McDonald's Evil : Avatar

McDonald's Poster : Avatar, originally uploaded by Roy Sinai.

I had access to Cable tv over the holidays and got to see Mcdonald's marketing for the movie Avatar. Does Mcdonald's not know that they are comparably to the evil/ bad guys in the movie who try and destroy the Avatar land for monetary gain? Yet they try and make eating burgers like sitting in the wonderfulland of of the Avatar movie yet they are the ones directly responsible for a large portion of the destruction of the Amazon rainforest!
Are people really that retarded?

Usted incluso no sabe cuánto te quiero

i, originally uploaded by `Fα6σσσмα♥,.

If nothing else.....

If nothing else....., originally uploaded by einstraus.

Amen

Weekend Project: Snowflake Curtain

I have a glass see through bedroom which i love and creates the mood of more openness but one of my friends has been suggesting i frost it and then mentioned putting snowflakes up. I just saw this on Poppy talk and i think i will make this my project today while i make phone calls at the office! I will use recycled paper too!

poppytalk: Weekend Project: Snowflake Curtain

Whoosh!

Whoosh!, originally uploaded by AJ_UK.

Standing still amid the busyness of life. Watching, waiting, breathing.

One little

, originally uploaded by ferahfeza.

It's crazy to think how everything has it's purpose and it's place.

Yes hello Finch's Edam Sandwich

Yes hello Finch's Edam Sandwich, originally uploaded by veggy.

Wizard Smoke By Salazar Production

Wizard Smoke from Salazar on Vimeo.

Poetry in Motion

Poetry in Motion (drawing in pastel), originally uploaded by Ali Bannister.

What is it about horses in photos that are so stunning?

IKEA - this may be tonight

Happy Friday even if Friday isn't your friday, it's still a happy one!

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

Optimism

I promise myself to be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person i meet. To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them. To look on the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
-Christian D. Larson

Culture is your operating system

East Side Cultural Crawl

The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual FREE 3-day visual arts festival. This event involves artists in their studios who work on the east side of Vancouver, BC, Canada in an area bounded by Main Street to Commercial Drive and from First Avenue north to the waterfront. On there site you will find complete information about the event, including a 2009 printable map and a list of our participating artists.

The mission of the Eastside Culture Crawl Society is to promote Vancouver's east side artists and their work by fostering excellence, encouraging visibility and forging partnerships. The Eastside Culture Crawl Society brings arts to the community through the ongoing creation of events and programming that support the growth of east side artists.
2009 dates are:
NOV 20: 5pm to 10pm
NOV 21 + 22: 11am to 6pm

Were going to be in the Hudson

I am still utterly amazed by this accident.. and the the 3D video graphics for this is great. I am still waiting to see real video footage from local cameras but i guess they won't be making that public anytime soon. I still think this accident was handled with the utmost proffessionalism and quick decision making that makes a great pilot.

i can't reach you.

i can't reach you., originally uploaded by manatee!.

Life gets busy when you have a full time job, school, and an art show coming up. The excuses to not go to yoga pile up and i realize now are ridiculous. I am sitting in bed drinking my tea when i could be stretching and sweating. That movement in turn would reduce the overall stress i would be feeling in the rest of my day. I do look forward to Sunday but today i will make it to Yoga after work, and then try and figure out out the frame my photos for this show. I have no idea how to do this but i will do it.

Art-Sea Nov 14th @ Vancouver Aquarium (my photos will be hanging)

"Art-Sea" will be held on November 14, 2009 and the one and only Vancouver Aquarium. In addition to a fantastic venue, I have hand selected 30 artists who will show and sell over 250 pieces of unique artwork ranging in mediums from acrylic, oil, collage, to photography. Each artist will be present and more than happy to answer any questions or help you pick out that perfect piece just in time for the Christmas season. Further, we have organized a silent auction, walking art, music, hors d'oeuvres, and bar service. This should be one of the best art showcases in town and just to add that cherry on top, we are donating partial proceeds to a great organization; The ArtsUmbrella. This spectacular group of people helps offer arts programs to underpriviledged children in the lower mainland. How could you not feel good about attending or buying some art? Everyone wins.

So, if you aren't busy on November 14, grab a ticket from Clubzone.com and make an appearance at "Art~Sea." The turtles, dolphins, seahorses, and sharks will surely appreciate it!

See you there!

