Your humble Volkswagen-driving servant pulled up to the VANOC headquarters on March 31 before the International Olympic Committee coordination commission's plenary meeting and inadvertently witnessed VANOC executives scurry into the city-owned tower on 3585 Graveley Street.
Ceremonies executive producer David Atkins was seen parking his red late model Audi A4 1.8T Sedan. Mere minutes earlier, VANOC chairman Jack Poole scored the best spot in the lot for his silver Mercedes Benz ML 500 sport utility vehicle.
Atkins' car had a Dueck General Motors dealer decal on the rear, the only connection to the near-bankrupt Detroit auto giant that is the official auto supplier to the 2010 Games. There was no Kelowna Rockets bumper sticker or flag attached. The Aussie is a supporter of the Western Hockey League team, but maybe playoff fever hasn't struck?
The nearest GM dealer to VANOC -- Wolfe Chev-Olds on Boundary Road -- is no more. It's a victim of GM's desperate struggle to remain solvent.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wanted: Habs tickets for IOC executive
Overheard near the elevator at the VANOC headquarters on April 1, after the International Olympic Committee coordination commission meeting.
International Olympic Committee director of sport Christophe Dubi asking, with a tinge of desperation, for help in sourcing tickets to Montreal Canadiens' playoff games from none other than VANOC executive vice-president of revenue, marketing and communications Dave Cobb.
Cobb is the former chief operating officer of the Vancouver Canucks and General Motors Place.
Dubi was disappointed to learn that Cobb could offer no help. Dubi then asked about "the black market," but Cobb suggested Dubi explore the team's official website.
Good luck, Christophe. And good luck, les Canadiens.
International Olympic Committee director of sport Christophe Dubi asking, with a tinge of desperation, for help in sourcing tickets to Montreal Canadiens' playoff games from none other than VANOC executive vice-president of revenue, marketing and communications Dave Cobb.
Cobb is the former chief operating officer of the Vancouver Canucks and General Motors Place.
Dubi was disappointed to learn that Cobb could offer no help. Dubi then asked about "the black market," but Cobb suggested Dubi explore the team's official website.
Good luck, Christophe. And good luck, les Canadiens.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Great minds think alike
Hedy Fry and David Suzuki are two apparently intelligent people, prone to making outlandish declarations.
Fry, 67, was born San Fernando, Trinidad and trained as a physician in Dublin, Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons. She was first elected a Liberal Member of Parliament in 1993. Suzuki turned 73 on March 24 and earned a doctorate in zoology at the University of Chicago in 1961. He is host of the long-running CBC TV science show The Nature of Things. His foundation's latest work -- released March 30 during the 8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment -- is the alarmist On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change report.
In 2001, Fry stood in the House of Commons and told the world that "crosses were burning" in Prince George, B.C. She retracted the remarks and apologized.
On March 30, Suzuki claimed in an interview that global warming has made it impossible for children to learn how to play hockey in backyard, outdoor rinks in Brantford, Ont., birthplace of Wayne Gretzky. Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock said that's not true.
"We still maintain approximately 22 outdoor rink locations each year and the duration of rink operations is generally an eight to 10 week period," Hancock told me.
Suzuki shoots. And misses.
(BTW, Suzuki's son Troy knows a bit more about hockey than his father. The Suzuki scion's Live from Moccasin Square Gardens: The Dawson City Nuggets' Hockey Adventure documentary chronicled the 1997 recreation of the 1905 Nuggets' epic challenge of the Stanley Cup champion Ottawa Senators.)
Fry, 67, was born San Fernando, Trinidad and trained as a physician in Dublin, Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons. She was first elected a Liberal Member of Parliament in 1993. Suzuki turned 73 on March 24 and earned a doctorate in zoology at the University of Chicago in 1961. He is host of the long-running CBC TV science show The Nature of Things. His foundation's latest work -- released March 30 during the 8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment -- is the alarmist On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change report.
In 2001, Fry stood in the House of Commons and told the world that "crosses were burning" in Prince George, B.C. She retracted the remarks and apologized.
On March 30, Suzuki claimed in an interview that global warming has made it impossible for children to learn how to play hockey in backyard, outdoor rinks in Brantford, Ont., birthplace of Wayne Gretzky. Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock said that's not true.
