Day 59 - February 28, 2010

Picture is found here

GOLD!!!!!!!!! All of Canada just united as one. Canada 3, USA 2. wow. What a game. The very best it could be and scripted so well. USA earned lots of respect, Canada reclaimed "their game". Sydney Crosby is Nation's Hero.

In other news...The Olympics are over. T'was a great party.

In more news, Chile had an 8.8 Earthquake. 8.8!!! WOW. My heart to them all.

Day 58 - February 27, 2010

Gold Medal Hat Trick. There are so few moments in the Olympics that generate enough enthusiasm and excitement that it could bind an entire nation. Saturday was that day. 3 Gold Medals in the day. All Canada. Two of them within 5 minutes of each other. Imagine being with a group of people when all of a sudden excitement rips through the air with a gold, followed by more excitement and high 5s with another gold. wow. Pandemonium.

This picture can be found here

Day 57 - February 26, 2010

The last weekend of the Olympics is here. What a ride it has been so far, full of such amazing memories. Tonight, a victory ceremony, a Canada hockey game vs. Slovakia, and a gold medal for speed-skating with a silver medal in Curling. Not a bad day for Canada. Not a bad night to be out and about. Even in the rain, this city does not stop. Its amazing, really...

Day 56 - February 25, 2010

The true Olympic spirit rests in one example. The Olympic motto, rests with one example.

Joanne Rochette. What an amazing feat of mental strength and raw emotion. What an amazing example of poise, finesse, and grace at a time when all hell should break loose. What a way to make a character statement. She did it for her mom, for her family, and importantly, for herself.

I applaud all that you are.

Picture above found here

Day 55 - February 24, 2010

OH CANADA! Today's Quarterfinal score: Canada 7, Russia 3. A game built to epic proportions ended with a resounding thud. Canada wins, a nation celebrates, and dreams await.

picture courtesy of Reuters

Day 54 - February 23, 2010

Canada played their quarter-final game vs Germany. Although it was no doubt who would win, I'm always still amazed how an Olympic event can bring the people together. Even those who hate the sport or sports, are getting caught up in the talk. It's pretty neat if you ask me, if only that it sparks conversation and competition.

Day 53 - February 22, 2010

My Birthday. The kids at work were kind and surprised me with a card that everyone signed. It's nice to be loved. I was then treated to a lunch with my colleagues and before heading out for the evening, I partook in a tradition of my own. Ever since I started to appreciate the Beverage, I've always toasted my years with the same drink. So to another year of great fun, long life, and happiness. Cheers!

Day 52 - February 21, 2010

Downtown is buzzing with the Olympics in town. People are everywhere. Today's pic is a random snapshot of a random street. It's nice that everywhere you go there are people enjoying all that the city has to offer. Good people bringing a great atmosphere and vibe in the city.

Day 51 - February 20, 2010

This quaint little Japanese place has some awesome Sushi. Plus they have some "all you can eat" deals there. It's a nice place with a homely feel. I really haven't had anything I didn't like. If you are ever in PoCo, come try it out.

Day 50 - February 19, 2010

With the Olympics in town, there are so many people visiting the city. I ventured downtown at night to find a vibe like this city has never seen. It was simply electric. Streets we knew before the Olympics all have facelifts and there are some cool new things around the city. I got the fever!

Day 49 - February 18, 2010

Another beautiful day in Vancouver. Sun is shining so bright, its warm, and a perfect day to walk around. There is a nice little path (The Poco Trail) around my place. Along it, on a sunny day, you get to see some majestic mountains. I wish I had a full view of this from my place, they are just stunning. Another reason why this is the best place on Earth.

Day 48 - February 17, 2010

The Colossus Movie Theater: Home of the electrifying IMAX screen. We went to check out the movie, Avatar in 3D. On an IMAX screen. Needless to say it was awesome. I liked the movie, the special effects were obviously amazing, but I was really impressed with the sound and the screen. When things are just in front of you and there is depth, it certainly feels more real. Awesome.

Day 47 - February 16, 2010

A little late, I know, but Chinese New Year was this week. Actually I believe it was on Sunday, which coincidentally was also Valentines Day. Even more Ironic, was that this is the year of the Tiger. Not sure if Tiger Woods will agree to that. In any case, this is a new year for our Asian friends, and with that, their awesome custom of Lucky Money.

Day 46 - February 15, 2010

Yesterday Canada won their first Gold medal of the Winter Olympics. The first one won on home soil. What a way to get that monkey off our backs. It's in the blog today since today is the Official Medal Ceremony. Congratulations Alex Bilodeau on your fantastic Freestyle ski run. Canada is proudly cheering you on.

Day 45 - February 14, 2010

Valentines Day. A day some feel is a day set aside to show those you love why they are so special. A day others feel is a corporate plan devised to take your money. Either way, it's a day. We can choose to ignore it, or we can choose to embrace it. I mean really, how often do we think about doing something special for someone? Maybe we think everyday, but maybe everyday gets mundane, and we need a day to formally make things different.

