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[Duke Togo]

Great show Vancouver! These were great Olympics.

 

[Divvy]

Were these Winter Olympics the best ever?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jamespearce/2010/02/worst_ever_these_olympics_may.html

*sheds a tear*

 

[LonelyIsland]

*sheds a tear*

I too, shed manly tears.

 

[Big-E]

Closing ceremonies were embarrassing. Ashamed at that whole stereotype bullshit. It wasn't even funny, just sad. I want whoever came up with these close ceremonies to be lined up and shot. Awesome day downtown today as it was a fucking hoping but that closing ceremony was bullshit.

 

[Canova]

Now I kinda wish Toronto won that summer Olympic bid.

Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver all have their Olympics. Toronto, Canada's largest city, still got nothing. I'm feeling a bit jealous

 

[Socreges]

Well we had two weeks off during the Olympics and apparently my profs wanted us to do two weeks worth of work in that time. God this week is going to suck.

So much for SFU professors being instructed to treat these two weeks as if they never occurred! Apparently some students were told that they could speak to someone if they were expected to study during the break. But of course it wouldn't amount to anything.

 

[TheQueen'sOwn]

Looking forward to the winter olympics in Ottawa in 2042.

 

[Brinbe]

Now I kinda wish Toronto won that summer Olympic bid.

Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver all have their Olympics. Toronto, Canada's largest city, still got nothing. I'm feeling a bit jealous

2020/2024 =)

But seriously, we'll get it eventually, if the Pan-Am games go off well enough.

 

[linkboy]

Totally fantastic Olympics, congrats Vancouver and Canada. Some of the best I've ever seen.

Hockey was fantastic.

Rochette winning the bronze after everything she went through

The US winning at Nordic (wtf)

The US winning Bobsled (wtf)

Canada owning the gold medal stand (14 golds, wow)

The US owning the medal stands (37 medals, wow)

Even though these games got off to a really sad start (Nodar Kumaritashvili being killed), the worry about the lack of snow.

Congrats Canada.

 

[Canova]

2020/2024 =)

But seriously, we'll get it eventually, if the Pan-Am games go off well enough.

Toronto 2020!!


http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/olympics...ug=dw-winnerslosers022810&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

WINNER: The Canadian people


These Olympics began poorly. There was a lack of snow. There were events that had to be rescheduled. There was the tragic death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. There were embarrassing Opening Ceremony gaffes and the dumb decision to hide the Olympic cauldron behind high chain-link fencing. And Canada’s bold medal goals stumbled out of the gate.


But a funny thing happened. The people kept cheering. The athletes kept trying. And the Olympics, which too often are about a cold bureaucracy, about rules and arguments and pumped-up nationalism, somehow returned to the people. So what if the plans were going bad? There was no need to give up. Let’s grab a drink and watch some halfpipe.


A week into the games, with everyone still wringing their hands, a Canadian skeleton racer named Jon Montgomery came out of nowhere to win a gold medal. It was the epitome of unexpected excellence. Afterward, he walked through the streets of the mountain village of Whistler, still holding his helmet, with a television camera rolling. Unprompted, a passing woman handed him a pitcher of beer. Without breaking stride, he grabbed it, chugged it and the entire mood seemed to change.


It was a purely Canadian moment. It was perfect.


The people kept flooding the downtown streets and the mountain squares. Without tickets, they gathered to watch on giant televisions. They celebrated victories. They shared tears of disappointment and mourning. They rallied behind their hockey team and their bobsledders and their snowboarders and anyone wearing the red and white. Night after night they found something to go wild about. They just wanted to be a part of it, a part of something bigger than themselves, a part of the unique heights where spirits can soar when enjoyed in a group.


It wasn’t just here or up in the picturesque mountains. The video images came of bars going crazy in Toronto and Timmins, in Calgary and Charlottetown. Suddenly this country that had never embraced the enthusiasm of the Games the way some others have was showing the world how it’s done. Impromptu singings of the national anthem rang through the streets late at night, at karaoke bars, at curling matches.


