If you are using Windows XP.....

Ray — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:54:00 -0700

If you, like me, are still using XP Pro, and you've been repeatedly nagged by Microsoft to download and install their SP3 cummulative update for Windows XP, there may be problems.

One of those problems is that any changes you've made to the appearance of your user interface (GUI) will be wiped out by the installation of that SP3. Many of us have been using third party themes, such as the Vista Transformation Pack, to give our reliable old XP Pro the newer appearance of an interface like Vista uses. There are free themes available for that. But if you've done that, and you install the SP3 update, none of those will work, because their enabling executive files have been removed by the update. To get those back, you must use 'System Restore' to revert to your previous setup. The good news is, now that you've installed that SP3, you shouldn't be nagged about it. So just leave it in a dark corner, and carry on as before. If you've been keeping up to date with your updates, then you probably don't need it anyway.

Weasel out of Diamond Parking Ticket

uncleweed — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:26:48 -0700

Whilst parking in a store's lot after hours, (Staples in North Van for the record), i was awarded a ticket by Diamond Parking ($65). They efficiently followed up with a bonus prize of $30 + $1.14 for a total of $96.14 (yikes) - all due last week sometime.

I (obviously) do not wish to pay this absurd fee and wondering if anyone has experience dealing with Diamond one way or another.

Did you fight the ticket? Did you get towed from their lot? Did they make a court stink? What's was their plan of action? Comments ...

Cheers,

daveo

Richard Florida is comin' to town

samanthaorwell — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:54:00 -0700

http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Richard Florida is comin' to town
On May31- June8 UBC in Vancouver will be hosting Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences conference. Most presenters will be of the academic variety and will no doubt be spewing jargon left and right (stuff I personally love), but it is worth a look.

One of the saddest aspects of our society is our level of civic engagement. Time and time again it is the same crazies that come out to the type of lectures that inform our policy. It is so important that citizens are there to represent the peoples' voice. Policy doesn't come from nowhere- there are academics and experts whose research informs political actors. A lot of research is good and a lot of research is bad. But most importantly, a lot of good research is misinterpreted and used as justification for neoliberal policy. Subsequently, bad research and misinterpretation of good research is used to justify policy documents such as Project Civil City that takes a clear 'broken windows theory' approach (a theory that makes lay-sense, but is all correlational with no real proof or statistical evidence that physical maintenance and image of a city afffects crime rates etc).

One of the "stars" on the program is Richard Florida, one of my favourite "scholars" I enjoy critquing. No doubt he will go on his spiel again about how social capital and place is more important than ever for the young, bohemian and/or gay. His research is hotly debated. Many critical theorists are in hate with Florida for his cheap sell of correlational research. Some cautiously agree with his thesis, but most agree it is just dirty research. This is stuff you just have to see for yourself people- and expect his speech to be charismatic, one of the important ingredients for good rhetoric (but not necessarily truth).

What UBC is calling "community passes" are made available on the day of for day sessions. So if you aren't a "delegate" or "academic" or invited guest you can take advantage of the $15 community pass to see these talks. These conferences are highly enjoyable, pretentious, and full of food. So go and schmooze with people you don't care about and be a critical citizen so you can be an advocate for yourself and your community.

http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/

Smoking Dope: Vancouver's Favorite Pastime

rosslaird — Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:46:56 -0700

In Vancouver, smoking a joint is part of everyday life for almost everybody who owns a mountain bike and an iPod. But most folks who use marijuana don’t know the whole story about its risks and effects. At the addictions clinics on the Downtown Eastside where I supervise counsellors, we frequently see habitual pot smokers who struggle with anger and anxiety when they reduce their use. It seems that marijuana is good at managing emotions; but, like most substances, not good at teaching emotional management. Once you quit, you’re on your own emotionally, and this can be overwhelming.

It has been a hard sell to convince habitual users to tone it down (or to quit). But recently a slew of studies has yielded some new and disturbing results.

Today’s Guardian has yet another piece about the growing evidence for addiction with the use of marijuana:

(Quoting Michael Rowlands) “There’s a strong desire to use, which overrides other activities, so friends and hobbies and work are neglected. There’s difficulty in controlling the amounts you use. There’s a degree of tolerance developed so you need higher doses to have the same effect. And then you persist in using despite the fact it’s causing you ill health or debt.

Vancouver no-smoking laws…start..NOW

samanthaorwell — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:29:38 -0700

read here:

http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/03/vancouver-no-smoking-l...

Vancouver Quadra by-election: We almost became conservatives...

samanthaorwell — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:04:15 -0700

m speechless. How did we almost become conservatives? Do you hate Joyce Murray so much that you must vote Conservative?
Honestly, I thought Van Quadra would vote progressive or at the very least with the status quo.

check it out:
http://enr.elections.ca/ElectoralDistricts_e.aspx?ed=1323

Liberal 36.1%
Conserv 35.5% (seems incredibly high)
NDP 14.4%
Green 13.5%
Rhino 0.4%
CAP 0.1%

How did Liberals win by only 0.6%?
Ridiculous. I'm s ashamed of Vancouver Quadra.

Voter Turnout: 28 121 out of 83 121.
33.9% voter turnout.
What's the deal? You think it's the weather's fault?

