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Relighting 2010 Olympic Cauldron at New Year’s Eve Countdown adds significance to World’s Greenest City by 2020?


Thank You Very Much Mayor Gregor Robertson & Your City Council!

I am happy to report that the Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved a motion to re-start the New Year’s Eve tradition that has been out of fashion in Vancouver in recent years. The earliest we could be seeing that happening is at the end of 2013, in time for the NYE 2014 party.

At the beginning of 2013, I wrote an open letter to Mayor Gregor Robertson and post it on his Facebook site and elsewhere asking for exactly that – A New Year’s Eve party in Vancouver. If my letter has something to do with this latest City of Vancouver decision to have a NYE Party in 2014, let me express my gratitude to the Mayor, City Council and others who may be involved. Much appreciated.

A New Year’s Eve (NYE) bash is an international event that everyone celebrates.

All cultures. All religions. All parts in the world. Americas, Asia, Europe, Arab, Oceania. Don’t matter who you are, where you, what you are, we all celebrate the beginning of a new year. NYE is also the best time for any city to stake a claim in the world media…FOR FREE!

On NYE, Every City is Vying for Attention

Make no mistake about it, every city is trying to grab your attention at NYE countdown. This worldwide attention is dictated by the different time zones. With the ticking of the clock, any major or even city in a certain time zone gets a fair chance to be featured in the world media as they ring in a new year.

This is not just about celebrating locally or even nationally. It is about taking part in an international event that everyone is focusing on. It is that Olympic moment that comes every year. Every city puts on an elaborate show to stand out against the rest.

If Vancouver won’t do it, Seattle would reap the benefits of being the crown-jewel of the Pacific NW.

Vancouver wants to become the World’s Greenest City by 2020

That is Mayor Gregor Robertsobn’s vision. Here’s an excellent way to sell that to the world on NYE. How? By relighting the 2010 Olympic Cauldron only at the end of the countdown and turn it off soon after the fireworks are finished to serve notice to the world that we are serious about reducing carbon emission and adhering to sustainable principles.

Jack Poole Plaza is Perfect Place for NYE Celebration

The Christmas Tree is there, so is the 2010 Olympic Cauldron. Robson St. & Granville Mall have none of that. Jack Poole Plaza is the perfect place to present to the world our unique heritage as a world-class city that has already hosted the 2010 Games and Expo 86.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1…Olympic Cauldron is Re-lit! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Imagine that! What a glorious moment! Instead of a ball-drop, Vancouver should re-lit the 2010 Olympic Cauldron and the flame only comes on at the end of the count-down. And turn it off after the firework is finished. The worldwide media will pick up on that and present Vancouver’s commitment to sustainable principles and be the World’s Greenest City by 2020.

It cost $5,000 to re-lit the Cauldron but $Millions for a 30″ global TV ad

A single 30-second SuperBowl TV ad cost around $4 million. The same TV ad during the 2012 Summer Games is $20 Million (yes, for only 30 second). Re-lighting the 2010 Olympic cauldron would only be $5,000. If the world media picks that up, it is ALL FREE!

The return on investment (ROI) is clearly in favor for Vancouver to host a New Year’s Eve party. The Jack Poole Plaza with a spectacular waterfront view and where the 2010 Olympic cauldron is located provides the perfect setting to serve notice to the world as the city races towards its goal of becoming the World’s Greenest City by 2020.

Ray Van Eng is an award-winning Photographer/Videographer, Screenwriter and Movie & TV Producer. One of his videos is currently on view at the Hava Nagila Exhibit, Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in Manhattan, New York, NY. from Sep 2012 to May 2013.

Jack Poole Plaza, Canada Place, Vancouver BC

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January 03, 2013

Dear Mayor Robertson,

Re: NYE Bash for Vancouver for 2014

Vancouver needs a public, outdoor, open-to-all New Year’s Eve (NYE) Party. Not only for all citizens to celebrate the new year but also a perfect opportunity to remind the world of our unique heritage and formidable capabilities in hosting global events like the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Expo 86 and so on.

New Year’s Eve is the single most recognized event in the world among all cultures. That is why all major cities around the globe put on an elaborate show and are competing for attention. Not only should Vancouver be among them, we should shine in our own special way to claim our position as the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Please do not hand Seattle that honor. To not participate in the NYE party tradition and be in tune with the rest of the world is to miss out on one of the best times of the year to promote our city.

Yes, there is a mini-NYE celebration at Robson Square for 2013, but the skating ring area is simply too small to host such a premiere event. Jack Poole Plaza is the right place to do it. We have the Christmas tree there with the Vancouver Convention Center and Canada Place nearby, two buildings that have connections to the city’s glorious past as host to a winter Olympic and world exposition as we look forward to build even better future.

