2010 Winter Olympics

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:55 am

The torch is in town, it came in yesterday.

It's a touching moment as I fondly remember the torch's emotional arrival in 1988. It travelled past our old house, we had just moved away but returned to our neighbors to watch as it ran by.

My oldest was just an infant and slept through it.

My brother was not a torch bearer but he ran with the torch past our house.

Ahhh it's so cool to have it come by again...

Good luck everybody be proud of your athletes this is an awesome feat.

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 am

Gallery: Olympic torch arrives in Calgary

here is a link for some photos.

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:04 am

Your mountains are an ideal setting for an event like this minks - I hope everyone has an inspiring time there.

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:10 am

spot;1283428 wrote: Your mountains are an ideal setting for an event like this minks - I hope everyone has an inspiring time there.

It should be awesome at Whistler. It is truly a beautiful setting. We Canadians are so proud to be hosting again

We shall do a fine show I am certain.

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:12 am

Minks,that is so cool to have that running by your house...i love the winter olmpics..the skiing especially & the ice skating. I will be telling my son's teacher about that...cool.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:34 am

minks;1283426 wrote: The torch is in town, it came in yesterday.

It's a touching moment as I fondly remember the torch's emotional arrival in 1988. It travelled past our old house, we had just moved away but returned to our neighbors to watch as it ran by.

My oldest was just an infant and slept through it.

My brother was not a torch bearer but he ran with the torch past our house.

Ahhh it's so cool to have it come by again...

Good luck everybody be proud of your athletes this is an awesome feat.

It is such a touching moment Minks as I remember when it came through Toronto!

and there is no better place in Canada to have the games than Whistler!

hats off Canada!:yh_clap:yh_clap:yh_clap:yh_clap

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:04 pm

I got my pins already, the Olympics are my favorite thing to watch!

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:35 pm

Oh Minks,

I'm so excited about seeing the Winter Olympics....can't wait.:-6

Think it starts on February 12th.....?

I love to watch the skiing and ice skating:D....love the grace of the athletes and the 'swooshing' sounds:D

GO USA AND CANADA....:-6

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:53 pm

Awesome, Minks. I love watching the winter olympics too. Congrats, Canada!!!

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 3:04 pm

Eddie the Eagle carried the torch in Vancouver earlier this month?

The Olympic spirit is still alive, evidently.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 3:36 pm

Oh, I remember Eddie the Eagle!

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 4:59 pm

chonsigirl;1283556 wrote: Oh, I remember Eddie the Eagle!

We love Eddie the Eagle, also during the 88 olympics we had the jamaican bobsled team... ah the memories.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:13 pm

minks;1283427 wrote: Gallery: Olympic torch arrives in Calgary

here is a link for some photos.

So thats what Canadians look like.

Interesting.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:19 pm

Nomad;1283588 wrote: So thats what Canadians look like.

Interesting.

you didn't recognize us with our toque's?:yh_rotfl

Canadian usage

Main article: tuque

In Canada, toque, or tuque (pronounced /ˈtuːk/), is the common name for a knit winter hat. The Canadian English term was assimilated from Canadian French tuque. Toque first appeared in writing around 1870.[1][2][3]

The fashion is said to have originated with the coureurs de bois, French and MÃ©tis fur traders, who kept their woollen nightcaps on for warmth during cold winter days. Such hats are known in other English-speaking countries by a variety of names, including watch cap or stocking cap; the terms tuque and toque, however, are unique to Canada.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:35 am

minks;1283426 wrote: the torch is in town, it came in yesterday.

It's a touching moment as i fondly remember the torch's emotional arrival in 1988. It travelled past our old house, we had just moved away but returned to our neighbors to watch as it ran by.

My oldest was just an infant and slept through it.

My brother was not a torch bearer but he ran with the torch past our house.

Ahhh it's so cool to have it come by again...

Good luck everybody be proud of your athletes this is an awesome feat.
woohoo!!!

hoppy · Post by **hoppy** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 5:52 am

Over a quarter million condoms will be handed out at the Olympics. I don't want to know what event that's for:wah:

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:34 am

hoppy;1283653 wrote: Over a quarter million condoms will be handed out at the Olympics. I don't want to know what event that's for:wah:

that's strictly an event for Canadian's!:yh_rotfl

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:06 am

Nomad;1283588 wrote: So thats what Canadians look like.