Transit Camp - Sat Dec. 8th at Workspace

uncleweed — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:39:18 -0800

Still time to Sign up for Vancouver Transit Camp

You may have noticed Vancouver Transit Camp in the Urban Vancouver event listings and wondering, "Huh? What is this?"

Well, here's what the event wiki says:

"Vancouver Transit Camp is a community-driven event run by everyone who comes. Based on the Bar Camp “unconference” model, presentations are pitched by the group and arranged on the spot at the beginning of the event. Transit Camp is about the community connecting, sharing and learning in a positive, fun environment. No keynotes, no lectures – this event is for sharing the expertise, knowledge and spirit that we all possess, to improve our transit system."

Vancouver Courier's Cheryl Rossi wrote a piece about the event - Transit conference courts all perspectives - and ringleader Karen Fung is out and about talking to media and drumming up interest as folks start to get busy for the festive period.

Fung, a communications student at SFU, has organized the virtual and actual meeting space for a "Transit Camp," tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8. Described as an "un-conference," the event will accommodate 100 participants. They will sit in a circle in the morning and briefly outline the transit-related topic they're passionate about. "Everyone leaves the conference having made their own way through a series of conversations," Fung said, adding that if participants don't feel they're contributing or getting value from a conversation, they're encouraged to move on and start a new one.

There is nothing "official" about this event though some players at Translink (and related ministries) may pop in on their personal time to participate.

Bear in mind, the organization is undergoing significant transformation - see "Translink Democracy Derailed - Political appointees to replace elected reps" By Andrew MacLeod in the tyee.ca.

Where: WorkSpace, Suite 400 at 21 Water Street, in Vancouver’s Gastown.

When: Dec. 8th, Saturday, 9AM-5PM

How you can get in on the fun?

Join the Sponsors to support (see the budget online)

Promote on your blog etc. with cool Van Transit Camp art

Methinks that green(er) transportation options are vital to the sustainability of any area - urban or rural - and citizen participation is key to creating successful public policy.

As such, I am eager to brew up some transit ideas for tourists trips (how to avoid those goofy, expensive tourist buses and see the real sights of Vangroovy) as well as rail on about turnstiles, advertising and reminiscing about the burbs before the ALRT. And you? Well if you have something to say, get over and sign up, showup and be ready to pitch in with words and thoughts.

My latest discovery: your own planetarium on the PC

Ray — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:52:56 -0700

Here's what the opening screen looks like...

and you can find it here.

Trying a new way to sell my place. Worth a shot? One small step for Man...

nshb — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:41:40 -0700

YOUNG CONDO SELLER INSPIRED TO GIVE 10% OF HIS REAL ESTATE PROFITS TO THE ENVIRONMENT!

Nathaniel Brown, a young 25-year old condo owner in Kitsilano has decided that he wants to make a difference and help the environment. But he doesn’t want to just make a small difference; He is donating a full 10% of the profits he will be receiving on the sale of his condo (which should amount to $15,000) to local environmental groups.

This action was inspired when Nathaniel came across Vancouver's "Green" Realtor Sayo Nickerson of ReMax Real Estate Services who currently donates 10% of her net revenues from real estate sales to three local environmental groups. "I care about the environment and want to make a difference too" says Brown. "Seeing how Sayo does it showed me I could do the same!"

Brown’s property is a penthouse 2 bedroom 2-bathroom suite currently listed at $524,900. The first Open Houses will be this weekend on Saturday from 1-3 pm and Sunday from 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Come have a look and enjoy complimentary snacks at 401-1990 Dunbar St. (at the corner of West 4th Ave.)

Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the David Suzuki Foundation, the Western Canadian Wilderness Committee, and Ecojustice.

Contact: Sayo Nickerson
Tel: 604-263-2823
snickerson@telus.net
www.mygreenrealtor.ca

SEAN KINGSTON

TRUST — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:36:02 -0700

Start: Jun 19 2008 - 9:00pm

End: Jun 20 2008 - 2:00am

Thursday June 19th-2008
PLUSH Night Club – 750 Pacific Blvd. Vancouver BC
9pm – 2am

Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA – Global Sound Entertainment Inc. along with TRUST Inc. proudly present a live musical performance with Sean Kingston on Thursday June 19th, 2008 at Plush Night club in Vancouver BC. Named the second hottest new music star of 2008 by FORBES, Sean Kingston is definitely an artist to check out and pay attention to.

Sean Kingston is inarguably one the most talented new artists in the music industry today. His first single, "Beautiful Girls" was a monster hit making history as one of the fastest ascents up the charts ever, spending three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and debuting at #1 in Australia. The song stayed at #1 in Canada for over six weeks, the longest in 2007. He has sold more than three million digital singles and more than three million ring tones!

Sean followed up his single with Top 10 tunes, “Me Love” and “Take You There.”
He was also featured on Natasha Bedingfield’s recent song, “Love Like This.” Future singles to come include, “There’s Nothin’” and “Dry Your Eyes,” a heart-felt ode to his mother.

With a musical bloodline that includes Jamaican legendary producer Jack Ruby as his grandfather, it’s no wonder Sean was able to introduce a new genre where rap, reggae, pop, doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combine into something totally refreshing.

Noted awards and nominations include:
- Image Awards 2008, Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)
- MOBO Awards 2007: Best Reggae Acts
- Teen Choice Awards:
2007 Choice R&B Track "Beautiful Girls"
2007 Choice Summer Track "Beautiful Girls" (nominated)

With an unbelievable presence and energy on stage, all those who choose to experience Sean Kingston in concert on Thursday June 19th at Plush Night Club in Vancouver, will walk away having been a part of a truly moving and original performance!

