Hamburger Disco Pop Up Store April 2011
There’s that brief moment of either awkwardness or surreal-ness”" when you finally meet the people in person after all those communications strictly through email, phone, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
It was definitely a step-up in that feeling of surreal-ness when an online website becomes a physical store and location.
Vancouver Artist Series - Hamburger Disco - April 2011
Initially, Media Stylists partook in the design and development of HamburgerDisco.com.
For the month of April, Hamburger Disco has their pop-up store open in Mount Pleasant in East Van featuring their weekly designs with select local collaborative artists.
Burger Case
Congrats Hamburger Disco!
May your future be further flowing with cheddar.
Will Cheeseburger Club or Veggie Burger Lounge be conquering the horizons of East Van?
Vancouver’s 125th Birthday – April 6, 2011
Celebrations kicked off at 2pm in the afternoon.
What a strange day to choose to party – Wednesday in the middle of the week.
I “mozied” on over to check out the Time Drifts installation of lights spilling by the Olympic Cauldron and Jack Poole Plaza when night came around. Brent and Julian were so kind to chaperone me over by cycling.
Vancouver 125 Celebration Lineup
This was @videogeist’s first visit to Vancouver. His lights installation was amazing with words all over the place.
Is it me you're looking for?
The smoke machines definitely gave it more “mystere”.
@EarlAlikpala, @arianecdesign, and I were freezing, but we still managed to grab some great shots.
Speed of Light
Ariane of Ariane C Design was one of the lucky designated media members to get behind the scenes of the birthday celebration.
See her coverage of the event from 2 to late >
Ariane and Earl
Vancouver 125 Years, my set on Flickr.
Happy 125th Vancouver.
You don’t look a day over a 100.
International Pillow Fight Day 2011 – Vancouver
International Pillow Fight Day 2011 – Vancouver, a set on Flickr.
Yes, it was my first year, so it was required that I had to participate with a pillow.
However, due to falling and somewhat hurting my neck the day before, I stood on the sides instead.
Next year I’ll join for sure.
For now, here are some snaps of the joyous pillow mashings.
And a short highlight video on what you missed.
Will I see you next year?
Baker’s Market Winter 2010
Christmas is getting closer, thus shopping is definitely starting in gear.
Especially with all the markets popping up with Vancouver.
Craft and art fairs are a little challenging to get photos of, as many artists do request permission before shooting.
Here’s a taste of what I’ve snapped so far at last Saturday’s Baker’s Market.
Mango Pear Brioche Pie by Sweets Etc
Saw the pies…
Ivy Oven Pies
and of course this popped into my head. (Why am I riddled with constant musical references from Family Guy?)
Last weekend for the Baker’s Market is this Saturday December 11th, 2010!
Mini cupcakes by Bake Sale
Location: Creekside Community Centre
Time: 11am – 3pm
Tip: Bring reusable bags, AND just in case – do tote along a mug of coffee or tea for the on-the-go nibbling and eating…
More photos will be added to my Flickr set soon.
It’s no-ing (snowing)
Seeing the snowflakes fall, it’s funny to see my twitter timeline show updates with “No!!!” “It’s snowing”…
It reminded me of the Canadian comicstrip For Better or Worse, I used to read a lot when I was younger.
For Better for For Worse - It's Snowing
I’ll just ponder upon the short autumn we had with pics snapped from Cloud 9 of Downtown Vancouver earlier in September.
Autumn has fallen over Stanley Park
I hope my attempt at snowboarding this year will have skies like these.
Dusky silhouette
Halloween of Pumpkins 2010
Unlike other halloween years, this time I didn’t get a chance to put together a costume and do extreme pumpkin carving.
As distracted with working with Metrotown Media on preparation for a 4 Day celebration for a Hindi (Indian) Wedding, we managed to swing by to snap some orange-related photos.
Mini Pumpkins on Straw
On Westminster Highway in Richmond, we passed by WA Farms.
