacy? lol2010-03-01 05:08:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Still, I know that deep inside me, the official ruling that "Post" is the number besides my post. I'm #101, so silver it is. Never the less, I shall train harder for the 2012 LBPCentral Winter Olympics.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rocky.jpg		2010-03-01 05:18:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551

Well, as much as I hate to see the US loose, I'm very happy for Canada This is HUGE for them. Congratulations guys! Really amazing game to watch. If every hockey game were that good maybe more Americans would watch NHL. Now where's Teebonesey with our street level reaction from the pub?

HOLY CRAP.

Vancouver EXPLODED TODAY. I'm now convinced that I will never for the rest of my life be a part of a celebration the likes of which consumed me today. **** was BANANAS!!!

I woke up around 9:30 a.m. and began a trek for a good pub to watch the game in - and this is a city where people were lined up to some places before dawn. Half the game in one joint, half in another joint, both were lively, the game was AMAZING, it went as perfectly EPIC as anyone could have dreamed. So much was on the line for Canada. I can't stress this enough. The U.S. could stomach a lose on this one - but the pressure on Canada was unreal. This was the biggest sports event in Canadian history, and the most-watched. Being at ground zero was incredible. What can I say - the city exploded. Just imagine as big a celebratory explosion as you can, and that's essentially what happened. It was impossible not to get caught up in it.

The party was an all-day affair. I didn't bother to distract myself with photos, as I've been too busy having the good times. But I did snap one photo on the iphone that really captures the mood.

we had made our way into some off-the-path areas behind some police barriers walking toward the stadium during the closing ceremony when suddenly it just lit up right in front of us, as if it saw us coming.

Vancouver today is the party of the century. I'll never see the likes of it again.

http://imgur.com/CKoJK.jpg		2010-03-01 06:48:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937


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