Archive for the ‘news’ Category
IT AIN’T MUCH…BUT IT’S SOMETHING
It’s only Tuesday and yet it’s been a long week already. Thankfully, a long weekend beckons me and I made it even longer by taking Thursday off. Tomorrow I’m grabbing my gear, the dogs and heading for the ferry to spend a few days on the Island. Truth be told, what I’m looking forward to most is seeing Charley play with Benji and Casey for the first time. I have no doubt it’ll be an explosion of adorability. Enough from me…here’s my link love for the day.
You know what? It’s a slow day…that’s all I’ve got for you right now.
WEEKEND WRAP-UP
It’s Sunday morning and the weekend has quietly come to a near-end. I’ve been awake with Charley and my mom for an hour or so; Rebecca and my aunt are both still fast asleep. Before I pack up my backpack, here’s my weekend wrap-up and a few note-worthy things worth mentioning.
After a full and head-first day of snowboarding on Friday, Becky and I were both incredibly and unbelievably sore on Saturday. After finally peeling ourselves out of bed, we headed into town excited to visit the Atlas Cafe for lunch. Much to our disappointment, the joint was closed for renovations so we opted for pancakes, eggs and bacon at the Early Bird Cafe instead. It was just the energy motivation we needed to get in a full day of shopping. I am very happy to say that we both made major scores on some very cute clothes.
And so, after a lazy evening of home-baked pizza, popcorn, pie and ‘Failure to Launch,’ we both geeked out for a bit before heading to bed slightly after 10 p.m. Our evening was about as eventful as that of the boys who were taking part in NerdCamp, hosted by Vancouver’s top blogger, Duane Storey.
ROBSON BIGHT UPDATE (AND A LITTLE EXTRA)
In August, I made mention of a fast-growing oil slick in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. The protected waterway, which is banned even to kayakers and other recreational activities, was home to a toxic spill that spanned more than 14 kilometres after an overturned barge dumped a gross amount of diesel fuel.
The damage caused by the spill was, undoubtedly, devastating, but just as tragic was the lack of action taken by the Provincial Government to have the spill immediately cleaned up.
Photo courtesy of makeupanid on Flickr
Only now, nearly four months after the spill, is a submersible being lowered into the waters of Robson Bight to evaluate the scope of the destruction. Victoria-based A-Channel news reported on current activities in the Bight:
A manned submersible aboard the Aurora Explorer freight vessel is lowered into the water above five targets that have been identified as possible wreckage. Pilot Jeff Heaton will descend 370 metres and document what’s left of the logging equipment with a high-definition camera…and hopefully provide answers.
Jim Borrowman, a volunteer Warden of the reserve believes the best possible scenario is the fuel truck at the bottom of the ocean is empty now, with no diesel left in it to do any more damage. On the other hand, points out Dorthea Hangaard of the Living Oceans Society, if there is still a substantial amount of fuel involved, it could also be sucked out without lifting the equipment to the surface.
Hopefully this will initiate a more thorough and formal investigation into what actually happened in the killer whale sanctuary. I will keep you updated if and when more information becomes available.
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Looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit and do something charitable?
Play Santa for the animals!
Photo courtesy of ChromaticRat on Flickr
“Shelter animals are prone to depression from loneliness and boredom. Toys very much help stimulate the mind and provide moments of joy and comfort,” said Rhonda Sherwood, volunteer co-ordinator for the Vancouver shelter.
Sherwood acknowledges that while toys may seem like a luxury for shelter animals, they offer necessary enrichment, without which behavioural problems could develop.”
The wish list is a full one, with a need for balls, squeaky toys, Frisbees, blankets, towels, food, treats and whatever else may encourage healthy growth in needy animals.
If you’d like to help out and donate, please visit the Vancouver shelter this Sunday, December 16, 2007 between noon and 4:00 p.m. The shelter is located at 1205 East 7th Avenue. [Map]
Please be reminded that shelters around British Columbia house and care for injured, neglected, lost or abandoned animals 365 days a year, so feel free to help out whenever you can.
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And on a light end-note, my hunt for a new and fantastic mascara has come to an end. I’ve long been a user of Maybelline’s Full N’ Soft mascara, but it has of late been M.I.A. from the shelves at my local Shopper’s Drug Mart.
Last night I bit the bullet and shelled out for a pricier mascara, and after using it for the first time this morning, I’ve got to say that Smashbox’s Focal Point mascara is well worth the dough. Formulated with a special blend of waxes and polymers, it coats each lash individually, not as clumps. Yay!
