urbanism
BC Transit seeking land for Victoria's third bus depot
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 09 Sep 2010 at 1:54 PM
Region's two transit depots are reportedly at capacity. Land for an additional transit facility is being sought.
Topics: urbanism
Waiting for Superman's inconvenient truths about education
Yule Heibel on Wed 08 Sep 2010 at 10:22 PM
Two of my favorite bloggers - Fred Wilson and Gotham Gal (aka Joanne Wilson) - already posted today about Davis Guggenheim's latest documentary, Waiting for Superman, and, since the film addresses a to
Topics: urbanism
Council unanimous in downzoning marina site
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 08 Sep 2010 at 10:11 AM
But Councillor Young warns smaller marina still won't satisfy critics' concerns
Topics: urbanism
Woman taking a stand, no relativistic shilly-shallying
Yule Heibel on Tue 07 Sep 2010 at 8:55 PM
I would love to see this film: Resisting Paradise (2003) by Barbara Hammer. A still: . A snippet of description: Resisting Paradise is a 16mm experimental documentary that explores the relationship bet
Topics: urbanism
Jukebox developers don't want walkway
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 07 Sep 2010 at 11:10 AM
Builders of the Mosaic say a mid-block walkway is a pointless addition to their latest mid-rise condo.
Topics: urbanism
Raining/reining in summer
Yule Heibel on Mon 06 Sep 2010 at 9:45 PM
We do things differently here on the Canadian We(s)t Coast than we did back East in New England, that's for sure. After a night of relentless rain that followed an already cooling Sunday, we woke up th
Topics: urbanism
More Sailing
cafejabbaccino on Mon 06 Sep 2010 at 5:53 PM
We went sailing again! Same place - Portland Island which is one of my favourite places. We arrived, anchored and had lunch - here is a picture!Then we set up the tent where Brad and I camped. The exac
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 05 Sep 2010 at 2:31 AM
Op-Ed Columnist - The Billionaires Bankrolling the Tea Party - NYTimes.com Yes, how is Obama fighting against these guys? QUOTE When wolves of Murdoch's ingenuity and the Kochs' stealth have been at th
Topics: urbanism
Vancouver has it going on
Yule Heibel on Sat 04 Sep 2010 at 11:23 PM
I spent the last 36 hours traveling to and from Vancouver, taking the daughter back to UBC. She volunteered to help orient incoming new students, which meant that she got to check in a day early. Nice.
Topics: urbanism
Free Furniture and New Sneaks
cafejabbaccino on Fri 03 Sep 2010 at 5:48 PM
Last Saturday we laid around the house like slugs for most of the afternoon. Finally we decided to get outside and go get a coffee.On our way to the parkade we pass by this area where sometimes people
Topics: urbanism
Council likes "no camping” bylaw
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 03 Sep 2010 at 12:08 AM
Council votes to send the proposed bylaw to final reading over the vehement objections of Councillor Lucas.
Topics: urbanism
CBC's "As It Happens” on boulevard camping
Robert Randall on Thu 02 Sep 2010 at 11:29 PM
CBC's national current affairs show As It Happens talks with me about Victoria's proposed prohibition on boulevard camping. As I Happens Part II: Windows Media File Segment begins at 7:50. Or listen to
Topics: urbanism
Anniversary
Yule Heibel on Thu 02 Sep 2010 at 10:28 PM
It's my wedding anniversary today, but since we're busy getting ready to take the daughter back to UBC tomorrow (she volunteered to welcome new students, therefore has to be there on Friday 9/3) it's a
Topics: urbanism
Veteran Councillor loses Downtown portfolio
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 01 Sep 2010 at 11:17 PM
Mayor Fortin picks John Luton as new Downtown Liaison after portfolio shuffle.
Topics: urbanism
Connect the dots
Yule Heibel on Wed 01 Sep 2010 at 11:08 PM
Three articles popped up on my radar in the last few days. I got the impression there is a connection between them - all three chronicle a kind of hijacking of democracy and - dare I say it? - meritocr
Topics: urbanism
Raining in Victoria
Yule Heibel on Tue 31 Aug 2010 at 10:06 PM
Went to see It's Raining in Barcelona and came away wishing for something better. Not funny enough for comedy, but not deep or rich enough for tragedy. Really made me wonder why this theater company ch
Topics: urbanism
Continuing with blogging 'lite'
Yule Heibel on Mon 30 Aug 2010 at 10:42 PM
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I'm currently smitten by the idea of blogging 'lite' - sort of like using tumblr or simply collaging various bits and pieces. To that end, tonight's post falls into
Topics: urbanism
TC: City might ban boulevard camping
Robert Randall on Mon 30 Aug 2010 at 10:16 PM
City might ban boulevard camping, end Pandora Avenue tent city By BILL CLEVERLEY, Timescolonist.com August 30, 2010 7:27 PM The days could be numbered for the makeshift tent city outside the Our Place
Topics: urbanism
Council drafting 'no boulevard camping' bylaw
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 30 Aug 2010 at 6:40 PM
City bylaw would prohibit boulevard camping and night-time trespassing on medians.
Topics: urbanism
More books in the mail!
cafejabbaccino on Sun 29 Aug 2010 at 7:23 PM
I got another book in the mail!!! This time I knew who it was from though - my good friend V. from New Zealand. She was visiting a couple weeks ago and was reading an interesting book by a NZ author. S
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 29 Aug 2010 at 2:31 AM
Creating Online Tools for Creatives (Technology Review: Videos) On Aviary, by Avi: QUOTE At his startup's headquarters in New York, Avi Muchnick, a 2010 TR35 member, explains where the inspiration for
Topics: urbanism
Nation of know-nothings: "intervention, now” time
Yule Heibel on Sat 28 Aug 2010 at 11:50 PM
Sometimes I think it would be great to have just a tumblr, a sort of Walter Benjamin 2.0 version of blogging (see Benjamin's Arcades Project). But I can repurpose my blog to the same ends, I guess (qua
Topics: urbanism
Globe: Victoria's 'tent city' on verge of becoming public health hazard
Robert Randall on Sat 28 Aug 2010 at 12:04 AM
Lack of hygienic facilities, group of injection-drug users pose potential risk, says B.C.'s chief medical health officer Brennan Clarke Victoria - From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Au
Topics: urbanism
Bad weather cancels cruise ship visits to Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 27 Aug 2010 at 4:56 PM
Ogden Point's wild weather kept two cruise ships from docking in Victoria and $200,000 from flowing into the local economy.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's office market heading for vacancy spike
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 27 Aug 2010 at 9:41 AM
Office vacancy expected to rise well above 10-year average as new space comes online amid economic instability and government down-sizing.
Topics: urbanism
City Council says 'cheers' to Bay Street brewpub
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 27 Aug 2010 at 1:02 AM
Moon Under Water proposal for Rock Bay wins crucial rezoning in unanimous decision at City Hall Thursday night.
Topics: urbanism
Smalltown
Yule Heibel on Thu 26 Aug 2010 at 11:24 PM
The Victoria Fringe Festival is now underway and promises to deliver some fun theater. Early this evening I attended Theatre SKAM's production of Smalltown: A Pickup Musical, which was performed (as pe
Topics: urbanism
Stuff on my Ipod V
cafejabbaccino on Thu 26 Aug 2010 at 12:44 PM
It's that time again, cause I know you're just dying to know. Here are links to my other four Ipod posts. IIIIIIIVStars - The Five GhostsI've talked to a couple people who aren't totally impressed with
Topics: urbanism
Land Titles Office prepares for new digs in Atrium
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 26 Aug 2010 at 10:43 AM
LTSA one of several new tenants preparing to relocate to Downtown's newest office building.
Topics: urbanism
Confused immune system?
Yule Heibel on Wed 25 Aug 2010 at 12:31 PM
I'm still reading Ray Strand's fascinating book, Bionutrition, and just came across Chapter 8?s closing paragraphs about diseases related to oxidative stress. I was really struck by Strand's ideas ab
Topics: urbanism
When will Victoria get it?
Yule Heibel on Tue 24 Aug 2010 at 10:29 PM
Keith Norbury's in-depth article on Victoria's Inner Harbour ran in last Sunday's paper (see Seeking a new vision for Victoria's harbour), and I have the honor of being quoted in same: "I think the key
Topics: urbanism
Holy Random
cafejabbaccino on Tue 24 Aug 2010 at 8:35 PM
So.....gooood....I've got nothin' so I'm going to do a random post about stuff we've been up to.We went to Qualicum Beach on the weekend for the day. Remember the post about the road trip with Chip to
Topics: urbanism
Construction starts at "Brix on Borden”
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 24 Aug 2010 at 10:12 AM
Saanich's newest low-rise project brings a hip, contemporary flavor to the McKenzie-Borden district.
Topics: urbanism
Bio-nutrition
Yule Heibel on Mon 23 Aug 2010 at 10:30 PM
I'm reading Ray Strand's book, Bionutrition (first published in 1998, revised edition 2009). I'm finding it to be a compelling read, even though I can hear cynical voices piping up to deride nutritiona
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 22 Aug 2010 at 2:33 AM
Bedbugs Aren't Just Back, They're Spreading : NPR Bedbugs! (Note: I'm not posting a picture; google images for the critters, 'nuff said!) QUOTE "I find all bugs mysterious, wonderful. These ones I tend
Topics: urbanism
Fuzzy animals and the "red in tooth and claw” set
Yule Heibel on Sat 21 Aug 2010 at 11:23 PM
It would be funny, if it didn't have the potential for major cock-ups. Here in what we call Greater Victoria, we've been inundated by deer and (university) rabbits. And it seems it's only a matter of t
Topics: urbanism
Heat waves and ice
Yule Heibel on Fri 20 Aug 2010 at 10:16 PM
While the temperatures in my part of the world have plummeted (again), returning us to our usual sweater-weather-on-August-nights, world temperatures overall continue to rise. Here's a map that shows "
Topics: urbanism
Disaster
Yule Heibel on Thu 19 Aug 2010 at 10:06 PM
Night thoughts about exigency (something I have no time for). Exigency: An urgent situation …a situation requiring extreme effort or attention. Exigence: demand. Think child-rearing, perhaps? Think a
Topics: urbanism
Pedal Power documentary on CBC, tonight!
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 19 Aug 2010 at 11:02 AM
Thank you to my good friend Tosh for passing this one along to me:CBC is showing a documentary entitled Pedal Power, tonight (9pm on CBC-TV) and Friday night (10pm on CBC News). I
Topics: urbanism
Wisdom? Intact.
Yule Heibel on Wed 18 Aug 2010 at 7:15 PM
No blog post about anything much from me tonight: it's a bit of wackamole time at my house. This morning I took the daughter (16) to the oral surgeon, and after paying over $1972.00, she had all four w
Topics: urbanism
Kahlua
cafejabbaccino on Wed 18 Aug 2010 at 5:00 PM
I'm on a sugar-kicking spree right now with Dana and it's actually going really well. We aren't going cold turkey which is just insanity. We're eliminating sugar gradually, kind of like this: one day w
Topics: urbanism
Hobbis vows Esquimalt ferry service will resume
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 18 Aug 2010 at 1:16 PM
Marina bans ferries after alleged boat bumping.
Topics: urbanism
Cynicism, laughter, and not enough time
Yule Heibel on Tue 17 Aug 2010 at 11:57 PM
Davin Greenwell asked me, via comments, to elaborate on yesterday's blog post, Cynical sex/uality - he posted his comment about an hour after I published my entry, but by then it was past 12:30am and I
Topics: urbanism
Glowing amethyst sidewalks coming soon to Hudson project entrances
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 17 Aug 2010 at 2:53 PM
American firm is recreating the purple amethyst blocks that once graced Old Town's sidewalks.
Topics: urbanism
Cynical sex/uality
Yule Heibel on Mon 16 Aug 2010 at 11:39 PM
Interesting article in Macleans Magazine this week: Outraged moms, trashy daughters (How did those steeped in the women's lib movement produce girls who think being a sex object is powerful?), by Anne
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 15 Aug 2010 at 2:30 AM
New Left Review - David Harvey: The Right to the City Essay by David Harvey on cities/ remaking the city. QUOTE The question of what kind of city we want cannot be divorced from that of what kind of so
Topics: urbanism
Joy divided
Yule Heibel on Sat 14 Aug 2010 at 10:18 PM
Today was one of those must-do days that provided no end (and not much of a means), just a glue to help fabricate the fiction of relation between yesterday, today, and maybe (just maybe) tomorrow. But
Topics: urbanism
The Perseids
cafejabbaccino on Sat 14 Aug 2010 at 1:28 PM
For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, I'm a super nerd. One of my biggest passions is astronomy. I have star charts, lots of astronomy books - even an atlas. I've taken a couple classes, in
Topics: urbanism
Advocate: economy-size discounted mouthwash can kill
Robert Randall on Sat 14 Aug 2010 at 1:07 AM
A version of this story appears on VibrantVictoria. By Robert Randall A local advocate working with Victoria's Downtown street community is upset at a local retailer's potentially fatal promotion. Marg
Topics: urbanism
Advocate: economy-size discounted mouthwash can kill
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 14 Aug 2010 at 12:45 AM
Victoria homeless advocate wants high-alcohol mouthwash put behind the pharmacy counter after two street people are hospitalized.
Topics: urbanism
Philippe Lucas on Victoria's Public Market: oh the irony
Yule Heibel on Fri 13 Aug 2010 at 10:59 PM
Last night I attended PechaKucha Night Victoria (Volume 3), where City of Victoria Councillor Philippe Lucas was supposed to give a presentation about efforts underway to get a permanent covered farmer
Topics: urbanism
More Cyclists = Safer Cycling (Montreal Gazette)
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 13 Aug 2010 at 12:09 PM
From the Montreal Gazette: cyclechic.be "The studies are showing that the more cyclists there are on the street, the safer they are,” said Dr. Patrick Morency, a public health and safety specialist w
Topics: urbanism
Done deal all done
Yule Heibel on Thu 12 Aug 2010 at 11:19 PM
Spent the morning at City Hall, where mayor and council - all but one, namely Councillor Geoff Young - voted in favor of replacing the Johnson Street Bridge. Thank-you, Geoff Young, for throwing some w
Topics: urbanism
Council chooses to replace bridge in 7 to 1 vote
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 12 Aug 2010 at 10:22 PM
"None of the above" says outnumbered and embattled Councillor Young. Iconic blue bridge is doomed.
Topics: urbanism
Opinion Polls: Getting the results you want
Yule Heibel on Wed 11 Aug 2010 at 11:26 PM
Opinion Polls: Getting the results you want is the title of a Yes Minister sketch (click here to view). From Wikipedia: Set principally in the private office of a British government cabinet minister in
Topics: urbanism
PechaKucha Night Victoria: Volume 3 coming up
Yule Heibel on Tue 10 Aug 2010 at 10:40 PM
For those who missed the first two PechaKucha Night Victoria events, here's your chance to catch volume 3 this Thursday, August 12, 7:30pm at the Victoria Event Ctr., 1415 Broad St (doors open at 7pm).
Topics: urbanism
Your Letters: Bridge Decision, Surveys and Seismic
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 10 Aug 2010 at 10:03 PM
A small selection of the emails received over the past few days. Public engagement does not end with the August 10th feedback deadline - the Mayor and pro-replacement Councillors still must convince a
Topics: urbanism
Pedestrian Streets in Copenhagen - video
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 10 Aug 2010 at 12:11 PM
Copenhagen's Car-free streets & Slow-speed zones from Streetfilms on Vimeo.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria got Binged
Yule Heibel on Mon 09 Aug 2010 at 9:50 PM
A couple of days ago I came across a link for Bing Travel's Walking Tours in Great Cities, which features 15 great world cities. The series starts with Chicago, and for some reason I didn't (still don'
Topics: urbanism
Bid deadline extended for "Foster-less” Saanich arts centre
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 09 Aug 2010 at 2:06 PM
David Foster's name is gone but Saanich is still soliciting bids for the multi-million dollar arts centre despite rising costs.
Topics: urbanism
Closure Inflation, From 12 Days to 12 Months
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 08 Aug 2010 at 3:22 PM
Back in April 2009, the City said rehabilitating the bridge would need 12 days of full closure. Then it was "some” lane closures for an extra year, to minimize full closures. Then, this past June 14,
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 08 Aug 2010 at 2:30 AM
David Harvey's Urban Manifesto: Down With Suburbia; Down With Bloomberg's New York | Fast Company David Harvey derides the NYC for being suburbanized: QUOTE "New York? The whole damn place has been tur
Topics: urbanism
On re-reading Biophilic Design: Taking Love to the Street
Yule Heibel on Sat 07 Aug 2010 at 11:49 PM
Since I'm fuming in a conversation over on Facebook about the City of Victoria's Department of Engineering (which seems to me benighted), I was reminded of my 2007 article, Biophilic Design: Taking Lov
Topics: urbanism
Anonymous Package
cafejabbaccino on Sat 07 Aug 2010 at 10:30 PM
On Thursday I got an anonymous package in the mail!All that was in it was the book - which is super crazy and awesome! There are also several things that are intriguing about this.The address seems to
Topics: urbanism
Times Colonist: "Aim Pandora gripes at other governments, city councillor says”
Robert Randall on Sat 07 Aug 2010 at 9:00 PM
Testy e-mail sent to businessman By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist August 7, 2010 Robert Randall, chairman of the Downtown Residents Association, hopes Thornton-Joe's e-mail wasn't an indication the ci
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Potted economy
Yule Heibel on Fri 06 Aug 2010 at 10:22 PM
Everybody is talking /writing) about pot, including pot in Canada, it seems. Nothing new, really: every Canadian (especially every British Columbian) knows it's a resource and a big economic contributo
Topics: urbanism
San Francisco's new automated demand-based parking pricing
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 06 Aug 2010 at 4:31 PM
One day, posts will return with some frequency.I have been wanting to write about parking for a long time but... have not. However, San Francisco is unveiling a new parking management system that works
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Highlanders soccer team eyes higher level
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 06 Aug 2010 at 11:40 AM
The team's high caliber of soccer is positioning the organization for a league switch into a higher level of soccer.
Topics: urbanism
Cryogenics? try the basement
Yule Heibel on Thu 05 Aug 2010 at 8:21 PM
It's a mystery. Something that wasn't, started working again. Sometime in the early months of 2006, my iBook finally completely and utterly fritzed on me: the hard drive died. It wouldn't, nay: it coul
Topics: urbanism
Sailing!
cafejabbaccino on Thu 05 Aug 2010 at 5:44 PM
We went sailing last weekend! My good friend C. invited us.We started out early on Saturday morning and bought all the food we would need for two days....uh...$190 worth? One bag of cookies each? A $12
Topics: urbanism
How to Rehab a Bridge For $3.1 Million: The Kingston Comparison
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 05 Aug 2010 at 9:36 AM
It is remarkable that in Kingston, the Feds were able to do much of the same work that's required here - removing pack rust, replacing corroded steel, grit-blasting off old lead-based paint and repaint
Topics: urbanism
Needle Exhange to Johnson Street?
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 05 Aug 2010 at 2:13 AM
Frustrated by the lack of a permanent Downtown needle exchange, harm reduction advocates aim to take matters into their own hands.
Topics: urbanism
A glance across the threshold
Yule Heibel on Wed 04 Aug 2010 at 10:43 PM
A while back, I read A. Alfred Taubman's Threshold Resistance: The Extraordinary Career of a Luxury Retailing Pioneer. As I noted on my LinkedIn Reading List Update, An unusual book by an unusual indiv
Topics: urbanism
Cities as contested space(s) of theory
Yule Heibel on Tue 03 Aug 2010 at 9:46 PM
Continuing from yesterday's post about Urban agriculture readings, here's another interesting FastCompany article about cities: David Harvey's Urban Manifesto: Down With Suburbia; Down With Bloomberg's
Topics: urbanism
A Tale of Two Bridges. Portland Parties, Victoria Ponders
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 03 Aug 2010 at 6:59 PM
In stark contrast to Victoria, Portland is high lighting its historic bridges with a summer festival full of music, picnics, tours, galleries, fireworks, cycling events, films, poetry, talks and bridg
Topics: urbanism
Urban agriculture readings
Yule Heibel on Mon 02 Aug 2010 at 10:16 PM
Not sure what to make of this: New Urbanism for the Apocalypse (in FastCompany, a mag perhaps better known for technology and bright & shiny things, not for in-depth urbanism or for agriculture…). No
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 01 Aug 2010 at 2:31 AM
Kickstartup - Successful fundraising with Kickstarter & the (re)making of Art Space Tokyo - Craig Mod Fascinating proposal: QUOTE Where is publishing heading? We have Kindles and iPads, iPhones and And
Topics: urbanism
August real - it's really going to be August
Yule Heibel on Sat 31 Jul 2010 at 11:42 PM
August might be the month I scale back my daily blog posts… …to focus on other tasks. I probably won't need that hard hat I'm holding - a simple pitch fork should do it. No two ways about it, it's
Topics: urbanism
Your Letters - For, Against and Confused
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 31 Jul 2010 at 8:08 PM
Here is a selection of recent letters and comments, and thank you to everyone who has provided feedback - it is always welcome. While the City of Victoria has extended its public engagement and survey
Topics: urbanism
Home Hardware to add Burnside location
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 31 Jul 2010 at 7:52 AM
A former thrift store gets a facelift as the region's sixth Home Hardware store readies for opening later this year.
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge Public Input Extended, and much more
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 31 Jul 2010 at 12:26 AM
Anyone confused yet?
Council plans to decide on August 12th for a $77 or $80 million replacement or rehabilitation of the Blue Bridge - that is what has been sent out to the public for survey feedba
Topics: urbanism
Not so novel thought
Yule Heibel on Fri 30 Jul 2010 at 9:44 PM
Page 316, "Alexandra” (Tatiana) tells Smiley: She [Tatiana's mother] was not obedient to history. That is to say, she believed that history had taken a wrong course. She was mistaken. The people shou
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Rice Krispie Squares
cafejabbaccino on Fri 30 Jul 2010 at 9:07 PM
Well, I guess it's been a while since one of these posts. I should have seen it coming. It's been a while since the icing sugar cookies, or these cookies.....or these.....ahem.Anyway, tomorrow we're g
Topics: urbanism
Toronto rental company adds eight buildings to Victoria portfolio
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 30 Jul 2010 at 8:38 PM
Eight apartment buildings totaling 307 suites change hands in a
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Atrium's modular walls make for efficient layout
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 30 Jul 2010 at 8:43 AM
The interior of Downtown's Atrium building is a hive of activity as workers near the final phase of construction of the seven-storey LEED-certified Yates Street office complex.
One thing missing is the
Topics: urbanism
Behind the scenes at the RBCM
Yule Heibel on Thu 29 Jul 2010 at 10:22 PM
Yesterday I went on a "back of the house” tour of the Royal BC Museum: wow. British Columbia residents, take note - this is your museum, and you can organize small groups and ask to go on one of thes
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Rebels football team readies for home opener
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 29 Jul 2010 at 5:09 PM
10-game season gets underway this Saturday, July 31, at Langford's Bear Mountain Stadium at City Centre Park.
Topics: urbanism
Civics assignment, part 2
Yule Heibel on Wed 28 Jul 2010 at 9:10 PM
Very important for City of Victoria British Columbia residents/ taxpayers: Click through to FOCUS Magazine's poll, How should Victoria City Council solve the Johnson Street Bridge problem? As FOCUS not
Topics: urbanism
Old Capri Motel site to get "Affordable Housing” facelift
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 28 Jul 2010 at 1:40 AM
Notorious Gorge Road motel and neighbouring house make way for non-profit apartment project.
Topics: urbanism
Civics assignment
Yule Heibel on Tue 27 Jul 2010 at 11:15 PM
Ok, if you live in Victoria BC, or if you live in any city anywhere and have chafed at scandals related to your political leaders and how your bureaucratic staffers are handling civic and fiscal issues
Topics: urbanism
Slow days at work
cafejabbaccino on Tue 27 Jul 2010 at 6:53 PM
Do you ever have those slow days at work when anything is a better distraction than what you're working on? Etsy front page, I'm there. Hotmail, checked it twice. Bathroom trips, chatting with workmate
Topics: urbanism
Mixed-use project breaks ground in Chinatown
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 27 Jul 2010 at 2:19 PM
Four-storey 601 Herald project will bring a mix of residential units and commercial space to Victoria's "design district" at the foot of Chinatown.
Topics: urbanism
Media Roundup - Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 26 Jul 2010 at 11:34 PM
I actually laughed out loud while reading the mailer I received from the City of Victoria entitled "The Future of the Johnson Street Bridge." It was a political document pretending to be a call for pub
Topics: urbanism
The Book of Firsts: A great "firsts” book for history buffs
Yule Heibel on Mon 26 Jul 2010 at 10:23 PM
The next time someone says to you, "I'd like to study history, but I don't know where to start,” tell them to pick up a copy of The Book of Firsts: 150 World-Changing People and Events from Caesar Au
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 25 Jul 2010 at 2:32 AM
Blame Yourself For The Recession - Forbes.com
Belt-tightening 101 includes public policy (like cracking down on super-frigid air-conditioning and free toss-away plastic bags at will)…
QUOTE
Our consu
Topics: urbanism
Realistic 3D projection on building: more info?
Yule Heibel on Sat 24 Jul 2010 at 10:35 PM
Does anyone have any information about an amazing video posted on wimp.com, called Realistic 3D projection on a building?
Watch it now (click on the image):
.
Wimp seems to "own” this video in the go
Topics: urbanism
Happy July 23
Yule Heibel on Fri 23 Jul 2010 at 10:31 PM
Perfect summer weather today: it was actually warm (!!) and the sunlight was crystal-clear: no atmospheric occlusions, every object near and far resolved itself with that Anselm Adams f/64 kind of insi
Topics: urbanism
Book Review #2
cafejabbaccino on Fri 23 Jul 2010 at 7:45 PM
Time for another book review! Here is a link to the first review, cause I know you're interested.Everybody Loves Somebody - Joanna ScottI wasn't aware that this was a collection of short stories. It wa
Topics: urbanism
Arresting perspective: Johnson Street Bridge integral to Victoria's Old Town
Yule Heibel on Thu 22 Jul 2010 at 11:28 PM
A photo of the Johnson Street Bridge, as seen looking west on Johnson St., shows how integral the bridge is to the fabric of Victoria's Old Town. Destroy the bridge, and you destroy Old Town, too.
Topics: urbanism
Vic West warehouse site to be reborn as BMW dealership
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 22 Jul 2010 at 7:32 PM
A prominent site near the Johnson Street Bridge is targeted for a relocated high-end auto retailer.
Topics: urbanism
Serendipitous visual learning: forests and trees
Yule Heibel on Wed 21 Jul 2010 at 11:03 PM
Amazing things crop up on the internet, sometimes found serendipitously - with nary a memory of how they were stumbled in the first place.
For example, I came across a useful page from British Columbia
Topics: urbanism
Uptown openings continue
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 21 Jul 2010 at 1:25 AM
A week after its "soft opening" electronics merchandiser Best Buy has an official opening this weekend.
Topics: urbanism
Right picture
Yule Heibel on Tue 20 Jul 2010 at 10:29 PM
The right picture would, I knew, put things in perspective. It has been "one of those days” and I'm not coping too well with the assorted slings and arrows, feeling put out by incessant bearing and w
Topics: urbanism
Downtown businesses asked to weigh in on rapid transit impact
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 20 Jul 2010 at 12:58 PM
Loss of on-street parking and loading zones along rapid transit corridor could impact business and land owners.
Topics: urbanism
Copenhagen (cycling) through the eyes of North Americans
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 20 Jul 2010 at 8:13 AM
A new Streetfilms video presents Copenhagen's cycling culture and infrastructure through the eyes of North American cycling advocates, transportation and city officials, and planners visiting CPH durin
Topics: urbanism
Street food vendors - Trial in Vancouver
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 20 Jul 2010 at 7:50 AM
Stone ground pizza coming to the streets of Vancouver (Globe)I am an advocate for street food vendors. They offer a pedestrian-oriented service, life in public spaces, 'eyes on the street' (for safet
Topics: urbanism
Victorian? Johnson Street Bridge dot ORG has the survey you need
Yule Heibel on Mon 19 Jul 2010 at 11:08 PM
The City of Victoria has sent surveys to residents, asking for feedback on what we think should be done regarding the Johnson Street Bridge.
My post today is aimed at Victoria British Columbia resident
Topics: urbanism
Give Your Feedback to City Hall on the Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 19 Jul 2010 at 9:26 PM
The City must receive responses by August 3. Please complete the City's survey, and the supplementary survey, put them together in the same envelope, and get them in the mail right away! [...]
Topics: urbanism
10 Principles for Successful Cities - Jan Gehl
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 19 Jul 2010 at 10:20 AM
First, I must apologize for my relatively long hiatus. The World Cup, work, wedding planning, and so on has put a lot of my reading/writing on the back burner. Yet, I still hope to maintain MVB going f
Topics: urbanism
Clapperclaw, the verb
Yule Heibel on Sun 18 Jul 2010 at 8:44 PM
Here's a great old word: clapperclaw. We should all start using it again.
Clapperclaw, vb., trans.: To claw or scratch with the open hand or nails; to beat, thrash, drub.
Clapperclaw, as in: While I ch
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 18 Jul 2010 at 2:31 AM
Gary Chang's 24 Rooms in a 32sqm Apartment
Self-explanatory title, but you have to watch the video for a full understanding: Gary Chang has custom-built furniture that allows him to change his space at
Topics: urbanism
Random Paint-In related post
Yule Heibel on Sat 17 Jul 2010 at 11:33 PM
Today was the Moss Street Paint-In (oh, I forgot: it has a corporate identity: The Toronto Dominion Paint In…). As usual, the organizers managed to arrange some deal with the weather gods and it was
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Victoria International Airport's mid-year traffic on-par with 2009
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 17 Jul 2010 at 7:48 AM
Passenger volumes holding steady, although flying habits are changing as new connections impact travel choices.
Topics: urbanism
Staring at the mystery
Yule Heibel on Fri 16 Jul 2010 at 11:11 PM
This afternoon, a brilliantly clear sunny day, my dog Jigger and I walked up to Moss Rock Park, right up the "summit,” to survey our surroundings. Well, ok: I surveyed; he sniffed about.
Moss Rock is
Topics: urbanism
Seattle
cafejabbaccino on Fri 16 Jul 2010 at 9:12 PM
Behold.Seattle!! Holy crap, what an awesome city. We took the Clipper over. (That's a boat for those of you who aren't aware.) Here is a picture of it docked in Victoria.I don't know why, but I was as
Topics: urbanism
Canadian soccer superstar leads charge in Saturday game
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 16 Jul 2010 at 11:18 AM
Soccer sensation Kara Lang plans to lead her team to victory as the Whitecaps women's team takes on Seattle this weekend in Victoria.
Topics: urbanism
Times Colonist: Pandora homeless troubles soar
Robert Randall on Fri 16 Jul 2010 at 9:27 AM
Police say 24/7 patrols not feasible despite rise in crime on 900-block By Katie DeRosa and Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist July 16, 2010 Problems stemming from homelessness and drug use in the 900-bloc
Topics: urbanism
What prompts a municipal CAO's expenses?
Yule Heibel on Thu 15 Jul 2010 at 7:39 PM
Victoria British Columbia hired a new City Manager one year ago (July 2009). Recently, the city released its 2009 Public Bodies Report (PDF), which itemizes the city's expenditures. On p.8, we read tha
Topics: urbanism
Council moves marina rezoning one step further
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 15 Jul 2010 at 4:33 PM
Plan to conserve views and hamper development of a controversial marina proposal is fast-tracked at City Hall
Topics: urbanism
Maybe ideas really do have sex. Or something…
Yule Heibel on Wed 14 Jul 2010 at 11:13 PM
Strange, how ideas and notions sometimes multiply and touch each other in unexpected ways.
This morning, I got a Facebook message from my architect friend Elisa Yon - she sent me a pointer to Matt Ridl
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Greetings from Bridgetown
Ross Crockford on Wed 14 Jul 2010 at 8:37 AM
Tucker Teutsch is a busy guy. He's the artistic director of the first-ever PDX Bridge Festival, and with a few weeks until opening, he has plenty to do. In his warehouse office, he's fielding calls fro
Topics: urbanism
All together now?