LIMITED PRE SALE TICKETS @ $40
Event Demographic: Ages 19+

WEB LINKS
Online Tickets & Event Info: www.clubzone.com
Sean Kingston: www.seankingston.com // www.myspace.com/seankingston

Free Law Forum: Meet Law schools Across Canada

rram — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:58:12 -0700

Start: Sep 16 2007 - 3:55pm

End: Oct 3 2007 - 10:55pm

Don't Procastinate, Register NOW!! Get your Competitive Edge

1-800-KAP-TEST

Get a behind-the-scenes look at law school admissions, learn score-raising LSAT* strategies, and discuss legal career opportunities with a panel of admissions officers, successful attorneys, and other experts.

Meet with 9 Canadian Law Schools and 6 People in the Law Profession!!!

KAPLAN is proud to be hosting their annual Free Fall Forum on October 3, 2007 (Wednesday)

Have the opportunity meet and interact with:

Osgoode Hall Law School
University of Victoria
University of Alberta
University of Saskatchewan
University of Western Ontario
Queen's University
University of Toronto
University of Ottawa
University of British Columbia

Q&A with Our panellists:

Gina Alexandris - Assistant Dean to Osgoode
Professor Normin Zlotin - Chair of Admissions University of Saskatchewan
Grace Pastine- Litigation Director of BC Civil Liberties Association
Craig Jones- Constitutional & Administrative Law Group Ministry of Attorney General
Warren Smith- Senior Legal Recruiter in Vancouver for The Council Network (Alumni from UBC)

Event: Fall Law Forum
Location: Segal Graduate School of Business (SFU Downtown Granville & Pender)
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: Free; bring a friend but you must register!!! 1-800-KAP-TEST

Webbing Out: False Creek & The Vancouver Historic Railway

Shane Birley — Sun, 01 Aug 2004 19:51:19 -0700

This is just a short entry today but it is very cool. It all began when I took this photo:

Then I decided to check out the City of Vancouver's web site and see just what they had in mind. Here is what I found:

On April 3, 1996 Mayor Philip Owen announced the purchase of the old Canadian Pacific, False Creek railway corridor which forms the basis for a demonstration line from Granville Island to "Leg-in-Boot Station". The Downtown Historic Railway demonstrates the City commitment to restoring urban electric rail to Vancouver.

I thought that was just too cool! So, I decided to let you all in on what I found out. It looks like, eventually, we will get to ride these electric railway cars from Vanier Park all the way to Stanley Park. There will also be a spur into downtown and to the Aquatic Centre on the north side of False Creek. So, get out there and support the electic railway cars. Here is what the City of Vancouver's web site has to say:

The City of Vancouver, together with volunteers from the Transit Museum Society (TRAMS), are operating two beautifully restored interurban streetcars between Science World and Granville Island. They run every 30 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from May 22nd to October 11th. From Granville Island 1 - 5 pm. From Science World 12:30 - 4:30 pm. Return fees are $2 for adults, $1 for chidren and seniors. For more information about TRAMS, you can visit their website at www.trams.ca (Note: site will open into a new window). The Vancouver AM Tourism Association is also a pioneering partner on the Downtown Historic Railway.

Anyway, I just thought this railway needed a little awareness. I remember when the tracks went in at Science World (only a year ago) and I thought it was interesting. Now, I am excited that the street car is slowly making a comeback into Vancouver. This railsystem will go down through Gastown and I think it will add an element to this city which has been missing for too long.

For More Information

Cary Chow performs on the Fazioli

LadyH — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:30:32 -0700

Start: Jun 15 2008 - 3:30pm

May 1, 2008 - Pianist Cary Chow performs on Fazioli Concert Grand Piano

Vancouver pianist Cary Chow will perform a limited seating solo recital at Showcase Pianos on Broadway Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 3:30pm. The program, spanning repertoire from the 18th to 20th centuries, will feature Mozart’s Sonata in C Minor, Brahms’ Seven Fantasy Pieces Opus 116, Rachmaninov’s Etude-Tableaux, and Prokofiev’s Sonata #7. This exclusive event will also demonstrate the capabilities of the Fazioli F278 Concert Grand Piano, considered the Ferrari of modern concert instruments.

“Here is a unique opportunity to be up close with the pianist and this incredible instrument”, says Chow. “The audience will be able to experience the music virtually from the performer’s vantage point.”

Cary Chow is a renowned concert performer, recording artist and teacher. He has performed solo recitals, chamber music and with various orchestras across North America, the United Kingdom and China. He is on the faculty of the Young Artist Experience at UBC and a Guest Professor at Central Conservatory of Music Attached Middle School in Beijing. His recent CD, Zirkus (Step Inside), featuring Carnaval and Kreisleriana by Robert Schumann was released in September 2007 to critical acclaim.

More biographical and press material is available at his official website www.carychow.com and a variety of audio samples are may be downloaded at www.myspace.com/carychow.

Tickets are $20/$10 at the door. Showcase Pianos (604-431-5161) is located at 1224 West Broadway between Alder and Birch in Vancouver, BC.