We could further reinforce our international image as a city that is committed to sustainability principles and reducing carbon footprint by only re-lighting the Olympic Cauldron at the moment of count-down. This would be even better than a simple ball-drop to serve notice to the world of our serious intention to become the Greenest City in the World by 2020, a vision of yours, Mr. Mayor, that many of us wholeheartedly support and feel have a role to play in the implementation of the Greenest City 2020 plan.

Vancouver is not only a world-class city but one that many others look upon with admiration and even envy. To be without a NYE bash for a city like ours is like running a global business without an impressionable web site these days. It is not even an option. People won’t take you seriously.

Please Mr. Mayor, allow me to urge City Hall and Council to take action to start the new year right for 2014 and plan a NYE bash for those of us who live here and use that opportunity to tell the world of our many attractive attributes as a global destination for tourists, innovative hub for leading businesses and great place to live.

Thank you very much. My very best wishes to you and your council and have a wonderful 2013!

Sincerely,

Ray Van Eng
Media Professional

__________________________________________________________

To the readers of this blog –

If you believe in having a public outdoor NYE Bash in Vancouver that all can enjoy, please join me in sending a request to Mayor Gregor Robertson at this City of Vancouver Facebook address – https://www.facebook.com/CityofVancouver?fref=ts

Vancouver 2012 Christmas Tree with 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Cauldron [Photo by Ray Van Eng]

Ray Van Eng is a long-time Vancouver media professional, screenwriter and movie & TV producer. One of his videos is currently on view at the Hava Nagila Exhibit, Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City. from Sep 2012 to May 2013.

Vancouver Convention Center & Jack Poole Plaza

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The 2011 Canadian National Hip Hop Champions and Hip Hop International Grand Finalists, “FRESHH” from Fresh Groove Studios, Richmond performed at the Canada Day 2012 Celebration at Canada Place Vancouver on July 1, 2012. Choreographed by Cezar Tantoco, this dynamic group has performed at the Closing Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada’s Got Talent, Vancouver’s “Summer Live” Festival and many other community events.

Jamaican Kingfish Limbo dancer Clifford Palmer did the limbo rock also to help celebrate the country’s 145th birthday and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of 1812.

A Video by Ray Van Eng – FRESHH HIP HOP

A Video by Ray Van Eng –Kingfish Limbo

999 Canada Place, Vancouver BC

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Appearing as part of a preview of the CelticFest 2012 on March 10, 2012, The Gothard Sisters from Seattle, WA performed a number of tunes including Scotland The Brave, Scarborough Fair (an old British folk song turned Simon and Garfunkel classic) and others at The Village in Vancouver’s Southeast Falsecreek, site of the former Olympic athletes residents of 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Other bands also making an appearance included Lorne Warr & The Streels, Good For Grapes, Jocelyn Pettit Band. Many of them will also perform later in the main events of the Celtic festival in Vancouver from Mar 14-18, 2012. The week long celebration festivities end with a St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Vancouver on Sunday.

VIDEO – CelticFest 2012, The Gothard Sisters

Almost can’t believe it. But it was here, the first anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2011 came and gone. Can’t deny it, there was a bit of sadness and many were a little depressed. The high we had lived during the 2010 Games was just too hard to attain again.

But people did respond to the call to come out to downtown Vancouver where the celebrations really got started at 4PM when the Olympic Cauldron was re-lit but was extinguished at 9PM. Many who came by later than that were disappointed. But there was still a large street party going on at Granville Mall where there was the Lunarfest 2011 and Robson Square where skating was free for the day. A live performance stage was set up right besides the ice skating rink where local and community artists were invited to entertain the crowd. It was obvious though that people came down to party and dance. So when The Freshest DJ Seko, Marvel, Rico Uno and Kutcorners came on stage to play tracks and spin discs, people participated, waved flags, danced and partied the night away in true Canadian fashion to celebrate the first anniversary of a landmark and history-making event that would defined Vancouver forever.

VIDEO – The Freshest Rap DJ Party at Robson

Robson Square Ice Skating Rink, Vancouver BC

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A solemn Squamish First Nations totem blessing ceremony at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside offered the public a rare glimpse into the centuries-old aboriginal custom known as a potlatch. Geographically, Squamish is located about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-To-Sky Highway and this native community is also one of the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) that was a full and integral partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

In December 2006, a devastating storm ravaged the city’s Stanley Park. The 115 Km per hour (71 mph) wind damaged some 3,000 trees. About 40% of the forest was affected. The cleanup and restoration effort including mending part of the seawall cost a total of $9 Million. But all was not wasted though. Some of the Western Red Cedar were recycled and made into paddles and given as gifts to people around the UK coastline. The paddles were carved by Stewart Nahanee and painted by his brother Wes, both of the Squamish Nation. Wes was not only present at the ceremony but also invited as a guest speaker.

