The first thing we did in 2008 was smooch (yeah I know you wanted to know that). The next was hang out a bit more with the Carlsons, then we walked the 3 blocks home and snuggled into bed. The first thing we’re doing now that we’re up-and-atom for January 1st is snuggling on the couch, watching the Winter Classic. Even though the Pens and Sabres are playing, O! Canada is being sung since the game is taking place outdoors in Buffalo, which looks pretty darn cold since even the goalies and wearing toques over their masks.

Photo from NHL.com

After the chorus of “God Bless America”…. and the flyover by Blackhawk helicopters, the game will be underway. With the fireworks, excitement, and overhead shots of the PACKED stadium displaying our nation’s flags this game makes me wonder how on earth our 2010 Olympic ceremonies can compare (even to something like this) when they’ll be cramped inside BC Place.

This game is good for the America fans although we know most people watching right now are probably Canadian. The CBC’s coverage is pretty decent, actually calling the game while the announcers on NBC are talking about the weather. This is a real league game – not an exhibition – so we’ll see how it unfolds with the snow falling on the choppy ice, and how many more goals Sid can initiate since he just got an assist 21 seconds in.

Here are our first photos of 2008, taken with my iPhone:

Winter Classic 2008: Much needed warm up skate

Winter Classic 2008: Sid in Pens’ retro ice-blue

Lil’ hockey player Adam

Ariane organized a great event at the Alibi Room, where we had dinner

My new short hair for 2008

My Man

I’ve heard from some people that actual New Yorkers don’t ever venture into Times Square, that it’s more of a touristy thing. Regardless, this year they have the usual party in the street, a new LED ball, interactive messages that you can text to the big screens above, and you can even go to this website to get a message printed on a piece of confetti that will fall on revelers.

As for Vancouver… what the heck is going on tonight?

The only site that seems to come up during a “New Years Eve Vancouver” search is Club Zone, where you can choose which 19 year olds you want to hang out with, the ones in white miniskirts at Caprice or the ones in mini jean skirts at The Roxy.

For an alternative, the City of Vancouver didn’t really come up with any more options like a First Night, that used to be held at the Library. Neighbouring cities have family-oriented events (I’ve found some in Surrey and Burnaby so far) but it seems as though Vancouver is content on leaving all the partying to Granville, which will be closed to vehicle traffic tonight. Apparently news outlets are also reporting that people in Metro Vancouver are “too scared” to come downtown due to “gang violence” so they’re just going to stay put at home. Is it really that? Or is it that there are no safe alternatives to our entertainment district?

What a year it’s been for John, me, and the other element in our relationship, Miss604.com. Here are a couple items of note for 2007, including my most popular Flickr photos of 2007:

Most Viewed Photos on my Flickrstream from 2007

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I realize that most of the tips and tricks I include in this new series (categorized under: iPhone) will be useful to both men AND women but they’ll certainly have my own spin.

Here’s a current list of apps I’ve installed using Installer that have made life easier (remember, I’ve only had the thing for four days).

(There’s some more info, including how to start from scratch, on LifeHacker).

Also, to make WordPress blog post publishing quick and simple, there’s a plugin – for WordPress, not the phone – called WPhone.

Big thanks to John Biehler for all the resources. More updates and adventures to follow.

I’ve been to the River Rock only once since it’s been a casino, but several times when its tower was a clock for the Riverport Market, which was not dissimilar to the Lonsdale Quay.

Photo credit: Richard Eriksson on Flickr

It was for my birthday and we gambled, had drinks, and scarfed down mounds of prime rib at the buffet – other than that, I don’t remember much else. Now they’ve got a fancy shmancy hotel and will have a Canada Line station there as well. As I was doing a lot of periodical reading the other day, I came across an ad for the River Rock in the Georgia Straight.

Upcoming acts at their theatre include:

Even more interesting acts include:

While this post shouldn’t fall into my “cheap things to do” category, we should be reminded that there are some acts for all tastes that come to Metro Vancouver who don’t perform downtown. Also, seeing as how I rarely, if ever, blog about Richmond, I thought it would be worth noting. Seriously though we would actually consider going to see Brent Butt on January 25th or especially Lewis Black on February 29th (and March 1st).

Tickets for all shows at the River Rock are available through Ticketmaster. If we do end up going to see Mr. Black, I’ll be sure to write about our experience.