I want the last four hours of my life back: EcoDensity Meeting Part III

samanthaorwell — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:28:31 -0800

See whole post: http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-want-last-four-hours...

Monday nights EcoDensity public hearing event started at 6 and ended just past 10. It didn’t help that the last speaker from SmartGrowth BC was a horrid speaker that stumbled and stuttered his way into saying absolutely nothing. This post will be equally as boring so I don’t blame you if you want to close the window now. But just in case you were wondering what went on in Part III I’ll give you the 10 highlights of the evening (highlights being a very generous word for what transpired).

1)Patrick Condon- (always fun to see in person somebody you quote a lot. ) Had discussion with Toderian about the hateration with developers. I don’t know if Cadman is right, or if he’s just milking the tension for all its worth but it seems like people are more in hate with developers than ever before. See http://www.ctvbc.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080227/BC_Cadman_Candidat...
Discussion a) Allocating 20% to affordable/social housing does not guarantee the construction. Buying land and construction are two separate entities and processes.
Discussion b) Tradeoff between affordable/social housing and public amenities?

2) I’m happy there were people who brought up Elvin Wyly. For those of you who don’t’ know him he’s an amazing Professor at UBC Geography and he does gentrification studies. He’s really one of the only people who have successfully combined quantitative and qualitative gentrification data. See http://www.geog.ubc.ca/~ewyly/ and he has just put out a book with Tom Slater and Loretta Lees titled Gentrification. (Tom Slater is easily one of my favourite academic writers- see for a sharply written critical paper on gentrification: “The eviction of critical perspectives from gentrification research” http://www2.fmg.uva.nl/assr/conferences/documents/PaperdrTomSlater.pdf ) And Loretta Lees is doing research on new-build gentrification in London- one of the leaders in new gentrification research)

3) There was a woman with a painfully shaky voice. She looked like she was going to run away or cry on the spot, really. It hurt watching her speak. But one point she brought up was that, apparently, “affordable and social housing” is considered an amenity.
Then she went on to continue how shelter/housing is a basic human right etc.
No need to be scared, lady- you did fine. You’d make your point even better if people weren’t distracted by feeling like you needed a hug..or tissue.

4) Vancouver Public Space Network- one of the best new organizations that is completely volunteer run. Hopefully they can get non-profit status soon so donations, tax credits and all that jazz can be mad/had.
http://www.vancouverpublicspace.ca/
They presented the outcome of a public event they had recently to discuss issues and assets of the city and develop questions/suggestions for the City of Vancouver. I’m disappointed Andrew Pask, unofficial leader, did not present the piece. He is a great speaker and has a good presence.

5) Urban Development Institute (UDI): Asked, “What happens if we don’t move forward?”
UDI is a bit of a conundrum. I sway back and forth between liking them and disliking them. But at least they have done nothing to deserve my hate yet.
I can’t quite put my finger on it… but it could also be a function of who they choose to represent them I was not in like with the people they chose to present. They had such a “world city competition” urgency to their message to council. They were selling the image of “If Vancouver is not in it to the ‘race to the top’ then, de facto, it is on its way to the ‘race to the bottom’”. I don’t love that message even though people I highly respect often sell that message, most notable David Harvey (one of my favourite neo-Marxists).
Bottom line is that I don’t think fear should justify any of our actions. We should never move things forward because of fear of what will happen if we don’t. There should be solid justification FOR an action, not solid justification against inaction.

6) Planners Institute of BC. PIBC sent a nice looking young woman to the hearing (I only bring up the topic of her physical appearance because she seems to defy the general consensus of who shows up to these meetings - i.e. old white men.) She said a lot of nothing and I think just wanted to put in an official statement of where the organization stands with respect to EcoDensity. Basically, PIBC does not endorse EcoDensity but they support the City’s leadership. What the hell does that mean, you ask? Well, Kim Capri wanted to know that too. Further clarification, PIBC said that they support the city in addressing the issues but they do not support the plan. Ummm…ok..so you support the City of Vancouver for addressing issues..which is basically their job.. But you do not support the plan… and hence do not support the way they are doing their job…. I.. don’t quite get it. Anyhow, thanks for PIBC for saying nothing. I’m almost ashamed to be a member.

7) Lance Berlowitz- He wrote that book Dream City: Vancouver and the global imagination
I’m looking at my copy of the book now, it is an absolutely beautifully illustrated book. The book is great, one of my favourites. Sam Sullivan even took a minute to suck up and thank Berlowitz for his contribution to the city.
Lance Berlowitz as a person though?- not so much. And my argument for not liking the guy isn’t even based on the lack of a proper first name. Basically, Berlowitz told council to show leadership and go through the plan. “Do so in the face in opposition”. He said not to let partisan politics bring EcoDensity down. Yeah..that’s right..he said that..he said ignore the 150-something people that are clogging City Hall because they represent a partisan minority. Oh, Lance… such a no no.
After Berlowitz’s foible, I think it was Ladner who started asking what the perfect balance is: “Leadership and getting on with the process VS Community consultation and a drawn out process”
A usefully suggestion that I think should be seriously taken into consideration is “unbundling the package” of EcoDensity. Nobody trusts Sam Sullivan and many people are in hate with at least a third of the propositions. So why don’t we take the things we love about the charter and implement them? It’s not like people are 100% opposed to the Charter. Many are 100% opposed to Sullivan, many are 100% opposed to #12 (density in the DTES) of the charter, but those same people are fine with many points on the charter. It was stated that once a few things are implemented, and implemented RIGHT, there will be easement of distrust and people will come to know EcoDensity as a good thing.

