Canadian wins moguls!

Slow to come, but last week we were fortunate enough to get tickets to the Olympic moguls competition at Cypress Mountain, just outside of Vancouver.  It was a day long extravaganza, and I am happy to announce a Canadian upset the field and won Canada's first gold medal of these Olympics, and the first Canadian gold won on home soil ever.  We were present, and the gold was fully deserved.

Our day started around 9 AM, a walk to the station, half hour Skytrain ride to downtown Vancouver, the Seabus over to Lonsdale Quay, then a 30 minute bus ride to Cypress Mountain.  Once there, we had to walk about 2 kms to the actual competition site, and find out seats.

How about that for a trip; train to the ocean followed by a bus to the snowcapped mountains ... only in Vancouver.

Out seats were metal, a little wet, and they were cold.  Although we did dress warmly, it was not warm enough for the next 8 hours outside, with no place to warm up.  Through training, qualification, breaks, more training, and then the finals, we soaked in the atmosphere.  The skiers, going down a steep, heavily mogulled slope complete with 2 large jumps, pushed the limit on every run, seemingly on the verge of disaster with every turn.  Most of them successfully reached the bottom in one piece, and most of them wowed us with their skill.  

The Canadian, Alexandre Bilodeau was the best, and the cheer upon his victory made the day special and a lifelong memory.

Vancouver's Olympians

Vancouver loves its Canucks, its NHL franchise.  The team has never won the Stanley Cup, has made it to the final twice in about 40 years, has fielded a few strong teams, but generally has been underwhelming.  We still love our Canucks.

This current year's version of the Canucks is actually a very strong team, and we fans dream of a Stanley Cup.  We are certainly underdogs, but I believe most will give the Canucks a chance anyway.  The team boasts 7 Olympians, from 6 countries.  How is that for international flavour?  Sami Salo will play defense for Finland, as will Christian Errhoff for the Germans.  The Sedin twins will bring their magic to the Swedish national team, and Demitra will try to do the same for Slovakia.  Kesler will grit it out for the American team, and Luongo is hoping to backstop the Canadian team.  Got to love it!  The Olympics start in Vancouver in 1 week; bring the games on.

Full-body scanners come to Vancouver

Full-body scanners are now in-use at YVR (Vancouver International Airport).  Two of the controversial machines, interestingly highlighted in the US budget announced today, are being used at security screening points for passengers headed to the United States.

Not everyone will actually pass through the scanners. Passengers are selected for secondary screening, either randomly or for a cause.  The passenger then has the choice between a physical search or the full-body scanner.  The scanners are used in closed-off rooms so other passengers can't see the scanner's screen.

I will soon be passing through the airport; got to work on the abs a bit but will certainly have no difficulty going through a scanner.  One thought that comes to mind; "cause" meaning what?  I might consider an attractive lady suitable "cause" to send her through a scanner.  I wonder how those determining cause will do; the story will break in due time I am sure!