Dreamin'

From what I saw in the documentary, Neil seems like a genuinely shy guy who is uncomfortable with excessive admiration. He said that it embarrasses him and he doesn't know how to respond to it (so he avoids it). I also think that he's kind of nerdy and awkward in real life, so he probably knows that he can never live up to his fans expectations. His reclusiveness preserves the rock star mystique, if you will. Geddy and Alex have a completely different and relaxed approach to their fame and to their fans (similar to the Wilcos, I think) and that seems to work for them.

Did anyone see Beyond the Lighted Stage last night? I was one of the few women in the audience (a parallel universe where there is no line for the ladies room). It was fun to watch it on the big screen with an awesome sound system. My favourite part was the deli autograph woman, who repeatedly ignored Alex while fawning over Geddy ("'cause he's the leader!"). Review from the National Post

Really looking forward to this.

How about favourite self-help books: Full Catastrophe Living I'm going to lead a mindfulness-based stress reduction group for students this fall. If professional athletes can get a competitive edge with MBSR, perhaps it will have a similar effect on academic performance.

Talents of a middle aged brain

Thanks

Okay, lets get back OT with the always enjoyable giant inflatable beaver. ( Bob Costas!) This is what happens when you have a psychedelic reaction to maple syrup. I honestly don't know what to say about the closing ceremonies. I got a hint of what we were in for when I opened the pkg on my seat and found foam moose antlers. Hey, let's simultaneously mock and celebrate all those lazy Canadian stereotypes. Cringeworthy, but also genius!

The sound of Vancouver when Team Canada wins gold. Pretty cool!

There are no words to describe what I was feeling on Sunday, but I'll never forget it! I was high-fiving complete strangers on the street (little kids, cops, winos, grandmothers...) as I made my way toward BC Place Stadium for the closing ceremonies. Apparently 80% of Canadians watched the men's gold medal hockey game. People were lined up around the block outside neighbourhood pubs, hours before the game started. Priests and their congregations prayed for Team Canada (seriously, I saw a clip on the news). For Canadians, it was like Canada Day, Christmas morning, New Year's Eve, the moon

Please tell me he was also wearing these: CBC Radio Vog

Oh, Canada! *faints* Yes, they did serve alcohol at the game yesterday. I was too nervous to eat or drink, but most people sitting near me had no trouble at all. It's customary for the winning team to drink champagne from the Stanley Cup. Of course, Olympic competition is a much more uptight affair. Maybe not the best idea to do this on the ice, but nice to see them enjoying their moment. They earned it! Well done, sisters! Let's hope the men's hockey team is inspired by your victory.

I wonder if someone from the Maritimes dreamed that up? When I was traveling in the Atlantic provinces a few years ago, I noticed that you could find lobster just about anywhere (McDonalds) and in everything (chow mein).

Saw the women's aerials at Cypress last night. The fog made it seem even more otherworldly. Congratulations to Lydia Lassila! As we walked up to the venue from the buses, some people were listening to the Canada-Russia game and providing updates. When I heard the score was 3-0 in the first period (lots of cheering and big grins all around), I thought it seemed too good to be true. Let's hope Canada can keep that momentum and go all the way!

I'm loving my beautiful city more than ever. The weather has been glorious and there is a great vibe on the street (despite Canada's loss to the US in hockey last night). It's like Christmas day, every day of the week.

Brodeur isn't looking too good.

Yes, thanks for sharing those beautiful shots, SeattleC! I'm so glad this Trans Canada tour began at Mile 0. Victoria has always been a romantic B&B weekend get-away destination for those of us on the Mainland, but it was great to visit for a concert. Great venue. Lovely people. Amazing show. The guy sitting behind me gave me hell for standing during Broken Arrow (sorry!), but it just felt wrong to sit during a Neil song - kind of like the national anthem, you know?

At some point, someone in the audience must have given the band a thumbs up. Jeff asked if it meant the same thing "in your culture."

More than happy to oblige. Gold!

Neither (lack of) snow, nor rain, nor long lines at Japadog, nor Default, nor gloom of night stays these fans from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. It was wonderful to see Wilco in Vancouver again. The keyboard stylings of Quatchi and Mukmuk during Shot in the Arm was a highlight for me.

Broken Arrow and a tour shirt with a moose on it? If they bust out the curling sweaters, I'll faint.

Very!

The medals are so beautiful! Interesting to watch the video about the artist's vision and how they were created. http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/vancouver-2010-medals

English refers to my generation as, Trudeau's children. So true. "Je t'aime, Papa."