Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Criticizing the Critics
So I hear “the critics” are knocking the Vancouver Olympics.
They’re calling them “the glitch games”. They say the weather has been lousy.
But that’s “the critics”. Are they ever happy? Does anyone even care?
Pity the poor critics. Critics get paid to criticize, and that has to a sad way to spend your time, always poking around the shadows of Negativeville.
I read one critic this morning whine about how the dominance of the Canadian and United States women’s hockey program is hurting the development of the rest of the world’s women’s hockey programs. I suppose for the sake of the sport, the Canadian and U.S. teams should be broken up, or at least made to skate with 100 pound packs and forced to wear thick coke bottle glasses. Citius, altius, fortius (faster, higher, stronger) is an outdated concept anyway, right? It’s downright rude for those two teams to come to the games to compete at their highest level!
As for Vancouver, personally I believe they’ve done a marvelous job putting on the Olympic games. I’ve mingled with tens of thousands of humans in downtown who would all agree. I’ve been to three Olympic games now (Seoul ’88, Salt Lake ’02 and Vancouver ’10) and this is by far the friendliest gathering.
No matter how many people are crowded on the streets, everyone seems to be in a great mood. They’re happy to share with the world this beautiful place they call home. Yeah, the weather here isn’t exactly wintery. But most of the events in Vancouver proper are held indoor, or on refrigerated tracks. It got a little dicey at Cypress, but the folks here managed. Besides, who can control the weather? That would make a fine Olympic event. Of course, even if Vancouver Olympic officials could make it cold and snow, the critics would have found something to whine about. They always do.
-Carp
They’re calling them “the glitch games”. They say the weather has been lousy.
But that’s “the critics”. Are they ever happy? Does anyone even care?
Pity the poor critics. Critics get paid to criticize, and that has to a sad way to spend your time, always poking around the shadows of Negativeville.
I read one critic this morning whine about how the dominance of the Canadian and United States women’s hockey program is hurting the development of the rest of the world’s women’s hockey programs. I suppose for the sake of the sport, the Canadian and U.S. teams should be broken up, or at least made to skate with 100 pound packs and forced to wear thick coke bottle glasses. Citius, altius, fortius (faster, higher, stronger) is an outdated concept anyway, right? It’s downright rude for those two teams to come to the games to compete at their highest level!
As for Vancouver, personally I believe they’ve done a marvelous job putting on the Olympic games. I’ve mingled with tens of thousands of humans in downtown who would all agree. I’ve been to three Olympic games now (Seoul ’88, Salt Lake ’02 and Vancouver ’10) and this is by far the friendliest gathering.
No matter how many people are crowded on the streets, everyone seems to be in a great mood. They’re happy to share with the world this beautiful place they call home. Yeah, the weather here isn’t exactly wintery. But most of the events in Vancouver proper are held indoor, or on refrigerated tracks. It got a little dicey at Cypress, but the folks here managed. Besides, who can control the weather? That would make a fine Olympic event. Of course, even if Vancouver Olympic officials could make it cold and snow, the critics would have found something to whine about. They always do.
-Carp
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
You're from where?
It’s sometimes said that you should go big or go home. Obviously that’s a motto that’s carried through during the Olympics. Athletes have worked years to land a spot and they want to show the world that they have what it takes to be here. At the Channel 2 Winter Olympics bureau we follow that motto. When I say we’ve gone big, I mean that it’s not just four KTUU people here, but our giant satellite truck as well. But it seems that response to our presence here in Vancouver falls into one of two categories, disdain and admiration. Well, admiration may not be the exact word, perhaps “cool” would be better.
It’s amazing what people will say about you when you’re not more than a few feet away. The other day we were walking down the street wearing our blue coats with the giant 2 and peacock logo. I could hear the usual street noises and the chatter of people behind me. But my ears perked up when I heard NBC. The lady behind me said “NBC from Alaska, what are they doing here?” in a not so nice tone of voice. I have no idea where she was from, but I wanted to turn around and say, “We are here to cover our fabulous Alaska athletes, do you have a problem with that?” But I didn’t, because I do represent Channel 2 and one thing you learn in life is that sometimes you just have to let things roll off you. Luckily those comments have been few and I’ve just chocked them up to ignorance.
Then there is the other group of folks. The people who are awed that we came “all the way from Alaska” (you’d think it was the moon) to cover the games. They want to know how we got here, how long we’re staying and what it’s like up there. Several times I’ve had people approach me to say they visited Anchorage or took an Alaska cruise. It was cool to hear them talk about the great time they had. I’ve also commiserated with those from the Northern Canadian Provinces. They too, are constantly asked if they live in igloos and take the dog sled to the store.
