After attending the 2010 Paralympics alpine events last week, it became evident just how different the Paralympics are from the Olympics.

Gone were the security restrictions, blimps, pigloos, military helicopters and police officers/military on every street corner. Paralympic spectators were not subjected to airport-style security screening, despite visiting VIPs such as Prime Minister Harper, B.C. Premier, Gordon Campbell and Prince Edward.

All instances of the IOC's five-ring logo had been replaced with the three agitos (or semi ovals of red, green and blue). Tickets for the Olympic alpine events were priced at $150, while tickets to the Paralympic alpine events were only $15, but still delivered the excitment of a world-class event.

With one month to go before the 2010 Olympics, organizers are matching wits with Mother Nature to save every flake of white gold on them ther hills.

For once, I agree with Vanoc. These might be the "greenest games ever" now that the grass is starting to poke through the melting snow. The green trees will match the mysterious green Olympic rings that were recently erected on the Dave Murray Downhill course in Whistler.

Reports from New York confirm that talks between the two hedge fund owners, Fortress Investment Group and Davidson Kempner have reached an impasse. With Intrawest late on a $524 million debt payment, it now appears that the Canadian government may need to step in to save the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Not the kind of news that Olympic organizers need with just over a month before the opening ceremonies.