Being Dem

Swine Flu update

2009-11-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Life may imitate art, and it probably imitates blogs....

5 months after blogging about the then new swine flu issue I came down with a pretty strong bout of sickness myself. For the better part of a week I slugged around our suite - feeling like a zombie and cursing all those who had breathed on me recently. I never saw a doctor and don't know if it was swine flu, but I had certainly not been that ill since my sister and I had the chicken pox in elementary school.

Currently, Canada has ordered a dose of H1N1 vaccination for every citizen, but delivery has been slow and problematic - doses are late getting to doctors and clinics, and que-jumpers are sneaking past children to get it (ie. Calgary Flames players). Most people won't get it before the flu peaks, and it will probably effect the upcoming Olympics as well.

A few co-workers have become sick as well as several people I know, but an actual diagnosis is rarely given, or needed and life goes on.

Swine Flu!

2009-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, its not the bird flu I predicted, but the overdue pandemic could be upon us. Just a few quick thoughts on the swine flu outbreak (then I need to wash my hands):

- could they (the Man) not just have closed the border as early possible? I know the WHO said basically that the cat (pig?) was out of the bag already, but wouldn't it have bought some cities some much needed time to prepare?

- what does it mean when, in a state of panic, I get a facemask just for myself and not my wife (I love you honey We're going to grow old together!)

- why does the outbreak seem to have dire consequences in Mexico, but only mild symptoms (mostly) in non-Mexicans?

- how can health officials and ploticians say we have a coordinated pandemic plan when hospitals, schools, businesses are all responding differently? I especially like it when hospitals send symptomatic people home before confirming their diagnosis and then asking them to self-quarantine. Thats MART!

- I think it also makes sense, when you don't know how a new flu strain works, to continue asking people to eat the animal that it came from - I mean why err on the side of caution when there is so much good pork to eat out there?

- and finally, why take the time to prepare now, even though this outbreak is now looking minor, for something worse? It's easy to buy pandemic supplies when there's a run on them and it'll be easy to make safety policy when staff are off sick....

Am I stupid or what?

House Hunting

2009-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Things only have the value that we give them" - Moliere.

And so we enter the Vancouver housing market. We have been looking to buy on the north shore for several months now; sifting through hundreds of lonline listings and touring many open houses; only recently has it dawned on us that there is often a considerable gap between market value of a property and some other more personally constructed value. We have seen more than a few ancient little rat nests sell quickly in a flurry of bidding (for 1/2 a million $) that I would not let our cat live in, let alone a raise a family in. I think previously owning a house in PG (where $150 K got you something livable) has spoiled me for buying in this area, where the same dollars wouldn't even get you a 30 yr old 700 sq ft apartment with a shag rug. North Van in particular seems to be at the mercy of supply and demand economics. Unlike PG, where new subdivisons can be created at the stroke of the pen (and chainsaw), North Van isn't adding tracts of new houses onto the market. So, many buyers are chasing few homes and the prices go up, or stay up. Things are better for condos given that they have built so many of them and that they are (relatively) more affordable, but who wants to live in an apartment forever? And who can save for a real home when they're still paying $300,000 for a shoebox? And how do you rationalize this when renting is still cheaper, considerably, than owning?

These questions would be hard enough to answer at the best of times, but given the current economic situation (do we call it a depression yet?) it makes it almost impossible. If you're barely comfortable buying now how will you feel in 2 yrs or 5 yrs when rates are double or triple? Or if you can't sell at a profit in 5 yrs or 10 yrs to get onto a patch of dirt to call your own?

Maybe living in a treehouse wouldn't be so bad, but only if it came with a view...

Power Grab

2008-12-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

'In politics, a an organized minority is a political majority' - Rev. J. Jackson

The Governor General didn't do democracy any favors when she ruled to prorogue parliament a few weeks ago. Not that we should've expected anything different from the PM-appointed Queen's representative; we don't exactly have a ideal democratic process for picking our absolute head of state. I'm no expert at Parliamentary procedure, but it just strikes me a problematic that a minority-elected PM can suspend Parliament at his own discretion, and yet continue to govern unchecked during the suspension - in this case probably 7 or 8 weeks. Things are happening quickly in these 'uncertain times', but now we've lost one of the few tools we have to put politicians under the micro-scope during them, the parliamentary Question period. Since the GG granted Harper his request (to essentially avoid an imminent opposition-coordinated non-confidence vote) he has continued to make critical decisions to the welfare of the country - offering a multi-billion dollar bailout to Detroit automakers, and then appointing several new Senators - that are now outside the scope of formal questioning. Does anyone else see this as an issue? Isn't this what more despotic regimes tend to do - quash public questioning of government? Actually - I seem to recall that there have been more than a few English monarchs that have similiar issues in the past, so maybe we shouldn't be surprised at what has now transpired here in the colonies. Historically however, such acts by monarchs would be met with riots in the street and peasants with pitchforks, but here and now we're happy to be left alone by the politicians while we rush around finishing our gift and liquor buying for the holidays.

How I Learned to Love the Crash (or Happy Holidays!)

