Olympic Experience: An Overview

What an amazing two weeks. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to experience the Olympics, and the atmosphere, liveliness, and having so many people come to enjoy the games really brightened up my February. Everything that happened, all the experiences I've had, were so much more than I expected and I had such a great time. I remember way back in 2004 going to the unveiling of the Olympic logo; getting one of the earliest Vancouver 2010 shirts; seeing the mascots for the first time in 2008. And now, in the blink of an eye, it's all finished, but the memories will last forever.


Olympic Goals

Of my Olympic goals I sadly only accomplished 2 1/2 of them. So far. I saw most of the pavilions and lucky for me, some of the more popular ones are sticking around for the Paralympic Games. Hopefully then the crowds will be thinner, the lines shorter.

Unfortunately, I never did take my picture with the mascots. I saw them a hell of a lot more before the the Games than during. It's funny because when I was a mall elf two Christmases ago, I remember they were dancing around in the mall and we had to compete with them for attention. Now that I think about it, you know what would've been cool? A Mascot Pavilion! Okay, next time, next time.

There's still a chance that the Bay will put all of its Olympic merchandise on sale and I really hope they do. I'm holding out for the 70% off tags because there's a Quatchi, Sumi, Miga, Mukmuk, and three Cheburashkas waitin' for me.


Favorite Pavilions

There were a lot of great pavilions, and some bad ones, some overrated ones. If you went to all or none, doesn't matter because now you can relive the excitement of the Games with this list I compiled of my TOP 5 favorite pavilions, in terms of exhibits and showcasing:

5. Four Hosts First Nations Pavilion

Nine-minute movie that highlighted and reflected on the Native groups of Canada. The message of the film -- "We Are Here" -- was sincere and meaningful.

4. Ontario House

4D Ontario experience, mind-control station, and restaurant and bar. There were also screens that played footage of lavish festivals, plays, events, and celebrations held in Ontario. The pavilion was a great showcase for a very proud and culturally diverse province.


3. Happiness House

Coca Cola really puts on a good show. Music, history, awesome promotional merchandise, enthusiastic staff, and interactive exhibits made this pavilion the absolute place to be.


2. Atlantic Canada House

Food, music, friendliness. Atlantic Canada in three words. Some of Canada's best musicians made themselves available to perform at the Granville Island venue, free to the public; that just shows their love for their Atlantic heritage. And guests to the pavilion could walk away not just with free sea food, but Atlantic clappers, too! A very influential pavilion.


1. Northern House

Northern House represents Canada's three territories, the most underrated and unexplored part of Canada. All the staff are proud residents of the territories and more than eager to share their stories of life in the Great White North with curious guests. Interactive exhibits, live performances, and informational displays allowed people the chance to learn the culture of the Inuit, and understand how rugged life is in the territories.

Northern House will be open until April 17.


The Ouch Victory

Ecck, I had to watch The Patriot just to see the USA win something. I'll be sportsman-like about it and wish y'all congratulations on the ga..ga..*sigh*...gold.


Goodnight and Merry March!

-Bonnie

My Favorite Mascots: a Countdown Part 2

Here is the second part of my countdown, in time for the last day of the Vancouver Winter Games. Hope everybody had fun and here's to many more years of awesome, lovable mascots!

5. Vučko

Games: Winter, Sarajevo, 1984

About: With his sly smirk and courageous Olympic spirit, Vučko possessed personality as well as an important message: Humans can live harmoniously with animals. This friendly little wolf had the PR prowess to spin the unflattering portrayal of his animal counterparts in Sarajevo from bloodthirsty, fearsome beasts to beautiful, majestic creatures that deserve our respect.

Why I like him: Vučko embodied Sarjevo`s character, culture, and image, but added a modern twist with his enlightening message of animal rights. He was also such a powerful symbol to his country that he was able to influence his people to see animals in a different light. Not many people can pull a feat like that, so the fact that a cartoon wolf did is pretty amazing.


4. Magique

Games: Winter, Albertville, 1992

About: Half man-half star, all dream. Magique had the star power to ignite imagination and symbolized the Olympic dreams of the spectators and the athletes.

Why I like him: Magique gets bonus points with me because the star is my favourite and self-proclaimed symbol. But I also love what he represents: dreams and imagination. Those are the two things that everyone must have, because what is life without a dream, and the imagination to live it?


3. Hidy and Howdy

Games: Winter, Calgary, 1988

About: The inseparable siblings, Hidy and Howdy, were two western-themed polar bears that welcomed the world to their home on the range: Calgary. Their names reflected warmth and openness while their country personas got the fun started, putting the Wild back in West.

Why I like them: These have to be the most adorable teddy bears ever created. While they do embody the cowpoke stereotype of the Canadian (and American) Midwest, they were fun and symbolized an important element of the culture and history of Calgary. Another thing I like about Hidy and Howdy are that, unlike some other Olympic mascots, they will never get dated; their easily recognizable Cowboy and Cowgirl style will still always represent the spirit of their home city. Isn’t that what a mascot is meant to do?