They specialize in growing pumpkins and other produce locally.
It's Raining Pumpkins
More photos can be viewed in my Halloween 2010 Flickr Album >
Warty Pumpkins closeup
Sand Demons apparently doesn’t only specialize in artwork with sand at the PNE…
Pumpkin Carving by Sand Demons
For about the whole month of October, the team carved at least one Jack-o-lantern per day in the Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown.
Biohazard jack-o-lanterns
Happy Halloween!
May next Halloween be full of more candy and treats!
Tropical Wonder in QE Park – Visiting Bloedel Conservatory
Decided to check out the Bloedel Conservatory this summer, yesterday on a Friday afternoon.
The dome is full of beautiful and full of beautiful plants, flowers and birds.
A definite must-visit for any Vancouverite or tourist, and it’s under $10 for admission.
More photos to follow soon.
Mascot Race 2010 at Hastings Racecourse
More Mascot racing photos on Flickr >
Mascots In the Winner's Circle
It was the second inaugural Mascot Race at Hastings Racecourse, raising money for Variety, the Children’s Charity.
This year I got a bird’s eye view from the roof, multi-tasking in the control room.
Rennie the Fox greets Philbert, while Peter the Pin battles Winger
There was a cute training video from Purdys’ Philbert the Hedgehog on Youtube >
(Mind the push-ups…)
Various participating mascots
There were a few stumbles by some mascots on the dirt track during the first three heats.
And again this year, Bread Head from Cobbs took first place.
The Final Race
Tip for next year’s mascot race: To figure out the winner to place your ballot for, be sure to observe how heavy their mascot outfit is and how much flexible leg room there is while they are walking in the paddock.
: )
Hats Off Day 2010 Burnaby Heights
Phew, this post has been long overdue.
Burrowed amongst the busy wedding season for editing with Metrotown Media.
Anyways, here are quick highlights of the busy Hats Off Day in Burnaby Heights.
For more events around the Burnaby Heights area, follow the association on Twitter
@BurnabyHeights
Burnaby Heights Crowds
It was crowded. Lots to eat, lots of show and shine cars, vendors, people.
Stunt Driver in training
As usual, there was the annual parade.
This lil guy’s jacket is so cute!
More parade and Hats Off Day photos are on my Flickr set >
Shift Happens
At the same time, my pal Carrie McLaren was running her Green Party booth.
For more about her work with the Green Party, check out her blog >
EPIC + EAT Vancouver May 2010
So one knows it is not wise to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.
Well guess what we did on Saturday May 29th, 2010?
Nila and I tredged through the rain to the temporary relocation of EPIC and EAT Vancouver.
Normally EPIC is at the older Vancouver Convention Centre and EAT is under the BC Place Dome.
However this year, because of renovations at both locations,
the two festivals were conveniently located together under the new Vancouver Convention Centre.
My schedule in May was booked solid for every weekend, so Saturday was my only day to go out to check out these events.
This year I did not snap as many photos, as I was cramming myself with tonnes of samples, snacks and drinks at EAT Vancouver.
Travelocity Gnome light
Chocolate Competition Piece
Next time if they are held together in the same weekend, I’ll try to do each one separately.
We only had under 40 minutes to check out EPIC as we were distracted by the massive food at EAT Vancouver.
Holy Crap, cereal
Giant log at EPIC Vancouver
More snapshots are found on my Flickr feed >
My time at Vancouver’s Winter Games
The Winter Games has rolled into dear Vancouver, BC Canada.
There is a LOT of stuff and events to see.
I have decided to attempt to visit one event, pavilion, or place a day and try to go to as many LiveCities as much as possible.
Lines are getting longer and longer.
Expect to wait at least 1.5 – 2 hours to enter any free pavilion.
I’m excited to visit all the different Canadian pavilions all over Metro Vancouver.