2008-12-01T20:14:00.001-08:00

These 'uncertain' times have triggered an interesting array of reactions from people - from depression, to fear, to hope. One only has to peruse the sites and blogs at right to know where my current anxieties lie about the future of Homo Sapiens on this particular planet; somewhere between 1984 and Soylent Green, but with a 2010: Space Odyssey hopefulness. I would say that I've moved beyond conspiracy theories, but only to an even more cynical place - after all, conspiracies presume that there are at least some group of plutocrats, however shadowy, that have a grand design for us and the tools to implement it. But a darker place, arguable a worse scenario, is where there is no plan, no single entity, no identifiable levers that control the machine that is human civilization - it really may be a motley collection of near-sighted, self-interested princes, armed thugs and dopey sheep looking to get what they can, when they can. Is the gong show too large and discordant for anyone to influence, no matter the resources they have or the influence the wield? Regardless, judging from the financial and economic information coming to light it looks like we're in for very interesting times. With any luck we'll just hit a unparalleled global recession with all the hunger, anguish and trauma associated with it, and not the inevitable global implosion of consumptive capitalism, environmental collapse, and declining oil-based civilization that some have predicted. Sometimes I think, in either case, will all the psychic and physical resources we'll have to put into keeping this culture running really be worth it? What will we have to do to keep the TV's from China coming? The oranges from California? The cross-country flights? What will we have say or do to keep the illusion intact? And hat happens when the illusion vanishes?

What would life be without an employer for a paycheque, without a landlord or bank for shelter, without a truck from Ontario for food, without electronic pulses for entertainment? I can't say for certian that I would, over time, be worse without them. But maybe just a few short years ago we wouldn't have bothered asking this, but maybe this year we do. And maybe next year we ask further, 'what would we have to do if we were to meet all our own needs?'. Maybe the year after we learn to do those things. The future is uncertain, but maybe our choices need not be.

In any event - shop 'til you drop!
(next year in Jerusalem!)

The Obligatory Obama Post

2008-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

By now I'm sure everyone's heard about the results of our neighbour's elections, and I'm not referring to old Mrs. Finlay being elected to the diocese CWL as sec-treasurer (although I think here position on mark-to-market accounting will give the incumbent a run for her money). Just a few notes then on the US election where Democratic candidate Obama easily defeated Republican John Mcain to become the 44th US president, and more notably the first African-Amercian president.

That Obama, a relatively young Illinois senator (but of course a fossilized troglodyte is young compared to Mcain) with a background in community development and constitutional law, literally demolished his opponent at the polls (winning several key Republican strongholds, and the overall popular vote) running on a change platform is not surprising, given that his country has been - how we say in Canada - run up a shit creek without a paddle, for a number of years. Watching the events unfold on our cathode ray tube TV on election night was great fun; it played out like a Oscar aiming Hollywood flick scripted for Denzel Washington, but without the required clan lynching scene. The surprising piece was the just how fervently his supporters/fans/groupies embraced the change - mucho!; how high expectations are of change - grande!; and what kinds of change are anticipated - everything!. I can see why he ran on that plaform - of course it was going to be a hit with voters, and he may even believe that change is needed in some areas and that he can actually deliver said changes, but he's still a politician. Look at who he's tapped for cabinet positions - a re-hashing of former Clinton and Bush regime power players; not exactly the band of outsiders storming the bastions of the capital. I'm afraid that there's going to be a collective let down next spring when people realize that he cannot deliver on any major changes in Amercian socio-economic life. And what happens afterwards? When Amercians realize they have created, or consented to the creation of a state, that cannot follow the will of the people? That the tools to care for "we the people" have been wrested from them by greedy princes of consumption-based capitalism and the military-industrial complex and their elected hangers-on. Or what happens if they don't realize this?

Post-Election Post

2008-10-17T09:23:00.001-07:00

Going through Canadian federal elections is a disappointing process, like watching a Canucks game. There's plenty of hope, anticipation of needed change and an exuberance of positive potentialalities, but then they kick you in the ass. You're left to wonder if just shouldn't have skipped the gong-show and gone directly to banging your head on a wall. It really makes me wonder just what people think of this world we live in and and how our political system shapes it. In these 'uncertain times' ( the new buzzword for the inevitable environmental and economic collapse) both globally, and nationally, (see issues such as a lack of comprehensive social programs (daycare, housing, etc.), increasing militarization and connection to our aggressive and isolated neighbour, etc.) most people think a continued Conservative government is the way to go? Wow. The party that doesn't recognize Kyoto, killed corporate capital taxes, is anti-carbon taxes, increased military budgets, repeatedly refers to Quebec as a nation, didn't recommend a national daycare or housing program....this is who we're getting behind? Wow. I'm on the wrong page - I'm looking at the Communist Party of Canada website and thinking 'great ideas, bad rep' - I'm thinking Elizabeth May would be a breath of fresh air in Parliament, I'm thinking what does it mean when the NDP can't elect a candidate is Saskatchewan, birthplace of Canadian socialism? Is the scope and complexity of Canadian political discourse really reflected by this current structure we have? Ugh, Conservative or Liberal, ugh.

Looks like we're in trouble - maybe getting into the back pocket of our next door neighbour Super Power isn't such a bad idea....

Media Savvy!

