It’s Over!!!

Posted on August 23, 2008

For me at any rate… The games have come to an end. I called the Cuba Korea gold medal baseball game tonight, the Koreans pulled off a magnificent double play with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th, for the 3-2 win. What a ride this has been. 12 hour days, calling two games a day, heat, humidity, rain, smog, traffic, people and a load of fun. Working with Warren Sawkiw, Haley Wickenheiser and our producer Doug Howe has been a blast. Pro’s to the end. We laughed, we cried, it was better than cats…
A few observations on the games themselves. Politics aside they were a total success. The “people” here are wonderful! Friendly, courteous, considerate. They bent over backwards to make us feel welcome. Too bad for them they aren’t allowed to think for themselves. They were born into this system, it’s all they know, and big brother is always watching. We, as Canadians are very lucky. I’d love to come back here in a year, to see the real China. I think what we saw here is what the government wanted us to see, Disneyland, for lack of a better description. With $40 billion, you can do a lot to a city to dress it up. I doubt if they will maintain it. I hope for the sake of the people they do, but I seriously doubt it.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I look forward to Vancouver in 2010. But right now I’m looking forward to getting home, sleeping in my own bed, with my own pillow, and hugging my beautiful wife. So long from Beijing.

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So Many Countries

Posted on August 22, 2008

I mentioned earlier in the games that it’s like the United Nations here at the broadcast centre. Well today, Warren Sawkiw and I were introduced to the rest of the world. We thought we would have the day off, because no one had requested the semi finals of the baseball tournament to be televised. At 9 this morning, just as we were about to disappear for the day, the phone rang. It was our executive producer asking if we would like to call the game for BBC, Australian television and New Zealand. We agreed. They liked us so much, they asked us to all the second game tonight. Turns out, over 110 countries were tuning into the game. Not bad for a couple of kids from Canada. It was great fun, with Korea and Cuba winning to face each other in the gold medal match tomorrow.
Cute story from the restaurant today. We took a break for lunch, and our Chinese waiter “Ringo” asked us what we wanted to drink. Warren asked for green tea and and a diet coke. Ringo looked a little confused and said, “We don’t have any Coke Green Tea” Maybe we were tired, or maybe a little punchy from all the 12 hour days, we looked at each other and died laughing. Ringo was good about it and we made him feel good with the explanation. After all, all you need is love, love….

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An Upset for The Ages

Posted on August 21, 2008

I had the privilege of calling the women’s softball final in Beijing today. Japan against the United States. The Americans had breezed through the preliminary round with a perfect 7-0 record, the Japanese were second at 6-1, so it was a fitting gold medal game. The Americans actually came into the tournament with a 59-1 record over the last year preparing for the games. Not too many people gave the Japanese a chance to win. And after seeing the domination of the Americans since day one, I thought they would breeze and defend their title. The Japanese, playing with joy and vitality had other ideas. They kicked American butts all over the Fengtai Stadium winning 3-1 in what has to be considered the biggest upset of these games. It’s the first international title for Japan since 1970, and the kids went nuts. It was an honour to be there, a privilege to watch history in the making, first hand. It’s what the Olympic games are all about.

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What the……

Posted on August 20, 2008

If it wasn’t for our Olympians, there would be no Canadian Olympic Committee. When you’re half way around the world,a gold medalist, or even a world record holder, it’s nice to know you have someplace to go where you’re appreciated for your accomplishments. Hayley Wickenheiser, Marnie Mcbean, Mark Tewksbury and Clara Hughes are all here representing Canada in various capacities. Some with the media, some with private corporations. But, they are not welcome at Canada House. The house where athletes and their parents can gather and relax. Imagine, if your son or daughter was here competing, and they needed inspiration to be their best. What better way than by rubbing shouders, with some of Canada’s most decorated athletes. But they aren’t allowed in Canada House for a number of reasons. Donovan Bailey can’t get in…What the f…..!!! That is insane. Shame on the COC and their pampered shirts. Shame on COC and your holier than thou attitude. You should be on your knees to these athletes, they are the reason you exist. You couldn’t carry their athletic supporters.

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MAO Would Turn in His Grave!!!

