Countdown Clock Loses Power

Clock off and Mukmuk on

By Bob Mackin, 24 HOURS, Nov 27, 2008

Just before Mukmuk the Marmot dolls went on sale at the Bay downtown, an unofficial Vancouver 2010 mascot made an unwelcome debut outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Introducing, "Countdown Clock Glitch."

The side of the Omega Countdown Clock that shows the days, hours and minutes remaining until the Feb. 12, 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony lost power around 9:30 a.m. today.

VANOC said power would be restored later today. The Paralympic countdown clock, which is separate from the Olympic side, remains functional and shows 470 days remaining until it opens. For the record, there are 442 days until the Olympics begin.

The clock has been a target for anti-Olympic vandals since it was unveiled on Feb. 12, 2007, but vandalism is not being blamed for the outage.

Vancouver 2010 mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi came to life a year ago today at a glitzy Surrey launch. Orange toque-wearing Mukmuk was originally deemed a cyber-sidekick, but now has his own line of merchandise. Including toques.