"We still maintain approximately 22 outdoor rink locations each year and the duration of rink operations is generally an eight to 10 week period," Hancock told me.
Suzuki shoots. And misses.
(BTW, Suzuki's son Troy knows a bit more about hockey than his father. The Suzuki scion's Live from Moccasin Square Gardens: The Dawson City Nuggets' Hockey Adventure documentary chronicled the 1997 recreation of the 1905 Nuggets' epic challenge of the Stanley Cup champion Ottawa Senators.)
Enough of the 8th
Whenever the United Nations is involved, there has to be a broad, sweeping (dare I say, vague?) statement to end a convention with something to think about.
The 8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment, which ended March 31, was no different.
The Vancouver Declaration, under the letterhead of the UN Environment Program, International Olympic Committee and VANOC, acknowledged the convention was held on the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations as the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics rapidly approach.
The economic crisis and importance of youth in the world of sport acted as backdrops for the convention, which was fueled by inspiration and innovation.
Nine recommendations were issued for National Olympic committees, international sports federations, Games organizing committees and corporate sponsors.
The declaration emphasized the role of organizing committees and bid cities, whose examples "should be studied by others in the sports world for possible application at an appropriate scale in their own programs.
"The sharing of and transferring of these best practices, is essential in ensuring that the sustainability of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is continuously advanced."
Community-based organizations and athletes -- the grassroots -- are central to local involvement and inspiring youth.
Thankfully, the UN appoints a rapporteur, a sage of sorts to offer a quickie review of what actually went on.
That was the job of David Chernushenko, the founder of the Living Lightly Project and vice-chair of Canada's National Round Table of the Environment and the Economy.
Chernushenko found the convention contained more action, less theory and sponsor innovation. He suggested the terms "sustainable sport" and "sustainability through sport" replace sport and environment. He recommended a greater emphasis on individual action, values and principles, better communication and solutions through collaboration.
"Humans wish to do more good, not just less bad. We have the power not just to reduce and protect and minimize, but to improve, regenerate and sow seeds, in sport as elsewhere in society."
The 8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment, which ended March 31, was no different.
The Vancouver Declaration, under the letterhead of the UN Environment Program, International Olympic Committee and VANOC, acknowledged the convention was held on the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations as the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics rapidly approach.
The economic crisis and importance of youth in the world of sport acted as backdrops for the convention, which was fueled by inspiration and innovation.
Nine recommendations were issued for National Olympic committees, international sports federations, Games organizing committees and corporate sponsors.
The declaration emphasized the role of organizing committees and bid cities, whose examples "should be studied by others in the sports world for possible application at an appropriate scale in their own programs.
"The sharing of and transferring of these best practices, is essential in ensuring that the sustainability of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is continuously advanced."
Community-based organizations and athletes -- the grassroots -- are central to local involvement and inspiring youth.
Thankfully, the UN appoints a rapporteur, a sage of sorts to offer a quickie review of what actually went on.
That was the job of David Chernushenko, the founder of the Living Lightly Project and vice-chair of Canada's National Round Table of the Environment and the Economy.
Chernushenko found the convention contained more action, less theory and sponsor innovation. He suggested the terms "sustainable sport" and "sustainability through sport" replace sport and environment. He recommended a greater emphasis on individual action, values and principles, better communication and solutions through collaboration.
"Humans wish to do more good, not just less bad. We have the power not just to reduce and protect and minimize, but to improve, regenerate and sow seeds, in sport as elsewhere in society."
Suzuki: hot air and a pretty face
There was an environmental emergency when the 7th edition of the United Nations and International Olympic Committee World Conference on Sport and the Environment was held in Beijing Oct. 25-27.
I arrived in Beijing on Oct. 26 on a train from Ulanbaatar, Mongolia. Smog and fog combined for an eerie shroud in the Chinese capital. The next city block was not visible. It appeared dusk-like at mid-afternoon. Flights were canceled at Beijing Capital Airport and freeways closed.
By contrast, the weather in Vancouver during the 8th WCSE March 29-31 was normal. The air appeared fresh and clear. Then it snowed on April 1. No fooling. Too bad that didn't happen on Monday morning when David Suzuki, Canada's foremost environmental panic-monger, held court at a news conference in the Pan Pacific Hotel.
The David Suzuki Foundation released its On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change report. It's an attempt to ride the coattails of the 2010 Winter Olympics and includes some astounding predictions for the future of winter sport in Canada if global warming goes unchecked.
