Vancouver 2010 Olympics from Jordan Megahy on Vimeo.

I thought this was a great summary by Brian. My hat is off to CTV for broadcasting an amazing Olympic Games. From hiring Brian away from CBC to fair analysis, great interviews, coverage of all the sports, and wonderful creativity. I also thought they were creative to find revenue sources outside of traditional advertising by selling clothing and DVD's. Well done CTV.

Tourism Whistler compiled this video of Whistler memories.

I got hooked on this song during the Olympics.  I love the montages that CTV put together.  Wish I could find the final one that was put together.

I love this summary by Stephan Brunt of the Globe and Mail.

Day 16 was one fantastic day... for me personally and for Canada overall.   In order for me to be home to watch the curling game I ended being the one to go to the Cross Country Event.  Woman's 30k mass start while Grant and Sharon were going to go to the mens bobsleigh.  Just before I was on my way I received a call from my boss he had 4 tickets to the bronze medal hockey game.  Well that was going to change my plans for the day, but what a great opportunity.  It took me about 5 minutes to sort things out and make plans to go to Vancouver.  Now I was going to Cross Country and then driving during the curling game - and I was going to wait till Sharon, Hilary and Grant were finished at bob sleigh.  Umm... seems like I drew the short straw.  Oh well I'll do my best and have fun at the cross country.  Being at the events is so much fun!

The cross country was the first event that I have been at where Canadians were not the dominant fan group.  .The Norwegens and Pols were out in force.  And as rarely turns out in the Olympics those top 2 skiers were only cm's apart after racing - I LOVE athletic acheivement just watching that race and the passion of the fans was incridble.  I came back home and watched the start of the curling and bob sleigh.  Then I met the family in the village and we headed to Vancouver for the hockey game. 

On the way down we decided we would cheer for Finland. We cheered for Finland like we were from Finland - it was so fun to buy into a team I had no emotional tie to and then cheer like crazy for them - we won the bronze medal - yay!  See todays's photos.

Wow has time gone by quickly.  It really is no surprise I knew it would.  I have missed several days in this journal.  I'm going to try and work backwords.  I have just organized many of the pictures I have taken.  There are more to do, but one step at a time.  Yesterday was Friday.  I worked most of the day, but had some really really cool experiences.  I went in early so I could come home and watch the curling..... however I did take my computer to work so I could keep an eye on what was happening through the day.  At about 8:30 I saw that our gold medalists bobsleders were were on the CTV mountain stage so I ran upstairs to see them.  I got to personally say congratulations to them.

Have to say I was disappointed by Cheryl's loss.  She did fantastic all week and then a couple of tough misses.  At the end of the day a silver medal is an amazing accomplishment.  Great job Cheryl!

The mens hockey game started and after Canada had a comfortable 2 goal lead we went into the concert which we had 4 tickets for.  I was not expecting to really enjoy Knaan.  I do have to say I'm now a fan. Below is his most famous songs.  Last night he had several very touching songs (raps).  It was a lot of fun. Following the concert I went to Canada House for a dinner with some tour operators and other hotel folks.  That also was a lot of fun.  I got to Canada House just after the heart attack finish to the hockey game.  In a way I'm happy I missed that. On the other hand I hate missing anything that is going on.  This is crazy!  See todays pictures

Day 6 (Wednesday).. this is so much fun.  I don't have any events today.  It is a busy day at work still trying to get rates done for next year.   Took time out to meet with our client and watch some of the woman's downhill in village square.   Saw Lindsey Vonn perform her winning run.   Saw the Bare Naked Ladies in the village square after work and then we went back in to watch the medal ceremonies at the live site to see Maele get her gold medal.  Huge crowds had gathered.  Then we went and watch the snowboard half pipe at the CTV studio and went into the party at lululemon for a short bit.  There is so much going on.  >>> day 6 photos

Day 3.... Another great day!   Sharon and I went out to the Mens 10k Biathlon- Biathlon is so much fun.  There is a lot going all the time.  You could see the Canadian was collecting a lot of energy from being on home turf.  He got 6th which was a great result for him.  In the photos there is a picture of him leaving the stadium for another 2.5k loop.

