Car gots an owwie!

Thankfully, Marnie is alright. That’s what I’m most concerned about. Sure I was upset that the car got itself all scraped up, but I was pleased that Marnie didn’t get hurt in the mess (although she was a little shaken afterwards). So all-in-all, things are not that bad.

As I wait to hear back from Kirmac Collision about getting the car repaired, I present you the following:

• My collision deductible is $500 – FAIL
• I have depreciation insurance which will reimburse $250 of that deductible – WIN
• My insurance discount will drop from 43% to 35% – FAIL
• I’ll be back up to 43% in a couple years – WIN
• Other driver gets off scott free – FAIL
• Marnie is okay – EPIC WIN TO END ALL FAILS

The last point is the most important.

Is this guy legal? – courtesy of John Biehler

So when I saw a tweet from Ferg Devins (@MolsonFerg) asking if there was interest in attending a tweetup for tonight’s bronze medal game between Finland and Slovakia, I nearly broke my phone tweeting him back to advise of my interest.

Fortunately, Ferg did receive my message and I’m happy to say I’ll be there tonight. If you’re going, track me down – the real name is Chris and on twitter y’all know me as @lyteforce.

After going gangbusters in posting about my experiences with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, you’ll have likely noticed that I took some time off over the weekend (or maybe you didn’t, but I swear I did). The reason for the downtime is that I decided to bite the bullet and switch hosting providers.

I’d like to first point out that the change wasn’t necessitated from any malcontent with my previous hosting provider, asmallorange, but instead a desire to ensure I’m doing more to contribute towards a sustainable lifestyle as a whole. After doing a little research online, I discovered that there were a number of “greener” options available and opted to go with GreenGeeks who purchase wind energy credits to compensate for the equivalent amount of power (and then some) used to support their business.

Wind Power Rocks! – courtesy of emmerogers

There were a number of different companies that offered “green” hosting, GreenGeeks offers more than just good karma. In the few days I’ve been on board, I’ve received nothing but great work from their support team who not only transferred my entire account from one provider to another, but provided support for my WordPress install (definitely service beyond the call). Price wise, I am paying more than I was previously, but with the superb service and the environmental accountability, I’m definitely happy with my decision to switch.

Speaking of environmental accountability, GreenGeeks does more than just purchase wind credits:

In addition to purchasing wind energy credits GreenGeeks works on all of our servers and reconfigures them so that they run more efficiently using less energy and running cooler. What this means is less energy consumption on the server as well as less energy needed to cool the server. (Co-location data centers are constantly cooled [24x7x365] by enormous cooling fans which use a tremendous amount of energy). These attentions to detail on the servers allow us to be more energy efficient in our data centers, but we don’t stop there.

Use only what’s needed – GreenGeeks is also hyper conscious about our carbon footprint in our offices. We employ rigorous recycling in our offices and we make sure that only legal and essential documents are printed to conserve paper. Any non essential documents which are printed by mistake are returned to the recycle paper area of the office for reuse in any other printing that we need to do. In addition we employ auto lighting control systems to make sure that the lights are not on when no one is in their offices and we make sure we power down all office equipment when not in use.

Lunch and dinner at the office – Our employees take turns bringing in home cooked meals to the office to reduce the amount of times we go out to eat which helps keep bodies in their seats for your support as well as reduce the amount of paper, plastic and Styrofoam which typically come with take out orders.

Telecommuting – GreenGeeks searches for top notch personnel and sometimes we find talented and skilled service personnel who are not located near our offices. Rather than try to relocate these talented employees we allow them to telecommute from home or a shared office near them. This allows some of our employees to not have to commute to work saving money and carbon emissions on gas consumption for their cars.

So if you think you’re in the market for a new hosting provider, or simply want to do your part to green up your website, I’d highly recommending looking for a provider such as GreenGeeks or something similar.

Disclosure – Embedded in this post are affiliate marketing links – cmp.ly/5

Heineken House Bike – courtesy of Hugger Industries

When Marnie and I decided on Steveston prior to buying our house, the lifestyle that the community could afford us was the big selling point. In fact, you may have noticed I talk about that outdoor lifestyle on a regular basis here. So with Spring just around the corner and inspiration from seeing all those Dutch Heineken House models around town (and here in Steveston), I’ve decided to bite the bullet and get myself a bike.

That all said, I don’t know much about them.

I think the last time that I owned a bike and used it had to be over 10 years ago. It’s sad, I know, but I was simply “too busy” to have a bike that would simply take up space in a two bedroom apartment with no storage. Anywho, I’m hoping the vast world of of the internet might be able to shed some light on what I should be looking for.