But I almost left out the biggest draw of all, the satellite truck. Hundreds of people have taken photos of the truck. I’m guessing people see it as a novelty since I haven’t seen any other vehicle to compete with the truck in the uniqueness category. It’s definitely getting noticed. At least a dozen people have said to me “I’ve seen your big blue truck around town.”
So our Olympic journey is nearing the end, but I think we’ve made our presence known and hope that we encouraged a few people to find out more about our state and others to come for a visit.
-Myrna
It’s amazing what people will say about you when you’re not more than a few feet away. The other day we were walking down the street wearing our blue coats with the giant 2 and peacock logo. I could hear the usual street noises and the chatter of people behind me. But my ears perked up when I heard NBC. The lady behind me said “NBC from Alaska, what are they doing here?” in a not so nice tone of voice. I have no idea where she was from, but I wanted to turn around and say, “We are here to cover our fabulous Alaska athletes, do you have a problem with that?” But I didn’t, because I do represent Channel 2 and one thing you learn in life is that sometimes you just have to let things roll off you. Luckily those comments have been few and I’ve just chocked them up to ignorance.
Then there is the other group of folks. The people who are awed that we came “all the way from Alaska” (you’d think it was the moon) to cover the games. They want to know how we got here, how long we’re staying and what it’s like up there. Several times I’ve had people approach me to say they visited Anchorage or took an Alaska cruise. It was cool to hear them talk about the great time they had. I’ve also commiserated with those from the Northern Canadian Provinces. They too, are constantly asked if they live in igloos and take the dog sled to the store.
But I almost left out the biggest draw of all, the satellite truck. Hundreds of people have taken photos of the truck. I’m guessing people see it as a novelty since I haven’t seen any other vehicle to compete with the truck in the uniqueness category. It’s definitely getting noticed. At least a dozen people have said to me “I’ve seen your big blue truck around town.”
So our Olympic journey is nearing the end, but I think we’ve made our presence known and hope that we encouraged a few people to find out more about our state and others to come for a visit.
-Myrna
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Canada T's and Flatscreen TVs
What did you get for Christmas? An Xbox, a camera, or maybe a pair of socks? Well I think everyone in Vancouver got a shirt with “Canada” written on it and a flat screen tv. Seriously.
You can’t walk 5 feet without running into someone wearing something that says “Canada.” Hudson’s Bay is the chosen clothing company for Team Canada and boy did they do a great job marketing the line, why else would people stand in line for hours to visit the “Olympics shop” at their store? They have baseball hats, stocking caps, sweatshirts, hoodies, long sleeve t-shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, pants and of course those iconic red mittens.
The gear comes in all sizes too from newborn to 3X so no one will feel left out. Of course the most popular colors are red and white, but you can choose from yellow, blue, black, gray and green.
It has also come to my attention that nearly everywhere you go there is a flatscreen tv. If you weren’t able to find the model you wanted recently, blame it on the Canadians. Flatscreen televisions aren’t just for sports bars anymore. Every place has one. I watched the opening ceremonies on a tv in a café attached to a grocery store. The Subway near the marina has one and even the mom and pop sushi shop
put one up. I guess they figure it’s just one more way to get customers in the door. You can’t fault them, especially when you consider how few people actually can afford to attend an Olympic event. What better way to get in the Olympic spirit than to head to downtown Vancouver, stop at the Fatburger (a local burger chain), eat and see LIVE Olympic action. (Yes, I did say live, ‘cause the Canadians are actually airing many competitions without tape delay on network tv, what a novel concept)
So while you watch the Olympics on tape delay (thanks to NBC), remember that they know how to do it right in Vancouver. And yes, I do have a pair of red mittens, but thanks to my Canadian connection I got them long before they were the “it” item.
-Myrna
You can’t walk 5 feet without running into someone wearing something that says “Canada.” Hudson’s Bay is the chosen clothing company for Team Canada and boy did they do a great job marketing the line, why else would people stand in line for hours to visit the “Olympics shop” at their store? They have baseball hats, stocking caps, sweatshirts, hoodies, long sleeve t-shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, pants and of course those iconic red mittens.
The gear comes in all sizes too from newborn to 3X so no one will feel left out. Of course the most popular colors are red and white, but you can choose from yellow, blue, black, gray and green. 
It has also come to my attention that nearly everywhere you go there is a flatscreen tv. If you weren’t able to find the model you wanted recently, blame it on the Canadians. Flatscreen televisions aren’t just for sports bars anymore. Every place has one. I watched the opening ceremonies on a tv in a café attached to a grocery store. The Subway near the marina has one and even the mom and pop sushi shop
put one up. I guess they figure it’s just one more way to get customers in the door. You can’t fault them, especially when you consider how few people actually can afford to attend an Olympic event. What better way to get in the Olympic spirit than to head to downtown Vancouver, stop at the Fatburger (a local burger chain), eat and see LIVE Olympic action. (Yes, I did say live, ‘cause the Canadians are actually airing many competitions without tape delay on network tv, what a novel concept)So while you watch the Olympics on tape delay (thanks to NBC), remember that they know how to do it right in Vancouver. And yes, I do have a pair of red mittens, but thanks to my Canadian connection I got them long before they were the “it” item.