Yule Heibel on Tue 13 Jul 2010 at 9:44 PM
Not sure who to credit for this image, but it seems to be making the rounds in gaming communities and elsewhere:
.
The image itself is quite horrible, isn't it? But the caustic commentary? Mordantly b
Topics: urbanism
Possession - Special Review
cafejabbaccino on Tue 13 Jul 2010 at 9:44 PM
I'm doing a special book review post tonight for Possession because Claire and I have read it at the same time and agreed to post about how we liked it afterwards. You know for fun - cause we're proud
Topics: urbanism
Parking rates increase at City-owned parkades
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 13 Jul 2010 at 9:54 AM
As of July 01, drivers are paying more to park at the City of Victoria's five downtown parkades.
Topics: urbanism
Those versatile British actors
Yule Heibel on Mon 12 Jul 2010 at 10:46 PM
I just watched Anthony Horowitz's most recent Foyle's War episodes (supposedly these three in Series Seven are the last, full stop - but that's what they said the last time around, and then Foyle was r
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 11 Jul 2010 at 2:30 AM
Home Smart Home - Ideas - Dwell
This article in Dwell relates nicely to the previous bookmark about Intel. The author's husband's company, Elan Home Systems, builds automated home monitoring and progra
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Grayscale
Yule Heibel on Sat 10 Jul 2010 at 10:53 PM
Nicholas Carr may be asking if Google is making us stupid, but I'm pretty sure that technologies don't make us stupid. Why? Because they can't make us smarter or better.
That is: a technology might mak
Topics: urbanism
Canada's first family law talk show to start taping in Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 10 Jul 2010 at 9:47 AM
The family law series anchored by the outspoken Canadian judge Justice Harvey Brownstone ushers in a new concept for Canadian-made reality television.
Topics: urbanism
Mosquito
Yule Heibel on Fri 09 Jul 2010 at 10:04 PM
In the part of the world where I live, mosquitoes are not supposed to be a problem, and generally they aren't. Until, that is, one or maybe two (and who knows: a possible legion of them!) appear in you
Topics: urbanism
Renovation planned for derelict Fan Tan building
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 09 Jul 2010 at 11:51 AM
A historic Fan Tan Alley building is set for a dramatic rejuvenation as a market rental apartment building.
The Hoy Sung Ning Yung Benevolent Association, which owns the 80 year old building at 540 Pan
Topics: urbanism
Tenure "what-if”
Yule Heibel on Thu 08 Jul 2010 at 10:31 PM
Of course the question of tenure has crossed my mind repeatedly. Having nuked my academic career by becoming a home-schooling parent instead of a professor, I relinquished claims to respectability long
Topics: urbanism
A Day in Photos
cafejabbaccino on Thu 08 Jul 2010 at 7:02 PM
Remember this post? I posted it last fall, but referred to a Day in Photos that I did in Vancouver when I was living there and before this blog.Yesterday I decided to do another Day in Photos now that
Topics: urbanism
Etsy Treasuries
cafejabbaccino on Wed 07 Jul 2010 at 9:51 PM
I've been meaning to make a Treasury on Etsy for some time now. Last night after some additional urging from Rawbean (thanks lady!) I made my first one. Here is a shot, but if you want to see the real
Topics: urbanism
Wow, iTunes + iPod = timesink…
Yule Heibel on Wed 07 Jul 2010 at 9:35 PM
Given that the user interface is so elegant, it's amazing how frustrating and counter-intuitive it can be to synch iTunes and an iPod Touch.
I first synched my iPod to the "family” machine in the kit
Topics: urbanism
Pandora Boulevard to be Paved Over?!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 07 Jul 2010 at 8:50 AM
addhum just posted this comment on my previous post. It is worth more attention:Little known fact: the city has tendered a $250,000 contract to pave over the green boulevard on the 900 block of Pandor
Topics: urbanism
Bossi House readies for tenants
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 07 Jul 2010 at 7:52 AM
Mixed-use project combines heritage house office space and a new 16 suite condo building.
Topics: urbanism
Warmth
Yule Heibel on Tue 06 Jul 2010 at 9:57 PM
Today was the first day that actually felt like summer. Not the first day that looked like summer - we've had plenty of those eye-candy beauties already: gorgeous, if rather frigid, enticements to a vo
Topics: urbanism
Grow the family
Yule Heibel on Mon 05 Jul 2010 at 10:55 PM
Are you in the arts? Frantic about funding? You might want to take an hour to listen to Michael Kaiser's presentation at the Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas: the entire presentation, includin
Topics: urbanism
Mystery Plant, Parsley and Summer Reading
cafejabbaccino on Sun 04 Jul 2010 at 9:41 PM
Have you ever looked closely at a parsley flower? Aren't they cool??In other gardening news, my balcony looks amazing. My two native plants are doing really well, one of them is twice the size! (Not th
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 04 Jul 2010 at 2:30 AM
Evolutionary Psychology (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
"Evolutionary psychology is one of many biologically informed approaches to the study of human behavior. Along with cognitive psychologists
Topics: urbanism
Frames
Yule Heibel on Sat 03 Jul 2010 at 10:46 PM
A couple of nights ago I watched Alfred Hitchcock's clever and satisfyingly grippping Shadow of a Doubt - what a great film! At the risk of sounding like a fogy, I'll say it anyway: They don't make 'em
Topics: urbanism
What about widgets?
Yule Heibel on Fri 02 Jul 2010 at 10:45 PM
I go to my local YMCA a lot, and every time I'm there I think about energy use: how much energy I could be generating, how much I'm using, how much others are using.
My "plus” membership entitles me
Topics: urbanism
Showdown
cafejabbaccino on Fri 02 Jul 2010 at 10:34 PM
A couple months ago we bought this cat from Rawbean's Etsy shop for our new nephew. Rawbean came to visit and she brought the cat with her. Brad propped it in the window. Here it is.So, Rawbean and I w
Topics: urbanism
Dear Facebook: give us back Joe Average
Yule Heibel on Thu 01 Jul 2010 at 11:32 PM
Joe Average is a Canadian painter who changed his name to Joe Average. It wasn't his name when we were in high school, but it has been his real name for decades.
Joe Average was on Facebook, but last n
Topics: urbanism
Late night out…
Yule Heibel on Wed 30 Jun 2010 at 11:58 PM
Late night out with the GFs from high school - I'm pretty lucky to have friends like Kathryn Popham and Betsy Burke. Among other things, Betsy is now the first real live author I know who has a book on
Topics: urbanism
One of those days...
cafejabbaccino on Tue 29 Jun 2010 at 10:10 PM
You know how sometimes you have your day all planned out when you wake up, and nothing goes right?I started off well enough, up early and at work to put in overtime to meet a crazy deadline tomorrow. T
Topics: urbanism
Tax deadline coming up
Yule Heibel on Tue 29 Jun 2010 at 9:21 PM
I've put it off, but it's due tomorrow (or Friday, after the Canada Day holiday on Thursday): property taxes.
There are some things I'm happy to get for my taxes.
But the state of those off-leash park
Topics: urbanism
Chintaown lot to become community garden
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 29 Jun 2010 at 8:03 PM
Thanks to Vincent for this one....timescolonist.com As you know, I am a big fan of community gardens, particularly for unused urban spaces -- rooftops, lawns, under-utilized park space, and vacant lot
Topics: urbanism
Mammoth CFB Esquimalt construction project spans two decades
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 29 Jun 2010 at 12:39 PM
New Dockyard naval maintenance building consolidates the work done in 32 aging buildings under one roof.
Topics: urbanism
Talking to a deaf dog
Yule Heibel on Mon 28 Jun 2010 at 8:58 PM
A while back, I posted that I was worried about my dog. He's getting on (he's 12 years old), and he has had some chronic health issues for years (hypothyroidism, eg.)
Well, last week (after I got back
Topics: urbanism
Associations for the Preservation of Small Farming
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 27 Jun 2010 at 5:16 PM
virtualfarmer.wordpress.comI was reading about 'environmental' initiatives in Europe and came across the below. Seems like a great idea to me: AMAPs 3,500 families in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Topics: urbanism
Botanical Beach
cafejabbaccino on Sun 27 Jun 2010 at 3:51 PM
Yesterday we drove to Botanical Beach. It's about a two hour drive west of Victoria. Not just any drive either....The first time we drove this ridiculous road, I very nearly barfed. Right in the car. B
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 27 Jun 2010 at 2:31 AM
Placemaking in Waterfront Cities « Project for Public Spaces - Placemaking for Communities
Upcoming September conference in Norway on waterfronts and public space.
QUOTE
The important themes of the co
Topics: urbanism
Royal jazz
Yule Heibel on Sat 26 Jun 2010 at 11:58 PM
Another night out for me, and now it's almost midnight - where's my blog post for today?
I got to hear Joshua Redman and his new collaborative project, James Farm Band, this evening. The concert, which
Topics: urbanism
What a head has Hedda
Yule Heibel on Fri 25 Jun 2010 at 11:52 PM
Hedda Gabler, that is.
Tonight I went to see Theatre Inconnu's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. The play is long and it's past 11:30p.m. now - I won't even pretend that I'll come in under the
Topics: urbanism
Hot Dog and a Beer
cafejabbaccino on Fri 25 Jun 2010 at 8:50 PM
Guess what came in the mail today!??!!That's right, we're going to a Major League ball game!!! I'm SO stoked. We chose a weekend to head down to Seattle this summer and it just happened that the Yankee
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Vancouver community garden built in one day
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 25 Jun 2010 at 9:57 AM
More news out of Vancouver and its goal to be the 'greenest' city. Excerpts from this Vancouver Observer article.vancouverobserver.com A private-public partnership involving 70 volunteers turned two v
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Hypericum, Hyperion
Yule Heibel on Thu 24 Jun 2010 at 10:09 PM
File this under "Strange things we remember”: tonight is St-Jean-Baptiste-Day, aka Midsummer Eve, aka a great huge party with torches and open fires in Montreal where I lived many years ago.
Zoom in
Topics: urbanism
Vote on how to make Vancouver the 'Greenest' city
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 24 Jun 2010 at 4:17 PM
talkgreentous.caAs mentioned in the previous post, Vancouver's ambition is to be the 'greenest' city in the world by 2020. Good luck with that...Nonetheless, the City just launched a large public-eng
Topics: urbanism
Vic News: Downtown plan being drafted
Robert Randall on Thu 24 Jun 2010 at 12:13 PM
New vision for downtown By Roszan Holmen - Victoria News Published: June 22, 2010 9:00 AM Updated: June 22, 2010 9:48 AM The downtown is a great place to live, said Robert Randall, chair of the Downtow
Topics: urbanism
Atrium installs new bioswales
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 24 Jun 2010 at 1:00 AM
Newly installed urban boulevard acts as natural filter for stormwater drainage.
Topics: urbanism
Simple geography, crumpled folds
Yule Heibel on Wed 23 Jun 2010 at 9:13 PM
Here I go, worrying about how we'd fare in a real West Coast earthquake, and then a couple of days after I leave the "back East” region, what does the Northeast do? They go and have a headline-making
Topics: urbanism
New physically-separated bike lane in Vancouver
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 23 Jun 2010 at 4:37 PM
Vancouver is aiming to be the 'Greenest City in the World' by 2020. I don't think they have a hope in Heck of convincing anyone of this, without exponentially increasing their 'modal share' of cycling.
Topics: urbanism
Job markets
Yule Heibel on Tue 22 Jun 2010 at 11:20 PM
On June 20, the local paper (Times-Colonist) published a fascinating letter-to-the-editor by Reed Kirkpatrick, Connections everything in this job market. Kirkpatrick's letter was a rebuttal to an earli
Topics: urbanism
Past The Post?
Ross Crockford on Tue 22 Jun 2010 at 11:19 PM
In this era of satellites, WiFi and smartphones, it's hard for us to imagine how people communicated over long distances 150 years ago, and yet they did. Global civilization thrived - and it was princi
Topics: urbanism
Stuff I Can't Handle (Part 2)
cafejabbaccino on Tue 22 Jun 2010 at 9:21 PM
How's this for randomness? Here is my second list of stuff I can't handle. Click here for the first list. Cause I KNOW you're interested. Here goes:This sticker that was on an envelope I got for my bir
Topics: urbanism
Condos to replace offices as developer switches course
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 22 Jun 2010 at 2:03 PM
Concert Properties' 12-storey office proposal has morphed into a 16-storey residential project with groundfloor retail space.
Topics: urbanism
VIA Rail: Strike won't affect Dayliner
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 22 Jun 2010 at 12:13 AM
Threatened Canada-wide job action won't stop local E&N services says train operator.
Topics: urbanism
Tree amenity
Yule Heibel on Mon 21 Jun 2010 at 11:24 PM
I spent the past week in Boston and noticed that most streets - whether in Boston, Brookline, or Cambridge (the three municipalities I spent time in) - were either relatively tree-less or had undersize
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 20 Jun 2010 at 2:30 AM
Is the Worst Already True, the BP Well Now Unstoppable? | Mother Jones
Frightening post that quotes extensively from a forum where oil engineers and geologists post their analyses of the Gulf oil disas
Topics: urbanism
A New Look for Jabbaccino
cafejabbaccino on Sat 19 Jun 2010 at 11:47 PM
Woah....yeah, I KNOW!A new design for Cafe Jabbaccino. What do you guys think?
Topics: urbanism
Street music
Yule Heibel on Sat 19 Jun 2010 at 5:20 PM
Last day in Boston, spent most around Harvard Square in Cambridge. Came across some interesting street buskers - varied, different, fresh. (For each group, click on the image to go to Youtube clip I sh
Topics: urbanism
Exceptional, or just top-heavy?
Yule Heibel on Fri 18 Jun 2010 at 8:17 PM
This afternoon I went to see Headgear: The Natural History of Horns and Antlers at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Interesting exhibition - I was enjoying myself until I wandered into one of the
Topics: urbanism
Montreal Gazette on Helmet Legislation
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 18 Jun 2010 at 4:01 PM
Thanks to Ryan at The City Cyclist for sharing this link---------- copenhagencyclechic.comWell, we all missed talking about helmet legislation, so it's a good thing that the Montreal Gazette printed th
Topics: urbanism
640 Michigan condo proposal seeks rezoning
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 18 Jun 2010 at 11:38 AM
After a five-year slog, a James Bay condo project is one step closer to a rezoning after a favourable review Thursday at City Hall.
Topics: urbanism
CHEK TV - Construction Costs NOT Driving up Johnson Street Bridge Estimates
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 18 Jun 2010 at 10:00 AM
Delay has nothing to do with the dramatic rise in costs, in fact according to the Vancouver Island Construction Association, labour and material costs have fallen 15-20% since 2008, and the strengtheni
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Media Roundup - No Rail (well maybe)
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 17 Jun 2010 at 10:19 PM
Despite a spirited debate on including rail as the base refurbishment or replacement projects for the public to consider over the next six weeks, council has ratified a motion which excludes the rail o
Topics: urbanism
In Boston, where jail is "Liberty”
Yule Heibel on Thu 17 Jun 2010 at 7:48 PM
Tonight I saw a most impressive example of adaptive re-use in built form: the former Charles Street Jail, next to MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital) on the banks of the River Charles, turned into a s
Topics: urbanism
Council: We need help with rail funding
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 17 Jun 2010 at 4:11 PM
Council said today the future bridge must withstand an 8.5 quake and that if other sources of funding aren't found for the rail portion, trains will terminate in Vic West.
Topics: urbanism
City Hall presents new plan to UDI
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 17 Jun 2010 at 1:09 AM
Victoria's Urban Development Institute questions City staff over the new draft community plan and Downtown Plan.
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge Decisions Now Back on the Agenda
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 16 Jun 2010 at 11:09 PM
June 16th, 2010: Nice notice - but I guess the public can't complain as the document is in full and published before the Governance and Priorities meeting in compliance with the Community Charter. But
Topics: urbanism
New Book Rituals
cafejabbaccino on Wed 16 Jun 2010 at 8:40 PM
I'm curious.When you begin a new book do you have rituals? I do.I hold the book, get a sense of the weight of it. Study the cover and read the back in detail. Sometimes I read the reviews....usually no
Topics: urbanism
Not a wrap
Yule Heibel on Wed 16 Jun 2010 at 7:19 PM
This is not a Christo-wrapped art work, it's a botched development project:
.
^ A photo I took today: the back of Vornado's stalled project in Boston's Downtown Crossing (wrote about it earlier, here)
Topics: urbanism
No wonder we're hosed…
Yule Heibel on Tue 15 Jun 2010 at 7:26 PM
I've said it before - I don't have "TV” at home, so I don't "get” TV (and what I mean by that is this: I watch things of special interest on the internet; I get my news via the internet; and I scan
Topics: urbanism
City wanted $630,000 for a streetcar study: Student does it for $987
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 6:57 PM
I love this: (Summary taken from planetizen.com)Daniel Jacobson, an undergrad at Stanford, developed a thorough study recommending everything the City of Oakland would need to build, run and finance a
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Costs Jump by Millions
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 4:54 PM
What was not presented, or discussed, were the potential outcomes of any council decision in regard to a borrowing bylaw - which will be presented as a question in the November referendum. Most council
Topics: urbanism
Community garden, woman, and children to deter crime
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 1:37 PM
Posting frequency is being effected by 'real' work and a little event in South Africa.-------- I enjoyed this video featuring a Grizzly Man-like urban advocate in San Francisco, nicknamed 'Mad Viking.'
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge rehab and replacement costs jump by tens of millions
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 1:02 PM
Bridge rehabilitation and replacement options jump by tens of millions as new data and economic assessments are presented to Victoria councillors.
Topics: urbanism
Taxi status
Yule Heibel on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 11:00 AM
An observation, yesterday: Every single taxi at the downtown Victoria BC ferry terminal to Seattle was a Prius. Practically new.
But when you get to the US - say, Seattle - the state of your cab is a c
Topics: urbanism
Site-prep for upcoming downtown office tower begins
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 14 Jun 2010 at 10:52 AM
Site preparation for an upcoming downtown office tower have begun.
Topics: urbanism
Jewels in Prior Lake: African fish thriving in local swimming spot
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 13 Jun 2010 at 6:43 PM
A popular tropical fish available at pet stores has appeared in the lake, stumping local government and aquatic trade professionals.
Topics: urbanism
Book Review #1
cafejabbaccino on Sun 13 Jun 2010 at 2:53 PM
Remember my book challenge? Well, I've made a small dent.....I've read two of my new books, and I'm on the third right now. Here they are in the pile....I thought it might be cool to do little book rev
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 13 Jun 2010 at 2:31 AM
Putting the Livability Agenda Back in Place « Project for Public Spaces - Placemaking for Communities
Density / livability doesn't have a singular form. Think choices instead:
QUOTE
Livability is abou
Topics: urbanism
TC: Drug use, camping spiralling out of control on Pandora, businesses and reside
Robert Randall on Sun 13 Jun 2010 at 1:03 AM
Article in Saturday's Times Colonist about the problems on Pandora Avenue. People ask me what should be done (or what I would do). "It's like a cancer that grows. We are at that tipping point right now
Topics: urbanism
We might be giants (or not).
Yule Heibel on Sat 12 Jun 2010 at 10:24 PM
Humans. We're so big. Totally huge. What do we really know about all the little guys out there?
Pathogens? Bacteria?
.
Viruses? Toxoplasma?
.
Check out the fascinating article in The Economist, A gam
Topics: urbanism
Snowbirds and Aircraft Carriers
cafejabbaccino on Sat 12 Jun 2010 at 6:33 PM
This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. Victoria celebrated with parades, fireworks, a big concert tonight, and anchoring 20 warships from all over the world in the bay outside o
Topics: urbanism
Respect and the authoritarian personality
Yule Heibel on Fri 11 Jun 2010 at 11:55 PM
Aretha Franklin demanded it, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, because to get it confers authority on the person who is respected. Singing from the perspective of the blues, that is, of the oppressed, to get authority an
Topics: urbanism
Addressing City Council - Johnson Street Bridge Timeline [video]
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 11 Jun 2010 at 11:02 PM
johnsonstreetbridge.org and concerned citizens felt it imperative to address council as this would be the final opportunity to speak directly to all City Councillors and the Mayor before a Blue Bridge
Topics: urbanism
BC Ferries releases financial results for fiscal 2009/10
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 11 Jun 2010 at 7:52 AM
Revenue and expenditures are up as big ticket items are amortized.
Topics: urbanism
Approaching winter, Sidney-style
Yule Heibel on Thu 10 Jun 2010 at 11:27 PM
As we wait (and wait and wait) for summer to arrive in Victoria Canada, they're all set to celebrate the approach of winter in Sidney Australia.
And boy, are they doing it in style…
.
Click through t
Topics: urbanism
Gardening Apron
cafejabbaccino on Thu 10 Jun 2010 at 8:46 PM
Holy CRAP was this ever an awesome project!!? It's another pattern from One Yard Wonders - my third project fom the book . Isn't it the cutest apron?? The perfect hand made gift for a gardener, or you
Topics: urbanism
Support a Two-lane Trial for Johnson St. Bridge!
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 10 Jun 2010 at 8:51 AM
As you may know, I am a huge fan of pilot-testing progressive urban change. For example:Don't be Afraid to Experiment Hey, Victoria: Go Back to KindergartenBureaucracy vs. BallsSo, it will come at no s
Topics: urbanism
Sign the Petition for a Two-Lane Trial on the Blue Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 11:24 PM
The City has rejected the possibility of two lanes based - on what? They have not published any document that conclusively proves it would result in 'traffic chaos'. It is only through a thorough traff
Topics: urbanism
Commenting around
Yule Heibel on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 10:07 PM
Over the past few days, I've busied myself with comments on various blogs. Today, I'm taking the easy way out (of blogging) by posting links to those other entries.
Ok, I'll sort them a bit…
First, w
Topics: urbanism
Mandatory Green Roofs in Copenhagen
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 8:02 PM
inhabitat.comWell, here is a story about something other than cycling from Copenhagen:As of last month, all* new buildings in Copenhagen are required to have green roofs! From inhabitat.com:As part of
Topics: urbanism
Late-night transit's second go will be better organized: Mayor
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 4:10 PM
Victoria's Mayor Dean Fortin believes a proper marketing campaign will boost late-night bus ridership when the service resumes this fall.
Topics: urbanism
Skyscrapers and Skylines (pt 2): Unhealthy and Overbearing
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 12:47 PM
This is a continuation of Part 1 and will now need at least a pt. 3.----- I am generally a proponent of tried-and-true best practices rather than the latest technology or symbol of 'progress'. I am in
Topics: urbanism
First candidate enters Victoria by-election race
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 09 Jun 2010 at 10:04 AM
Victoria businessman Barry Hobbis, who ran for council in 2008, officially enters the Victoria 2010 by-election race.
Topics: urbanism
Open Government, Transparency: it's what we need
Yule Heibel on Tue 08 Jun 2010 at 10:55 PM
As residents of Victoria British Columbia continue to struggle with a closed, secretive city council that (with the exception of one councilor, Geoff Young) prefers to do its business behind closed doo
Topics: urbanism
Two Lane Johnson Street Bridge Debate on CFAX [podcast]
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 08 Jun 2010 at 9:14 PM
Victoria councillor John Luton and johnsonstreetbridge.org director Ross Crockford were on CFAX on June 8th morning, to discuss the feasibility of removing a car lane from the Johnson Street Bridge and
Topics: urbanism
TSB: Airbus departing Victoria too close to 747
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 08 Jun 2010 at 6:42 PM
Federal investigators say minimum distances between planes should be increased to avoid dangerous wake turbulence.
Topics: urbanism
The Case for Trying Two Lanes on Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 07 Jun 2010 at 11:33 PM
A greater principle is also at stake here. Governments have a duty to thoroughly explore simpler, less-costly solutions to problems, before throwing millions of dollars at more expensive ones. Relying
Topics: urbanism
Making the obscene seen
Yule Heibel on Mon 07 Jun 2010 at 10:36 PM
I chose a couple of redesigned BP logos to illustrate yesterday's Sunday Diigo Links Post, even though my links weren't related to the oilspill. They just struck me as appropriate. One in particular ca
Topics: urbanism
Cridge Park one step closer to renewal
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 07 Jun 2010 at 12:19 PM
Humboldt Valley to enjoy improved Cridge Park, thanks in part to a long-delayed contribution from Aria developer.
Topics: urbanism
Deer and Rabbit 'Problem' -- Help!
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 07 Jun 2010 at 9:00 AM
Dear Almost Anyone from the Past, Present, or Future,In 2010 Victoria, we are having a major problem with too many nearly-tame, incredibly-edible, nutritious herbivores wandering around in our yards an
Topics: urbanism
F^*k You Trees
cafejabbaccino on Sun 06 Jun 2010 at 1:47 PM
Every morning when I get up, I look out my window to see what the weather is like. And every morning I'm greeted with a big "F^*k You!!" from the tree below my window.The F^*k You trees! Have you ever
Topics: urbanism
Jack Knox on Cyclists at the Drive-thru
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 06 Jun 2010 at 8:52 AM
Full article here.Ours is a car culture, and will be until BP has sucked the last litre of oil out of the earth and poured it directly onto a shorebird for old time's sake. Bike to Work Week might pa
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 06 Jun 2010 at 2:30 AM
Is biomimicry a "megacategory” of cleantech?
"We live in a competent universe, and we are surrounded by genius”: Janine Benyus on revealing what we should understand and on biomimicry. "Imagine spr
Topics: urbanism
Gentrification 2.0?
Yule Heibel on Sat 05 Jun 2010 at 11:22 PM
The title of my post is semi-serious, semi-ironic. I'm ambivalent about gentrification: if it means unslumming, I figure it's good; if it means homogenization toward a single class (typically privilege
Topics: urbanism
Million Bicycles in Beijing... for 13 Million people.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 05 Jun 2010 at 7:08 PM
Uploaded to Flickr by crypt K (CC)I was going to talk about this off-hand in a recent post. I am glad I waited, as this offers some numbers for us.From EcoVelo:According to a recent article published b
Topics: urbanism
Skyscrapers and Skylines: Unnecessary and Overrated (Pt. 1)
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 05 Jun 2010 at 4:01 PM
http://desertplanet.wordpress.comOverview: Many people want Victoria to have more taller buildings and a more interesting skyline. I don't. I want a better city at the street-level, where we experi
Topics: urbanism
Worried about my dog
Yule Heibel on Fri 04 Jun 2010 at 10:59 PM
I spent a good chunk of today worrying about my dog Jigger, which, in light of all the serious things in the world that one could be worried by, is a relatively luxurious concern. My worry wasn't provo
Topics: urbanism
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 04 Jun 2010 at 7:07 PM
I finally re-found a story that I referred to in Bureaucracy vs. Balls and Hey Victoria, Go Back to Kindergarten!---------http://ytiffanie.wordpress.com/Summary of NYC Department of Transportation Co
Topics: urbanism
Telus billboard turning heads at City Hall
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 04 Jun 2010 at 12:15 PM
Telus' new billboard installed at 826 Yates Street is against the rules, according to City Hall. The company must conform to the sign bylaw or face fines and the threat of legal action.
Topics: urbanism
Monday Magazine: Place your bets
Robert Randall on Fri 04 Jun 2010 at 12:22 AM
Place your bets Posted By: Jason Youmans 06/02/2010 8:00 AM With councillor Sonya Chandler's announcement she'll be leaving City Hall at the end of August, let's get right down to some old-fashioned sp
Topics: urbanism
No Time for Rehab Debate on Victoria's Blue Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 10:53 PM
The only chance for anyone to comment publicly about what should included in Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge rehab plan, it appears, will be at next week's council meeting, on the evening of Thursday
Topics: urbanism
The WHY of it
Yule Heibel on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 10:40 PM
I've watched it three times now, trying to remember something I used to know so well: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action, Simon Sinek's fascinating TEDx (Puget Sound) presentation.
It's
Topics: urbanism
Vic PD unveils new police car; coat of arms
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 10:28 PM
Vic PD unveils the department's new patrol car of choice along with a new coat-of-arms.
Topics: urbanism
Letter to Council - Bridge Citizen Advisory Panel Should be Open
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 10:09 PM
The Johnson Street Bridge petition campaign collected over 10 000 signatures against the proposed borrowing bylaw, and one of the primary reasons voters signed was concern over transparency and public
Topics: urbanism
Helmet-wearers Given Less Room by Motorists
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 10:26 AM
copenhagencyclechic.comWell, this was an interesting find.A study published in the March 2007 issue of Accident Analysis & Prevention stated that drivers drove an average of 8.5 cm closer, and came wi
Topics: urbanism
Cycling Infrastructure: The little things
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 7:04 AM
From copenhagenize.com:This bicycle turn lane is in the Danish city of Roskilde, outside the train station. Like every other Danish city, there are bike lanes. Separated or painted, depending on the
Topics: urbanism
Official Community Plan consultation wrapping up
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 03 Jun 2010 at 12:46 AM
The Official Community Plan is the City's attempt to create a 30-year vision for the growth of the City and Victorians have less than a month to participate.
Topics: urbanism
BP-caused oilspill: map overlay lets users relate to scale
Yule Heibel on Wed 02 Jun 2010 at 10:22 PM
I think of Canada as a pretty big place. It's the geography, to be sure, but it must also be because there are so few people here. Take Vancouver Island: my current city, Victoria, hangs on its souther
Topics: urbanism
Misplaced and Misguided Priorities in our Cities
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 02 Jun 2010 at 8:58 PM
I want to share two (trimmed-down) excerpts from the brilliant little book 20 Minutes in Manhattan (highly recommended to anyone interested in... any thing related to cities, architecture, or New York)
Topics: urbanism
Uptown donates $125,000 towards cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 02 Jun 2010 at 9:25 AM
Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements are taking a step forward with a $125,000 donation from the project.
Topics: urbanism
Paint job: matte or semi-gloss, resistant to moisture
Yule Heibel on Tue 01 Jun 2010 at 9:42 PM
June started with a whimper for me - not sure about that "return to regular programming” thing, not after yesterday's unpleasant surprise.
Taking a hit and not bouncing right back also makes me feel
Topics: urbanism
RE: Why Canada's Culture is 'Boring'
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 31 May 2010 at 6:09 PM
This just in, Victoria is the culture capital of Canada.Hooray! Victoria is the best! Our work is done!Oh, wait. In the words of The Missus: "Best in Canada? If I live on a pile of dung, and someone sa
Topics: urbanism
AutoCAD Sucks
cafejabbaccino on Mon 31 May 2010 at 5:32 PM
At work, I sit at my desk and draw all day. No, I'm serious - that's my job! I work in architecture/interior design. It's a sweet job and I love it.There is new and exciting software that is taking ove
Topics: urbanism
eta: sometime between pulse and connection
Yule Heibel on Mon 31 May 2010 at 11:00 AM
If you're reading this in the afternoon on Monday May 31, I'm past the clouds, winging my way to Boston.
The flight out of Victoria was canceled.
I pre-wrote this post and scheduled it to publish whil
Topics: urbanism
Why Canada's Culture is 'Boring'.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 30 May 2010 at 8:36 PM
This could and maybe will be the subject of book; so, forgive any necessary gaps in thinking, here.Note: This is full of generalizations that may better apply to more sprawled cities than Victoria, b
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 30 May 2010 at 2:30 PM
Richard Florida: Rethinking Blue-Collar Jobs - Newsweek.com
More from Richard Florida, who's currently promoting his latest book, The Great Reset, in interviews and articles. In this interview, the emp
Topics: urbanism
Making Cycling Sexy
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 30 May 2010 at 9:50 AM
This is actually a theme that MVB has been planning to explore (and act on). But, in place of immediate original content, here is some more sharing:I thoroughly enjoyed this post on Copenhagenize.com.
Topics: urbanism
A bit more on Salim Jiwa's talk at Social Media Club Victoria
Yule Heibel on Sat 29 May 2010 at 10:56 PM
Part 2 of my account of Salim Jiwa's talk about the state of the news industry on May 25 at Social Media Club Victoria: business models, accountability journalism, and more.
Topics: urbanism
Labels!
cafejabbaccino on Sat 29 May 2010 at 7:46 PM
You know how sometimes when you buy a hand made item and find that it has a unique little custom label sewn on to it? It's just the perfect touch. Well, I was coveting these labels for myself but was f
Topics: urbanism
Little girl, where's your helmet?