Any suggestions?

Victory Ceremony Stage – courtesy of Chris Reddy

Why you ask? Well…

“Here I am, all psyched up from the euphoria of watching Canadian athletes tear it up. I’m shouting, pumping my fists in the air, and getting my voice tuned to do a little Canadian anthem karaoke. But wait, there isn’t anything like that taking place. I have to wait. And then.. I’ve lost the groove.”

Now I still get amped watching the gold medal get handed off. And I do sing along any chance I get when the Canadian anthem is concerned, but it’s not as exciting or enthusiastic as it would have been live. You know?

What do y’all think?

Slash rant.

Inniskillin Icewine Gallery

If you’ve walked by the fantastic Ice Gate outside of Richmond City Hall on your way to the Richmond OZone, you’ve likely passed the Inniskillin Icewince Gallery providing tastings of three of their Icewines.

Established in 1975 (and being granted the first winery license in Ontario since prohibition), Inniskillin has vineyards in both the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley here in British Columbia. Furthermore, parent company Vincor is also the official supplier of wine for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Icewine Gallery is located at the main entrance to the Richmond OZone with Inniskillin having two 36′ bars serving tastings as well as a VIP lounge – all of which is designed to match the icy appeal of the Ice Gate across the way.

Now for anyone keeping score, I’m far from an expert when it comes to Icewine. In fact, I’d wager to say that I’d never tried Icewine prior to stopping by the Icewine Gallery. So after some discussion on twitter, I was offered a chance to try a small taste of each, not bad way to take the first step to becoming an Icewine connoisseur.

Inniskillin’s Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition – courtesy of Inniskillin

Available to try in the Icewine gallery were the Inniskillin Vidal from Niagara, the Inniskillin Okanagan Riesling Icewine, and the Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition from Niagara. Although I can’t remember the exact order I tried the first two in, I was blown away by the intense flavour each provided – it was like an explosion on my palate to tell you the truth. But my favourite, was the last of the three – the Commemorative Edition.

I can’t really begin to describe why I liked the Commemorative Edition over the other two. I just found the flavour to have the right intensity and the the Icewine itself just to go down nice – heck, I could see myself sticking a straw in the bottle it was that good. Not only did the selection taste great,the artwork on the bottle itself is awesome – work from Gordon Halloran, the creator of the Ice Gate itself. To me, I’d love to have a bottle (empty or full) simply out for display, the image is so neat. Furthermore, proceeds of each bottle sold go to the Canadian Olympic Team and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games so how can you not feel good about supporting our Canadian athletes?

Available throughout the 2010 Winter Games, the Inniskillin Icewine Gallary will be open from 3:00pm to 11:00pm on weeknights and noon to 11:00pm on weekends. The tastings cost $5 for each half oz. sample, but the best deal is $10 to try all three. Make sure you also follow them on twitter (@2010Wines) to keep abreast of news and events.

Disclosure: I received a half oz. tasting of all three icewines (value $10). I simply chose to review the tasting on my own afterwards – cmp.ly/1

Canadian Flag – courtesy of Our Enchanted Garden

Commemorating the inauguration of our current Canadian flag in 1965 by Governor General Georges Vanier, February 15th is celebrated as National Flag of Canada Day. So on the day after the first gold medal won on Canadian soil, what a wonderful time to be celebrating what it is to be Canadian during the 2010 Winter Games.

And on an unrelated sidenote, it’s my 32nd birthday. Happy Birthday to me.

Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremony – courtesy of nucksfan604

Even with it’s minor blemishes, I thought the ceremonies to open the Winter Games was awesome. The opening montage of having a snowboarder start on the peak of one of the coastal mountains while an announcer progressed through the various Winter Games leading to Vancouver amped up my anticipation. And having him jump into the stadium had me sitting forward in my seat at home.

Aboriginal Welcome – courtesy of nucksfan604

What has to be the best welcome of any Olympic Ceremonies I’ve seen was the Four Host First Nations welcoming both the world and the many first nations of Canada to the traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. The dancing and colours were electric and enthralling and the music alone had me racing to iTunes to pick up the Official Commemorative Album.

Alpine Activities – courtesy of s.yume

I found much of the cultural component of the opening ceremonies truly representative of Canada. With the entire stadium wearing white ponchos and a white raised floor, images were displayed throughout to outline the different seasons, the many flags, and even iconic images of Orca swimming through (and breathing too boot).

