Playoff Time for Canucks

At this time of year, the NHL ice hockey playoffs begin and the Vancouver Canucks have made it once again. When I moved to Canada last year, watching the Canucks, on television, in the playoffs was my first experience of ice hockey and the start of my learning curve of the sport. This year, Nancy and I have been lucky enough to see a couple of games live and in person.

We went to see the last regular season game for the Canucks, which was against the NHL team from Phoenix. The arena, GM Place, was packed to the rafters with people including some strangely dressed fans which you can see in the photos. The atmosphere was great and the Canucks won 4-1.... a joy to watch.

At the time of writing, the Canucks have just won game 6 in the series of 7 to beat the LA Kings and reach the next round of the playoffs. The Canucks struggled in part against the LA Kings, but overcame to win through with a game to spare. However, Ross's team Washington Capitals (aka the Caps) are struggling to get past another Canadian Team - Montreal Canadians. The Caps have to play game 7 as the decider! Anyway, thanks to my boss I managed to see the first game of Canucks playoff series in a luxury box suite and I chalked up another great experience watching hockey. GO CANUCKS!

Em & Kris in Vancouver TODAY!

Yes... this pair of drinkers will be touching down in Vancouver today (aka Thursday). I have warned Vancouver Police and the local liquor stores that the Kings are coming to town.... everyone is on high alert for drunken behaviour!

Friday Night Gang reunion here we come.

Challenge On - First 10 KM Run Under My Belt

Today, was the Times Colonist 10KM run in Victoria and this annual event achieved a record turn-out, breaking the 10,000-mark for the number of runners completing the race with 10,850 tallied up by the noon. More than 13,500 had registered. The previous high was in 2009 when 9,484 ran, walked or rolled through the TC 10K.

As competitor 3599 I was one of the many runners with this being my first competitive 10K run, as part of the run challenge. My overall objective was to get through the race without walking and lay down a decent time, which ideally would be under an hour. With so many people at the start of the race, it was difficult to manage my own pace, especially as I was more concerned about not being tripped up by other runners. As the race wore on there was increasingly more space and actually the other competitors kept me motivated to keep my pace up towards the end of the race. I even saved enough energy for a sprint finish, which was heightened by the public address system announcing my name as I approached the finish line. Check out the video that Nancy took which captures my finish and name announcement.

So most importantly, what was my time.... well the unofficial time according to my ipod was 56 mins, 40 seconds. However, the official time according to the race sensor was 56 mins, 48 seconds - see below for the confirmation and also available on the website. Over to the rest of you now.... aka Bill Murray, Marlboro man and "I'm afraid of heights" Kris.











Check out Nancy's finishing line video with my announcement at 27 seconds and crossing the line at 40 seconds.

Curling - First Time on the Ice

In the past I have been a major critic of curling, based on the fact that it is perceived as a boring sport for old people with many connotations related to housework with all the sweeping. However, many Canadians take curling very seriously as a sport and with the Winter Olympics recently bringing the game to greater prominence more people are getting involved.

For those you are unaware, Curling is a sport in which players slide stones across a sheet of ices towards a target area, also known as the house. It is related to bowls, boule and shuffleboard. Two teams, each of four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones with eight stones for each team. The purpose is to accumulate the highest score for a game, points being scored for the stones resting closest to the centre of the house at the conclusion of each end, which is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones. A game may consist of ten or eight ends.

Having never been on an ice rink before, this was certainly a night of firsts for me. I was also slightly nervous as Nancy's first attempt at curling, last year, resulted in her going to hospital with a damaged wrist. The evening started with coaching from the Vancouver Curling Club Ice Technician, called Don. He was very obsessed with his ice in an enthusiastic style and provided us with the basics and general insights into curling. We were then released onto the ice for some "rock chucking". It turned out, curling is enjoyable and we all had a right laugh, mainly taking the piss out of each other. My team lost 4-3 and I didn't really help the team, as I never actually managed to get a stone to stay in the target area. Oh well, at least there might be a next time!

Palm Springs & Indian Wells Tennis

Still in catch up mode with the blog and thought that I would write about our recent holiday in Palm Springs, California. One of the benefits of living on the West Coast is that California is within easy reach, similar in flight time as flying from the UK to Spain, but a little more glamorous in my humble opinion. Betty, Nancy's Grandmother has a winter home in Palm Springs and we were privileged to be invited to stay.

To save some cash, we drove across the US border on a Tuesday evening, stayed overnight in the small town 0f Bellingham. Next morning, up early, we took a EasyJet style flight from Bellingham to Palm Springs in about two and half hours. We landed in bright sunshine, clear blue skies and 80 degrees heat.... it was very enjoyable weather for mid March. We only had a few days and we made the most of it with numerous activities including shops, bars, restaurants and dips in the swimming pool. The two main highlights of the trip were the Living Desert, a local wildlife park and a couple of days at the Indian Wells Tennis tournament.