2. Quatchi

Games: Winter, Vancouver, 2010

About: Quatchi was created by designers Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy of the Vancouver and L.A. based company, MEOMI. Quatchi is a sports-loving, goal-tending, gentle giant, with hockey dreams as big as he is. Quatchi’s message is that there is still mystery and wonder in the natural world, just waiting to be discovered. Not only does Quatchi represent the Winter Games, but also the strange and magnificent creatures, known and unknown, of the Canadian wilderness.

Why I like him: When the Vancouver 2010 mascots were first released, people were disappointed, even enraged, by their un-Canadian, Anime-esque design, and undecipherable forms. Without background knowledge, Sumi and Miga might as well have been poster children for anti-G.E. foods. But Quatchi, he was different. He immediately appealed to me because I knew what he was at first glance: BC’s own Sasquatch. And we all know how much I LOOOOVE the Sasquatch. Many provinces and States claim to be the true home of the Sasquatch, but none have had as many sightings as BC has, making him the perfect emblem for the Games. So while the other two struggle through identity crisis (by the way, I always thought Miga looked a bit like the Fosters Freeze guy, no?), and Mukmuk continues to be a hanger-on, Quatchi’s getting all the 2010 glory.

See the similarities? I KNOW you can see them!

1. Sam

Games: Summer, Los Angeles, 1984

About: Sam was created by Disney and is arguably one of the most recognizable and popular Olympic mascots in the 40 years since the first mascot was created for the Games. Sam is still in use, too, promoting track and field events such as the Mt. SAC Relays and LA84 Youth Days at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California.

Why I like him: Sam is the most patriotic mascot ever created, representing the most patriotic Olympic Games ever held. He is every symbol of the United States put together: the bald eagle, Uncle Sam, and the red, white, and blue of the flag. Sam is not afraid to show his true colors, and represented a time when his country wasn't afraid, either (need I mention USA House again?). The '84 Olympics were in my opinion the best Games ever held. They were the first to generate a profit and are still considered the most financially successful modern Games ever; Mary Lou Retton scored a perfect 10 on the vault, winning gold for the USA and cementing her status as a beloved sports icon; the Amateur Athletic Foundation was created to promote youth sports in Southern California; President Ronald Reagan opened the ceremonies. It was a great time, a very proud time for the USA.

And that is why Sam the Olympic Eagle is my number 1 favorite mascot, because he reminds me of happier times, of great times, of a spirit I truly love.



I hope you enjoyed my list.


Stay Golden!

-Bonnie

My Favorite Mascots: a Countdown Part 1

The Olympics are almost over, and even more devastating than USA House not being open to the public, and the zip-line wait being 7 hours long, are the absentee mascots!!! They literally have not been anywhere near the city since the opening ceremonies. I went searching for them awhile ago and finally found out where they've been this whole time: skating in Robson Square! That's right, there's an actual free ice show called Mascots on Ice. I got a good view up front, and while there weren't many photo opportunities with the mascots, I managed to snap a few pics. I even got to high-five Quatchi! But better than photos, I was able to film the entire ice show. I was saving uploading it until I could accompany the film with a nice shot of myself with Quatchi and the gang but since time's a'tickin', I thought: what the hell. Give 'em the vid.

WARNING: This is probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Never before have I witnessed such professional choreography, such seriousness in art, and people skating so passionately alongside furry animals. Watch and enjoy. This performance will make you believe in the Olympic spirit, or at least make you believe it's absolutely crazy.



To fill the void that has been left by the mascots' absence (and after I'd watched the video above more than a dozen times), I looked up past Olympic mascots, and some of them are amazing! Now, because most of the mascots were before my time, my collective memory does not involved them. In fact, my earliest Olympic memory involves my mom watching the '94 Winter Games and me yelling at her to turn it off so I could watch cartoons. I spent all of last night researching them and now I can safely say that I am a mascot authority. And what better way to demonstrate this trivial knowledge than with a TOP TEN LIST!!! Without further ado, here is the first part, featuring the first five in my list of favorite Olympic mascots, past and present:


10. Snowman

Games: Winter, Innsbruck, 1976

About: Sporting only two big, blue eyes, a short carrot nose, and a Tyrolean hat, the Innsbruck Snowman was a simple mascot, symbolizing exactly that: the simplicity of the Games.

Why I like him: A snowball usually makes it into the finals of Winter Games mascot-choosing contests, but is always outdone by a cuter, more original and marketable anthropomorphic animal. Except in the case of Innsbruck`s Snowman. The Snowman won over hearts with his relatable and recognizable simplicity; who doesn`t remember building a snowman in the backyard as a kid?


9. Amik

Games: Summer, Montreal, 1976

About: As a beaver, Amik represented the national animal of Canada, and his name, Algonquin for "beaver," reflected the Algonquin natives of Quebec, where the games were hosted.

