Author Archives: Markus Sull

The Story Behind The Vancouver Olympic Cauldron

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Have you ever wondered about the story behind the amazing Vancouver Olympic Cauldron? If so, You’ve come to the right place.

The Vancouver Olympic Cauldron, which became one of the most iconic symbols of the 2010 Winter Games, was not just a feat of engineering and design but also the result of a well-guarded, secretive project. This mammoth structure, now permanently displayed at Jack Poole Plaza, represented Canada on the global stage, and its creation required top-level planning, collaboration, and intense secrecy.

The project began years before the Games, with initial designs kept strictly confidential. The cauldron was commissioned by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), and Canadian designer and artist Jeremy Railton led the team tasked with creating a concept worthy of the Games. VANOC wanted a cauldron that would be instantly memorable, echoing Canada’s natural beauty and its people’s resilience. Railton’s team envisioned four towering, crystal-like pillars rising in unison, a tribute to the mountains and icy landscapes of British Columbia. These pillars would converge at the top, symbolizing unity among Canadian provinces and territories.

The cauldron’s construction posed several challenges. Standing nearly 10 meters high, it had to be capable of withstanding high winds, rain, and potentially heavy snow while ensuring the flames remained lit regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, the materials needed to reflect the Canadian aesthetic, with glass and steel being selected for their rugged yet refined qualities. Building the cauldron was entrusted to a team of engineers, metalworkers, and glass artisans who worked under tight deadlines and strict non-disclosure agreements. Each piece had to be precisely cut, reinforced, and meticulously inspected to ensure durability and aesthetic integrity.

VANOC’s commitment to secrecy added a layer of intrigue. With thousands of spectators and journalists eager to capture every detail, VANOC knew the cauldron’s design had to be kept under wraps until the opening ceremony. The cauldron was assembled in a secure facility, and only essential personnel had access to the build site. Security measures included restricted access, surveillance, and even night shifts to avoid attention.

When the moment arrived on February 12, 2010, the world watched as four Canadian athletes lit the cauldron. Its grandeur captured the Olympic spirit and Canadian pride, making it one of the most memorable moments of the Vancouver Games. Today, the cauldron stands as a lasting tribute to the teamwork, creativity, and secrecy that went into its creation—a proud symbol of a nation’s achievement and the magic of the Olympics.

The 3000 LED lights returns to Robson Square

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Canopy A breathtaking view of 3,000 programmable LED lights has returned in Robson Square, bringing a captivating view and an electrifying energy to the heart of the city of Vancouver.

This catenary lighting system, designed by local digital lighting studio Tangible Interaction, showcases a vibrant spectrum of colours and patterns, enhancing the energy of the city centre of Vancouver.

Canopy made its appearance at the plaza last year. It was first activated in late November 2023, but then ended up being removed in late March 2024 to make way for the plaza’s summertime events. The original plan was to remove the lights entirely at the end of February 2024, but it proved to be a popular feature for the pedestrians of the city.

Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van said:

“Downtown Van is thrilled to reinstall the Canopy installation at Robson Square this winter. The overwhelming support we received last year truly showcased how much this initiative means to our community. The lights not only brighten our downtown core but also bring warmth and joy to everyone who visits.”

This year, Canopy returns with enhancements that promise to make the experience even more mesmerizing. The lighting system now features updated animations, responsive to weather changes and time of day, making each visit unique. As temperatures drop, cooler blue and white hues create a serene ambiance, while warmer tones add a cozy glow during busy weekend evenings.

Canopy isn’t just a visual treat; it’s become an iconic gathering place, drawing locals and visitors alike. During the festive season, the installation will synchronize with holiday music, adding a touch of magic to Vancouver’s winter celebrations. “We’ve seen people linger, take photos, and just enjoy the space in a way that wasn’t happening before,” said Talbot. “Canopy has become more than just lights; it’s part of the community experience here.”

From social media shares to spontaneous gatherings, Canopy’s impact is felt well beyond the square itself. The installation will remain active until the end of March 2025, illuminating the long winter nights and symbolizing Vancouver’s spirit of innovation and creativity. As the city continues to grow and evolve, installations like Canopy highlight the importance of public art in urban spaces, fostering connection and moments of joy in the heart of Vancouver.

The Canopy continues to both captivate and reinforce Vancouver’s commitment to sustainable urban art. The LED lights are energy-efficient, keeping environmental impact low while delivering high visual impact. Local vendors have embraced the installation, with nearby cafés and shops seeing an increase in evening visitors drawn by the lights.

