Opening Ceremony Secrets.... Not Likely!!!

Last night I was very very lucky to be able to attend a Dress Rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony of the Games. While I will not spill any of the secrets regarding the show itself….. Let me just say…. Wowsers! This was a “full” dress rehearsal. All the musical acts were in attendance, the parade of athletes was conducted (with stand-ins) & even the speeches were simulated for timing purposes.

I was super impressed with the entire show. From start to finish I think they did a phenomenal job. The music was fantastic (one act in particular had me smacking my friend on the arm at the amazingness, tearing up and screaming like a crazy person all at the same time). The dancing was equally impressive. At times, the acrobatics were jaw dropping.

Being in an enclosed venue such as BC Place creates some unique challenges as the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Games traditionally involves a massive spectacle of Fireworks and “things” shooting into the sky. Honestly though, I didn’t feel short changed about any of it.
Watching parts of it on the screens inside the venue - trust me when I say the whole event will look spectacular on screen. Particularly if you are able to watch it in High Definition! The colours, the movement, all of it –fantastic.

Now onto the all important questions about getting in and out of the venue. Getting in was a breeze – they had express lanes for those without bags which was very handy. On the way out, patience will be your friend. Thankfully VANOC had people stationed with megaphones directing the crowds. One final side note: All the staff/volunteers/security: AMAZING.

I suspect that the organisers have a few more surprises up their sleeves and I will most definitely be glued to my seat tomorrow night. I can’t wait to see the whole thing “again”

PS: No cameras allowed in for obvious reasons.... hence the not so visual photos ;) I did sneak a few from my phone, but in the interests of not spoiling the surprise I am not posting them until after the ceremony! I have some morals. Well, I have at least one :)

XO

2010 Photo Ops

Hello reader(s): just a heads up that over the next few weeks the posts in this wee blog will have a decidedly Vancouver Winter Olympics Focus. the reason for this is that I am writing full time for another blog during the Games and may not have time to update both. Also, as the other blog is a little more professional than this one, there will probably be a lot less cursing! I will try and post other things as well... but don't hold your breath! XO

Vancouver has always been a picturesque city. That much I know. Add to that the Olympic Games and this city has become a photographers dream. But will there be key spots where everyone wants their photo taken? Along with the Massive Canadian Flag on the Corner of Hornby and Howe streets, I suspect that this shot will be another favourite among those flocking to Vancouver. How could it not be? A conveniently erected Inukshuk, the banks of False Creek and Russian Sochi 2014 House in the background. A perfectly perfect photo opportunity. Do you think mebbe a Russian snuck out and put this up? Mayhaps......

Another popular photo op will likely be the entire 700 block of Granville Street - between Georgia and Robson Streets . This is bound to be one of the busiest pedestrian corridor during the Games and is home to a ton of interesting and different works of art. I love the Lantern Forest that is part of LunarFest: Soul, Art, Life (part of the Cultural Olympiad) - made up of thousands of submissions from children from both Tawain and Canada, this beautiful display is sure to be a hit. The lanterns represent each child's commitment to a greener earth, while also representing their cultural heritage.

I have also witnessed countless people contorting their bodies to fit into these stylized images of the some of the Winter Olympic Sports. These definitely have a very retro feel to them. There is nothing like seeing grown adults laughing hysterically while trying to assume the shape of a snowboarder. Love it.

This is just the smallest of tastes of some of the places and images that I suspect will be extremely popular for camera buff's during the Games. Where else do you think visitors should be heading to capture that quintessential Vancouver image during the Games?

XO

Celebrity etiquette

Here in Vancity we see our fair share of celebrities wandering the streets. Lots of filming going on here, and a number of TV productions use Vancouver as the backdrop for Anywhere USA. With the exception of the stars of the Twilight Saga, most celebrities are able to navigate the streets of our fair city pretty much unscathed. I live right downtown and 2 blocks from one of the Hotels that is frequented by visiting Hollyweird type people so you would think I would see a ton right? Not so much.

Prolly because I am not paying attention, but it is not often that I see famous people out and about. I saw Joshua Jackson buying a Skytrain ticket about a month ago, and that was enough for the rest of they year! Love that he rides the Skytrain.

Nathan Fillion (star of Firefly, Dr Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog and Castle) announced to his followers on Twitter that he is in Vancouver over the American Thanksgiving weekend. And I saw him in London Drugs today. Squeeeeee. Total fangirl moment. Not that I said anything to him. I actually started to sorta kinda follow him around the store, but then realised that was far too creepy and weird, so I went on my way.