Day 44 - February 13, 2010

An update to the TV going Kaput: My warranty is through Visions Electronics. Seem to be a good company who seemed to do all they could to help me. When I called, they explained I had to call another company who will come into my house and check out the TV. That happened this morning and what did they tell me? My TV needs a new motherboard. They don't know why. It just does. They'll call me in a week when it comes. Well, there goes the Olympics.

Day 43 - February 12, 2010

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony went tonight. Overall, I think it was a good show, but I'm a little torn. I kind of expected more "Epic-ness". Putting aside the obvious malfunctions and what not, I did think it moved a little slow. The end production (especially with Gretzky Bronco riding to the cauldron) was sketchy at best. The beginning and middle, were something special. Like I said, overall, a great show, but I think it could have used more cowbell.

This picture is found here

Day 42 - February 11, 2010

The Olympic Torch Relay came through our city. Right by my house, in fact. Lots of people turned out for the event, despite the rain. The spirit was high and the crowd was excited. It was truly something I know I'll never experience again. I only wish I was the one running.

Day 41 - February 10, 2010

Today was the birthday celebration of a good friend of mine. We went to restaurant that is fairly new and seemed pretty cool. It's owned by Tony Parsons, arguably the famous and recognized news anchor in BC. The restaurant was called "The Poor Italian". It was quite good and seemed fairly authentic. Happy Birthday!

Day 40 - February 9, 2010

Olympic Rings at our school. Aren't they nice? Made from Hula hoops and tape. A subtle reminder that its even in our schools. I think people are excitied, kids are defintely aware, and hey, the school spirit is high. I like :)

Day 39 - February 8, 2010

Olympic Fever is fast approaching. Whilst traveling around downtown Vancouver, I've been checking out all the new additions in the city. All the new Country Houses, all the banners, flags, lights, etc. Something though, that I'm noticing more of, is the absence of advertising and the presence of Olympic promotion. The pictures are ones that span the walls of transit stations. No ads, just Olympics. I like it, for the mere fact that I don't have to see commercials everywhere I go. Irony, I know, but to me it's just inspiring themes.

Day 38 - February 7, 2010

Superbowl Sunday and all prepped up for the big game. Got the snacks, got the friends, got the time...then Murphy's Law kicks in. TV goes Kaput. I don't know how, I don't know why, but it happened. The TV shouldn't be going bad, it's only 3 years old!! Can you tell the picture is a hockey game? Thank goodness for Extended Warranties. Keep ya posted.

Day 37 - February 6, 2010

Had a birthday to go to, and the venue was Capones in Yaletown. What an awesome place! Live Jazzy music, small restaurant - so had a great feel to it, and the food wasn't bad either. You can totally feel a little bit of Olympics there too, with the new staff and accents. Looking forward to the big show!

Day 36 - February 5, 2010

I had another Friday night class for my masters at SFU Surrey. Where I park, it's always nice to see the tower of offices and classroom above me. Since the class is at night, it's always dark when I leave, except for the beaming lights of the school. I always liked school, just felt the classes always got in the way :P

Day 35 - February 4, 2010

Today I put up my Olympic Flag in my classroom. It's pretty cool. I'm even generating an Olympic Wall full of news items on athletes and such. Soon I'll have the news items from the Olympics themselves and a medal count too. Go Canada!!!

Day 34 - February 3, 2010

Today was the first time in a month and a half the local mountains have had a bit of snow. Truth be told, it wasn't much. The warm-up run, "The cut" wasn't very good. Lots of dirt patches and not a thick base. We ventured to the peak of the mountain, and it had a good base. It was much better than the bottom, but you can certainly tell El-Nino is playing havoc on winter this year. Too bad we have the Olympics. The above photo is the Cat that is uplifted to the mountain and then helps to pack in the snow and spread it around. Very cool and big machine. More amazing is the fact that they can gondola it up the mountain.

Day 33 - February 2, 2010

I tried my hand at a full 3 course meal. Salad, Entree, and dessert. I'm doing this in preparation for a day I might use it. You can never be over prepared, I guess. The menu: I started with a set of chocolate chip muffins. Then, the house salad with walnuts and an orange tang vinaigrette, followed by a Lemon Chicken topped with various mushrooms and a mushroom sauce, and finally, Creme Caramel. Wasn't a total disaster, but wasn't an overwhelming success. Pictured above is the aftermath.

Day 32 - February 1, 2010

mmmmmm...Donuts. I know, they aren't the healthiest things in the world, but dagnabbit they are good. I guess today was a cheat day from the healthy vegetable world. It wasn't the most exciting day, but that donut was a highlight! yes, it is a Tim Horton's double chocolate dip.