Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sledge Baby!

Definitely not your ordinary hockey game.

At UBC Thunderbird Arena, team Korea took on Team Sweeden, to cheering full crowd of spectators, families of, and other Paralympians. Probably the most popular sport of the Paralympics, the game was intense and kept the crowd hopping.

Prior to this I didn't quite understand the logistics of how the game worked. The guys have two sticks, and are sitting on a type of cart, as they use the sticks to push themselves around, lifting one to pass and shoot. What I found really interesting is that they have to switch the stick around just to shoot. To move, they hold onto the hitting part of the stick to push themselves, but quickly slide it down and hold it regularly to score. How much training and coordination! I wonder if Crosby would be able stay upright on the ice if he tried sledge...

They go amazingly fast on the ice. Team Korea, especially Cho, was exceptionally fast and I thought was Team Korea's best player. There is a lot of teamwork involved, just like in hockey, and a lot of grit. Maybe even more.

Team Korea took the night, with a 2-1 win over Sweeden.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Curling, sans le crier/Curling without the shouting

Today marked the 1st day of the sporting events for the 2010 Paralympics. What better way to start off with some sledge and wheelchair curling?

The rocks slid today at the Vancouver Paralympic Centre, in Vancouver's Hillcrest Park. This venue served as both the curling venues for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. There were 3 sents of games going on, involving Italy vs Japan, Sweeden vs Korea, Norway vs UK, and Canada vs US. Most of the crowd was however focused on the Canada vs US game. Now, I don't know much about curling. But I know that it involves rocks, yelling, and sweeping. What I found out was there is quite a difference between Paralympic and Olympic curling.

The main thing is the athletes do not sweep, they merely use the stick to push it to get it near the centre on the far side of the ice. So one cannot yell the familiar "harder!" while playing wheelchair curling. But it was interesting. Watching them, they all possess the skill needed to do the sport. One holds the back of the wheelchair, the other pushes the rock, and there is a teammate at the end watching it. In the end Canada won over US, which provided lots of cheering and celebration from the audience. There was quite a big crowd of red and white, many of which waved Canadian flags. 2nd biggest supporters were Korea. Many waved the Korea flag. Im glad that wheelchair curling got so much support. They work hard and deserve to be recognized like any other athlete. Im so glad to see that we have come so far in accepting and treating others equal. Unfortunately, not all countries share the same support for their Paralympic athletes. But hopefully this will change in the future, as countries get more exposure and see other countries support all their athletes.

The support was great. We did the curling "wave" and many started chants and foot stomping. Lisa, Riley and I were able to get down to ice level for a bit wth Kate and her cousin. I also met my Encounters With Canada leader, Bonnie.

Thats all for today folks, and don't forget, set y'all clocks foward an hour tonight, we're losing an hour sleep.

Check out my new Rick Hansen video at www.youtube.com/pe575

Un Esprit qui Inspire

Un esprit qui inspire, c'est la theme de la nuit pour la ceremonie d'ouverture des Jeux Parlalympiques 2010. C'est un nuit inoubliable! Les spectacles, la musique, les parleurs, c'etait l'experience de la vie. La spectacle a commence a 6 heures, et c'etait organise de Patrick Roberge Productions.

In the beginning there were introductions and dancers that graced the stage. BC does look quite a bit smaller than it does on TV. As I looked around, I was in awe at the amount of work and effort that goes into putting on a show at such a grand scale. It amazes me how different BC Place looks when I was last there for the Victory Ceremony. As I looked around I imagined how many people of notoriety had walked through the inflated dome of BC Place. I saw the entrance that Rick Hansen came from to bring in the flame for the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The platform party, the same as before, but bearing the Paralympic logo. I couldn't help but be a little start struck at being in the same room as the Right and Honourable Michaelle Jean. She is my greatest role model, and I will always aspire to be like her. Even though the platform party was far from where we were, I could of course pick out the Premier of BC, Mr Gordon Campbell, proudly waving his humongous Canadian flag.

J'etais un chanteur avec le choir de Vancouver 2010. Nous avons chante "We Rise Again" avec la vedette de Montreal au Quebec Nikki Yanofsky. Elle a une belle voix, et nous avons elle accompagne. Le chanson est formidable, avec l'espoir et courage. Nous avons porte les robes rouges, avec 1000 chanteurs.

There were 2 highlights of the night for me. The first, Rick Hansen's story and speech. Rick Hansen is another one of my heroes and I am so amazed with his accomplishments, and I hope one day to aspire to have his determination and courage. His speech was similar to the one he did at UBC Sports and Society (he was even wearing the same thing), but still inspiring all the same. The second highlight for me was seeing Betty Fox and her husband carry in the flame. What a perfect choice of people to bring in the flame. Terry Fox, who inspired Rick Hansen, is another one of my idols. Betty Fox and her husband still look amazing and I was so proud to see them walk into the stadium.