According to the report: under a high-emission scenario, the skating season on Ottawa's Rideau Canal would be reduced near the end of the century to one week and Whistler winter temperatures would rise 5 degrees Celsius within 70 years. The 94-day cross-country skiing season in southern Quebec and Ontario would be wiped out by 2050.
I did a word-search and "high-emission" appears 34 times throughout the report without a thorough definition.
Read between the lines of the report and it's more political than analytical. Suzuki wants more carbon taxes and wants more trading in carbon offsets. But are financial pollution penalties really the answer? Humans have done horrible things to the planet but are they really the cause for warming the weather?
Suzuki enjoys a measure of sainthood among the public of the Great White North. He was voted the fifth Greatest Canadian by CBC viewers in 2004. The CBC TV presenter and geneticist, who has a doctorate in zoology, was wedged between number four Sir Frederick Banting (of insulin fame) and number six Lester B. Pearson (the peacekeeping Prime Minister).
Suzuki is a talented communicator who deserves credit for helping Canadians understand the complexities of science through his long-running The Nature of Things on CBC. Since embracing the human-caused global warming theory espoused by Al Gore, Suzuki comes across more like a TV evangelist. He's made a shift away from professor, into the realm of preacher. The retired scientist is a professional celebrity.
When asked about differing views (and research) on the causes of climate change, Suzuki answered emotionally instead of rationally.
"It's not an argument, there is no argument about it scientifically. The discussion is what are we going to do about it, we're vulnerable as a northern country."
I asked him about his foundation's work with VANOC. The Games organization paid $10,000 for On Thin Ice's prequel, Meeting the Challenge: A Carbon Neutral 2010 Winter Games. "I don't know that," was his response.
I asked if the foundation was granted behind-the-scenes access to VANOC venues and operations so it could verify if VANOC's sustainability claims were genuine.
"We're really not that kind of an organization, we tend to look at the big picture.
"I'm sure they've got a lot of big problems, particularly economic problems in a time of economic downturn and overruns. The environment always tends to take a backseat."
Suzuki relied on anecdotal information in the news conference from snowboarder Justin Lamoreux and freestyle skier Warren Tanner, whose training has been curtailed by receding glaciers. The report did not examine the conditions of said glaciers. What's more, Suzuki conjured the name of Wayne Gretzky, Canada's greatest winter sportsman, and made an unsubstantiated claim about winter weather in Brantford, Ont., where Gretzky grew up.
"The one sport in Canada that Canadians respond to is hockey, the folklore of Canada is Wayne Gretzky, learning how to play in the backyard. Do you think in Brantford now you could learn how to play hockey in the backyard? I don't think so."
At one point, Suzuki suggested I direct my questions to Ian Bruce, author of the report. I pointed out that the report bears Suzuki's good name on the cover.
"It's the foundation. I'm just the pretty face."
I arrived in Beijing on Oct. 26 on a train from Ulanbaatar, Mongolia. Smog and fog combined for an eerie shroud in the Chinese capital. The next city block was not visible. It appeared dusk-like at mid-afternoon. Flights were canceled at Beijing Capital Airport and freeways closed.
By contrast, the weather in Vancouver during the 8th WCSE March 29-31 was normal. The air appeared fresh and clear. Then it snowed on April 1. No fooling. Too bad that didn't happen on Monday morning when David Suzuki, Canada's foremost environmental panic-monger, held court at a news conference in the Pan Pacific Hotel.
The David Suzuki Foundation released its On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change report. It's an attempt to ride the coattails of the 2010 Winter Olympics and includes some astounding predictions for the future of winter sport in Canada if global warming goes unchecked.
According to the report: under a high-emission scenario, the skating season on Ottawa's Rideau Canal would be reduced near the end of the century to one week and Whistler winter temperatures would rise 5 degrees Celsius within 70 years. The 94-day cross-country skiing season in southern Quebec and Ontario would be wiped out by 2050.
I did a word-search and "high-emission" appears 34 times throughout the report without a thorough definition.
Read between the lines of the report and it's more political than analytical. Suzuki wants more carbon taxes and wants more trading in carbon offsets. But are financial pollution penalties really the answer? Humans have done horrible things to the planet but are they really the cause for warming the weather?