A large cedar log was also carved into two vertical halves (each about 12ft tall) by Chief Robertson and his son Henry Robertson Jr. to be made into two totem poles. On Nov. 06, 2010, a traditional First Nations ceremony was held at Oppenheimer Park and conducted by Bob Baker, a Squamish elder and lead singer and dancer of the Eagle Song Dancer group.

Four persons were chosen beforehand to be the witnesses of the sacred ceremony. In accordance with the Coast Salish tradition, these 4 witnesses carried out a cleansing ritual using sage and fresh water on the yet-to-be-finished totems with the two master carvers standing by in attendance. Then, the totems were then carried by ‘witnesses’ that were respected members of the Squamish Nations into the building nearby to protect the totems from the elements while the carvers would continue to work on the native artwork.

Once completed, the totems will be erected and a special ceremony will also be held to set them up at a site within the park. The day’s ceremony was also an excellent excuse for many in the Squamish community to gather together or ‘Tzo’kam’ as in the native language.

To round off the blessing ceremony, Bob Baker and the Eagle Song Dancers performed an eagle dance for the occasion. Years ago, I worked with Bob in a short dramatic film project. He lead his dancers sang and danced the same song too. Seeing Bob again is like meeting an old friend for me.

This special carving project and celebration is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, City of Vancouver Great Beginnings Program, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Moving Theatre, Constant Arts Society. The program was also part of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) Heart of the City Festival.

VIDEO – Squamish Nation Sacred Totem Ceremony at Vancouver’s Oppenheimer Park

Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

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As we approach the first anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, I like to recall a wonderful journey that lead me to the discovery of some of Canada’s premier First Nations fashion designers.

A temporary cedar wood structure occupying the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza in downtown Vancouver was designated as the Aboriginal Pavilion during the 2010 Games. It was the place to be for visitors to learn about the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) arts and culture. Each day, thousands of tourists and locals alike lined up for a chance to cram into the small domed theatre (about 60’ in diameter) to enjoy a multimedia show about Canada’s aboriginal population and in particular the FHFN which was the full partner of Vancouver 2010. In fact, the 2010 Games operated on grounds that had been the traditional land of the Four Host First Nations (Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) for at least thousands of years.

What many people overlooked was the five-day long (Feb 12-16, 2010) aboriginal fashion showcase that was held off site at the Vancouver Community College campus in downtown Vancouver just a couple of blocks away from the aboriginal pavilion.

The Aboriginal Fashion Showcase featured the work of a number of established and emerging native designers from across Canada. On Feb. 13, 2010, I attended a runway show that highlighted a group of younger designers – Kim Picard, Tammy Beauvais, Louie Gong, and Tracy Toulouse.

These aboriginal artists and stylists drew on the rich history of the Haida, Inuit, Metis and various First Nations tribes to incorporate traditional native arts and designs into contemporary-styled clothing.

A common denominator among many of today’s fashion designers is the diversity of background. While different cultures and upbringings provide the vitality that makes their works interesting, too exotic an approach could alienate the audience. Sometimes in an effort to be distinctive and separate themselves from the crowd, these fashionistas create work that failed to connect with the public. It is indeed difficult to find the right balance. Designers everywhere wrestle with this same problem. The First Nations designers of Canada are no exception either.

That said, I enjoyed the runway show at the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase tremendously. Part of the reason is that like many in the fashion industry, I have not been exposed to First Nations fashion designs much. In all, I find the designs to be both original and authentic. It is a new fashion statement and a welcome addition to the Canadian mainstream fashion scene. Sexy and exciting? Oh yeah, that too. In fact, this fashion event became one of the highlights of my very own experience of the Vancouver 2010 Games.

Best wishes for all the First Nations fashion designers to have a bright future and hope to see a bigger presence for Canada’s aboriginal stylists at the Vancouver fashion scene too.

I also like to mention DJ Kwe who provided the music that I used in this video. Bravo to DJ Kwe for a job well done! Kwe is First Nations herself and (for full disclosure) a dear Facebook friend of me as well.

VIDEO – FHFN Aboriginal Fashion Showcase During Vancouver 2010

VCC Downtown Campus 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC

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Photo by Ray Van Eng

This photo was taken on May 02, 1985. More than 25 years ago.

I remember that day well. It was exactly one year before Expo 86 opened. Earlier in the morning, the then BC premier Bill Bennett, Expo CEO and Chairman Jimmy Pattison, Ambassador and Commissioner General Patrick Reid, Federal Transport Minister Don Mazankowski and others opened the Expo Centre and invited visitors from around the world to the 1986 World Exposition in Vancouver.

When the ceremony was over, Expo Ernie, the official mascot came out to greet the public. I saw the photo opportunity and quickly crouched down and shot the 4 feet tall robot from below and have the geodesic dome of the Expo Centre (now Science World) as the background.