For a shameless celebrity whore like me, you are probably rather shocked that I didn't say anything to him. And I have a couple of reasons why I have never approached a celebrity. One is that I can never think of anything witty to say. "Hi, I think your awesome... I loved you in X,Y or Z" just seems silly and trite and inconsequential to me. And then, by the time I think of the perfect memorable thing to say, the celebrity in question is long gone. Boo hiss to that. The other reason I keep my trap shut and just stealthily stalk from afar is because I think it is kind of rude to interrupt someone while they are doing their thing. I just can't reconcile myself with the idea that going up to a celebrity while they are on the street, in a store, at a gas station, in a restaurant, at the gym is okay. I know they say they don't mind, and I am sure that at least half of them actually don't, but I just find it kinda rude.

I realise this makes me a massive f*cking hypocrite. I have no problem whatsoever dissecting their lives in this wee blog, commenting on what they are wearing, who they are banging and every other aspect of their life. To give me a teeny tiny bit of credit, at least I don't post any images that are clearly taken with a super long lens. If it looks like the celebrity is inside a private residence or hotel, I won't post it. I think that is just a little odd and creepy and wrong.

So Nathan, if you are reading this.... Loved your hat. I think you are awesome, I loved you in Firefly, Dr Horrible, Buffy and am currently enjoying you on Castle. Oh and The Hammer is My Penis.

XO

Stars: Just like us?

I'm back Ya'll. More on the vacay later. This little thing could not wait.

Miserable day here in Vancity. I walk to and from work and on rainy days I cut through some underground buildings and pathways, through the skytrain station and avoid the outside as much as I can.

As I was walking through the skytrain station this guy walked past me to one of the ticket machines. Red plaid lumberjack shirt, grotty jeans and Blundstone boots. Firmly attached to his cell phone. Kinda scruffy looking, but cute as hell. He looked exactly like Joshua Jackson, but there was no way right? Joshua Jackson, star of Fox TV's Fringe, riding the skytrain like a regular person? No chance!

But my not at all sneaky double-take confirmed that yes, it was him. So dreamy and rugged. And so like a normal person. No car and driver for him. No fancy ostentatious car (although he prolly has one). Just a guy fumbling for change while buying a ticket for the skytrain.

This makes my crush on him get even bigger! Do you think Ryan Reynolds would ride the skytrain? Pfft! No way.

Joshua Jackson, big ups to you!

XO

Canada Corner Unveiled....

I was wondering the streets of my fair city on the weekend, enjoying the beautiful fall weather and the fact that the purple slip I bought years ago can still double as a skirt and looked fabulous with my amazing new grey boots...... sorry so completely off topic I know. But important no?

Anyway, I was strolling along debating a little side-trip to HMV on they way home, when a little something on the corner of Georgia and Howe caught my eye. Or should I say, the largest Canadian Flag ever made caught my eye.

Hidden behind this 32 metres high and 64 metres wide Canadian flag is the iconic Hotel Georgia which is currently under renovations, and will be completed by the end of next year. The president of the development company - Bruce Langereis - is a former Canadian champion freestyle skier from the 1970's. Apparently one of his staff suggested the Maple-leaf.

Hopefully the good folks at VANOC will have no problem with this patriotic little (huge) tribute to our fair land. Oh Canada indeed! Even makes my cold black heart feel a little patriotic about the Olympics. Which, if you know me, is saying something.

XO

Miike Snow & Jack Penate - Review

I once almost got into a fight with some chick at a concert. It was about 10 years ago - I had waited in line for two hours with my very good friend Erin in the hopes that they would release tickets to a sold out show. Like total dorks we were about third and fourth in this line-up. In front of us were 2 guys whose mission in life is to procure and then sell autographs. I was both terrified and furious at the possibility that these bottom-feeders would get in and we wouldn't.

But we got in. Yay! The venue was the awesome Richards on Richards - which is sadly now closed and demolished. We stood in the back as there were throngs of girls right by the stage, ready to hurl their unmentionables at the stage. And no mater how hawt I once thought this singer was, I have never been one for the screaming, fainting and hurling of panties. Question - do you throw clean or dirty ones? I did once wave like a fool at some soap stars... another story for another time (Erin remembers this fondly).