8) Jim Green. He spoke. Perople listened. He’s in support. Ladner was all over him because Green failed to mention that he was in employ of a developer.
The news filmed it. Nobody cares.
Lame.
Sullivan thanked him at the end but Green walked out as Sullivan was saying thank you. Buuuuuurn.

9) SmarthGrowth BC. Jason Emmert is a bad speaker.
Said SmarthGrowth would support amenity mapping. VSPN said they would do that too.
He described poorly what an important contribution amenity mapping is. Basically, he was proposing not only traditional amenity maps such as day cares, parks, restaurants etc. But also non-traditional amenities aka things that we value in our everyday that we don’t even realize. It’s a tough job to do, because these amenities can be so obscure and its super difficult to see what has value and what doesn’t. For example, I know of a stinky old tire that hangs from the branch of a tree on..Balaclava and 14th ish. (Somewhere in that vicinity). And I would call that an amenity. It’s kind of a remanent of tenants that were long gone and nobody has ever taken it down. When walking home kids jump on for a swing and then keep walking. It’s seriously like a landmark that I know has real value but you wouldn’t know how much value it has until its gone. And even if it were gone nobody would say anything. People would just reminisce about the good times on the stinky tire.
Anyhow, it’s a great idea and an important contribution. I just wish it was said more eloquently.

10) Last but not least my rant on each of the councillors. I do this because attendance is getting low for councillors and they are also getting lazier I.e. coming in late, taking super long breaks in the middle of somebody’s speech to council, leaving early, playing around on Google while people are speaking. The only councillors that are always there and listening is Cadman, Capri, Deal, Chow , Anton and Sullivan. I would have said Ladner too but he takes way too many breaks and is gone for an inappropriate amount of time. If the other councillors can sit on their ass and listen for 4 hours straight you can too.

Anton- Her online picture does her too much justice. http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/councilmembers.htm Every now and then a speaker picks on her and uses one of her statements against her. But Anton is there, she listens, and isn’t useless with her question asking.

Ball- She needs to buy more than one outfit. I’m over her blazer, skirt and floral scarfe. She always comes in late, wasn’t present last night. Never asks questions. She’s overall 100% useless.

Cadman- I know I have said Cadman rocks on more than one occasion. I still think he does. But I’m starting to think he’s totally wasting time and trying to draw out the process so long so that it will never go through and he can just strike it down in then end and then blame Sullivan for wasting everybody’s time. I don’t know how constructive that is. He’s still my favourite on council because he champions the working poor, but I also have to admit, on some nights he says just as many useless things as he does useful things. When he gets it right though, he gets it right. So I’ll forgive him.
Has anybody also noticed that Cadman looks like Santa Claus? Seriously.. He’s so non-threatening and jolly with his big white beard and round tummy. I almost want to sit on his lap and tell him what I want for Christmas. I tell you, he’s one to watch out for for Mayor- who DOESN’T want to vote for Santa Claus? And FYI, Jim Green needs to do a LOT of smiling for him to look like a nice guy. I voted for him, but only because Sullivan was totally out of the question. This time around we’ll have some nice looking people to vote for. Remember, politics is all about rhetoric- looks included.

Capri- criminologist trained but still touts the ‘broken windows theory’ (See Civil City). That’s why I kind of hate her. But other than that she contributes to useful discussion and is always listening.

Chow- Who is he and why is he here? Yeah, completely not present even though he is present.

Deal- I like her. She has stopped prompting questions in the middle of speeches so that takes care of my only annoyance with her. She loves micro amenities. She’s specific, to the point, and she’s relevant. I’d vote for her.

Ladner- When he’s there he’s on..but he’s just not there enough. But he’s a smart, good looking gentleman and that’ll get him far in politics.

Lee- BC LEE can you please STOP asking such USELESS questions? You waste my time with your stuttery drawn out nothings.

Louie- meh.. He makes me so indifferent I fall asleep. Politicians shouldn’t do that. I have more respect for politicians who make me hate them than ones who make me feel completely unmoved and devoid of feeling.

Stevenson- ditto.

http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-want-last-four-hours...

30 Days of Sustainability Café: Green Home - How to Make Your Home Green

ecowriter5 — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:04:38 -0700

Start: May 15 2008 - 6:30pm

End: May 15 2008 - 8:00pm

May 15 | BCIT Burnaby, Town Hall D, Burnaby | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Free

Ready to make those much needed energy-efficient home upgrades? Planning a home reno? Learn green remodelling 101 and discover what it takes to live lighter on the earth. With guest speaker Dan from Greenworx and others. Moderated by Lindsdey Davis. Presented by BCIT. For a full listing of over 20 events and inspiring actions under the 30 day long, 30 Days “umbrella” from April 22 to May 21, visit www.30days.ca.

Good art stirs emotion: Vargas' starving dog

samanthaorwell — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:50:47 -0700

READ FULL POST: http://thevancouvermanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/04/good-art-stirs-emotion...