2008-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Amy and I were lucky enough to catch Katie Couric's interview of Republican vp. candiate Sarah Palin last night. Wow. It was uncomfortable to say the least - it reminded me of the unholy sounds that pigs make when they eat their young. OK - thats graphic. It made us cringe at first, but being 2 patient liberal-types we figured that despite a lack of obvious polish in delivery she might actually have some good nuggets to hear, content-wise. Or at least another hockey-mom joke. But alas, no. Although she used words that were by themselves recognizable in the English language the way she assembled them was not consistent with generally-accepted grammatical syntax. I though maybe at first it was an Alaskan pig-latin dialect. Even Amy was confused - and she teaches ESL. It was almost as if someone in the green room, before the broadcast, hit her over the head with a blunt object and said 'go talk about the Russians' to Katie. I thought that after being sheltered by her campaign managers from the media for the last few weeks she would've been given some interview-coaching, or a crash course in political oratory, but maybe she had a series of strokes instead. Ironically, she makes Georgie Bush sound like an elder statesman instead of the feckless foundling that he is. I wonder if McCain ever meets with them alone and thinks he's is some sort of bizarro sci-fi movie, like he's the only man on a Planet of the Apes. In any event - the need for Obama to win is clearly stronger now than ever before, but I imagine we'll be saying this a few more times before this campaign circus ends.

3 men down!

2008-09-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Shite - what's with the 3 recent federal NDP candidate resignations? 2 for for public pot use and 1 for public nudity - who thought socialist politics could be so fun? Next time I want to liven up my CandleLite party I'll call the NDP riding office and invite the boys over...There's a few problems here. By all accounts the party decision makers knew about these events ( and presumably understood that if made known to the public that they would be fair game to critics and voters) and decided to roll the dice with them anyway. Now they're down 3 candidates, and their credibility takes a bashing. Does this speak to a level of desperation around securing NDP candidates in some ridings? Did the campaign managers actually think the average voter would look past the blatant and idiotic drug use, and naked frolicking with teens in their potential elected representatives? I hope not, in both cases - or else the Left is in bigger trouble than we thought. On a more larger level, this creates some ideological problems. The NDP advocates for the de-criminalization of marijuana and supports the increase of harm-reduction drug programs (eg. Insite) to address drug addiction, so to then distance themselves from self-professed (albeit excessive) marijuana users turned politicians is a tad hypocritical. I think it's important to run a platform with the above-mentioned ideas, but the presentation of the candidates voicing this message would be key - ie. that pot-smoking candidates are a reflection of social drug use in the general population (hot-boxing the ice-fishing shack, passing a spliff around the gang at a house party, etc.) as opposed to driving around the West Coast stoned and recording it or being a judge at pot seed contest with a known DEA target. Just a thought...

Passchendaele

2008-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Just putting you on notice; this Canadian production opens soon - I'll give it a watch and use it to make a comment on Afghanistan and/or comparisons to Amercian war flicks.

Format Change!

2008-09-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

After running this blog (sporadically) for a few years as a web-journal of personal trips and events, probably as more of a crutch for my own terrible memory, I've decided to switch it up a bit. I've recently wanted to find a medium that I could use to reflect my processing of the people, ideas, events around me, and consequentially to demonstrate a statement of position in regards to this process. Thus, I'll provide more personal commentary and reflection of the goings-on around me, both locally and more globally, that will hopefully engage readers and invite more participation to share in this process.

Also, I'll include cat postings.

I've also added a Follower gadget - so for all those fellow bloggers out there please sign up to show your support. For non-blogging, but interested readers, please let me know if you want me to add you to the automatic e-mail list so that you get new posts direct to your inbox.

Dem

me and Cynthia P.

2008-07-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

Part 1 of interview with Inuk throat singer; on life, lyrics and learning her traditional songs. Check out www.tumivut.com to catch the buzz...

For those who need a Maddie fix...

2008-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here she is - roving around looking for a bedtime snack. She recently enjoyed a weekend on the farm - she met Jake and trolled the herb garden and then got lost in the cow field, aahh - summer...

OK - who parked the S2 in the backyard?

2008-07-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

A recent and brief trip back to PG brought me face to face with this thing in the parents backyard. My dad had recently picked up this S2 sailboat from the east coast; he hopes to fix her up (the Maree II?) and plunder the south seas with her. And because she made the Kessel run in 12 parsecs it'll be a quick run to Passage Island from North Van.

Junior Summit on Ice!

2008-06-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

August 2007 - we trekked down to GM Place to watch the final game of the Canada-Russia Super Series, an 8 game tourney with the best junior hockey players from both states. The hockey was great, but it was no replay of 1972. Canada won 7 of the 8 and tied the other. The skill was simply awesome - we watched Kyle Turris, Tavares and Gagner light them up.

Passage Island Redux

2008-06-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

In May we had a working holiday on PI. Although I was initially fully prepared (and requesting)
to doze in the sun, a mini work bee quickly ensued and we found ourselves working on the roof - hammering in the afternoon heat. All was forgiven as wine and ale flowed afterwards. Pete has made substantial progress since last year, but one can only imagine how much more he would completed without the brain injury.

Newfie down!

2008-06-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air, so it must be wedding season. May found me losing another mate to the state of matrimony, and by summer's end I myself will inhabit that world. This one felt particularly significant as my Newfie friend and I had spent many a crazy time in PG over many years. As I said in my best man's speech; "may the wind always be at your back!".

What Internal Combustion Engine?