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 29 May 2010 at 6:00 PM
Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery
Topics: urbanism
View/Fort condo project tabled
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 29 May 2010 at 2:34 PM
City Planning Staff and Council send the 14 storey condo development back to the drawing board saying it conflicts with Harris Green design guidelines.
Topics: urbanism
Hamilton more progressive than Victoria?
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 29 May 2010 at 7:56 AM
Victoria has been humming and hawing over even a partial and temporary Gov't Street 'closure' for decades. MVB post, here.Anyways, I just saw a poster for Open Streets Hamilton, a street 'closure' in H
Topics: urbanism
Zombie public art in Victoria
Yule Heibel on Fri 28 May 2010 at 11:59 PM
The newest public sculpture unveiled in Victoria BC reminds some observers of zombies, proving that hyper-realism does not equal effective art.
Topics: urbanism
The Commuter's Paradox: The effect of long commutes on happiness
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 28 May 2010 at 7:25 PM
I am often amazed at how much time people are willing to spend in traffic to get to and from work, everyday. It never struck me as being 'worth it' (extraordinary situations aside).(Excerpts and materi
Topics: urbanism
City Councillor Sonya Chandler to step down; byelection to be held
Robert Randall on Fri 28 May 2010 at 10:49 AM
City of Victoria annoucement: Councillor Sonya Chandler has announced that she will leave her position as City Councillor effective September 1, 2010. Sonya has been awarded a full scholarship to pursu
Topics: urbanism
Avoiding Gender-bending Plastics
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 28 May 2010 at 9:06 AM
The following post is just excerpts from this article at Good.is. Although this isn't exactly typical MVB material, I believe that this is a massively important issue that should be made known.good
Topics: urbanism
Ipsos Reid Survey - Community has high Interest in Victoria's Johnson Street Brid
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 27 May 2010 at 11:10 PM
Residents are also open minded about bridge options, and feel the City should take in a wide assessment of variables to determine the best options. That is somewhat at variance with the need to 'get on
Topics: urbanism
A Layman's Guide to the new (Draft) Victoria Core Area Plan
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 27 May 2010 at 6:50 PM
This may seem like a boring subject to some, but it is vital to the future of Victoria.If you want a non-layman's discussion, then feel free to bring up issues in the comment section!You can download t
Topics: urbanism
Women in movies: where are they?
Yule Heibel on Thu 27 May 2010 at 4:46 PM
Last night, while I was scribbling away on my "-ectomy” post, the spouse and son popped My Man Godfrey into the DVD player. We've all seen the movie multiple times, but it has such great dialogue tha
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge survey results are in
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 27 May 2010 at 1:37 PM
Two surveys conducted by City Hall to gauge the community's stance on the Johnson Street Bridge remediation/replacement project have been released.
Topics: urbanism
Gertrude Stein might agree: -ectomy is an ectomy is an ectomy
Yule Heibel on Wed 26 May 2010 at 11:07 PM
Vornado Realty Trust destroyed Boston's key downtown area. Damage done (courtesy of Vornado), are innovative repair options even possible?
Topics: urbanism
Reviving The Elwha
Ross Crockford on Wed 26 May 2010 at 9:26 PM
In September of 1911, a game warden went to inspect the newly built Elwha Dam just west of Port Angeles, and was horrified by what he saw.Thousands of salmon lay dying in pools at the foot of the dam.
Topics: urbanism
Crowdsourced Placemaking: An introduction
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 26 May 2010 at 7:06 PM
cooltownstudios.comCrowdsourced Placemaking: The act of taking development traditionally performed by real estate conglomerates and outsourcing it to a large, undefined group of people in the form
Topics: urbanism
Chinatown mural set to be Old Town's largest
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 26 May 2010 at 12:44 PM
One of the largest murals ever envisaged for Downtown Victoria is being planned for a heritage building in historic Chinatown.
Topics: urbanism
The debate continues: Repeal bike helmet laws!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 26 May 2010 at 11:16 AM
Several people have asked about seeing the facebook helmet legislation debate, as mentioned in previous posts/comments.I don't have that for you; however, here is a link to a debate that I'm in the mid
Topics: urbanism
Salim Jiwa at Social Media Club Victoria
Yule Heibel on Tue 25 May 2010 at 11:59 PM
Salim Jiwa (journalist, founder of Vancouverite) spoke at Social Media Club Victoria about newspapers and the dangers of "press release journalism."
Topics: urbanism
A Challenge
cafejabbaccino on Tue 25 May 2010 at 8:34 PM
After the ridiculous season finale of Lost the other night, it's made me realize how much I really hate television and how little it adds to my life. Therefore I am taking yet another step closer to my
Topics: urbanism
Bettering Shelbourne, Part 4: Pedestrian uses at parking lots
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 25 May 2010 at 5:50 PM
See the below for links to parts 1-3 in this series. -Parking lots -- particularly those at the front of buildings (front setback) -- are one of the greatest eye-sores in our built environment. Beyond
Topics: urbanism
Canada giving control of our food systems to companies like Monsanto.
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 25 May 2010 at 9:30 AM
This is on the edge of what falls under MVB topics, but it is of great importance.Long story short: Canada and the EU are negotiating an agreement (CETA) that would essentially give control of all seed
Topics: urbanism
Downtown parking a prized possession
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 25 May 2010 at 2:22 AM
Fewer spaces and increased demand are the challenges faced by City and private parking providers.
Topics: urbanism
PechaKucha Night Victoria, Vol. 2
Yule Heibel on Mon 24 May 2010 at 10:19 PM
Three months ago, on February 25, 2010, Elisa Yon and some friends helped instigate Victoria's first PechaKucha Night. That was Vol. 1, and it was a blast.
Now, get ready for Vol. 2, happening this Thu
Topics: urbanism
The Long Con
cafejabbaccino on Mon 24 May 2010 at 5:16 PM
We only started watching Lost in Season 4, after buying the first three seasons on DVD. Last night was the finale, and talk about one long con. The explanation of purgatory just doesn't sit well with
Topics: urbanism
Telus adorns downtown building with giant billboard
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 24 May 2010 at 4:52 PM
The region's largest advertising billboard has been installed on on the side of a downtown building.
Topics: urbanism
Manhattan School gets its own rooftop farm
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 24 May 2010 at 2:27 PM
Keeping the theme of the day going:Archpaper.com"Construction is due to commence this fall, and by next spring, school children should be planting vegetables on a 3,000-square-foot roof deck with spe
Topics: urbanism
Rabbits: Eat 'em!
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 24 May 2010 at 1:09 PM
In light of my previous post and resulting comments, I wanted to share an older article I enjoyed.good.isNo, this isn't about UVic. However, rabbits are close to the ideal for meat for human consumptio
Topics: urbanism
Food not lawns: Urban Farms big and small.
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 24 May 2010 at 8:36 AM
Growing up, I used my back and front lawn more than -- I'd wager -- 99% of the population. Yet, I still used the street(s), the schoolyard, and local parks way more. In my opinion, we don't need lawns.
Topics: urbanism
Speaking of Mexico: Bye, bye, helmet legislation.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 23 May 2010 at 7:34 PM
I just got back from a short stint in Mexico (congrats to newlyweds Chris and Amy!).In February, Mexico repealed their bicycle helmet laws. Mikael over at Copenhagenize gives us the commentary, if desi
Topics: urbanism
A Choice is a Vote: Your actions make our city better/worse.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 23 May 2010 at 5:31 PM
When I started MVB, I made a list of posts topics so that I would not run out while waiting for more ideas. Turns out, I am yet to cover a fraction of that list. I guess that that's a good thing.Post S
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 23 May 2010 at 2:30 AM
Flavorwire » Digitally Remix LACMA's Art Collection
Fine example of how LACMA leverages its web presence and uses it to connect to audiences.
QUOTE
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has a reputatio
Topics: urbanism
Time, from A to Z (Zimbardo, that is)
Yule Heibel on Sat 22 May 2010 at 11:31 PM
Philip Zimbardo's 2008 presentation on The Time Paradox offers a remarkable look at how individuals and groups perceive time, and what that means for personal and social development.
Topics: urbanism
Notes on walking architecture
Yule Heibel on Fri 21 May 2010 at 10:40 PM
Matt Jones's presentation, "People are walking architecture," offers much food for thought: on architecture and ubiquitous computing, Debord and Jobs, Saarinen and Shirky, and finally Jane Jacobs.
Topics: urbanism
VIHA to add new needle sites in Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 20 May 2010 at 7:55 PM
The Vancouver Island Health Authority today announced the intent to introduce four secondary needle distribution sites as a precursor to a fixed site.
Topics: urbanism
Bound by goo
Yule Heibel on Thu 20 May 2010 at 5:05 PM
What is it about some days - at times stretching into weeks or more - that feels like goo? Like being stuck? Mired? Attacked by creeping plaque on the synapses?
I guess should be a bit too mature to fe
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Seals prepared for season opener against Maui
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 20 May 2010 at 4:30 PM
The Victoria Seals are ready for their second season of baseball at Royal Athletic Park.
Topics: urbanism
Piecemeal Change: An Example.
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 20 May 2010 at 10:32 AM
In Mexico for another few days, so expect more thoughts on these recent posts once I am back.My previous post presented the competing forces of a) the erosion of the city by automobiles and b) the attr
Topics: urbanism
Growing cities
Yule Heibel on Wed 19 May 2010 at 7:51 PM
Got controversy? Density and building height are sure to push city dwellers' buttons, particularly if the culture to date favored sprawl and single-family homes.
Topics: urbanism
Short order cooking
Yule Heibel on Tue 18 May 2010 at 9:09 PM
If you want to eat what you like, but are cooking for a family, you sometimes have to resort to short-order cooking.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's sole karaoke bar clings to life as Traveller's Inn sale mulled
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 18 May 2010 at 8:07 PM
Potential buyer of hotel property seeks "vacant possession," possibly ending the operations of two popular nightlife establishments.
Topics: urbanism
The Erosion of Cities or The Attrition of Automobiles -- Jane Jacobs
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 18 May 2010 at 2:48 PM
As mentioned, I am out-of-town, so my posting will be intermittent and not as thoughtful as I'd wish. streetsblog.orgIn previous posts, I have talked about the 'perpetual cycle' that is created when a
Topics: urbanism
Insights from "The reinvented city”
Yule Heibel on Mon 17 May 2010 at 11:22 PM
A blog post from the Lincoln Institute, The reinvented city about its recent conference, includes several terrific links.
First off: Andres Duany is on a tear against NIMBYs, and suggests making decisi
Topics: urbanism
Anti-HST petition marks major milestone
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 17 May 2010 at 7:55 PM
Anti-HST petition signed by 10% of eligible electors, marking a major milestone for the initiative.
Topics: urbanism
James H Kunstler dissects suburbia | Video on TED.com
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 17 May 2010 at 9:45 AM
James H Kunstler dissects suburbia | Video on TED.com
Topics: urbanism
The Most Efficient Machine in History
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 16 May 2010 at 4:28 PM
Courtesy of renowned bicycle historian Iain Boal via Mikael of Copenhagenize.comI am not sure of the methodology behind this, but... very cool.
Topics: urbanism
Two videos: The Dissecting of and The End of Suburbia -- watch 'em.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 16 May 2010 at 3:44 PM
I am in Mexico for a wedding; so, my posting may be a little less content-intensive. Nonetheless, I will still have lots to share.I finally got around to watching The End of Suburbia, on the plane ride
Topics: urbanism
The Book Sale
cafejabbaccino on Sun 16 May 2010 at 3:01 PM
I've been waiting all year for what's known to Victoria locals as 'The Book Sale'. Remember last year?!This year we got up early and went down half an hour before the doors opened. Click on the picture
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 16 May 2010 at 2:30 AM
At Lincoln House: The reinvented city
Sounds like this conference included a lot of talented people; click through to read Lincoln House's own review:
QUOTE
The two days that some 42 journalists and Ni
Topics: urbanism
"Good-bye, Name-for-yourself…”
Yule Heibel on Sat 15 May 2010 at 10:58 PM
In the film "It Should Happen to You," Judy Holliday's character Gladys Glover illustrates some lessons around privacy while we get a glimpse of personal branding, 1950s-style.
Topics: urbanism
Journalism and (use of) social media
Yule Heibel on Fri 14 May 2010 at 11:32 PM
Taking a closer look at Lisa Johnson and Kirk Lapointe's Northern Voice 2010 session, "How (Should) Journalism Use Social Media?"
Topics: urbanism
Land Conservancy purchases Madrona Farm property
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 14 May 2010 at 3:06 PM
Madrona Farm has been purchased by the Land Conservancy of British Columbia. The sale secures the use of the property as a farm indefinitely.
Topics: urbanism
Play 'Find the [BMI-challenged] Person' in Utrecht
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 14 May 2010 at 9:31 AM
Found this on Good.is, today.As one of the youtube commenters suggests: Play 'find the fat person'.
Topics: urbanism
Link love is better (or why blogs trump MSM)
Yule Heibel on Thu 13 May 2010 at 9:53 PM
Bruce Schneier's post today exposes
Topics: urbanism
Hey Victoria, Go Back to Kindergarten!
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 13 May 2010 at 4:52 PM
This is a follow-up post to yesterday's Different Schools of Thought post. This post also looks at our comparative perspectives/attitudes towards (progressive) change.I recently watched this TED talk
Topics: urbanism
The Infinite Resources: Human Ingenuity, Human Stupidity, and Poo Bricks.
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 13 May 2010 at 10:25 AM
This is just a quick post to share some links (below), so you can pass over the text. inhabitat.comAs expressed in my 'green' vs green post, I feel as though 'green technology' is largely an oxymoron
Topics: urbanism
After multi-year hiatus, urban grocery store development moving forward
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 13 May 2010 at 1:52 AM
Proposal to build a grocery store and commercial retail space on a lot once occupied by a bowling alley takes a step forward.
Topics: urbanism
Victorians to choose next Car Share purchase
Robert Randall on Wed 12 May 2010 at 10:24 PM
My new article for VibrantVictoria.ca is about a contest to find Victoria Car Share Co-Op's newest addition to its lineup of borrowable cars. The choices offered up for voting are the Nissan Cube and t
Topics: urbanism
Evocative journalism: is there room for it?
Yule Heibel on Wed 12 May 2010 at 9:22 PM
Reading an article filed today by the Montreal Gazette's Monique Muise about Monday's horrific tragedy in St. Jude, Quebec, I was struck by the evocative quality of the writing.
(A recap of events: in
Topics: urbanism
Words of Wisdom from Michelle Obama
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 12 May 2010 at 6:47 PM
letsmove.gov taken from streetblog "We don't need new discoveries or new inventions to reverse this trend [of obesity/inactivity related to the built environment]... Again, we have the tools at our
Topics: urbanism
Victorians to choose next Car Share purchase
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 12 May 2010 at 1:47 PM
The Victoria Car Share Co-Op is asking Victorians to vote on one of two vehicles being considered as the newest addition to the car share's stable of cars, trucks and minivans.
Topics: urbanism
Two very different schools (of thought), including a drive-only elementary!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 12 May 2010 at 1:18 PM
This is the first of (likely) two posts, today, that will explore some on-going themes on MVB -- related to the contrasting perspectives used to (try to) make our cities better. The other post should
Topics: urbanism
Journal bricolage?
Yule Heibel on Tue 11 May 2010 at 10:58 PM
Some thoughts on two disparate opinions/ diverging business models in journalism/ newspapers.
Topics: urbanism
Not for the faint of heart -- Helmetless Cycling Images!
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 11 May 2010 at 2:28 PM
My facebook-based debate on cycling helmet legislation continues to go on. You can read my post about why I think helmet legislation should be repealed, here.In light of my detractors pointing out that
Topics: urbanism
Bicycle helmet laws? No, car helmet laws!
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 11 May 2010 at 9:06 AM
I coincidentally found this on Copenhagenize.com after a healthy debate over bicycle helmet legislation, yesterday. It was too good not to post about!You are probably laughing at this just like I am, b
Topics: urbanism
Emergency preparedness and Downtown's missing hospital-in-a-box
Robert Randall on Tue 11 May 2010 at 12:30 AM
In this Vibrant Victoria article I look into disaster preparedness; specifically the most likely of scenarios: a catastrophic earthquake. http://vibrantvictoria.ca/?p=2463 Rob Johns has a tough task. A
Topics: urbanism
Housekeeping day: stab at Northern Voice report
Yule Heibel on Mon 10 May 2010 at 11:57 PM
It's Monday and closing on midnight and I still haven't managed to write a recap of Northern Voice 2010, or address specific issues (of interest to me) raised by panelists. And since it's already so la
Topics: urbanism
Quilted Lunch Bag
cafejabbaccino on Mon 10 May 2010 at 9:16 PM
Man, I was excited about this little lunch bag. Remember that fabric I bought a little while ago? I thought it would make a super cute lunch bag. Also. the picture in the book (One Yard Wonders) made i
Topics: urbanism
'The Province' (Newspaper) against cycling - more yokels.
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 10 May 2010 at 1:33 PM
Check out the full article link and commentary over at Vincent's Victoria.TThe Province on Canada.comI would generally be repeating myself it I were to respond overly much to the editorial. Needless to
Topics: urbanism
The Sovereign is coming to downtown Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 10 May 2010 at 2:40 AM
Chard Development is furthering its dedication to revitalize and enhance Downtown Victoria by launching a boutique condominium project.
Topics: urbanism
Bike helmet laws -- stoopid.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 09 May 2010 at 8:23 PM
Why?In brief:Cycling isn't any more dangerous than walking or driving. Helmet laws cause far less people to cycle, and the benefits of more people cycling (more often) far, far, far outweigh the potent
Topics: urbanism
Kit Car
cafejabbaccino on Sun 09 May 2010 at 7:36 PM
Woah, it's been awhile huh? I haven't been in the mood for my mindless blogging lately. Actually I've been going through a bit of a rough time. (Don't worry though, I'm okay!)You know sometimes when yo
Topics: urbanism
Space used by different modes of transportation
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 09 May 2010 at 6:41 PM
I've shown this image twice in previous posts, already. So, the point has been made, but I just found this one with the accompanying numbers -- the part I have been looking for. I like this:Taken from
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 09 May 2010 at 2:31 AM
The Productivity Myth - The Conversation - Harvard Business Review
Quality, not necessarily quantity:
QUOTE
Stop measuring your people by the hours they put in, and focus instead on the value they prod
Topics: urbanism
"Uncle”? Overcome by pulse
Yule Heibel on Sat 08 May 2010 at 9:23 PM
So,… I very much wanted to write a blog post tonight about some of what I experienced at today's Northern Voice, …but.
I instead went for a walk in my old 'hood, then returned to the hotel before
Topics: urbanism
Replace parking with housing in James Bay? Not if the yokels can help it.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 08 May 2010 at 2:13 PM
image from the Times Colonist VictoriaAs I think I conveyed in my Bureaucracy vs. Balls post, I believe the democratic process has its limitations as a decision-making tool. Why? Because most people ar
Topics: urbanism
Gov2.0 and Northern Voice
Yule Heibel on Fri 07 May 2010 at 8:55 PM
Great session this morning at Northern Voice, Gov 2.0 - Politics, Policy and Social Media in Canada: A Multi-Level Exploration, featuring David Eaves as moderator, with Raul Pacheco-Vega, Ian Capstick,
Topics: urbanism
Benefits of Cycling: In Brief.
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 07 May 2010 at 8:21 AM
I am not sure if this would qualify you for 'Cycle Chic', and it's a little cheesy, but...
Topics: urbanism
Emergency Preparedness Week: is Victoria ready?
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 07 May 2010 at 1:11 AM
Emergency Preparedness Week comes to a close, and despite the efforts of Provincial and Municipal officials to raise awareness, Victorians' disaster readiness leaves much to be desired.
Topics: urbanism
Bettering Shelbourne. Part 3: Bike Lanes
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 06 May 2010 at 8:21 PM
Bike lanes? Cycling is for hippies and socialists!No, it's not.Image from copenhagencyclechic.comThe/a problem with cars is the space that they use per person.A Pattern Language (a highly-recommended-
Topics: urbanism
Out West. Everything's further away
Yule Heibel on Thu 06 May 2010 at 6:58 PM
Getting from Victoria to Vancouver by ferry takes 4 hours if the stars line up correctly.
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge - May 6th Council Update [video]
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 06 May 2010 at 3:41 PM
May 6th the Governance and Priorities Committee received an update from City of Victoria Assistant Director of Engineering Mike Lai on the technical progress to date, along with the public engagement/i
Topics: urbanism
Saanich News Letters: Outnumbered by yokels.
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 05 May 2010 at 7:55 PM
Sorry for the delay in posts. I got a little caught up with 'real' work.I hope to get a new post out tonight, but, in the mean time, some of my brief thoughts re Shelbourne Corridor Action Plan made it
Topics: urbanism
David Eaves on Open Government
Yule Heibel on Wed 05 May 2010 at 3:40 PM
David Eaves's discussion of Open Government throws light on why we're routing around government, and how the consultancy industry keeps the old model entrenched.
Topics: urbanism
Rooflines
Yule Heibel on Tue 04 May 2010 at 10:00 PM
Earlier today my husband pointed me to Jets Overhead's music video "No Nations” after reading Tim Bray's post about the band. I really liked the song and will probably explore more of their music, wh
Topics: urbanism
Windspill
Yule Heibel on Mon 03 May 2010 at 11:16 PM
The term windspill captures the failings of our energy policy (as the Gulf of Mexico oilspill unfolds). We can now also see the shortcomings of NIMBYist and BANANAist obstructionism to alternative ener
Topics: urbanism
Expanding roads = urban laxatives.
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 03 May 2010 at 9:22 AM
image from heapsgood.wordpress.comI just came across this ingenious analogy from local urban thinker Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute and had to share it. This is a different an
Topics: urbanism
Copenhagenize Victoria? Lessons from a Guru
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 02 May 2010 at 8:33 AM
"It's important for democracy if people from different groups can meet each other in their communities rather than sitting at home and watching television." -- Jan Gehl, 2009image smh.com.auLast year
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 02 May 2010 at 2:30 AM
Bruce Katz on How to Overhaul Local Governments - WSJ.com
A somewhat horrifying account by Bruce Katz on the fractured state of jurisdictional / municipal / state government in the US - and I thought t
Topics: urbanism
On synthesis, simplification, compartmentalization, comfort
Yule Heibel on Sat 01 May 2010 at 11:42 PM
Theodor Adorno strongly influenced my approach when I worked on post-World War II German art (specifically, West German abstract art). I was quite surprised recently to be reminded of him while reading
Topics: urbanism
People for Bikes (US)
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 01 May 2010 at 12:40 PM
People for Bikes is an organization in the States trying to unite 'a million voices to improve future of biking.'I am just passing this link along, so that you can sign the pledge as an actual or honou
Topics: urbanism
Urban farming is great and all, unless you live in Hamilton...
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 01 May 2010 at 12:19 PM
... then your food will taste like garbage and cigarettes -- user comment on Canada.com. Here are a couple of quick stories from elsewhere in Canada on a potentially-popular MVB theme.-I don't buy it
Topics: urbanism
Criticism (File under "learn to”)
Yule Heibel on Fri 30 Apr 2010 at 9:40 PM
When I was little, I had a French professor (not a professor for French, but a professor from France) who was capable of driving graduate students in his seminars to tears.
French, but educated in the
Topics: urbanism
Transit lessons from the 'Olympic Experiment', Vancouver
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 30 Apr 2010 at 10:54 AM
image from vancouversun.comI was just revisiting an interesting article over at regardingplace.com.The author explores some of the lessons learned from Vancouver's natural experiment as a 'transit ci
Topics: urbanism
Mega-yacht marina plan passes environmental review
Make Victoria Better . com on Fri 30 Apr 2010 at 9:06 AM
Mega-yacht marina plan passes environmental reviewDiscuss.
Topics: urbanism
New brew pub proposed in Rock Bay
Robert Randall on Thu 29 Apr 2010 at 10:13 PM
My new article for Vibrant Victoria is up. Don and Bonnie Bradley are looking for a rezoning so they can sell their own beer at their English-style pub on Bay Street: Hoping to head off the rezoning he
Topics: urbanism
Some resources for Victoria's MSM
Yule Heibel on Thu 29 Apr 2010 at 10:13 PM
This is a response to my Tuesday post on Victoria's MSM and SM panel discussion, "No policy …no strategy, either," with a list of resources that local media might want to investigate.
Topics: urbanism
Strawberries & Saxifrages
cafejabbaccino on Thu 29 Apr 2010 at 7:05 PM
We love native plants. When we go hiking we take our native plant book and identify everything we can. A couple weeks ago we went to a talk at UVic about native plants. I was excited because the author
Topics: urbanism
A beginning...
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 29 Apr 2010 at 2:19 PM
In time, MVB will have photo galleries and other original art for your viewing pleasure.For now, I wanted to at least begin sharing...Danish School bus? Credit to Schlijper.nl -- lots to see on that si
Topics: urbanism
Municipality using nature to scrub Shelbourne stormwater
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 29 Apr 2010 at 8:20 AM
Well, this is coincidental and very cool:Municipality using nature to scrub Shelbourne stormwater (Kevin Vass, Saanich News)SPhoto by Sharon Tiffin, Saanich News Snippet from the article:If you've tr
Topics: urbanism
My internet service = down
Yule Heibel on Wed 28 Apr 2010 at 11:50 PM
My internet went down around 3pm today and now, nearing on midnight, it's still out of commission. Apologies for not commenting back to several readers who left comments, …and for not posting anythin
Topics: urbanism
Mycelium and Gas Stations?
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 28 Apr 2010 at 8:12 PM
Mycelium has a unique ability to rapidly break down the hydrocarbons found in oil and petroleum... and use them as... nutrients.image from kk.orgIn an experimental challenge, a strain of oyster mushr
Topics: urbanism
Rock Bay brew pub proposal seeks rezoning
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 28 Apr 2010 at 9:00 AM
A proposed brew pub in Victoria's Rock Bay neighbourhood seeks community approval and Council endorsement before being allowed to serve up its own beer.
Topics: urbanism
Re-imagining Shelbourne. Part 2: Implement Progressive Ideas Now!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 28 Apr 2010 at 8:39 AM
This is a continuation of Re-imagining Shelbourne. Part 1: Bureaucracy vs. Balls.Part 2 will present five (example) ideas that could be implemented immediately in the Shelbourne Corridor. Parts 3-7 w
Topics: urbanism
No policy …no strategy, either
Yule Heibel on Tue 27 Apr 2010 at 11:57 PM
Tonight I attended the 14th meeting of Victoria's Social Media Club to listen to five panelists from Victoria's mainstream media (MSM) talk about how new media (including social media) is affecting the
Topics: urbanism
Charly
cafejabbaccino on Tue 27 Apr 2010 at 9:25 PM
Last night one of my best friend's cats passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was one on a super short list of cats who, in my books, were the best ever. (This list includes my current little buddy Z
Topics: urbanism
Blogging as gleaning?
Yule Heibel on Mon 26 Apr 2010 at 10:15 PM
My aching back suggests that blogging is like gleaning: it keeps me (intellectually) alive, but is generally thankless and often backbreaking. But the analogy is as artificial as a 19th century Salon p
Topics: urbanism
Kale
cafejabbaccino on Mon 26 Apr 2010 at 9:41 PM
Recently inspired by a post by Dana, I wanted to try kale. It's full of iron (which most women lack), it's a dark leafy green which is supposedly one of the best things you can eat....but it's also int
Topics: urbanism
Re-imagining Shelbourne (Part 1) -- Bureaucracy vs. Balls
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 26 Apr 2010 at 2:37 PM
Shelbourne @ Mckenzie with cyclist (source: google street view)I would hazard a guess that I am not the only Victorian with a strong aversion to Shelbourne Street.What's to like? It's four or five lane
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 25 Apr 2010 at 2:30 AM
Phil Windley's Technometria | Kathy Sierra: Storyboarding for Non-Fiction
Phil Windley's entry on Kathy Sierra's storyboarding techniques for non-fiction.
tags: phil_windley, kathy_sierra, storymaps, s
Topics: urbanism
Public spaces in lush lands
Yule Heibel on Sat 24 Apr 2010 at 11:45 PM
I live in a ridiculously lush part of the world, and I'm not talking about the Canadian propensity to drink alcoholic beverages. In Victoria BC, on southern Vancouver Island, it's green year 'round. By
Topics: urbanism
New HST is not good enough.
Make Victoria Better . com on Sat 24 Apr 2010 at 9:22 AM
I may be chiming in a little late, but I thought that I would share my thoughts in brief. -I do not have a comprehensive understanding of the HST. When it comes to policy and politics, most people rea
Topics: urbanism
Waste stream philia
Yule Heibel on Fri 23 Apr 2010 at 11:03 PM
I had an opportunity to tour the Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt today. It's a two-hour 3-kilometer walking tour, full of history and heritage (one part of the base is from the late 19th/ early 20th
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge scandal just keeps going
Yule Heibel on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 10:18 PM
Mike Lai (City of Victoria) and Mark Mulvihill (Delcan Corp.) tried to skew the facts against the historic Johnson Street Bridge, as Sam Williams shows in the latest issue of FOCUS Magazine.
Topics: urbanism
A new Neighbour
cafejabbaccino on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 9:40 PM
I got to switch spots at work this week. I'm sitting closer to a window now and I'm really enjoying it.I'm also sitting next to a new buddy. Here is my new desk from her perspective. Do you think she m
Topics: urbanism
The Botched Bridge Decision - Focus Magazine
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 9:32 PM
In the early autumn of 2009 johnsonstreetbridge.ORG submitted a Freedom of Information request to the City of Victoria asking for all the correspondence between Delcan and the CoV up to July 2009. Afte
Topics: urbanism
'Green' vs. Green (Happy Earth Day)
Make Victoria Better . com on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 3:45 PM
Having moved across Canada for the summer, my posting schedule is not exactly how I planned it. So, I missed the chance to tell you about Victoria-related Earth Day events (such as composting in Beacon
Topics: urbanism
Design concept revealed for historic downtown waterfront property
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 2:23 PM
The historic Northern Junk buildings are slated for renovation and a new five-storey lowrise is envisioned to flank Wharf and Johnson streets.
Topics: urbanism
Join us for Earth Day - Saturday April 24th
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 2:13 PM
On Saturday April 24th we will have a table in Centennial Square, joining dozens of organizations striving to make our communities more sustainable.
The walk begins at Noon at the BC Legislature, an
Topics: urbanism
Port Angeles 101
Ross Crockford on Thu 22 Apr 2010 at 11:17 AM
The Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission surveyed Victorians last year, and the results were embarrassing. More than half of us said we didn't know anything about the Olympic peninsula - and 15 percent
Topics: urbanism
Pulchraphilia
Yule Heibel on Wed 21 Apr 2010 at 11:31 PM
Pulchraphilia, a new word coined by Jason McLennan, makes the case for designing green and sustainable buildings with beauty in mind. This makes environmental stewardship easier, for humans are hard-wi
Topics: urbanism
New Yorker's saving big money on transportation
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 21 Apr 2010 at 7:29 PM
They're calling it New York City's 'Green Dividend'.You can check out the full report (pdf) or a condensed article over at streetblog.org.On a related note from my own brain (thank goodness for a relev
Topics: urbanism
Vote on a site design!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 21 Apr 2010 at 11:11 AM
What site design to you like best?Click here to view the test site design
Topics: urbanism
MakeVictoriaBetter.com is a twit -- follow MVB on Twitter!
Make Victoria Better . com on Wed 21 Apr 2010 at 9:35 AM
http://twitter.com/bettervictoria
Topics: urbanism
Creating Value Through Sustainability
Yule Heibel on Tue 20 Apr 2010 at 10:06 PM
"You measure what matters, and what gets measured, gets done.”
That's how Eric Hespenheide put it at this afternoon's MIT Enterprise Forum event, live-streamed at UVic. …And I have to admit I felt
Topics: urbanism
Government St. 'Closure' Proposed
Make Victoria Better . com on Tue 20 Apr 2010 at 9:28 AM
Lower Government Street is a prime destination for tourists and locals alike in downtown Victoria Recently, this letter to the editor of the Times Colonist caught my attention."I know -- close Governme
Topics: urbanism
Cycling in Victoria -- extreme not mainstream
Make Victoria Better . com on Mon 19 Apr 2010 at 11:40 PM
On April 11th, the Shelbourne Community Celebration conducted a 'Family Bike Ride' (pictured above). Now, I generally have positive feelings about this event. However, I would like to address something
Topics: urbanism
Wishing local government had an opposable mind
Yule Heibel on Mon 19 Apr 2010 at 8:51 PM
Reading Roger Martin's The Opposable Mind makes me wonder when local governments will bid conventional thinking good-bye and awaken instead to the possibilities of integrative thinking.