You can’t wash away the tragedy of the luge track, but outside of that, you can’t stage a better Olympics. The city is beautiful. The venues are modern. The transportation is efficient. But this wasn’t about logistics. In the end it’s the people that power the movement. The Canadian people pushed these games back from the brink of disaster and right off into history.

 

[KernelPanic]

Looking forward to the winter olympics in Ottawa in 2042.

Don't think we got the terrain here for that, would be hilarious to watch Alpine Skiing on Pakenham or something :lol

 

[TheQueen'sOwn]

Don't think we got the terrain here for that, would be hilarious to watch Alpine Skiing on Pakenham or something :lol

Guess Tremblant is too far away eh?
I just want speed skating going down the canal. Would be awesome.

 

[Buba Big Guns]

Vancouver did a great Olympic. You could feel the energy in every event. Capped off by an amazing win, resulting in a party coast to coast

 

[Firestorm]

Lack of snow isn't really a huge worry. VANOC isn't so stupid that they'd expect us to have snow in February.

So much for SFU professors being instructed to treat these two weeks as if they never occurred! Apparently some students were told that they could speak to someone if they were expected to study during the break. But of course it wouldn't amount to anything.

I was not aware of this.

 

[bardia]

So much for SFU professors being instructed to treat these two weeks as if they never occurred! Apparently some students were told that they could speak to someone if they were expected to study during the break. But of course it wouldn't amount to anything.

God I wish UBC was like that....I have midterms this week when I return :lol

 

[maharg]

As awesome as the Olympics in Canada may be, I think the Olympics have spent more than enough time in G8 countries at this point. Let's have some diversity. Rio is a good start, and I bet they'll be partying hard too.

 

[StoOgE]

Can we dock the Canadians some medals for actually putting nickelback into the closing ceremonies?

 

[linkboy]

Can we dock the Canadians some medals for actually putting nickelback into the closing ceremonies?

The US calls dibs on the Hockey Gold.

 

[jamesinclair]

Im really confused here.

Reading this thread, people mentioned nickleback, simple plan.....

Um, WTF did my affiliate do because we didnt see any of that? Just about a billion marriage ref commercials and then a very sloppy cut to the marriage ref show...

 

[Firestorm]

Im really confused here.

Reading this thread, people mentioned nickleback, simple plan.....

Um, WTF did my affiliate do because we didnt see any of that? Just about a billion marriage ref commercials and then a very sloppy cut to the marriage ref show...

I believe NBC cut out after Neil Young.

 

[firehawk12]

Good times... of course, one of the better hockey games I've seen in a while. The 2002 one didn't have as much drama, although it had the pressure of "OMG 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY" or whatever.

Until London I guess. :lol

 

[ili0926]

I believe NBC cut out after Neil Young.

Probably the only good programming decision they made, it sounds like. =P

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=16afced6-f953-42f8-88ce-46c9493947e9&cid=rss

The song at the end of this montage, Red Heart by Hey Rosetta! would have been an awesome song to play. Would've been an interesting theme (let your red heart show) in the same vein as 'With Glowing Hearts'. Opportunity lost to promote some good Canadian music. Ah well. See you all in London!

 

[jamesinclair]

I believe NBC cut out after Neil Young.

Thats fucked up. I actually like simple plan and avril (fuck you gaf)

We saw Neil, and then the giant beavers and then.....THE FUCKING MARRIAGE REF.

 

[MetatronM]

Im really confused here.

Reading this thread, people mentioned nickleback, simple plan.....

Um, WTF did my affiliate do because we didnt see any of that? Just about a billion marriage ref commercials and then a very sloppy cut to the marriage ref show...

NBC cut away to show The Marriage Ref and local news and then came back after that hour to do the REST of the Closing Ceremony.

 

[Warm Machine]

Can we dock the Canadians some medals for actually putting nickelback into the closing ceremonies?

No. By no fault of their own they became the US's favorite rock band. Just like Celine Dion is magically one of your favorite singers.

Downtown Vancouver is one massive party right now. Just did a good walk around the main streets and everyone is still going strong! Lots of crazy cougars and dudes high fiving everyone. The mood is totally happy. The RCMP is also playing it cool and joining in on the fun!

Greatest celebration in Canadian history and really happy to be a part of it! So sad that it is at its end.