POPPIES N’ PLAYAS
For those of us in Canada, November 11 is Remembrance Day. In the U.S., the act of remembering those that died for their country is known as Veterans’ Day. Perhaps the most visual symbol of Remembrance Day in Canada is through adorning jackets and sweaters with a poppy. According to the Royal Canadian Legion website…
“Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.Today, when people from all parts of Canada and from all walks of life join together in their pledge to never forget, they choose to display this collective reminiscence by wearing a Poppy. They stand united as Canadians sharing a common history of sacrifice and commitment.”
I am most certainly a woman who is not only proud to call herself Canadian, but also one who is forever indebted to the men and women who gave up their lives for the sake of our nation. I have to admit, however, that I struggle with the idea of wearing the poppy. My issue is not with showing others the respect I have for those that sacrificed for our freedom; my issue is with how a poppy on my lapel could be interpreted by others.
As I write this, there are Canadians stationed in the Middle East under the impression that they are peacekeeping. I have no doubt that they know they are doing a great service to their country and I support them fully in their decision to serve Canada. What I do not support is our government’s decision to occupy a country that quite simply does not want us there. In fact, I believe we have no business being there.
I do not purport to know our government’s business. I can’t even say I faithfully follow the news. What I do know is that people from all across this country have very strong and unique opinions on the Canadian Army in Afghanistan. And that, my friends, is what I love about the online world. Feel free to share your opinion on this, on poppies or on whatever comes to mind.
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And in completely unrelated news, I spent last night listening to Kanye West’s “Graduation” twice through after returning from the U.S. Not much satisfies me as much as buying a new record and loving every song from start to finish. This is one of those records. My plans for tonight? Throw on some of my favourite new panties, “Flashing Lights” on the stereo and dance my little ass off. And yup, I’ll probably take some pictures because let’s face it, I’m a camera whore and we all know it. Photo courtesy of Def Jam Records
‘MO MONEY, ‘MO PROBLEMS
To the surprise of no one (yes, folks…”no one” is two words, not one word), BC Ferries Corporation is once again digging their hands into our pockets and fishing for more cha-ching. As of November 1, 2007, fares will increase an average of 2.8 percent on major routes connecting the Lower Mainland with Vancouver Island, and a whopping 4.4 percent on all other routes.
Perhaps this won’t dissuade tourists, but it’s certainly discouraging to people such as myself who travel between the Island and Mainland at least twice a month. This news must be even more painful for people using the ferry system as a means of daily transport, such as those living on gulf islands. At a total disadvantage to the residents of B.C.’s coast, BC Ferries holds a complete monopoly on oceanic travel, so a sufficient and less expensive alternative isn’t available.
Since the company was privatized years ago, the overall level of service has plummeted. Since I don’t see wait times at terminals being reduced anytime soon, this only leads me to question: “why the subsequent fare hikes?”
I can only conclude that the price of marijuana within the Province must be on the rise.
9/11
I’ve had little to no enthusiasm or inclination to blog as of late, but my friend Tony wrote a piece with regards to September 11. Before you moan and groan, it’s anything but typical and probably isn’t at all what you expect it might be.
Take a couple minutes to click here and read what he has to say. It’s eye-opening at the very least.
Update: My friend Matt has also just posted a piece this morning. It is, as always, written in his true form. It’s a spectacular article, so follow this link to read it.
Whale killed off coast of Vancouver Island
Preliminary reports are emerging that five men of the Neah Bay, WA- based Makah tribe killed a California grey whale in the Straight of Juan de Fuca off the coast of Sooke, BC. Because the incident was based in American waters, the U.S. Coast Guard were the first to respond.
“We allow native hunts for cultural purposes. However, this does not appear to be of that nature so far,” said Mark Oswell, a law enforcement spokesperson for the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Though the five Makah men claimed they were hunting for traditional purposes, as the tribe has been fighting for rights to do so, it was apparent that they had carried out this hunt without any acknowledgment from their tribe.
Shawn Eggert of the Coast Guard confirmed “As far as we know these men didn’t have any kind of permission from the tribe.“
What has incensed me most in the method in which the whale was butchered. The whale was first harpooned but didn’t succumb to those injuries. If you can actually believe it, it’s speculated that the men used a machine gun (yes, an automatic weapon), to riddle the whale’s body with bullet holes.
The U.S. Coast Guard has since turned the five men over to the Makah tribal police and this matter is pending further investigation. I will keep you updated as more information with regards to this story is released.
Photos courtesy of Komo TV News
Monday Night, 8:38 p.m. That’s me.