2008-06-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Spring time means bike time, and what better way to kick off the new season than on my new ride, tweedie, and check out the Critical Mass. Part protest, part parade - we had a great time; we took it a step further and substituted water for cheap German ale so it was no surprise when Pete later fell over in Stanley Park. We capped off the night by riding through the park to the north shore and then hailing caesar at a local public house. Aahh- summer...

hi mexico!

2008-05-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Fun times had by all (save for the digestive systems of some) during a trip to the Mayan riveria with the future in-laws. The trip confirmed what I know about myself - a) I'm really too white. b) I melt in the sun. c) despite what my mom says I can eat ice cream for dinner. d) I like tequila. I also learned new things - a) don't harass groups of monkeys. b) sarcasm doesn't translate well. c) cross continental plan travel is the devil's work.

Man down!

2008-05-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing says holiday fun like attending a wedding of an old friend. Tam - we hardly knew you...

floppy fishy

2007-10-05T16:21:00.001-07:00

Amy's first fish heads for the frying pan.

A Rare Sighting

2007-10-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, when the elements are just right, a small group of Youngs will congregate together for the purpose of eating and playing cards. In late August just such an event was spotted on the north shore - local young Youngs renewed relations over take-out Thai and a physical game of Donkey on a surprisngly flimsy table. These pictures show the group of cousins frolicking after the shared meal and before the necessary ritual sacrifice of one of the Innocents.

Progress on Pirate's Island

2007-10-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

In August we took a sojourn to Passage Island with our comrade TA to check out the nation-building over there. We drank and dined with locals and relations, met the goat and tented on the floor of the ever-rising house. The next day we took in a local beach on Bowen Island and burned in the sun.

The Prodigal Son

2007-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Of course, as no trip to the interior is fully complete without a visit to the old folks we spent several days in the bat cave on Tamarack. The little man even came down from Rumsfields oil-patch to say hi and I renewed relations with my companion Willy, who no doubt was put out by being unable to share the bed with Amy. We visited old and new friends, toured the old neighbourhood (podcast to follow?) and donated money to the local casino (wait, that was just me...).

2007-10-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

During our summer holidays in July we travelled to Houston BC to visit the Halvorson clan there. Fun was had by all as we fished a local lake for trout. Amy successfully caught her first fish and then tried cleaning her first fish, not so successfully.

Cup Crazy!

2007-06-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

After losing the WHL to Medicine Hat in game 7 we met them again in the Memorial Cup Final - ah, sweet revenge - the Giants sealed their first Cup title. A great ending to a awesome season!

Seabus to the Cinematheque

2007-05-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Just had a chance took catch the tail end of the DOXA documentary film fest downtown this weekend. We saw Quitters; about life in a UK residential treatment program. It was a good story; reminded me of the choas I work in. Would like to split a festival pass next year though, to watch more of the films during the week. At $12 a show its a bit pricey to soak them all in. A better plan would be to volunteer down there for a free pass and to meet some if the filmmakers. Mental note.

A Day at the Coliseum

2007-05-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer like watching playoff hockey! After watching the Vancouver Giants make it to the semi-final of last years Memorial Cup, and knowing they would be hosting this years tournament, we decided to get a few season tickets to partake in the fun. We took in a number of great games at the rink on Renfrew and watched the G-men win the BC Division and then lose in double OT of game 7 of the WHL final against the Medicine Hat Tigers. This past week the great hockey continued as the Memorial Cup began. This championship tournament sees the 3 CHL league winners (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) and a host team battle it out for Canadian junior hockey supremacy. After watching several of the round robin games this week I can honestly say that this the most exciting hockey around; goals, hits, great goal-tending, and personal appearances by Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and Trevor Linden - and we haven't even had the final game yet! The Giants will seek revenge tomorrow in the final against the Tigers - hopefully pics of their win will follow.

Oh no we didn't!

2007-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to get out of the big city for the holidays; we travelled by Cavalier to balmy Summerland, BC to meet up with an assorted collection of nuclear and extended family members. Much to our chagrin however the weather was quite cold and snowy. We had to forgoe our golf game for a trip to the local Legion where ate peanuts, drank cheap beer and tried to win frozen meat door prizes. Over the next few days we also continued various family holiday traditions such as over-eating chocolates, drinking in the morning, teaching bridge to people, and making fun of Nik's forehead. We were also able to squeeze ina quick trip to Squamish as well to meet up with the Norwegian cell of the family. Pickled garlic anyone?

Spying on Deep Cove

2007-01-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

A recent warming of the weather brought my brother out from Onterrible for visit. Shown here on the right - B. enjoys playing floor hockey, wearing sun glasses and hanging with the gang. On this particular sunny day we hiked the east end of the Baden Powell and checked out the sleepy community of Deep Cove, originally named for the french (francais) term 'really expensive housing'.

The Sky is Falling!