Nous avons attendu beaucoup de temps. Nous avons arrive a dejuener at nous avons attendu a a tent pres de BC Place. J'etais un attitude positive parce que j'etais hate a representer Vancouver et notre choir. Mes amis etait enneyeux, pas de moi.

Si tu a manque le ceremonies d'ouvertures, regardez a CTV a 2pm aujord'hui

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Canada's Skater Boy: Patrick Chan

Boy next door, from Toronto, Ontario, competing in men's singles figure skating. Tall, dark, killer smile. Only 19 year old Patrick Chan could fit this profile. At merely 19 years of age, he is already 2010 Canadian Men's Champion, 2009 ISU World Men's Silver Medalist and 2009 Four Continents Champion. Today myself, fellow Students Live Reporters Adeleine Estrada and Richelle Zheng sat down to talk with this talented young man.

I went to Macdonalds near Science World in Vancouver to meet Patrick. The coordinator though we were there just to meet him, but little did they know we were media! As soon as I sat down, I felt such a rush of excitement! I've seen Patrick countless times on TV, watched many interviews, and loved his McDonalds commercials. My favourite one is: Excuse me, Mr Chan, may I have your autograph please? So in the beginning I was all fan girl, and did the usual "Omg Im such a big fan I love what you do!!" But soon the composed, reporter side of me kicked in for the interview. I found I was able to turn fangirl off quickly and go into professional mode. Patrick is very detailed with his answers, and very sincere. I felt very engaged and he talks very clearly and has interesting answers. I tried to ask different questions, ones that maybe big media channels like CTV or CBC would ask. What I liked about this interview was it was teens interview a teen. He always speaks in front of older people, and I think it was a nice change for him to talk to kids his own age. I never imagined myself in front of him. I realized he is just like everyone else! He is a well spoken young man and I am so glad we were able to interview him. See our interview at: www.youtube.com/pe575

Oui, c'etait un bon jour. J'ai rencontre mon idol est j'ai appris beaucoup a propos d'un championne. Nous avons pris des photos et il a signe un photograph et mon magasin. Merci, Patrick, tu es tres superbe!

check out my flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/tanyashum

S'cuse me, I need to get to my seat!

Vancouver Canucks tickets are like paper gold. Once you get that ticket, boy, do you hold onto that for dear life. And it is true to say that us Vancouverites know our hockey, and we're proud of it. Whether we see it infront of our tv screens, or at "The Garage" (as Vancouverites affectionatly call it) GM Place (normal name) or Canada Hockey Place (what it is called during the 2010 Winter Olympics, we all tune in and support our boys out on the ice. It's our sport folks, and will always be.

So, how is it different from watching an Olympic game vs a Canucks game? First off, you can see by the number of emtpy seats. For a game that is NOT Canada vs US, there are many groups of empty seats interspersed throughout the stadium. Completely unheard of at a 'Nucks game. If you have a ticket, you're there. Or your friend begged you to let them have yours.

A la jeu hommes entre Lattonie et Republic Tcheque, il y a beaucoup de sieges vides. Quand le jeu a commence, et pendant les periods, il y a des sieges vides. Mais les personnes avait beaucoup de soutien. Jagr etait un vedette! Beacoup de personnes a soutiens la Republic Tcheque.

The main difference is also the fan crowd. People at first started cheering Czech Republic, probably since Jagr was the only one people knew from both teams. But after their 4 goals in the first period, people started cheering for Latvia. They tend to cheer for the underdog, which in the end worked, because Latvia came strong. Truthfully, I think the Czech goalie was falling asleep and he accidentally let the 2 goals in. After the 2 goals he woke up and got his act together. Overall, Czech seemed like the stronger team.

The fans were also quite different. It was quite obvious that not all people were die-hard hockey fans. Most people got tickets just because they wanted to experience an Olympic event. What really was amazing was the lack of etiquette during the game. People kept going in and out of their seats. Common courtesy, as all us Vancouverites know, is to wait for the play to stop before leaving/exiting your seat. This is understandable, since many are foreigners and there could be different rules in other countries. I interviewed a spectator, Doug, and he was also commented on hockey etiquette: "I think because these guys don't go to regular hockey games, they don't know that they should wait until a play is over before they enter again."

D'accord, c'est tres tard, et je dois lever tres tot. Au revoir!

Friday, February 19, 2010

SAW MARIANAS TRENCH AND HEDLEY ON THE SAME NIGHT!