Topics: urbanism
VIA Rail slashes E&N Dayliner fares
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 19 Apr 2010 at 10:01 AM
VIA Rail announces a sizable far cut for travel along its entire network, including the daily Victoria-Courtenay run.
Topics: urbanism
MakeVictoriaBetter.com - open for business!
Make Victoria Better . com on Sun 18 Apr 2010 at 11:19 AM
Ahoy-hoy! This is the inaugural post on makevictoriabetter.com.Many kinks are still to be worked out - logo, appearance, images, domain name, etc.. However, no time like the present to get started!Che
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 18 Apr 2010 at 2:31 AM
Bridging Ecological Research and Urban Design | brighttalk.com
Useful site with upcoming and archived webcasts; this is the section on Architecture, Construction, and Engineering.
tags: research, desig
Topics: urbanism
What makes me nervous
Yule Heibel on Sat 17 Apr 2010 at 5:54 PM
Two kids fashion a raft from beach detritus and paddle out into the Juan de Fuca Strait. Derring-do, foolishness, or adventure?
Topics: urbanism
Follow-up thoughts on Change vs Development
Yule Heibel on Fri 16 Apr 2010 at 10:36 PM
Following up on my post from yesterday, Change vs Development: Is there a difference?, a couple of additional thoughts.
To me, change implies a change of state, a switch from one thing to another. I ca
Topics: urbanism
Change vs Development: Is there a difference?
Yule Heibel on Thu 15 Apr 2010 at 11:41 PM
The way to make sure absolutely that all you ever get is utter crap change is to resist development at every turn: that's almost guaranteed to deliver nasty surprises.
Topics: urbanism
Road Trip!
cafejabbaccino on Thu 15 Apr 2010 at 10:12 PM
Today I got to go on a road trip for work. I drove from Victoria to Parksville. It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive "up-island".....as the locals like to say....when do you think I'll consider myself a local
Topics: urbanism
BC Transit testing Chinese transit buses
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 15 Apr 2010 at 9:50 PM
Chinese mini-buses could soon replace community vans operating along Victoria's streets if BC Transit's trial of the vehicles proves successful.
Topics: urbanism
City to hold composting open house
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 15 Apr 2010 at 3:31 PM
The City plans to educate the public about the benefits of composting at a free open house just in time for Earth Day.
Topics: urbanism
Can artifice be truthful? (My Kraftwerk interlude)
Yule Heibel on Wed 14 Apr 2010 at 5:59 PM
I'm listening to a couple of Kraftwerk CDs that my son requested for his birthday: Die Menschmaschine and Trans Europa Express. There are a number of good links on Youtube for those who need a Kraftwer
Topics: urbanism
Fool's gold
Yule Heibel on Tue 13 Apr 2010 at 9:18 PM
Creating a floor plan from memory triggers several insights about why and how I accumulate stuff in my life, and why subconscious behaviors continue to shape my present.
Topics: urbanism
Hudson crane moved to service second phase of project
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 13 Apr 2010 at 11:49 AM
The Hudson's construction crane is coming down and will service the second phase of the project just steps to the east.
Topics: urbanism
Interruption: another word for clutter?
Yule Heibel on Mon 12 Apr 2010 at 11:42 PM
I've come to believe that another word for "interruptions" is clutter: A sort of mental clutter and time clutter that becomes a bad habit ("habit clutter").
Topics: urbanism
Peace in our time?
Robert Randall on Sun 11 Apr 2010 at 8:05 PM
I'm getting rid of a lot of old papers and miscellaneous junk right now, a lot of it from high school.
I came across a form letter from long-time NDP MLA Frank Mitchell, one of the letters of congratul
Topics: urbanism
Sugar Free
cafejabbaccino on Sun 11 Apr 2010 at 12:28 PM
So I've been told to try eliminating sugar from my diet. For one month.Okay fine - I didn't eat wheat or dairy for over a year.....I can do this. Plus, I've replaced the sugar in my coffee with Stevia
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 11 Apr 2010 at 2:30 AM
From Social Media to Social Strategy - Umair Haque - Harvard Business Review
Umair Haque puts a deserved boot to typical (traditional?) social media, calling instead for meaning, organized around recon
Topics: urbanism
Cuff Report and City governance update
Robert Randall on Sat 10 Apr 2010 at 11:14 PM
A while ago I promised an update on Victoria City Hall's efforts to update its Governance Model in the wake of the release of the Cuff Report (previous post here).
I held off updating until I could do
Topics: urbanism
Stop. Watch? Go? Wait!
Yule Heibel on Sat 10 Apr 2010 at 9:33 PM
For the last few days, I used a stopwatch to time some of my activities. In fact, my stopwatch looks exactly like the one in the photo: a promotional from Apple, I think.
Here's the thing: I realized
Topics: urbanism
Quebec Calling? City of Victoria hires Ipsos Reid for Blue Bridge Survey
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 10 Apr 2010 at 7:31 PM
During the committee meeting Katie Josephson, the City of Victoria Director of Communications, outlined an engagement plan, which included a baseline survey of Victoria residents. That appears to be in
Topics: urbanism
St. Andrew's Elementary to close
Robert Randall on Sat 10 Apr 2010 at 1:00 AM
By Robert Randall
A version of this article originally appeared on Vibrant Victoria.
St. Andrew's Elementary School, at Pandora Avenue and Vancouver Street, will close. Photo © by St. Andrew's Eleme
Topics: urbanism
The case for a brave new pillow
Yule Heibel on Fri 09 Apr 2010 at 11:47 PM
With Aldous Huxley's satire in the back of my mind, sniggering, I stole 10 minutes this afternoon to alter and repair two pillowcases. A pair of king-sized cases, their corners had frayed because I let
Topics: urbanism
St. Andrew's Elementary to close
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 09 Apr 2010 at 9:08 AM
St. Andrew's Elementary, a fixture in Victoria's North Park neighbourhood for decades, will shut its doors and amalgamate with St. Joseph's school on Burnside Road according to a statement by the Bisho
Topics: urbanism
Congestion is our friend
Yule Heibel on Thu 08 Apr 2010 at 10:19 PM
Gordon Price deconstructed "Motordom" during a recent presentation. One question especially continues to resonate, both in relation to sustainable transportation planning and to Victoria's Johnson Stre
Topics: urbanism
Fidgety
cafejabbaccino on Wed 07 Apr 2010 at 9:42 PM
I lived alone for about nine years after I left home, and before I moved in with Brad. Nine years! You get used to things - you wash your own dishes, leave your socks where you want, pee with the door
Topics: urbanism
Figuring out religion in God's Brain: great interview with Lionel Tiger
Yule Heibel on Wed 07 Apr 2010 at 8:38 PM
Lionel Tiger's new book, God's Brain (coauthored with Michael McGuire) offers a scientific and anthropological explanation that finally makes sense of the religious impulse.
Topics: urbanism
Spring 2010 downtown Victoria construction update
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 07 Apr 2010 at 1:05 PM
A look at major construction activity and anticipated project start-ups throughout downtown Victoria.
Topics: urbanism
Let's say you own an airline…
Yule Heibel on Tue 06 Apr 2010 at 10:57 PM
Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic Airways co-founded the Carbon War Room, a virtual HQ to transform our carbon-based economy into something sustainable. Is man-made climate change prompting business l
Topics: urbanism
Intimidation
cafejabbaccino on Tue 06 Apr 2010 at 7:46 PM
Has anyone read this book? Is it a good one?!A friend at work has offered to lend it to me - well obviously because that's where it's sitting right now - on my desk at work.This is the thickest book ev
Topics: urbanism
My Spelling Bee-related story (Gimme dat ding)
Yule Heibel on Mon 05 Apr 2010 at 9:57 PM
Belfry Theatre's production of Spelling Bee prompts a reminiscence of learning English, ...and confronting the dreaded th-sound.
Topics: urbanism
The Folklore Bag
cafejabbaccino on Mon 05 Apr 2010 at 11:50 AM
Behold.My first project completed from the One Yard Wonders book. Of course it's a bag....The pattern was pretty good actually. It was super cool and helpful to search the internet and find others who
Topics: urbanism
Hiking Again
cafejabbaccino on Sun 04 Apr 2010 at 9:11 PM
Today was a great day - went went for a short hike. I haven't gotten out hiking for much, much too long so it was so fantastic to go today. We found an easy hike just north of here at Goldstream Park.
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 04 Apr 2010 at 2:30 AM
How to Find the Treasure in Your Archives | Confident Writing
Great article on finding what's valuable in your blog archives - and presenting it so that readers can find it.
tags: writing, blogging
8
Topics: urbanism
Do complex systems need resilience?
Yule Heibel on Sat 03 Apr 2010 at 11:44 PM
Fascinating new post by Clay Shirky: The Collapse of Complex Business Models. Shirky takes Joseph Tainter's theories around social complexity and collapse (less well-known than Jared Diamond's) and dra
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge a beater: redux
Robert Randall on Sat 03 Apr 2010 at 10:43 PM
In a previous post I asked the question, "Is the Johnson Street Bridge a beater", in other words, was the City treating it like a guy treats an '87 Chevy on its last legs-only doing the barest of safet
Topics: urbanism
Oh, the island…
Yule Heibel on Fri 02 Apr 2010 at 6:04 PM
Living on an island has definite drawbacks when it comes to travel - especially if the weather freaks out, as it did today.
Topics: urbanism
Vantreight and Woodwynn: two sustainability models
Robert Randall on Thu 01 Apr 2010 at 10:47 PM
The second part of my look at three local farms that are reinventing themselves in very different ways. Published at VibrantVictoria.ca.
Does agriculture have a sustainable future in the Victoria regio
Topics: urbanism
Blog Birthday: 7 years!
Yule Heibel on Thu 01 Apr 2010 at 10:45 PM
Seven years ago yesterday (March 31, 2003) I posted my first entry on this site, Powers of Discrimination & SARS.
For some reason, I've been convinced that my first post was April 1, 2003. But whether
Topics: urbanism
Wind warning issued for Greater Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 01 Apr 2010 at 9:10 PM
Environment Canada warns that damaging winds across the capital region and Vancouver Island are expected throughout the night.
Topics: urbanism
Uvic Engineering Students Inspired by the Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 31 Mar 2010 at 10:08 PM
The goal was for students to create a 50:1 scale model of the Johnson Street Bridge (and they could use different bascule methods such as a lift or swing bridge), but it was more about project presenta
Topics: urbanism
Stuff on my Ipod IV
cafejabbaccino on Wed 31 Mar 2010 at 8:30 PM
Some good tunes out there these days. I've come across a few good news bands lately, just thought I'd share.Zoot WomanA little bit Cut Copy, these guys are seriously growing on me. Super catchy tunes,
Topics: urbanism
Antique Row building alteration exposes downtown border slalom
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 31 Mar 2010 at 12:02 PM
Price's Lock & Safe is slated for change, although the project's location is bound not by the rules of downtown but by those of a neighbouring, mostly residential community.
Topics: urbanism
Eyeglass hack
Yule Heibel on Wed 31 Mar 2010 at 12:26 AM
Fashion hack: use high-end sunglasses as stylish eye-glasses.
Topics: urbanism
Jim Gordaneer Painting Retrospective
Yule Heibel on Tue 30 Mar 2010 at 9:52 PM
I'm really looking forward to the opening of Jim Gordaneer's upcoming retrospective at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria:
~
Gordaneer is a painter's painter. What that means is that he works it out
Topics: urbanism
Hudson Walk project to revive stalled construction site
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 30 Mar 2010 at 8:42 PM
Radius project is redefined by developer currently working on the Hudson's Bay Department Store renovation.
Topics: urbanism
Rug Badgers rule
Yule Heibel on Mon 29 Mar 2010 at 11:56 PM
Local rug-cleaning company Luv-a-Rug provides an absolutely stellar service: Steve "Dusty" Roberts, who perfected a device called a Rug Badger, really delivers.
Topics: urbanism
My New Wallet
cafejabbaccino on Sun 28 Mar 2010 at 4:53 PM
Isn't it a sad thing when a wallet dies? I've had this wallet for years now and it finally died a couple weeks ago. I had to draw the line when my credit card finally fell through the bottom.(Umm...yea
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 28 Mar 2010 at 2:32 AM
Three ways of looking at Delancey Street « Ephemeral New York
Excellent post by Ephemeral New York on "Three ways of looking at Delancey Street,” that is, 1919, 1975, and today. One of the commenter
Topics: urbanism
Follow up on commenting, and Facebook
Yule Heibel on Sat 27 Mar 2010 at 10:29 PM
Proliferating platforms for blog posts allow comments to go all over the map. What do you do when some comments on a public post end up in a walled garden (like Facebook)?
Topics: urbanism
Transit fares inch up this Thursday
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 27 Mar 2010 at 12:39 PM
Transit riders will have to dig into their pockets a little deeper this coming Thursday, April 01, as the Victoria Regional Transit System (VRTS) looks to boost revenues through a transit fare increase
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Car Share Co-op grows to over 400 members
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 27 Mar 2010 at 8:20 AM
Operating out of a cozy third-floor office in downtown Victoria, the Victoria Car Share Co-op presents a modest face, yet it has has seen steady, and recently bumper growth, since its inception in 199
Topics: urbanism
Madrona Farm buyout nears deadline
Robert Randall on Sat 27 Mar 2010 at 12:01 AM
An article I wrote for Vibrant Victoria.
Madrona Farm buyout nears deadline
Madrona Farm is a few days away from the end of a $2.5 million fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing the property. If all
Topics: urbanism
Getting it up with coffee
Yule Heibel on Fri 26 Mar 2010 at 11:14 PM
Victoria BC's Bean Around the World Cafe knows the value of getting it up (the Johnson Street Bridge, that is). Too bad city council and staff don't keep it up anymore.
Topics: urbanism
Vantreight and Woodwynn: two farms, two sustainability models
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 26 Mar 2010 at 4:05 PM
Two farms in the CRD are taking two different approaches to a sustainable future.
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria's bid for Travellers' Inn property accepted
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 26 Mar 2010 at 12:07 PM
Creating affordable small family housing in Victoria took a major step forward this morning with an announcement by the City of Victoria that the City's January 2010 bid for a Travellers' Inn property
Topics: urbanism
Op-ed: Replacement of BC Transit's antiquated website long overdue
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 26 Mar 2010 at 10:51 AM
BC Transit's website isn't garnering much praise from riders these days, particularly from vocal ones who frequent the VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum, and the organization appears to be readying t
Topics: urbanism
Comment quality?
Yule Heibel on Thu 25 Mar 2010 at 11:43 PM
How do you fix the poor quality of online newspaper comments boards? Why are forum or blog post comments so much better? And does anonymity have much to do with it? (Hint: the answer is "no"!)
Topics: urbanism
New Fabric!!
cafejabbaccino on Thu 25 Mar 2010 at 7:16 PM
I bought some fabric from my new favourite shop about two weeks ago and it arrived today. I think it's the best fabric I've ever bought. (Although I say that after every fabric I buy....)I was planning
Topics: urbanism
Legal action may be brewing over "displacement of concrete floors” at Royal Jub
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 25 Mar 2010 at 12:40 PM
The concrete formwork contractor at the Royal Jubilee Hospital's new Patient Care Centre project, Victoria-based Campbell Construction, may be facing a lawsuit by Acciona Lark Joint Venture, the genera
Topics: urbanism
City Hall sure likes to feather its staffing bed
Yule Heibel on Wed 24 Mar 2010 at 10:55 PM
The City of Victoria announces a new hire to head up its Engineering Department, and in passing we read that they've also hired a new director of internal audit and risk management. Say what?
Topics: urbanism
Video of Victoria police officer's questionable use of force goes viral
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 24 Mar 2010 at 10:26 AM
A video showing a Victoria Police officer using what many consider to be excessive force against two individuals involved in what is reported to have been a brawl between eight individuals is going vir
Topics: urbanism
Victoria International lays out strategic targets
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 23 Mar 2010 at 3:59 PM
More direct domestic, cross-border and international flights, improved transportation choices and no increase in the airport improvement fee are major goals through 2014.
Topics: urbanism
Trust Agents, one
Yule Heibel on Mon 22 Mar 2010 at 9:22 PM
Reading Chris Brogan and Julien Smith's book, Trust Agents, helped me put a fresh insight about Millennials in place: Make your own game, the authors write, which describes a Gen Y characteristic that'
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge Media Roundup: Times Colonist Calls for Transparency. Focus Questions
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 21 Mar 2010 at 7:36 PM
We can wonder - what is going on at City Hall with the Blue Bridge process? As we approach the one year anniversary since council received the Delcan Johnson Street Bridge Assessment report, what lesso
Topics: urbanism
The Ball
cafejabbaccino on Sun 21 Mar 2010 at 5:03 PM
I have this red and blue ball, I don't know where it came from but I know I picked it up somewhere because it's the same ball from my favourite scary movie - The Changeling.Seriously - check out this c
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 21 Mar 2010 at 2:31 AM
A "rough unedited crib of the actual talk” of Danah Boyd's "Making Sense of Privacy and Publicity,” which she delivered at March 2010 SXSW conference.
Topics: urbanism
Granular
Yule Heibel on Sat 20 Mar 2010 at 11:36 PM
After a week of keeping at bay a bug running through the family, I'm now either succumbing to its viral power …or else experiencing an especially bad case of hay fever.
Pollen grains magnified: they
Topics: urbanism
Attendance woes hit Salmon Kings
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 20 Mar 2010 at 2:36 PM
Most Victoria Salmon Kings fans will admit this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride on the ice. The team started out with one win against nine losses in the first ten games before catching
Topics: urbanism
The future of publishing video
Yule Heibel on Fri 19 Mar 2010 at 12:32 AM
A video from DK Books UK about the future of publishing completely messes with viewer preconceptions about Gen Y ...and presents a hopeful and clever message.
Topics: urbanism
Temporary car-free Government St. proposed
Robert Randall on Fri 19 Mar 2010 at 12:16 AM
At the last DVBA "Late Night Great Night” meeting Wednesday we discussed the upcoming Navy Day celebration, on May 4, 2010.
In light of the fact that there will be upwards of 10,000 sailors in town t
Topics: urbanism
The Sands of Time
Ross Crockford on Thu 18 Mar 2010 at 12:52 PM
"I'm quite emotional about this place,” Eric McMorran, 84, says over a bowl of clam chowder (the best in Victoria) in the restaurant at McMorran's Beach House, a business that's been in his family si
Topics: urbanism
Full-spectrum babes
Yule Heibel on Thu 18 Mar 2010 at 8:22 AM
Can a photo of a baby in a Hitler costume say anything valid about the nature of evil? In my response to Nina Maria Kleivan's photos I argue it doesn't, for it takes attention to context and circumstan
Topics: urbanism
Parallels
cafejabbaccino on Wed 17 Mar 2010 at 9:09 PM
The other day I finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Holy crap was this ever an amazing book. From the storyline, to the writing, to the depth of characters....at one point the book took a turn that I
Topics: urbanism
Preservation is inherently sustainable
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 17 Mar 2010 at 9:00 PM
Barbara Campagna, chief architect at the National Trust, is a sustainability expert. She was in Victoria last week to talk about preservation as sustainability. But will Campagna's message reach Victor
Topics: urbanism
28 seconds of reasons why I live here
Yule Heibel on Wed 17 Mar 2010 at 8:21 PM
Why I live here: 28-second video taken today, March 17 2010, from the cliff edge at the dogs off-leash area at Dallas Road, Victoria BC of a kite-surfer in the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria wants the Juno Awards; questionnaire results reveal support for bid
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 17 Mar 2010 at 2:05 PM
Victoria City councillor Chris Coleman is confident Victoria has the ability to pull off a successful Juno Awards, even if he's unsure if the City will bid for the 2013 or 2014 award show.
A loosely o
Topics: urbanism
Preservation is inherently sustainable
Yule Heibel on Tue 16 Mar 2010 at 11:47 PM
Barbara Campagna, chief architect at the National Trust, is a sustainability expert. She was in Victoria last week to talk about preservation as sustainability. But will Campagna's message reach Victor
Topics: urbanism
Scaffolding coming down at Hudson's Bay building restoration
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 16 Mar 2010 at 8:37 AM
Scaffolding and a now familiar green material that shrouded the historic Hudson's Bay Department Store renovation project are coming down along Fisgard Street, and what's being exposed after several ye
Topics: urbanism
Mark Holland to speak in Victoria BC
Yule Heibel on Mon 15 Mar 2010 at 8:48 AM
Victoria continues to work on developing a new Official Community Plan, and has enlisted noted planner Mark Holland. My thoughts on the process here.
Topics: urbanism
Amateur food porn for Pi Day
Yule Heibel on Sun 14 Mar 2010 at 11:29 PM
Today is Pi Day (3-14-etc.), and I made pizza pie. Here's the documentation/ how-to. Easy as pie, try it!
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge Public Consultation. Citizen Advisory Commitee to Expand
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 14 Mar 2010 at 7:07 PM
In a recent post we noted a meeting between johnsonstreetbridge.ORG Directors Yule Heibel and Ross Crockford with Mayor Dean Fortin and Gail Stephens. Next Steps at City Hall outlined some of the conc
Topics: urbanism
WRONG.
cafejabbaccino on Sun 14 Mar 2010 at 5:58 PM
I was bored the other day and took this test that will tell you what career you're best suited for based on your favourite colours. I realize these things are not exactly accurate, but sometimes there
Topics: urbanism
Residents oppose sewage treatment site near UVic; rally set for Wednesday
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 14 Mar 2010 at 4:48 PM
A stretch of green space bordering the University of Victoria has been identified as a future site of a sewage treatment facility by the Capital Regional District's sewage treatment plan. But accordi
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 14 Mar 2010 at 1:31 AM
How To Love Government 2.0 and Be A Contrarian at the Same Time
Terrific post by Andrea DiMaio (of the Gartner Blog Network) that's a must-read for governments starting on public engagement strategies
Topics: urbanism
Girls weekend - well, kinda
cafejabbaccino on Sat 13 Mar 2010 at 7:06 PM
So Brad went snowboarding this weekend - overnight. He left early this morning and will likely be gone until tomorrow night.So I have the house to myself! There has been a lot of sleeping in, cinnamon
Topics: urbanism
Inner gremlin bites hand that feeds it
Yule Heibel on Sat 13 Mar 2010 at 10:28 AM
A late-night tweet, a disturbing dream, and a response to the tweets resolves the meaning of the dream. But will it change my feeding habits?
Topics: urbanism
Theater of the absurd for 2010
Yule Heibel on Sat 13 Mar 2010 at 12:16 AM
It's theater month for me, with the Belfry Theatre's SPARK Festival leading the way.
Tonight I saw Tiny Apocalypse (video excerpt here), a powerful one-woman play by Camille Gingras, in which an office
Topics: urbanism
Vancouver Day-trip
Yule Heibel on Fri 12 Mar 2010 at 12:18 AM
A day trip to Vancouver included visiting the Woodward's complex on Abbott at W. Hastings to see the exhibit Vancouverism.ca. Most impressive was the atrium, Stan Douglas's photo-mural, and the new con
Topics: urbanism
Public hearing set for six-storey residential and commercial project
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 11 Mar 2010 at 8:00 AM
Proponents of a redevelopment of the old Sawyer Sewing building at 840 Fort Street in downtown Victoria are expecting approval at tonight's public hearing for their plans to convert the two-storey buil
Topics: urbanism
What is Victoria saying?
Yule Heibel on Wed 10 Mar 2010 at 7:01 AM
The City of Victoria is trying to gauge public attitudes as part of its efforts to come up with a renewed Official Community Plan (OCP). There's a website dedicated just to this endeavor, Shape Your Fu
Topics: urbanism
Tourism Victoria offer foots BC Ferries fare for visitors
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 09 Mar 2010 at 7:53 AM
Tourism Victoria is enticing visitors to the capital region with an offer for a free BC Ferries car and driver return sailing voucher.
Visitors are required to become a Facebook "friend” of Tourism V
Topics: urbanism
That magical west coast light…
Yule Heibel on Tue 09 Mar 2010 at 1:00 AM
Overnight, our weather turned. After weeks of very mild temperatures and early blooms, we woke on Monday to a cold spell.
The upside? Predicted rain didn't materialize - instead we got cold, but bright
Topics: urbanism
Next Steps at City Hall on the Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 08 Mar 2010 at 8:32 PM
On February 18, Victoria's councillors directed City staff to spend $840,000 to investigate the options involved in repairing the Johnson Street Bridge. Many johnsonstreetbridge.ORG supporters have bee
Topics: urbanism
Inbetween places
Yule Heibel on Mon 08 Mar 2010 at 8:46 AM
Strip malls are the inbetween places produced through car-centric (mis-)planning, and will be the hardest places to bring to adaptive re-use. So ugly they can't be directly looked at, we avoid seeing t
Topics: urbanism
Beach Bag Part III
cafejabbaccino on Sun 07 Mar 2010 at 9:19 PM
T-Minus 3 months until I can use this Beach Bag. Seriously, can you handle the perfect beachy fabric?!I totally copied Rae's beach bag - right down to the pleated pockets. But the inside I changed - I
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 07 Mar 2010 at 1:31 AM
Julia Vitullo-Martin: Don't Wreck the Authentic New Harlem Renaissance - WSJ.com
Sharon Zukin takes on gentrification (in Harlem especially), while Harlem-ites dismiss her critique. "Gentrification”
Topics: urbanism
Guess what? Park Avenue used to be …a park
Yule Heibel on Sat 06 Mar 2010 at 7:55 AM
Streetfilms has produced a great ~4minute video, "Fixing the Great Mistake: Autocentric Development," that makes the case for taking city streets back from the automobile. As it happens, I had the same
Topics: urbanism
Cross-border and international air travelers at Victoria International pad Januar
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 05 Mar 2010 at 7:58 AM
January 2010 passenger traffic at the Victoria International Airport inched up by only a tenth of a percentage point over January of 2009, according to a passenger activity document released by the Vic
Topics: urbanism
Millennials and public engagement
Yule Heibel on Fri 05 Mar 2010 at 7:58 AM
Low voter turnout, boredom around local government: officials are scratching their heads, trying to design public engagement strategies that reach the disaffected, including the Millennial generation.
Topics: urbanism
Madrona Farm buyout nears deadline
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 04 Mar 2010 at 3:14 PM
The first thing that strikes you when speaking with Nathalie Chambers is her passion for farming.
Chambers and her husband David run Madrona farm (MadronaFarm.com), in Saanich's Blenkinsop Valley in th
Topics: urbanism
Curating stripes
Yule Heibel on Thu 04 Mar 2010 at 7:43 AM
An upcoming Seattle Art Museum exhibition has me thinking about the difference between good curation or editing and a quick Google search.
Topics: urbanism
Killer Bunnies
cafejabbaccino on Wed 03 Mar 2010 at 10:15 PM
Best. Game. Ever.So the card game Killer Bunnies was given to me as a gift over the weekend and it has been played a few times over the past few days. Actually, a few years ago a good friend of mine (O
Topics: urbanism
Follow up on entitlement
Yule Heibel on Wed 03 Mar 2010 at 7:30 AM
A follow up on Entitlement post with 2 examples of (1) earned reputation and (2) spoiled brat behavior (aka entitlement attitudes). The latter earns nothing and should stay unrewarded.
Topics: urbanism
It's even shorter now!
cafejabbaccino on Tue 02 Mar 2010 at 10:28 PM
Holy crap - check it out!I just got my hair chopped and it's super short and crazy. The back of my neck has never seen the light of day...until now. What do you think?
Topics: urbanism
Entitlement
Yule Heibel on Tue 02 Mar 2010 at 3:02 PM
The tremendous natural beauty that surrounds us bestows a false sense of entitlement, although we've done nothing to earn natural beauty. Stewardship lets us earn it, but now Victoria must at last wake
Topics: urbanism
Thinking out loud on social media platforms
Yule Heibel on Mon 01 Mar 2010 at 6:43 PM
A month ago I posted an atypically personal story to a discussion group on LinkedIn, a social media platform focused on business and professional connections. If nothing else, it proves how impossible
Topics: urbanism
That time of year....
cafejabbaccino on Sun 28 Feb 2010 at 10:04 AM
So, it's that time of year for me again - it was my birthday last week! My new company gave every employee a day off during the Olympics (our choice) with pay. So obviously I took Friday off.My day sta
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 28 Feb 2010 at 1:30 AM
Smart Centers Planned to Recycle Mountains of Toxic E-Waste
THIS is scary:
QUOTE
(caption for photo accompanying article):
"In a Chinese village, this man burns plastic circuit boards to recover the pr
Topics: urbanism
Icing Sugar Cookies
cafejabbaccino on Thu 25 Feb 2010 at 9:31 PM
So, if you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know about my relationship with baking. I LOVE making my own bread, and it comes out perfect! The process is fun, relaxing and satisfying.Cooki
Topics: urbanism
Beach Bag Part II
cafejabbaccino on Wed 24 Feb 2010 at 9:13 PM
I've made some progress on my Beach Bag!! The pleated pockets are turning out fantastic and they are super easy.This will be the 'inside' of the bag - even though it's reversible. And yes, I know....I
Topics: urbanism
Victoria promoter gears up for MMA fight at Bear Mountain Arena
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 24 Feb 2010 at 3:45 PM
When you first meet Jason Heit, you're not likely to mistake him for a paper-pushing, desk-job businessman. He cuts an imposing figure - with wide shoulders and ample height, combined with the shaved
Topics: urbanism
Tiny Packages
cafejabbaccino on Tue 23 Feb 2010 at 10:25 PM
Check out the Valentine's gift I got for Brad.It came in the mail - no, I'm serious! Isn't it the cutest thing ever?! Here is the website, she does tiny letters too!!Notice the return address on the pa
Topics: urbanism
June Higgins' Shows Around Town
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 23 Feb 2010 at 8:36 PM
June Higgins is busy. She has three paintings in the Slide Room Gallery's show "Fantasy Island”, and her sculpture show "Preserves” opens at the Ministry of Casual Living t
Topics: urbanism
Vancouver 2010
cafejabbaccino on Sun 21 Feb 2010 at 7:43 PM
Woah.Yesterday we took the ferry over to Vancouver. What the hell - the Olympics are going on right now and from what we've been seeing on television over the last week it is the place to be. And not j
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 21 Feb 2010 at 1:30 AM
Artists offer billboard alternatives | Culture Monster | Los Angeles Times
Interesting strategy: artists using billboards to counteract billboards and direct attention in other ways…
tags: art, publi
Topics: urbanism
3.3 magnitude earthquake rattles Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 20 Feb 2010 at 1:41 PM
A 3.3 magnitude earthquake rattled the capital this morning at approximately 2:05AM, according to Natural Resources Canada.
The light earthquake occurred approximately 17 km east southeast of Victoria
Topics: urbanism
Bamberton, Public Participation, Design Thinking
Yule Heibel on Sat 20 Feb 2010 at 11:59 AM
"Competing Values: Land Use and Public Consultation" (2/20 forum in conjunction with "Bamberton: Contested Landscape," an exhibition at Open Space in Victoria BC) illustrates the need for design thinki
Topics: urbanism
How many Cyclists to Change a Bridge?
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 20 Feb 2010 at 1:26 AM
John Luton says the engineering department told him it was 4000. The engineering department is now saying it's 3000. My rough survey suggests it is probably only half of that in good weather in mid-Feb
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria Council to seek Bridge Repair Options
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 19 Feb 2010 at 8:19 PM
As expected, council has chosen the second option - previous meetings and statements (plus nearly 10 000 petition signatures) made it clear the public wants in depth examination of repairing the bridge
Topics: urbanism
Our Cups Runneth Over
Ross Crockford on Thu 18 Feb 2010 at 3:20 PM
All was not well at Fort Victoria in November of 1850. Scottish labourers, fed up with the hardships of pioneer life, were threatening to leave the Hudson's Bay Company outpost and head to California,
Topics: urbanism
Royal British Columbia Museum unveils bold plan for change
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 18 Feb 2010 at 2:46 PM
The Royal British Columbia Museum has released a bold vision for the future of its operations and property.
