One of the biggest concerns I have right now is not about keeping up with the Summer Games in Beijing in terms of information and results, but how on earth Vancouver will be able to live up to the spectacle witnessed during this year’s opening ceremonies (mostly since ours will be held indoors).
BC Place to get a facelift for 2010 – Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr
Aside from that, we’ve been following the Olympics when we can during our trip to Kansas City. At random rest stops in hotel rooms during the day we’ll catch some water polo or basketball, but overall I’m missing quite a bit of the action that I have been glued to in past years. Actually, it’s even difficult to see a lot of coverage when we are in front of a television since NBC pretty much only shows events in which the USA is participating as well.
You can Google several other sources however if you already have a website or blog you’re watching for Olympic updates, please feel free to share a link in the comments.
We had to wait about 12 hours to see coverage on NBC since they didn’t air it live in the morning. Surrounded by John’s family, most of which I had just met that evening, I was given tasty samples of tequila and welcomed with open arms. When team Canada entered the stadium during the parade of nations my new family raised their glasses, toasted, and applauded.
I know that some Canadians have a certain view of Americans – our nation probably has as many stereotypes of our neighbours to the south as they have about us in the Great White North. During my last trip to the Midwest I wrote about our journey and the people down here. Nancy commented about this country, which pretty much summed up how I felt, “[sometimes]… we forget the stuff that is absolutely wonderful.”
What I haven’t yet mentioned is that the room also saluted Spain, Mexico and of course the US as members of the family hail from all parts of the globe. Even though I couldn’t pick a favourite college football team off the top of my head and I had no comments about the Edwards situation – it doesn’t matter where you go in the world or where you’re from, family is family, and they can make you feel at home in any situation.
Last year I attended the West End Block Party with Keira (and her hot dog t-shirt). We had a really great time playing some games, touring the transit museum on wheels, and hanging out in our ‘hood on a sunny afternoon.
“Gordon Neighbourhood House is holding its 10th annual West End Summer Block Party on Saturday August 9th, 2008 from 11 am – 2 pm on the 1000 block of Broughton Street. This is a free event with live street entertainment featuring Eve Smith, Tropical Heat, a clown, and much more!!! There will also be a huge children’s carnival with games and prizes, face painting and tattoo booths, 25 cent hot dogs, seniors’ tea and tarts, and a youth corner.” [Gordon House] [Upcoming]
The event kicks off at 11:00am and if you can’t make it to the West End, there’s always Yaletown… although I cannot speak to its level of fun-ness and potential for hot dog t-shirts.
The first full day in town was mostly spent visiting with John’s grandma, who is the entire reason for our trip down to Kansas City. In the late afternoon we had some time to walk around the fancy-shmancy shopping district of KC called The Country Club Plaza. This is where you will find Saks, Coach, Burberry and of course my two faves: the Apple Store and Victoria’s Secret.
For years the guys over at Raincity Studios have had my back when it comes to social media in this town so naturally when I hear they’re making waves across the globe, I’m happy to report on it.
As a result of their photos and microblogging about the events unfolding around them, they have garnered much attention from mass media outlets around the world, especially in the days leading up to the Olympics and their involvement in the International Symposium on Olympic Studies.
Blogosphere guru and our good friend DaveO has a list of all of kk+ and scales coverage over on the Raincity Blog including links to YouTube videos and Flickr sets.
If you’re wondering what the summer games are like from a civilian perspective enhanced with social media know how, stay tuned to their Twitter [scales / kk] and Flickr [scales / kk] feeds for coverage. Additionally, I hear Kris (also of Static Photography) is looking to get into the men’s basketball event and in exchange he’ll trade off some photography, which I think would be well worth it to anyone.
