In Comunist Canada only Party Members may see the torch

[GGG]

I am currently in Vancouver for the olympics and one of the things I wanted to do was to get the same picture as all of the media have been showing with the torch in front and the olympic rings that are floating in the Harbour in the background.

I was excited as I treked accross downtown Vancouver through the paties outside of BC place and on Granville and Robson. Then we get to the International Broadcast center where the torch is and it is secured like a prison. 10 Foot high fenses with with olympic tarps on top of them to prevent you from seeing through. There is one small area about 20ft long where the tarp isn't there. From there you get to look through the chain link fence at the torch about 100 ft away. With people packed up against the fence the whole area looks like a UN food station.

The worst part of it all is that you get to watch Volunteers and anyone with credentials go past the fence and walk right up to the torch.


http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac81/gef519/HPIM5176a.jpg

So far this picture is my enduring image of the olympic games. The official reason given is that they are worried about protesters vandilizing the torch. I understand that but at a mimimum they could have constructed an elevated viewing platform so that you could see the torch without the fence.

[transplant99]

I understand your frustration...but how in the world does this make things "Communist" Canada?

[GGG]

I understand your frustration...but how in the world does this make things "Communist" Canada?

Members of the ruling party (VANOC) get special privilages while everyone else is left outside looking through the fence. I might be exagerating but the whole area looks like they are prepared for war. You could take pictures that look very similar to early 80's Berlin wall pictures.

[simmer2]

That's pretty lame...I was looking forward to getting a picture with the torch. Oh well, at least this saves me the hike getting there, I won't even bother seeing it anymore.

[valo403]

Members of the ruling party (VANOC) get special privilages while everyone else is left outside looking through the fence. I might be exagerating but the whole area looks like they are prepared for war. You could take pictures that look very similar to early 80's Berlin wall pictures.

Sounds to me like membership can be gained by simply volunteering. What a communist notion.

And yes, you are definitely exaggerating. Berlin wall comparisons? Ridiculous.

[NuclearFart]

Sounds to me like membership can be gained by simply volunteering. What a communist notion.

And yes, you are definitely exaggerating. Berlin wall comparisons? Ridiculous.

Why do you think volunteers can get in there? VANOC is completely different from the Volunteers.

I can confirm it does look like crap, but maybe more like something out of mad max, minus the burned out school bus. The barrier consists of a bunch of dirty concrete blocks, haphazard chain link fences and rusty poles scattered around. There's also a bunch of the scaffolding pieces & tarps lying around, and a big ugly crane just off to the side.

I suppose obtuse piles of debris will keep those protester barbarian hordes at bay, but why not at least put some small cutouts somewhere for unobstructed photos? Also, there is a seperate, elevated platform just to the left of the torch, I really don't know why they don't allow people up there.

[hockeycop]

I refer you to this thread, which outlines perfectly why any joe blow can't walk up and touch the torch:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=87034

Quit whining. Next time volunteer, get security clearance, and have at it.

[valo403]

Why do you think volunteers can get in there? VANOC is completely different from the Volunteers.

I can confirm it does look like crap, but maybe more like something out of mad max, minus the burned out school bus. The barrier consists of a bunch of dirty concrete blocks, haphazard chain link fences and rusty poles scattered around. There's also a bunch of the scaffolding pieces & tarps lying around, and a big ugly crane just off to the side.

I suppose obtuse piles of debris will keep those protester barbarian hordes at bay, but why not at least put some small cutouts somewhere for unobstructed photos? Also, there is a seperate, elevated platform just to the left of the torch, I really don't know why they don't allow people up there.

Because the OP said that Volunteers were getting in?

[DownhillGoat]

Hmmm, protesting downtown, breaking windows, but the torch should obviously be completely unguarded.

You could take pictures that look very similar to early 80's Berlin wall pictures.Pretty sure you couldn't take a picture of the berlin wall with a view to the other side.

Annoying? Sure. But have you been to a communist country?