Suzuki enjoys a measure of sainthood among the public of the Great White North. He was voted the fifth Greatest Canadian by CBC viewers in 2004. The CBC TV presenter and geneticist, who has a doctorate in zoology, was wedged between number four Sir Frederick Banting (of insulin fame) and number six Lester B. Pearson (the peacekeeping Prime Minister).
Suzuki is a talented communicator who deserves credit for helping Canadians understand the complexities of science through his long-running The Nature of Things on CBC. Since embracing the human-caused global warming theory espoused by Al Gore, Suzuki comes across more like a TV evangelist. He's made a shift away from professor, into the realm of preacher. The retired scientist is a professional celebrity.
When asked about differing views (and research) on the causes of climate change, Suzuki answered emotionally instead of rationally.
"It's not an argument, there is no argument about it scientifically. The discussion is what are we going to do about it, we're vulnerable as a northern country."
I asked him about his foundation's work with VANOC. The Games organization paid $10,000 for On Thin Ice's prequel, Meeting the Challenge: A Carbon Neutral 2010 Winter Games. "I don't know that," was his response.
I asked if the foundation was granted behind-the-scenes access to VANOC venues and operations so it could verify if VANOC's sustainability claims were genuine.
"We're really not that kind of an organization, we tend to look at the big picture.
"I'm sure they've got a lot of big problems, particularly economic problems in a time of economic downturn and overruns. The environment always tends to take a backseat."
Suzuki relied on anecdotal information in the news conference from snowboarder Justin Lamoreux and freestyle skier Warren Tanner, whose training has been curtailed by receding glaciers. The report did not examine the conditions of said glaciers. What's more, Suzuki conjured the name of Wayne Gretzky, Canada's greatest winter sportsman, and made an unsubstantiated claim about winter weather in Brantford, Ont., where Gretzky grew up.
"The one sport in Canada that Canadians respond to is hockey, the folklore of Canada is Wayne Gretzky, learning how to play in the backyard. Do you think in Brantford now you could learn how to play hockey in the backyard? I don't think so."
At one point, Suzuki suggested I direct my questions to Ian Bruce, author of the report. I pointed out that the report bears Suzuki's good name on the cover.
"It's the foundation. I'm just the pretty face."
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Who needs Cirque du Soleil when B.C. Place has it all?
Premier Gordon Campbell wants us all to think that British Columbia is the Best Place on Earth.
If so, then he probably wants us to believe that B.C. Place Stadium is the Best Place in the Best Place on Earth.
After all, it's where the 2010 Winter Olympics will open (and close) next February. Campbell hopes to win the May 12 provincial election so he can be seen on global TV (as opposed to just Global TV), enjoying Gordo's Games.
However, the circus under the big top continues. On Tuesday I revealed the latest foibles in the troubled system that keeps the fabric roof aloft. Yeah, that's the same roof that ripped and collapsed under the weight of heavy, wet snow on Jan. 5, 2007. Right around the time Canada was winning the world junior hockey championship, live on TSN.
The latest incident could be the most worrisome. There are 16 fans that generate the air to inflate the roof. As many as three are needed while renovations are ongoing. One was off for maintenance on Feb. 18. One exploded, according to a source. Hours before the home show opened. Hours after a tour group got to see the jet engine fans.
I have confirmed seven incidents in recent months of rapid drops in air pressure and/or troubles with the heating/snowmelting system. All of this will be removed by 2011 when a new retractable roof will transform the skyline and give the stadium another quarter-century and then some.
Until then, it'll be a source of nervous finger-crossing and nail-biting.
If so, then he probably wants us to believe that B.C. Place Stadium is the Best Place in the Best Place on Earth.
After all, it's where the 2010 Winter Olympics will open (and close) next February. Campbell hopes to win the May 12 provincial election so he can be seen on global TV (as opposed to just Global TV), enjoying Gordo's Games.
However, the circus under the big top continues. On Tuesday I revealed the latest foibles in the troubled system that keeps the fabric roof aloft. Yeah, that's the same roof that ripped and collapsed under the weight of heavy, wet snow on Jan. 5, 2007. Right around the time Canada was winning the world junior hockey championship, live on TSN.
The latest incident could be the most worrisome. There are 16 fans that generate the air to inflate the roof. As many as three are needed while renovations are ongoing. One was off for maintenance on Feb. 18. One exploded, according to a source. Hours before the home show opened. Hours after a tour group got to see the jet engine fans.