Interesting.

We're a handsome Lot aren't we hehehehe

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:46 am

minks;1283711 wrote: We're a handsome Lot aren't we hehehehe

Surprisingly so. I had it in my head Canadians have antlers.

hoppy · Post by **hoppy** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:04 am

I heard they taste like bacon.:wah:

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:21 am

:-2

sigh

we poor Canadians are so misunderstood:-1

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:28 am

I almost moved there, too cold for too long a time during the year. Considered the U.K. where my roots are. Too crowded and too cloudy too often throughout the year.

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:45 am

Ahso!;1283769 wrote: I almost moved there, too cold for too long a time during the year. Considered the U.K. where my roots are. Too crowded and too cloudy too often throughout the year.

Meh you get used to the winters here.

I JUST GOT WORD ONE OF OUR SNEAKY CO-WORKERS RAN A LEG OF THE TORCH RELAY MONDAY,..... he is so in my bad books for not telling us here about it. We would have all gone out and supported him.....

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:53 am

You do get used to winters here, matter of fact, the UK is having a much worse winter than I have seen here.

-toque

-gloves

-heavy winter long coat/hood up to -35C

-waterproof boots

-thick scarf

-dress in layers.

done.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 8:11 pm

minks;1283426 wrote: The torch is in town, it came in yesterday.

It's a touching moment as I fondly remember the torch's emotional arrival in 1988. It travelled past our old house, we had just moved away but returned to our neighbors to watch as it ran by.

My oldest was just an infant and slept through it.

My brother was not a torch bearer but he ran with the torch past our house.

Ahhh it's so cool to have it come by again...

Good luck everybody be proud of your athletes this is an awesome feat.

Minks,

I told my school kidlets all about the winter olympics that are being held in Canada this year. and they are over the moon with excitement:wah:

We read a kid's magazine about all the athlete's stats, and they can't wait to watch the shows.

Gooooo Canada and USA:-6

fuzzywuzzy · Post by **fuzzywuzzy** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 4:01 pm

The Russains have already been slammed for an ice skating routine that depicts Aboriginal Dance. they've been told not to perform it because it is insensitive to the indigenious of Australia. and australian ice skating couple are also doing a depiction of Native dance but they got permission beforehand and were told which moves they were allowed to perform and which were too sacred.

Asked about their research of Aboriginal culture, Domnina said: "We've watched video clips on the internet of these dances and it is really like this - complete with the leaves around the knees."

While the routine has its critics, it has impressed the judges. The pair won their national ice dance competition with ease three weeks ago at their first performance of the routine, making them favourites for the Olympic gold.

The routine itself bears little resemblance to a traditional Aboriginal ceremony. Domnina and Shabalin glide across the ice, waving their arms, jerking their bodies and stomping intermittently. Then they execute a complex finale that involves Domnina clambering over Shabalin before performing a moving somersault and ending with both skaters touching noses - perhaps in reference to the traditional greeting of New Zealand's Maori people.

Australians angry over Russian ice skaters' Aboriginal routine - Telegraph

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:31 am

minks;1283767 wrote:

:-2

sigh

we poor Canadians are so misunderstood:-1

Yes indeedy.

I met one yesterday. A Canadian that is.

It was an unusual experience. While he was talking I kept thinking is this guy for real? Why is he talking like that? I began wondering if he was making fun of me or maybe he was retarded but I finally realized he was a Canadian.

Wow! I was mesmerized. After awhile I became uncomfortable and just really needed to get out of there.

It was a surreal experience.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:38 am

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:42 am

Stop that.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:44 am

Nomad;1284886 wrote: Stop that.

stop what, eh?

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 5:29 pm

February 12th!

- can't wait Minks!:guitarist

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:33 am

Nomad;1284882 wrote: Yes indeedy.

I met one yesterday. A Canadian that is.

It was an unusual experience. While he was talking I kept thinking is this guy for real? Why is he talking like that? I began wondering if he was making fun of me or maybe he was retarded but I finally realized he was a Canadian.

Wow! I was mesmerized. After awhile I became uncomfortable and just really needed to get out of there.

