Foreign Intelligence Briefing #399: “Kony 2012″ Releases 20 Minute Follow-Up Movie

After Kony 2012 boss Jason Russell’s apparent breakdown in California a few weeks ago (he went screaming naked in the streets), the organisation has just released a new 20 minute film – Kony 2012 Part 2: Beyond Famous – detailing Invisible Children’s progress in raising awareness about the evil Gargamel Joseph Kony and his cat Asrael the LRA. Have your salt grains at the ready. Though Kony is indeed a massive asshole, TDW reminds us that Invisible Children isn’t a charity, but rather “a private interest group that allocates the overwhelming majority of its budget (nearly 70% in 2011) toward travel, compensation, administration, fundraising, making movies, and lobbying celebrities and Congress to support its central aim: direct foreign military intervention in Africa.” The new film is as well-made as the original, but as a consequence of the negative fallout surrounding the original, it’s hard to find it anywhere near as compelling. Will it have the same reach/impact? It’s hardly a day old, and quickly approaching a million hits. Cue internet backlash in 3, 2, 1…

Smoke Break #937: Visualizing Every One Of The Earthquakes Around The World In 2011

There are two things that really stand out in this stunning visualization of all the world’s earthquakes in 2011. First, poor Japan! At precisely 1:52, they get the living shit kicked out of them (the time corresponds to the 9.0 quake that resulted in the devastating tsunami on March 11th). Second, keep an eye on how totally placid Vancouver was in comparison to the rest of the Pacific Rim, and maybe try not to dwell hard on how damn overdue we are. Instead, be prepared.

TAKE ANOTHER BREAK

The View From Your Window #127

From D.P. | West Broadway/Fairview | Vancouver, BC | 4:17pm | SHARE YOUR VIEW

We love posting the photographs that reveal the views from our reader’s windows. Whether it’s a back alley in the fall or a sandy beach in high summer, we’re always stoked to see what you see from home, work or while on the road. Some of our all-time favourite reader submissions below… Read more

YOU SHOULD KNOW: About The History Of East Vancouver’s “China Creek” Skate Park

by Stevie Wilson | Skateboarders across Vancouver gathered en masse recently to say goodbye to a veritable legend among West Coast skate culture, P.D’s Hot Shop at West 4th & McDonald. The home-base of Skull Skates and cornerstone of Canadian skateboarding has relocated (check them out at Alma and 10th), so while the wheels keep rolling for Skulls Skates, the event was a bittersweet farewell to an icon of Vancouver counter-culture.

On the topic of skateboarding in Vancouver, allow me to share some history about another site that has enjoyed a long and dynamic influence on our community: China Creek Park. You’re likely well aware that for several decades, the name China Creek has been synonymous with the concrete skate bowls constructed in 1979 on East Broadway near Clark Drive – a hotspot for East Van skateboarders, BMXers (much to the chagrin of said skateboarders), and graffiti artists.

What you may not know, however, is that the skate spot and playground are actually located on a piece of land that has extensive environmental heritage. China Creek North (the park by VCC with the big hill) and China Creek South (skate park) are named after what used to be the largest drainage basin in Vancouver. The China Creek system included nine waterways that drained into the area – an approximate 60km of creeks – which, prior to the back-fill of False Creek, flooded the area from Terminal Avenue up to Clark Drive.

The first house built in Mount Pleasant, the Maddam’s Family Ranch in 1888, was located on the this land, and at the time was only accessible by boat. In addition to the numerous waterways which converged at this spot, a large ravine took up much of the area – the remnants of which can still be found spanning the Skytrain tracks from Commercial to VCC. In the 1920′s and 30′s, the area receded into a local garbage dump, and soon became not only an eyesore, but a public health issue.

Subsequently, in 1951, construction began to pipe the China Creek waterway, while civic efforts to revitalize the area, including the creation of public parks, were implemented. The current location of Vancouver Community College, which prior to 1911 was known as Douglas Park, was once home to a large bicycle track built in 1954 for the British Commonwealth and Empire Games.

