Friday, July 31, 2009

Rent Olympian Aid Inc.

Today the 2010 Olympic organizers announced that they want employers to lend them up to 1,500 short-term workers for the Games. I heard that the Olympics did not have enough volunteers so I signed up to volunteer for a while ago. They sent an email notifying they have alot of people and hence it may be some time before they contact me. I wish them luck with employers.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Another hot one...

It was another hot day and I felt like evaporating. Makes you want to stay somewhere where it's cool that has wireless.

Wireless:

View FREE WI-FI IN METRO VANCOUVER in a larger map

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I`m Melting!

It`s official: Today is the hottest day ever recorded in Vancouver. It`s so hot that I feel like an M&M melting in someone`s hand.

It`s a good thing that Vancouver has lots of places you can chill to get away from the heat. Today I was hanging out with some friends at the Blenz coffee shop at Main and 26th Avenue.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Simpsons...

The Simpsons, the tv show, will experience Olympic fever in February. The Simpsons will try Olympic curling. Can't wait until I get my tickets in the mail!

Monday, July 27, 2009

All the way there and back...

The last day of our trip arrived and we headed back to Vancouver. I am really glad that I had the opportunity to travel to our neighbourly province of Alberta for a few days. It was a surreal experience.



Sunday, July 26, 2009

Up the mountain we go!

It was another great day today. After having a delicious breakfast at the Kananaskis Delta Lodge, we visited the Travel Alberta tourism office, Canmore and then visited the Banff area including Bow Falls and Bow River.



At Banff we rode a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain at the elevation of 7,486 ft.

The view of the mountains from Summit mountain was great and I felt so proud to be Canadian.

We then visited, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Louise, and the infamous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.



We also toured Yoho National Park where we saw Emerald Lake. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this lake. I had never heard of it before but will always remember the pristine environment. We also visited Natural Bridge which was formed by the running Kicking Horse River.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Have you ever had a chill in the summer?

Today was a great day. We started the day by visiting Banff National Park.




Then visited the Columbia Icefields.



According to Parks Canada :

The Columbia Icefield is a surviving remnant of the thick ice mass that once mantled most of Western Canada's mountains. Lying on a wide, elevated plateau, it is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Nearly three-quarters of the park's highest peaks are located close to the icefield; ideally placed to catch much of the moisture that Pacific winds carry across the British Columbia interior. Most of this precipitation falls as snow; up to 7 metres a year!

The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. Situated across from the Icefield Centre, its ice is in continuous motion, creeping forward at the rate of several centimeters per day. Spilling from the Columbia Icefield over three giant bedrock steps, the glacier flows down the valley like a frozen, slow-moving river. Because of a warming climate, the Athabasca Glacier has been receding or melting for the last 125 years. Losing half its volume and retreating more than 1.5 kms, the shrinking glacier has left a moonscape of rocky moraines in its wake.

Drinking cold water from the glacier was amazing and having a mini snow fight in the summer was priceless. We spent the night at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, site of Year 2002 G8 Summit.

Friday, July 24, 2009

It's going to be a rocky trip...

So after much thought and budgeting, decided to go to the Canadian Rocky Mountains which is recognized as a World Heritage sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Left Vancouver early in the morning and Passed by Langley, Abbotsford, and once Gold Rush hub town Hope.





Stopped in Kamloops and had some chinese food. The restaurant was really good and had an all you can eat buffet. Then crossed the Rogers Pass, the most difficult construction section of trans-continental railroad, passing by Salmon Arm, and Sicamous, both Shuswap Lake cities.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Staycation...Vacation...Whatever, let's just have some fun.

This summer has been a staycation and I have been enjoying what the beautiful city of Vancouver has to offer along with other Vancouverites. I have been looking to travel somewhere nearby for a few days for almost three weeks but have not found what I would like to do. However, good news ... I think I have found the perfect trip. More details coming shortly.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

We`re off to see the wizard.

Vancouver Fireworks at English Bay Fireworks were great. Defending champions, Canada, presented a fireworks display called `The Wizard of Oz`.


HSBC Celebration of Light

Next is South Africa on Saturday, July 25, the UK on Wednesday, July 29, and China on Saturday, August 1. The fireworks begin at 10:00 pm. Find info at Celebration of Light.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Wave is Coming...in September

I was on twitter today and noticed that Google Wave was among the trending topics and wondered what the hype was all about. I have seen other trending topics but had never been so intrigued. What I found after following a few links really surprised me. I watched Google's demo introducing Google Wave, which lasted more than an hour. The best part came at the end when they show how communication will be facilitated between languages using a real-time translator. I have signed up to be notified when Google Wave goes live. I just can't wait. I am also waiting to hear about when Gooogle Voice will become available.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Vancouver is lighting it up!