2006-12-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks we have had a bit of an exisential crisis; we have seen the future of the world without oil, without democracy and fried by global warming. It wasn't a pretty sight. First, we attended a lecture on Lonsdale by David Hughes, a geologist with the Geological Surevy of Canada, then we watched an Inconvienant Truth by Al Gore, and also watched The American Ruling Class by Lewis Lapham. These men represent scenarios of tremendous environmental and societal change that are backed by empirical observation and confirmed by global events every day. To put it bluntly we have run out of oil and have triggered global evironmental collpase through global warming. Although America, the world super power, has played a significant role in these processes it continues to downplay their existence; worse, its' continued dogged pursuit of material gain and consumption through corporate capitalism and military expansionism ensures that they will not be a benevolent force as this end game plays out. Where then does that leave us if the world as we know it now is set to disappear in the next 2 decades? Check out this link to see what happens to the world if sea levels rise only 7 M. Global warming isn't an theoretical scenario - we're already living it. Google ice pack melting in Greenland and Antartica. The recent drastic changes in temperature, storms, rain fall - it's all happening now. The only question for debate is what will get us first, evironmental or economic collapse? We are already experiencing the effects of decreased oil production. When I started driving only 15 years ago the price for a litre of gas was $.50, now it's over $1. My generation will not reach old age before our world changes. How will this play out and how will we respond? The information is out there, we need to put it all together.

its a winter wonderland!

2006-11-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

In the midst of a boil water advisory (courtesy of recent Pacific rainstorm) the rain turned to big juicy snowflakes and covered the city. It was almost enough to remind me of home; although back in PG it was -36 C. at the same time. So although we are surrounded, covered and pelted with water in various forms we unable to drink any of it. Stores have been continually sold out of bottled water and I refuse to begin drinking my urine. We've been getting fresh water from the farm in Squamish - trucked right to our door by family. I am eagerly anticipating the traffic chaos to ensue tomorrow and hope to observe the famously bad winter drivers of the lower mainland, but dont ask me yet if I have winters on my new used Corolla (pics of my old subie are forthcoming).

I'm King of the World!

2006-11-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

This is the view from the top of Mt. Seymour - one of the many peaks on the North Shore, only a 3 hr trip from home. In the immediate foreground is the ski hill, then there's North Van and Burrard Inlet and Vancouver in the background. It was a bright crisp day, and Raven guarding the summit really scared the hell out of me. Being from the North I had no idea that Raven was so huge and creepy-like. Yikes!

Please welcome to the stage...

2006-11-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

awesome - Oct. 18 we checked out one of my fav bands from the 90's, Sloan, at the Commodore Ballroom downtown on Granville - great venue BTW - they played mostly new tunes, but had some old stuff from Navy Blues, One Chord to Another, etc.

Wedding #3

2006-09-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

We attended the wedding of my American cosuin, Satchiko Young to Jim Young (no relation) in sunny Olympia Wasington. In an evening chock full of neat Americanisms such as an online-ordained 'minister', alcohol-inspired bravado and hand guns we witnessed Jim and his family 'gitter done'. As the requisite family picture can attest, quite a few of the Canadian Youngs were able to attend- notables include Cliff and Jean and our newest cousin Kelly. Much to our surprise (disappointment?) we were granted entry into the USA for the weekend despite (inspite?) of yelling 'Allah ahkbar!' as we drove up to the border waving cans of shaving cream.

July 7 harbour crusin'

2006-09-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

All these summer weddings must have rubbed off - I found myself securing a ring and proposing to Amy on a local dinner cruise around Vancouver. To my great joy and surprise she said that she would 'get back to me on that'. In the meantime I entered into negotiations with her father on the subject of a dowry - I suggested a healthy hereford, but he quickly dismissed that and countered with an offering of a lame chicken. We've agreed to table the issue for now.

Wedding #2

2006-09-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wedding #2 was my cousin's wedding on Kalamalka Lake, outisde of Kelowna. Although I emcee'd the reception I was able to imbibe spirits with the 180 Pound Club; a process the peaked with a flaming pyramid of tequila. It was great to have the Hoffarth clan together again and I was able to spend a few nights with Willy the Whippet whom my mother brought down for the occasion. You're my boy Will!

My first sweat lodge!

2006-09-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

In August I attended my first sweat lodge ceremony - another traditional aboriginal cleansing and prayer ceremony. The ceremony was led by the Semiahoo band chief - it was very hot and I left quite energized. Doing this regularly would be of great phyiscal and spiritual benefit.

Wedding #1

2006-09-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

This was the first of our 3 weddings this summer. We attended Amy's cousins ceremony in Sun Peaks near Kelowna; luckily the hotel had great central air conditioning as the temperature that weekend reached 40 degrees in the area. We stopped in a sudden rain shower on the Coquihalia highway and cooled off on the side of the road.

Cheap Fun!

2006-07-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

how does a couple entertain themselves on a muggy summer night in North Van?

a tube of facial mask? $10
a shared can of Kokanee? $2
a under-used digital camera? $150
losing all self-respect? priceless....

Pete's Pirate Island!

2006-07-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

On a humble island just a few nautical miles west of Vancouver lies the lair of famed Pete - treeplanter/pirate of the North seas. Under his rocky plot lies his buried bounty....guarded by the scurvy hound of hell, Tundra..of the North seas...Amy and I recently returned from Passage Island to view the latest building project of Pete's. It's a beautiful westward facing lot with water access - they have built a temporary cabin while they begin a larger log house on the rocks overlooking the Pacific. The island is quite small, with maybe 30 cabins and is just 10 minutes from a West Van harbour by water taxi.

fair thee well, loyale steed!