There are plenty of stories floating around regarding the nomenclature of “China Creek”. Some suggest that Chinese gardens lining the edge of the creeks were the inspiration, while others tell of a local pig farm that may have had something to do with it. Either way, the histories of China Creek North and South run deep, with numerous nostalgic appropriations that reveal how the parks mean many things to many different groups (you may or may not recall the skate-punk stylings of East Van’s China Creeps). Overlapping and, at times, conflicting histories culminated in a lengthy protest against city planners in 2006, wherein Vancouver’s skateboarding community won the battle to preserve the concrete bowls from destruction and re-development. Now a public center for the Clark Drive community, China Creek was nominated in 2011 for the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Places That Matter contest.

With the recent addition of a community garden, a playground, a daycare, and several picnic tables, the once run-down area has again been revitalized into a welcoming place for locals and their families. Even if shreddin’ the gnar isn’t your thing, China Creek is a cool little park to check out – just remember to wear a helmet on your scooter, bro.

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Stevie Wilson is an historian masquerading as a writer. After serving as an editor for the UBC History Journal, she’s decided to branch out with a cryptic agenda: encouraging the people of Vancouver to take notice of their local history and heritage with You Should Know, a Scout column that aims to show you the things that you already see. Just nod your head and pretend you’re paying attention.

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Seen In Vancouver #341: “Motomethod” An East Van Bike Repair Shop For The DIY Set

We dig the hell out of the idea behind Motomethod, the community motorcycle repair shop on Frances Street.

Whether you need a tune up, a new tire, an engine rebuild or if it’s your own project bike…we can help. Motomethod is the first in the industry to allow you, the rider, to come in and ‘rent a bay’ and repair your own bike, or learn how. We provide the space, tools and resources…so come on down and do it yourself!

It’s a cool story told well by the film peeps at Zenga Bros (thanks).

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER

#VANCOUVER WOULD BE COOLER IF #174: We Scored These Beautiful Transit Shelters

Bus shelters are a facet of the urban landscape that just don’t have to be half as ugly as the ones we currently suffer in our city. Take a look at how they’ll soon be rolling in Orlando (hat tip: reader M.S.). They might not keep out the rain, but surely we can think of something better? Via:

A series of sculptural bus stops will be installed throughout Orlando as part of an effort to bring art into the community. Entech Creative, a production engineering company, teamed up with Walter Geiger, of Walt Geiger Studios, to design and produce the “Cascade” series of shelter structures. Each bus stop has four to five uniquely shaped panels ranging from 15 to 16 feet high. Their form is suggestive of a waterfall, undulating to provide commuters with shade and shelter.

Cue Translink: “Yeah, but where will we put the ads?” Sigh. 

OTHER CIVIC IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS

GOODS: West Broadway’s “Cru” To Host Supper Featuring The Wines Of Quail’s Gate

The award-winning, wine-forward Cru Restaurant is located at 1459 West Broadway | 604-677-4111 www.cru.ca

The GOODS from Cru Restaurant

Vancouver, BC | On Sunday February 26 2012 CRU Restaurant will host a special dinner featuring the wines of Quails’ Gate Winery. The event will allow guests to taste wines from one of BC’s hottest wineries with a four-course menu designed by one of Vancouver’s culinary stars, Executive Chef Alana Peckham. Winemaker Grant Stanley will attend the event at CRU to share his personal insights into what makes the winery so special. Get all the details and learn more about the restaurant after the jump… Read more

HONOUR BOUND: On Navigating The Fifteen Days Of The Lunar New Year Celebrations…

Morna Cassidy |  Today is the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year and Vancouverites of every stripe are starting to shout their congratulations for making it through another one. Each of the next 15 days will mark the new year in a unique way. Families will visit, spouses will pay their respects to in-laws, folks will visit temples, excited kids will supervise the lighting of firecrackers (carefully), and everywhere will be food, food, food. Here’s our rundown of how Vancouverites can celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.