Hey guys,

So I literally just stepped in the door.. this will be a short post today, since my hands have not yet unfrozen and Im extremely tired. But here is my post, as promised max 3 hours after the event

Le ceremonie du vaincouers, c'est la jour de l'ile du Prince Eduoard. C'est magnifique. Au debut, il y avait un groupe de qui danse, chante et joue les instruments. Est ils ont raconte le histoire du Anne of Green Gables. J'ai pense que c'etait comme l'emission de tele Glee, avec le nombres de musique et danse. Et Marianne St Gelais a gagne l'argent pour le patinage vitesse. Et c'etait son anniversaire aussi! Quel bon cadeau! Et Christine Nesbitt a gagne l'OR pour le patinage vitesse aussi! C'est un grand jour pour Canada! Je me sens tres fiere quand le drapeau du Canada etait lever. J'ai chante O Canada avec beaucoup de pride, et je me sens tres fier. Canada a 7 medaille maintenant.

After the concert, Hedley, my favourite band, performed a set of about an hour. They sang songs including "Old School" "Dont talk to strangers". It was amazing. Jacob is such a great peroformer and ive supported him since his Canadian Idol days.

Afterwards, the victory ceremony finished at 9, we rushed over to Live City Yaletown to catch the Marianas Trench concert. We made it! I cant believe I saw my two favourite bands in 1 day. Marianas trench is amazing live, and we also lined up for free coke bottles. Josh Ramsay is hilarious and has a great personality. The energy was so alive and no one pushed or shoved. Everyone was so excited and singing along. I think it was an improvment from the last show, which I believe 20 people were injured. This one was great and I loved standing there on the floor with fellow Vancouverites as well as foreigners. The body heat was good too. As soon as I left Live City and people started to disperse, it got considerably colder! My two fav bands, both from Vancouver. Man, we're just raking in the talent. Something extra to be proud about. And it was great to see Josh Ramsay cause I met him in person! The entire time I thought, yah well I met him! If you haven't seen my interview, head over to www.youtube.com/pe575 for the exclusive interview!

Apres, j'ai vu le feu d'artifice. Il etait spectacle et tres belle. Il y a beaucoup de couleurs, et il a illume le ciel noir. Le chanson "Waving flag" etait jouer. C'est un bon fin de la nuit

Ok guys, I think Im delirious.. so tired.. so I must sleep.. hopefully this post will grant me the media centre spot on one of those prize days! haha

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Hello, Bonjour to all!

Well, we're at day 6 folks. Time is flying! Each day I've been going downtown, just hanging around, and merely looking at what a great city we have. Just to think, a few months ago, I couldn't wait to get out of here to go to some university back east. I now see how foolish this thinking was. Who would want to leave the Best Place on Earth? Cause, we are true to our name. Im so proud of our city, and I feel so priviliged to have been born in Richmond and raised here. As I was watching the opening ceremonies, I was totally and fully engaged. I couldn't believe it was BC Place I was looking at! It was so beautiful and I can imagine other countries being jealous of us! I loved the opening, when they started of: 1929,___ country, 1988 Calgary, then when they got to 2010 Vancouver! The crowd went wild, and so did I. I'm not a sappy person, but I couldn't help but have a small swell in the eye. I don't think I've ever bursted with so much pride. Proud to be living here. Proud to be Canadian. Nikki Yanofsky was good. I didn't so much like the arrangment, but she is a phenominal singer and I love her song Believe. While watching the ceremonies, from the comfort of my leather couch, I was so amazed by the amount of work a lot of people have put into it. I have put on many events and performed a lot and I know how much work goes into things like this. And the whole world was watching us. Finally! We won't be known solely as "the place where the Twilight films are filmed." I loved when Betty Fox, Anne Murray, Bobby Orr, Gretzky, Rick Hansen held the flag/lit the torch. I don't think I'll ever in my lifetime see so many great Canadians standing in the same room ever again. It was mind blowing. I think with the Olympics, and especially after my trip to Ottawa with the Encounters With Canada program, I am more aware of being Canadian and know more about our history. Heck, I even have my renewal citizenship paper and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms hanging on my bedroom wall. You can't get any more Canadian than that.

Pendant le ceremonies ouvertes, ils ont le legende Quebecois! C'est la chaisse galerie! J'ai lu cette legende dans ma classe de francais. J'etais tres fiere que je savais le legende. Et il y a un homme qui chanter en Francais. Nikki Yanofsky a chante O Canada en Francais un peu aussi. Maintenant, il y a le controversy. Les personnes disaient que il n'y a pas beaucoup de francophone. Donc, dans le ceremonies fermes, VANOC aurait plus de francophone teneur. Et j'agree, je pense que il devrait beaucoup de teneur francophone. Francais est le deuxieme langue au Canada. C'est partie de notre pays. Je pense que les anglophones n'accepte pas les francophones. Les anglophones ne fait pas un effort a apprendre le langue et culture. Je pense que les anglophones devrait accepter la communite francophone beaucoup.

