Tonight, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games launch with what is sure to be an entertaining and moving Opening Ceremony. And as a Canadian and former Vancouverite, I can't even tell you how excited I am about tonight, not to mention the 16 days that follow. I so wish I were there in person!
Here's a look at what you'll be seeing during the event:



The gorgeous medals for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were designed by Corinne Hunt, and for the first time, every medal is unique; one of a kind. Hunt, a Canadian artist & designer, based in Vancouver and of Komoyue and Tlingit heritage, created two masterworks, one of an orca whale and one of a raven. Each medal is decorated with a crop from one of these two original artworks. The Orca Whale design for the Olympics, the Raven for the Paralympics. More info is available here. Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, they're among the heaviest medals in Olympic history, weighing in at 500+ grams.



Elegant and somehow very Canadian, the podiums were designed by industrial designer James Lee and Leo Obstbaum, the late design director of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. All the wood used to create the 23 podiums were donated by businesses, communities, First Nations, and individuals. Said to "echo the undulating peaks and ridges of the Coast Mountain Range" the 200+ pieces of carved wood are then topped with a snow-like layer of white acrylic.
Via core77 and mocoloco.


Graphic Identity: It's the dynamic energy of Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in general that inspired the imagery that goes along with the Vancouver 2010 Games. Games traditionally have pictograms representing each sport, but these games (I almost wrote our games) also have elaborate representations in the form of graphic illustrations: "Emotive, dynamic athlete imagery captures the heroism and beauty of sport. The Vancouver 2010 imagery is progressive and youthful, conveying Canada’s personality and adventurous spirit."

Meet the Vancouver 2010 Mascots! These most excellent mascots were designed by Meomi, a design trio out of Vancouver. I've proved myself as biased, but has there ever been cuter, more wonderful mascots than Quatchi, Sumi and Miga? Not just vapid beauties, these lil' guys have back stories, rich histories, if I may.
Quatchi is shy, young, comes from the vast and mysterious Canadian forest, and loves exploring new places and meeting new friends. Also: "The sasquatch is a popular figure in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. The sasquatch reminds us of the mystery and wonder that exist in the natural world, igniting our imagination about the possibility of undiscovered creatures in the great Canadian wilderness."
Then there's little Miga, a young sea bear who lives with her family pod beyond Vancouver Island. Sea bears, of course, are part killer whale and part bear. Look at her adorable haircut. Also: "The sea bear is inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations, tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. The Kermode bear is a rare white or cream-coloured sub-species of the black bear that is unique to the central West Coast of British Columbia. According to First Nations’ legend, Kermode bears – also known as Spirit Bears – were turned white by Raven to remind people of the Ice Age. Orcas are also honoured in the art and stories of West Coast First Nations, as travelers and guardians of the sea."
We musn't forget dear Sumi. Sumi is an animal spirit, who lives in the mountains of British Columbia, and like many Canadians, has a background that's drawn from many places. He flies with the wings of a Thunderbird, runs on the legs of a black bear, and wears the hat of an Orca whale. He's a big fan of the Paralympic Games. Also: "Transformation is a common theme in the art and legend of West Coast First Nations. Transformation represents the connection and kinship between the human, animal and spirit world. Revered animals, such as the orca whale, the bear and the thunderbird, are depicted in transformation through masks, totems and other forms of art. The orca is the traveller and guardian of the sea. The bear often represents strength and friendship. And the thunderbird — which creates thunder by flapping its wings — is one of the most powerful of the supernatural creatures."
There much more information about these three available here. As well as videos, games, and lots more; it'll have you falling in love with them in a hurry. Television and Hollywood-types: I would watch a show or film starring these guys. Just so you know.
And what's a world wide event without a little shopping? Get your fill at the Olympic Store. At CAN$10, these red mittens have been the hit of the Games thus far. They're out of stock at the moment but are sure to be back soon:
I so do hope that you enjoy the Games!