Day one is ”the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.” Meat is avoided on this day (vegetarians rejoice) as the abstinence is believed to ensure a long and happy life. In homage to this, pay a visit to your favourite vegetarian joint for lunch or dinner. The Foundation on Main and The Naam in Kits are likely places to hit, but just about every restaurant in town has meatless options, even during Dine Out.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. For some westerners, praying to our ancestors can be interpreted as toasting them, so our suggestion is to head to one of your local watering holes to raise a glass. The Union, Bao Bei, Wild Rice and The Keefer each offer extensive cocktail lists with Asian inspirations that will have you honouring your roots while keeping the Chinese New Year top of mind. It’s also believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs, so if you’re a canine owner, be sure to take your pooch for an extra walk or run on the beach.

The third and fourth days are for sons-in-law to pay their respects to their parents-in-law. Why not take this opportunity to take any of your extended family out for Dim Sum. Floata has tables for any sized family, and brunch at Sun Sui Wah is always restorative (be sure to book ahead).

The fifth day is called Po Woo. It’s when people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. Given the rain in the forecast, there’s no better excuse for renting a movie on iTunes, streaming some Netflix or TVO, and tucking in for a night. Consider The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Wild China.

From the sixth to the tenth day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit temples to pray for good fortune and health. So dump your hibernative tendencies and go out to shake off the winter doldrums. Plan a lunch party with friends and follow it up with a stroll through Sun Yat-Sen Gardens. There are few better venues in this city to lose oneself.

The seventh day of the New Year is for farmers to display their produce. We suggest wandering over to the T&T Supermarket for a solid chow shop. The seventh day this year also happens to fall on the same day as the annual Chinese New Year parade. Since you’ll already be in the ‘hood, head down early and take in all the floats, dancers and costumes. It starts (Jan. 29th) at noon sharp at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street and proceeds east along Pender Street, turns south onto Gore Street, turns west onto Keefer Street and then disperses at Keefer and Columbia. The seventh day is also the birthday of all people, and when the earnest eat noodles for longevity.

On days eight through thirteen, the honouring of gods and gathering of friends and families continue. Explore more of the unique offerings at SYS Gardens, as they’re featuring an exhibition of traditional and contemporary artifacts (with a focus on dragons). Those looking for less sedate options should consider hosting a red party. Completely outfit the evening with red décor touches and include a dress code for guests. Or, get a group of friends together and head down to the beach to light off some firecrackers. The bangs and brilliant lights celebrate the new year while keeping mythical monsters at bay.

The fourteenth day should be reserved to prepare for the Lantern Festival, which is to be held on the 15th night. For those looking for the full, inclusive experience, purchase tickets for the Chinese Lantern Fest at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant (3489 Fraser, 6-11pm, $45).

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

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A self-professed lover of all things newsworthy and noteworthy, Morna Cassidy is an avid follower and critic of art and design, culture and trends. Previously working among the glitterati of the fashion world in Toronto and London, she recently left her sequined outfits to explore new adventures in Gore-tex (metaphorically speaking) here in Vancouver.

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DINER: Dine Out Vancouver’s New “Street Food City” Celebration Launching Tomorrow

Dine Out Vancouver, which is already three days in, has diversified to include street food carts this year:

Tourism Vancouver’s 2012 Dine Out Vancouver Festival is well underway but one of this year’s most anticipated events is still to come. Presented by Street Food Vancouver Society and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, Street Food City rolls out many of Vancouver’s most popular food carts on January 24, 25 and 26 (Tuesday through Thursday) for a pop-up pod of lunchtime dining.

One of this year’s signature festival events, Street Food City marks the first time that Dine Out Vancouver has included a street food category in its roster of prix fixe restaurant menus, hotel offers and one-of-a-kind events. Nine of the city’s top food carts will congregate at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s north plaza between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., allowing diners to sample a range of freshly prepared, internationally influenced goodies in one convenient location while receiving special discounts and freebies. The best part? After making their selections, diners can cozy up in an outdoor food court complete with heaters, tents, tables and chairs.

“Street Food Vancouver is thrilled to show off the best of our local food trucks during this year’s Dine Out Vancouver,” said Lindsay Ferguson, vice president of Street Food Vancouver Society. “With nine of our member carts taking part in Street Food City, there’s a meal – or three – for everyone. Even better, we’ve created a comfortable venue so diners can enjoy their food come rain, snow or shine.”