I have confirmed seven incidents in recent months of rapid drops in air pressure and/or troubles with the heating/snowmelting system. All of this will be removed by 2011 when a new retractable roof will transform the skyline and give the stadium another quarter-century and then some.
Until then, it'll be a source of nervous finger-crossing and nail-biting.
An Inconvenient Sleuth
On Jan. 22, VANOC released its latest Sustainability Report Card.
It's a self-evaluation. A glorified navel-gazing exercise. Once upon a time, Olympic Games organizing committees didn't do this. So it is a positive step. But the lack of independent tire-kicking means the public can't take it for gospel.
Neither can reporters. Upon reading the report, I submitted the following questions to VANOC in advance of an interview with VANOC corporate sustainability officer Ann Duffy.
1) Aboriginal-owned company venue and non-venue construction contracts: list including values
2) Contracts with 23 inner-city businesses or organizations: list including values.
3) Board Advisory Committee on Sustainability Performance: names and affiliations of members, dates of past and future meetings, copies of agendas and minutes.
4) Refrigeration plant at Whistler Sliding Centre: average value of monthly power bills and how do they compare with other sliding centres in the world?
5) Backup generators: which BC Hydro substations will the two underground power lines be connected to? Where will the main "generator farms" be located?
6) Dates of WorkSafe BC incidents, nature of incidents, sites of incidents.
7) Where will aboriginal sport gallery be located if the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame is unable to open during the Games because of security restrictions?
8) Factory audits: names and locations of 187 factories audited and names and locations of the six that were banned. What were the infractions?
Only number 3 was answered, though not entirely. The BACSP is profiled on the VANOC website. Its members are mostly sponsors and government partners.
The rest of the questions? Confidentiality clauses and security fears preclude VANOC from satisfying the curiosity of journalists.
It's a self-evaluation. A glorified navel-gazing exercise. Once upon a time, Olympic Games organizing committees didn't do this. So it is a positive step. But the lack of independent tire-kicking means the public can't take it for gospel.
Neither can reporters. Upon reading the report, I submitted the following questions to VANOC in advance of an interview with VANOC corporate sustainability officer Ann Duffy.
1) Aboriginal-owned company venue and non-venue construction contracts: list including values
2) Contracts with 23 inner-city businesses or organizations: list including values.
3) Board Advisory Committee on Sustainability Performance: names and affiliations of members, dates of past and future meetings, copies of agendas and minutes.
4) Refrigeration plant at Whistler Sliding Centre: average value of monthly power bills and how do they compare with other sliding centres in the world?
5) Backup generators: which BC Hydro substations will the two underground power lines be connected to? Where will the main "generator farms" be located?
6) Dates of WorkSafe BC incidents, nature of incidents, sites of incidents.
7) Where will aboriginal sport gallery be located if the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame is unable to open during the Games because of security restrictions?
8) Factory audits: names and locations of 187 factories audited and names and locations of the six that were banned. What were the infractions?
Only number 3 was answered, though not entirely. The BACSP is profiled on the VANOC website. Its members are mostly sponsors and government partners.
The rest of the questions? Confidentiality clauses and security fears preclude VANOC from satisfying the curiosity of journalists.
The blunt truth about Michael Phelps
Bing-bong the Phelps is gone... from the schedule of the Power Within motivational speakapaloozas in Calgary and Vancouver.
The Peking Phish, Michael Phelps, was struck from the bill for the March 3 and 6 events.
Toronto-based Power Within cited the phamous photo of Phelps using a marijuana bong for the cancelation. Phelps won eight swimming gold medals during his record-breaking Water Cube performance last summer. Now he's dealing with the Water Tube.
Could the cancelation almost two weeks before the speaking engagements be really about slow ticket sales? Or might there be a worry about Phelps -- who has not been charged with any crime -- crossing the border?
In unrelated news, a very different Michael Phelps remains on the board of directors for Vancouver 2010. This one's a lawyer and industrialist who was appointed by the Canadian Olympic Committee.
The Peking Phish, Michael Phelps, was struck from the bill for the March 3 and 6 events.
Toronto-based Power Within cited the phamous photo of Phelps using a marijuana bong for the cancelation. Phelps won eight swimming gold medals during his record-breaking Water Cube performance last summer. Now he's dealing with the Water Tube.