It was a surreal experience.

we are kind of surreal yes

Nomad what's up with your pants? Is that a reference to that old dude from American Idol that sang about pants on the ground? OMG that was rich.

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:35 am

Odie;1285026 wrote: February 12th!

- can't wait Minks!:guitarist

I know it's so exciting however they are saying with the rain at Whistler there is a bit of an issue with snow (hmmmm sounds like Calgary all over again when the chinook winds melted our snow) Lets keep our fingers crossed cause at Whistler they have to truck snow in :yh_doh:yh_ooooo

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:43 am

minks;1285164 wrote: we are kind of surreal yes

Nomad what's up with your pants? Is that a reference to that old dude from American Idol that sang about pants on the ground? OMG that was rich.

:)

Rich...yes.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:51 am

minks;1285165 wrote: I know it's so exciting however they are saying with the rain at Whistler there is a bit of an issue with snow (hmmmm sounds like Calgary all over again when the chinook winds melted our snow) Lets keep our fingers crossed cause at Whistler they have to truck snow in :yh_doh:yh_ooooo
Oh I hope it goes well! I wont know the kind of exciting feeling you have for a couple of years yet. Good luck you guys! The world will be watching! (I know I will be!)

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:39 am

minks;1283568 wrote: We love Eddie the Eagle, also during the 88 olympics we had the jamaican bobsled team... ah the memories.

They made a movie about them..:wah:

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:00 am

flopstock;1285188 wrote: They made a movie about them..:wah:

yes "cool running" and there is a bar in Jamaica called Cool Running too It was opened by a canadian in honor of them. I actually was there when I was in Jamaica.

Gosh what a phenomenon.

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:01 am

More Canadian Olympics trivia if we must.

Canadians were the first team (1988 here in Calgary) to smuggle in a giant country flag and display it in the closing ceremonies.

Yep only in Canada eh.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:13 am

minks;1285165 wrote: I know it's so exciting however they are saying with the rain at Whistler there is a bit of an issue with snow (hmmmm sounds like Calgary all over again when the chinook winds melted our snow) Lets keep our fingers crossed cause at Whistler they have to truck snow in :yh_doh:yh_ooooo

I also heard about no snow!

they'll have to machine make it!:yh_rotfl

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:17 am

Odie;1285197 wrote: I also heard about no snow!

they'll have to machine make it!:yh_rotfl

oh ya we have snow making machines for most of the ski hills round here, yes we get these killer warm and strong winds and a skier was blown from the ski jump into a filming camera, and sand from surrounding area was blown onto the bobsled track making the event delayed. Oh ya it's always an adventure here in Cowtown.

We hosted the longest torch relay that year too 88 days worth of relay. That is cool.

I dunno how long this years is mind you.

Hey back in the day for Grey Cup we are infamous for riding a horse through a hotel lobby in celebration, and from then on we flew said horse for many years to every grey cup from there on after.

Yes we are nutty.

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:22 am

Hi all, I hate to be the one negatve person on this thread about the Olympics. Winter Olympics are great, if they are held in other cities.

I live approx 20 miles out of Vancouver, and work in Vancouver. There are already road closures that started 2 weeks ago, and there are definitely more to come. Even the mail box on the street that sits outside of my office buildng as been taken away, "because there is going to be "no parking on the streets", and therefore a mail truck cannot stop to pick up the mail. HUGE INCONVENIENCE.

Alot of people are being affected one way or the other. The amount of money that is being spent is unbelievable, and we will be paying for it for years and years to come.

There may be some pro arguments about all this, as for increasing tourism for years to come, etc., but I don't think the pros outweight the cons of this. Not when they (the provincial government) are slashing programs for elderly, cutting budgets on schools, and not beefing up medical care so there are so many long waits for elective surgeries. Even to get a pacemaker, there is a long wait.

So the Olympics are great, but only if you live in another city!!:-5:-5

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:49 am

moonpie;1285203 wrote: Hi all, I hate to be the one negatve person on this thread about the Olympics. Winter Olympics are great, if they are held in other cities.