Cosmopolitan Vancouver – courtesy of nucksfan604

In my opinion, the best part of the ceremonies, was the introduction of “We Are More” from Shane Koyczan. I am at a loss for words to describe how this poem got me psyched up for what will come from our Canadian athletes and introduced our new-found patriotism to the world. Yes, we ARE the “what” in “What’s new?”

Click here to view the embedded video otherwise you\'ll miss out.

The Canadian way.

Let the Flame Burn – courtesy of s.yume

Having only driving across the border a handful of times, I’d never consider myself an expert on the subject, but there seems to be a US flag on every corner – they’re everywhere. And people would likely agree that the pride that those from the US show is unreal (some would even say obnoxious). And yet as close as we are to our neighbours to the south, Canadian patriotism tends to be quiet and subdued. Sure we like to throw a party now and then, but we’re pretty laid back overall.

But not anymore.

If there is one thing that the Winter Games has done, it’s allowed Canadians to bust loose. Everywhere I go there are flags flying high, flags hanging in windows, on cars and on clothes. In fact, I’ve gotten into the action by hanging my Canadian flag up for all to see.

And you know what? I like it. I like that we Canadians are showing the world we are a proud nation. I like that we are ready to welcome the world with open arms and show them what it’s like to be a Canadian. Can you imagine what it will be like when the first Canadian athlete brings home our first gold medal on home soil? Or better yet, the sound of the Canadian anthem being played as the flag is raised high for all to see.

I’d be lying if I didn’ t say hearing the anthem at the Richmond Torch Relay Ceremony didn’t bring tears to my eyes, but I’m proud to say it nonetheless. I like to think that our pride as a nation will continue beyond the games – because that’s a Canada I could get used to.

True North Strong & Free – courtesy of John Bolwitt

And a celebration it was!

Richmond City Hall Decked Out in Red

Richmond O Zone Banners

Richmond City Hall is completely decked out in red maple leaves, red banners, red signage. Being a proud Richmondite, let alone a super proud Canadian, I’m completely stoked that the community is getting behind the Olympic movement.

Inniskillin Ice Wine was Flowin’

Olympic Ice Gate

Inniskillin was front and centre providing tastings of it’s commemorative icewine designed especially for the 2010 Winter Games. I wasn’t able to score a taste as I was more concerned on getting a great spot to see the celebration, but having followed them on twitter, I discovered they would be present in the Richmond O Zone throughout the games. I also found out their parent company Vincor Canada was the official sponsor of wine for the Olympics:

To celebrate the 2010 Winter Games, Vincor Canada, Official Supplier of Wine, has created the exclusive Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition. With a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold supporting the Canadian Olympic Team and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, there is no better way to honor our athletes and celebrate the best that Canada has to offer.

It’s also important to note that the Ice Gate was made possible through the sponsorship of Inniskillin. Designed by artist Gord Halloran (a Sunshine Coast resident for those keeping score), the Ice Gate is a frozen canvas of ice and colour which will continue to change and evolve throughout the Winter Games. I highly recommend that you all take a look at this magnificent piece of artwork – you should also follow Vincor Canada (@2010Wines on twitter to keep up-to-date on other locations they will be visiting.

Just a Few People

Over 20,000 people found their way into the Richmond O Zone and even more outside lined the street as Rick Hansen carried the torch to the community cauldron on the stage. I was fortunate enough to get there early and acquire what turned out to be a great spot to get some video (best footage is about 2 mins in):

Click here to view the embedded video otherwise you\'ll miss out.

And what would any post about the Richmond O Zone be without pictures of Holland Heineken House?

Entrance to Holland Heineken House

Me Thinks Orange is the Colour

Holland Heineken House will serve as the official home to to the Dutch sporting world for the duration of the 2010 Winter Games. Having converted Minoru Arenas in Richmond, Holland Heineken House will have a strong presence within the Richmond O Zone by inviting what will likely be a sea of orange to celebrate what it is to be Dutch. There will be medal ceremonies to celebrate the success of Dutch athletes, restaurants serving Dutch food, music from Dutch DJs, and of course, lots and lots of Heineken. I definitely plan to check it out once it opens – although I may need to become a Dutch citizen as those who can flash the passport will get some serious VIP treatment.

Dutch Bike at Richmond O Zone

After having a fantastic time, I was amused to see one of the many bikes (400 to be exacty) that have been brought by Holland Heineken House. Free to use by anyone who wishes to go for a ride, I’ve actually seen them in action already as the many people who have been working behind the scenes at HHH have used them to get around town.

If you want to see more a few more pictures I took while at the event, feel free to check out my flickr stream. And for more info on the Richmond O Zone, follow them on twitter (@RichmondOZone).