So far I’ve been from Richmond to Surrey, and dashed someplace in Downtown Vancouver after work since the Opening Ceremonies on Friday the 12th.
This is once in a lifetime for most of the world to come visit your city instead of yourself visiting every country.
I’m going to try to snap photos and stick them up on my Flickr album.
I’ll see if I’ll make it to any live sports events, or else I’ll stick to watching finals on TV or at LiveCity venue.
I’m going to cross my fingers for Canada, and for more snow at Cypress.
Go athletes and GO CANADA!
January 2010 visit to the Vancouver Aquarium
My first visit to the Vancouver Aquarium was so awesome, I wanted to go again.
Last time I missed the 4D movie showing, so I decided to head out with Anila to check it out on the weekend.
Check out my photos on my Flickr >
Frog mom going into labour?
I ran downstairs to the frog exhibit because last time the Aquarium was closing so I didn’t have a chance to check out all the frogs, reptiles and amphibians.
One of the volunteers/staff ran to the back room to grab a camera. Apparently one of the toads was pregnant was going to give birth. Too bad she decided to lay her stomach against the glass to give everyone a not so optimal viewing…
Dolphin jumping over Nicole
Dolphin show in the rain? Why not?
I packed my 20D and went burst mode like crazy.
Har har har
It’s so hard to shoot through the wet glass, but I managed to get some cute expressions from the Aquarium residents.
WTD is ready for 4D
We expected the 4D movie to be at least 15 minutes.
It was pretty short, and I recommend visiting the IMAX instead for a visually 3D awe-aspiring experience.
Be warned if you bring little kids, the rumbling effects can be a little scary.
Beluga says hi
There is a lot to see and take pictures of at the Vancouver Aquarium.
There’s also some discounts going on during the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
50% off admission at Vancouver Aquarium
Between February 12th to the 28th, 2010, if you get in before 9AM your admission is 50% off!
Mascot Race at Hastings Racecourse 2009
First Mascot Race at Hastings Racecourse-Wingers
Besides my trip earlier to Disneyland this year, it had been one of those days where I was constantly giggling and going “awwwwww”.
Jack from Vancouver Giants and CFOX rocks!
And I wondered if the mascots had cooling systems inside as they “warmed up” in the paddock. Jack from the Vancouver Giants was hilariously causing such a ruckus- he ran into Mike Head’s booth (track announcer) blocking the camera with his giant head, he played around with Farmer Kin’s hat, rough-housed it with Mr. Peanut and many other hilarious things.
Jack's peanut allergies got to him...
Could you bet which mascot won that day?
The finish line at Hastings Racecourse
More of my shots of the day can be viewed in my Hastings Racecourse Flickr set >
Just in case you missed the race, here it is on YouTube >
Powell Street Festival 2009 in Woodland Park
This year the location was changed from the usual Oppenheimer Park in Chinatown to Woodland Park just a block or two off Hastings and Commercial Drive.
There are two main things I love about going to the Powell Street Festival every summer.
1) Food
2) Shopping from local artists and vendors
Takoyaki assembly
As usual, the line for takoyaki was super long.
This line was so long… I think for next year they need to have their booth on the edge or corner of all of the concession stands instead of right in the middle of everyone. So worth it though- so fresh and hot! I even got an extra one just because it was small.
: )
Sushi jewelery by tatsuko
I found tatsuko again at the festival.
Last year I had to order the maki earrings I wanted online after the festival, because she had sold them out last year.
Her chiyogami earrings are beautiful too, but sushi accessories are definitely something handcrafted and unusual.
I was so excited to see an “onigiri” ornament.
I asked if earrings were available, but she said that the ones at the festival were just created before she came to Vancouver from Quebec to attend this festival.
I can’t wait until she gets back to her studio to make my customized onigiri earrings.
Glass fruit by Minori Takagaki
I am also a big fan of Minori Takagaki’s glass beadwork.
I picked up something different this year: an apple pin.