Firstly, the Living Desert was a great experience to get up close and personal with some interesting wildlife. As you can see by the photos we saw a number of animals, including giraffe, buffalo, goats, snakes, leopards, antelope, giant tortoise, zebras and various birds. We also had a wander into the nearby desert and saw the famous San Andreas fault, which is a major tectonic plate of the earths crust.... aka the reason for local earthquakes.

Onto the tennis tournament, for those who don't know the Indian Wells Tennis tournament is the fifth largest tennis event after the four major grand slams. Fantastic venue, stadium and well attended by a huge number of people. We had tickets for two days and managed to see the Mens singles quarter finals, Womens, Mens semi finals and some doubles matches. Although our seat allocation was up in the "bleacher" seats we a great view of the stadium court, plus we managed to swap to closer seats during the event. Highlights of the tennis was watching Nadal, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray play, although Murray was not on best form and lost his quarter final match. Suffice to say, Nancy and I both had an enjoyable time and planning to go back next year for more sunshine and tennis.

The Merc named after me!

After 13 years working for Mercedes-Benz I never thought the company would name a car after me. But it's true... the new SLS was officially launched this month with a price tag of $200,000. It is also the re-introduction of the gull wing design.

The first SLS appeared (pictured here) in Vancouver three weeks ago in preparation for the Vancouver autoshow and I was lucky enough to drive it into our training centre. What a sound from the engine!

I just need to scrap a few pennies together to buy my own.

One Year Anniversary in Canada

A little late I know..... however, 5th March 2010 was officially my one year anniversary of arriving in Vancouver, Canada. Amazing how quickly a year can pass on the other side of the world.

We celebrated this momentous event by having a party with friends, Jessica, Paul, Gina, Stuart and kids. We all had a top time eating and drinking, including Nanaimo bars and ice cream! The main attraction of the evening involved me working how to dress up as an ice hockey player in the fastest time possible. Let's just say I refused to wear the jock-strap and it took me far too long to work out shoulder pads. Many laughs were had at my expense and so I'm sticking to being a tennis player.

Here is me celebrating my final success with a beer... very Canadian!

This one is for you... Emily.

It has been a a few weeks since my last blog post, this has not been due to a lack of activity or content in our lives rather a lack of motivation on my part. Bob was an avid reader of the blog and it has proved difficult to get back writing posts again, despite this in the last couple of days both Nancy and Emily have specifically asked for an updated blog. So here I am thinking of what I can say.....

The last couple of months have been busy, even hectic, for myself and Nancy with a number of trips away, attended sporting events, my one year anniversary in Canada, skiing, work stuff, house hunting, running in preparation for my two 10km runs and driving a Mercedes-Benz that is named after me. Not to mention the pending visit from Emily and Kris to Vancouver at the end of the April. So where do I start updating the blog.... where it would seem sensible with the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

It was a fantastic experience to have the Olympics literally on our doorstep with the flame only two blocks away on the seawall, Olympic rings in the harbour outside our window, street parties all over the city and people from every nation wandering round the city. Nancy and I went to a couple of medal ceremony concerts with the Stereophonics and Bare Naked Ladies, with one highlight being the only British gold medal being handed out to Amy Williams for Women's skeleton. Now that is one sport you wouldn't catch me doing, a metal tray going at 90 miles an hour! Another major highlight was watching the ice hockey and I was lucky enough to see one match in person..... the Germans had their arse's handed to them by the Finns 5-0, in a group game. However, it was serious stuff for the Canadians who made it through to the gold medal game against their arch rivals USA. This hockey game had everything, but most importantly the Canadians won 3-2 in overtime with their captain Sid Crosby scoring the goal. I think I heard most of Canada screaming when that last goal went it. Certainly the streets of Vancouver were full with celebrating people that Sunday night.... the only comparison would be if England won the football world cup. A few photos are enclosed.

Bob Marks

Bob (Robert) MARKS passed away at home with his family and friends by his side at the age of 68, on February 14, 2010 (b. November 8, 1941).

He is remembered lovingly by his wife Wendy (nee Miller), son Scott and daughter Nancy (Scott) as well as many close friends and family who proved their mettle in past months.

Bob is survived also by two brothers, three sisters, and their families: Leona (Jack) Foster, Stan (Ann) Marks, and Lawrence (Joyce) Marks, all of Winnipeg; Marge (Bob) Drysdale of Brookdale; Barbie (Greg) Graham of Wellwood and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Elsie (nee Hanson) and his brothers Orville (Rhoda), Lorne (Eleanor), Doug (Gaynor) and Raymond.

Bob was born and raised in Newdale, Manitoba. After a short stint in Winnipeg, Bob moved to the West Coast in 1967 and soon after began his career with the BC Government. Wendy and Bob married in 1969 and moved to the Saanich Peninsula, where they have lived for over 40 years. Bob was a father and friend to his children and participated in their lives, giving generously in so many ways, but most importantly with his time and support.

Bob enjoyed staying active with yoga, pilates, running the lakes and was a common sight at Saanich Commonwealth Place and at Mattick’ Farm, for a Sunday walk, coffee and banter with the gang. Activity was a staple of Bob’s life so much so that he never felt himself unless he had been active each day. Bob participated in his community by coaching Little League, volunteering and serving with the Central Saanich Lions Club.