BTW, the anti olympic folks are probably at their hemp store right now crying bitter tears that their homeless bretheren ddn't get their free waterfront condos.

 

[Socreges]

God I wish UBC was like that....I have midterms this week when I return :lol

Many of my friends also have midterms or papers due. My point was that SFU had SAID they wouldn't treat the two weeks as a study break, but that's exactly what the profs did anyhow.

 

[SpectreFire]

BTW, the anti olympic folks are probably at their hemp store right now crying bitter tears that their homeless bretheren ddn't get their free waterfront condos.

I didn't notice any of them out and about since the opening ceremony. I guess they were too chicken to protest in front of thousands of people who'd dare to argue otherwise, and wouldn't be at all afraid of their intimidation.

Many of my friends also have midterms or papers due. My point was that SFU had SAID they wouldn't treat the two weeks as a study break, but that's exactly what the profs did anyhow.

I've got a quiz this week and a paper due.

It's pretty ridiculous in my opinion. There should be a way for students to call them out.

 

[jamesinclair]

NBC cut away to show The Marriage Ref and local news and then came back after that hour to do the REST of the Closing Ceremony.

Perhaps they should have mentioned that?

Or how about NOT CUT INTO THE CLOSING CEREMONIES FOR A SHITTY REALITY SHOW.

 

[Warm Machine]

this is fucking insane :lol

Yes. I embrace our stereotype and am damn proud of it! The beavers, moose, leaves, lumberjacks, canoes, mounties, are CANADA! I'm surprised 10 gallons of maple syrup wasn't dumped on Michael Buble at the end!

 

[firehawk12]

BTW, the anti olympic folks are probably at their hemp store right now crying bitter tears that their homeless bretheren ddn't get their free waterfront condos.

I'm kind of curious as to how VANOC will spin the financials. I mean, Toronto is stuck for the shitty Pan Am or Commonwealth games (can't remember which one) in 2016 and I'm afraid that's going to bankrupt an already impoverished city.

Hell, by that time, I think public transit in Toronto will cost 5 dollars a trip and all the Libraries will be privatized. :lol

 

[Warm Machine]

I didn't notice any of them out and about since the opening ceremony. I guess they were too chicken to protest in front of thousands of people who'd dare to argue otherwise, and wouldn't be at all afraid of their intimidation.

I don't think most people realized how all the parts of the olympic machine were going to work together and how big the Olympics really are to the world. The last two weeks plus have been stellar. I kept telling people, remember how shit you felt about Canada during our showing at Beijing...now imagine hosting it and winning at the events. That pride is worth the cost and the effort and the discomfort of the road to hosting the games.

When people wake up tomorrow here in Van and the games are not in full force people are going to miss them so much. The vibrancy of the celebrations and the day to day anticipation of our efforts will be gone and regular life will take over.

 

[SpectreFire]

I don't think most people realized how all the parts of the olympic machine were going to work together and how big the Olympics really are to the world. The last two weeks plus have been stellar. I kept telling people, remember how shit you felt about Canada during our showing at Beijing...now imagine hosting it and winning at the events. That pride is worth the cost and the effort and the discomfort of the road to hosting the games.

When people wake up tomorrow here in Van and the games are not in full force people are going to miss them so much. The vibrancy of the celebrations and the day to day anticipation of our efforts will be gone and regular life will take over.

Yeah, it's going to be shit tomorrow, but that said, I hope the spirit lives on in this city.

Vancouver hasn't been this alive since ever, for once, I'm damn fucking proud of this city. We shown the world why we're the number one god damn city in the world. I was honestly surprised when I saw the massive turnout and spirit, I really didn't think the city had that in it, but I was pleasantly wrong.

Sure, the games might've cost us quite a bit, but looking at what this city has been like these past two weeks, I'd say it was worth every god damn penny.

Vancouver finally woke up.

I'm kind of curious as to how VANOC will spin the financials. I mean, Toronto is stuck for the shitty Pan Am or Commonwealth games (can't remember which one) in 2016 and I'm afraid that's going to bankrupt an already impoverished city.