“It’s not just a visual attraction; Canopy supports our local economy by encouraging people to explore the area,”

Talbot added. Moving forward, Downtown Van hopes to introduce similar art projects, cementing Robson Square as a vibrant hub for cultural and social experiences.

 

The New “People of Downtown” Vancouver Mural

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A new mural has appeared in downtown Vancouver on a wall on the side of The Fall Tattooing building at 664 Seymour St. and features some of Vancouver’s most famous faces, painted by one of Vancouver’s most well-known visual artists Carson Ting.

Carson Ting (aka Chairman Ting) and his team made this mural titled “People of Downtown” created the 120-foot-long piece of art to celebrate prominent Vancouverites who have made a global impact and those who have significantly contributed to the physical, cultural, and/or economic fabric of downtown Vancouver.

In a statment Ting made following the creation of the artwork he says:

“My work captures the energy and fluidity of life, using bold graphics to reflect the dynamic ways we move through life and how we connect with one another. By celebrating the diversity of human experiences, I aim to highlight the unique ways we each navigate the world. Through this playful approach, I invite viewers to engage with the complexity, joy, and richness of being human.”

20 feet tall, the piece of art includes several easily recognizable figures from Metro Vancouver (and B.C.) such as:

  1. Ashley Ander, head of RIDE Cycle Club
  2. Joe Fortes, lifeguard
  3. Arthur Erickson, architect
  4. Bryan Adams, musician
  5. Lon LaClaire, the chief engineer of the City of Vancouver
  6. Kendall Gender, drag performer
  7. Seth Rogen, actor
  8. Sarah McLachlan, musician
  9. Jeff Martin, the founder of Vancity Original
  10. Pamela Anderson, actor
  11. Nardwuar, musician and journalist
  12. Nelly Furtado, musician
  13. Christine Sinclaire, soccer player
  14. Ryan Reynolds, actor
  15. Rick Hansen, athlete and philanthropist
  16. Michael Bublé, musician
  17. Charles Gauthier, the former president and CEO of Downtown Van

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The mural “People of Downtown” really captures these people known locally through the city/Province to those known worldwide in vivid color and bold strokes, creating a vibrant tribute to the people of Vancouver. This mural not only celebrates the icons of Vancouver, But is also a reflection of the different people, communities and cultures that make up the city’s unique identity. Each person in the mural tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the shared spirit that defines Vancouver. From local artists and activists to global changemakers with roots in the city, the artwork captures the essence of Vancouver’s history, its progress, and the people who continue to shape its future.

Positioned on a well-traveled wall, this mural offers a moment of both reflection and inspiration to those who pass by it, reminding them of the strength and resilience that shape the city. “People of Downtown” not only shows all of Vancouver’s icons but also encourages the entirety of the people of Vancouver to consider how they, too, contribute to the ever-evolving cultural landscape in this vibrant city.

UFC Returns To Edmonton!!!

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UFC returns to Edmonton on November 2nd at The Rogers Place for its first Fight Night Event since 2019!

The fight card was unveiled a few hours ago with what is looking to be an amazing fight card that will shake up the night on the 2nd day of November. There will be a total of 14 fights that will be taking place that night with what some UFC analysts say will be a thrilling clash between fighters of the flyweight division in UFC.

The co-main fight will be a match between the No. 3 ranked contender for the Women’s UFC Flyweight Championship Erin Blanchfield (12-2-0) and the former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (14-6-0), who’s ranked fifth in her weight class.

The main fight will be between former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi. They were originally meant to meet at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 earlier in the year but Albazi had to withdraw due to a neck injury.

With the 2 fighters are set to clash, and fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown. Brandon Moreno, who’s known for his relentless pace and grappling skills, will face a hungry Amir Albazi, who’s looking to prove himself against one of the division’s most formidable names. Both fighters have a lot at stake, with Moreno aiming to solidify his place as a dominant force in the flyweight division, and Albazi looking to make a statement by taking down a former champion. Their contrasting styles—Moreno’s grappling expertise versus Albazi’s powerful striking—are sure to create an explosive bout.

With this fight and more on this exciting card, we’ll see a mix of up-and-coming talents and seasoned veterans that will make this this event a must-watch for any UFC fan. Local Canadian fighters are also slated to make appearances, providing the home crowd of Edmonton with even more reason to cheer.

