Get Updates:  

comments-bubble

Recent Comments

  • By Tessa in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    I would disagree with the need to completely destroy Robson Square in expanding the gallery. I love the steps for sitting, and part of the reason I used to love going to the ice rink as a child was because of the enclosed space, with a feeling like being in a cozy living room. I've used it in summer months for impromptu dancing (all you need is a stereo and some music and some people willing to goof off) but I don't know if I would have felt like doing that in a regular, exposed square.

    Also, I love the steps, especially the way they climb up along the courthouse, as they're perfect for sitting in groups without the need for folding chairs, or chairs of any kind. As well as that tiny little patch of grass surrounded by bushes.

    Maybe I'm also a little bit bias because of how perfect the space is for manhunt games, though.

    I do agree that the Georgia street side needs some work, and the grass is not practical there. A fountain could work, though preferebly much smaller than the existing one. And I also agree the art gallery should stay in its current location, but expand underground. But it probably could use an expansion. I've been through the gallery several times (Brian Jungen was one of my favourite exhibits, going back several years now) and it's so quick to get through it all.

    I have no idea how good or bad the gallery's permanent collection is because I've hardly seen any of it. It would be nice to get a chance. Art shouldn't languish in dusty basements, regardless of whether it's DaVinci or your grade 3 kid.

 

 

 

  • By Digusted, Well and Truly Disgusted in response to Was Gregor Robertson caught in lie about Tsisserev's firing?

    And Jonathan Ross will have another chance to write a Sun OpEd on the benefits of politicizing City Hall??

    What a joke this all is--- if it wasn't so damn sad for the citizens of Vancouver.

 

  • By Sceptic in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    "It goes like this. Cadman needs the Vision machine to get re-elected (even he won't argue that point). Vision asks developers to fund their campaigns. Therefore, Cadman benefits from all that developer money flowing into Vision's coffers."

    Very creative but specious reasoning.

    COPE's biggest asset since the great schism that gave rise to Vision has been its adamant refusal to accept money or favours from developers. Its pact with Vision in the last election was driven by the desire of both parties to avoid vote-splitting. On that occasion, vote-splitting posed a greater threat to COPE. In the next election, it's Vision that stands to lose the most ground. If anything, Vision's corporate benefactors can only drive exasperated left-wing voters into the arms of COPE.

    People are sick of the blatant buying of favours that comes with allowing corporations to make large donations to parties and candidates. Unfortunately, the Campbell Liberals--who raise 60-75% of their campaign funds from business--will never agree to ban the practice, not even at the civic level. Meanwhile, disgusted voters abstain from elections in droves.

 

 

  • By Squares ought to be flat in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Erickson's Robson Square - like SFU, like the Courthouse, like everything he builds - is designed to be admired from a helicopter not for the tenants. Walking in his "picture perfect" buildings is confusing AND sould destroying.

    Close Robson between Hornby and Howe, flatten the square - Art Gallery at one end, waterfall at the other.

    Sure develop the underground to pay for it.

    The best squares in the world are just - that, plain old squares. (throw in some folding chairs if you'd like)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • By George in response to Where to watch the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies


    Shame, Shame, Shame, on CTV ... very disappointing.
    What a terrible statement it makes to our athletes. I'm uncomfortable with this poor decision, especially when the Olympics are meant for ALL CANADIANS. I think our Athletes deserve better than a mention during a regular news cast.
    Ironically, as I write this, a commercial has come on CTV advertising Olympic goods that are still for sale. Excuse me while I change the dial...permanently!

 

  • By Brenton in response to Vancouver City Hall needs dogged opposition

    So is it her political acumen that is lacking? She's always seemed more smart than passionate, though I realize smart and politically smart are different things.

 

  • By Brenton in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    How come your speculative claims are okay but my opinions are a smear?

    I agree, Vision appear to be spending some money. I'm just wondering if you've seen any activities that you would consider campaigning, or if it's just that spending in between election years is new and notable for Vancouver.

 

  • By daniel in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    It goes like this. Cadman needs the Vision machine to get re-elected (even he won't argue that point). Vision asks developers to fund their campaigns. Therefore, Cadman benefits from all that developer money flowing into Vision's coffers.

    For Cadman to somehow claim that because COPE doesn't directly take developer money...he doesn't benefit from it...is completely disingenuous. I suspect you already know that.

 

  • By Avrille Hewett in response to Where to watch the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies

    I agree: These athletes who train and compete for these events with all their disabilities need to be recognized. They give such amazing performances, and should be given all the recognition they deserve. Both my husband and I are truly disappointed that CTV would not air the opening ceremonies live. I think they deserve even greater admiration than able-bodied athletes. But of course 'politics' in every situation prevails every time!!!!


 

  • By Sceptic in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    "The bombastic Cadman has been silenced now that developer money could well become the key to his re-election success."

    Are you saying that COPE is on the point of accepting cash from developers? And that developers are actually willing to donate money to COPE?

    Or are you just making this up?