Hell, by that time, I think public transit in Toronto will cost 5 dollars a trip and all the Libraries will be privatized. :lol

Financially, I think Vancouver might get a much larger boost in tourism than they expected. The amazing spirit in the city coupled with that long period of sunshine and those fantastic over the sky shots by NBC, will likely encourage a lot of people to come and visit.

 

[Warm Machine]

I'm kind of curious as to how VANOC will spin the financials. I mean, Toronto is stuck for the shitty Pan Am or Commonwealth games (can't remember which one) in 2016 and I'm afraid that's going to bankrupt an already impoverished city.

Hell, by that time, I think public transit in Toronto will cost 5 dollars a trip and all the Libraries will be privatized. :lol

I don't think Vanoc is expecting great numbers or expecting to break even. The whole games were an investment in Vancouver and BC. We got a new Granville St. A Richmond skating rink. New skytrain line to the airport. Highway to Whistler. Skating Rink refurbishment downtown. Convention Center. Metrotown became a giant singular mall. New CBC building and towers. New Thunderbird Stadium. Airport improvements. New Ferries to Van Isle. Construction and harbour cleanup for the Olympic Village as well as publoc seawall construction. etc. all in the last few years all because of the money being dumped into the city. These things will last for many decades and for the use and enjoyment of the public of the city and area.

Victoria BC held the Commonwealth games to great results in 94. They are not that expensive in comparison. Toronto has the Pan-Am in 2015. People will bitch and complain but when it is on all will be forgotten and hopefully a great time will be had by all.

 

[PantherLotus]

Just wanted to say that these are my most-watched Olympics of my entire life, and they were simply beautiful. Having a 37" HD screen really, really made a difference in my viewing habits.

From the strange and awesome and weird and beautiful opening ceremony, to pairs skating (wowow canadian hottie!), to SHAWNWHITEISMYFUCKINGGODHOLYFUCK!, to ski cross, to speed skating (Apolo, meh), to the beautiful mountain views in between commercials, to a young bob costas (how many years did he shed?), to curling-YES!, down to the best hockey game this non-NHL fan has ever seen, I really must say: hell yes. This was awesome.

The closing ceremony should have ended when he said it was over, rather than that horrible attempt at a comedy break, but still. Man what a good time.

See you guys at the summer olympics. I can't imagine they'll be remotely as beautiful in HD as the beautiful mountains, but we'll see.

 

[firehawk12]

Yeah, I guess it's one of those things though - the local economy keeps going and maybe over time the debt the city incurs will finally be paid off.
I mean, people were joking about how Montreal took 30 years to pay off the Olympic Oval (just in time to have to start falling apart).

I just don't think Toronto can afford to have any kind of event on that scale. Even these next "B-level" games that Toronto is hosting is basically being spread across the GTA to save money and provide an excuse to invest in the smaller cities like Hamilton and the surrounding burbs... and still, I feel like we're going to blow it and take Toronto into more debt.

Ah, I looked it up and it's the Pan Am games... which basically means no one will care and somehow Toronto and the surrounding cities has to come up with 400 million dollars to make it work.

Lord knows Canadians probably don't care about the Pan Am games, let alone any potential tourists and media outlets.

 

[Warm Machine]

Lord knows Canadians probably don't care about the Pan Am games, let alone any potential tourists and media outlets.

Its one of those "If you build it they will come" things. No one cares until it is actually going on. I swear most of Vancouver didn't know shit until two weeks prior until the cards hit the table and someone yelled "GIN"

 

[GodfatherX]

i was going to let Canadians have their closing moments, but whats with all the music acts?

 

[jamesinclair]

It was bad enough that NBC split the closing ceremony in two without telling anyone.

And then on top of that they cut off Alanis to interview steve holt and lindsay vonn, AGAIN.

But that wasn't enough. They didn't even bother to air the closing music act (the hip hop), they just cut to outside the stadium with more interviews.

Wow.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

 

[firehawk12]

It was bad enough that NBC split the closing ceremony in two without telling anyone.

And then on top of that they cut off Alanis to interview steve holt and lindsay vonn, AGAIN.

But that wasn't enough. They didn't even bother to air the closing music act (the hip hop), they just cut to outside the stadium with more interviews.