I knew then and there that an important historical moment in Vancouver had taken place. 25 years later with the 2010 Olympic firmly behind us, I am more convinced than ever that bigger and better things will continue to come our way to our beloved city.

Happy 25 Years, Vancouver! The best is yet to come!

Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver BC

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On November 26, 2010 when a small group of people were waiting in line to see the return 2010 Olympic medal exhibit put on by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Vancouver Retail Store on 752 Granville Street, some were reminiscent about the seven-hour wait they endured when they went to see the hardwares the first time around in downtown Vancouver during the 2010 Games. In the original exhibit, 100,000+ people went through the gate, according to Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Communications. More than half of those came to ‘meet’ the medals.

VIDEO – The Royal Canadian Mint Vancouver 2010 Back-By-Popular-Demand Medal Exhibit


5-Ounce Gold Coin—Look of The Games $9495.95.


Each Olympic medal weights about 550g while the paralympic ones weight a little more at 650g each. The two types are different in shape. While the Olympic medals are circular, the Paralympic variety is more like a square with rounded corners. The bronze medals were made of pure copper. The silver medals were in fact sterling silver. The gold medals actually used sterling silver as a base material and then plated with a micron layer of gold weighting six grams which is a requirement set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A total of 615 Olympic medals and 399 Paralympic medals were made. Three sets of six medals (for both Olympic & Paralympic) were assigned to the IOC, The Mint and Teck Resources Limited, the two Vancouver 2010 Official Olympic Supporters.

An estimated 996 medals were given to the winning athletes (615 + 399 – 18 = 996).

Each one of the medals is completely unique. If one were to assemble all the Olympic medals together, the graphics pattern on the medals would form an orca, a mythical and respected creature that symbolizes teamwork and power for Canada’s native people. The First Nations design was by westcoast aboriginal artist Corinne Hunt. Likewise, the Paralympic medals would form the raven, another well-known native supernatural being.

The undulating surface of the medals reflects the mountain, sea and landscape that have made British Columbia so famous around the world. It took two years from design to finish to deliver the medals. It was a collaborative effort by Hunt, Omer Arbel, an internationally renowed industrial designer, the Royal Canadian Mint, Teck Resources Limited, and VANOC.

Even the underside of the medals have interesting features. Beyond the Olympic nomenclature in Canada’s two official languages of English and French and the distinctive 2010 Olympic and Paralympic emblems, the ones that are awarded to the winning athletes also have the sport and event that they competed in. The athlete’s name does not appear on the medal though, as the individual who won it did so for his/her own country.

The paralympic medals also have braille in raised form for the blind to read.

For this return exhibit, the Mint has also brought a variety of commemorative coins just in time for Holiday Season for the public to purchase. Among them is a Fine Silver Kilo Coin – Towards Confederation (2008) which is made of sterling silver with a face value of $250 but actually cost $1,599.95 to own. Also, a $75 Gold-colored RCMP (2007) coin that retails for $499.95. But the one that catches most eyes is the Vancouver 2010 5-Ounce 24k Gold Coin – Look of The Games that is available for $9,495.95. Well, actually, if you have to ask…

Unless The Mint decided to extend the dates, the 2010 Olympic medal exhibit will be closed after Sunday. However, the Vancouver Retail Store will remain open until February 13, 2011.

Latest info on Nov. 28, 7:00 AM: All advance tickets have been sold-out but stay tuned for details – http://www.mint.ca/Vancouver/

752 Granville Street, Vancouver BC

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Back by popular demand, the Royal Canadian Mint brings the 2010 Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals and the 2010 Paralympic Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals back to Vancouver for a second exhibit from November 26-28, 2010. The first time the medals were shown in a public exhibit was in Vancouver in February and March of 2010 or during the entire duration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This time around, the public gets a second-chance to have an up-close and personal experience in viewing and maybe handling these sports achievement recognitions that all athletes at the Vancouver 2010 Games were competing hard for. Admission to the public exhibit at the Royal Canadian Mint retail store in downtown Vancouver is free but tickets are required. Ticket reservation is available online – http://www.mint.ca/Vancouver

Friday, November 26, 2010: 10h30 to 20h00
Saturday, November 27, 2010: 09:30 to 17h00
Sunday, November 28, 2010: 10h30 to 16h00

Royal Canadian Mint Vancouver retail store – 752 Granville Street, Vancouver BC.

Don’t miss this golden (literally) opportunity to see and ‘feel’ the ultimate excitement of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

[Photo Credits: Ray Van Eng]

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold Medal

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Silver Medal

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bronze Medal

Back side of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold Medal

All Vancouver 2010 medals have an undulating surface as one of its most unique features.

2010 Paralympic Games Bronze Medal

Back side of Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Silver Medal

Royal Canadian Mint logo.

Royal Canadian Mint Vancouver Retail Store, 752 Granville St., Vancouver BC

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