[Yamer]

Not a huge fan of the Communist comparison, but it was to make a point. The point being that there should be an area where the torch can be viewed unobstructed.

Perhaps they are working on it, this is only day 3.

Although, it is becoming more and more evident that despite over half a decade of planning they still messed the bed in a lot of peoples eyes.

[Ducay]

Thread of the year!

Spelling mistakes = check
Communist Reference = check


All we need is a Hitler analogy and the trifecta is complete!

[Gozer]

Complaining that he can't see something that is gigantic and visible through a chain link fence: check.

[llama64]

Couldn't you ask one of the privileged "party members" to take the photo you want?

I mean, if they are communist, chances are they won't steal your camera since the government has already provided for all their needs... Maybe toss them a couple rubles for the effort.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Have they had it closed off like this in past Olympics?
It seems odd to me, you can up close to pretty much everything else and the huge fence and distance makes it not even worth going to see.
If there was a way, I would to roast a marsh-mellow on it.

[llama64]

if there was a way, i would to roast a marsh-mellow on it.

terrorist!

[Bertuzzied]

Thread of the year!

Spelling mistakes = check
Communist Reference = check


All we need is a Hitler analogy and the trifecta is complete!

Hitler let the common nazi touch the olympic torch.

I think it's a bit ridiculous to have a chain linked fence around it. Vancouver is getting this all wrong.

[FurnaceFace]

Seeing it, it is a little lame as the fence seems a little over the top. I can see a shorter fence or some sort of fence like they have out at Cypress which is easier to look through. Having the fabric wrap around most of it doesn't help either. I did hear talk they might change it.

My suggestion is to go across the street and just take the top of it. There are many monuments and such in lots of places where you can't get the exact same shot as the pros or those with credentials.

http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.jpg
http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.com

[Dwight_K_Schrute]

Wow that angers me! I can't even describe the rage.

A freaking fence? you have to look through a fence are you kidding me?


Pathetic display by VANOC. I agree that they are pretty much Communists.

[DownhillGoat]

Hitler let the common nazi touch the olympic torch.
And Mussolini made sure the trains ran on time. They're both saints.

Given the choice of Hitler running the nation but being able to see the olympic cauldron? I'll take the chain link fence, thanks.

Next we're going to have people complaining the Calgary Tower is too high and they can't get a good shot of it when it's lit. Stupid commies.

[Yeah_Baby]

At least because VANOC hired Dennis Nedry the fence wasn't electrified like it was supposed to be.

[Flamesoholic]

Perhaps the anger to being fenced out from the flame should be directed to those that are responsible for the fence being there in the first place.
If there wasn't such a very real chance of it getting vandalized by those so-called "protester" vandals, I'm sure VANOC would have happily had the flame far more accessible.
I can't believe people are actually blaming VANOC for putting up fences when there are hundreds of bottom-feeding idiots running about who no doubt would love any opportunity to destroy the most important symbol of the Olympics.
It sucks there are fences, but what sucks more is that there is even a need for a fence in the first place. They are protecting our flame, and should not be condemned for it.

[d_phaneuf]

Perhaps the anger to being fenced out from the flame should be directed to those that are responsible for the fence being there in the first place.
If there wasn't such a very real chance of it getting vandalized by those so-called "protester" vandals, I'm sure VANOC would have happily had the flame far more accessible.
I can't believe people are actually blaming VANOC for putting up fences when there are hundreds of bottom-feeding idiots running about who no doubt would love any opportunity to destroy the most important symbol of the Olympics.
It sucks there are fences, but what sucks more is that there is even a need for a fence in the first place. They are protecting our flame, and should not be condemned for it.

exactly, it is not VANOC's fault there are a bunch of idiots who make it their goal to disrupt the games

it would be like blaming the airlines for making you go through security at the airport

blame the idiots who cause the need for extra protection, not those who provide the necessary protection

[Playfair]

You have to know if it was freely accessible some yahoo would put the flame out, cut the torch down, or otherwise destroy the thing.

It is sad but true. Just like Metallica said.

