geo4

I can't wait to see how London ***** it all up.

I'm back in Toronto for work this week but get back to Van on Sunday. Am looking forward to seeing the Canadians stuff the USA in the Hockey.

Some of the criticism smacks of jealousy too. I can see why- just look out the window in Vancouver- beautiful!

el_richo

Why?

Jingsamichty

That's the British way!!

You'd not get Londoners to wear red mittens and say "I believe!"

macadian

So there is hope for 'Britannia' yet

geo4

Schadenfreude (sp?)

Iain Mc

I'm not remotely surprised the Grauniad has taken such exception to the Winter Games, after all such noble alpine pursuits are historically the preserve of the middle and upper classes; any leftist rag would be failing in it's duty were it not to churn out snide and negative articles smacking of envy and jealousy.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, everyone I speak to seems to be enjoying themselves immensely. We went to the Women's curling last night and had a great time next a bunch of vocal Swiss (mit Cowbells) who were doing their best to compete with the Chinese in terms of noisy support. Team GB put up a decent fight against the Swiss but ended up losers on the night.

Heading off to Whistler tomorrow, to ski, and to wander round the village. Plenty of snow up there. It's a shame about Cypress but there's no denying the city looks stunning in the sunshine, and I'm glad all the tourists get to take home pictures of snow-capped mountains (albeit small caps!) in great weather rather than a cloud bank.

Cheers, Iain

Oink

Most of the criticism is coming from the more centrist, Times, Mail and BBC.

JonboyE

We're off to the figure skating this afternoon. Another tick on Mrs. JonboyE's list of things to do in life.

My task is to monitor the temperature of the beer served by the concessions. I think to do my job properly I will have to test it several times during the event. If the temperature is not perfect I will send a strongly worded letter to the British press.

Lord Vader

The press is likely out at the airport jeering safe landings.

Iain Mc

Enjoy!

Just a quick beer-related note to anyone seeing anything at the Vancouver Olympic Center by QE park: In the venue you have a (choice) of Molson or Coors Light.

However, before you pass through the gates, you do have the option of wandering up to the end of the block and paying a dollar to get into the Curling Club, where you can pick up reasonably priced ale at the club bar.

Cheers, Iain

JamesM

The growth of Football in Toronto has really hit me since returning. In 2004/2005 there was a handful of places that advertised Premiership Soccer that I found.

In just one month I can now comfortably count over 10 bars and that is just exploring Queen & Pape and The Danforth.

I also have lots of Canadian freind's who bang on about Toronto FC and how I have to go to a game.

Back to the subject of The Games I think it is great the people in Vancouver are getting involved and enjoying it- they can't avoid it so that is definately the best way.

Criticism of the Couldron is harsh as the games is really about the events. I think the biggest let down is the cancellations which definately demonstrates a clear lack of Plan B. You wait years to watch something- probably bust a gut to get tickets and then someone forgot that it doesn't snow every winter.

Personally I can't see this problem in London, Yes it might rain but all that will effect is a few times in track and field. The transport system can cope with major events already and the tube network is going through major improvements and overhaul to increase it's capacity anyway.

The two biggest concerns for London will be security and a repeat of that disastrous torch handover in Beijing which made everyone in Britain laugh and cringe. Definately no media was harsher on that than our own.

el_richo

But why?

Elizabeth I

Charmed I'm sure.

Elizabeth I

dats my fave. although I am now a recent convert to the snowboarding...

geo4

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