I live approx 20 miles out of Vancouver, and work in Vancouver. There are already road closures that started 2 weeks ago, and there are definitely more to come. Even the mail box on the street that sits outside of my office buildng as been taken away, "because there is going to be "no parking on the streets", and therefore a mail truck cannot stop to pick up the mail. HUGE INCONVENIENCE.

Alot of people are being affected one way or the other. The amount of money that is being spent is unbelievable, and we will be paying for it for years and years to come.

There may be some pro arguments about all this, as for increasing tourism for years to come, etc., but I don't think the pros outweight the cons of this. Not when they (the provincial government) are slashing programs for elderly, cutting budgets on schools, and not beefing up medical care so there are so many long waits for elective surgeries. Even to get a pacemaker, there is a long wait.

So the Olympics are great, but only if you live in another city!!:-5:-5

been there done that and beg to differ we totally embrased them here. Sorry to hear of the inconveniences Moon.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:51 am

moonpie;1285203 wrote: Hi all, I hate to be the one negatve person on this thread about the Olympics. Winter Olympics are great, if they are held in other cities.

I live approx 20 miles out of Vancouver, and work in Vancouver. There are already road closures that started 2 weeks ago, and there are definitely more to come. Even the mail box on the street that sits outside of my office buildng as been taken away, "because there is going to be "no parking on the streets", and therefore a mail truck cannot stop to pick up the mail. HUGE INCONVENIENCE.

Alot of people are being affected one way or the other. The amount of money that is being spent is unbelievable, and we will be paying for it for years and years to come.

There may be some pro arguments about all this, as for increasing tourism for years to come, etc., but I don't think the pros outweight the cons of this. Not when they (the provincial government) are slashing programs for elderly, cutting budgets on schools, and not beefing up medical care so there are so many long waits for elective surgeries. Even to get a pacemaker, there is a long wait.

So the Olympics are great, but only if you live in another city!!:-5:-5

awwww sorry to hear about the inconvenience moonpie!

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:56 am

Odie;1285225 wrote: awwww sorry to hear about the inconvenience moonpie!

and it is temporary

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:16 am

Odie;1285225 wrote: awwww sorry to hear about the inconvenience moonpie!

While it is temporay, we have the Para Olympics right after that too in March.

My main problem with all of this is the MAJOR budget cuts. The budget cuts are really bad. The government has deep deep pockets for the Games and all of the parties during these 2 weeks, yet they are already lowering the boom and advising of more budget cuts at the end of March when our new budget comes out.

This is really going to hurt people who need the most help.

But, after all that is said - GO CANADA!! We are really looking forward to watchng it on our big, high def screen at home!

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:18 pm

Well at least the terrorists dont hate you so the games should be safe. No one wants to cause trouble for Canada. You guys are so amiable surely even Bin Laden has a soft spot for you. Everyone does.

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:22 am

Nomad;1285362 wrote: Well at least the terrorists dont hate you so the games should be safe. No one wants to cause trouble for Canada. You guys are so amiable surely even Bin Laden has a soft spot for you. Everyone does.

go canada go?

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:33 am

Nomad;1285362 wrote: Well at least the terrorists dont hate you so the games should be safe. No one wants to cause trouble for Canada. You guys are so amiable surely even Bin Laden has a soft spot for you. Everyone does.

We have terrorists here.:-5

Hundreds have been captured, and more will always be out there.:sneaky:

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:41 am

Nomad;1285362 wrote: Well at least the terrorists dont hate you so the games should be safe. No one wants to cause trouble for Canada. You guys are so amiable surely even Bin Laden has a soft spot for you. Everyone does.

Well, we have always kept a pretty neutral ground, but I believe the latest tally for Security is 900 Million and most likely still counting. We heard on the newscasts last week that NOBODY will be able to bring backpacks of any sort to any of the venues to bring food, drink, cameras or phones with them to watch any games, everything will be confisgated.

Downtown will be pretty much shut off to anyone with a car that is not there on any official Olympic business. Anyone going into the downtown area will have to take transit. No cars allowed unless it is VANOC provided.

I am not sure this is overkill, but we do have to provide a safe visit for all.

In the meantime, there are going to be soooooo many people p-oed if they have to get downtown for some type of business, and they are forced to take transit.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:48 am

minks;1285441 wrote: go canada go?

Of course silly.

Were brothers and sisters.