Topics: urbanism
Downtown McDonald's restaurant projecting "painful” noise as anti-loitering mea
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 18 Feb 2010 at 10:43 AM
A McDonald's restaurant at Douglas and View streets in downtown Victoria has stepped up its drive to keep loiterers as far back from its premises as possible. However, the new measure, using a high f
Topics: urbanism
Coffee Cup Cozy
cafejabbaccino on Wed 17 Feb 2010 at 5:51 PM
I know, I know....more crafty stuff but I had to share this cause it's cute and SUPER easy. Originally I was going to just trace over a cardboard sleeve that I got with my last coffee, but at the last
Topics: urbanism
Colwood subdivision sold to Calgary-based developer
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 17 Feb 2010 at 2:11 PM
One of the capital region's largest subdivisions has been sold to Calgary-based Statesman Corporation after sitting on the market for over three years. The sale also marks a welcome change for the mu
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria Report to Council - Early Release
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 16 Feb 2010 at 1:51 AM
Council will meet on Thursday February 18th to receive a report from City of Victoria staff. That report has been 'leaked' to the Times Colonist, and to [...]
Topics: urbanism
Subversive Graphic
Yule Heibel on Sun 14 Feb 2010 at 4:44 PM
Oh, the power of images…
I just saw this on a local forum:
.
Harsh, but funny.
This graphic is effective, reminds me (in a way) of the missing cat poster, which also conveyed its message very economi
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 14 Feb 2010 at 1:31 AM
Is ChatRoulette the Future of the Internet or Its Distant Past? - New York Magazine
Excellent article by Sam Anderson, "The Human Shuffle,” about chatroulette.
tags: chatroulette, socialmedia, social
Topics: urbanism
Beach Bag Part I
cafejabbaccino on Sat 13 Feb 2010 at 12:45 PM
I'm going to make a beach bag from these fabrics!It will be reversible, with pockets on the inside and outside like this. I could whip this up in an afternoon, but I'm planning something special for th
Topics: urbanism
Developer bullish on downtown residential housing market
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 12 Feb 2010 at 12:55 PM
Residential building construction in and around downtown Victoria may not be as frenzied as it was several years ago, but one developer sees a great deal of potential for the right type of housing prod
Topics: urbanism
Mr Softie is still missing, as is Democracy
Yule Heibel on Thu 11 Feb 2010 at 9:20 PM
A missing cat poster in Fairfield's Cook Street Village makes a very funny and effective political statement.
Topics: urbanism
Friendly competition marks the launch of two downtown gay bars
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 11 Feb 2010 at 12:42 PM
Victoria's gay bar scene tripled in size this week with the opening of two new clubs, the Copper Club at Douglas and Chatham streets, and The Ledge at the Bedford Regency Hotel on Government Street.
Topics: urbanism
historicbridges.org: Critiques of Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Plan
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 11 Feb 2010 at 12:14 AM
Nathan Holth, the webmaster behind historicbridges.org, has posted a critique on City of Victoria plans to replace Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge. His post points out the flaws in information gather
Topics: urbanism
Another wave …of mirror neurons
Yule Heibel on Wed 10 Feb 2010 at 11:44 PM
Google Wave makes room for Google Buzz, with default settings at "public" (not "private"), a very wrong move by Google. Meanwhile, chatroulette is what the kids are on, and it makes Buzzing look like h
Topics: urbanism
Councillor Geoff Young - Moving Forward on the Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 09 Feb 2010 at 7:34 PM
In a Christmas Eve reply to emails Geoff Young made an unprecedented local media moment by allowing jsb .ORG to publish his message. Since the completion of the January 4th counter-petition campaign, a
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's 2009 office vacancy rate remained low despite economic lull
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 09 Feb 2010 at 11:52 AM
Despite unfavourable economic conditions, Victoria's office vacancy rate remained low throughout 2009
Topics: urbanism
Big Toe - Attempted Murder
cafejabbaccino on Mon 08 Feb 2010 at 9:56 PM
Woah.I arrived at the office the other morning, went about my business as usual until I reached for a Kleenex. Awwwh....poor Big Toe. In case you're wondering, it was the same work mate who put Chip up
Topics: urbanism
BC Transit fares to increase on April 1st
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 08 Feb 2010 at 3:54 PM
BC Transit announced a fare increase today for the Victoria Regional Transit System, effective April 01, 2010, and an annual tax increase for homes in metropolitan Victoria.
The standard adult fare wil
Topics: urbanism
Thinking about built form
Yule Heibel on Mon 08 Feb 2010 at 8:54 AM
An aerial view street view brings into clear relief the house I was born in - prompting some observations on urban density and what makes it appealing to me.
Topics: urbanism
Mysteries of Udolpho (Part II)
cafejabbaccino on Sun 07 Feb 2010 at 6:07 PM
"...Emily was observing the singular solemnity and desolation of the apartment, viewed, as it now was, by the glimmer of the single lamp, placed near a large Venetian mirror, that duskily reflected the
Topics: urbanism
Beer buffs rejoice as local liquor store chain unveils "Just over a buck-a-beer
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 07 Feb 2010 at 10:58 AM
A Victoria-based chain of liquor stores has introduced a new product that is sure to excite thrifty beer buffs, but connoisseurs may be wise to look elsewhere.
"Just over a buck-a-beer,” yes, you rea
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 07 Feb 2010 at 1:30 AM
Potentially Amazing Technology: Is Spray-On Liquid Glass About to Make Everything Greener? : TreeHugger
From PAM to GLAM (spray-on glass)? This sounds so odd you could write a sci-fi story about it: ho
Topics: urbanism
Those imagined chthonic forces
Yule Heibel on Sat 06 Feb 2010 at 11:21 PM
From a description of a nightmare, a querying of the difference between scale and measure, and why losing the latter is not a good idea.
Topics: urbanism
Feds Confirm Funding Available for Blue Bridge Repair
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 06 Feb 2010 at 1:00 PM
Denise Savoie, Victoria NDP MP, has confirmation from Federal Minister John Baird that the allocated $21 million originally provided for bridge replacement can be used to offset costs for a bridge [...
Topics: urbanism
Cook n' Pan Polish deli's new owner puts his money on North Park
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 06 Feb 2010 at 12:50 PM
Ten years after one of Victoria's most iconic delicatessens opened its doors in Victoria's North Park neighbourhood, Cook n' Pan Polish Delicatessen is under new ownership. And if the man at the helm h
Topics: urbanism
Kunamokst
cafejabbaccino on Thu 04 Feb 2010 at 9:42 PM
I just read this post by my friend Dana, and I'm completely blown away. Check out this website to find out what it's all about.I think it's amazing that you can give an artist something so basic and th
Topics: urbanism
Lip Stuff
cafejabbaccino on Wed 03 Feb 2010 at 9:23 PM
Here is a glance inside my new bag. Super cool fabric huh? There's my book that I can't seem to drag myself through.....but notice the number of tubes of lip "stuff"?Yeah.....since I got this new bag I
Topics: urbanism
Wooden sticks and ad-hoc trajectories
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 03 Feb 2010 at 3:25 PM
Dallas V. Doubaitis is a young and exciting visual artist. At the Fifty Fifty Arts Collective, Doubaitis recently showed his installation, "Ad-Hoc Trajectories,” to the delight of the visual arts co
Topics: urbanism
Unsorting
Yule Heibel on Wed 03 Feb 2010 at 12:04 PM
Bill Bishop's The Big Sort and Archie Bunker's inability to avoid rubbing up against people explored as an issue of urban form and domestic architecture.
Topics: urbanism
Historic Northern Junk properties slated for restoration
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 03 Feb 2010 at 11:56 AM
Vancouver-based Reliance Properties has announced plans to restore two historic downtown Victoria buildings.
The Northern Junk buildings, in the 1300-block of Wharf Street along the harbour and just a
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's cocktail bar pioneer closes doors after 18 months in business
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 01 Feb 2010 at 4:04 PM
"Ultimately Solomon's was a success,” writes Solomon Siegel as part of the latest entry on his recently closed cocktail bar's official website.
Solomon's, named after Siegel, opened in 2008 to much f
Topics: urbanism
A mystery dream…
Yule Heibel on Mon 01 Feb 2010 at 3:09 PM
A strange semi-waking dream amidst cacophonous caterwauling offers a mystery: why did the dog bark?
Topics: urbanism
Downtown library to grow by over 40%; regional library facilities plan unveiled
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 31 Jan 2010 at 12:52 PM
Downtown Victoria's public library will one day grow to nearly 46,000 sq. ft. from it's current size of 32,025 sq. ft., according to the Greater Victoria Public Library's (GVPL) new facilities plan tha
Topics: urbanism
Force behind Johnson Street Bridge counter-petition's success pondering political
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 31 Jan 2010 at 12:42 PM
JohnsonStreetBridge.org, the group responsible for collecting nearly 10,000 counter-petitions from Victoria residents who felt that borrowing $42-million to replace the Johnson Street Bridge was a deci
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 31 Jan 2010 at 1:30 AM
A quick guide to the maxims of new media | Mark Coddington
Love this catalog/ summary by Mark Coddington.
During my recent bout of civic activism with the JohsonStreetBridge.ORG awareness initiative ca
Topics: urbanism
Chip - Kidnapped!!
cafejabbaccino on Fri 29 Jan 2010 at 12:43 PM
Remember when I bought Chip from Rawbean's Loot Bag?Awwwhhh Chip! I love him.Anyway, I took him to work where he has been hanging out, getting into trouble and having a great time ever since. He migrat
Topics: urbanism
CRD seeking public feedback on regional growth issues
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 28 Jan 2010 at 2:36 PM
The Capital Regional District will be hosting a public consultation forum to generate feedback from residents on issues such as transportation, housing and plans for future growth.
The session will uti
Topics: urbanism
VibrantVictoria.ca readers can save big with $13 Salmon Kings tickets
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 28 Jan 2010 at 1:59 PM
Readers of VibrantVictoria.ca can check out a Salmon Kings game against the Alaska Aces on Saturday, February 13th for $13 taxes included, that's a $9 savings compared to the walk-up rate of $22.
The d
Topics: urbanism
Victoria-Port Angeles undersea cable project clears regulatory hurdles; applies f
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 28 Jan 2010 at 10:41 AM
A 550-megawatt high wattage undersea power cable project between Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington, has cleared all regulatory hurdles in both countries and is on track for a 2012 completion, acc
Topics: urbanism
Kate and Oli Giveaway
cafejabbaccino on Thu 28 Jan 2010 at 7:26 AM
Last week I received a message through my Etsy shop from a blogger who wanted to feature my shop on her blog. She's posting today so I thought I would post the link here so you guys can check it out.Sh
Topics: urbanism
'09 airport passenger traffic tied with '08 despite economic ills
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 27 Jan 2010 at 2:30 PM
Victoria Intl. airport ranks as Canada's 9th busiest but a lack of direct flights and high fares are impacting passenger volumes.
Topics: urbanism
Another Quilt
cafejabbaccino on Mon 25 Jan 2010 at 1:39 AM
I know......but I can't help it!!This is my favourite fabric right now. I bought this stuff to make bags to put in my Etsy shop, but I couldn't bear to cut into any of it (even though the first thing w
Topics: urbanism
Victoria International Airports seeks public feedback
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 24 Jan 2010 at 11:28 PM
The Victoria Airport Authority wants to know what the public thinks of the Victoria International Airport.
A short questionnaire has been released online that queries travelers or users of the airport
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 24 Jan 2010 at 9:31 AM
Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge has significant heritage value - Journal of Commerce
Surprised to see that Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge made it into the "Journal of Commerce - Western Canada's Con
Topics: urbanism
Focus Magazine Covers the Johnson Street Bridge Campaign
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 23 Jan 2010 at 5:42 AM
The Johnson Street Bridge petition campaign is over - the oversight and engagement continues. What are the next steps for council and the City of Victoria? Will they seek independent expertise for cost
Topics: urbanism
Downtown Victoria hotel on the market for second time in 10 years
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 22 Jan 2010 at 6:32 PM
The Dalton Hotel & Suites, on the market once again, requires an infusion of $1-million to make the property profitable, claim the current owners.
Topics: urbanism
BC Transit will seek public input on express bus route branding campaign
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 20 Jan 2010 at 10:34 AM
Planned express bus routes will not only be faster, they'll stand out among the fleet as part of a branding and marketing campaign.
Topics: urbanism
Public hearing set for downtown office tower
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 18 Jan 2010 at 1:11 PM
A public hearing has been set for a proposed 12,303 square meter, 12-storey (47.1 meters) office building at 726 Yates Street.
The property had been previously rezoned for a 12-storey mixed-use residen
Topics: urbanism
Stuff on my Ipod 3
cafejabbaccino on Sun 17 Jan 2010 at 5:21 PM
Rawbean and I were just talking the other day about how we're totally bored with our music lately. A few days later I stumbled upon this gem of a group:Plastic OperatorFrom the first song on the album
Topics: urbanism
Tourism BC's new ad campaign raising eyebrows
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 17 Jan 2010 at 10:59 AM
It's big, it's beautiful, laid back and sophisticated.
That's the province Tourism B.C.'s new television ad campaign hopes to sell to prospective visitors and residents through a new marketing video.
F
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 17 Jan 2010 at 9:31 AM
Home - Banners of Persuasion
"Demons, Yarns & Tales - Tapestries by Contemporary Artists”
tags: exhibitions, tapestry, arts
Design fantasies for obsolete Bay Bridge span
QUOTE
Why demolish one of t
Topics: urbanism
Shi's Jewels
cafejabbaccino on Sat 16 Jan 2010 at 11:56 PM
Remember how some of my friends and family bought me gifts off my Etsy Favourites list? Well, after Christmas was all over I bought myself a gift - a pair of earrings from my Favourites list that I did
Topics: urbanism
Anti-loitering "white noise” too loud after decibels rise
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 15 Jan 2010 at 3:41 PM
Anti-loitering "white noise," meant to deter individuals from congregating near a downtown McDonald's restaurant, may have become too loud after a recent volume increase.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Salmon Kings
cafejabbaccino on Fri 15 Jan 2010 at 1:09 AM
About 8 years ago I went to a Canucks game in Vancouver. I went with my buddies Kris and Jason. We showed up before the game without tickets and Jason talked the scalpers into a great deal. We ended up
Topics: urbanism
Stalled Bear Mountain highrise poised for re-start
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 13 Jan 2010 at 10:53 AM
A stalled 213 unit, 14-storey upscale condominium project may finally be revived.
The Highlander project, stalled since 2008 atop Langford's Bear Mountain Resort development, reached a height of four f
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC - Media Roundup
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 13 Jan 2010 at 1:51 AM
Since the January 4th counter-petition deadline, and the special council meeting on January 7th local, regional and national media have weighed in on what is essentially an historical community action
Topics: urbanism
Gas Leak
cafejabbaccino on Mon 11 Jan 2010 at 5:36 PM
5:55 am (alarm goes off)Radio: ....commuters will want to know the Bay Street Bridge is closed to all vehicle traffic today. The Johnson Street bridge will be busy with all that traffic re-located.....
Topics: urbanism
Point Ellice Bridge water main replacement crew hits natural gas line
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 10 Jan 2010 at 11:33 PM
Crews working on the Point Ellice Bridge water pipe replacement project allegedly hit a natural gas pipeline at approximately 10:30PM Sunday evening.
The sound of escaping gas, similar to the whine of
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 10 Jan 2010 at 9:31 AM
BuildingGreen.com - HPB Case Study: Overview - Boston Children's Museum Renovation
Interesting environmental/ sustainability angle: Boston's Children Museum is stepping up its green credentials:
"The m
Topics: urbanism
House
cafejabbaccino on Sun 10 Jan 2010 at 12:23 AM
Brad and I don't watch much prime time tv. In fact, years after shows have been on the air we finally discover them.Our latest discovery is House.Ohmigod I love this show. I love his smart-ass comments
Topics: urbanism
Next Steps Transitional Shelter
Various James Bay Writers on Sat 09 Jan 2010 at 3:39 PM
Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
Sale of Radius property finalized; developer plans to build scaled down project
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 09 Jan 2010 at 11:11 AM
The sale of the Radius property, currently a massive pit that has sat untouched since 2007 at the corner of Blanshard Street and Chatham Street in downtown Victoria, has been confirmed.
Topics: urbanism
Times Colonist newspaper placed under creditor protection; up for sale
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 09 Jan 2010 at 10:39 AM
Victoria's Times Colonist newspaper has been placed under creditor protection while the publication's parent company, CanWest Global Communication, seeks buyers for the Victoria daily along with public
Topics: urbanism
Council sidelines $42-million bridge replacement borrowing plans
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 08 Jan 2010 at 8:22 AM
Following Thursday's noon hour meeting to discuss the results of the counter-petition to keep council from borrowing $42-million to replace the Johnson Street Bridge without voter approval, councillors
Topics: urbanism
Videos - Special Council Meeting on Johnson Street Bridge Petition Results
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 08 Jan 2010 at 6:05 AM
Victoria City Council met in a special meeting at 12pm on January 7th 2010 to receive the results of the Alternative Approval Process (counter-petition) against the majority vote to borrow $42 million
Topics: urbanism
Stuff about bags
cafejabbaccino on Fri 08 Jan 2010 at 4:57 AM
I got a custom order in my Etsy shop this week, my second one actually. (The first one was the dreaded zipper.) She was interested in one of my bags, but wanted it 'inside out' and I had enough fabric
Topics: urbanism
Petition forces Victoria Council Re-Think on Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 08 Jan 2010 at 1:01 AM
Rob Woodland, manager of Legislative Services for the City of Victoria, presented a report to Council on the final petition count, and the details on a referendum should they choose to go ahead with th
Topics: urbanism
City's tallest office tower proposal re-applies for development permit
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 07 Jan 2010 at 11:02 AM
Proponents of Victoria's tallest office building proposal, dubbed Gateway Green, have re-applied for a development permit from City Hall.
Tri-Eagle Development Corporation's 15-storey (58 meter tall) o
Topics: urbanism
Special Council Meeting on Johnson Street Bridge Petition - 12 PM Thursday Januar
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 07 Jan 2010 at 6:06 AM
Council will meet in a special session to receive the report from city staff (Legislative Services) on the results of the Alternative Approval Process. It is expected the report will conclude the total
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Petition Passes - By a Mile
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 05 Jan 2010 at 4:29 AM
It is a testament to the volunteers who canvassed for signatures over the Christmas and New Year holiday season, and in all weathers, that the number of signatures far exceeded the requirement.
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Petition - Final Day to Submit to Victoria City Hall
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 04 Jan 2010 at 4:06 PM
johnsonstreetbridge.org Volunteers will be collecting petitions until Noon, then conducting a final count. At 2 pm we will leave the campaign office to deliver to Victoria City Hall at 2:30 pm. A numbe
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 03 Jan 2010 at 9:31 AM
Twelve Resolutions on How to Be a Mensch : The World :: American Express OPEN Forum
Article by Bruna Martinuzzi, author of "The Leader as a Mensch: Become the Kind of Person Others Want to Follow ”
S
Topics: urbanism
Jabba's Christmas
cafejabbaccino on Sun 03 Jan 2010 at 12:20 AM
So we flew to my hometown on the prairies for Christmas to visit my parents. This involved taking The Bad Room Mate in the car and on the ferry to Vancouver so he could stay with my in-laws while we w
Topics: urbanism
Easy New Year Resolution - Sign the Blue Bridge Petition
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 31 Dec 2009 at 10:03 PM
Make a resolution for 2010 that is easy. Sign the Johnson Street Bridge petition and make certain it is delivered to City Hall by 4:30 PM on Monday.
Topics: urbanism
Drunken rowdyism? Fine!
Robert Randall on Wed 30 Dec 2009 at 5:22 PM
I wrote below about the Late Night task force. Today I was happy to learn the Province will increase fines for those who cause disorder, particularly Downtown. The Times Colonist reports here:
Tickets
Topics: urbanism
The Quilt (Link)
cafejabbaccino on Wed 30 Dec 2009 at 1:17 AM
Check this link in case you miss 'The Quilt' post, which I actually posted today but Blogger thinks it was Dec. 10th. Long story....http://cafejabbaccino.blogspot.com/2009/12/quilt.html
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 27 Dec 2009 at 9:30 AM
Swimming in Data? Three Benefits of Visualization - John Sviokla - Harvard Business Review
QUOTE
"A good sketch is better than a long speech…” - a quote often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte
UNQUO
Topics: urbanism
Councillor Geoff Young Questions "Johnson Street Bridge By the Numbers”
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 27 Dec 2009 at 7:54 AM
In a Christmas Eve email Geoff Young responded to the many letters he has received over the City of Victoria's comparison of Johnson Street Bridge repair vs replacement numbers. The document "Johnson S
Topics: urbanism
The "Cliffs Notes” version of Ed Wortman's assessment
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 26 Dec 2009 at 12:21 AM
Portland OR bridge engineer Ed Wortman wrote about his assessment of the Johnson Street Bridge and the Delcan Report. This is the condensed version of his report.
Topics: urbanism
Bridge Engineer Ed Wortman on Delcan Report
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 25 Dec 2009 at 11:07 PM
Earlier this month, Sharon Wood Wortman sent me a copy of the letter she wrote to the Times-Colonist, which we published here on 12/20. At the time, she included a copy of an email that her husband, b
Topics: urbanism
Mysteries of Udolpho
cafejabbaccino on Tue 22 Dec 2009 at 6:53 AM
So, I'm reading The Mysteries of Udolpho because I'm a ridiculous Jane Austen fan and a complete nerd.In Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland gets into trouble when she reads too many "trashy novels". O
Topics: urbanism
Eat the rich: on sustainability
Yule Heibel on Fri 18 Dec 2009 at 4:17 PM
Another very interesting entry in Seth Godin's (free) PDF e-book compilation, What Matters Now, is Unsustainability by Alan M. Webber (co-founding editor of Fast Company).
Now, this one had me thinking
Topics: urbanism
Bad Room Mate #16
cafejabbaccino on Fri 18 Dec 2009 at 5:38 AM
This is one of my favourite sights that only happens around Christmas.No, seriously!! It's absolutely hilarious when you are hanging out on the sofa and you hear a soft *tinkle* sound, look around and
Topics: urbanism
Analog: the landscape, not the map?
Yule Heibel on Thu 17 Dec 2009 at 8:28 PM
Here's another page from Seth Godin's super-interesting e-book (did I mention it's a free [PDF] download?), What Matters Now. This one is from George Dyson (of the Dysons that include his father Freema
Topics: urbanism
Etsy Favourites
cafejabbaccino on Thu 17 Dec 2009 at 2:51 AM
I've never given friends or family a "list" of gifts for myself, that's just not what it's about for me. Sure, some people are really hard to buy for and for those people in my life I keep lists of ide
Topics: urbanism
The Quilt
cafejabbaccino on Fri 11 Dec 2009 at 3:16 AM
I've been waiting all year to post about this...In February I decided to make a quilt for my parents. I went into Vancouver to go to Fabricana with Rawbean so she could help me pick out the fabric. I n
Topics: urbanism
Prawn Santa!
cafejabbaccino on Fri 11 Dec 2009 at 2:43 AM
Behold.It's Prawn Santa! We bought him last year to mark the year we got married and moved to Victoria. Again, please note his fishing-line-antennae and his sparkly Santa suit.Next to him is another me
Topics: urbanism
IT Guys are the Best
cafejabbaccino on Fri 04 Dec 2009 at 5:14 AM
I use Windows at work. Window 64-bit. Apparently this is a good thing for Revit, but it really sucks for Itunes, meaning that I can't install Itunes at all.Too bad because I love sharing music and seei
Topics: urbanism
Chip
cafejabbaccino on Mon 30 Nov 2009 at 1:35 AM
Chip the Canadian BeaverCan you handle him? I can't.Check out this link to see his tail - it's the best ever.The stars were aligned. My buddy Rawbean made Chip a few months ago and I saw him right afte
Topics: urbanism
My Sewing Table
cafejabbaccino on Thu 26 Nov 2009 at 5:19 AM
I've been busy sewing these days. I decided to put my perfectionism aside and finished up the bag from this post. If anyone has a good idea for what I should name this bag, I would really appreciate it
Topics: urbanism
Exterior Detailing
cafejabbaccino on Sun 22 Nov 2009 at 12:51 AM
Behold.This has been my life at work for the last three weeks. Exterior detailing.My old work mate R sums up the way I feel about this perfectly when he said "What is that? Is it outside? Oh. Well when
Topics: urbanism
Late Night…Great Night
Robert Randall on Thu 19 Nov 2009 at 7:50 AM
The City of Victoria released the findings of its Task Force looking into the problem of late night rowdyism in Downtown. Headed by Mayor Fortin, Councillor Thornton-Joe and Chief Graham, they took a w
Topics: urbanism
Island Time at Work
cafejabbaccino on Thu 19 Nov 2009 at 4:11 AM
All right, I've been at my new job for a little while now. Enough time to notice a few things and compare with my last job. There are a few things that are standing out.1. Start TimesWhen I worked for
Topics: urbanism
Pants, Football and Flour
cafejabbaccino on Sun 15 Nov 2009 at 6:34 PM
Obviously since I wasn't working I wasn't spending money - on anything. I've been rationing my contacts lenses (I hate wearing glasses), wearing clothes that are starting to come apart, shaving my legs
Topics: urbanism
Teleconferencing II
cafejabbaccino on Wed 11 Nov 2009 at 6:23 AM
Man, I have the worst luck. Remember the super uncomfortable teleconferencing experience I had a couple weeks ago?Today our whole office gathered together for a big announcement. We were all drinking w
Topics: urbanism
Chance Meeting
cafejabbaccino on Wed 04 Nov 2009 at 5:30 AM
The craziest thing happened today!I was sitting at my desk working away when I swore I heard my old boss laughing. I shook my head, had thoughts about my sanity for a moment and kept working. A couple
Topics: urbanism
Halloween 2009
cafejabbaccino on Sun 01 Nov 2009 at 11:49 PM
Hmph. Well, compared to Halloweens of the past this one was super mellow.I guess it's not a surprise though, since we don't know many people in Victoria and there was no big party planned like other ye
Topics: urbanism
Victoria to bid for 2014 Juno awards?
Robert Randall on Thu 29 Oct 2009 at 6:49 AM
A dozen or so local biz-types are discussing the possibility of putting together a bid to host the 2014 Junos. Vancouver hosted them this year and it was a great success by all accounts.
Not merely an
Topics: urbanism
Teleconferencing
cafejabbaccino on Thu 29 Oct 2009 at 12:52 AM
I signed up to watch a supplier put on a "Lunch and Learn", they are totally common and I've been to lots of them. The only catch is that the presentation was being made in the office in Vancouver, so
Topics: urbanism
Stuff on my Ipod
cafejabbaccino on Sun 25 Oct 2009 at 6:40 PM
The other day a new workmate was kind enough to share his music with me. I felt bad only taking a couple of Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd albums........everything else was just....well.....just not up my al
Topics: urbanism
A Day in Photos (July 2, 2008)
cafejabbaccino on Wed 21 Oct 2009 at 4:58 AM
Rawbean and I came up with this idea forever ago. We would choose a day - an average day and document it with photos. I chose a day over a year ago when I was still living in Vancouver and made a littl
Topics: urbanism
As If By Magic
cafejabbaccino on Sat 17 Oct 2009 at 8:56 PM
There is a song on the La Roux album called As If by Magic. I listen to it all the time, in fact the entire album is amazing and if it's possible to put a permanent groove in an Ipod by over-listening
Topics: urbanism
Productive Days
cafejabbaccino on Fri 16 Oct 2009 at 3:59 AM
So, today was my second day at the new job. Other than having to wait forever for a Revit re-install, it was really great: I high-fived a workmate when I helped him solve a problem, I talked about The
Topics: urbanism
Dome of The Night Sky
Ross Crockford on Thu 15 Oct 2009 at 4:45 PM
In a lab on Little Saanich Mountain, engineers are creating the most sensitive radio receivers on Earth.In one corner they test a feedhorn antenna, stuck into a wall of sound-dampening foam, by radiati
Topics: urbanism
Fix The Blue Bridge
Ross Crockford on Thu 08 Oct 2009 at 4:23 PM
This morning, Victoria's city councillors will sit down and try to figure out what to do next, now that it's clear they won't be getting millions in federal stimulus cash for a new Johnson Street Bridg
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Vice [updated]
Robert Randall on Mon 05 Oct 2009 at 5:03 AM
Victoria Police and PEERS did separate canvassing to determine the number of underage sex workers on the Downtown stroll.
Two former sex-workers conducted the survey at various locations and times in
Topics: urbanism
Troubled bridge over waters
Robert Randall on Fri 25 Sep 2009 at 7:10 AM
I attended tonight's special Council meeting on choosing one of the three options for replacing the Johnson Street Bridge.
The event was anti-climactic as only a few hours before, word came that the a
Topics: urbanism
A New Bridge, A New Problem
Ross Crockford on Wed 23 Sep 2009 at 11:18 PM
Tomorrow at 5:00 pm, Victoria's city council will vote to pursue one of three designs for a new Johnson Street Bridge. Which criteria will weigh most heavily as councillors make the city's biggest aest
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 13 Sep 2009 at 2:32 AM
Forget Curbing Suburban Sprawl (MIT Technology Review)
I have some questions about the source of this report/ research, which claims that density (including examples such as Vancouver's eco-density) "w
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge Aria
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 11 Sep 2009 at 11:24 PM
Victoria's opera diva Barbara Livingston poses on the Johnson Street Bridge for publicity photos. See the photos by Helene Cyr here.
Topics: urbanism
johnsonstreetbridge.org at Moss Street Market Saturday September 12th
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 11 Sep 2009 at 10:50 PM
Your voice should count! Sign the online petition for a referendum on the $63 Million borrowing bylaw - Why? This should be a truly democratic choice for the voters and taxpayers who will pay for this
Topics: urbanism
Grocery Store Check Out Etiquette
cafejabbaccino on Fri 11 Sep 2009 at 1:48 PM
You know when you are in the check out at the grocery store and the person behind you doesn't observe "Grocery Store Check Out Etiquette"? Isn't it annoying? Below I'm going to outline what I consider
Topics: urbanism
Letters #6 - Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 09 Sep 2009 at 10:16 PM
This is the week the City of Victoria unveiled the three new designs to replace the Johnson Street Bridge. Check here to see the renderings, and a video of the presentation. We have also seen a veritab
Topics: urbanism
Tennis
cafejabbaccino on Wed 09 Sep 2009 at 2:37 PM
A couple months ago I walked into our living room and noticed that Brad was watching a tennis match. I've never really paid much attention to tennis - I'm not even sure what the rules are, but I sat do
Topics: urbanism
Directors of johnsonstreetbridge.ORG - Letter to Inspector of Municipalities
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 08 Sep 2009 at 9:45 PM
We ask that you hold an inquiry into the City's introduction of this bylaw, as you are empowered to do under ss. 1021 and 1023 of the Local Government Act. We appreciate that such inquiries are rare. T
Topics: urbanism
New Johnson Street Bridge Designs - Video of the Presentation.
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 08 Sep 2009 at 5:04 PM
The City of Victoria presented three designs to replace the Johnson Street Bridge at a special meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee, held at the Victoria Conference Centre. The video belo
Topics: urbanism
Devices of Torture? I think not.
cafejabbaccino on Tue 08 Sep 2009 at 12:11 PM
Since I chopped all my hair off, I've come to realize one thing. With shorter hair, maintenance is a must. With my old locks it was wash, brush and go and it "worked" but like I said - I was a walking
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Victoria Bridge New Designs
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 08 Sep 2009 at 11:38 AM
Three new potential designs for the Johnson Street Bridge - unveiled September 8th 2009
Topics: urbanism
Urinal finally installed
Robert Randall on Mon 07 Sep 2009 at 10:06 PM
The long awaited permanent urinal was installed this week in Downtown Victoria at the corner of Pandora and Government Streets. I've written about this long saga in earlier posts but in short, the auto
Topics: urbanism
Your Letters #5 Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 06 Sep 2009 at 11:18 PM
I am outraged that our goverment is considering a $63 million loan to replace a bridge that is still working. In this time of economic distress who do they think they are deciding to put us, the taxpay
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria to unveil New Designs for the Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 06 Sep 2009 at 2:44 PM
This is the 'official' start of the full public consultation process, and should be outlined clearly and with authority on how the public may 'vote' or comment on the designs, or ask detailed questions
Topics: urbanism
Three random things
cafejabbaccino on Fri 04 Sep 2009 at 10:56 AM
The book I'm reading right now is by a local (Victoria) author. I'm really enjoying it, and so far would recommend it to anyone. It's also pretty cool to read things like this:"The scenic route in Vict
Topics: urbanism
Is the Johnson Street Bridge a "beater”?