-Myrna
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Carp's Observations
A few random thoughts from the Winter Olympics…
I wonder how many medals Canada has in synchronized swimming? I‘m guessing none. I figure if they can’t synchronize traffic lights, they’ve got no shot at getting 6 or 8 people in a pool doing the same thing at the same time. Traffic lights here are insane! You can make one, maybe two, but in the two weeks we’ve been here, we’ve never hit three green lights in a row. Come on man! You’re telling me there’s not some 8th grader living here with an X-box and an aptitude for math that can’t get these stops lights in order? It’s killing my photographer, Mike Nederbrock. He’s doing all the driving (God bless him!) and every time we hit a red light, he gets so frustrated I think he’s going to stroke out.
Here’s a shout out to the imbeciles at NBC (yeah, I said it!)… Our mother network held us, and every NBC affiliate hostage for credentials to these games. They demanded $85,000 for a credential. Ouch! If KTUU were an affiliate of FOX, ABC or CBS, we could have been credentialed by either the International Olympic Committee, or the United States Olympic Committee, for free (zero, zip, nada!). But because we were an NBC affiliate, we had to pay through the nose. The reason? The network bozos told us they had to recoup some of their costs for what they paid for the rights to these games. After the whole Conan/Leno debacle, I can understand how NBC might need some cash. Just for the record, they wouldn’t have to pay me $40-million not to work at NBC. I’d only charge them $1-million not to work for that dysfunctional group of wahoos. As much as it pains me to say this, here’s hoping someone other than NBC gets the rights to the Sochi games in 2014!
Finally, I must say, I am so proud of the athletes Alaska has sent to these Winter Games.
Every single one of them is a great human being. They’re all humble, they’re nice, they’re hardworking, and they’re all so easy to cheer for. There’s not a “Bode Miller prima donna” in the bunch. I’m not saying this just because they’ve made time to talk to us (which they very graciously have). In fact they seem genuinely happy to talk to us so they can share a piece of their Olympic experience with their fellow Alaskans back home. They’re all class acts. They’re the kind of role models Alaskans can, and should, be proud of. Very Impressive!
-Carp
I wonder how many medals Canada has in synchronized swimming? I‘m guessing none. I figure if they can’t synchronize traffic lights, they’ve got no shot at getting 6 or 8 people in a pool doing the same thing at the same time. Traffic lights here are insane! You can make one, maybe two, but in the two weeks we’ve been here, we’ve never hit three green lights in a row. Come on man! You’re telling me there’s not some 8th grader living here with an X-box and an aptitude for math that can’t get these stops lights in order? It’s killing my photographer, Mike Nederbrock. He’s doing all the driving (God bless him!) and every time we hit a red light, he gets so frustrated I think he’s going to stroke out.
Here’s a shout out to the imbeciles at NBC (yeah, I said it!)… Our mother network held us, and every NBC affiliate hostage for credentials to these games. They demanded $85,000 for a credential. Ouch! If KTUU were an affiliate of FOX, ABC or CBS, we could have been credentialed by either the International Olympic Committee, or the United States Olympic Committee, for free (zero, zip, nada!). But because we were an NBC affiliate, we had to pay through the nose. The reason? The network bozos told us they had to recoup some of their costs for what they paid for the rights to these games. After the whole Conan/Leno debacle, I can understand how NBC might need some cash. Just for the record, they wouldn’t have to pay me $40-million not to work at NBC. I’d only charge them $1-million not to work for that dysfunctional group of wahoos. As much as it pains me to say this, here’s hoping someone other than NBC gets the rights to the Sochi games in 2014!
Finally, I must say, I am so proud of the athletes Alaska has sent to these Winter Games.
Every single one of them is a great human being. They’re all humble, they’re nice, they’re hardworking, and they’re all so easy to cheer for. There’s not a “Bode Miller prima donna” in the bunch. I’m not saying this just because they’ve made time to talk to us (which they very graciously have). In fact they seem genuinely happy to talk to us so they can share a piece of their Olympic experience with their fellow Alaskans back home. They’re all class acts. They’re the kind of role models Alaskans can, and should, be proud of. Very Impressive!
-Carp
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Involving the Community
Athletes and tourists aren't the only ones enjoying the Winter Olympic games in Vancouver. The locals are getting involved as well.
Throughout the metro area, there are celebration sites for the locals to gather, watch the games, enjoy some food, and hear live music. The design of each site is reflective of the community.
Last night we were live in Yaletown. Yaletown has lots of high rise condo complexes with views. The people who live there seem to be young professionals or active retirees. The celebration site had pavillions from big companies like Coca-Cola, Samsung and Panasonic. Local groups were also performing and at the end of the night there was a big fireworks display.