We even called our friend Karin who could not be there and helped her to listen to the concert through both of our cell phone batteries. During the show, there were these 2 girls standing right behind us yapping and yapping. Talking about some bullsh*t man problem or an equally unimportant problem. After about 10 minutes I turned around as asked them to be quiet. Actually I said something to the effect of "I didn't stand in line for 2 hours and spend $25 dollars (I was po-or back then) to listen to you yap about your f*cking boyfriend." Admitedly I was probably in a bit of a bourbon-haze, and probably could have been a little more polite, but WTF?

There is a point to this.......trust me!

Last night - in the middle of the dance floor while the band was on stage there was this dude in an obscenely tight T-shirt hitting on everyone and everything. At first I couldn't figure out if he was just being one of these annoying super friendly people who have no sense of what is appropriate behavior. Then I realised that he was only talking to people without penises and that he was also a little grabby. I am not exaggerating when I say that I heard him hit on at least 8 girls. I guess I should feel honoured that he also hit on me right?

I ventured out on a work night with my friend Emma to see a small show at the newly renovated "The Venue." Billed as Miike Snow & Jack Penate, I originally had no clue who Miike Snow were. I have been a fan of Jack Penate for a couple of years. He is an indie rocker who toured with the magnificent Adele - so I checked him out and fell in a little bit of love.

Jack came out with his band just after 9.00pm and he pretty much rocked my world. Black skinny jeans, a mop of hair that kept falling into his eyes, and a shirt that was beyond description but was buttoned all the way up. Emma likened it to The Breakfast Club being on stage. Jack was fantastic. He has this frenetic energy when he is onstage that is both off-putting and captivating. He has a solid voice live and seemed thrilled at both the turnout and the love from the relatively small crowd. Sadly, they played mainly songs form his new disc which has a completely different sound from his first album - which I loved with a fiery passion. His new CD - Everything is New - is a little more poppy than his debut release - Matinee. I like both, and overall the set list was good. Great energy by Jack, feeding off the crowd. It was a great set, only around 45 minutes with no encore, but for $20, I will take what I can get!

After a 30 minute break out came Miike Snow. As I said, I had only heard their tunes about a week before the concert, and I thought they were decent. But live, this Swedish electropop outfit was ah-mazing. I am not a massive fan of electronic/dance music - and live it generally leaves me pretty cold. But whether it was the vodka-sodas, or the crowd - I totally got into it and grooved my ass off - while avoiding Mr Hits On Anyone With Boobs. I was a tad unnerved when they came out in white face masks and matching track-sweaters - which they kept on until about three songs in. Off putting yes, but it did nothing to detract from their phenomenal set. Again, shorter than I would have liked (about an hour), with no encore, but they hit most of their big songs. I am now officially a fan....... and I bought their CD at the show and it is awesome.

The photos are kinda crappy as I was camera less and these are all from my I-Phone . It sucked that I forgot my camera as we were very close to the front. Booo to that. regardless, overall it was a great great great night! 2 great acts, a few drinks, and home by midnight - which is about an hour past my bedtime so today was a little bit of a struggle. Blargh.

Oh and the singer that I was talking about at the start of this post - John Mayer. Don't judge me. Before his ego became bigger than his talent he was a great singer. This was around the time of Your Body is a Wonderland before he became what he is now. Oh F*ck off - Don't judge me. I stand by this concert choice.

Next up: Monsters of Folk at The Commodore... was at the Orpheum, but ......4th row curse.

XO

New Moon Posters & Eclipse Posers

Twi-hards everywhere are torn. On the one hand they want to squeal with excitement that three brand spanking new posters from The Twilight Saga - New Moon have been released. On the other hand, they are picking apart every aspect of the pictures judging and criticising and taking it all far too seriously.

OMG - I can't believe Jacob isn't in the first poster. How could they do that? The whole movie is ruined. Exclamation Point!

OMG can you believe how completely and totally unscary the Volturi look? And don't even get me started on Jane's blond hair. In the bible (sorry, the book) she had brown hair. Why didn't they make Dakota put on a wig. The movie is ruined. Exclamation Point! Underline! Exclamation Point!

OMG finally Rosalie looks halfway pretty, but can you believe how bad Alice looks. God they should have cast Actress X, Y or Z in this role. She is totally going to ruin the movie.

What is up with Edward & Bella - that looks more like an Eclipse embrace not a New Moon embrace. Stupid Summit! When will they learn to consult each and every fan before they do anything as important as print a poster. Maybe we should start a petition. I'll get the Edward and Bella Stationary. Be right back, okay?