Robert Randall on Wed 02 Sep 2009 at 11:22 PM
Many of us have owned beater cars. A beater is not necessarily a car that needs a lot of repairs. Heck, a Ferrari needs constant maintenance. A beater is a car that has passed the point where preventat
Topics: urbanism
The treachery of tethers…
Yule Heibel on Wed 02 Sep 2009 at 8:01 PM
I'm in Vancouver, and it's supposed to be a break from my island exile, but digital tethers ensure that I'm plugged into all the usual concerns.
Topics: urbanism
Heritage value, once more
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 02 Sep 2009 at 5:20 PM
A report commissioned by the City of Victoria (but to date not released by the city) concludes that the Johnson Street Bridge has "significant heritage value." Yet the city is disregarding this informa
Topics: urbanism
Call for a Referendum on Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 02 Sep 2009 at 1:05 PM
We call on the City of Victoria to hold a Referendum - please sign the petition to add your voice. The City of Victoria has introduced, and passed three readings, a bylaw to borrow $63 Million to repla
Topics: urbanism
Len Barrie faces accusations of misusing funds from Bear Mountain Resort
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 02 Sep 2009 at 9:39 AM
Len Barrie, part owner of the Tampa Bay Lightening NHL hockey franchise and head of the Bear Mountain Resort, is accused of misappropriating $2.5 million from Bear Mountain Resort for his stake in the
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 29 Aug 2009 at 11:30 PM
Seattle Channel Video Player: POPOS (Privately Owned Public Open Space)
QUOTE:
Seattle's Privately Owned Public Open Spaces: A Walking Tour
8/26/2009: Councilmember Nick Licata defines POPOS: Privately
Topics: urbanism
City launches Johnson Street Bridge website; opponents continue to criticize proj
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 29 Aug 2009 at 9:13 AM
The City of Victoria launched it's Johnson Street Bridge replacement and approach realignment project website, JohnsonStreetBridge.COM, on August 28th. The website contains information on the Johnson
Topics: urbanism
One Year Out
cafejabbaccino on Fri 28 Aug 2009 at 10:18 AM
One year ago today I moved away from Vancouver. (Yes, you read that right, we're noting another anniversary so soon after our wedding anniversary 4 days ago.)For years my best friend Robin and I always
Topics: urbanism
Victoria City Council passes bylaw to borrow $63million
Yule Heibel on Fri 28 Aug 2009 at 5:43 AM
It took them less than 5 minutes to pass 3 "readings” of a bylaw to borrow $63million - and this was done at nearly 1 a.m., with no press, no media in Council Chambers at the time. The only people th
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria Council Meeting - August 27 - Bylaw to Borrow for Johnson Street
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 27 Aug 2009 at 6:47 PM
It is expected this evening that the City of Victoria will introduce a bylaw to borrow the $63 million dollars estimated cost for the replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge, and to modify the road, r
Topics: urbanism
BC Transit announces Victoria-area transit improvements
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 27 Aug 2009 at 10:51 AM
BC Transit has announced several service improvements for the Victoria Regional Transit System due for launch on September 8th and under a second phase in January, 2010. Chief among the improvements
Topics: urbanism
That Old Blue Bridge
Ross Crockford on Thu 27 Aug 2009 at 10:13 AM
This evening, Victoria's city council will introduce a bylaw to borrow $63-million to replace the Johnson Street Bridge. Then, on September 8, City Hall will unveil three possible designs for the repla
Topics: urbanism
Results of the Public Meeting - Johnson Street Bridge Campaign
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 26 Aug 2009 at 3:53 PM
The results of the public comments and questions show some clear results. While everyone was well aware of the replacement plan there was real concern about the lack of public consultation before the d
Topics: urbanism
Fog
cafejabbaccino on Wed 26 Aug 2009 at 11:57 AM
On Monday afternoon we were sitting around in our living room when we noticed what looked like smoke quickly drifting in from the south - the direction of the ocean. It was clear skies, about 18C (65F)
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge
Robert Randall on Wed 26 Aug 2009 at 1:03 AM
I attended a meeting of the JohnsonStreetBridge.org group tonight. Headed by Ross Crockford, Yule Heibel and Mat Wright, they offer sober second thought regarding the rush to replace the venerable and
Topics: urbanism
JohnsonStreetBridge.ORG update
Yule Heibel on Tue 25 Aug 2009 at 7:18 PM
We've been busy with our Johnson Street Bridge group. Tonight, we hosted a meeting (at Victoria's Central Library) at which nearly 50 people showed up. That's not bad at all, given the fairly short no
Topics: urbanism
One Year In...
cafejabbaccino on Tue 25 Aug 2009 at 11:45 AM
Sunday was our one year anniversary - this year went by SO fast, it's crazy. All day we kept saying to each other "Right about now was when we were getting ready!" and "One year ago now we were back on
Topics: urbanism
Letters #4
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 25 Aug 2009 at 10:38 AM
Letters, feedback and concerns sent to the Johnson Street Bridge Campaign
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Public Meeting - Tuesday August 25th
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 25 Aug 2009 at 10:09 AM
Tuesday August 25th 7pm to 8:30 pm - Main Meeting Room, Downtown Public Library 735 Broughton Street. We will be Live Blogging the meeting - you can follow the event and points raised during the presen
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge - Citizen Advisory Committee Monday Meeting
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 24 Aug 2009 at 11:24 PM
On the weekend two new members were appointed to the volunteer Citizen Advisory Committee, Cara Segger and Margaret Lucas. Margaret Lucas is defined by the City of Victoria as a business representative
Topics: urbanism
Announcement: Public Meeting Tuesday August 25th
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sat 22 Aug 2009 at 10:33 AM
The directors, organizers and supporters of the johnsonstreetbridge.org campaign will hold a public meeting on the ramifications of the City of Victoria's planned replacement of the Blue Bridge
Tues
Topics: urbanism
A Package
cafejabbaccino on Fri 21 Aug 2009 at 4:29 PM
Someone sent me a package in the mail. You know how that is - when you get the slip in your mailbox, but you aren't expecting anything....it's not my birthday, it's not Christmas.....Well, I wasn't com
Topics: urbanism
Update Friday.
Yule Heibel on Fri 21 Aug 2009 at 9:10 AM
I've really been slacking off on the blog posts - lots of turmoil and indecision happening on the personal front at present. I'm also consumed by what my city council is plotting to pull over Victoria
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria updates timeline on Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 20 Aug 2009 at 5:26 PM
It's Happening
At its next Council meeting, on Thursday, August 27th, the City of Victoria will introduce a bylaw to borrow $63-million to finance the replacement of the Johnson Street Bridge.
Topics: urbanism
Space is scarce: Self-explaining roads needed
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 20 Aug 2009 at 3:53 PM
The Johnson Street Bridge frustrates some drivers, and there's no doubt that it's awkward at best (and dangerous at worst) for cyclists. Cycling across the bridge East to West, you need sang froid to b
Topics: urbanism
Whirlwind
cafejabbaccino on Thu 20 Aug 2009 at 10:45 AM
Woah, I've been away for awhile. It all started with a 5:30am alarm on Saturday that found me heading into Surrey (of all horrendous places) for a wedding shower for a friend.After that I headed into V
Topics: urbanism
Oh, Tallulah!
Ross Crockford on Wed 19 Aug 2009 at 10:19 AM
Once in a while, I dream about opening a bar. Nothing big - something the size of Smoking Lily's 4 x 11 boutique on Johnson Street, actually - decorated in velvet and faux fur. A kind of Big Bad John's
Topics: urbanism
Translink offers Victoria's ferry foot passengers little time savings with new Sk
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 18 Aug 2009 at 1:43 PM
Metro Vancouver's newest Skytrain route, the $2 billion Canada Line, connects the northern half of Richmond (including the Vancouver International Airport) and downtown Vancouver. However, in a bizar
Topics: urbanism
BC Ferries seeking feedback on television screens aboard vessels and at terminals
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 17 Aug 2009 at 9:52 AM
BC Ferries is seeking passenger feedback on new flat-screen television screens aboard ships and passenger waiting areas, and large screens at vehicle waiting areas, according to a new survey circulatin
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 15 Aug 2009 at 11:30 PM
The Five Question Interview - Dan Ariely - Ben Atlas
Ben Atlas poses interview questions to Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. Dan responds to the
Topics: urbanism
Silence is Deafening on Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 14 Aug 2009 at 8:44 PM
Kill them with Silence: Is this the policy of the City of Victoria? Does it take more than seven business days to offer a considered reply, even if all the points and questions cannot be addressed at o
Topics: urbanism
Letters #3
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 14 Aug 2009 at 11:30 AM
If there
are problems with the bridge it should be maintained - it is a piece
of Victoria's heritage, it is beautiful and it's a big waste to wreck
things that work just fine.
Topics: urbanism
Scale
cafejabbaccino on Wed 12 Aug 2009 at 4:52 PM
We are still getting used to the scale of Victoria. Seriously people, it is tiny - check out this map that Brad made for me. (Keep in mind that Victoria is only the area marked as such on the map.Last
Topics: urbanism
Lovin' the interwebs: corrections on comparisons
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 11 Aug 2009 at 8:01 PM
Back when we started blogging on Johnson Street Bridge DOT org (on the internet, everything moves so quickly and seems old so quickly), I posted Bad Reason #4 (July 28/09). It's a post I almost (but no
Topics: urbanism
Busy blogging elsewhere (mostly about the Johnson Street Bridge)
Yule Heibel on Tue 11 Aug 2009 at 7:01 PM
Sorry about the lacunae here, but I've been busy blogging on our site, Johnson Street Bridge, where I posted Lovin' the interwebs: corrections on comparisons tonight; earlier today, I wrote Johnson S
Topics: urbanism
How not to Communicate Redux: Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 11 Aug 2009 at 3:58 AM
The residents, voters and taxpayers need to be reassured City of Victoria communication staff have the knowledge and professional experience to present Victoria at its best - online, in print and throu
Topics: urbanism
Link Love - Johnson Street Bridge
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 09 Aug 2009 at 9:52 PM
An awareness campaign only works if people are - well, made aware. Help get the message out that the plans for the Johnson Street Bridge affect every resident of Victoria BC.
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 08 Aug 2009 at 11:30 PM
What Can We Learn from the Dutch Self Explaining Roads?
Fascinating read about the concept of "forgiving highways” (forged in the 1960s), and why it needs rethinking in built-up areas, and how the Du
Topics: urbanism
1999 Johnson Street Bridge refit meant to last several decades
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 08 Aug 2009 at 5:06 AM
Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge underwent a $1,000,000 refit in 1999 that the city's transportation department claimed would give the historic bridge "several more decades of useful life,” according
Topics: urbanism
Letters #2
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 06 Aug 2009 at 3:22 PM
This is a copy of a letter I sent today to the Mayor and council, presenting another viewpoint regarding the proposed bridge replacement.
Topics: urbanism
Letters #1 - Johnson Street Bridge Feedback
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 06 Aug 2009 at 11:57 AM
One of our goals is to raise awareness about the planned replacement of Victoria's Blue Bridge, and to provide a platform for your comments, questions and views. Your feedback is very welcome
Topics: urbanism
Letter to Mayor and Council: Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 06 Aug 2009 at 8:14 AM
Johnson Street Bridge - Letter to Mayor Dean Fortin and City Council -Questions and concerns on the planned replacement of the Blue Bridge
Topics: urbanism
Local Johnson Street Bridge discussion heats up
Yule Heibel on Thu 06 Aug 2009 at 7:24 AM
I've been busy over at JohnsonStreetBridge DOT org, the website created by Mat Wright, Ross Crockford, and me. My contributions have run mainly to writing some blog posts and brainstorming with Mat and
Topics: urbanism
Insomnia
cafejabbaccino on Thu 06 Aug 2009 at 1:23 AM
Lately I've been battling insomnia. It's the most bizarre thing - for my anyway - since normally I'm lucky if I can get into the bed before I'm falling asleep.I've read up on things you can do to help
Topics: urbanism
What do you know?
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Wed 05 Aug 2009 at 10:35 PM
What does the public really know about the massive, proposed Johnson Street Bridge replacement project proposed by the City of Victoria?
Topics: urbanism
How not to Communicate: Johnson Street Bridge Victoria BC
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 04 Aug 2009 at 4:52 PM
The current placeholder web page for www.johnsonstreetbridge.com raises questions on the communication goals, and possibly professional expertise, of the web developers and City Communication staff who
Topics: urbanism
Vic News: Needle Exchange location eyed
Robert Randall on Tue 04 Aug 2009 at 1:48 PM
Victoria News
Needle exchange location eyed
By Roszan Holmen - Victoria News
Published: July 31, 2009 4:00 PM
Updated: July 31, 2009 4:12 PM
A building in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood has been sing
Topics: urbanism
Cutting through clutter, or, unity is overrated
Yule Heibel on Mon 03 Aug 2009 at 9:17 PM
Advice on getting organized isn't hard to find these days - it seems every other person has clutteritis and needs a feng shui intervention. I'm not immune to the lure of the organized life either: were
Topics: urbanism
Needle Exchange Update
Robert Randall on Sun 02 Aug 2009 at 11:43 PM
VIHA has identified a potential new location for a fixed needle distribution site. It's in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood just north of the Downtown border on Princess Street.
Members of the DRA have
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 01 Aug 2009 at 11:30 PM
Jane Jacobs's Legacy by Howard Husock, City Journal 31 July 2009
Great review by Howard Husock of 2 new books about Jane Jacobs: Anthony Flint's Wrestling with Moses, and Glenna Lang and Marjory Wunsch
Topics: urbanism
First lines
cafejabbaccino on Thu 30 Jul 2009 at 12:35 PM
After finishing The Thirteenth Tale, and heaving back into my comfy chair with a satisfied grin on my face....I've been thinking about what to read next. It has to be something good, after a book like
Topics: urbanism
Our Bad Room Mate II
cafejabbaccino on Wed 29 Jul 2009 at 3:48 PM
It happened again, I was walking past the washer/dryer and saw this out of the corner of my eye.(This is post #100, I'll be sure to celebrate with rum.)
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin takes heat for hiring additional communication staff
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 29 Jul 2009 at 11:07 AM
As Victorians begin to refer to the Johnson Street Bridge replacement as "Fortin's Folly,” Victoria mayor Dean Fortin is responding to accusations that the hiring of three additional communications s
Topics: urbanism
Bad reason, 4
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Tue 28 Jul 2009 at 10:04 PM
Ding, ding, ding: it's time for Bad reason, 4
Reason #4?
"The bridge's heritage value would be destroyed in a retrofit because we'd have to steel-plate over the old bridge's open lattice work, and thi
Topics: urbanism
Earthy laughter
Yule Heibel on Tue 28 Jul 2009 at 7:36 PM
…something about the voice and the image
They're at odds, in a way.
Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt
Und das ist meine Welt, sonst keine…
Marlene Dietrich …very young
Topics: urbanism
Dear Robbers,
cafejabbaccino on Tue 28 Jul 2009 at 11:35 AM
Dear Robbers,Do you know how many camping trips, over how many summers I put in sleeping in crappy blankets rather than a real sleeping bag, because I just could not afford one? Do you know how many ye
Topics: urbanism
Victoria from Port Angeles in photos
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 27 Jul 2009 at 4:38 PM
Ever wondered what Victoria looks like from the shores of Port Angeles or how the cityscape morphs while approaching on the Coho ferry? Victorians often gaze at the Olympic Mountains and see the twin
Topics: urbanism
Bad reason, 3
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 27 Jul 2009 at 8:00 AM
Bad news, there's another really bad reason…
Reason #3?
"The new bridge will be so much nicer.”
I suppose it depends on one's vision of "nice,” but now that the City has spent $3.2million to hi
Topics: urbanism
Bridging obsessions
Yule Heibel on Sun 26 Jul 2009 at 8:09 PM
Given my recent obsession with a local bridge - Victoria's Johnson Street Bridge, a bascule bridge designed by Joseph Strauss (see my article, Blue Bridge blues) - it makes sense that I'd be enthralled
Topics: urbanism
Bad reasons, 2
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Sun 26 Jul 2009 at 8:04 AM
The City of Victoria's own Engineering Department says the Johnson Street Bridge is safe, albeit in need of work. Yet many people believe the bridge is unsafe. Why?
Topics: urbanism
Announcement: Johnson Street Bridge Advisory Committee
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 4:48 PM
The City of Victoria has announced the members of the Johnson Street Bridge citizen advisory committee - and noted they met for the first time today with City Manager Gail Stephens.
Topics: urbanism
HST to increase average Victoria house price by 3.9%
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 2:46 PM
Home buyers may be in for a shock when the 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) kicks into effect on July 01, 2010. According to VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum member "Roger,” who happens to be a pr
Topics: urbanism
More online bridges in the Johnson Street Bridge story
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 2:28 PM
A quick heads-up to readers who might now have found the link in the Vibrant Victoria Forum: the Johnson Street Bridge DOT org site is live (and kicking ass). I just posted my first entry, Bad Reason,
Topics: urbanism
Johnson Street Bridge Jobs! - Communication specialists required
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 2:23 PM
Mayor Fortin will have a difficult task ahead justifying dedicating shrinking city resources to a single infrastructure project, essentially naming the Johnson Street Bridge the number one spending pri
Topics: urbanism
Bad reasons, 1
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 1:04 PM
Bad reason #1 for spending money on a new bridge: "it's ugly." In an attention economy where "interestingness" counts, ugliness (which is more interesting than boring blight) can be your ally.
Topics: urbanism
New site: Johnson Street Bridge DOT org
Yule Heibel on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 11:00 AM
I'm involved with Mat Wright and Ross Crockford in a new website, Johnson Street Bridge. Please check it out.
And please take a look at my first blog post there, Bad Reason, 1, subtitled "Bad reasons t
Topics: urbanism
The Thirteenth Tale
cafejabbaccino on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 8:22 AM
Isn't it the best feeling when you pick up a book, start reading and are instantly enthralled? Well, that's what happened to me on Monday. I picked up The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, on recom
Topics: urbanism
It's all in the mind
Yule Heibel on Fri 24 Jul 2009 at 7:16 AM
Either I'm becoming what I've always dreaded - namely, a candidate for one of those [flaky?] "self-realization” weekend retreats where you uncover, explore, and finally vanquish whatever subconscious
Topics: urbanism
Paving Paradise
Ross Crockford on Thu 23 Jul 2009 at 9:13 PM
There are two seasons in Canada, some say: winter, and roadwork. Since we're enjoying the latter, it's time to consider the history of roads - without which summer vacations, countless pop songs, and m
Topics: urbanism
BC's new 12% harmonized sales tax a hidden tax hike
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 23 Jul 2009 at 2:30 PM
The British Columbia government's plan to create a 12% harmonized sales tax (HST) by July 01, 2010, was announced in a press release today. The tagline read "Harmonized sales tax to boost investment;
Topics: urbanism
Train to Courtenay
cafejabbaccino on Wed 22 Jul 2009 at 12:29 PM
Last weekend we took the train to Courtenay. It leaves from downtown Victoria, takes 4 1/2 hours and is a lovely way to spend time traveling.It's not like taking the bus, or driving for that matter. Yo
Topics: urbanism
900 Block Pandora GNA
Robert Randall on Mon 20 Jul 2009 at 11:32 PM
This afternoon at the Victoria Conservatory of Music I (on behalf of the DRA) signed a Good Neighbour Agreement for the 900 block of Pandora. Other signees included VIHA, the VCM, Our Place, The City o
Topics: urbanism
Johnston Street Bridge Cycling lanes
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Mon 20 Jul 2009 at 9:35 PM
Johnson Street Bridge, Victoria BC - will cyclists win or lose?
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 18 Jul 2009 at 11:30 PM
The Curious Link Between Parked Cars and Perched Birds (Technology Review: Blogs: arXiv blog)
Thought-provoking post about "random matrix theory.”
tags: mit_techreview, math, statistics, random_matri
Topics: urbanism
Another hat: curator
Yule Heibel on Thu 16 Jul 2009 at 6:15 PM
As some of my readers know, I'm a co-founder of a Victoria-based venture called MetroCascade, which aims to evolve into a go-to site for news, events, and information about Victoria BC. We're doing thi
Topics: urbanism
Moon
cafejabbaccino on Thu 16 Jul 2009 at 10:51 AM
Last night we went out to see a movie. It was incredible, and if you know me at all, I rarely say that about Hollywood movies. The movie is called Moon and it's directed by Duncan Jones (aka Zowie Bow
Topics: urbanism
Welcome to the Johnson Street Bridge Website
JohnsonstreetBridge Victoria on Thu 16 Jul 2009 at 12:04 AM
The idea for this website, and for activism on what might happen about the bridge, came about from a fairly disparate group of people who recognized problems with the way the City of Victoria made the
Topics: urbanism
Jumping Malthus's shadow
Yule Heibel on Wed 15 Jul 2009 at 9:46 AM
Although I had planned some longer blog posts about the interaction of the natural and the social worlds, how they collide and also drain away from one another specifically here in Victoria BC, I need
Topics: urbanism
Ridiculous Summer Reading
cafejabbaccino on Tue 14 Jul 2009 at 1:15 PM
On Saturday we laughed at ourselves for being so unorganized (it's a long story, but trust me - we are ridiculous) but we eventually made it down to Beacon Hill Park to find a nice spot to read our new
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 11 Jul 2009 at 11:30 PM
Architecture - Kisho Kurokawa's Future Vision, Banished to Past - NYTimes.com
Ourossoff raises some important question regarding heritage and preservation - who gets to decide (and why) that something
Topics: urbanism
Oliver Twist & Summer Reading
cafejabbaccino on Fri 10 Jul 2009 at 3:30 PM
I don't know what it is. I love Dickens.....earlier this year I read Great Expectations and I loved it. And don't get me started on how much I love Bleak House........but I can't get into this one.It's
Topics: urbanism
Guerrilla Sharrows in the mist
Yule Heibel on Fri 10 Jul 2009 at 8:10 AM
A few days ago, Victoria, BC activists related to O.U.R.S. (Other Urban Repair Squad, eg.) painted sharrows (Shared Lane Markings) on several streets in the city. The local paper ran an article (City c
Topics: urbanism
The island tax
Yule Heibel on Wed 08 Jul 2009 at 8:15 PM
In keeping with the title, this post has no links, no names, nothing: it's an island subject.
The story: I have an opportunity to attend an interesting sold-out event in a very nearby city on "the main
Topics: urbanism
Zippers
cafejabbaccino on Wed 08 Jul 2009 at 2:31 PM
Ohmigod.I had a request in my Etsy shop to make a Buttercup Bag with a zipper closure, rather than a magnetic snap. So I went online and found out that there are lots of people out there who say 'zippe
Topics: urbanism
French Beach
cafejabbaccino on Mon 06 Jul 2009 at 2:25 PM
On Saturday we planned to drive up the coast to Port Renfrew and check it out. We got as far as French Beach and decided to stop and have lunch. Given that I still consider us "freshly landed on the is
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 04 Jul 2009 at 11:31 PM
Technology Review: Privacy Requires Security, Not Abstinence
Article by Simson Garfinkel on "Protecting an inalienable right in the age of Facebook,” i.e., privacy.
Privacy matters, as Garfinkel eloq
Topics: urbanism
Canada Day - Victoria Style
cafejabbaccino on Thu 02 Jul 2009 at 9:06 PM
Yesterday we headed downtown with some friends to check out the Canada Day celebrations. Holy crap - it was crazy. Brad and I kept looking at each other and wondering - what the hell!? Why doesn't Vanc
Topics: urbanism
Work and city planning
Yule Heibel on Wed 01 Jul 2009 at 8:57 PM
There's a new exhibition at Victoria's LegacyGallery, a UVic-affiliated downtown art venue. It's called From a Modern Time: the architectural photography of Hubert Norbury, Victoria in the 1950s and 60
Topics: urbanism
My Weekend without Brad
cafejabbaccino on Sun 28 Jun 2009 at 1:42 PM
Brad has gone out of town to visit some friends. I have the house to myself for a few days! So, what have I got planned? Well, yesterday I went into Vancouver for a trip to Fabricana with my aunt. It w
Topics: urbanism
Toward a new medievalism?
Yule Heibel on Sun 28 Jun 2009 at 12:45 PM
I just left this comment on avc.com. It's me going off on a typical theory bender, but the idea of Twitter's Suggested User List (SUL) sparked another "here come the Middle Ages” image/moment for me
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 27 Jun 2009 at 11:28 PM
Party Animals: Early Human Culture Thrived in Crowds | LiveScience
Article reports on research (noted & bookmarked earlier: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2…) arguing the benefits of density
Topics: urbanism
Reblogging Johnson St. Bridge conversation
Yule Heibel on Sat 27 Jun 2009 at 1:37 PM
The conversation on Vibrant Victoria's forum about the Johnson Street Bridge continues, brilliantly. See pages 22 and 23.
This morning, forumer DesignStyles wrote the following:
After reading the outra
Topics: urbanism
Keeping the Johnson Street Bridge
Yule Heibel on Fri 26 Jun 2009 at 9:25 PM
Reading and watching the Vibrant Victoria forum thread on Victoria's famous Johnson Street Bridge - also known as The Blue Bridge - is keeping me up at night.
It wrenches my heart (and my head) to know
Topics: urbanism
Leafy Hat
cafejabbaccino on Thu 25 Jun 2009 at 12:25 PM
My latest knitting success. This is my first lace pattern and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I can't understand though - why people prefer to knit toques from the top down. This is also my
Topics: urbanism
Henry James Barcelona
Yule Heibel on Wed 24 Jun 2009 at 8:10 PM
I watched Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona recently. It was enjoyable and fun to watch - to a point. It had all the classic hallmarks of a Woody Allen story, as it revolved around the American (a
Topics: urbanism
Bitty Bug
cafejabbaccino on Tue 23 Jun 2009 at 8:18 AM
I made a new pincushion. I've realized it's nice to have two floating around, one at the sewing machine and one at the ironing board. Free tutorial here, and it uses your smallest scraps that otherwise
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 20 Jun 2009 at 11:28 PM
Social media creepies « samothrace
Although not quite (yet) an example of cyber-stalking, I found Victoria Klassen's description of an online-generated encounter with a person who feels entitled to fi
Topics: urbanism
Pins and Needles
cafejabbaccino on Fri 19 Jun 2009 at 9:21 AM
5:15 am, I'm sleeping nicely. I'm gently roused out of sleep by a soft sound.....*tinkle**tinkle* *tink**tinktink**tinkletinkle*Suddenly I jolt awake, and realize I know that sound!!I sit up in bed an
Topics: urbanism
The Phone from Hell
cafejabbaccino on Thu 18 Jun 2009 at 8:11 AM
We have this cordless phone.... I think Brad won it at one of his Christmas parties a few years ago. As with most cordless phones in my experience, for the first year or so it worked great.Now, the th
Topics: urbanism
Continuing a conversation on avc
Yule Heibel on Thu 18 Jun 2009 at 5:54 AM
Replying to a couple of comments on Fred Wilson, reblogging here:
Good points. In your blog you do, however, focus in on a specific area (as per your blogs title, a VC). That makes it all hang togeth
Topics: urbanism
Remember the milk (on working at home)
Yule Heibel on Wed 17 Jun 2009 at 7:45 PM
The other day Philip Greenspun wrote a provocative (that is, a typically iconoclastic) article, Universities and Economic Growth. It's well-worth reading, so click through and take a look. (h/t @KathyS
Topics: urbanism
The Rope From Heaven
Ross Crockford on Tue 16 Jun 2009 at 11:08 AM
"Victoria is a strange place,” wrote Franz Boas in his 1886 diary. "I have never seen such a mixture of people among such a small number of inhabitants.” Just 28 years old and freshly arrived from
Topics: urbanism
Fred Wilson is:
Yule Heibel on Mon 15 Jun 2009 at 7:20 PM
Holy cow, yet another great learning-and-thinking experience, courtesy of Fred Wilsons recent post, What Drives Consumer Adoption of New Technologies?, and the many amazing people who comment there!
Topics: urbanism
Fred Wilson is:
Yule Heibel on Mon 15 Jun 2009 at 7:20 PM
Holy cow, yet another great learning-and-thinking experience, courtesy of Fred Wilson's recent post, What Drives Consumer Adoption of New Technologies?, and the many amazing people who comment there!
Topics: urbanism
Introducing my Etsy shop!
cafejabbaccino on Mon 15 Jun 2009 at 9:13 AM
I've finally opened a little Etsy shop. It's called Jabba's Design Hut. I added it to my side bar, click there if you want to check it out!I'll be adding new bags every few days, so check back if you'r
Topics: urbanism
Made me comment: Brendon Wilson on Canada and Its Tech Future
Yule Heibel on Sun 14 Jun 2009 at 9:19 AM
I came across Brendon J. Wilson's excellent blog post, Does it matter if the future isn't available in Canada? last week and felt compelled to comment.
Brendon's post addresses a response to Macleans M
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 13 Jun 2009 at 11:28 PM
YouTube - Seth Godin: Sliced bread and other marketing delights
Still one of the best talks on …well, sliced bread and all it has spawned.
Also by Seth Godin, What makes an idea viral?, a short, thou
Topics: urbanism
TC editorial: Inching closer to a urinal
Robert Randall on Fri 12 Jun 2009 at 12:02 PM
Inching closer to a urinal
Times ColonistJune 12, 2009
It shouldn't have taken three years, a cascade of council debates and uncounted sums of taxpayers' money and city staff time to create a place for
Topics: urbanism
It's Wheat Day!!
cafejabbaccino on Wed 10 Jun 2009 at 3:02 PM
Today I'm in heaven. (Refer to this post if you don't know what I'm talking about.)I made fresh bread this morning and just finished a couple slices - warm from the oven.Tonight we have pasta, I had a
Topics: urbanism
"The Zone” radio station responds to VibrantVictoria.ca's concerns over "on loc
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 10 Jun 2009 at 2:53 PM
Victoria's "The Zone” radio station's official vehicle, a yellow SUV complete with speakers attached to the roof, was recently spotted downtown "on location” for a radio segment. No big deal ther
Topics: urbanism
Last FOCUS mag uploads now on Scribd
Yule Heibel on Tue 09 Jun 2009 at 6:04 PM
I just uploaded my May and June FOCUS Magazine articles toScribd.com - and wow, I guess I was so pissed off about the idiot letter in the May issue (which was in response to my April article, Its the p
Topics: urbanism
Halloween Costumes Part 1
cafejabbaccino on Tue 09 Jun 2009 at 7:44 AM
We went to Value Village on Sunday and found most of Brad's Halloween costume....right down to the white belt.Remember, he's going as Herb Tarlek from WKRP. Now all we need to complete the look are whi
Topics: urbanism
Beefy Beef Noodle
cafejabbaccino on Mon 08 Jun 2009 at 7:08 AM
I went into Vancouver on Saturday to spend the day with IG. It was a much-needed trip as I haven't been over to Vancouver since April and I needed some serious girl time.It was a great day, we had brea
Topics: urbanism
Urban density and social media tools
Yule Heibel on Mon 08 Jun 2009 at 6:40 AM
It wont come as news to those of us who love and defend cities, but its nice to have scientific research backing up what we espouse as urban positives: High population density triggers cultural explosi
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 06 Jun 2009 at 11:28 PM
Technology Review: Blogs: Predictably Irrational: The Symbolic Power Of Money (by Alon Nir)
Fascinating short article, which reports on a new study that suggests that simply handling money can dull phy
Topics: urbanism
I weigh in on public urination and the opinions flow.
Robert Randall on Fri 05 Jun 2009 at 10:01 PM
I was asked about the revised urinal idea on C-FAX today (its also todays poll), specifically if I thought it discriminated against women.