[TopChed]

If you're using a small camera, I'm sure you could take an unobstructed picture through one of the holes in the chain link. If not, buy a canoe and paddle around.

[Dwight_K_Schrute]

Maybe they should have 10 of the 7,000 security people in Vancouver guard the torch!

[flames_fan13]

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/27184--vanoc-promises-to-improve-public-s-visibility-of-olympic-cauldron

Looks like they are going to find a way to make it more accessible and picture friendly.

VANOC says they were surprised the cauldron is so popular, and now they're considering a plexi-glass wall, or a viewing platform so people can get an unobstructed view. However, they have to make sure any measures they take are adequate--and meets security requirements.

[GGG]

I will admit the comunist references are a bit much, but the feeling you get when you walk through there is one of opression. Also I was feeling rather bitter this morning as my snow boarding tickets were canceled. Really the fenced in torch is beautiful irony.

The solution to the torch problem is rather simple though. If they would open up what appears to be a outdoor seating area just to the right of the torch site you would be able to get a close up view of the torch while Vanoc maintains their perimter.

Security in general at the olympics is a joke. Metal detectors everywhere so guns and knives can't get in venues but if someone really wanted to damage there is nothing stopping anyone form building a truck fertilizer bomb. Esentially all of the metal detectors are there for show and not for safety.

Minus these logistical issues the games are fantastic. The crowds at events are great, getting to events is easy, It is unfortunate that they got so many little details right but the lasting impressions will be these large symbols

[SebC]

Personally I'd rather shoot through a fence than through glass. And I don't random people posing in my shot! Guess I better get there before they change it. :confused:

[Delthefunky]

They just don't want people finding out that the columns are actually just cardboard boxes wrapped in tinfoil

[icarus]

VANOC says they were surprised the cauldron is so popular
Really?

:blink:

[Hemi-Cuda]

^^^ somehow that doesn't seem very surprising at all

[valo403]

I will admit the comunist references are a bit much, but the feeling you get when you walk through there is one of opression. Also I was feeling rather bitter this morning as my snow boarding tickets were canceled. Really the fenced in torch is beautiful irony.

The solution to the torch problem is rather simple though. If they would open up what appears to be a outdoor seating area just to the right of the torch site you would be able to get a close up view of the torch while Vanoc maintains their perimter.

Security in general at the olympics is a joke. Metal detectors everywhere so guns and knives can't get in venues but if someone really wanted to damage there is nothing stopping anyone form building a truck fertilizer bomb. Esentially all of the metal detectors are there for show and not for safety.

Minus these logistical issues the games are fantastic. The crowds at events are great, getting to events is easy, It is unfortunate that they got so many little details right but the lasting impressions will be these large symbols

So it's exactly the same as 99% of the world? How exactly are you supposed to screen for truck fertilizer bombs? Checkpoint perimeters around the city? Sounds pretty communist to me.

[BloodFetish]

They should have some volunteers/security posted at the torch to escort groups of people in for pictures.

[PowerPlayoffs06]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/02/16/olympic-cauldron-fencing.html?ref=rss

A short article about the fenced-in cauldron with a great photo. Really short sighted of them to think people wouldn't want clear, unobstructed pictures of the Olympic flame.

[Diet Water]

Looks like a temporary solution to the problem, good move.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=44245.html#public+gets+closer+look+olympic+ cauldron

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/mm/photo/photo/general/04/42/81/44281_m15.jpg

[Bertuzzied]

^

I think even Nassau has a smaller fence for the space shuttle.

[mykalberta]

^

I think even Nassau has a smaller fence for the space shuttle.

When did the shuttle ever land in the Bahamas?

[shermanator]

http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.jpg
http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.com

This torch excites the stoner in me.

[HOOT]

Why not protect it with Pleixglass or something you can see through but it hard to break or get over without some ugly chain link fence in 90% of the photos people take.

You would think that they only had a few weeks to prepare for these games.