Could the cancelation almost two weeks before the speaking engagements be really about slow ticket sales? Or might there be a worry about Phelps -- who has not been charged with any crime -- crossing the border?
In unrelated news, a very different Michael Phelps remains on the board of directors for Vancouver 2010. This one's a lawyer and industrialist who was appointed by the Canadian Olympic Committee.
VANOC transportation plan -- delayed again
Way back in 2006, then-VANOC vice-president of transportation and logistics Wayne Keiser told me to expect the first draft of the VANOC transportation plan by the end of 2007.
Keiser was replaced by Irene Kerr who reports to executive vice-president of service operations Terry Wright.
More than a year has passed since that original deadline. Feb. 26 was pencilled in as a provisional date for the release. VANOC will instead tell Canadians how they an become extras for the opening and closing ceremonies.
The new date? A well-placed source tells me to mark March 11 on the calendar.
That's when the rubber hits the road and the excrement hits the fan. Vancouverites will not be amused by the road, bridge and lane closures. Some thoroughfares will be no-go during the Olympics and Paralympics. Others will be subject to scheduled closures and restrictions.
Vancouver's plan has been formulated by a secretive Olympic and Paralympic Transport Team.
By comparison, London 2012 issued public calls for comment in fall 2006 and fall 2008 on transportation planning drafts.
When I attended Beijing 2008's first world press briefing in September 2006, a first draft of the transportation plan was already published.
Vancouver 2010: With Glowing Hearts... and car-spangled spanners.
Keiser was replaced by Irene Kerr who reports to executive vice-president of service operations Terry Wright.
More than a year has passed since that original deadline. Feb. 26 was pencilled in as a provisional date for the release. VANOC will instead tell Canadians how they an become extras for the opening and closing ceremonies.
The new date? A well-placed source tells me to mark March 11 on the calendar.
That's when the rubber hits the road and the excrement hits the fan. Vancouverites will not be amused by the road, bridge and lane closures. Some thoroughfares will be no-go during the Olympics and Paralympics. Others will be subject to scheduled closures and restrictions.
Vancouver's plan has been formulated by a secretive Olympic and Paralympic Transport Team.
By comparison, London 2012 issued public calls for comment in fall 2006 and fall 2008 on transportation planning drafts.
When I attended Beijing 2008's first world press briefing in September 2006, a first draft of the transportation plan was already published.
Vancouver 2010: With Glowing Hearts... and car-spangled spanners.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
This Bud's For You
RCMP Asst. Comm. Bud Mercer, the chief of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, gave details on Friday of the $491.9 million RCMP portion of the $900 million security budget for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
How big is $491.9 million?
That's enough to buy 295,879,692 bottles of Budweiser, based on the $19.95 price for a 12 x 341 mL bottle case at government-owned B.C. Liquor Stores.
That's 3.02 litres of Bud for every man, woman and child from coast-to-coast-to-coast, based on the Oct. 2008 Statistics Canada population estimate of 33,441,277. The original security budget was $175 million. Mercer became the king of fears at the Friday news conference when he invoked the 1972 Munich massacre and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Park pipe-bombing to justify the quintupling of the security budget.
Mercer will certainly be the most powerful Bud at the 2010 Games, where "wassuping!" or clydesdale-riding would be considered ambush marketing. No-nos that might mean a visit from the Queen's Cowboys.
Molson Coors, not Anheuser-Busch, is the official VANOC beer sponsor.
How big is $491.9 million?
That's enough to buy 295,879,692 bottles of Budweiser, based on the $19.95 price for a 12 x 341 mL bottle case at government-owned B.C. Liquor Stores.
That's 3.02 litres of Bud for every man, woman and child from coast-to-coast-to-coast, based on the Oct. 2008 Statistics Canada population estimate of 33,441,277. The original security budget was $175 million. Mercer became the king of fears at the Friday news conference when he invoked the 1972 Munich massacre and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Park pipe-bombing to justify the quintupling of the security budget.
Mercer will certainly be the most powerful Bud at the 2010 Games, where "wassuping!" or clydesdale-riding would be considered ambush marketing. No-nos that might mean a visit from the Queen's Cowboys.
Molson Coors, not Anheuser-Busch, is the official VANOC beer sponsor.
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