2006-07-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the last pic of my sweet ride - returning to the City whence she came; purchased several seasons ago from a local merchant she carried me well and with God speed. She will ride again to serve another master whilst I mount a larger breed....rubber side down my fine friend!

Pampered Protesters

2006-05-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Let the Games begin! In prepartion for exponential vehicle traffic to Whistler for 2010 events the Man has decided to improve the treacherous Sea To Sky Highway. A part of this plan includes constructing a new route for the highway through West Vancouver, one of the area's most scenic and affluent neighbourhoods. An assortment of conerned eco-tourists and well-heeled NIMBY's have gathered to blockade the development citing the need to protect the natural habitat, currently consisting of a pond and a frog. As an alternative they suggest pounding a massive tunnel through the side of a mountain. I hope to post pics from teh actual protest line, but for now check out the link.

The Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs at Horseshoe Bay - Our Legacy

My First Yuwipi Ceremony!

2006-05-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, upon invitation from a co-worker, I attended a Yuwipi; a Lakota-based healing ceremony in which a shaman contacts our ancestors from the spirit world. It was very powerful, but alas no pictures! I also hope to attend a sweat lodge and pow-wow in the summer months. Check out the link for more info...

Sacred Hoop Magazine, the home of Shamanic Spirituality

Local National Daycare Advocate

2006-04-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

During a recent stop in Vancouver, and ironically, after an announcement concerning national daycare strategy PM Harper had a nose job courtesy of the son of Amy's friend. Soloman, age 2, provided Harper with the unequivical feedback that his caucas could not and a visercal rejection that Canadian parents everyhwere could only wish to. Soloman refused to provide any further comment to the national press, but was heard to be babbling something as he was whisked away by the PM's security staff for detainment.

A Moment in Time

2006-03-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is one of the rarest of moments - when 2 special beings meet on a bridge. This meeting was one of the most momentous of the early 21st century - on the left is the reclusive orthnographist Ms. Nepple and on the right is raconteur Ms. Fip. After years of empassioned debate on several key words and phrases in the English language the two, at the relentless request of the international community, met at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park to hammer out an agreement on usage, spelling and intellectual property rights. In addition, they also pet a dog - later named Tundra by historians. The subsequent increase in the phrase 'be all thumbs' in regional circles of the intelligentsia and the word 'weal' are directly attributed to this occasion. Ms. Nepple went on to found the Order of Purple Mammals, a literary group loosely associated with books. Ms. Fip began a steady slipping, emotionally and professionally, and soon thereafter refused to pronouce any words begininng with 'ph'.

The Great Thaw

2006-03-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we travelled to Victoria, BC's provincial capital and playground of the retired. We took lunch with my paternal grandfather and his partner in their Cadboro Bay flat. The menu was quite agreeable and it pleasantly soothed the gastric-intestinal issues stemming from the previous nights debauchery. The conversation was light and scattered with stories from grandfather's younger years. Previosuly unbeknownst to myself, the Cold War appears to have had significant impact on the family's fortunes. Grandfather was naturally endowed with a musical ear and was encouraged by his mother, a teacher of Scottish descent to formally pursue orhestraic music. He became quite accomplished on the classical violin and appeared to be on the brink of making it a professional career. During the war he practised as an instrument technician for the Canadian Air Force - hearing problems had prevented him from becoming a pilot. After the war he resumed his musical career and appears to have been offered a position as orchestra conductor for the Seattle Symphony. These plans were thwarted however when the US government refused to give him the required work visa to due to his brother's associations with Canadian socialist movements. He returned to the Air Force, family in tow, and was eventually stationed in bases overseas where (ironically?) he worked on the above aircraft, the SR71 Blackbird, America's first ultrasonic stealth reconnaissance plane.

Manifest Destiny Realized

2006-03-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

World's longest undefended border be damned! They have sailed the USS Preble right up Burrard Inlet and seized the public dock in North Van! The enemy was so bold and cunning; landing at high noon and sounding her insufferable horn - I am sad to report that we gave up the beachead without much of a fight - tugs brought her into dock and even the RCMP held watch over her as her crew disembarked to plunder local shops and brothels. There was little resistance I could give other than a resigned middle fimger - we resolved to celebrate the end of the Dominion at the SoupMeister shop in the quay market.

Newest Clan Member

2006-02-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce the newst member of the family; Mr Smyth. He is a very small person, some have likened him to a small child, but this is not the case. Wise beyond his years, he is a man of few words, but enjoys the simple pleasures of life - warm milk, clean underclothes and large cotton pillows. Living a life of privelege that most of us could only dream of, Smyth employs a variety of helpers that care for him 24 hrs a day - cooking him special meals, entertaining him, dressing him and managing his global investments.

Looking Back Through Time

2006-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

North Van originally began life as a humble turn of the century company town situated on the water where the present Seabus terminus is located. It became known as Moodyville, after the owner of the first North Shore saw mill, Sewell Moody. Logging and ship-building soon became the primary industries of the new boom town and the village was soon connected to Vancouver by a bridge and ferry service. These pictures are taken from South Lonsdale about 85 years apart. Note the mix of small business and residential buildings, lively streetlife and public transit.

New Digs!