Sunday night we were live in Surrey. This community has a large population from India and many young families. This celebration site had many kid-friendly activities. Here's a little video that will give you an idea of what goes on.
-Myrna
Throughout the metro area, there are celebration sites for the locals to gather, watch the games, enjoy some food, and hear live music. The design of each site is reflective of the community.
Last night we were live in Yaletown. Yaletown has lots of high rise condo complexes with views. The people who live there seem to be young professionals or active retirees. The celebration site had pavillions from big companies like Coca-Cola, Samsung and Panasonic. Local groups were also performing and at the end of the night there was a big fireworks display.
Sunday night we were live in Surrey. This community has a large population from India and many young families. This celebration site had many kid-friendly activities. Here's a little video that will give you an idea of what goes on.
-Myrna
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sensory Overload
I grew up in Portland, spent several years in Minneapolis, but after four years in Anchorage I kind of forget what a big city is really like. The endless traffic lights, streets crammed with pedestrians and stores with hundreds of choices are something I don’t have to deal with in a town of 250,000. So arriving in Vancouver I feel more than a little overwhelmed.
I’m a very visual person. That’s probably why I work in television. On our first day in Vancouver I couldn’t stay focused. There were so many signs to read, people to see and sights to digest. If I had been driving we probably would’ve been in a wreck. I tried to take it all in but there wasn’t enough time.
I was also distracted by the shops. As I passed by Ikea, I daydreamed about filling my house with their furniture. When I saw Tiffany & Co., I thought of all the beautiful jewelry. And then there were the grocery stores, ethnic grocers, mom & pop shops, chains stores and fresh organic markets. I knew that each contained interesting products that we can’t find in the U.S. (like Mike’s favorite: muffin mix in a tube)
Of course what’s in the shops is also overwhelming. If you want a piece of Olympic gear, they’ve got it, but it won’t come cheap. The Olympic logo can be found on purses, jewelry, rain jackets, scarves and of course the usual: mugs, t-shirts and hats. Every store seems to have something different and I can’t seem to look at it enough.
So here’s my advice Alaska, when you visit a big city, let a local drive, bring your camera… and if you’re like me, consider leaving your credit card at home.
-Myrna
I’m a very visual person. That’s probably why I work in television. On our first day in Vancouver I couldn’t stay focused. There were so many signs to read, people to see and sights to digest. If I had been driving we probably would’ve been in a wreck. I tried to take it all in but there wasn’t enough time.
I was also distracted by the shops. As I passed by Ikea, I daydreamed about filling my house with their furniture. When I saw Tiffany & Co., I thought of all the beautiful jewelry. And then there were the grocery stores, ethnic grocers, mom & pop shops, chains stores and fresh organic markets. I knew that each contained interesting products that we can’t find in the U.S. (like Mike’s favorite: muffin mix in a tube)
Of course what’s in the shops is also overwhelming. If you want a piece of Olympic gear, they’ve got it, but it won’t come cheap. The Olympic logo can be found on purses, jewelry, rain jackets, scarves and of course the usual: mugs, t-shirts and hats. Every store seems to have something different and I can’t seem to look at it enough.
So here’s my advice Alaska, when you visit a big city, let a local drive, bring your camera… and if you’re like me, consider leaving your credit card at home.
-Myrna
Monday, February 15, 2010
Pedestrians Rule
I must admit, I underestimated the power of the blog.
Yesterday I posted a whine-atorial about the rain. I had written it the night before, while it was pouring on us for the seventh straight day. Before the blog hit the air, the rain let up and we had a super spectacular sunny day!
Man! Had I known I had that kind of pull, I would have blogged about winning the Canadian National Lottery! Go figure…
Speaking of going and figuring, I’m having the hardest time figuring out Canadian pedestrians. These folks will walk out in front of a vehicle, without warning, and more alarming, without care. We’ve had several instances where someone decided it was time to cross the road right now, right in front of us. Forcing us into a kiss-the-windshield-front-bumper-scraping stop. You know, the kind of stop that eats up about 20 percent your brake pads. These folks come within inches of death, nearly causing multiple car pileups, and, they don’t even acknowledge you. It’s as if to say ‘I’m going where I’m going, when I want to go there, and you will watch out for me!’ If someone tried that in Anchorage, I’ll tell you where they’d be going… they’d be going about 30 feet into the air!
It’s like a bizzaro-backwards world here, pedestrians rule the road, cars fear them.
In Anchorage, it’s just the opposite. Pedestrians know how easy it is to become a hood ornament. Heck, in Anchorage sometimes pedestrians are not even safe on the sidewalk!