Wow.

Yah, K-os! Maybe the only good thing of the night. :lol

Its one of those "If you build it they will come" things. No one cares until it is actually going on. I swear most of Vancouver didn't know shit until two weeks prior until the cards hit the table and someone yelled "GIN"

Yeah, but who will even cover the Pan Am games? I guess it has the advantage of being the "warm up to the Olympics", but who knows. I wouldn't mind having it work out for Toronto... god knows the city could use the money. I'm just afraid that I'll end up paying even more property taxes for facilities I will never even see or use. But hey, if this is the imputes needed to get them to build a rail link from downtown to the airport, I'll take it.

 

[Feep]

I fucking love the Olympics. I loved Beijing (despite the controversy), and I loved Vancouver. Can't everyone see how awesome we are when we get along?

 

[firehawk12]

I fucking love the Olympics. I loved Beijing (despite the controversy), and I loved Vancouver. Can't everyone see how awesome we are when we get along?

You mean in spite of the US vs Canada stuff? :lol

 

[Maximus.]

a little late but i dont care....

GO CANADA GO! That was one of the best hockey games I have ever seen! Sidney Crosby is no longer a kid :lol Canada pulled it through and showed the Americans that we do own hockey, all that cocky talk was pointless! Canada has done so well this Olympics and its amazing seeing my country holding such remarkable records for most golds I didnt get a chance to see the entire closing ceremonies, but does anyone know if ctv will eventually put it up?? Vancouver has been great for the Olympics, the vibe here has been amazing. Cant believe its over now. This has been one of the best Olympics ive ever experienced Also, congratulations to every country for their accomplishments!

 

[NetMapel]

We the volunteers, fondly nicknamed "Smurfs" due to our bright blue uniform, thank you all for your participation. I am glad that the majority of people seemed to have enjoyed the game

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

[Firestorm]

And with the unsticky comes the Olympic avatar.
gg vancouver

 

[Boogie]

We the volunteers, fondly nicknamed "Smurfs" due to our bright blue uniform, thank you all for your participation. I am glad that the majority of people seemed to have enjoyed the game

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

You were a blue-jacketed vanoc volunteer?

I should have known...

 

[Feep]

You mean in spite of the US vs Canada stuff? :lol

You mean the fantastic competition where two neighbors performed well above their expected levels and essentially swept the games? Yeah. Haven't met a single person who wasn't happy for Vancouver and Canada today.

 

[Peru]

Alright another Olympics over and another withdrawal week coming up. No Olympics in 2011, damn! Also this made me nostalgic for our last Olympics in 1994 and I want us to apply anew. Still no "best ever" from IOC president closing speech.


Highlight for me: Figure skating ladies competition. I was so nervous about it that after Kim's skate in both the short program and free skate I was physically shaking. After dominating for two years, to do both SP and FS flawlessly almost for the first time, in the Olympics.. what a focus. And how happy the coincidence that it happens to her and such a sympathetic coach in Brian Orser. And how great that almost all top skaters were on top form and did their best. One of the greatest olympic competitions of my lifetime.

Some 'production' issues in the first week, the cross country and speed skating mishaps were amateurish, but things went smoothly after that for the most part. I've had a lot of fun. Good thread when it's not been idiotic bickering about medal counts, good thread when people get engaged in unusual sports.

 

[BaronLundi]

Hockey final was amazing, really enjoyed it despite being the first hockey game I basically ever watched (by the third period I could almost follow the puck )

 

[talisayNon]

She wouldn’t have won without her medicines. Marit knows very well she wouldn’t have had much to show without her helpers, neither against me, nor the other women,” Kowalczyk tells the Polish site Wirtualna Polska.

Kowalczyk, who took silver in the Women’s Individual Sprint Classic, and bronze in the 15km Pursuit, alleges Bjørgen takes asthma drugs because she feels threatened.

Bjørgen has chosen to brush the criticism aside, claiming Kowalczyk’s statements just show she’s a bad loser.

“There’s a difference between asthma and blood doping. I wouldn’t have benefitted from the medicine if I weren’t an asthmatic anyway,” the Norwegian tells VG.

Kowalczyk butthurt.