2006-01-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

After many weeks of packing, re-packing, driving, job-hunting, apartment-hunting and more driving we have finally ended our journey at Vancouver's North Shore. In strict geo-spatial terms we reside in the City of North Vancouver, located in the District of North Vancouver. What a strange and wonderful place my new mega-city is! Even the geograpy is sophisticated; there's West Van, North Van (west of West Van), the west side, the west end, and East Van (east of Van Van). I've already got 2 parking tickets (damn fire hydrants!) and been the victim...uh, instigator of road rage (damn turbo!). Here are a few pics of our new neighbourhood; the 2nd pic is looking south across the Burrard Inlet - one can see Canada Place and the Harbour Tower in the background. The 3rd pic is taken looking north from the end of the public pier at what used to be the home of Burrard Dry Dock Company, of BC's largest Canada's largest builders of merchant marine vessels during World War II. The 1st pic shows the MV Burrard Beaver, Vancouver Transit's 'seabus' that ferries foot passengers across the inlet 19 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to being a steadfast and invaluable link in the daily commute the Beaver was also successful in 2 marine rescues in 2ooo.

a Shadowy man from a shadowy planet

2005-12-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

This is a very bad man. He lives in a dark tower on Mt. Pleasant (Doom) with his evil servants Cleo and Chinta. He put his wife under a terrible spell - now she plays football. He captured me for a week in the midst of my job search in Vancouver - now I play football. I will list various excerpts from conversations during this time to prove his nefariousness:

'I dont have cable'
'I dont cook'
'I dont use the dryer'
'you have to walk my dogs'
'you have to buy more mix'
'you cant call long distance'
'you have to walk to the movie'
'you cant touch my dog there'
'you smell'
'you have to watch strange Japanese cartoons'

I was fortunate enough to escape when he left one morning for work, but vow to return for the others! I wont let their memory die!

my newfie friend

2005-12-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

My newfie friend is a red Toyota truck. What can I say, I havce an eclectic taste in friends. Actually, this is my friend G.'s most recent project; he has a passion for transforming old imports into rolling works of art. He has stripped down this truck and has intentions of adding a large turret to the back. From here he will terrorize small animals in the woods and drive over things. In the past he has turned an old Corolla into a moonshine distillery. From this ghastly machination he peddled 2nd rate screech across the nation in his attempt to celebrate Labrador's entrance into the Confederation. He also likes moonlight walks in the park, novels by Jane Austen and his favorite color is turquoise.

my friend Sally

2005-12-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

i just thought i would post this pic here as it's easier for me to look at it on the web, rather than searching my jump drive for it...but while i'm at it, here's a list of some fun things we'll be doing once she joins me in My New City:

going back to gamble at Hastings Park
visiting the top of the Harbour Tower
watching good films at the theatre that we wouldn't have seen in PG
eating cheap sushi!
running, walking, biking in the rain!
going to hear live music and theatre
buying fresh food
having a new life!

hurry up and get down here!

lonely and dreaming of the west coast...

2005-12-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

Sweet irony - I finally plan to leave for the big city 10 years late and then my car breaks down. Then a snowstorm hits. After a short detour to Kamloops to visit a Newfie friend (pics to follow) I have arrived in Vancouver. Currently I am making by bed at the corner of Main and Kingsway - the heart of Mount Pleasant. In it's early years this community had aspirations of being the 'well to do' neighbourhood of Vancouver; it had a great view of nearby False Creek and was suitably removed from the hustle of 19th century city life. Alas, it was soon to become the new home of local industrial businesses; several tanneries, a brewey and a railroad. Current business establishments consist of a 3rd rate strip club (called Uranus of all things), 24 hr take-out joints and a 2nd hand bookshop showcasing 'French Opera Posters 1864-1912. It is but a pleasant jaunt to many points of interest; GM Place, MEC and various transit options.

Update: Little Sister

2005-11-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

For friends and family that are wondering what new adventures Little Sister has embarked upon you will be tickled to hear that she has escaped north. She is currently residing in Port Hardy and has begun her teaching career as a substitute teacher in and around that community. She is living in a cabin at a local fishing lodge and has recently gone 'clam digging' as the locals call it. Apparently, these mollusk-like 'clams' live in sand at various beaches on the island and are considered somewhat of a delicacy; being either eaten fresh from their shell or boiled in a pot and accompanied by a malt beverage. What curious wonders these are! I have encouraged her to send forth photos of these and similiar goings-on in the hopes of sharing them with our fascinated audience.

you can take the boy out of the north, but you can't take the north out of the boy....

2005-11-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

With the upcoming move my thoughts have turned to how I will relate to my new Vancouver friends. How will I answer the inevitable questions about my hometown and life in Canada's north country? I have created a list of pre-determined answers to help me:

- its Prince George, not Pigs Gorge
- yes - we have running water, paved roads, electricity, indoor plumbing and MacDonlds - no, we have no Ikea
- yes, we have many trees and logging is our primary industry - no, I am not infected with the pine beetle
- yes, life goes on when it is -45 degrees and there is 2 feet of snow on the roads - we do have North America's first drive thru Starbucks
- it only took 1 day to drive to Vancouver and I have seen a roundabout before
- yes, I will let you try moose meat sausage if I can have some of your sushi

run away! run away!