In a way, I almost admire the Canadian pedestrian’s courage. They’re confident you’re looking out for them. They’re confident they’re bullet proof. I want confidence like that. On the other hand, I also want to grow old.
Nope, you’ll never see me stepping out into traffic like the Canadians. I know I used up all my good luck blog-whining about the weather.
-Carp
Yesterday I posted a whine-atorial about the rain. I had written it the night before, while it was pouring on us for the seventh straight day. Before the blog hit the air, the rain let up and we had a super spectacular sunny day!
Man! Had I known I had that kind of pull, I would have blogged about winning the Canadian National Lottery! Go figure…
Speaking of going and figuring, I’m having the hardest time figuring out Canadian pedestrians. These folks will walk out in front of a vehicle, without warning, and more alarming, without care. We’ve had several instances where someone decided it was time to cross the road right now, right in front of us. Forcing us into a kiss-the-windshield-front-bumper-scraping stop. You know, the kind of stop that eats up about 20 percent your brake pads. These folks come within inches of death, nearly causing multiple car pileups, and, they don’t even acknowledge you. It’s as if to say ‘I’m going where I’m going, when I want to go there, and you will watch out for me!’ If someone tried that in Anchorage, I’ll tell you where they’d be going… they’d be going about 30 feet into the air!
It’s like a bizzaro-backwards world here, pedestrians rule the road, cars fear them.
In Anchorage, it’s just the opposite. Pedestrians know how easy it is to become a hood ornament. Heck, in Anchorage sometimes pedestrians are not even safe on the sidewalk!
In a way, I almost admire the Canadian pedestrian’s courage. They’re confident you’re looking out for them. They’re confident they’re bullet proof. I want confidence like that. On the other hand, I also want to grow old.
Nope, you’ll never see me stepping out into traffic like the Canadians. I know I used up all my good luck blog-whining about the weather.
-Carp
Sunday, February 14, 2010
(Editor's Note: After posting this blog, the sun came out, the wind died down and the temperature rose to 50 degrees, a mid-April day in Anchorage.)
“Trickle, trickle, splash, splash. Tell me how long will this rain last?”
-Manhattan Transfer
Welcome to the 2010 Vancouver Rainfest…er… Winter Olympics.
It seems like it’s been raining here… forever. Oh sure, we’ve only been in Vancouver for a week, but it’s rained every day but one. It seems every time we do a live shot (TV lingo for our thrice nightly live reports from the games) we’re getting precipitated on. Normally I’m not one to get worked up over a little rain, or even a lot of rain, but when I look around and see the animals start pairing up, I get nervous.
I talked to a couple of locals who told me this is actually normal February weather for Vancouver: showers, followed by more showers, followed by a 100 percent chance of even more showers.
Speaking of showers, let me take this chance to go down a quick rabbit trail. I’m a guy who likes a good, high pressure, hot shower. I’m not overly fond of high pressure, low flow showers, and that’s what we have at the house we’re staying in down here. The streams of water are so small and high pressure, it’s like having little needles poked into your body. Not relaxing at all. In fact, it’s more of an assault than a shower. When I get done I’m not sure if I should towel off, or file a police report.
Back to the weather in Vancouver…
I know I’m whining. And I know I’ll live, albeit in a slightly more damp state than I prefer. I just hope the rain stays in Vancouver and leaves the ski areas, Whistler and Cypress, alone. The games won’t be as much fun if events start getting cancelled. Ultimately, We all know there’s nothing anyone can do about the weather. One way or another, we’ll all have to adapt to the hand Mother Nature deals us. But like Girdwood snowboarder Callan Chythlook-Sifsof said to me… “Hey, that’s what they get for holding the Winter Olympics in a rain forest.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
-Carp
“Trickle, trickle, splash, splash. Tell me how long will this rain last?”
-Manhattan Transfer
Welcome to the 2010 Vancouver Rainfest…er… Winter Olympics.
It seems like it’s been raining here… forever. Oh sure, we’ve only been in Vancouver for a week, but it’s rained every day but one. It seems every time we do a live shot (TV lingo for our thrice nightly live reports from the games) we’re getting precipitated on. Normally I’m not one to get worked up over a little rain, or even a lot of rain, but when I look around and see the animals start pairing up, I get nervous.
I talked to a couple of locals who told me this is actually normal February weather for Vancouver: showers, followed by more showers, followed by a 100 percent chance of even more showers.
Speaking of showers, let me take this chance to go down a quick rabbit trail. I’m a guy who likes a good, high pressure, hot shower. I’m not overly fond of high pressure, low flow showers, and that’s what we have at the house we’re staying in down here. The streams of water are so small and high pressure, it’s like having little needles poked into your body. Not relaxing at all. In fact, it’s more of an assault than a shower. When I get done I’m not sure if I should towel off, or file a police report.