In 2007 Guillermo Vargas (aka Habacuc) illegedly starved a dog to death in the name of art. He found a sickly dog on the streets of Managua, Nicaragua and tied it to a short leash in the corner of a gallery. Across the room was a kettle of food, left inaccessible. The dog slowly died of hunger and thirst. Vargas is going to represent Costa Rica in the Bienal Cenroamericana Honduras 2008. There is currently a petition.

You can watch the starving dog, anti-Vargas, video in Spanish (notice the title of the work is “eres lo que lees” which means “you are what you read” is spelled out in dog food). One picture in the video also shows a full gallery of people who pay no attention to the starving dog (I don’t know if that was a staged photo).

Good art stirs emotion. It doesn’t have to be “beautiful”. It doesn’t have to be tasteful. Good art will stir emotion. I actually think this was a powerful form of art. Yes it was distasteful, yes it was animal cruelty, yes it was just plain disgusting. But it was powerful. Think about what it represents. Everyday there are starving sickly people, children. The numbers of those in poverty are in the millions. The number of those in poverty in our own back yard are in the thousands. And those injustices go ignored everyday. And believe me, they aren’t starving because there isn’t enough food, or there aren’t enough resources, etc- there is in no way “overpopulation”. People are dying because of first world selfishness (discussion that is best saved for another post). In short, we have the ability to save these people, we just aren’t. So when Vargas leashes a starving dog, places a kettle of food across the room, and fills the room with apathetic people, I have to admit that this is quie a poignant image. And yes, I would call that art.

Burns Bog Fire, Sept. 11, 2005

Boris Mann — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 18:55:06 -0700

Anyone know what this is from? The haze is spreading over the city, but it was hard to make out where it was coming from. We saw it driving back along the 99 from Langley and the Feast of Fields 2005 event.

Update: as Richard says in the comments, apparently it's Burns Bog burning.

The Toronto Manifesto

samanthaorwell — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:15:13 -0700

Dear friends,
as you noticed it has been a bit slow and uninteresting.
TheVancouverManifesto will be on temporary hiatus.

Please take a look at TheTorontoManifesto. We are working on a review of the Marxism 2008 Conference: The fire this time.

http://thetorontomanifesto.blogspot.com/

Get active at 30 Days events + win a chance to see Jack Johnson Live in Vancouver!

ecowriter5 — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:16:55 -0700

Start: May 3 2008 - 4:13pm

End: May 17 2008 - 3:00pm

Participate in any of 30 Days events (http://www.30days.ca) for your chance to win a pair of side stage wristbands to see Jack Johnson Live in Vancouver with a copy of his latest album “Sleep Through the Static” available online and in stores now.

Jack Johnson's 2008 Global Tour greening initiative (http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/greening), collaborates with 30 Days of Sustainability in Vancouver in order to inspire music fans to create change.

Win a chance to see Jack Johnson’s Live in Vancouver at upcoming 30 Days Events:
30 Days Café: Green Economy - Responsible Investments that Turn a Profit
May 6 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Free | BCIT Downtown – conference room, Vancouver
With key-note speaker, renown investing expert and author Storm Cunningham (http://www.restorationeconomy.com).

30 Days Café: Carbon Tax Explained
May 12 | BCIT Downtown – conference room, Vancouver | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Free
With Graham Whitmarsh, Head of the BC Climate Action Secretariat, James Tansey, CEO and Co-founder of Offsetters and Jotham Peters of SFU. Moderated by Kevin Washbrook of Voters Taking Action on Climate Change.

30 Days Café: Green Home - How to Make Your Home Green
May 15 | BCIT Burnaby, Town Hall D, Burnaby | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Free
With speakers from Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre and GreenWorks.

SWELL - Western Canada's "Future Friendly" Eco-Design Exhibit
April 22 – May 10 | HSBC Pendulum Gallery, 885 West Georgia St, Vancouver

Sustainability In Schools: Climate Change – More than light bulbs and a Prius
May 13 | Presented by Check Your Head | Vancouver | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Free - Register or for more information: 604-685-6631 or contact@checkyourhead.org

30 Days' Sustainability in Action:
Urban Vegetable Gardening – As Local As It Gets
May 4 | Strathcona Community Garden - Strathcona Park, Corner of Prior and Hawks, Vancouver | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free

The Long Life Of Clothes – Vintage, Thrift, Consignment and Mending
May 9 | Workspace Café, 400 – 21 Water Street, Vancouver | 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Free

Leaving The Car At Home – Consider Safe Bike Commuting
May 10 | On site with the Burnaby Velodrome Riders - check back on www.30days.ca | 10:00 – 3:00 PM | Free

Tire Inflation Station – Reduce Emissions, Save Money
May 17 | Vancouver - check back on www.30days.ca | 11:00 – 3:00 PM | Free

Ending the week, more flowers for you...

Ray — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:22:13 -0700

Enjoy your weekend, Everyone!

Green Bloggers Spread Sustainability Message from Vancouver's EPIC Expo

uncleweed — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:53:00 -0700

Following up on my call for social media makers a few weeks back [Rallying Social Media Makers for EPIC Sustainable Living Expo & Join the Greenest Geek Squad Ever! Social Media frogsquad at EPIC}, I am happy to report that the campaign experienced great success and much fun at Canada Place over the three day event. Additionally, the "Frog Squad" helped many emerging businesses and earnest non-profit groups spread their message using social media techniques. The crew was noticeable in their stylin' new bamboo and organic cotton T's as they roamed the floor looking for interesting characters. Sound interesting and enjoyable? Join happyfrog.ca to rally with the Frog Squad on future missions.