 

  • By Mike Klassen in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Thanks, Paul. And for those who think I've got it in for the ice rink, I could picture a temporary rink like the one set up at Richmond's O Zone last month during winter months on the Robson plaza. It was an absolute hoot for an ankle skater like me to glide around the icy go-cart track. When it gets to warm, pack it away for next winter. And yes, give GE or some other corporate entity the naming rights to cover the costs.

 

  • By Amar in response to Where to watch the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies

    I can't believe CTV is not airing these live on Friday. What are they thinking? What an insult to the athletes - not to mention the taxpayers across Canada who helped pay for the Games. Everyone should complain to CTV and get them to ditch Ben Mulroney and ETALK for just one night so we Canadians can see this event and pay tribute to these wonderful athletes.

 

  • By Jennifer in response to Paralympic Torch Relay touches down in Vancouver Wednesday

    The 24 hr relay of the torch around Robson Square has started and the Paralympic spirit is just as strong as the Olympic Spirit was. It is a thrilling experience to see the torch and if you have time go downtown and watch it go past. You won't regret it. There is live entertainment at Robson Square. I saw the first torch bearer Paul Gauthier and his hand off (kiss as it is called) and just like the Olympic Torch experience people were cheering and it brought tears to the eyes. There are Canada flags, red and white - it's back!!!!

 

 

  • By Paul Hillsdon in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Great ideas Mike. You've made the strongest case yet, logistically, financially, and culturally, I've heard for keeping the VAG at Robson Square. I was a proponent of moving it, but this proposal makes complete sense!

 

 

  • By Wayne in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    The push to relocate and build another 'Gehry' or the like smacks of 'edifice complex'. If the VAG collection were truly world class art lovers would be flocking to see it. I'd be going regularly! It's not and it will be a long time before it is unless the VAG can tap some generous benefactors.

    If there is private money out there willing to support an improved VAG then have a competition and let's see what can be done with what we have.

 

 

  • By Glissando Remmy in response to The Hollyhock primer

    The Thought of The Day

    "STUPID + VANCOUVER= STUPIDER"

    It wasn’t really necessary to watch this kibbutznik-topia video; I knew it all along why I wouldn’t lay a vote on them.

    Unfortunately as I aforementioned, STUPID +VANCOUVER= STUPIDER, therefore I’ll say to you all:
    “ICH BIN EIN STUPIDER” underling my support to the stupid of Vancouver.

    Now let's do the right thing and ban dihydrogen monoxide, stop using sodium chloride and institute a tax on breathing.Oh wait, we have that, it's called the Carbon Tax!
    STUPIDER me!

    We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.

 

  • By Glissando Remmy in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Mike, while you have some innovative ideas, some are let's say, too weak to be considered. I hate to do this again but here's my Tuppence on this comedy of errors.

    LONDON 1850
    “ Annual Income £20 quid, annual Expenditure £19.96, result happiness – Annual Income £20, annual Expenditure £20.06 result misery – David Copperfield by Charles Dickens”

    VANCOUVER 2010
    “Annual earnings $ IOU note banks, annual Expenditure $ Billions, result disaster –
    Budget by BC Liberals “

    So, in times like this I say, leave the VAG alone. It’s nothing to do with the present location or building. It’s more likely to do with Hypocrisy, Lying, and Gangsterism.

    We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.

 

  • By Glissando Remmy in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Mike, while you have some innovative ideas, some are let's say, too weak to be considered. I hate to do this again but here's my Tuppence on this comedy of errors.

    LONDON 1850
    “ Annual Income £20 quid, annual Expenditure £19.96, result happiness – Annual Income £20, annual Expenditure £20.06 result misery – David Copperfield by Charles Dickens”

    VANCOUVER 2010
    “Annual earnings $ IOU note banks, annual Expenditure $ Billions, result disaster –
    Budget by BC Liberals “

    So, in times like this I say, leave the VAG alone. It’s nothing to do with the present location or building. It’s more likely to do with Hypocrisy, Lying, and Gangsterism.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjONGEeOSyQ

    We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.

 

  • By david hadaway in response to The Hollyhock primer

    Bloody hell! If this is what they think is good to put in public view what goes on in private?

    And Will, it's "foment" ill will. "Ferment" is a biochemical process that often leaves a bad smell, as would occur in a crock of ....

 

  • By Gordon in response to Courier's Thomas blasts viaducts plan

    Doesn't building a $300,000 bike lane on a viaduct you hope to tear down seem a bit weird?

    Not only could that money have been spent on other things, but now Meggs has another group with a vested interest in keeping the viaduct up: Cyclists!

 

  • By david hadaway in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    This is a completely rational way to get the maximum benefit for the city along with the maximum cost benefit. Unfortunately the voice of the cynic in me, which just gets louder and louder the longer I live here, says it likely won't happen.

    The prospect of a vainglorious new "starchitect" gallery offers too much potential for profit and prestige in itself and in its associated deals. That is, profit and prestige for influential personages and corporations, of course, rather than for the city and its people.