Everything went well from a transportation perspective - so either we were lucky or they are figuring things out.  After getting back we had a coffee and walked through the village it is busy and everyone is having a good time.  It was good to see.  Restaurants were full... people were shopping.  Picked up some grocerys and got Grant to his league Championship Game.  It was a very good game. Whistler won 4 to 3.  Grant had 1 goal and 1 assist and oh ya 1 penalty.  Just as the kids were celebrating their win we learned that Alex won the gold for moguls so everyone rushed to the lobby to watch the replays.  Soo exciting.  A great day for Canadians in speed skating, moguls, luge and biathlon.  2 medals today (bronze and gold today)  >>> See Photos

Grant and I headed out to the WOP at 10:00 for a 1:00pm start of the Womans 7.5k Biathlon.  Getting out their worked out good.  We walked on to the bus today and then the hike up to WOP (Whistler Olympic Park) was nice fast walk – about 1.5k - there were places to see the cross country skiers practising. We had general admission (standing) tickets and we wondered around a bit to find a spot, we found a great spot right at the fence where the races came right by on their finish, but we could see up the track to the start/finish and shooting. Grant, built a snow platform to give him some more height. The biathlon was really cool, there was so much going on. We had a GREAT time.   >>> see today's photos.

As a kid I don't remember even being this excited for Christmas.  I am absolutely bouncing off the walls.  On one hand it is a good thing I'm over the top busy with various projects right now.  Let me tell you... I'm trying not to let it impact my Olympic experience.  Our family was lucky enough to go to the Opening Ceremonies dress rehersal last night and no secrets will be given away here.  However, I can say it was absolutely fantastic and wish with all my might I could be there on Friday.   As a synical old guy it takes a lot to blow me away and I was absolutley amazed.   

Don't miss watching this!!!  Our first event is tomorrow morning - even before the opening ceremonies start.  Ski Jumping.  The photos will start to roll.

I absolutely love CTV's theme song for the olympics.  You can watch it on YouTube at this link.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP9IQuz-jlk

While it is 2 days till the Olympics start, today is kind of my first day because I get to go watch the dress rehersal for the opening ceremonies tonight.  Actually the Olympics started for me July 2, 2003 when it was announced we were getting the games.   I hope I'm able to share my excitement in this public journal, but we'll see how that goes.  >>>photos

Well the torch came to Whistler yesterday.  It was great to see everyone getting so excited.  I walked through the village in the afternoon and the energy was already fantastic.  I came home from work in at about 5:30 - just in time to watch the John run the torch right by our house.  Grant and I then went into the village to watch the celebration in skiers plaze.  It was terrific.  Click on this picture to see a video of the fun. 

I have been very positive and engaged through the entire process of the Olympics coming to Whistler.  As a 'big' Olympic fan since the time my swim club team mates Sue and Barb won bronze medals in the Montreal games I have made a point to watch and dream over the accomplishments of the worlds top athletes.  Living through the experience here in Whistler as we prepare for the games has also been very exciting and interesting.  I am a huge fan!  That said, what I have seen the last week makes me wonder...

I have an answer to that important question - why is there so much traffic congestion at an Olympic Games?

a. traffic experts get involved

b. pylons get put up all over the place to slow traffic down

c. people in yellow suites who don't know the local traffic patterns are put in place to further impeed and slow traffic down

d. add a bunch of bus drivers and don't properly train them on the routes

e. roads are closed for security reasons when no one is even there - traffic patterns changed so locals don't even know where they are going.

All o this does not really matter - just something to occupy my small brain until the torch arrives in Whistler in 2 days - then it is game on Yay!!

Every morning when I get up the excitement seems to grow.  Yesterday I was trying to build the excitement in my team at work and man the tears almost started to come.  I guess I'm engaged and excited.  Having been involved in organizing various large events and knowing that those were only specs when put on the scale of the Olympics, I am in ahh of the organization and challenges that is in front of VANOC.

As a marketing guy, I am really enjoying the commercials that are being  put out right now.  My absolute favorite is the excited young girl who works for McDonalds and is on her way to work in one of the McDonalds outlets at the Olympics and sits next to Cindy Klassen (Canada's most decorated Olympic athlete and speed skater) at the airport.  It really puts things in perspective.  As soon as that video is on Youtube I will post it.  Great job McDonalds!