Maybe I am exaggerating just a titch, but honest to Betsy at least half of the statements above were written today about a couple of posters. Ugh. It is a movie poster kids. Deal with it.

I like them.

I am feeling a tad anti Twi-hard right now. It's kinda strange. I have always been on the Twi-hards are not as crazy as everyone thinks bandwagon since the beginning of all this. And I still am - for the most part. There are just a couple of things that have been on my mind that I think it is time to let it all out.

What I find so interesting - and at the same time completely infuriating - in all of the frenzy about Twilight and it's stars is that the uber fans (who may or may not be certifiable) have no problem heaping vitriol on the Photogs, but they think it is perfectly okay for them to interrupt someone while they are eating, shopping or generally trying to have some semblance of a normal life. You know the photogs can't go into a restaurant or stores to hassle these kids right? That they would be kicked out immediately if they tried to interrupt them?

Go to the set. hang out there forever. Stalk the f*cking set. But when these people whom you all so desperately try to protect from the paparazzi are trying to have dinner, how about you try leaving them the f*ck alone. Especially if you have already had your photo taken with them. How many photos do you need of yourself with Kellan Lutz?

I hear your retorts: Oh they don't mind. Oh I am respectful of them. Oh I am not like one of the dirty paps. Pfft. Whatever gets you through the night sweetheart! Just because you are not getting paid for these photos does not make what you are doing any more morally acceptable.

Of course they say they don't mind - they are actors. It is their job to not mind. You are the reason they are famous. I get that. And I am sure they completely appreciate the fandom. But don't you think it would be nice, for once, for them to be able to enjoy a meal without someone going up to them? Don't you think it would be respectful to not go to a restaurant that you know they go to? Wouldn't it be swell to let them have some privacy while they are here. Especially since most of you are all so "down with the Paps"

Just to clarify, it is not just the photogs in Vancity numbers that have increased during the filming of Eclipse. It is also the number of regular folks who are stalking not only the sets, but also the places they think the cast will be. And it is this combination that is making the experience of filming Eclipse a lot harder for the cast - particularly Rob and Kristen. I mean, they are both virtual prisoners in their hotels. And you wonder why?

I really don't know why I felt the need to vent this. And I know, only about 4 people read this, so I am not that concerned about the hate from the very twi-hards that I am writing about. I am sure you are all very nice people. I am sure you are not at all crazy.

XO

Weeeeeee! Zodiacs are the only way to travel!!!

I have mentioned before that my job is pretty cool in that I get a lot of free sh*t right? Or to be a little less brattish about it, I am given the opportunity to experience a lot of what the city has to offer on a complimentary basis. Well, last week was totally no exception to this as I spent the afternoon and early evening cruising up to Indian Arm on a Zodiac at about 35 mph.

I, along with some of my work peeps, was given the chance to go out with Vancouver Fastboat Adventures - a newish company run by the good folks who operate Vancouver Whale Watch. Based out of Coal Harbour, they run 2 types of tours - one that goes around Stanley Park, English Bay and Granville Island and the other that goes up to Indian Arm - a little slice of perfection just outside of the city. Only 12 passengers per trip along with your friendly captain and knowledgeable naturalist who knew a few things that even I didn't know (and I know lots of trivia about the city, trust me).

If you weren't aware, Indian Arm is literally a hidden gem in Vancouver. Only 20 minutes by boat from the city, it is like being in the middle of nowhere - so beautiful. Under the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge we went, zipping past the fancy homes of Deep Cove and onwards to Wigwam Inn. Once you are deep in the inlet, many of the houses and cabins that dot the coastline are water access only and there are a number of awesome remote campgrounds and waterfalls. So pristine and peaceful and spectacular. Many people kayak in - it takes about 4 hours or so if the currents are being cooperative. There are places in Deep Cove (like Deep Cove Kayak) that can gear you out with everything you could need for a day, or a weekend on the water.

Once you reconcile with the fact that you have to wear those horribly unflattering full body flotation suits and settle in, it is super fun. The water was pretty calm, so there were no problems with the rocking and the nausea that I normally get on the water. I wish I could have driven the boat, but i didn't even ask. I love driving Zodiacs - it reminds me of the 4 months I spent living & working in the Caribbean. So much fun! I like going faaaaaasssssst on those suckers. I miss it :(

We saw quite a bit of wildlife - mainly seals. Tons of seals. Quite a few momma and baby seals who fled from us as soon as we got to close. Except for the ones in the photo above. They were quite comfortable around the boat, until we got too close..... then they scampered off. Also around Stanley Park there were salmon jumping out of the water. I have never seen anything like it. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see one of them. Cool eh? I wish one of the little buggers had jumped in the boat.... and then into our bellies! Sadly, you are not allowed to fish in that particular section of water......