To keep you in the loop, here's the story:

Vancouver Mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson speaks at EPIC

Kicking off Earth Day 2008, a group of eco-minded social media makers produced over 50 pieces of social media at the EPIC Sustainable Living Expo in Vancouver, BC April 18-20. The multi-media coverage including audio podcasts, video clips, blog articles, and a vast collection of photos. In all, the crowd-sourced campaign featured over 70 eco-conscious businesses and sustainability-minded organizations, plus numerous noteworthy presenters and even a "green" episode of CBC's the Dragon's Den.

The media dispatches were published using many "web 2.0" technologies including posting on the happyfrog.ca "Frog blog" and at the new EPIC Expo blog, as well as the writer's personal blogs and various eco-community sites. The rich-media content was distributed via multiple channels including photos at the happyfrog Flickr pool, "Pondcasts" in iTunes, Frogwalking videos on Blip.tv and You Tube, and even micro-blogging on Twitter.

A comprehensive guide to the happyfrog.ca coverage of EPIC is included in "Get Social with EPIC 08 Coverage" or subscribe to the EPIC Expo 2008 RSS Feed.

Frog Squadders at EPIC - Photo by Miss604

Brought together by BC green web community site, happyfrog.ca,the social media makers comprised a diverse assortment of personalities, interests, and demographics which resulted in a varietyof topics and points of view.

Rewarded with a bamboo/organic cotton t-shirt and an "honorarium", the "Frog Squad" showed their commitment to spreading practical ecological information to effectuate positive change with this multi-day blog marathon. The citizen journalists explored every facet
of the show from sampling organic beer, vodka and coffee, to checking out presenters like Mike Holmes, Adria Vasil and Simon Jackson.

Frog bloggers Miss604 and hummingbird post with Adria Vasil at EP

Working from a "blogger's lounge" (a coffee table, a few chairs, and a borrowed Salt Spring coffee airpot) next to the happyfrog booth in the concourse, the volunteer team of experts provided almost real-time coverage by publishing continually throughout the day. The stream of content allowed interested people from out of town to experience the expo - as well as building excitement during the run of the 3-day event.

Mike Holmes tells his story at EPIC - photo by John Bollwitt

The resultant grassroots footage is dubbed "social media" since it is meant to be shared. Site visitors are encouraged to add favorite posts to their social networks and shared bookmark services, send to a friend or post a comment on the blog. Further, with Creative Commons licensing, the interviewees may re-use the content on their blogs to help magnify their message.

Highlights:

Simon Jackson, fervent protector of the Spirit Bear, garnered a report from the floor by Raul (AKA hummingbird 604), background info by Jonathon Narvey (jnarvey), plus a podcast of his stirring presentation.
Super-contractor Mike Holmes' candid presentation was live blogged by Rebecca Bollwitt (AKA Miss 604) and Raul interviewed Adira Vasil, author of Ecoholic.
More audio "Pondcasts" (produced by johnbollwitt of Radio Zoom) included happyfrog Community Manager Dave O's (daveo) conversations with the Reddot Campaign against junk mail, local news source The Tyee, a tech-activist offering solar power web hosting, Simple hemp shoes, and stylish and efficient Vespas.
Videos interviews with LevelGround Trading, Industrial Artifacts, Hank&Cheef, and many more vignettes from the floor with hosts Christy and Cliff.
Reports from the journey by two Salt Spring coffee roasters who biked their way to EPIC to tell about the company's carbon cool initiatives and green tax on disposable cups.
Handmade body care crafter Naked was featured in a podcast interview and a post by eco-enthusiast Alexa Booth (xabooth).
Vancouver fashion designer coverage with a Devil May Wear podcast, blog post about Dahlia Drive, and an eco t-shirt comparison including RioRain, HTNaturals and Me to We.
Sustainable travel tips with a podcast and blog post about Parks Canada and a post on Adventure Travel by Colleen Coplick (colleenc) who also points about the problem with plastics and the benefits of the EPIC Sigg bottles.
Greg Andrews (GregEh) also noticed the Sigg bottles along with Frogfile sustainable office products - ditto by Karen Fung (countablyinfinite) who also reported on the fancy solar lounge table and the design panel hosted by Shared Vision.

See all EPIC coverage at: happyfrog.ca EPIC Expo 2008 coverage.

If you are interested to learn more about this campaign, please contact Dave Olson, Community Manager, dave (at) happyfrog (dot) ca

Tags: EPIC08, EPIC08, epicexpo, epic 08, epic 08, sustainable living expo, vancouver, canada place, sustainability, happyfrog.ca, happyfrog, citizen journalism

Today's newest variety of tulip

Ray — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:13:15 -0700

This is a new and unusual variety of tulip.

How fast is your computer? Test it with this...

Ray — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:28:43 -0700

If you'd like to test your computer's download and upload speeds, there's a free test you can use at this site to find out. Just select a test site from the list (for example, 'Seattle') click that button to start the test, and wait for the speedometer to finish working and show your results. Works for me.

Today's 'Question Everything' is.....

Ray — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:42:56 -0700

....can I send Telus a bill for answering the phone when it's a nuisance call?
Here's the picture:-
It's my phone. I don't just lease it from the phone company, I own it. It's mine. I answer it, saying 'Hello'. The response I get from some automated personless voice says: 'I'm sorry, that's an invalid response'.