Last night, I forgot to mention something with regards to Hanson that is actually quite a bit more important than having the group write a song for me. The first single from this year’s record “The Walk” is called Great Divide. From the first listen, I fell hard for the song, but in particular for the sense of inspiration that the lyrics give. It wasn’t long after that I found out that the song was written and released to coincide with World AIDS Day. The three Hanson brothers have recently done extensive work with children in Africa, in particular those who have become orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic. Great Divide was their labour of love and tribute to those children and the work currently being done in Africa. Take a couple minutes to watch the video below.
Everytime someone downloads Great Divide off iTunes, the proceeds are donated directly to HIVSA (HIV South Africa). HIVSA is a non-profit organization created to support those infected with or affected by HIV. Click here to learn more about this organization, or visit iTunes to download Great Divide.
Video courtesy of YouTube.
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For those of you from Vancouver Island who are keeping up with the latest Comox Valley debate, it seems as though recent talks have hit a brick wall. The Strathcona Regional District, which encompasses a fair chunk of the North Island, is weighing out the pros and cons between
revamping the hospitals currently located in Comox and Campbell River or simply building an entirely new and “centrally-located” facility.
Personally speaking, everyone has the right to fast and efficient healthcare. To place a hospital facility between the Comox Valley and Campbell River defeats both of those factors. In the event of any potential emergency, the trek to a regional hospital would be far too long. When lives are at stake for the sake of dollars, there is no choice except that lives are by far more important.
To learn more about the Comox Strathcona Hospital District, visit this link.
Photo of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox courtesy of hospital’s official website.
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And lastly, before I sign off and head to bed at a ridiculously early hour, need I remind you of three things?
1. LA Ink is on tomorrow night…if you’ve been missing it, then you don’t know what you’re missing.
2. Season 4 of Rescue Me premieres tomorrow night in Canada on Showcase. I’m ready for Denis Leary. Very ready.
3. Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” is being released in theatres this Friday. In case you didn’t know, I’ve been highly anticipating this one. If anyone knows of a local midnight showing this Thursday, please let me know. I was counting on the Rio Theatre, but it seems as though they’re showcasing “Hairspray.” Note that I am not providing an external link to that flick for y’all.
I guess that’s it. It’s time to dive between the sheets with yet another chick flick. Last night I checked out “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (U.S. spelling) and found it beyond delightful. Stay tuned tomorrow for something ridiculously…ridiculous.
Love-love.
Island News: Traveling Barge Not So Slick
The Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island just south of Telegraph Cove, is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting, monitoring and studying the local killer whale habitat. It’s an area that’s completely closed to the public, including all non-destructive recreationalists.
Approximately 24 hours ago, a pod of 14 killer whales was spotted within the reserve swimming through an oil slick at an area estimated to be about two kilometres long at the time. Since then, the threat to the area has grown to an estimated 14 kilometres and is still growing. It’s thought that the cause of the toxic spill is that of an overturned barge which was carrying vehicular cargo near the area. It’s not yet been determined how the accident happened, but speculation has already begun that the barge itself was traveling through protected waters.
To hear stories like this enrages me to no end. I am so thankful that I’ve been blessed enough with the ability to appreciate the land, habitat and oceans that we as British Columbians have been endowed with. I can’t for the life of me understand why something like this can even happen, and it’s heartbreaking to think that anyone could possibly have such disregard for a precious commodity. If anything, instances such as this one should only serve the purpose of teaching us that we are the only ones responsible for protecting what we have. And that, I believe, begins with education. To learn more about this story, the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve or how you can help preserve British Columbia’s killer whale population, please follow the links below.
“Whales Spotted Swimming Through Oil Slick Off Vancouver Island“ - CBC News
Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
British Columbia Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program
Photo courtesy of makeupanid on Flickr.
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My friend Kyle and I met many, many years ago through his older brother Ryan. Kyle has long been fascinated with art, painting and drawing and his talent has never been lost on anyone. Recently Kyle lost a good friend of his in a tragic 4×4 quad accident. As a fitting tribute to his friend and the community they were all involved in, Kyle and a friend created the video below to honour and remember Keith Dickenson. If you have a minute, check it out. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment and, as always, Kyle’s skill blows me away. He’s the one in the plaid shirt and jaunty little cap.
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This weekend my “baby” brother turns 23. Exciting, isn’t it? I managed to order his custom, one-of-a-kind birthday present today. He’d better like it too or I’ll have to kick him in the shins. It means I’ll be making the trek home yet again this Friday, the third time this month. Truth be told, I don’t mind one bit.
Speaking of truths, I’ve been feeling terribly anti-social lately. Nothing excites me more than my TV and pajamas. Except maybe sleep. Sleep is really exciting!
P.S. Mom, don’t you think that adopting a killer whale would make a great birthday present for someone special other than Trevor? I do.