Back to the weather in Vancouver…
I know I’m whining. And I know I’ll live, albeit in a slightly more damp state than I prefer. I just hope the rain stays in Vancouver and leaves the ski areas, Whistler and Cypress, alone. The games won’t be as much fun if events start getting cancelled. Ultimately, We all know there’s nothing anyone can do about the weather. One way or another, we’ll all have to adapt to the hand Mother Nature deals us. But like Girdwood snowboarder Callan Chythlook-Sifsof said to me… “Hey, that’s what they get for holding the Winter Olympics in a rain forest.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
-Carp
Stone Guy
Tonight our live shot was in front of an inukshuk at Vancouver's English Bay. For those of you who want a little history/culture lesson, here you go.
The word inuksuk means "something which acts for or performs the function of a person." The inukshuk is a stone sculpture that was used by the Inuit, Inupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples
north as directional landmarks.The Vancouver 2010 emblem is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional inukshuk. Over time, the inukshuk has become a representation of hope, friendship and an external expression of the hospitality of a nation that warmly welcomes the people of the world with open arms. The distinctive formations are found across the country - from coastlines to mountaintops, from small towns to large cities - in a variety of styles.
But we still like to call him, Stone Guy.
-Myrna
Friday, February 12, 2010
Spring in Vancouver?
I’m not even sure why I packed my parka.
Since we came to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, the weather has been very… well, unwinter-like. We’ve had sun, we’ve had rain, we’ve had wind. It’s been almost like a James Taylor song… except for the fire part.
Our first day here it was almost 60 degrees. That’s Fahrenheit by the way. Here in Canada they use Celsius. One morning the guy on the radio said it was “minus-6”. I was standing outside on the balcony, and I thought, either that guy’s thermometer is whacked, or we don’t speak the same temperature-eese (yes, I just made up that word).
Two days ago it rained on us. The day before that, it rained and blew on us. But, it’s hardly been below freezing. Actually, it’s been just like any typical early September day in Anchorage.
A friend of mine e-mailed me and said it looked cold during one of my live shots. Let me tell you, I’ve been in cold before, and this, is not it.
Back in 2000, while covering the Yukon Quest, we did a live shot in Circle, and it was 50 below zero (and I’m talking Fahrenheit my friends, Celsius doesn’t even have a number for that kind of cold). In 1991 covering the Iditarod, I remember standing a few miles out of Elim, waiting for Susan Butcher to come by. My photographer figured that with the wind chill factor, it was 81 below. By the time Butcher did pass by, our camera was frozen solid. Didn’t get one smidge of video. Basically, all we got from that experience was frostbite, and a wave from Susan.
One year covering the Iditarod we were camping in Cripple in 60 below. And at 60 below camping consists of sitting in your campfire, and praying not to die. So when it comes to cold, Vancouver’s weather doesn’t even register.
I just wish I had known that, before I paid fifty bucks for that extra suitcase full of my winter gear.
-Carp
On A Wire
This may be one of the best perks for Photographer Mike Nederbrock and I of the whole trip. The Ziptrek line is going to be big for the games, especially since it's free. We got to go early because of our media status.
-Myrna
www.ziptrek.com
-Myrna
www.ziptrek.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I Believe
I think this video shows just how proud Canadians are to be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Enjoy!
-Myrna
-Myrna
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Making new fans, no doubt
Great story about getting caught up in the torch relay, Myrna.
But we're all wondering what the story is behind these photos:
Our thanks to Karen Grange for e-mailing us the pics.
But we're all wondering what the story is behind these photos:
Our thanks to Karen Grange for e-mailing us the pics.
Joining the Parade
White Rock was definitely a happening place Tuesday morning. Hundreds of residents lined the streets to see the Olympic Flame during the relay. Almost everyone came with cameras in hand and dressed in the red and white of the Canadian flag.
And then there was me. I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m Myrna Jensen, assignment editor for Channel 2, turned field producer for the Olympics. Field producer mind you is a very broad term. I pretty much do anything and everything that needs doing. That’s why early in the morning I was the chauffer for Carp and photographer Mike Nederbrock as they chased the Olympic Torch. Our goal was to stop several times during the flame’s journey to get all the shots we needed. There were times when I went a few miles over the speed limit, but lucky for me the local police were a little bit occupied.
We knew the relay had almost reached the road that follows the beach and it would soon be heading out of town. As I worked my way through neighborhoods, we saw some people lining a street ahead of us and I thought to myself “good, we’re ahead of the flame”. Then I turned. Right into the middle of the Torch Relay parade. Ahead of me were several giant Coca-Cola trucks and people handing out flags. Behind me, well I couldn’t see what was behind me since the road was heading down a steep, windy hill. So there I am driving down the parade route lined with excited Canadians and hoping I could turn onto a side road and get out of the spotlight. But no. There wasn’t a single place to turn and even if there was I might not have seen it through the crowd. So I continued along the route praying that the police wouldn’t pull me over and send me back to the USA. What do you do in such a situation? Ride it out and pull out the camera. Nederbrock grabbed his camera and I pulled out the flip cam. Take a look at the story on the KTUU’s Olympic page. All those moving crowd shots were taken when we traveled with the parade.