We went right by the very active BC Hydro Power Station. Apparently this is a jellyfish hotspot in BC. Who would have known? It was amazing. Thousands and thousands of the little buggers. Regular ones and the ones that look kinda like blood clots. Creepy and fantastic. According to the naturalist on board with us, they are attracted to the Hydro Station. Something about the fresh water, salt water blending together and making them crazy. Very cool to see.

I would like to take credit for these photos, but sadly I only had mu i-phone with me and it doesn't take quite as good shots as my friend Robin's camera. She is the talent behind these snaps! I love these two with the sun setting and the cloud formations over the bridge. So pretty right?

Vancouver Fastboat Adventures is super fun. It is a great way for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a completely different perspective. many people who visit Vancity have no idea that something as amazing as Indian Arm is so close! And I am sure that tons of locals like me had no idea that it was sooooo pretty up there.

If you get a chance, head out on the water with Vancouver Fastboat Adventures. Lots of fun!

XO

Have you protected yourself?

So I spent last night building a fort out of cushions. I taped my windows closed, and have made a special hat out of aluminum foil that will hopefully ward off the filth that has invaded my city. Not only my city, but my immediate vicinity.

Ugh. Paris Hilton is in town and already the s*it has hit the fan. There was a city wide power blackout today....... coincidence? I think not.

She is filming an episode of Supernatural where she plays an evil version of herself or something. I don't know. I don't care. I just want her to leave. Before something really bad happens.

The one saving grace is that she didn't let her boyfriend come with. One fame whore is bad enough. But both of them here? Gawd. I would have to leave town for a few days. Doug is apparently pleading to get back on The Hills. Cause being the boyfriend of the most useless celebrity in existence isn't sinking low enough.

These pics kinda make me throw up in my mouth a little. But it is important to look at them. To remember what she is. And what she can do.

I am sure Paris will be trying to hook up with the way more relevant Twilight crew while she is here. Any press she can get while she is in town right?

If you don't hear anything from me it may mean I have been infected by Paris. I am not sure where she is staying, but the possibilities are few and they are either super close to my house or blocks from my work. Eek! Pray from me friends.

XO

PS: Remember that lawsuit from a few weeks ago? Well, flirting with the judge worked. She got off.

Hot Garden in the City

I live in the West End of Vancouver, which is reportedly the most densely populated area in all of Canada. Real Estate is definitely at a premium in my hood, as most of us live in high-rise apartments. I am in a three floor walk up with no balcony. Sigh. I have no balcony, but I have stained glass windows in the hallways and stairwells.

Anyways, few people are lucky enough to have an actual garden. Last October I noticed that there was some interesting construction going on on the corner of Burrard and Davie Street. In what had once been a gas station, it seemed as if a garden was being created. And that is exactly what has happened. Right in the middle of the city, on one of the busiest streets in Vancouver, a Community Garden has been developed.

This is how it looked last fall when the Davie Village Community Garden was opened. For a nominal fee (around $25), anyone in the West End could have their own little garden right in the heart of the city. Apparently the fact that it is built over a gas station is not affecting the plants. Cause, check it out now......Isn't it purdy?

So amazing right? In less than one year, it looks so fantastic. I am not, nor have I ever been a gardening type person. I do not have a green fingernail, let alone a green thumb. So this growth may be normal. But to me, it is epic. Tons of flowers. Produce galore. Sunflowers that are taller than me.

The one concern that the cynic in me had about this noble effort was the pilfering that I assumed would occur. With all the homeless peeps in Vancity, wouldn't the prospect of fresh produce be too tempting? Or stealing the pretty flowers and selling them to unsuspecting tourists or dudes trying to impress their dates? Even for non-homeless people who are just assholes, wouldn't they go in under cover of darkness and help themselves. It is not as if they have any security cameras or people. I was walking by this garden yesterday, and noticed a spanking new sign - warning that any infractions would be reported to the police. Oh Human Nature, thanks for not letting me down. But you know what, I kinda wish you had this time.

XO