I said first that there are devices that would allow women to
Topics: urbanism
Victoria heritage advocacy group silent on Johnson Street Bridge Issue
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 05 Jun 2009 at 9:13 AM
Victorias Hallmark Society, a heritage advocacy and protection organization, is strangely quiet on the issue of replacing Victorias iconic Johnson Street Bridge. Known for protecting old buildings an
Topics: urbanism
Kickin' It, Victoria Style
cafejabbaccino on Wed 03 Jun 2009 at 1:49 PM
Holy crap what a gorgeous day. What fabulous weather we're having! It's ridiculously hot today, so I got out and took advantage of it.I put on a summery dress and drove to my "super secret parking spot
Topics: urbanism
Globe discussion on SALOME project
Robert Randall on Tue 02 Jun 2009 at 10:12 PM
Globe Mail follow-up to yesterday`s story on giving heroin to addicts.
Posted in needle exhange, safe injection sites, social issues
Topics: urbanism
The Globe on Vancouver’s new heroin for addicts plan
Robert Randall on Mon 01 Jun 2009 at 10:22 AM
Trial to give free heroin to hard-core addicts in Vancouver and Montreal
Its known as the SALOME trial, and it follows on the heels of the NAOMI study.
The NAOMI trial was criticized by some addictions
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 30 May 2009 at 11:28 PM
Technology Review: Converting Garbage into Fuel
Brief article in MIT Tech Review on strides made in gasification processes (turning garbage/ waste into fuel electricity), in this case *without* using
Topics: urbanism
Quiet days in cliche. But…
Yule Heibel on Wed 27 May 2009 at 7:37 PM
Its no doubt a sign of mental rot when one writes entries (or anything) with puns for titles, but there you have it: Ive hit a wall. Until I manage to break the cliche (by smashing the mold, say), the
Topics: urbanism
This is not a craft blog, I promise
cafejabbaccino on Tue 26 May 2009 at 3:29 PM
So I couldn't resist, and I have guilty feelings about it....but I bought some Heather Ross fabric online and holy crap it arrived today! It took just under two weeks to arrive from Florida, so I was t
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Ducklings, an Artist and a Bog
cafejabbaccino on Sun 24 May 2009 at 6:58 PM
1. Rithet's BogYesterday we drove out to Rithet's Bog and did the walk around the perimeter. We love bogs, they are crazy and full of stunted trees and super cool plants. It's too bad there aren't boar
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The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 23 May 2009 at 11:28 PM
Office of the President Lee C. Bollinger: 2009 Commencement Address
Lee C. Bollingers commencement address to the 2009 Columbia U. graduating class, with a special focus on globalization and freedom of
Topics: urbanism
Nerd 101 (For Chantoon)
cafejabbaccino on Thu 21 May 2009 at 12:58 PM
As requested by Chantoon, I'm posting the AutoCAD details I drew of the market bag.I also did a section through the edge of another sewing project in AutoCAD. I can't help it! Doing this in CAD helps m
Topics: urbanism
Better gold through green
Yule Heibel on Wed 20 May 2009 at 8:20 PM
It seems everyone is going green, or will be. Today I went to Victorias UDI (Urban Development Institute) luncheon to hear Terasen Energy Services Gareth Jones present All About Geo-Thermal: Learning f
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Gorilla Radio Interview
Ross Crockford on Wed 20 May 2009 at 12:28 PM
Chris Cook's Gorilla Radio on CFUV is the best activist radio program in town. This past Victoria Day, Chris had me on to talk about local economic elites and First Nations history. You can listen to a
Topics: urbanism
Jane Market Bag
cafejabbaccino on Tue 19 May 2009 at 8:43 AM
Behold.I know what you're thinking - didn't she just make a bag last week? Yes, yes I did. I'm a confessed bagaholic, but this one was a gift for one of my best buddies.The Jane Market Bag! One of my f
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Updates?
Robert Randall on Sun 17 May 2009 at 10:35 PM
Sorry, I havent been updating. Im on a short-term job working in the art department for a TV movie being shot here in Victoria and spare time to blog has been in short supply. I did manage to give a br
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 17 May 2009 at 5:03 PM
Below is the Sunday Links post, but before we get to that, here are two blog posts where I left comments recently.
One was Catherine Novaks post about the Shoal Point Moka House tweetup two days ago.
Topics: urbanism
King of The Boondoggles, Part II
Ross Crockford on Sat 16 May 2009 at 3:10 PM
Quite a spike in traffic to this blog recently, mainly because of an earlier post about Frank Hertel, the oily businessman who used research-and-development tax credits to buy up Victoria real estate i
Topics: urbanism
Developers v. NIMBYs: Lessons from “Johnny Guitar”
Yule Heibel on Sat 16 May 2009 at 1:05 PM
Watching Nicholas Rays 1954 classic Western Johnny Guitar, I kept focusing on the antagonisms between Joan Crawfords character Vienna and Mercedes McCambridges Emma Small as ones between developers and
Topics: urbanism
Ugly Victorians
Ross Crockford on Fri 15 May 2009 at 10:58 AM
I’m taking this month off to finish a book proposal, so here’s an oldie but a goodie from the original Secrets book, just in time for the Imperial festivities of Victoria Day.As anyone who visits q
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Ripping out
cafejabbaccino on Thu 14 May 2009 at 7:59 AM
Right now I have two knitting projects on the needles that are worthy of the big rip out. A sweater (my first one) and a scarf. Last night I ripped one of them out - the scarf.I apologize for the weird
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Buttercup Bag
cafejabbaccino on Mon 11 May 2009 at 9:26 AM
So, I finally made the Buttercup Bag over the weekend and I love it! Although this fabric wasn't my first choice as you could tell by my previous post - it still turned out great. It's the perfect size
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 09 May 2009 at 11:28 PM
Lifehacker - How to Filter and Manage Your Online Social Life - Social Networks
The title is self-explanatory.
tags: socialmedia, how_to, reference, gtd
Fairy tale or horror story - join the debate
Topics: urbanism
Thought-provoking insights: The Future of Journalism
Yule Heibel on Fri 08 May 2009 at 9:59 PM
I bookmarked the following article earlier today: The Root Of The Matter: Emily Bell on The Future of Journalism.
Its an excellent summary of a lecture by Emily Bell (head of digital content at Guardia
Topics: urbanism
BC-STV’s branding shares likeness of BC NDP’s
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 08 May 2009 at 5:11 PM
BC-STVs branding campaign shares an uncanny likeness to the BC NDPs colour palette and signage, and that may be one of the causes behind the decline in STV support. The Globe and Mail reported on May
Topics: urbanism
Heather Ross Fabric
cafejabbaccino on Fri 08 May 2009 at 9:29 AM
I can't believe how much I love this fabric.It's designed by Heather Ross, and if you want to see more go here or here.I'm dying to get my hands on the brown one with the sea horses (for a summer sundr
Topics: urbanism
On Tuesday: Yogurt
cafejabbaccino on Wed 06 May 2009 at 4:10 PM
This afternoon I found out that after three months of eating no dairy and no wheat, I get to have yogurt on Tuesday. And not just once - I have to eat it with all three meals!Do you realize the opportu
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Victoria resident wins $38,500 on Wheel of Fortune
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 04 May 2009 at 3:02 PM
A Victoria resident got the chance of a lifetime when he was chosen to be a contestant on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune. Ryan Hinton won cash and prizes totaling $38,500USD, on the May 1st ai
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I won't sleep until I make this
cafejabbaccino on Mon 04 May 2009 at 8:52 AM
Last night while browsing the internet, I found this.I cannot resist bags, it's already out of control. But a cute purse like this and a free pattern that looks easy?! I'm like a fly on....If you are i
Topics: urbanism
City of Victoria’s $240 million problem
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 03 May 2009 at 9:42 PM
Replacing the Johnson Street Bridge. Renovating Cyrstal Pool. Building a new central library and updating Centennial Square. The pricetag? $240 million, and that does not include millions requi
Topics: urbanism
Welcome, T-C Readers
Ross Crockford on Sun 03 May 2009 at 7:58 AM
If you’ve come to this blog for the first time, it’s probably because you saw my review of the Alex MacLean book in today’s Times Colonist. Welcome!Click on the blue text under “The Index” at
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The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sat 02 May 2009 at 11:29 PM
The Man Who Made Gmail Says Real-Time Conversation is Whats Next - ReadWriteWeb
QUOTE
So, heres a summary. The father of the best web email program on the planet believes that a real-time streaming int
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Clarifying what you want
Yule Heibel on Sat 02 May 2009 at 10:22 AM
I got to meet blogger Victoria Klassen through Twitter at several local tweetups, but I feel I really get to know her through her writing. Today she published a wonderful post, A Forrest Gump kinda int
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Google business cards (but not in Canada)
Yule Heibel on Fri 01 May 2009 at 8:16 PM
If I still lived in the US, I could do free advertising for Google by getting some of these:
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Google business cards (but not in Canada)
Yule Heibel on Fri 01 May 2009 at 8:16 PM
If I still lived in the US, I could do free advertising for Google by getting some of these:
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I’m looking for a job.
Yule Heibel on Fri 01 May 2009 at 12:28 PM
Im nearly ready to throw in the towel, asking myself why I bother writing locally, given that letters such as this one get mailed to the editor and are published, without any opportunity for me to rebu
Topics: urbanism
Victorians weigh in on the swine flu pandemic
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 29 Apr 2009 at 2:13 PM
VibrantVictoria.cas discussion forum is abuzz with Victorians discussing the local and global impacts of the H1N1 swine flu virus. Click here to follow the latest local and global developments as the
Topics: urbanism
I know it's early but....this is how it goes
cafejabbaccino on Wed 29 Apr 2009 at 9:38 AM
This is not unusual for me - honestly. This is usually the time of year when I make an incredibly important decision. A decision that will determine how I will remember this year in the future.....What
Topics: urbanism
Shaw
cafejabbaccino on Mon 27 Apr 2009 at 10:29 AM
A few weeks ago I got a call from Shaw. They offered me a digital box and "25 extra channels" for $2.95/month. "Yeeaaahhhh right......what's the catch?"Apparently there was no catch. So the digital box
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 26 Apr 2009 at 10:52 AM
Heirs to Fortuyn? by Bruce Bawer, City Journal Spring 2009
Article by Bruce Bawer, on why stalwarts of the Left in Europe, gays in particular, are abandoning social-democratic multicultural politics. B
Topics: urbanism
Comment on Kevin Kelly’s “4 Arguments Against Technology”
Yule Heibel on Sat 25 Apr 2009 at 11:33 PM
I just responded to Kevin Kellys 4 Arguments Against Technology. Hes compiling a list, which he wants to flesh out - so that he can write better arguments in defense of technology. So far he has 1. Con
Topics: urbanism
Notes: Traffic volume, hormone levels
Yule Heibel on Fri 24 Apr 2009 at 11:22 PM
When I was at yesterdays Committee of the Whole at City Hall, I listened to the Citys engineers talk about cars and vehicular traffic, and how it relates to the question of whether or not to keep Victo
Topics: urbanism
Moonstruck
cafejabbaccino on Fri 24 Apr 2009 at 1:24 PM
I'm not a fan of Hollywood movies, in fact the majority of them suck in my opinion. But once in a while a Hollywood movie comes along that I cannot live without. If you haven't seen this movie, I don't
Topics: urbanism
Amid economic uncertainty, “The 834? downtown condo project goes ahead
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 24 Apr 2009 at 10:07 AM
Chard Development, developer of the Juliet and Corazon condo buildings in downtown Victoria, today released news of their latest project, dubbed The 834, (a 14-storey condo located in the 800-block of
Topics: urbanism
Blue Bridge blues
Yule Heibel on Thu 23 Apr 2009 at 8:30 PM
An interrupted week was interrupted even more when I attended this mornings Committee of the Whole meeting, to listen to city councilors debate the merits of rehabbing v. replacing Victorias storied Jo
Topics: urbanism
Myers-Briggs says I’ve changed
Yule Heibel on Tue 21 Apr 2009 at 3:17 PM
Change is good, right?
Prompted by Gotham Gals post about taking an online Myers-Briggs personality test, I decided to give the test another whirl.
I had taken it several years ago and got an INFP re
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Cool Whip
cafejabbaccino on Tue 21 Apr 2009 at 11:23 AM
So I've been on this 'diet' since February. Remember this post? I want to make it clear that this isn't a diet to lose weight, it's a diet that's supposed to make me feel better in general.The problem
Topics: urbanism
Workers laid off; construction stalls at Hudson project
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 20 Apr 2009 at 5:54 PM
Construction at one of Victorias high-profile real-estate development projects, The Hudson, has apparently ceased, suggesting the three-tower and old Bay store redevelopment project may be the latest v
Topics: urbanism
Yet Another Reason to Hate Ticketmaster
cafejabbaccino on Mon 20 Apr 2009 at 1:35 PM
Before Ticketmaster went online, I used to be a pro at getting good seats to concerts over the phone. So, my parents asked me if I would get them tickets to a big concert coming up. No problem! It's ea
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 19 Apr 2009 at 3:39 PM
Is the Boulder model tenable for Ann Arbor?
Saw this in Boris Manns FriendFeed (via his Google Reader bookmarks). Comment on Jason Mendelson of Foundry Group (which funds primarily light-weight, inexpe
Topics: urbanism
March article: Victoria’s Urban Forest
Yule Heibel on Sat 18 Apr 2009 at 4:24 PM
It has been up on Scribd for a while, but I havent yet given this article a more detailed blog post: Victorias Urban Forest, published in FOCUS Magazine last month (March 2009).
My description:
Urban f
Topics: urbanism
See what I mean?
cafejabbaccino on Sat 18 Apr 2009 at 11:36 AM
Jen: Did you see the massive hole Ziggy ripped in the shower curtain?Brad: Yes.....he stuck his head through it while I was showering this morning.
Topics: urbanism
Taylor report update
Robert Randall on Fri 17 Apr 2009 at 3:24 PM
City Hall released the executive summary of the Taylor report, along with their recommendations on implementing some of the ideas found in it. Ill comment later when Ive had time to digest it.
Posted i
Topics: urbanism
Our Bad Room Mate
cafejabbaccino on Thu 16 Apr 2009 at 10:51 AM
Behold.Ziggy.Named after Ziggy Stardust, of course. He is also affectionately known as Bad Room Mate, Stripey, Nutcase, Pudge-o-Rama, and Spaz. I have devoted an entire series of cartoons to his Bad Ro
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The Presets
cafejabbaccino on Wed 15 Apr 2009 at 10:19 AM
Rawbean, IG and I saw The Presets at The Commodore on Monday night. I knew it was going to be a great show, great music, the best venue in Vancouver for live music.... but honestly. I had no idea what
Topics: urbanism
A Drop to Drink
Ross Crockford on Wed 15 Apr 2009 at 8:51 AM
Victorians have just emerged from a wet couple of weeks ... but the rest of the world hasn’t been so lucky. In February bush fires ravaged Australia, last month activists at the World Water Forum in
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The Myth of Consumer Power & co.
Various James Bay Writers on Tue 14 Apr 2009 at 10:51 AM
The Way of Capitalism has failed -- shop accordingly.Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
February article: Housing 2.0
Yule Heibel on Mon 13 Apr 2009 at 10:18 PM
It took a while for me to catch up with my own goal to blog about the articles Ive posted to Scribd, but here (finally) is a quick pointer to Housing 2.0, the piece I published in the February 2009 iss
Topics: urbanism
Time tread
Yule Heibel on Mon 13 Apr 2009 at 10:35 AM
Latterly battling a major case of the blues, Im not helped by what locals refer to as island time, a peculiar warp-mode prevalent to Victoria. It eats initiative, lets responses (feedback) fall into th
Topics: urbanism
Victoria on video: a glimpse of Victoria in 1907
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 13 Apr 2009 at 6:30 AM
Victorias Hallmark Society has released a film shot in 1907 by William Harbeck, a filmographer who traveled through downtown Victoria on a streetcar filming every stop of the way. The Hallmark Society
Topics: urbanism
I could totally live here
cafejabbaccino on Sun 12 Apr 2009 at 9:55 PM
So, we decided to explore the Dockside Green buildings the other day - very cool. They are in various stages of construction but a few of them are open already. We found a brand new coffee shop and get
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 12 Apr 2009 at 11:34 AM
David Byrne Journal: 03.07.09: Good Investments and Bad Investments - Annotated
Scroll down to see the part I bookmarked this article for (We Live in a Virtual World). Amazing image comparison, great c
Topics: urbanism
Spawn of sci-fi at the gym
Yule Heibel on Thu 09 Apr 2009 at 4:07 PM
I joined the downtown Y a few months ago and now work out regularly on all those contraptions I used to make fun of. (Its all part of denial - I am not getting older, I am getting better, etc etc etc.)
Topics: urbanism
Too far?
cafejabbaccino on Thu 09 Apr 2009 at 3:32 PM
Would you commute this far to work? It seems to take about 30 minutes (by car) door to door, but I haven't done it in "rush hour" yet.On one hand, we didn't move here so that one of us could commute. O
Topics: urbanism
Rob on C-FAX
Robert Randall on Wed 08 Apr 2009 at 3:22 PM
Thursday, April 9 from 12:30 to 1 p.m., Ill be a panelist on the Ryan Price show on C-FAX 1070 AM talking about random Downtown things. Click the link to listen live.
Posted in architecture, arts and c
Topics: urbanism
Battle of the United Nations over Victoria harm reduction!
Robert Randall on Tue 07 Apr 2009 at 11:04 PM
An article in todays Times Colonist berates Victoria for not having a needle exchange, claiming it goes against United Nations health guidelines. Says health researcher Thomas Kerr:
I think British Col
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Stuff on my Ipod (right now)
cafejabbaccino on Tue 07 Apr 2009 at 11:31 AM
First off, Rawbean deserves credit for over half of these bands. She and I have amazingly similar taste in music.* Normally the way it goes is she discovers someone and passes it on to me. I seem to be
Topics: urbanism
Bonspiel leather goods rawk!
Yule Heibel on Mon 06 Apr 2009 at 6:00 PM
Ok, time for a big shout-out to Ellen, aka Bonspiel Creations. We met earlier today and I bought the Falconista bag. Its beautiful, soft, expertly stitched and well-thought-out. Love it.
Heres a very s
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 05 Apr 2009 at 10:26 PM
Susan Sontag and Philip Johnson - myarchN
Susan Sontag chatting with Philip Johnson in NYCs Seagram Building. Johnson makes NIMBY noises about how his view will be blocked when a surface parking lot ac
Topics: urbanism
Big Blobs Close to Home
cafejabbaccino on Sun 05 Apr 2009 at 8:51 PM
We went for a quick walk after dinner tonight. The sun had just set and it was that time of day when everything looks flat in the dim light.We were chatting about how quiet the sea wall was. There was
Topics: urbanism
Front-line/Downtown - Community Solutions
Yule Heibel on Thu 02 Apr 2009 at 10:25 AM
On Monday March 30, the Downtown Residents Association (DRA) hosted a public meeting, On The Front Lines: Community Solutions for Homelessness and Social Issues, at City Hall. Moderated by DRA chair Ro
Topics: urbanism
Social issues meeting follow-up
Robert Randall on Wed 01 Apr 2009 at 3:58 PM
Our Monday night event, On The Front Lines: Community Solutions for Homelessness and Social Issues, was a great success. A good sized crowd attended to hear the latest on policing, justice and social i
Topics: urbanism
Is there room for two in there?
cafejabbaccino on Tue 31 Mar 2009 at 12:32 PM
On Sunday as the ferry was loading at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, I was settled into my seat listening to the big rigs bang on board beneath me. It seemed like such a lonely sound...of course no one
Topics: urbanism
Shout Out Out Out Out
cafejabbaccino on Mon 30 Mar 2009 at 6:06 PM
Rawbean and I went to see Shout Out Out Out Out on Saturday night at Richard's on Richard's in Vancouver.The show was amazing, just what I needed. It's been ages since I've been out to see a band.We we
Topics: urbanism
TC: Urban Safety on Town Hall Agenda
Robert Randall on Mon 30 Mar 2009 at 9:04 AM
Urban safety on town-hall agenda
Times Colonist
March 30, 2009
Victoria police Chief Jamie Graham will address the forum, which will also include representatives from city council, the Downtown Victori
Topics: urbanism
So much bubbling up
Yule Heibel on Sun 29 Mar 2009 at 9:47 PM
As we work on MetroCascade, I continue to be amazed by all the bloggers, events, and sources that we uncover (ok, that I uncover!).
One twenty-something dude told me that he didnt think there was any v
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 29 Mar 2009 at 8:24 PM
Vancouver’s housing habit
Money hasnt saved Canadas most blighted neighbourhood, the drug-infested Downtown Eastside. Resources arent wanting; its estimated that $1-million is shovelled into the area
Topics: urbanism
Posting elsewhere
Yule Heibel on Sun 29 Mar 2009 at 5:58 PM
Even though theres not much activity here, that doesnt mean Ive been sitting on my hands. As we continue to get MetroCascade up and running, Im not just curating content on that site (by bookmarking lo
Topics: urbanism
Checking in
Yule Heibel on Sun 29 Mar 2009 at 5:50 PM
Im neglecting my blog lately (tho I hate using that word, as it makes me sound like neglect is optional).
(The give-away was that for a couple of weeks running, I dont even have a Diigo linkroll update
Topics: urbanism
Victoria skyline photos
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 28 Mar 2009 at 1:33 PM
Skying photo a-plenty have been coralled on VibrantVictoria.cas S K Y L I N E photo-thread on the VibrantVictoria.ca forum. Peruse photos and comments dating back over two years.
Below are a couple o
Topics: urbanism
Taylor Report? What the hell is the Taylor Report?!
Robert Randall on Sat 28 Mar 2009 at 11:09 AM
I really wanted to use the Interrobang in the title above.
The existence of the heretofore unknown Taylor Report has tongues a-wagging amongst the local community Associations. Ive discussed the Cuff R
Topics: urbanism
Event: On The Front Lines: Community Solutions for Homelessness and Social Issues
Robert Randall on Fri 27 Mar 2009 at 3:01 PM
The Downtown Residents Association is presenting a special event for all residents of Downtown:
On The Front Lines: Community Solutions for Homelessness and Social Issues
Monday, March 30, 7 p.m - 9 p.
Topics: urbanism
No crackdown on homeless for 2010 Games: police
Robert Randall on Fri 27 Mar 2009 at 11:48 AM
Vancouver story from the CBC. Of interest because some are predicting an influx of homeless in Victoria in the months leading up to the Vancouver Olympic Games.
Deputy Chief Steve Sweeney of the Vancou
Topics: urbanism
Treat addiction as a disease: BC MD
Robert Randall on Thu 26 Mar 2009 at 8:09 PM
Times Colonist: B.C. doctors are calling for the provincial government to formally recognize addiction as a chronic disease — and provide public funding to deal with it.
This could have possible impl
Topics: urbanism
North Douglas Street and Auto Industry Woes
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 26 Mar 2009 at 6:15 PM
The woes facing the worlds automotive industry could one day transform the auto-sales strip along the northern stretches of Douglas Street into different uses. VibrantVictoria.ca forum member Holden
Topics: urbanism
Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade
cafejabbaccino on Thu 26 Mar 2009 at 1:04 PM
I'm a sucker for anything from the 70's. I own the first three seasons of Columbo - probably my all time favourite TV series from the 70's.The best part of watching these old shows is the scenery. I lo
Topics: urbanism
The Music List - Update
cafejabbaccino on Tue 24 Mar 2009 at 10:08 AM
So, after all the work I did on The Music List for my parents, I decided that it wouldn't be complete without a great CD cover. Of course I decide to do this literally hours before the damn thing shoul
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Expo in 2018 or 2022?
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 22 Mar 2009 at 3:41 PM
Victorias bigger brother cant have all the fun, can it? The Vancouver 2010 Olympics have raised the concept of a expo event that could (and should!) be held in Victoria in 2018 or 2022 (check out the
Topics: urbanism
February and March FOCUS articles up on Scribd
Yule Heibel on Fri 20 Mar 2009 at 5:01 PM
As the title says, I just scanned and uploaded (finally) my February and March articles to Scribd.
Ill have a more detailed post later, but for now you can find the February article here and the March
Topics: urbanism
The Original Salmon Kings
Ross Crockford on Thu 19 Mar 2009 at 3:11 PM
Some of the prettiest commercial artwork ever created in this province were the labels designed for canned salmon, British Columbia’s biggest export product at the end of the 19th century. Recently a
Topics: urbanism
Black Hole
cafejabbaccino on Thu 19 Mar 2009 at 12:19 PM
Ohmigod!The Ultra Dense Genuine German Rye Bread is sucking me in!!It's so dense, it has created a black hole in the kitchen, I can feel TIME slipping away...
Topics: urbanism
A modest proposal to stimulate local economy
Yule Heibel on Wed 18 Mar 2009 at 8:48 PM
I just read Reid tops list of municipal election spenders, an article in my local newspaper about candidates campaign spending in our citys November 2008 municipal election.
This caught my attention:
Topics: urbanism
New Costco gas station may lead to price competition at pumps
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 18 Mar 2009 at 11:17 AM
Costco Wholesale, famous for its discounted merchandise superstores, is planning on opening a gas station in Langford, according to this discussion thread started by concorde on the VibrantVictoria.ca
Topics: urbanism
Oz, BC
Yule Heibel on Tue 17 Mar 2009 at 4:53 PM
Oh my.
I got my hair cut at a new place today, and it turned out the two stylists working there knew all my old places (and faces): more or less my age, they had attended the same schools and we knew a
Topics: urbanism
Uhh....bread?
cafejabbaccino on Tue 17 Mar 2009 at 10:16 AM
You know when you are in the grocery store and someone is bagging your groceries and they put the bread in with all the cans and you don't realize it until you get it home? Then you have squashed brea
Topics: urbanism
Downtown Victoria’s drug dealing “hot spots”
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 16 Mar 2009 at 8:51 PM
A gritty aspect of any urban environment, drug dealing hot spots (also referred to as candy shops) change, grow, recede and relocate over time. Downtown Victorias hot spots have certainly morphed ove
Topics: urbanism
Media, life and death of.
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 16 Mar 2009 at 11:33 AM
The conversation about the state of media continues on the Vibrant Victoria forum, with an entire sub-forum called The Media given over to the topic. Theres Printed Media, which includes Newspaper Clos
Topics: urbanism
Bulletin Board
cafejabbaccino on Mon 16 Mar 2009 at 10:22 AM
Everyone has a bulletin board or something that they hang crap on right?Well, here's mine. There is a wide variety of crap on mine: aliens, cartoons, my Grandma's pin cushion, concert tickets, coupons
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 15 Mar 2009 at 9:51 PM
Poynter Online - Centerpieces: Ex-WaPo Editor Jim Brady to News Sites: Experiment More, Now
Interview with Jim Brady, ex-Washington-Post executive editor, about the state of newspapers today, online v.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria International Marina proposal back in the spotlight
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 15 Mar 2009 at 9:28 PM
A mega-yatch marina proposal on the shores of Vic Wests Songhees neighbourhood is back in the spotlight after a recent informational session hosted by the proponents. For more information on the pro
Topics: urbanism
Victoria’s Susan Low to host Young Business Leaders’ Summit
Yule Heibel on Sat 14 Mar 2009 at 3:26 PM
Normally, I would just re-tweet a local news item on my Twitter stream, but what Susan Low proposes is so important (and so in synch with my thinking) that Im re-blogging it, the whole darn announcemen
Topics: urbanism
Forward spring
Yule Heibel on Fri 13 Mar 2009 at 7:33 PM
A forward spring would be nice right about now, because it rather feels like I fell flat on my face this week.
Being a sensitive sort, the twice-annual time change-a-palooza bullshit makes me feel like
Topics: urbanism
City Hall Re-orgapalooza!
Robert Randall on Fri 13 Mar 2009 at 1:02 PM
A substantial reorganization of City Hall process has just been made public.
Gone are the traditional entities like Committee of the Whole, Advisory Planning Commission and other committees like Cyclin
Topics: urbanism
Yesterday
cafejabbaccino on Fri 13 Mar 2009 at 12:18 PM
I went into Vancouver again yesterday. I know, I know....(Read on though for good things that happened as relates to Victoria...)1. I had lunch with four of the most fabulous, unique girls I know. I on
Topics: urbanism
The old Mozart lot (Yates St.)
Robert Randall on Wed 11 Mar 2009 at 9:17 AM
The former Mozart site in the 700 block Yates St. has been an eyesore for years. Currently little more than a drained swamp, the site was supposed to be a mixed use (office/residential/retail) building
Topics: urbanism
Orange Scented Coffee
cafejabbaccino on Mon 09 Mar 2009 at 11:51 AM
I love coffee. I love everything about it. The incredible smell of the beans. Sipping coffee from one of my pottery mugs with a book. Sipping coffee in a cozy coffee shop with a friend....the warmth of
Topics: urbanism
What’s my domain?
Yule Heibel on Sun 08 Mar 2009 at 11:02 PM
Im very fortunate. Since March/ April 2003 Ive been able to blog for free, hosted by Harvards Berkman Center for Internet and Society. Its an option open to anyone with a Harvard email address.
While w
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 9
Various James Bay Writers on Sun 08 Mar 2009 at 12:26 PM
Here are my photochops for Week Nine of the James Bay Photo Project. Enjoy...Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 08 Mar 2009 at 1:29 AM
Economic Impact: The City as a Social Portfolio « The Captured Perspective
Great Captured Perspective blog post by Peter Boumgarden, who comments on Richard Floridas Atlantic Monthly piece:
QUOTE
citi
Topics: urbanism
Cuff report recommendations to see light
Robert Randall on Fri 06 Mar 2009 at 3:35 PM
News on the long-awaited Cuff Report: A few minutes ago, the Mayors office scheduled a March 13 meeting with the Community Association heads to discuss the recommendations contained in the Cuff Report
Topics: urbanism
Emotional much??
cafejabbaccino on Fri 06 Mar 2009 at 10:39 AM
Remember this post?The morning after we decided to move to Victoria, I got on the bus to go to work. I was already a mess. All I could think about was how I only had about 7 more months left in Vancouv
Topics: urbanism
The Music List
cafejabbaccino on Wed 04 Mar 2009 at 9:19 AM
About 5 years ago my parents gave me a list of 108 of their favourite songs. They were wondering if I could make them a CD (or two.....or more) so they could have them all together.I brought the list h
Topics: urbanism
Concert Properties proposes 11-storey office project on downtown’s “Mozart”
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 04 Mar 2009 at 6:39 AM
The Mozart, local developer Eric Charmans development dream, never materialized on a lot bordering the Canada Post building and the site of the old Lyalls Place record shop along Yates Street. Approv
Topics: urbanism
New Design
cafejabbaccino on Tue 03 Mar 2009 at 6:03 PM
Check out my new blog design! Tell me what you think....
Topics: urbanism
Victoria construction projects slated for 2009
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 03 Mar 2009 at 3:06 PM
As people choose to downsize from traditional homes to compact urban housing and local organizations continue to wait for new commercial space offerings, the cogs of progress will continue to churn in
Topics: urbanism
Inventory of free wireless in Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 03 Mar 2009 at 2:28 PM
Curious where youll find free wireless access throughout Victoria and the south Island? A thread in the forum, Inventory of free wireless in Victoria, is a growing depository of local wireless hotspo
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 01 Mar 2009 at 1:30 AM
But Whos Counting? (MIT Technology Review)
QUOTE:
Konrad Feldman, a cofounder of San Francisco–based startup Quantcast, sees big business in audience measurement.
UNQUOTE
No one really knows how many
Topics: urbanism
Notes on Jennifer Kostuik’s talk at VISA
Yule Heibel on Sat 28 Feb 2009 at 11:15 PM
Vancouver gallery owner Jennifer Kostuik gave a talk at VISA (Vancouver Island School of Art) on Thursday (2/26) evening. Despite a technical glitch beyond her control (the projector stopped working, m
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 8
Various James Bay Writers on Sat 28 Feb 2009 at 10:11 AM
Here are my photochops for Week Eight of the James Bay Photo Project. Enjoy...Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
Newspaper dying?
