I generally keep politics out of the blog, but I came across this great documentary video series that delves into the theft and privatization of BC’s rivers and natural resources, and really wanted to share.
I’m unable to embed any video here, but I urge you to check them out at Save our Rivers.
We have an opportunity coming up on May 12th to have our say on issues like this, so make sure you vote!
The 11th season of Vancouver Fashion Week kicked off with a press luncheon today at Sanafir restaurant. Buyers, media, “fashion socialites,” and other attendees enjoyed tasty treats cooked up by Sanafir, and delicious champagne cocktails – that’ll start your day off right.
Public relations coordinator Vicky Mackie opened the short round of speeches by stressing the importance of local and international designers coming together to share ideas – this helps to build a strong network that enables all of us to succeed.
JCI‘s Maeve Doyle and Westender fashion editor Steven Schelling spoke about the amazing collaborations taking place throughout Vancouver – whether it be between fashion designers or journalists – and how this nurturing attitude is necessary for change and growth. Vancouver is small when judged against a global market, but our growing fashion community is certainly on the radar. And that’s what it takes to create a scene worth examining; finding value in ourselves and carving out our own profile, and cultivating a community of creative individuals who are there to help – not hurt – one another. Students are continually inspired by local designers receiving positive reviews and international acclaim, and in turn these designers keep the cycle moving by mentoring and providing guidance. Experiences are shared without the premise of renumeration, and that’s how real community grows. Quite inspiring really!
Virginia Leeming is VFW’s publicist and she has been a staple in the Vancouver Fashion industry for well over 20 years, most of which she spent reporting for The Vancouver Sun newspaper. She recalled how difficult it was in the early ’90s for emerging designers to sell their work to local boutiques, and how drastically this situation has changed over the past years. Virgina emphasized that it is vital for stylists, buyers and media to celebrate local talent, and the need for government to provide assistance to the fashion community as well.
Mayor Sam Sullivan was clearly taken aback by Virginia’s comment on the need for government support of the Vancouver fashion industry, but briefly spoke about how Vancouver is emerging as a fashion centre, especially with the environmental angle of “buy local” still going strong. He was sure to mention that 3 billion people would soon be tuning into Vancouver for 17 days during the 2010 Olympics, and that this was an opportunity for the local fashion community to really make a statement.
Vancouver Fashion Week shows begin on Thursday April 17th, and are open to the public.
Image: Space-tastic tee by davidleach, from Vancouver Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer collection showing last season.
I picked up this book yesterday at the Green Living show: The Better World Handbook by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler and Brett Johnson. What first drew me to it was that it seems written for people who want to initiate change in their lives but don’t quite know where to begin, and/or feel like they’re too busy to figure it out. It talks about values and the core foundations that contribute to a better existence for everyone. And one of the biggest draws: the authors identify ten thought traps that people get caught up in. It’s all fine and well to want a better world, but what are the lies we tell ourselves to avoid taking responsibility for our own lives?
This sounds like modern-day piracy to me…kidnapping, illegal whaling, and complete disregard for international law and human rights. Here is the message I received from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (follow the link for more news updates on this appalling situation):
Despite repeated demands by the captain of the Steve Irwin, the Japanese whaler Yushin Maru No. 2 has refused to release the two Sea Shepherd crewmembers he took hostage.
The much faster harpoon vessels have eluded pursuit from the Steve Irwin and have disappeared from the radar screens.
Great event happening tomorrow, November 23 at UBC’s Chan Centre:
The University of British Columbia’s Terry project (terry.ubc.ca)
is pleased to announce that their first speaker(s) this season are
James MacKinnon and Alisa Smith. These are the authors of “The 100-Mile
Diet,” a bestseller and buzz worthy book that uses a social experiment
(can we subsist on only eating things produced within a 100 mile
radius?) to look into the world of food politics, economics, and
culture.
The talk will be presented at the UBC Chan Centre Concert Hall on
November 23rd at 12 noon. This will include a Q&A period, as well
as an opportunity to meet the authors afterwards.
Please send me a message if you are interested in attending.
RANDOM PHOTO
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