This Fight Night is expected to be an electric experience, with Edmonton fans bringing their energy to every round. Tickets are selling fast as fans get ready for an unforgettable night, full of high stakes and thrilling matchups. Whether watching from Rogers Place or tuning in live, UFC Fight Night Edmonton promises to deliver an action-packed event that will be guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

With a stacked lineup and fierce rivalries, UFC Fight Night in Edmonton is poised to be one of the year’s most memorable events. Fans and fighters alike are ready for an adrenaline-fueled night!

 

Dave Dickenson will return as Stampeders’ coach and general manager next season

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Dave Dickenson is said to return as both the head coach and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders in 2025.

Despite a rather disappointing season which was said to be the CFL club’s worst season in two decades. Calgary finished last in the West Division standings this year at 5-12-1, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The team has gone 11-24-1 since Dickenson took on the additional role of general manager ahead of the 2023 season.

Dave Dickenson is determine to turn things around as he said on  Sunday in a video posted on team’s website:

“I have a plan. I do expect it to work” 

 

With this announcement, Dickenson’s will entering his ninth year as head coach and third as GM in 2025 with the former CFL quarterback has been on Calgary’s coaching staff for 16 years.

Following this, The Stampeders president Jay McNeil said Monday at McMahon Stadium,

“He’s earned the right and the opportunity to turn this around in 2025 and he has our full support, Dave and I have worked incredibly hard over the past three weeks to build a plan for success in 2025 and we believe in that. We will be aggressive in how we build our team for next year.”

It is unknown what Dickenson’s plan is and how it will work but given his past when He navigated Calgary to win the Grey Cup in 2018 in the team’s third straight appearance in the championship game and a regular-season record as Calgary’s head coach is 84-53-3 and 4-6 in the playoffs, Many believe this plan could help lead Calgary to another win in the playoffs.

However, Dickenson has been criticized for having too much on his plate as both GM and coach of the team with mostly his head-coaching duties have also come under scrutiny. Which mainly stems from the team’s lack of success.

But from what others on the coaching staff on the Calgary Stampeders says, This plan Dave has will definitely be something interesting and from the looks of it be what brings Calgary back to the playoffs again.

McNeil Said:

“We believe in the plan, We’ve built the strategy of what we want to achieve for 2025, and we’ve outlined six items on how we want to get better and it will be up to Dave to execute on that.”

With many things that are said to be happening and changing in the team, This plan seems to be in motion. However its to early to tell what this plan will be. Will have to see what happens next season to know what this plan is.

The NHL Power Ranking List

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After a hot start to the hockey season, The Winnipeg Jets has taken the number one spot in the NHL power ranking list.

 

This comes off heels of the 3 back to back wins against the St. Louis Blues, the Seattle Krakens and the Calgary Flames last week. This greatly improves their overall record which is now 8-0-0.

With a great start like this, the Jets are looking to have a very great run overall for this hockey season. There does not seem to be an identifiable flaws or weaknesses with the Jets as they seem to be doing great in terms of training, team chemistry and clear plans in terms of the right plays.

The 2024/25 power ranking number 1 spot was held by the New York Rangers not to long ago. However with the recent winning streak by the Jets, They took the top spot with what some sports analysts now say a perfect start for any team so far this season.

While, The Jets are flying high at the number 1 spot, the same cannot be said for some of Canadas other hockey teams including the Vancouvers very own Canucks.

As the season started, The Vancouver Canucks has been falling behind and is currently at number 7 on the list. This comes off the shaky start they had for their first 3 games this season with them losing against Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary, and Philadelphia. However, its been all uphill since after a tremendous 4 game win streak against the Florida Panthers, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks.

With their comeback in their last 4 games they sit at the top 7 spot on the list and if they continue this streak maybe the might be able to reach the number 1 spot. Its very early in the season after all so anything is possible.

While the Canucks are in the top 10 with the chance of taking the top spot, the same can’t  be said for another beloved Canadian hockey team, The Toronto Maple Leafs who are currently sitting at No. 22 on the list.

The Maple Leafs were off to a great start with back to back wins against Los Angeles, New Jersey and Pittsburgh after their first loss to Montreal at the beginning of the season. However apart from one win against Tampa Bay, they have lost their last 4 games against New York, Boston, Columbus and St. Louis.

However, don’t write them off just yet. Since its early in the hockey season, they still have plenty of time to make their way up the ranks to the top 10 or even the number 1 spot.

With the start from all 3 of these teams this early into the season, there are many questions and possibilities that can happen leading to the end. Will The Jets hold their place at the top? Can the Maple Leafs make an insane comeback to rise up the ranks? Will The Canucks takeover the top if their win streak continues? Only time will tell as we head into another great hockey season.