The day has arrived. It has been many years in the planning and finally the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are a reality in our own province. With the official opening ceremonies tonight, I suggest that for the next 17 days we put differences aside and try to enjoy the moment. 

 

Yes, the Olympics are going to cost a lot of money. However, I am not sure the financial burden is worth exposing at the expense of having Vancouver and B.C. in the world spotlight for a mega party. No, now is not the time to harp on the cost. Certainly, most Olympic tickets are over-priced; however, one can still enjoy the Games for free, thanks to television. There will be plenty of time to continue the debate about the benefits of the Games compared to overall cost but that argument can resume later.

 

The Olympic spirit is an event that should be celebrated by all Canadians, as a community of people, a special milestone, if you will. To clarify my point, I would like to present this analogy. 

 

Let us say as a family one wants to celebrate a special kind of accomplishment (marriage, graduation, promotion, etc). As part of the celebration, the family agrees to go out for a meal to a high-class restaurant, with terrific atmosphere, and each item on the menu is overpriced. It is costly with steak and lobster, champagne/wine running over $100 per person. 

 

No, not everyone in the family is happy about the decision to spend so much on one supper. After all, when the bill arrives, a question arises- was it worth it? Yes, the food was superb, service was great, and the family was pampered. However, did you get your money’s worth?

 

Yes, some family members reluctantly agree to go to that exquisite restaurant. However, the choice is clear; one can feel they are “ripped off” and grumble at the prices, which may result in a miserable time. On the other hand, one can choose to enjoy the moment and the company, appreciate the quality of food, and have fun while recognizing the achievement. In order to preserve one’s health, it is advantageous to choose the latter option.

 

Canada will host a memorable Olympics. Medal projections range from the low 20's to the high 30's.
In fact, there is a strong possibility that Canadian athletes will eclipse the 24 medals they won at the 2006 Turin Olympics. Yes, challenging the United States and Germany for first overall is possible and realistic. Come on, who does not want to beat the Americans, Germans, Austrians, and the Russians. However, the games are not all about medals, although claiming “the podium” is an objective.

 

Prince George’s Megan Tandy is not considered a medal contender in the women’s biathlon; but she and many like her are living a dream, something they have worked towards with little fanfare or financial compensation for many years. Certainly, they deserve support while proudly wearing Canadian colors.

 

Sports like the Biathlon, Luge, Skeleton, and Bobsled are getting their moment of glory after nearly being totally ignored the past three years and 49 weeks. Yes, chances are they will once again; disappear into oblivion, once these games are completed.

 

Canada has not won gold while hosting the Olympic Games. In all likelihood, this will change in Vancouver. So, who will be the first to break this barrier? We may see another Carol Huynh in the making. Remember Carol? The freestyle wrestler from Hazelton, B.C. won Canada’s first gold medal at the Beijing Summer Olympics upsetting Japan’s Chiharu Icho in the women’s 48-kilogram final for her first career Olympic medal. Sure, there are huge expectations for Canadian gold in men’s and women’s hockey, men’s and women’s curling, and long-track speedskating but it is the Carol Huynh’s of the world that capture a special spot in the country.

 

The Vancouver Olympics will provide many cheers and tears. There will be compelling storylines and many athletes and teams will succumb to the pressure and not perform as well as anticipated. However, more than likely some little known Canadian athlete will rise from obscurity and will reach the podium. Yes, that person will be in "Euphoria".

 

Canada the choice is ours; be proud and celebrate along with that individual/team or pout about the costs involved in staging such an event. To be honest, I am not sure if B.C. residents will be getting the best bang for their buck at the Winter Games, but it is time to put financial critics on the backburner. It is time to enjoy because before you know it, March will arrive.

 

 

 

Jay Leno reportedly wore a disguise to sneak into CBS studios to shoot a Super Bowl promotional ad with David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey. The worst part is, he disguised himself as Conan O'Brien.  

Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

 

 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees tied a record by making 32 successful passes, Sunday. It was a record previously held by Tiger Woods.  

Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

  

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

 

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

Athletes headed to the Olympic Games are getting shots, surgical masks, sanitizers and supplements and that is just for a stroll down Robson St. 

Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

Comedian Brent Butt