Bob made small and grand expeditions –the West Coast Trail, Tofino, Parksville, camping trips en route to Manitoba, baseball games in Seattle, repeated trips to Africa, South America, Asia, Scandinavia, England and his annual visit to the beaches of Maui. He enjoyed discovering the local birds and exploring nature wherever he visited. Bob experienced peace and beauty through nature whether on one of his many trips or in his backyard dozing to the birdsong or gazing at the swaying Douglas Firs – except when he was cursing the thrice-shedding Arbutus tree or chasing the neighbour’s cats away from his bird feeders!

Bob's sense of humour, quick wit, kindness and love of life defined and served him. Bob was always willing to lend a hand or give a word of encouragement or congratulations, unless you were a lottery winner from out East! Bob relished his time with all those that he befriended or simply encountered. Bob knew that life was not a solitary endeavour, but rather a team pursuit and that a sunset or, better yet, a sunset and a gin & tonic is always more enjoyable with a friend at one's side.

We miss him deeply.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel at Johnson at Vancouver Streets in Victoria on February 27 at 2pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Mount Newton Centre (Bob volunteered here and we used their resources to care for Bob at home) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (this is the charity that Bob's friends and family raised over $10,000 for in 2009).

Three Years Today!

Today (18th Feb 2010) is our three year anniversary since we got engaged in Hong Kong! So just a quick blog post to thank Nancy to agree to marrying me and becoming my gorgeous wife exactly three years ago today.

Somthing that gets you thinking

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

For the full story, click on the article link.

Running Club - GO!

With only 3 months left to the running challenge being completed, I thought I better step up to the mark. So I signed up at the local Running Room for a 10km running club with the specific purpose of training for the Vancouver Sun Run on 9th May.

Tonight was the first night, which involved a introduction talk from Alex our instructor and then a basic 3km run around the seawall. We discussed distance running technics of breathing and run/walk intervals. All good stuff and my pace was good being third person to finish out of a group of twenty-five. However, this is where is steps up and the extra effort is required to ensure someone else is on the Youtube video!!

Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 is Coming

Olympic Winter Games: February 12 to 28, 2010
Paralympic Winter Games: March 12 to 21, 2010

On July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the host city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and the alpine resort of Whistler in February and March 2010 to celebrate winter sporting excellence. The Games, along with the region's spectacular natural playground and its vibrant venues, will put Vancouver in the spotlight as a premier sporting destination.

A few quick facts about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games:

• Number of Olympic athletes and officials: 5,500
• Number of Paralympic athletes and officials: 1,350
• Countries participating in Olympic Winter Games: 80+
• Countries participating in Paralympic Winter Games: 40+
• 2010 Olympic Winter Games events tickets available: 1.6 million
• 2010 Paralympic Winter Games events tickets available: 250,000
• Estimated number of media representatives: 10,000
• Estimated number of Games volunteers: 25,000

Bloody Freezing!!!

The year 2010 was ushered in with the Polar Bear swim at English Bay, in Vancouver. What a Way to start the Vancouver 2010 Olympic year. Every year on New Year's Day, Vancouverites gather at English Bay to plunge into the sea. This is the 90th anniversary of the event. The temperature this year is about 8 degree Celsius. Everybody had tons of fun including our fearless group of seven which were me, Nancy, Anthony, Stu, Paul, Emma and Paige.

A couple of thousand people attended, many of them in costumes and some of them could easily be considered freaks in their approach to the swim. The video below that I found on the web shows what I mean. Another highlight of the event is Peter Pantages (founder of Polar Bear Club) Memorial 100 yard swim, however, there was no way our little band of people was ever going to make it that far in the water.

To Swim or Not to Swim... That is the Question?

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers in that year to the record number of 2,128 official entries in 2000.

This year, the Polar Bear swim takes place at 2:30pm on Friday 1st January 2010. Nancy has stated that this is on her "bucket list" and plans to take a dip in the cold water. And this is where the question comes.... should I join her? Anthony has also laid down the gauntlet by using blackmail, saying that he will only do it, if I do! What do you think?

What a day!

Yesterday, proved to be a great day... it all started with Nancy and I watching Fulham FC crushing Manchester United 3-0, a convincing victory on the football pitch. Not my words but the comments of ESPN Soccernet website and so I cannot wait to see Match of the Day highlights. This was followed by my Fantasy Football Team performing well and once again showing Ross's team how it is done.

The afternoon saw me head up to Grouse Mountain for my first skiing of the winter season. The snow conditions were ok as there was quite a bit of ice and not enough powder, however, the clear skies meant awesome views of Vancouver. The three hours on the slopes also meant I broke in my new ski-boots, in preparation for Anthony's forthcoming visit to Vancouver.

The great day didn't end there, as the evening saw Nancy cook a roast dinner with the highlight being the roasted parsnips.... YUUUUUMMMYY! We then watched a movie and enjoyed a relaxing evening with hot chocolate. If only all days were like this.