I was surprised to see a mailing list asking if anyone was interested in attending a glass bead making workshop or class.
I asked where was the studio, and Minori said at the moment the details aren’t solidified yet.
She’s seeing if there’s enough interest, and then she would figure out if she can fit students at her current studio on Granville Island or her colleague’s studio near Main and 3rd.
Sushi Plushi by Andrea Shizumi
I found a couple of other Etsy artists at the festival this year.
I said the longest “awwww” when I saw the cute little sushi plushis at Andrea Shizumi’s booth.
Andrea sews all her plushis by hand, and hopefully she will design her second edition of sushi designs soon.
HUG NERD JOY wooden blocks
I really admire Akane Designs’ concept of “refurbishing materials” and transforming them into new adorable handcrafted accessories.
Christina Oguchi had sweater laptop sleeves, coffee cup sleeves, passport sleeves, pillows and so many other cute things.
Rings by Akane Designs
I jokingly commented that she had a lot of soft sweaters.
Christina Oguchi said that she personally goes out and shops for vintage and consignment sweaters so she could make these accessories.
Currently her Etsy shop is empty, and let’s hope it will be up and running again soon.
She can be followed on twitter @akanedesigns
As much as I try to keep my shopaholic frenzy to a minimum,
at least I’m keeping it local or within Canada these days.
Shop local and Happy BC Day long weekend!
Worldwide Photowalk 2009 in Vancouver
I was so excited this year when I got on the list of 50 people to participate in this year’s Worldwide Photowalk.
I wanted to join last year’s for Vancouver, but by the time I found out about the event the signups were closed.
This year, which is the second annual Photowalk, the group of 50 photowalkers of Vancouver walked around Stanley Park from the Sylvia Hotel (near English Bay) to Third Beach.
Man, was it hot from 6PM-8PM. I was boiling under the hot sun.
Thanks again to David duChemin, his models and his crew for leading such a fun walk!
Now it’s time for me to decide which photos to enter…
I’ve uploaded my favorites to my Flickr set >
I’m liking these three photos… which two do you like best?
Help me pick.
: )
Now Wall
Stoney Vancouver
Silver branch
Biting into the Chocolate competition- EAT!Vancouver 2009
From 2008 EAT! Vancouver
Last year I was so excited to come across the results of the two competitions at EAT! Vancouver.
B.C. Chefs’ Association chocolate competition and B.C. Chefs’ Association culinary salon cooking competition.
I was so amazed by the colours and detailing of the details of the chocolate, butter, and food preparation.
My photo set from 2008 Eat! Vancouver can be viewed here >
Broken flames of chocolates
I guess I should have waited until the last day.
I went on Saturday May 23rd, to check out new products, do some sampling and enjoy the sites.
I forgot I went on a Sunday, where I got to see the results of the two different competitions.
We arrived later in the evening, and I couldn’t find the right area of the chocolate works.
It turned out that people were starting to eat off the results of the chocolate competition, so by the time I got to the area to take some photos, the majority of the entries were broken apart.
Inukshuk tray of chocolates
Oh well, there’s always next year.
I’m definitely going earlier on the last day.
Here are more of my photos taken at the EAT! Vancouver festival this year >
Canstruction ‘09 Vancouver
Whole world in our "can"
Between April 23rd- May 3rd, 2009, cans were arranged in such amazing structures at the new Vancouver Convention Centre.
From Canstruction Vancouver site:
“Canstruction Vancouver is a spectacular competition and exhibition that showcases local teams who compete to design and build the ultimate giant sculpture out of canned food. After they’re exhibited to the public for a week, all the cans from these 2-metre high sculptures are donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society for hungry families.”
I took a short break from tending to the Metrotown Media Productions booth on the second day of the Spring Vancouver Wedding show during its last hour on Sunday April 26th in the convention hall next door.
Scrabblum
At the entrance, there was a giant Scrabble board to play with.