Vibrantvictoria on Sat 28 Feb 2009 at 12:26 AM
The fate of the Times-Colonist is one of the big topics discussed on the Vibrant Victoria forum today. See the thread Times Colonist becoming smaller physically, scroll down to mats postings, starting
Topics: urbanism
Airport bullish on runway extension
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 27 Feb 2009 at 4:46 PM
The Victoria International Airport Authority is pitching a plan to the Provincial and Federal governments to help share the cost of a $41 million runway extension. Victorias International Airport has
Topics: urbanism
Don't forget about ME...
cafejabbaccino on Fri 27 Feb 2009 at 8:39 AM
I have a couple of friends who say that of all the people they know, I am the last one they thought would ever leave Vancouver.When I moved there, I was 21, freshly graduated and ready to start my care
Topics: urbanism
Yes, it's today...
cafejabbaccino on Thu 26 Feb 2009 at 1:45 PM
Today is my birthday. Yay!I have such great friends.Yesterday I got a delivery from Indigo Books - a much needed book about food....A parcel arrived last night in the mail with instructions not to open
Topics: urbanism
Jaywalking. Jaywalking? Jaywalking.
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 25 Feb 2009 at 11:01 PM
Seriously: jaywalking. It has everyone talking, including the forumers on the Crime Thread (p.41, starting nearly 2/3rds of the way down the page through to now, 2/25, and probably more tomorrow).
As b
Topics: urbanism
Tough love from Lifehacker Gina Trapani
Yule Heibel on Wed 25 Feb 2009 at 7:54 PM
I should get the following advice embedded as a microchip in my brain
Choose three important tasks to complete each day. Write them down on a slip of paper and keep it visible on your desk. When you ha
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Too many choices!
Yule Heibel on Tue 24 Feb 2009 at 10:52 PM
For some reason, Thursday February 26 offers a plenitude of events to choose from, but no matter which I choose, Ill be wistfully wondering if I should be elsewhere since I cant be at all three.
First,
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March FOCUS Magazine online
Yule Heibel on Tue 24 Feb 2009 at 4:02 PM
The current (March 2009) issue of FOCUS Magazine is now up. Click through to find a link for the full PDF of the complete March issue (or just click here).
My article, Victorias Urban Forest, is on p.
Topics: urbanism
3 Things that Happened this Weekend
cafejabbaccino on Tue 24 Feb 2009 at 11:30 AM
1. Times Columnist Book SaleWe had some friends over for dinner on Friday night, they asked us if we were going to "the book sale"?Every year the Times Columnist puts this event on. If you have used bo
Topics: urbanism
Ferry or floatplane?
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 23 Feb 2009 at 11:32 PM
Theres a great discussion on p.14 of the BC Ferries thread over whether it makes more sense (money- and/or time-wise) to fly downtown to downtown when traveling between Victoria and Vancouver, or wheth
Topics: urbanism
Cyclists, real estate
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 23 Feb 2009 at 11:18 PM
A perennial favorite - Real Estate - and a newcomer started on Feb.21 by amor de cosmos - riding side-by-side in a bike lane - seem to be the Vibrant Victoria forum threads getting the most attention r
Topics: urbanism
Local emphasis
Yule Heibel on Mon 23 Feb 2009 at 10:28 PM
At Northern Voice 2009 (which I still have to assimilate/ digest), I attended a session on hyper-local blogging and also heard people (myself included) lauding the value of local. On the ferry ride hom
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 22 Feb 2009 at 1:30 AM
Environmental Heresies; The founder of The Whole Earth Catalog believes the environmental movement will soon reverse its position on four core issues, by Stewart Brand
Great article from May 2005, by S
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 7
Various James Bay Writers on Sat 21 Feb 2009 at 1:08 PM
Here are my photochops for week seven of the James Bay Photo Project. Enjoy...Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
Northern Voice 09 in Vancouver
Yule Heibel on Fri 20 Feb 2009 at 8:36 PM
Really hate to do this, but heres a plain-and-simple place-holder blog post: hey folks, Im at Northern Voice 09 in Vancouver, and having a great time. Inundated with people and information, too, which
Topics: urbanism
Get this: I made cookies and they're actually good
cafejabbaccino on Fri 20 Feb 2009 at 12:38 PM
Woah.I'm as shocked as you are!These are Chocolate Meringue cookies and boy are they easy and fun to make! I got the recipe from my Mom. It was in an old recipe book of my Grandma's, who got it from he
Topics: urbanism
Quick note on Victoria politics and level playing fields
Yule Heibel on Wed 18 Feb 2009 at 9:42 PM
If I were perfect - and perfectly unencumbered by domestic and other obligations - I would write at length about two city of Victoria-related political events I attended in the last 24 hours.
Since Im
Topics: urbanism
Sea of Slaughter
Ross Crockford on Wed 18 Feb 2009 at 9:37 AM
Over the past couple of weeks, three harbour and elephant seals have hauled out on city beaches to rest while their fur moults. Crowds of people have showed up to take pictures, curious to see an elusi
Topics: urbanism
What is with the rocks here!?
cafejabbaccino on Wed 18 Feb 2009 at 8:46 AM
I went out on the weekend and took some pictures around my new neighborhood of a strange phenomenon I've noticed here.Do you see anything interesting about this church?No? Okay, do you see anything si
Topics: urbanism
Notes: spatial arrangements for cars and kids
Yule Heibel on Tue 17 Feb 2009 at 2:57 PM
Bear with me, gentle reader, as I try to describe in words a spatial relationship. Something about how the combination of roads and a school near my house affects pedestrian movement has been bugging m
Topics: urbanism
Mixed bag of threads
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 16 Feb 2009 at 10:11 PM
Bernard is asking for input and opinions on James Bay, as hes planning a series of articles about Victoria neighborhoods. See James Bay - chime in if you have something to add.
Discussion of the Falls
Topics: urbanism
Why do we do this to ourselves?!
cafejabbaccino on Mon 16 Feb 2009 at 5:01 PM
I'm a big fan of horror movies, but only the kinds that are creepy without being disturbing* or that I can watch and make fun of. Some of my favourite horror flicks are The Shining, The Changeling and
Topics: urbanism
Who’s afraid?
Robert Randall on Mon 16 Feb 2009 at 8:35 AM
Edward Albees classic play about alcohol-soaked intellectuals battling it out after midnight should be a must-see for theatre fans and UVic professors. And Im not saying that just because I made the po
Topics: urbanism
EMILY CARR HATES YOU
Various James Bay Writers on Sun 15 Feb 2009 at 6:50 AM
Now I think we're really on to something.... check out the ASSUME NOTHING program at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, esp. Andrea Walsh's recontextualizing soundscapes at 250.704.2737 (Hit #6 for E
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 15 Feb 2009 at 1:30 AM
“BREAKING NEWS”: Why the New York Times and Harvard Should Merge « What’s the Big Idea?
The business model – which is another way of saying the underlying purpose – of just about everything
Topics: urbanism
Blogging in 4 places…
Yule Heibel on Sat 14 Feb 2009 at 7:58 PM
Just a note to let everyone know that in addition to this blog and the blog for MetroCascade, I also occasionally blog for the MetroCascade events blog, and I recently - since 2/11, making good on a lo
Topics: urbanism
Smokes and heritage
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 13 Feb 2009 at 11:50 PM
Last nights grisly death of a young woman gets mentioned on Vibrant Victorias forum in the Crime Thread (scroll down to post nr. 1005), although its not an active topic of conversation (yet?).
Instead,
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 6
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 13 Feb 2009 at 4:49 PM
Here are my photochops for week six of the James Bay Photo Project. Enjoy...Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
Victoria BC on Vimeo Videos
Yule Heibel on Fri 13 Feb 2009 at 4:49 PM
While searching for Victoria, BC-based tweeples a little while ago (wondering if MetroCascade should eventually integrate Twitter streams and/or other media) I saw a pointer on Will Wilkinsons stream t
Topics: urbanism
“Why Victoria?” on VV Forum
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 12 Feb 2009 at 8:00 AM
Theres a wonderful conversation taking place right now on the Vibrant Victoria forum, on a thread entitled Why Victoria?
It was spun off by forumer Jacques Cade from another hot-button thread in the Vi
Topics: urbanism
VV Forum: Provincial election campaigns in Greater Victoria
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 11 Feb 2009 at 2:53 PM
Click on over to the Vibrant Victoria Forum to check out the newly started threads on BCs upcoming May 12 Provincial election. A big thanks to forumer Bernard who started seven new VV forum discussion
Topics: urbanism
I knew this would happen one day...
cafejabbaccino on Wed 11 Feb 2009 at 12:08 PM
Since I've been writing letters, I don't use receivers name or my name in the return address. It's just another element of fun to add to the process. But I knew this would come back to haunt me one day
Topics: urbanism
How did I get here?
cafejabbaccino on Tue 10 Feb 2009 at 4:07 PM
So, I think it's time I told my story about leaving my beloved Vancouver behind. (I will take my queue from Rawbean and use cartoons - because they make it more fun.)My then-soon-to-be-fiance had an in
Topics: urbanism
MetroCascade
Robert Randall on Mon 09 Feb 2009 at 12:10 PM
MetroCascade is live. This Victoria-based aggregator should be part of your daily read.
Posted in architecture, arts and culture, media, social issues, urban design, Victoria's economy
Topics: urbanism
Six storey wood frame construction
Robert Randall on Mon 09 Feb 2009 at 11:54 AM
This topic is turning out to be more controversial that I first thought it might when I learned about it a couple of years ago at a UDI luncheon. In brief, the Province is allowing five and six storey
Topics: urbanism
Blogging in 2 places…
Yule Heibel on Mon 09 Feb 2009 at 11:15 AM
What was going to be a brief blog post on our company blog in praise of our first signed-up user ended up speculating on new media, local politics, broadcasting, and people-to-people interaction (media
Topics: urbanism
Bad Room Mate Part 1
cafejabbaccino on Mon 09 Feb 2009 at 10:29 AM
I own a cat, not a dog. He likes to chew things.Things like cardboard, paper, my glasses (often he tries when they are on my face), shoelaces, wires, books, wicker, pens....This is by far the most expe
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 08 Feb 2009 at 1:30 AM
Everyblocks Dilemma: How Do You Open Source Your Entire Site and Survive? - OReilly Radar
Brady Forrest (OReilly Radar) ponders Adrian Holovatys announcement that Everyblock will be opensource/ availab
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 5
Various James Bay Writers on Sat 07 Feb 2009 at 11:44 AM
My apologies for the slightly belated posting. We have been having some troubles with our ISP, and I haven't been able to access the net for the past couple of days. But, In any case here are my photo-
Topics: urbanism
Snail Mail
cafejabbaccino on Fri 06 Feb 2009 at 4:08 PM
I love letters.I love sending them and receiving them.It all started when an old friend of mine moved to the interior of BC temporarily. She was up there by herself, so I got the big idea to send her s
Topics: urbanism
MetroCascade Victoria: see, read, do
Yule Heibel on Fri 06 Feb 2009 at 10:18 AM
Whoa, its up!
Announcing the soft launch of my baby, what I and my partners have been working on: MetroCascade, the local news aggregator for Victoria, BC.
The site was up a while ago, but now it has a
Topics: urbanism
Victoria Film Festival
cafejabbaccino on Tue 03 Feb 2009 at 10:20 AM
One of the things I knew I would miss a lot about living in Vancouver is the VIFF.(To give you an idea of how much we love it, early in 2008 when we were contemplating our move over here, a friend of o
Topics: urbanism
A Walking Tour in James Bay: Introduction
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 02 Feb 2009 at 6:50 AM
I'm going to use my next few posts to share one of my own favorite activites in James Bay: exploring the neighbourhood's relatively undeveloped Southern shoreline. I will present it in the form of a gu
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 01 Feb 2009 at 1:30 AM
Can Toronto learn to love winter?, by Christopher Hume (Toronto Star)
Christopher Hume asks if Torontonians (living along the largest river in Egypt?) can learn to love it - winter, that is. What I fin
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Weeks 3 & 4
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 30 Jan 2009 at 6:18 PM
I was on the mainland last week for my brother's wedding. I brought my camera along, but was so busy I didn't even think to take pictures for a few days. So I decided to combine weeks three and four in
Topics: urbanism
Tillicum Mall
cafejabbaccino on Fri 30 Jan 2009 at 4:02 PM
I went out today to buy Brad a birthday gift. I had to find a London Drugs so I hit the internet and got an address - a mall. "I haven't been to this mall yet," I thought. "It will be an adventure!"So
Topics: urbanism
Chocolate Buns and Socks
cafejabbaccino on Fri 30 Jan 2009 at 10:44 AM
*Okay, I've been saving these items for a rainy day, so beware: this post is all over the place.*Before I met Brad I lived by myself for about 9 years. By myself. Nine years. No room mates. In fact, Br
Topics: urbanism
Infrastructure Inferno!
Robert Randall on Tue 27 Jan 2009 at 11:58 PM
Or: Why is it when other cities roll up their sleeves, Victoria wrings its hands?
Yesterday, the Federal Government said it would open the vault and fund infrastructure projects in an effort to boost t
Topics: urbanism
THE HORROR AT SHOAL POINT
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 26 Jan 2009 at 6:50 AM
Whatever is the real truth behind the eldritch layout of the Shoal Point Complex we may never know. Personally, I suspect this investigation will be ongoing for the rest of my life. Unless madness ge
Topics: urbanism
January 2009 article up
Yule Heibel on Sun 25 Jan 2009 at 10:25 PM
Its almost the end of the month - my March article is due in a few days and I realized I hadnt yet posted my (published) January 2009 Focus Magazine article. So, here it is: Building bridges and start-
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 25 Jan 2009 at 1:31 AM
Where Do Cities Come From? (Richard Florida - Creative Class)
Florida points to an article that smacks down cities (it claims that historically theyve been death traps) and asks for reader feedback. I
Topics: urbanism
JAMES BAYE & HIS BIG MIND
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 23 Jan 2009 at 11:18 AM
Yep. On Thursday evenings from about seven to nine o'clock the illustrious James Baye -- the "lineage holder" of Genpo Roshi's "big mind" practice will be guiding people through a progressive meditati
Topics: urbanism
Closed routine or open innovation?
Yule Heibel on Thu 22 Jan 2009 at 2:16 PM
While theres much to be said for routine and regular habits, there are other times that require smashing the status quo.
I went to City Hall this morning, expecting to participate in a workshop/ presen
Topics: urbanism
“Timber!” or “Timber?”
Yule Heibel on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 3:50 PM
After attending todays Urban Development Institute Luncheon on The Story Behind the Six Storey Mid-rise Initiative (with speaker Trudy Rotgans, Manager, Building and Safety Policy Branch in the BC Gove
Topics: urbanism
Notes: Grist-ly.
Yule Heibel on Mon 19 Jan 2009 at 10:49 PM
I checked into my blogs admin pages last night to post my Sunday Diigo links. Im aware that I last blogged - about mystery of all things - on January 12, which happened to be my mothers birthday.
I do
Topics: urbanism
Overloaded with Polystyrene?
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 19 Jan 2009 at 6:50 AM
The Hartland landfill processes 140,000 tonnes of solid waste per year, of which 1.7% is either polystyrene (PS) or expanded polystyrene (EPS)Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 18 Jan 2009 at 1:30 AM
The Long Emergency: An Interview with James Howard Kunstler - OReilly Broadcast
I despise the way JH Kunstler has managed to make what should be well-placed criticism of the system into an ideological
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 2
Various James Bay Writers on Sat 17 Jan 2009 at 9:30 AM
James Bay Photography Project, Week 2: The James Bay Photography Project is a daily photo project. Every week I choose my favorites from among the photos I take each day in James Bay and upload them to
Topics: urbanism
The Heritage Cult
Ross Crockford on Wed 14 Jan 2009 at 8:24 AM
The news seemed innocent enough. “There were a hundred and fifty young men, of all walks of life, present at a meeting held in Pioneer hall last evening,” the Colonist reported on March 9, 1899. Th
Topics: urbanism
Notes: Mystery
Yule Heibel on Mon 12 Jan 2009 at 10:23 PM
As I was on a sort of nostalgia rag (see my comments to the Freshness post, for example), I was reminded of a book by Louise Huebner (go ahead, google her), which I read when I was 14. Her book, while
Topics: urbanism
JAMES JOYCE BAY DAY, anyone?
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 12 Jan 2009 at 6:50 AM
These words are the classic opening line from James Joyce's acclaimed universal masterpiece -- the novel "Ulysses." Universal? Wow - that's pretty big. You just can't argue with something THAT big.
Topics: urbanism
The Sunday Diigo Links Post (weekly)
Yule Heibel on Sun 11 Jan 2009 at 1:30 AM
Asian Designers Are Schooling American ArchitectsHeres How
A bit of a fluff piece (this is the printable page - FastCompany has so much annoying flash crud on its front pages), but theres an interesti
Topics: urbanism
The Cuff Report
Robert Randall on Fri 09 Jan 2009 at 10:11 PM
In July, 2008 I was one of dozens of people interviewed by George Cuff for a City of Victoria-sponsored investigation into improving communications within City Hall. Some background on the report can b
Topics: urbanism
James Bay Photography Project: Week 1
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 09 Jan 2009 at 7:41 PM
I am beginning the new year with a renewed commitment to improve my photography skills. The only way I'm going to do that is by taking lots of pictures and getting them out there in the hopes that peo
Topics: urbanism
Notes: Gaia
Yule Heibel on Wed 07 Jan 2009 at 5:42 PM
Musing this morning on the article I found through one of John Geracis tweets, Green Algae Bloom Process Could Stop Global Warming by Andrew Williams in Clean Technica, I wondered whether the earth is
Topics: urbanism
Notes: Housing 2.0
Yule Heibel on Tue 06 Jan 2009 at 11:02 PM
Im finally finishing the article that was due a few days ago - hate being this late. Prompted by what I came across in several articles recently, its about housing for people who are homeless. Except I
Topics: urbanism
Notes: feminism.
Yule Heibel on Mon 05 Jan 2009 at 9:11 PM
Occasionally, I note that some articles about feminism have people talking - but Ive stopped reading them. On occasion it struck me that an article will approach the topic from a generational p.o.v. to
Topics: urbanism
More on Morley’s
Robert Randall on Mon 05 Jan 2009 at 7:29 PM
I wrote about the Morleys Soda Water saga last year.
The new owner/developer has recently asked the City permission to redevelop the century-old building as a residential development with a new third f
Topics: urbanism
Constructing the BC Legislature: The Library
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 05 Jan 2009 at 6:50 AM
I thought I would ease back into blogging after the holidays with an exploration of what I think are some of the more interesting features of the British Columbia Legislature's structure and design. An
Topics: urbanism
http://www.jamesbay.org/index.php?title=title&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 29 Dec 2008 at 6:50 AM
We're taking a break this week to celebrate the holidays, but the JamesBay.org Blog will be back in the new year with a steady stream of content for and about the people of James Bay. I would like to t
Topics: urbanism
ON THE SIDEWALK by Jack Kerouac
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 22 Dec 2008 at 6:50 AM
Despite its enduring acclaim, most people have not read ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac. And who can blame them? It just the standard American roving adolescent boy-tale. An aggressive, half-educated, s
Topics: urbanism
Awash in Suds
Ross Crockford on Sun 21 Dec 2008 at 12:40 PM
“The question ‘why printers did not succeed as well as brewers?’ was thus answered: ‘Because printers work for the head, and brewers for the stomach; and where twenty men have stomachs, but one
Topics: urbanism
MORE CULTURE ALERTS!
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 19 Dec 2008 at 6:50 AM
Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
Affordable rental is possible
Robert Randall on Wed 17 Dec 2008 at 9:19 PM
Letter to the editor of the Times Colonist from Charles Gurd:
Affordable rentals can be feasible now
December 16, 2008
Henry Kamphof of the Capital Regional District housing secretariat is quoted as sa
Topics: urbanism
Victoria: A century of cocaine use and abuse
Robert Randall on Wed 17 Dec 2008 at 1:24 PM
Thanks to the Times Colonists new searchable 1858-1910 Internet archive, people can research any variety of topics covered by Victorias eminent daily newspaper.
One interesting issue is the appearance
Topics: urbanism
City Hall: 150 years of “not so fast…”
Robert Randall on Mon 15 Dec 2008 at 8:11 PM
I was talking with a local architect today. I asked him about the status of one of his latest projects. It had been approved by Council, and a government tenant had signed the lease and was waiting for
Topics: urbanism
Constructing the BC Legislature: Rats has his way
Various James Bay Writers on Mon 15 Dec 2008 at 6:50 AM
By 1893 Rattenbury had work on the legislature's foundation well underway and was polishing up the plans for the second phase, when he suddenly entered a competition on a $1,000,000 contract to design
Topics: urbanism
Council assignments: update
Robert Randall on Sun 14 Dec 2008 at 7:00 PM
Im told all City Hall appointments are on hold until the end of January. This remarkable turn of events means all committees, boards, and Council portfolios are in limbo for at least another month.
Bu
Topics: urbanism
CULTURE ALERT!
Various James Bay Writers on Fri 12 Dec 2008 at 6:50 AM
Original post blogged on b2evolution.
Topics: urbanism
How to end homelessness in Vancouver
Robert Randall on Wed 10 Dec 2008 at 10:25 PM
The Tyee has an amazing new series on homelessness where experts candidly give real solutions to homelessness. Not abstract hypotheticals, but real, doable steps that can be done now. These recommendat
Topics: urbanism
T/C: Council must act now on homelessness
Robert Randall on Tue 09 Dec 2008 at 12:16 AM
Yesterdays Times Colonist editorial on the challenge our new City Council faces in finding solutions to homelessness is todays must read.
The writer hones in on Councils reputation for dithering in tim
Topics: urbanism
Amsterdam cracks down on prostitution, cannabis: lessons for Victoria?
Robert Randall on Sun 07 Dec 2008 at 11:26 AM
Interesting news out of the Netherlands: the government is fed up with abuse of the countrys liberal laws on prostitution, marijuana and other vices.
Amsterdam to reduce prostitution, sale of cannabis
Topics: urbanism
Our newest needle exchange
Robert Randall on Thu 04 Dec 2008 at 3:29 AM
The folks at Harm Reduction Victoria have stirred things up in Downtown. Their ad-hoc needle exchange, located in Harris Green park near St. Andrews Elementary distributed needles as a response to the
Topics: urbanism
Bear Mountain a diamond in the rough?
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 19 Nov 2008 at 4:59 PM
Bear Mountain Resorts Live like a marketing campaign has garnered international attention by securing the project a New York Times and CNBC International Property Awards Americas Awards top prize for B
Topics: urbanism
Hail To The Chiefs
Ross Crockford on Wed 19 Nov 2008 at 8:49 AM
Huge crowds lined Government Street to see the American president, an articulate, charismatic gentleman elected to lead his country out of a terrible economic crisis. No, Barack Obama has not been here
Topics: urbanism
65 construction workers laid off as Bear Mountain projects wind down
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 16 Nov 2008 at 10:18 AM
Scansa Construction, the general contractor responsible for construction atop the Skirt Mountain development Bear Mountain Resort, has laid of 50 of its 80 carpenters, with 15 additional layoffs expect
Topics: urbanism
VLC and CUPE Local 410 criticized over candidate endorsements
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 11 Nov 2008 at 12:29 AM
The Victoria Labour Councils and CUPE Local 410s endorsement of NDP- and Green Party-affiliated City of Victoria mayoral and council candidates has sparked a debate about the duos endorsement practices
Topics: urbanism
2008 Victoria Municipal Elections Council Candidate Report
Vibrantvictoria on Fri 07 Nov 2008 at 1:31 PM
VibrantVictoria.ca has compiled the 2008 Victoria Municipal Election Council Candidate Report to better illustrate how candidates fit in with the general themes raised on Vibrant Victoria. Please be a
Topics: urbanism
Downtown Victoria office crunch
Vibrantvictoria on Wed 29 Oct 2008 at 2:02 PM
Downtown Victorias office vacancy rate has reached new lows as promises of projects, rising lease rates and expansion struggles dominate the commercial real-estate scene. By the second quarter of 2008,
Topics: urbanism
The Referendum Question
Ross Crockford on Wed 22 Oct 2008 at 12:37 PM
My absentee ballot for the U.S. election recently arrived in the mail from Seattle. I’m a dual citizen, and with little surprise to anyone, I’m voting for Barack Obama.What is a surprise are all th
Topics: urbanism
Malahat commuter service starts today
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 20 Oct 2008 at 9:08 AM
BC Transit, the Victoria Regional Transit System and the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System launched today what many consider the first step in decreasing congestion and providing transportation a
Topics: urbanism
Delayed release of Cuff Report questioned
Vibrantvictoria on Sun 19 Oct 2008 at 10:26 PM
The Cuff Report, commissioned to investigate, among other things, the relationship between Victorias City Hall (including elected councillors) and the City of Victorias community associations, is purpo
Topics: urbanism
The Arts, Applied
Ross Crockford on Tue 07 Oct 2008 at 4:06 PM
I hope Stephen Harper's moronic comments about the arts being an "elite" pursuit cost him a majority government on Tuesday. As anyone not blinded by ideology knows, artistic skills are crucial to archi
Topics: urbanism
Campaign Fever
Ross Crockford on Tue 16 Sep 2008 at 5:49 PM
“Outside the city hall and around the polling stations in the market building the crowds were thick all day,” reported the Daily Colonist, describing Victoria’s 1907 municipal election. “Among
Topics: urbanism
More Tunnels Exposed
Ross Crockford on Sat 30 Aug 2008 at 2:39 PM
The good folks on the Urban Exploration Resource forum note that excavations for the forthcoming Atrium building at the corner of Yates and Blanshard appear to have unveiled a pair of tunnels, shown in
Topics: urbanism
The Freshwater Playground
Ross Crockford on Wed 20 Aug 2008 at 8:30 AM
Whenever first-time visitors come to Victoria, one sight on the Pat Bay Highway that always seems to surprise them is Elk Lake. Victoria's many lakes are one of the great unpublicized features of this
Topics: urbanism
Electric Cars Are Go!
Ross Crockford on Tue 19 Aug 2008 at 7:16 AM
Last night, Oak Bay council passed a bylaw permitting low-speed electric vehicles on its roads – the first municipality in British Columbia to do so. According to the new bylaw, little green cars lik
Topics: urbanism
A Movie We Could've Made
Ross Crockford on Thu 07 Aug 2008 at 10:17 AM
Back in 2006, when the $12-million BC Experience tanked after a few weeks in business, it occurred to me that the money would’ve been better spent by investing it with Atom Egoyan. As readers know, t
Topics: urbanism
Conair
Vibrantvictoria on Thu 31 Jul 2008 at 7:33 PM
This ought to boost passenger figures at Victorias secret international airport (see the July 15 entry). On July 28th the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) and VicPD launched a new crime f
Topics: urbanism
The Flying Firemen
Ross Crockford on Wed 16 Jul 2008 at 7:53 AM
There were few clear trails on the rocky southwest face of Langford’s Skirt Mountain. Craig Davidson and his sister Bonnie Stacey had to claw through alder and thick brush on the slope. It was diffic
Topics: urbanism
The secret international airport
Vibrantvictoria on Tue 15 Jul 2008 at 9:40 PM
Statistics suggest Victorians are not as keen on patronizing the capitals international airport (dubbed YYJ) as would be expected from a region with a population of 350,000 inhabitants. YYJ greeted 1.4
Topics: urbanism
Welcome to Victoria’s Online Cornerstone
Vibrantvictoria on Mon 14 Jul 2008 at 2:53 PM
VibrantVictoria.ca is proud to launch its official blog: Victorias Online Cornerstone (VOC). In true VibrantVictoria.ca style, VOCs pitch is everything Victoria. Much like VibrantVictoria.cas forum
Topics: urbanism
Market Forces
Ross Crockford on Wed 18 Jun 2008 at 1:33 PM
Last week, Monday Magazine listed 10 Things Victoria Needs, and a few readers noticed that “public market” wasn’t on the list. Vancouver’s Granville Island and Seattle’s Pike Place Market are
Topics: urbanism
A Yellow Submarine with Teeth
Ross Crockford on Sat 14 Jun 2008 at 2:02 PM
The Sawfish is a formidable creature. Weighing three tons and as big as a minivan, it has eight eyes and sonar to search for prey. Its mouth consists of huge black pincers, and a 140-centimetre chainsa
Topics: urbanism
Our Main Street
Ross Crockford on Wed 14 May 2008 at 8:38 AM
It has witnessed the motorcades of visiting royalty, and funeral processions for dead premiers. It’s been the site of V-E and V-J celebrations, and – as it will be again this Monday – Victoria Da
Topics: urbanism
A New Photo Archive
Ross Crockford on Wed 30 Apr 2008 at 9:38 AM
Good news for digital history buffs: the Saanich Archives have placed a big chunk of their photographic collection online. The search function is occasionally whimsical (an entire category devoted to "
Topics: urbanism
The Crank and The Seaman
Ross Crockford on Wed 16 Apr 2008 at 2:29 PM
In his Politics, Aristotle said that good citizens were like sailors. They had different functions, as rowers or navigators, but they had a common purpose, to keep the ship safe. "Similarly, one citize
Topics: urbanism
Subterranean Wonders
Ross Crockford on Tue 18 Mar 2008 at 4:25 PM
As I stepped into the darkness, I could feel space opening up around me. I switched on my flashlight, and saw that I’d entered a chapel of geology. An arched ceiling of igneous rock. Vaulting tapestr
Topics: urbanism
Victoria vs. Langford: The Next Round
Ross Crockford on Thu 13 Mar 2008 at 8:28 AM
The fight over the Bear Mountain interchange has grown hotter still. There's not one but four stories today relating to the conflict.Langford is reducing the sum it wants to borrow to backstop the inte
Topics: urbanism
All in Bloom
Ross Crockford on Wed 12 Mar 2008 at 7:53 AM
Ho-hum. The results are in from Tourism Victoria's flower count: 2,437,696,512. That's a quarter of what citizens noted in 2002. So either nature is faltering here, or citizenship. Or maybe it's becaus
Topics: urbanism
Victoria vs. Langford: The Two Solitudes
Ross Crockford on Mon 03 Mar 2008 at 10:45 AM
For a graphic illustration of the radically different political cultures of urban and rural Greater Victoria, check out this video from Friday morning. In the left corner (with the video camera), a cou
Topics: urbanism
Victoria's Would-Be JFK
Ross Crockford on Sun 02 Mar 2008 at 1:39 PM
The cover has been blown. For several weeks we've read in The Globe and Mail and other papers that Jack Worthington II, the purported illegitimate son of John F. Kennedy, has been living in British Col
Topics: urbanism
The Last Streetcar
Ross Crockford on Tue 19 Feb 2008 at 10:23 AM
A crowd gathers around: tourists, railway buffs, kids with plumes of cotton candy. Chattering with excitement, one by one they present their tickets to the uniformed conductor and climb aboard. Then, w
Topics: urbanism
Tunnels Exposed
Ross Crockford on Wed 30 Jan 2008 at 10:11 AM
“This city pretends that things have been covered over and sealed up,” John McFetrick says, pointing to the sidewalk. “But they’re still there.”Standing in front of the Swans hotel, you might
Topics: urbanism
Harbeck's 1907 Film, Complete
Ross Crockford on Sun 20 Jan 2008 at 10:04 AM
At last, here is the entire film that William Harbeck shot in Victoria in 1907.
For background on Harbeck's fascinating life, see my previous post here. As I mentioned at the time, it's possible to s
Topics: urbanism
Raeside's Empress Birthday Cartoon
Ross Crockford on Sun 20 Jan 2008 at 8:53 AM
A priceless editorial cartoon by Adrian Raeside in this morning's Times Colonist, to commemorate the hotel's 100th birthday today:
Topics: urbanism
Events in Victoria
09 Sep 2010
Brent Jarvis Showcase/Jam/Fundraiser at Hermann's Jazz Club
NYPD - NOT YOUR PARENTS DISCO with DJ Kenzie Clarke, DJ Kenzie Clarke, DJ Trevor at Lucky Bar
8:00 PM
GALEN HARTLEY AND SARA MARREIROS at The Superior
10 Sep 2010
sub|division SLUGABED, ILLUM SPHERE, BLUE DAISY at Lucky Bar
The Paperboys at Hermann's Jazz Club
8:00 PM
KEN HALL "SAFFRON" at The Superior
11 Sep 2010
Yiddish Columbia State Orchestra at Hermann's Jazz Club
7:30 PM
Arise with a twee bit of reggae spins to start at Black Stilt Coffee Lounge on Hillside