So tomorrow, I will be going to the medal ceremony, featuring Hedley! Post to come tomorrow

Monday, February 8, 2010

Didn't let me in the Media Centre???

How many days until the Olympics? Let me hear you say FOUR 4 4 4 4 4 !!!!

The Winter Olympics are coming, and nothing is going to stop them!

Yesterday, the 24 student reporters met down at the BCELC offices down at the Waterfront, heart of Vancouver, to do some last minute wrap up and information on the upcoming Games. We received their bus passes/accredation passes to allow them into the Robson Media Centre on Robson and Burrand. The Robson Media centre is very cool; we saw CTV, Global, CBS, Eurovision. Basically all unaccredited media

Aujord'hui, j'ai un rehearsal pour le IOC evenment. Je suis chanter O Canada en anglais et francais! Le gouvernor generale Michaelle Jean serait la. C'est a la theatre de Queen Elizabeth. C'est tres grand, ou Stergios et moi ont regarde le concert de Lady Gaga. Nous practiquons marcher sur le platfond. Nous devrons marcher tres vite, parce que nous sommes chanter avec un track que nous enregistrons la derniere jour. Un comment d'un chanteuse: "Je me sens que je suis courir! Mais c'est tres bizarre si j'ai couru traverser le platfond!"

Today, I went downtown to the Media Centre, but they wouldn't let me in! It was a horrible fiasco of trying to make dozens of phonecalls. In the end I didn't end up going inside. Hopefully I will get to make up for that day. I saw Sophie Lui from Global, and there is a huge CBC tent outside. Right across is the Robson Square ice rink. It's really nice; above is a dome that passers by can look down.

So, after the fiasco I went along Robson again (I never get bored of it) I saw some Bulgarian and Polish athletes.

Et, c'est tout! Regardez mes nouvelles videos a www.youtube.com/pe575

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Students Live Video Blog Post

Regardez le nouvelle blog post de video!/Watch my new Students Live video blog post!
Ici/Take a look: www.youtube.com/pe575

Friday, January 8, 2010

C'est semaine passe/Another week

Hello everyone! Wow, its been a long week, first week back at school. Hope everyone had a fabolous first week back. As the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics draw near, Im getting more and more excited! This past week Ive read articles, many of which, are not so great:

Full body scans:
It was annonced this week that YVR is doing random full body scans for everyone leaving and entering Canada. This can only see through your clothes but will prevent people from taking illegal or dangerous objects/substances onto the plane.

March 1 Busiest Day at the Airport:
March 1, the day after the Closing Ceremonies, will be the busiest day YVR has ever experienced. You must arrive at the airport many hours ahead of your flight time.

TransLink Warns of Long Waits During the Games:
Transit all over the city will be very busy during the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Expect the bus, Canada Line and sea busses to be very busy, with waits up to a few hours

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Avant je dormirai.../Before I sleep...

Bonjour les amis! Avant je dormirai, j'ai quel qu'un a dis. Maintenant, j'ecrivai en francais et anglais. Ce sont nos deux langues officielles au Canada, et je pense que c'est tres important a etre bilingual. Je m'excuse a les francophones parce que je suis tres mal en francais! Cependant, j'essayerai tres fort, mais les "blogs" seront diffferent un peu. Bon soir tout le monde!
Hello everyone! Before I sleep, just a quick comment. Starting now I will be posting both in French and English. These are our two official languages in Canada, and I think it is extremely important to stress bilingualism, to show everyone what Canada is about. Now, I apologize in advance to all French speakers, since I am not fluent in French! However, I will try my hardest, so the posts might not be exactly the same. It'll be similar but probably said in simpler words in French. Night everyone!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Happy New Year and First Blog Post

Hello Everyone!

First and foremost.. Happy New Year! I'm so excited for the upcoming year, especially for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler!

So tune in daily, to check my blog posts about my being a student reporter for the Winter Olympics.

Im so sorry this is so late; it has been such a hectic Christmas break! And so sad, it's all ending tomorrow.

A little bit about me. Im a grade 12 student at Prince of Wales. Music is pretty much my life, and I can play the piano, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone. I am in the Vancouver District Honour Choir, and we are going to be singing at the opening of the Paralympics and at various free events downtown. My favourite books are Catcher in the Rye, The Harry Potter Series and Lord of the Flies. My favourite movies include Titanic, Mean Girls, Twilight, the Sound of Music and Grease. My favourite TV shows are Glee, As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Reba, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

So, I am very looking forward to being a reporter! I am so excited for the world to come and see just what our beautiful city is about.