It's Snowing in August...Wellington, New Zealand

It's no secret that I adore New Zealand. Since visiting that country in 2008, I have been planning a return trip, hopefully within the next couple of years.

On Monday, August 15, the biggest snowfall for that day took place in Wellington, New Zealand. This video captures some of the images of the snow set to Claire de Lune, very well done. It also made me wish I was there right now, ah NZ why do you have to be half a world away?! :)

Adele Wows in Vancouver

Last night, I attended the Adele concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. She was in fine form and we, the fans, certainly appreciated her artistry. After a bout with laryngitis which literally left her without a voice for several weeks in June/July, she admitted that she didn't think she would ever sing again.

The stage was set as a livingroom, warm carpet runners, standing lamps and hanging lampshades made us feel as though she was singing to us from her home. The first song 'Homecoming' was dedicated to her hometown, London, England, as it reels from 3 days of continuous rioting.

Her voice is indescribable live, it is so powerful, poignant, emotional, raw, sweet - truly one of few artists that sound better live.

Intermittently, Adele would regale us with stories - inspirations and insights, into why she wrote certain songs. She is very down-to-earth and it was almost like a friend was speaking to you. She admitted to a few nerves but the crowd's warm and enthusiastic reception put her at ease and told us that she "was enjoying herself".

There were many highlights for me, too many to list really as it is difficult to just pick just one. However, hearing her sing 'Set Fire to the Rain', 'Someone Like You' and 'Taking It All' was absolutely stunning. I caught a few people wiping away an errand tear or two (might have been me too).

A very special moment at the end of her concert was a tribute to Amy Winehouse when she sang 'To Make You Feel My Love' by Garth Brooks. Adele and Amy attended the same school of the arts. Adele would only say that she and Amy had known each other for several years and will always have a special place in her heart.

Adele's future looks bright, she has been credited for single-handedly saving the music industry from a total meltdown as she has held the top spot on the music charts for most of 2011. I certainly hope that she will be around for a long, long time.



Adele with her band



Adele - amazing

BC Place Stadium Open House

BC Place Stadium Roof under construction, July 31, 2011


















On July 31, 2011, I visited the Open House at BC Place Stadium. In May 2010, the era of the familiar sight of the 'marshmallow' roof for BC Place came to an end when construction began on a new roof structure.

A lot of hours of planning, engineering, work and money have gone into creating this roof and new interior for BC Place. It will look like a brand-new stadium because it will be a brand-new stadium.

I was very impressed with the look of the new roof and all the modern amenities that are being added. Wider seating, cup holders, a new sound/lighting system and score board. It is a feat of engineering. Just standing on the floor of the stadium looking upwards, I had a bout of vertigo. To see the workers move in and around the roof structure was amazing.

The completion date is set for fall, the first home game of the BC Lions is September 30, 2011.

Roof taking shape as panels are being lifted into place.
The colour will fade to white in the sun.



 





The new score board, sound & lighting system. Workers were
walking around in it - no fear.

New concrete, new private suites and new, roomier seats with cupholders.