Posted on August 19, 2008

A day off from the Olympic wars, and we took advantage. Visited the Ling Long Pavilion, the site of our CBC anchor desk,That’s where Ron Mclean is located. What a spectacular view. We went to the Olympic Super Store, it was nuts and had lunch at Micky D’s..Yes it’s here in Beijing. Ronald Macdonald, big macs and the whole thing.. The evil west has invaded China. What would Mao say? And if you’re curious, it tastes the same as it does at home. But this place, has to be the busiest Macdonalds in the world. Probably 100 servers, and lineups to the door. It took about 45 minutes to get the food. I know you’re saying why would he eat that crap in China. To be honest, after two weeks of Chinese food and noodles, I needed a change. Now it’s back to lemon chicken ok?
Went downtown to a walking mall here the shops are very exclusive. Armani, St. John, all there. I just sat in the square, had a cold beer and watched the people. Couldn’t afford to buy anything.
Back to work tomorrow, Canada plays Australia in women’s softball, the winner will get a medal, colour to be determined.

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Now I’ve Seen It All

Posted on August 18, 2008

I have seen may things that could be consider “different” here in Beijing. From a toddler taking a dump in Tianemen Square, to being spit on by a local. Well today, on the way back from Fengtai and women’s softball, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Travelling down the Number four ring road at 120 kilometres an hour, we passed a motorcycle. On the motorcycle was the driver, what appeared to be his wife, probably his mother, and in HIS arms, a pre school child. I didn’t have time to pull out my camera. I believe it’s what the Chinese call, population control. Just unbelievable. Those Chinese sure are madcap.
We’re over the hump, on the downside of the games. One week from today we head home. It has been an incredible experiance, with more to come.

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Old Habits Never die

Posted on August 17, 2008

There is a park right across the moat from the Forbidden City here in Beijing. It costs one huan to get in, about 16 cents. It’s a beautiful spot. In fact it’s where the last emperor of the Ming dynasty hung himself. That has nothing to do with the beauty though. But the tree is still standing, and it’s pretty nice. Every Sunday, there’s a horde of elderly people who gather in the park. They bring their photo albums to compare pictures. They show each other pictures of the kids and grand children. The purpose of the Sunday gathering is simple in it’s logic. Much to the chagrin of the younger generation, the grandparents are sharing the photos with others in order to set up marriages. They sell the virtues of their offspring to each other, hoping to find a match. Of course the young people don’t like it one little bit. They hate arranged marriages. But what the hell does a kid know anyway? It’s a tradition that has been going on for generations, and it seems to work.

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9.69

Posted on August 16, 2008

Unbelievable!!! Usain Bolt the fastest man in the world. And he didn’t run through the line. Let’s hope there isn’t a positive drug test. He never ran full speed though qualifying, and didn’t in the final. It was as if he knew all along what he would do, and just did it. I was returning from softball when it happened. I wish I could have been there.
The medal drought is over. Canada finally came through with three today. Let’s hope there’s more. There had been talk of Canada getting a medal from Zimbabwe, a silver at that, in exchange for a bridge. That talk has died down.
Not a good day for the softball and baseball teams. In softball the women couldn’t solve Venezuela’s pitching, and lost 2-0. they’re not out of the medals yet, but close. The mens baseball team blue a 4-0 lead, to the Americans and lost 6-4. Their record falls to 1-3, again, not out of it yet, but on the edge of the abyss. Oh well, no one said it would be easy.

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Beijing Beauty

Posted on August 15, 2008

When the sun shines, this is one beautiful city. And it shone today. Did it ever. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, sun was brilliant and the air was clear. Was it a coincidence that track and field started today? Who cares, but you could feel the spirits of everyone lifting.
The architecture of this city is stunning. You can see it in the way buildings are constructed. No straight lines, not just steel and glass. The people who designed many of the newer buildings put some thought into them, and it pays off. A definite oriental feel, but also very modern. It’s just too bad about the government. There’s something wrong with a city, or country that has to put security on every on ramp of every highway, or military personnel every 100 metres to protect the Olympic green. I understand that these are dangerous times in the world, but paranoia really runs deep in China. And it shows. These games are going to leave a wonderful legacy for the people of this city and country. I just hope big brother allows them to enjoy it.

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The Olympic Vortex

Posted on August 14, 2008

We call it the Olympic vortex…It occurs when you get into the meat of the games. So many events, so many assignments. You lose track of time literally. You wake up in the morning, eat, go to the venue, call your game, eat, return to the IBC, voice the hilites, return to the venue, call the game, return to the IBC and voice the hilites, eat, go to the media village, have a beer and fall in to bed. Then you repeat it every day for 16. You lose track of time, you lose track of the days. You have no idea what day it is. You even lose track of what Canada is doing at the games. I had no idea we hadn’t won a medal until I asked today. I’m so wrapped up in my own assignments, I have no time to think of anything else or watch anything else. But guess what?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is what we, as broadcasters live for. The two weeks every two years when you fall into the vortex, the Olympic Vortex, there’s nothing better. If I don’t find a pillow soon, I’ll fall asleep at my desk.