Hmmm… next time I’ll have to remember my tiara.
-Myrna
And then there was me. I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m Myrna Jensen, assignment editor for Channel 2, turned field producer for the Olympics. Field producer mind you is a very broad term. I pretty much do anything and everything that needs doing. That’s why early in the morning I was the chauffer for Carp and photographer Mike Nederbrock as they chased the Olympic Torch. Our goal was to stop several times during the flame’s journey to get all the shots we needed. There were times when I went a few miles over the speed limit, but lucky for me the local police were a little bit occupied.
We knew the relay had almost reached the road that follows the beach and it would soon be heading out of town. As I worked my way through neighborhoods, we saw some people lining a street ahead of us and I thought to myself “good, we’re ahead of the flame”. Then I turned. Right into the middle of the Torch Relay parade. Ahead of me were several giant Coca-Cola trucks and people handing out flags. Behind me, well I couldn’t see what was behind me since the road was heading down a steep, windy hill. So there I am driving down the parade route lined with excited Canadians and hoping I could turn onto a side road and get out of the spotlight. But no. There wasn’t a single place to turn and even if there was I might not have seen it through the crowd. So I continued along the route praying that the police wouldn’t pull me over and send me back to the USA. What do you do in such a situation? Ride it out and pull out the camera. Nederbrock grabbed his camera and I pulled out the flip cam. Take a look at the story on the KTUU’s Olympic page. All those moving crowd shots were taken when we traveled with the parade.
Hmmm… next time I’ll have to remember my tiara.
-Myrna
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
White Rock Olympic Torch Run
I’m never thrilled when my alarm clock rings before 7am.
Seriously, if my alarm clock went off at 5am to alert me my house was on fire, I’m the kind of guy who would think ‘eh, the fire’s just in the kitchen, I’ve got another 15 minutes before I need to get out’, and I’d hit the snooze. This morning though, with the Olympic Flame Relay coming through White Rock, B.C. at 6am, the buzz of the alarm jolted me from my slumber at 5:15am.
When we hit the streets it was still dark outside, and cool. Not Anchorage February cool, but I did have to zip my fleece coat about halfway up.
The torch route was lined up with thousands of cheering folks, dressed in red and white with Canadian flags everywhere. It looked like a windy fall day with all those Maple Leafs waving in the air. People were absolutely stoked to be able to share in this part of the Olympics. It’s amazing how a small amount of fire can produce such a large amount of pride.
I remember how that felt.
I was privileged to carry the Olympic Flame for a short kilometer in 1996 prior to the Atlanta games. I recall the excitement of standing there on a street in Seattle, waiting for the flame to make its way to me. I remember the moment I saw the runner coming my way with his torch blazing, and how suddenly this fun little adventure had become an important national obligation. I had to make sure this little piece of fire got to its destination. I remember a wave of fear coming over me as my torch was lit, and thinking ‘Dear God, please don’t let me drop this thing!’ I recall how the pride I felt in being chosen as a forerunner for the Olympics, was way too big for me to keep to myself. It was a highly charged, emotional moment shared by everyone who gathered to take part in the event. And so it was for the people of White Rock this morning. It was their moment to touch the Olympics, and they were there, waving, cheering and soaking in that pride.
It was a very powerful moment.
I just wish they had scheduled the event a little later in the day.
-Carp
Seriously, if my alarm clock went off at 5am to alert me my house was on fire, I’m the kind of guy who would think ‘eh, the fire’s just in the kitchen, I’ve got another 15 minutes before I need to get out’, and I’d hit the snooze. This morning though, with the Olympic Flame Relay coming through White Rock, B.C. at 6am, the buzz of the alarm jolted me from my slumber at 5:15am.
When we hit the streets it was still dark outside, and cool. Not Anchorage February cool, but I did have to zip my fleece coat about halfway up.
The torch route was lined up with thousands of cheering folks, dressed in red and white with Canadian flags everywhere. It looked like a windy fall day with all those Maple Leafs waving in the air. People were absolutely stoked to be able to share in this part of the Olympics. It’s amazing how a small amount of fire can produce such a large amount of pride.
I remember how that felt.
I was privileged to carry the Olympic Flame for a short kilometer in 1996 prior to the Atlanta games. I recall the excitement of standing there on a street in Seattle, waiting for the flame to make its way to me. I remember the moment I saw the runner coming my way with his torch blazing, and how suddenly this fun little adventure had become an important national obligation. I had to make sure this little piece of fire got to its destination. I remember a wave of fear coming over me as my torch was lit, and thinking ‘Dear God, please don’t let me drop this thing!’ I recall how the pride I felt in being chosen as a forerunner for the Olympics, was way too big for me to keep to myself. It was a highly charged, emotional moment shared by everyone who gathered to take part in the event. And so it was for the people of White Rock this morning. It was their moment to touch the Olympics, and they were there, waving, cheering and soaking in that pride.