Each tile was actually a covered box of “nutrious pablum for infants in need” with a letter on it.
I slid S-T-O-R-A-G to the top of the E on the board and checked out the rest of the public exhibit.
The structures were incredibly well built…
However while I was passing by the PNE coaster made of food.. a bit of it fell apart..
At least the whole thing didn’t collapse!
Wall-Y?
I saw a cameraman grabbing some B-roll with his broadcast camera on a tripod.
Honestly I was constantly trying to stay out of his shot.
For some cans, I squatted or even laid on the floor to get a different angle in my “shopaholic” dress…
Eek, John emailed me the next morning saying he saw me on a Global morning broadcast for Canstruction Vancouver 2009….
I rushed back to the Wedding Show next door to wait the announcement of the Grand Prize winners and to help pack up.
Let’s just say, we need two vehicles or a larger truck to rent next time.
Another Disney influence!
Happy Vaisakhi Day 2009 on Main Street Vancouver
I had none of Naan (I wanted to use that joke somewhere...)
Tents were set up amongst on SE Marine Drive, and along the southern streets of Main and Fraser.
Nila and I felt like we were in another country.
It was crowded on Main Street around 49th Avenue.
We took Bus #003 south, heading toward Main and 41st.
I thought perhaps we would grab another bus.
Turned out all transit buses were stopping for the large festivities.
Chai me!
There was such a variety of East Indian eats and treats to have.
I became full after the fourth tent.
Today was really a day for chai.
Chai here and there. Mmm.
We passed through the parade coming along Main to check out the rest of the tents.
I’ll be back for more next year.
: )
Mi Jung Lee and Pamela Martin TV parade float
Happy Vaisakhi day!
Thank you everyone who was involved and gave away such delicious food and drinks!
More photos are part of my Vaisakhi day photo set on Flickr >
Favorite snaps during VanFashionWeek March 2009
Medi-awe (KILLA runway show)
Whooey, first time volunteering with Vancouver Fashion Week 2009.
And like the other first-timers, might be my last.
Preparing in chaos (Behind the scenes makeup)
So much drama, chaos and disorganization… I wouldn’t blame them for not wanting to come back.
We’ll see about the next one…
Anyways, the following are my top five favorite photographs taken during VanFashionWeek during the last week of March 2009.
You can see the rest of the photos on bothVanFashionWeek’s and my Flickr set.
View VanFashionWeek Flickr feed >
View my VanFashionWeek personal set >
Design and Conquer designer and model (Opening Gala at Leones)
Organized rack of Joseph Domingo designs (Behind the scenes)
Justine Brooks necklace (Opening Gala at Leones)
Orange Day
Just taking a quick break from Vancouver Fashion Week to do my best to finish up product videos for a client due at the end of the month…
I love tweeting.
I’m not obssessive about it. Really, do you expect me to read every single tweet?
Whenever I can, I login and check out the latest.
Twitter doesn’t exactly have a filter or an ability to categorize what’s
“news”, “localnews”, “rant”, “comment”…
Plus I don’t want Tweetdeck to be taking up some of my memory when I have to work on stuff with Photoshop and After Effects… I gotta keep “conservative” with my resources. My Superdrive just died, so I have to wait when things quiet down to take it in to the Apple Store to get it fixed (go AppleCare!).
Hopefully Twitter will give us the ability to categorize our tweets besides using hashtags. Sometimes I need something a little more general, because honestly I scan the whole page first anyways…
How much can you squeeze?
Orange Day, originally uploaded by Union Gospel Mission
Anyways, the latest Tweet from Miss604 caught my eye about Orange Day.
There are three steps to Orange Day:
1) Get outside! Go “squeeze as much as possible” out of our free parks and attractions of Vancouver between March 27 – April 10, 2009, and try not to spend any money.
(I hope the weather cooperates so I can participate in No.1)
2) Help the Homeless. Donate online to feed as little as one person or as many as you want.