'Invalid response' my ass! It's my phone, and I'll answer it any way I like, or not at all if I so choose. I'm sick & tired of these nuisance calls from scammers trying to get your personal information from your credit card, or from advertisers like Macy's or Bloomingdale's which don't even have stores anywhere near here. Telus is very good at five-dollaring us to death for add-ons to the service, but they can't or won't do anything about these pests who annoy the hell out of us. And they wonder why some of us are looking elsewhere for some of our communication services.

EVENT CANCELLED The Long Life of Clothes

ecowriter5 — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:07:52 -0700

Start: May 9 2008 - 1:00pm

EVENT CANCELLED The Long Life of Clothes has been

The Long Life Of Clothes – Vintage, Thrift, Consignment and Mending
Workspace Café 400 – 21 Water Street, Vancouver | May 9| 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Free

Guilt free retail therapy. Experience Vancouver’s best sustainable fashion without buying anything new. Drop in to browse vintage, thrift and consignment boutique collections or extend the life of your closet faves with our quick and easy mending workshops.

Does this look like April 30th to you?

Ray — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:11:49 -0700

A picture's worth a thousand words.

Enjoy your day, Everyone.

One man, one machine = house gone, yard clean...

Ray — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:25:02 -0700

This won't take long - did it?

Another day begins...

Ray — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:57:42 -0700

Enjoy it, Everyone!

And here's what's making noise around here today - a house coming down...

And it doesn't take long...

And there it goes!

Rendezvous NYE 07-08 Boat Cruise

chpschps — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:47:42 -0700

Start: Dec 31 2007 - 7:15pm

End: Jan 1 2008 - 2:00am

Vancouver's Premier Single's Events.

Rendezvous Club

presents

NYE 07-08 BOAT CRUISE!

*Made for Singles but all are welcome!

With over 300 Singles - A kiss a midnight has never been easier!

Please join us and over 300 singles aboard the Queen of Diamonds

as we say goodbye to 2007 and raise a glass of Champagne to toast the New Year!

The night will be filled with interactive games, gourmet food and of course, dancing as we cruise along the banks of beautiful Vancouver.

Enjoy gourmet appetizers such as Salmon canapés, Mandarin Chicken Kabobs and a Chocolate Fountain to add to your complementary Champagne!

WATCH THE FALSE CREEK FIREWORKS FROM THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE!

Event Details are as follows:

The M.V. Queen of Diamonds will board at 7:30PM until 8:15PM

at the Plaza of Nations located at 750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC

Appetizers, Dancing, Interactive
Games and Terrific Guests!

FULL BAR (Cash or Plastic!)

Visit us at
http://www.rclub.ca/events/108_nye_2007_2008 to reserve your spot
today. We’ll be waiting for you on the dance floor!

TICKETS: Early Bird Discount

Tickets are $99.99 until Dec 15!

On November 1st, prices increase to $199.99, so sign up now to save!

CMHC 40-year mortgage - good or bad for home owners?

ebizniz — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:50:52 -0700

An article by Vancouver Home Mortgage:

In addition to CMHC 40-year mortgage, Genworth Financial has a similar program for home buyers in Canada. Sky-high house prices are making home ownership less affordable to cash-strapped home buyers. Some economists and housing analysts are arguing that longer amortization is bad for home owners.

The danger in stretching a 25-year mortgage to the CMHC 40-year mortgage is that it will hurt home buyers who in the first place cannot afford to buy their own homes. The program is a two-edged sword. Yes, the lower monthly mortgage payment enable home owners in buying their homes, but it will also likely become a huge financial burden to the home owners. Generally, home ownership under this program will hurt rather than help these home owners.

Here are the reasons and adverse consequences of a CMHC 40-year mortgage:

1) By stretching a 25-year loan to 35 or 40 years, financially weak and cash-strapped home buyers are added to the pool of existing home buyers, causing further house price escalation.

2) A home owner buying a home for example at $342,500 with 10% down payment, has to pay $6,345 (2% mortgage insurance) on a traditional 25 year loan. But, he or she has to pay $8,248.50(2.6% as an extra 0.2% is to be paid for every 5 years over 25 years), $1.903.50 more on the insurance premium required for a 40-year loan.

3) At 6% interest rate on a CMHC 40-year mortgage, a home owner is paying $1774.25 compared with 25-year loan at $2.070.38 which is $296.13 lower. But, the big disadvantage is that the home owner is building equity at a snail's pace. Even after 10 years, the home equity accumulated by a home owner will be too little for moving up to buy a larger home.

4) The projected interest cost for the $342,500 25-year loan is $297,500, as compared with $526,148 for a CMHC 40-year mortgage. The extra mortgage interest paid for the 40 years loan is a staggering $228,628!

Some Canadian banks have a higher mortgage interest rate on a 35 or 40-year mortgage as compared with a traditional 25-year mortgage. That interest rate difference may negates some of the benefits of the lower monthly payment for the 35 or 40-year mortgage.

However, if a 35 or 40-year loan works for a home owner, he or she should be fully informed on the extra cost of interest payment for the longer term loan. If at all possible, a home owner should make use of the additional mortgage payment privileges to pay down his or her home mortgage as quickly as possible.

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