    Anyone proposing to spend so much on a new gallery ought to explain what we are going to put inside. The current VAG collection is far from 'world class' and so far as I know the existing building is big enough for visiting exhibitions. If occasionally it it were not, a very large expensive building is usually available on the waterfront next to the Olympic flame.

    Instead of the 'Emperor's New Clothes' we'll have the clothes with no emperor!

 

  • By Mike Klassen in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    Aren't there already two concert halls there? The Queen E Theatre and the old Ford Theatre (can't remember what it's called now). I'm more convinced that the Larwill area would be more enhanced by another educational facility. I forgot to mention that Vancouver Film School has its campus near there, too.

 

  • By Susan Weiss in response to Let's re-imagine the VAG at Robson Square

    What about a “joint land use” - Art Gallery new Concert Hall on the old bus depot property?

    Joint ownership, joint facility staff, audience building and located in the existing "theater district" like some that exist in say: Dallas, Zurich, Toronto, NYC, to mention a few.

    This “joint-venture” might even save of property taxes.

    One can dream on, but, now may be a good time to “seize” the moment!

 

  • By Disillusioned by Vision in response to The Hollyhock primer

    Not sure whether to laugh or cry that when I watched the video, I almost thought I heard Councillor Reimer say the word "profitable" rather than "possible"...

    "I have ridiculous faith that this project of life and global survival is so possible and so doable."

 

  • By sv in response to Courier's Thomas blasts viaducts plan

    Actually proposals to tear the viaducts down have been dangled in front of Strathcona residents by planners under at least three successive city councils usually with the promise that Prior street will be calmed.
    And Keefer and Pender continue to be gridlocked through Chinatown, viaducts or no viaducts.

 

  • By Omoishiroi in response to The Hollyhock primer

    It's always fascinating listening to these 'activists' - much like any cult the thoughts are incomplete, meandering and pointless. The worst thing we can do is give these people the keys to government - ooops we already did! Count the silverware.

 

  • By local gal in response to GE Plaza (Robson Square)

    Free speech, my friend. People are allowed to criticize the events. No need to be hostile. No wonder it's called a no fun town. Big social pressure, you are supposed to think like everybody else or they will bark at you.

 

 

  • By no oppression in response to GE Plaza (Robson Square)

    American tourists are just outspoken and they speak the truth that many locals feel the same. They are entitled to have their opinions. They are not oppressed and reserved like some locals here.

 

  • By Liam in response to GE Plaza (Robson Square)

    Actually, most trade shows and expos are free in the United States. You should check them out. If they do charge, it's a very small fee to pay, less than your public transit tickets.

 

  • By Mike Klassen in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    Care to expand upon your smear of Bill Bennett? On second thought, don't bother. Post it on your own blog.

    Do the quick math on interest for a quarter million dollar debt, the salary for existing staff and their new executive director position which was posted before February. There is no precedent in Vancouver civic politics for this kind of ongoing election spending.

 

  • By Mike Klassen in response to The Hollyhock primer

    Ferments ill will? You mean by showing a video which has been published on YouTube since the spring of 2008? What rubbish.

    As for talking "about the environment, social issues, etc." maybe watch it again and listen. The discussion is about political activism, collaboration, and a vague agenda for social change by working with receptive governments.

 

  • By will in response to The Hollyhock primer

    Seems like a pretty old video. Joel Solomon looks a lot younger then.

    What happens when you film a group of environmental and social advocates at a retreat? They talk about the environment, social issues and being at a retreat.

    I don't get the point of this article except that is ferments ill will with no apparent cause.

 

  • By Kathleen in response to Letting the endangered cat out of the plastic bag

    Excellent points Martin.

    I love the "a" for effort on the doggie scoop idea. I had to laugh a little at the notion of its chance of flying being about as good as that of the contents of the scoop. : )

 

  • By Brenton in response to Former campaign finance critics now silent

    Fair point in general. However, I won't get my hopes up about substantive change, considering Bill Bennett (hardly a squeaky-clean campaigner) is the chair of the task force.

    One small quibble: Is Vision really "running what appears to be an expensive re-election operation"? Care to expand on this?

 

  • By Thurston Fortrooth in response to FOI reveals City of Vancouver still purchasing bottled water

    I can't believe how many people have been completely fooled by the anti-bottled-water movement. The public have been tricked into believing that banning bottled water is all about being green and reducing waste. What a load of crap!

    Bottled water bans have nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with the power of the public sector unions. Just Google "CUPE bottled water" and the lights should start to go on about what's really going on maybe some people will finally wake up.

    There's no shortage of factual information to be found out there that counters the misinformation being spread by CUPE and their agents (e.g., the majority of Vancouver City Council) about bottled water.

    Dig deeper on this and the waters of truth will flow.

 

 

back to top

daily updates by email!Twitter
YouTubeFlickrDeliciousFriendFeed
have you joined our Flickr group?
CKNW Radio24 Hours VancouverCBC Radio One: Early Edition

mitacs
Check out BCWineLover.com!