By Scott Ronalds

It’s Day 5 of the Games. As we’re lucky enough to be in the heart of the action here in Vancouver (or unlucky enough depending on your viewpoint), it’s time for a few observations:

• Canadians are bursting with pride and patriotism. Which is a good thing, no matter how you look at it.
  
• There have been a few early disappointments for the home team (Manny Osborne-Paradis, Jeremy Wotherspoon) and some pleasant surprises (Alexandre Bilodeau, Mike Robertson). Like any well diversified portfolio, this is bound to happen. The results will come; it’s important to think long term (i.e. 17 days).
  
• Fans are snapping up Olympic gear at a record pace. The line-up to get into The Bay’s downtown store at 10:30 PM last night was still 50 people deep. Their red sweatshirts, scarves and mittens are as hot as income funds.
  
• Spandex isn’t a good look on men.
  
• The weather has been a distraction (this is Vancouver, after all). Just like short-term market noise, best to ignore it.

We’ll report back in a few days, as there’s sure to be plenty more excitement (and easy analogies) to come.