Yesterday I bought my Red - Canada hoodie, so I think I'm all geared up now.  I have my mits, scarf, hoodie and touque.  Paint the "town red!"  Maybe get some red Christmas tree lights for the house???

Ok I missed a few days... I can not believe how time flys.  Lots has been going on and I'm personally committed to keep a journal for myself through this blog.  Today our hotel won the Chamber of commerce decorating contest.  The whole thing came together very quickly, but turned out absolutely fantastic.  Of course, the thing that took us over the top was the traveling Innukshuk with red mittens.

Over the holidays I have missed a few days on my personal countdown.  Well today - JANUARY 1, 2010, it is 42 days til the start of the winter olympics in Vancouver / Whistler.  The excitement truly is building.  My resolution this year... make 2010 the most amazing year ever!  2010 is the year I have been anticipating since 2001 / 2002 when I first started supporting the bid for the Winter Olympics to come to Whistler / Vancouver.  It is kind of strange to realize that 2010 is now here.

This last week it was interesting to see some things going on in the village in preperation for the games.  During the holidays, the municipality was still putting up lights in the village, on the stroll there were RMOW trucks parked everywhere, on of the busiest little roads were blocked during key times.  All of these creating some frustration and frankly I did not feel we were putting on our best for the guests that have come here this festive season.

Yesterday I met the venue manager for the sliding centre and I told her how excited I was and she was surprised as she has not been getting that from others in the resort.... come on people this is the Winter Olympics love it or hate it you will not get this opportunity at fun in this resort again - embrace it and move on... for you the countdown is 60 days till the event is over - tell then HAVE FUN!

Today it is 51 days to the Olympics and I'm attending the Grand Opening of a new yoga clothing store called FRUV - Freedom Ware - the store is located in the Market Place right behind the Whistler Celebration Plaza.  The owner, Dave Halliwell tells me they are going to have big splash during the Olympics.  This is on the heels of the contriversial but brilliant marketing and product offerings created this week by lululemon athletica.  Their 'Cheer Gear' is a fantastic effort to capture some of the Olympic spendig spree that is going on.  I love the Canadian sweaters with gold zippers and the other countries sweaters have silver or bronze zippers.

Santa visits FRUV and their grand opening and gives Ashley the store manager a hug.

Sue the store manager of lululemon show off her new store and the Olympic Cheer Gear.

50 Days

It is December 24th - Christmas Eve - this year however, while Christmas looms the big event is mostly on everyone's mind.  50 Days.... it is certainly crunch time.  I find it funny that even the Resort Municipality of Whistler seems to have forgoten about the important Christmas guests to the resort - on Christmas eve they are still stringing 'Christmas' lights in the village.  Somehow I think this year these are called Olympic lights.  Nevertheless, the town was a bustle with Christmas shopping and much good cheer.  It's Christmas!!

Now we are only 55 days away from the opening ceremonies.  There is a lot going on today.

At 2:30 a special group of yoga teachers came together to offer a 2 hour class celebrating the festive season and to raise money for a fantastic charity.  Six teacher shared the instruction, several more teachers participated in the class and the energy in that room was fantastic.  Not once did I hear the word Olympics in the conversation (not many of those conversations these days).  However, for that 3 hours this group talked about friends who have left us, our intentions for the Christmas season, the need to help others within our community and just how lucky we are.

Tonight I am going to the first `cold read`of Whistler the Musical - SNO`W, followed by a celebration at lululemon with the opening of theri new store and then the `big bang`celebration at the GLC  - wow I`m a busy guy and what a great bunch of human beings I`m with at all of these events.  Only 55 days to the Olympics and today is not about the Olympics.

I have finally gotten around to start a blog to share my experiences as Whistler goes through this monumental task of preparing for the Olympics.  So much is happening so quickly in this town.  I'm a marketing consultant with a focus on digital marketing and the wellness industry.  I also am the marketing manager for a boutique hotel.  I also am a huge fan of the Olympic Games.... winter / summer does not matter I love the focus and effort that athletes put in to be able to say they are the best in the world at that moment.  The insperation is fantastic.  In this blog I'm going to talk about my personal experience as the games come and go.

While I am looking forward to the Winter Olympic Games, the effort of putting this event on within our community is not without its challenges and as I live and see those challenges I will try to put them into words in this blog.