Why I like it: Amik's purpose of symbolizing the hard work involved in the Games was straight-forward and simplistic. Unlike today's mascots, Amik's image was not complicated by mass-produced merchandise and money-grubbing marketing schemes. In his simplicity and message of hard work, he encompassed everybody involved in the Games, from the fans to the athletes.


8. Syd and Ollie

Games: Summer, Sydney, 2000

About: Ollie, Syd and Millie, designed by Matthew Hattan, were three native Australian animals that represented the image and culture of Australia perfectly. Ollie the kookaburra epitomized the Olympic spirit of generosity; Syd the platypus represented the environment and culture of Australia; and Millie the echidna represented the beginning of the twenty-first century, and the exciting technological breakthroughs that began in the decade.

Why I like them: Not only do I find Ollie and Syd absolutely adorable, but I believe that they were chosen wisely as mascots and that their intended messages were well thought-out. As a bird, Ollie depicted freedom, excitement, and soaring to new heights: absolutely what the Olympic spirit is all about.

Syd represented one of the oddest, most perplexing and evolutionarily-phenomenal creatures on the planet, and as a platypus, he illustrate to the world just how amazing and wonderful nature can be. His underlying message was for us to respect the environment so that we can better understand it.

The reason I didn't include Millie with the other two is not because she isn't cute (she very much so is!), but because she symbolized the 2000s (or the "Double-Os" as i like to call them) and is described on the VANOC website as being "a techno-whiz and information guru, with all the facts and figures at her fingertips." Well, we all know how much I hate technology and this decade that came after the '90s.

Syd and Ollie certainly captured the environmentally-conscious and spirited character of Australia, whereas Millie's role was to draw the masses in with her lure of technology. Like a CGI movie. *Shudders*


7. Misha

Games: Summer, Moscow, 1980

About: Misha the Russian bear was designed by Victor Chizikov, renowned children’s book illustrator. Misha was the first Olympic mascot to achieve international success, and was mass-marketed with his own show, books, stuffed animals, and toys.

Why I like him: Misha wasn’t just at the Games to provide the money-making cute factor; he was emotionally invested in the Games, and made us emotionally invested, too, as can be seen in this video of Misha at the closing ceremonies, releasing hundred of balloons into the air, then giving a tearful goodbye:


6. Copper and Coal

Games: Winter, Salt Lake City, 2002

About: The Salt Lake Winter Games mascots were the animal interpretation of the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger), their names representing Utah`s most prominent industries. Powder the snowshoe hare symbolized ‘Faster’, as well as Utah’s snow sports culture; Copper the coyote symbolized ‘Higher’ and Utah’s copper industry; and Coal the American black bear symbolized ‘Stronger’ and Utah’s coal industry.

Why I like them: Look at how happy these guys are! They were all about the fun and good times, supporting their team and celebrating the Games. No other mascot can compare with the sheer spirit of these guys. The reason I chose Coal and Copper out of the Salt Lake City trio was because I found their characters to be the most original; Powder looks a little too similar to the Trixx rabbit to me. An intriguing and appealing feature of the mascots was the Native myth back stories of all three of them, adding yet another tie to the culture and heritage of Utah.


Until tomorrow!

-Bonnie

Night of the Cheburashkas

Good morning, everyone,

Why am I blogging instead of going to bed? BECAUSE SUNDAY WAS THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!! I probably don't have to remind any of you that Team USA won the hockey game last night, but I can tell you I was the happiest girl downtown walking against the hoards of sour-faced Canadians. And to top it off, when I went down to Russia House, a giant Cheburashka was dancing around out front!!!



From there, I went to the BC Hydro's Power Smart Village, which gives out green light-up necklaces. I got there right at closing time so one of the reps just handed me one; I didn't have to answer any power smart trivia for it, which always makes me feel like a douchebag because I know the answers but don't necessarily put them into practice at home...

From there it was on to the giant London Drugs across from the Bay, which is having a massive 50% off sale on ALL OLYMPIC MERCHANDISE. I grabbed a box of four mascot stuffies, which normally goes for $60, but decided not to buy it and hold out for the even better discounts which I'm sure (hoping) follow after the Games.

Waiting for the bus, I discovered another Russian pavilion on Burrard --


Jeez, these guys have taken up the entire city! of course, all these venues are private, but at least they lined the entrance and walkway with Cheburashkas in order to make passerbys feel better about being denied entrance. I looked forward to seeing what the Sochi Olympics will be like.


Alright, well now that I've been given the chance to share my happiness and excitement with y'all, I'm off to bed.

Pleasant Cheburashka dreams!

-Bonnie

2010 Vancouver Winter Games Counter
Drunks Wall-peeing: 7
Pavilions Visited: 9
Olympic Souvenirs: 10
Olympic Goals Achieved: 1 1/2