If you notice a few changes on the Lion Gate Bridge, don't be alarmed. The province announced today that it will begin installing high efficiency LED lighting. Great to see changes Vancouver getting "greener".

LIONS GATE BRIDGE LIGHTING REPLACEMENT

VICTORIA – Beginning tonight, motorists, residents and visitors will notice a darkened Lions Gate Bridge, while crews install a high-efficiency LED lighting system.

The current 100-watt architectural lighting, which drapes the bridge’s suspension cables, is powered by 170 mercury-vapour bulbs and has been in place since 1986. However, with its core infrastructure nearing the end of its life span, the system is becoming increasingly onerous and costly to maintain.

The new LED lighting will have the same appearance as the existing system but will cut the current power consumption by 90 per cent and drastically reduce the time spent each year replacing burned-out bulbs.

The $150,000 project is being cost-shared by both the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Hydro. The new LED bulbs have a design life of 12 years and will not only last longer but the Province expects to save more than $30,000 per year in energy and maintenance.

Work to remove the existing lighting and install the new LED system will begin immediately and is expected to take up to three weeks to complete. During this time regular traffic lighting will function as usual, and traffic will not be affected.

The LED lighting retrofit supports B.C.’s Energy Plan, which encourages new technologies to “green the grid,” promote clean energy and reduce energy losses.

-30-

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Who you gonna call?

Last night's movie, Willy Wonka and and the Chocolate Factory, was really good. Alot of families attended the movie. I even enjoyed some Cotton Candy during the movie.

Tonight's movie, Ghostbusters was great too! We had a hard time finding seating but eventually found a spot. Good to see all the Ghostbuster fans show up at David Lam Park.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Chocolate anyone?

The weekend is shaping to be a movie marathon. With two outdoor movies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing at Killarney Community Centre Saturday and Ghostbusters playing at David Lam Park Sunday, I hope all Vancouverites get out and enjoy the free movies.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Rankings...Vancouver area cities take top spots.

It was interesting to see Maclean’s survey this morning which looked at the best and worst run cities in Canada. Greater Vancouver Area Cities: Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver are in the top four. Yet another reason to be glad about Vancouver.


Thursday, July 16, 2009

It's almost Friday and time to get high ... in the sky

If you look up in the sky this Friday morning you may see lots of activity in the sky. Don't be alarmed. We are not being invaded. To mark Canada's flight centennial, 100 airplanes will start flying single file British Columbia to Novia Scotia. For more details, view the video below and then visit Cross Canada Flights. The British Columbia flight leaves from Boundary Bay Airport.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Get ready to laugh and be amazed

I discovered a great site. It's called Advertising Age and it has something called the "Viral Video Chart" where they have the top viral ads. Below you will find two of my favorite ads.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Stop and Go

Although I crossed the Burrard Bridge yesterday, the experience on the bus can't be the same as riding your own bike across the bridge. So, today I took the plunge and travelled the long way around town to show my support.

I travelled the bridge around 4:45pm and did not see any traffic on the ends of the bridge. What I saw were cyclists enjoying the new lane and pedestrians walking on the correct side. I found the experience a good one. Most importantly, I felt safe travelling the bridge.

The most dangerous part of my trip happened when a police officer asked me "Where are you going?" just before I crossed the first traffic light as I headed East after the Burrard Bridge. I was travelling pretty fast and had to slow down to answer him while the light turned to amber from green. I responded "Straight." and was not sure if he wanted me to stop or not so I was crawling across the light and but then said it was okay. I am wondering where he thought I would be going.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Vancouver is Triple the Fun

It was a "little person's" birthday today so I ended up at Crash Crawly. Their indoor playground is great for kids. It was lots of fun.



Then travelled across the Burrard Bridge to witness the new bike lane. It was almost 9pm and I was on a bus because I was in a rush to make it to Vancouver Museum's outdoor movie at Vanier Park, Triplets of Belleville. I was glad to see the movie which incorporated a bike theme and French, our other official language.





Sunday, July 12, 2009

Burrard Bridge here I come!