[Ironhorse]

http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.jpg
http://www.stadevene.com/junk/torch.comAll this picture is missing is this guy:

http://billsmovieemporium.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/max22.jpg

[northcrunk]

Yep pretty Fascist games IMO, police state mentality has taken over Vancouver but I am not surprised, we have a prime minister who shuts down parliament whenever he wants, I hardly recognize Canada now.

[Yeah_Baby]

Yep pretty Fascist games IMO, police state mentality has taken over Vancouver but I am not surprised, we have a prime minister who shuts down parliament whenever he wants, I hardly recognize Canada now.

:rolleyes:

[Smell My Finger]

That solution that VANOC came up with to cut a 6" hole by snipping a couple links is pretty lame.
I guess VANOC clearly does not trust Vancouver vandals to not ruin the sculpture or something.
Its pretty strange that they fenced it all off with chain link in the first place.

There was some European photo jounalist that said he has attended the last 10 Olympics and he has never seen the Flame fenced off from the public.

VANOC was really niave to not forsee this to be a potential international issue of the Olympics.

[Russic]

I have to agree with most of the posters in this thread. The fence sucks, but if it wasn't there this thread would be about people throwing paint all over it.

I actually like the idea of treating it like the Stanley Cup. Just have a line and let people go up to it under supervision. Will it stay there once the games are over?

[Bertuzzied]

When did the shuttle ever land in the Bahamas?

i was saying nasa with my texas accent.

[FanIn80]

The fence sucks, but if it wasn't there this thread would be about people throwing paint all over it.

I dunno about anyone else, but I think that fugly lookin torch could stand to have a few buckets of paint thrown at it.

[Yeah_Baby]

That solution that VANOC came up with to cut a 6" hole by snipping a couple links is pretty lame.
I guess VANOC clearly does not trust Vancouver vandals to not ruin the sculpture or something.
Its pretty strange that they fenced it all off with chain link in the first place.

There was some European photo jounalist that said he has attended the last 10 Olympics and he has never seen the Flame fenced off from the public.

VANOC was really niave to not forsee this to be a potential international issue of the Olympics.

As I understand it that was temporary for now. They were talking about having a viewing platform.

And they've also never held the games on the 'left coast' before. Hence the need for the fence with the pot smoking hippies. ;)

[Reggie Dunlop]

In Soviet Russia, torch finds YOU!

[browna]

There was some European photo jounalist that said he has attended the last 10 Olympics and he has never seen the Flame fenced off from the public.


What a ridiculous statement by some over dramatic Euro.

In Calgary, and the 8 Olympics since, the Olympic Flame is burning in the couldron high above the ground at the top of an open air stadium.

So while techinically true that there's no fence around it, its a couple hundred feet in the air, within a locked stadium, you're also not able to get anywhere near the flame in that case. That restriction and thus not able to get a good photograph of the flame hasn't seemed to been an issue at anytime else, but suddenly people demand and feel entitled to be close enough to warm their hands with this one.

I guess the answer would've been to lift Gretzky up on an industrial crane to light the flame on the outside of BC Place and to hell with having a permanant mounment of the games right on the water front? (which, after all this, is still likely to be a target of protest). People could then crane their necks to take a picture of the flame from some parking lot below and be happy just long enough to find something else in Vancouver to bitch about or that infringes their right to go somewhere without restriction.

http://www.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/ice-hockey/Audience+involvement+planned+Paralympic+ceremonies/1226998/1195092.bin?size=620x400

[HOOT]

Looks like they finally made it a plexiglass fence....now who would have thought that would be a good idea? :whistle:

Why not protect it with Pleixglass or something you can see through but it hard to break or get over without some ugly chain link fence in 90% of the photos people take.


I still can't believe that VANOC didn't think people would care about seeing it.

[browna]

Looks like they finally made it a plexiglass fence....now who would have thought that would be a good idea? :whistle:



I still can't believe that VANOC didn't think people would care about seeing it.


Let hope it lasts without protestor graffiti covering parts of it.

[TowelPower]

I was there last night and the viewing area above the torch was great. I hear today they have replaced the fence with plexi glass.