It was a very powerful moment.
I just wish they had scheduled the event a little later in the day.
-Carp
Monday, February 8, 2010
If it's Canada, it must be Tim Horton's
Photographer Mike Nederbrock and Sports Director John Carpenter
Where are my Cheez-Its?
So this is the spectacle that is the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Ok… the games don’t start until Friday, four days from now. And I’m not really in Vancouver. But I am in White Rock, British Columbia. That’s about 25 miles from Vancouver (don’t ask me to make the conversion to meters, I refused to do that in the ‘80’s and that resolve is still strong in my spirit!).
The Channel 2 crew is staying at a house in White Rock, because as it turns out, the price we paid for a month’s rent here is a whole lot cheaper than getting a hotel in Vancouver. And when I say cheap, please know that term is relative. I don’t want to give up any company secrets, but suffice to say what we’re paying to stay at this house for 23 days, is just a smidge less than what I pay for my home’s mortgage… for a year!
It is a nice house though. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, balconies that look out over the ocean, granite countertops, a big screen television, washer and dryer. It beats a room at the Howard Johnson by a bunch.
We still need to see just how long it takes to make the commute from White Rock to Vancouver and back. I’ve heard estimates between forty minutes and an hour and a half. I’m kind of spooked by that. I’m not a big fan of traffic.
It’s also taking some time to get used to being in Canada. Nice place, nice people, but it’s not home. It also lacks some of homes comforts… for instance, no Cheez-Its. I’m not joking, I searched all through the local grocery store, but there wasn’t a single box of Cheez-Its to be found. And Canada wants us to consider them as an equal? You want to be a super power? You’ve got to have Cheez-Its, or at least Cheese Nips. I also found a lack of bean dip. Imagine, I had to make it through the entire Super Bowl without any bean dip! I know the Canadians like to project an environmentally friendly image, perhaps they figure to cut down on carbon emissions by banning bean dip. And speaking of the Super Bowl, here in Canada they actually cut out all the cool commercials! I can’t tell you how unhappy our crew was when we realized that! It’s a good thing Dudley Do Right didn’t show up here yesterday afternoon, we probably would have knocked him off his faithful steed.
Ok… enough Blah-ging (I know, I spelled it that way on purpose!) it’s time to go to work. Gotta find out first hand how long it takes to get to Vancouver… and I’m keeping my eye out for some Cheez-Its!
-Carp
Ok… the games don’t start until Friday, four days from now. And I’m not really in Vancouver. But I am in White Rock, British Columbia. That’s about 25 miles from Vancouver (don’t ask me to make the conversion to meters, I refused to do that in the ‘80’s and that resolve is still strong in my spirit!).
The Channel 2 crew is staying at a house in White Rock, because as it turns out, the price we paid for a month’s rent here is a whole lot cheaper than getting a hotel in Vancouver. And when I say cheap, please know that term is relative. I don’t want to give up any company secrets, but suffice to say what we’re paying to stay at this house for 23 days, is just a smidge less than what I pay for my home’s mortgage… for a year!
It is a nice house though. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, balconies that look out over the ocean, granite countertops, a big screen television, washer and dryer. It beats a room at the Howard Johnson by a bunch.
We still need to see just how long it takes to make the commute from White Rock to Vancouver and back. I’ve heard estimates between forty minutes and an hour and a half. I’m kind of spooked by that. I’m not a big fan of traffic.
It’s also taking some time to get used to being in Canada. Nice place, nice people, but it’s not home. It also lacks some of homes comforts… for instance, no Cheez-Its. I’m not joking, I searched all through the local grocery store, but there wasn’t a single box of Cheez-Its to be found. And Canada wants us to consider them as an equal? You want to be a super power? You’ve got to have Cheez-Its, or at least Cheese Nips. I also found a lack of bean dip. Imagine, I had to make it through the entire Super Bowl without any bean dip! I know the Canadians like to project an environmentally friendly image, perhaps they figure to cut down on carbon emissions by banning bean dip. And speaking of the Super Bowl, here in Canada they actually cut out all the cool commercials! I can’t tell you how unhappy our crew was when we realized that! It’s a good thing Dudley Do Right didn’t show up here yesterday afternoon, we probably would have knocked him off his faithful steed.
Ok… enough Blah-ging (I know, I spelled it that way on purpose!) it’s time to go to work. Gotta find out first hand how long it takes to get to Vancouver… and I’m keeping my eye out for some Cheez-Its!
-Carp
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