(Wow, one nice night out for me means I could feed ten other people instead.)
3) Share your experiences about Orange Day. Tag your photos taken, tweets, blog entries, etc online so they show up on www.ugm.ca/orangeday
(Tweet! I don’t see guidelines on what I can add on the Orange Day group on Flickr. So far it looks like only “orange” pictures… )
See you outside!
Opening Gala VanFashionWeek Spring2009
Branching out? Earrings by Justine Brooks
Why did I have the song from the Producer’s stuck in my head?
mmmm...
Wowee, it was super crowded with beautiful jewelery, models and people at the Opening Gala at Leone’s for the showcasing the jewelery designers of Vancouver Fashion Week.
I’m tired, but I had a great time with fine wine and chocolates.
Cathy, Joyce and I teamed up to snap up some photos during the event.
Too bad wireless is not open everywhere in Downtown Vancouver, but never the less, we tweeted and tweetpic’d throughout the gala while walking around admiring the beautiful designers and designs with my iPhone. (I LOVE the Tweetie app!)
More photos are posted online at VanFashionWeek on Flickr >
I can’t wait to see the runways and shows at Storyeum!
Snapshots around the Simpson’s Ride at Universal Studios
The Simpsons...
Continuing with my photos of my Universal Studios trip back in January 26th, 2009.
As soon as our tour group got through the entrance, we ran straight toward the Simpson’s ride toward the back part of Universal Studios.
I snapped some pictures of the Marge and Homer Simpson mascots on our way to the ride, but we hustled over as fast as possible.
I was excited entering through Krusty’s mouth and into the long winding waiting area, which luckily there was only three people ahead of us.
The safety instructional video was hilarious and we felt queasy after got off the simulated ride.
We sat in a car, which then lifted us up to a giant screen, and I the car jostled around like crazy.
I think the graphics on screen made me feel really queasy as I our car tilted to every turn we made.
Simpsons and Duff Cans of energy drink
I missed the time when all the 7-11 around the States and one in Coquitlam, BC were decorated like the Simpsons’ Quik-E Mart. The merchandise store was fully branded as another Quik E Mart by the ride and had so much stuff. Too bad that the Duff cans did not have beer in it, I guess it’s energy drinks from now on.
Pick a view, any view
View from Universal Studios panorama version 1
View from Universal Studios panorama version 2
On the walkway with several escalators between the main and lower levels of Universal Studios, I took a couple minutes with my camera to quickly take a few shots of the view. Travis and I probably went up and down those escalators at least four times, running to try to catch the next “Studio” tour, “Animal Actor’s” showing, and Backdraft.
I thought about standing beside the cutouts on the concrete viewing area in between the two levels, but I didn’t want to look like a Japanese tourist grinning “Hai, cheeee-zu” while holding up peace signs at the time.
The first panoramic attempt was just a row of photos I took in a row stitched together in Photoshop and colour-corrected.
The second panorama is my first HDR panorama. I HDR processed each photo first, then had Photoshop automate the stitching.
Not bad for an off-tripod pano, eh?
March is nearly here
Hulk SMASH!
It’s already the last week of February.
I wonder why February always has to have only 28-29 days, depending if it’s a leap year or not….
Going through HDR processing for the Hulk Statue photo, the bright green reminded me of St Patty’s day coming up soon.
CelticFest has made a couple of big changes for the annual Patty’s day parade.
It’s always held on the Sunday closest to March 17th, when St Patrick’s day usually is.
This year it’s on Sunday March 15th, 2009 and it starts at 11:30AM.
The other big change is that the parade route is along West Georgia Street in Downtown between Broughton and Howe, which is about six blocks.
More info is posted on the CelticFest Vancouver site , with the picture of the parade route.
Wouldn’t it be funny that we would find someone dressed in a Hulk costume walking in the parade.
Talk about being green…