“Vancouver’s street foods were once limited to hot dogs and roasted chestnuts – but for the last few years, our food cart vendors have been dishing out some of the city’s most creative, fresh and delicious cuisine,” said Lucas Pavan, festival coordinator. “Street Food City showcases not only the diversity of our local food culture, but also the evolution of Dine Out from a restaurant-focused promotion to an all-encompassing dining festival.”

Food carts participating in Street Food City include:

• The Juice Truck. Refreshing smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
• Soho Road Naan Kebab. Tandoori chicken wraps and freshly baked naan.
• Coma Food Truck. Korean tacos, orange and rosemary truffles.
• Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck. Deliciously gooey and piping hot.
• It’s All About Grill. Meats, veggies and free pita bread.
• Tacofino Cantina. Fresh fish tacos and burritos.
• La Brasserie Street. Beer-brined chicken sandwiches and butter tarts.
• Re-Up BBQ. Juicy pulled-pork sandwiches.
• Off the Wagon. Tacos made with local ingredients and a Mexican flair.

Stoked. The weather folks are calling for rain, but we’ll see you under the umbrellas nevertheless.

CITY BRIEFS: On Replicating Vancouver’s Charms In The Hearts Of Dubai And Beijing…

by Ellen Johnston | Ten years ago, a strange vision rose up from the sands of the Arabian peninsula: a brand new neighbourhood in the heart of a city on steroids. Known as Dubai Marina, it is a place that would be strange to us because it is so familiar. The Dubai Marina is a district comprised of skinny condo towers placed on top of townhouses, all lining a seawall-style walking path and a man-made reproduction of False Creek. There, in the desert, lies a replica of Vancouver (or at least the Concord Pacific version of it).

Now, in Beijing, a different Vancouver is influencing urban development. Whereas the builders of Dubai were looking for ways to create a dense urban centre out of nothing, developers in Beijing are attempting to create an oasis of calm in their already sprawling and massive megacity…which is why they were not inspired by False Creek, but rather by the single family, well-to-do neighbourhoods of Vancouver’s Westside.

The new development, known as “Vancouver Forest”, is the brainchild of a company called EKISTICS, which has offices in both Shanghai and Vancouver. According to their website, “Vancouver Forest is a luxury residential complex comprised of approximately 800 ground oriented low density single family houses and town houses, complemented with a commercial town center which services both local residents and the general public. The architectural design of the buildings is based on Canadian traditional styles of residential architecture that embodies the “quality-of-life” values and living features found in Canada.” All of the homes are two stories in height, have small private back gardens, and are connected to a public greenway system. The neighbourhood includes a community recreation centre and commercial buildings with offices, shops, restaurants, a post office, a bank, and a daycare facility attached. For all intents and purposes, its could be Dunbar. The homes are built in a variety of styles, including Craftsmen and faux-Tudor, and they even have big front porches and big trees out front. They are exactly the types of houses that are being bought by people from China in Vancouver right now, buyers who comprised 60% of MLS home sales on the West Side last year.

It may be somewhat ironic that while Vancouver is attempting to densify, there are developers in Beijing recreating models of Vancouver’s most notoriously NIMBY-ist neighbourhoods, but it is also not hard to see why. It is for the same reasons that immigrants love Vancouver’s single family neighbourhoods to begin with. The high street model found in neighbourhoods like Dunbar and West Point Grey is one that encourages walking and community (NIMBYism notwithstanding). They offer a luxury of space and privacy that most other places in the world do not, and so are primed to be replicated the world over.

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Above all, Ellen Johnston considers herself a wanderer, whether she be tramping through the rain soaked streets of Vancouver and attempting to pry loose the layers of our urban fabric, couch-surfing across America, or getting lost in the souks of Marrakech. Since wandering is sadly not a full time gig, she also fills her days with the study of African dance and drumming, writing, piano, and running her own cookie company, Cookie Elf. She grew up in Vancouver, studied in Philadelphia and London, and hopes to see even more of this great big world in the future.

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