2005-11-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Preparations are well under way for the much delayed and highly anticipated migration south. I have given notice at the place of paid employment and have begun the process of searching for a new establishment in Vancouver to sell my labour to. My close associate, Amy, has given me clear intstruction to seek and secure employment of the highest pay and regard - and nothing involving a pager or 'on call' weekends. In addition, I am in the midst of applying to various institutions of higher learning, with the hopes of sharing my vast knowledge of information with my fellow citizens. In the next few weeks I will be humbly couch-surfing at various abodes of friends and family in the Greater Vancouver region. FYI - my favorite meal is lasagna and I dont dig on poultry. See you soon!

The Wild Cat of Wiebe Road

2005-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Never has such a tempestous beast terrorized men of the greatest courage and honor. Also known as the 'Calico Cougar of Peden Hill', this tri-color terror preys on unsuspecting house guests and was responsible for the 'Tube Sock Massacre of 2005'. Silently stalking unwitting lower extremities and pouncing on dozing peasants. Inquisitive minds have queried questioningly; 'have the cat and dog met?'. The answer is yes; Willy was enthusiastically curious about the new feline and they approached each other with trepidation. At that certain moment, when the next move would dictate all future encounters, Willy pushed forward his long beak towards the wild cat. In a reactive move worthy of its own yoga name, the beast flipped back, wheeled and struck out at Willy - catching him on his nose with an unsheathed claw. All sorts of pandemonium erupted - animals hair of both filled the room and the hardwood floors became a virtual ice rink of sliding feet. Needless to say they never met again.

One small step for dem-kind....

2005-09-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

the impending sale of my house brings to an end my brief sojourn into property ownership; I was not to be the feudal lord I had imagined - surveying my land from protected heights while troll-like surfs toiled in the mud below, giving their meagre earnings to me whilst I protected them from barbarian invaders. Instead my renter shrank my shirt in the shared laundry dryer and complained about the 'freezing cold' in the basement suite. A subsequent renter deftly abandoned the premises just prior to rent day - a blessing in disguise as I was able to procure his electric organ. Oh, how the warm notes echo throughout the empty halls! The apparent disapppointing effectiveness of the suite in returning any sort of significant monies towards my mortgage payments was quickly diminshed by the pure joy of maintaining and repairing the physical structures of the 45 year old house on a limited budget (ie. high-interest credit card). Under such trying circumstances I had the good fortune of receiving help from my father who, at various times in the past, had been known to nail things with a hammer in one hand and a smoke in the other (a trick I gleefully anticipated observing again). My father is a complicated man (and deserving of his own post I am sure) - one that although he doesn't want any type of guidance or assistance for any maintainence task won't 'do things for you' and 'wants you to be home when he's plastering your walls and not out boozing it up with women half your age'. At any rate, the sale of this house has now afforded me the opportunity to return to school at some point in the near future, hopefully in a climate more hospitable to a person of my sensitive disposition, but more on this later....

The Players: Little Sister

2005-08-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

If one were playing the game 'Twenty Questions' the answer 'yes, bigger than a bread box' would be the most fitting response to questions about Little Sister. All other questions about her would be met with puzzeled looks and downcast eyes. How else could one illustrate the personal stylings of someone who has completed so many things both on people's 'cool stuff to do before I keel over' and 'uumm...no' to-do lists? A dangerously free spirit with a disconcerting laisez-faire disposition Little Sister makes Jack Kerouac (circa On the Road) look like a hermit. Examples of her wanderings include meeting the late Pope John Paul II (whom she swore whispered to her 'tell them kids they can use rubbers'), joy-riding in a stolen yellow cab ('hey can I take your cab for a spin? No? Ok - I'll be right back), and following Che Guevara's infamous motorcycle trip through South America. Little Sister is as comfortable engaging in discussions of Latin American politics, mass consumerism, and post-modern art as she is hitch-hiking, tree-planting and telling strangers to 'eff off'. Both the former and latter being done with more reckless abandon when (a) imbibing copious amounts of French beer and (b) socializing with siblings and younger cousins.

The Players: Willy

2005-08-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Willy the Whippet can best be described as a true gentleman's companion; upright and obliging - he is the quintessential gad-about-town. His days of napping on the couch and cushion-chewing are frequently punctuated by frenzies of jumping on reluctant guests, assaulting unsuspecting canines and shedding hair at an impossible rate. His nemesis, my father, has often commented that I collect enough 'Willy hair' in my dustpan to create a small pack of similiar whippets. Indeed, I have arranged a paper-mache 'faux Willy' using common chicken wire and lumps of coal (as his beady little eyes).

the longest of journeys begins with....

2005-07-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

A recent occasion has been the cause of much intropsection and deliberation - the outcome being one of ironic resignation; the return of oneself to the behaviours and values of one's formative years; it appears, by many acounts, that the further one runs from oneself the more intense one confronts the true self.

To be more specific; I have chosen to return to myself and the written word - in prodigal son fashion, to the past that created me. It has been many a day in which thoughts have been put to paper and shared for no other reason to amuse myself and those around me - by and by so much time spent in mindless busy work for others and consuming THINGS with the consequent renumeration.

The posts to follow will cover various topics and circumstances of interest to me, and possibly a narrow group of others, in a manner that displays humour, imagination and some critical thinking. With this in mind I hope that friends and family are able to glean some insight into my life and inner workings that perhaps in the past has been shrouded by a rather restrained temperment and penchant for privacy.

carpe diem