(HoundsTV – Vancouver) The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger made the trip up to Vancouver, Canada to carry the Olympic flame just before the opening of the 2010 Winter Games.

While the Governator’s appearance was cheered by thousands – and Arnie does love the people. There was another purpose to the visit.

And that was a last minute boost to ensure NBC gets maximum TV ratings out of their big Olympic investment.

It’s no secret NBC is planning on losing millions on these 2010 Winter Games. Heck, even their own sports chief was bragging about it.

But the key continues to be those advertiser eyeballs. And there is nothing like getting one of America’s best loved celebrities up to the Games to carry the torch.

The programming minds were even smart enough to ensure that Schwarzengger’s turn with the flame occurred at sunrise – leaving plenty of time the rest of the day to ensure the media got real play with the story and photo-op. And a beautiful one it was.