It's great to see that the city of Vancouver is promoting alternative modes of transportation.
Tomorrow the Burrard Bridge's western curb lane become a bike lane for cyclists crossing toward Kitsilano, while the eastern sidewalk will be reserved for cyclists heading downtown. Cyclists and pedestrians will no longer be forced to share the bridge's sidewalk thus making it safer for pedestrians and cyclist. I will be taking this route tomorrow to see what it's like.


Saturday, July 11, 2009

Did you know there is an Internatioanl Paralympic Day?

Rick Mercer had a fun episode concerning the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games which inspired me to buy some paralympic tickets. Now I can't wait to see these atheletes in action.

PREMIER’S STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC DAY

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement today to mark International Paralympic Day, July 11:

“Our Paralympic athletes, who participate in both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, have proven on the world stage that they are fierce competitors. They’ve brought 404 gold, 338 silver and 355 bronze medals back to Canada since 1968, when our country first competed in Paralympic Games.

“The values, determination and sportsmanship they embrace are an inspiration to all Canadians and we are fortunate that many Paralympic athletes call British Columbia home. The resolve, commitment and dedication of B.C. Paralympians are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

“In 244 days, British Columbia will welcome the world for the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games – the first Winter Paralympics ever hosted in Canada. This is an incredible opportunity for our athletes to compete and win at home and we will be cheering them on with pride.”

Friday, July 10, 2009

Female Ski Jumpers Olympic get the red light for the Olympics

Although Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon of the B.C. Supreme Court found that:

"In my view, the exclusion of women's ski jumping from the 2010 Games is discriminatory. Many of the men the plaintiffs have trained with and competed against as peers will be Olympians; the plaintiffs will be denied this opportunity for no reason other than their sex. But not every act of discrimination is a breach of the Charter."
she rejected an application from 15 female ski jumpers asking that either they be allowed to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver or that all ski jumping events be cancelled. In her summary, Fenlon says that the International Olympic Committee is solely responsible for what sports are allowed to compete and stated that the IOC made a decision that discriminates against the plaintiffs and only the IOC can alleviate the discrimination.

With only seven months left until the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics, International Olympic Committee will be on the spotlight for this decision. I am looking forward to seeing how this develops. Let's stay tuned.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Flying High

Air Canada unveiled its new Boeing 777 Olympic themed aircraft which will spread the 2010 Winter Games message with its massive images of six winter sports including athletes in snowboard parallel giant slalom, ice hockey and cross-country skiing on one side and alpine skiing, ice sledge hockey and ski jumping on the other. Let's hope 2010 does not fly by too quickly.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Why? Why?

It was a rainy day in Vancouver. I had almost forgotten what rain felt like since it's been a while since it rained. It was a perfect day to stay indoors and watch the MJ's memorial online.

There were many touching moments at the memorial, including Micheal Jackson's daughter speaking out in support for her father and Mariah Carey singing one of my favorite songs. I think the biggest surprise to me was seeing John Mayer perform. I think everyone who performed sang from the heart which was uplifting.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Tennis Land

I decided to play tennis and discovered a nice court at 44nd and Prince Edward. Nobody is around in the morning so you can play as much as you want.



Sunday, July 5, 2009

Shhh...Listen

A few weeks ago I was walking around Vancouver and noticed a few ads for a show called: The Listener. So I decided to search for it online at CTV and found it. The show is about a highly skilled paramedic, Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik), who has a secret...he can read minds.

Making the rounds of Toronto with his energetic paramedic partner Osman "Oz" Bey (Ennis Esmer), The Listener follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis and in the process heal some of his own wounds. While his professional life is in check, Toby's personal life could use its own rescue.
I found the show entertaining and watched a few episodes.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

It was a happy-sad day.

It was another beautiful day in Vancouver and I had lots of fun at Play Land.

Yesterday I tried the Staples Center website I tried to get tickets for the MJ memorial just to find the website server had shut down however I was able to enter my name in today. If I don't win tickets I will be watching the memorial online.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Play Land Here I Come...

Nothing says summer like rides at Play Land at the PNE. I am going on Saturday and excited to go again this year. I am really glad I don't have to work on Monday or I might end up acting like the guy in this video.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A good cleaning...

As I start my "vacation", I have begun to focus on cleaning around the house. I received a great tip from a friend on how best clean my computer screen. You can see it at the following link: Screen Cleaning.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy 142nd Birthday Canada!

Bonne fĂȘte Canada! Hope you have a happy and safe Canada Day.