Monika Blichar & Rype Entertainment
monika_blichar@hotmail.com
604-999-6177


http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/164753/ARTSEA-at-the-Vancouver-Aquarium

WINDOW HEAD

WINDOW HEAD, originally uploaded by Michael D. Hawley.

I am officially and East Vanner again. Main is my new domain and i will be wandering the streets looking for my new favorites, or just going to my old favorites. I am very happy to be leaving the emptiness that is West Vancouver where people hide in large houses and treat people like crap when actually leave them.

BC Population Distribution Nightshade

BC Population Distribution Nightshade, originally uploaded by teamboost.

95% of BC's population lives on less than 1% of BC's landbase as this highlights.

Nearly all live within 25km of a highway. Speaks to the rugged nature of our mountainous province.

Don't get the vaccine

What Vancouver means to this guy

What Vancouver Means to Me from Lewis Bennett on Vimeo.

Breaking Free

Breaking Free, originally uploaded by Soleil Today.

My fever broke and i feel like doing this.

Local Eats fall edition

What's available in Metro Vancouver for October?

Vegetables: Artichokes, beans (dried), beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage (green, savoy & red), carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard (swiss), corn, greenhouse cucumbers, fennel (bulb), garlic (fresh & dried), kale, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, onions (red & yellow), greenhouse peppers, potatoes (red, russet, yellow, white), parsnips, pumpkins, radishes, rutabagas, salad greens, shallots, spinach, squash (winter), tomatoes, turnips (white), zuchini
Fruit: Apples, crab apples, cranberries, kiwi, pears, quince
Meat & Dairy: Dairy Products, eggs, beef, buffalo, chicken, duck, goat, lamb, ostrich, pheasant, pork, rabbit, turkey
Seafood: Clams, cod (Pacific), crab, Dungeness crab, flounder/sole (Pacific), halibut (Pacific), mussles, oysters (Pacific), prawns (jumbo), sablefish (black cod), salmon (Chinook/King/Spring/Chum), sardines (Pacific), scallops, shrimp (side stripe, west coast), tuna (Albacore)
Herbs: Bay leaves, basil, chervil, cilantro, dill leaf, dill seed, epazote, fennel leaf, lemon verbena, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory (summer & winter), shiso, sweet marjoram, sorrel, tarragon, thyme
Etc: Grains, honey, Mushrooms, Nuts

Nuba

Nuba, originally uploaded by veggy.

Well i have heard a few words spoken about this place in passing before.. little did i know.. it's 2 blocks from my work. HELLO NUBA! My new favorite Lebanese restaurant.
After two years in Calgary and having Aida's restaurant withdrawal i have finally found a replacement for those Baba & Hummus cravings.
I had the falafel plate which included fresh crunchy falafels, hummus, pita, green salad, and tabouli salad. The service was amazing and the atmosphere totally relaxing.
Power lunch anyone?

747-400 1000' below

747-400 1000' below, originally uploaded by CDN Aviator.

My friends still fly, and i don't fly. It is rare to capture or even see the contrails like this of another aircraft.. so i thought i would share it with you. It's always captivating when you do get to see a massive aircraft ripping by you in the calm atmosphere.

Sea Forts / velvia

Sea Forts / velvia, originally uploaded by slimmer_jimmer.

The Maunsell Sea Forts were small fortified towers built in the Thames and Mersey estuaries during World War II to help defend the United Kingdom, named after their designer, Guy Maunsell. They were decommissioned in the late 1950s and later used for other activities. One became the Principality of Sealand; boats visit the remaining forts occasionally, and a consortium called Project Redsands is planning to conserve one at Redsand.

Sumi, Quatchi & Miga flying back into Vancouver

Sumi, Quatchi & Miga flying back into Vancouver, originally uploaded by MEOMI.

Ok i am a little obsessed with the Meomi company that did the Vancouver Olympic 2010 mascots. I find them so original and creative that i can't even handle it. There rest of there projects outside of this one are just as eye catching and detail orientated. They have done such an amazing job capturing the essence of our wonderful city. Is it possible to have crushes on mascots? I don't want to turn into a weirdo mascot stalker.

I love these guys

Mukmuk teaser, originally uploaded by MEOMI.

50 Years of Space Exploration

50 Years of Space Exploration, originally uploaded by Adam Crowe.

last breath

last breath, originally uploaded by veggy.

Who else is overwhelmed by the strong sharp colours this fall in Vancouver? I was told that a dry fall makes for sharper colours? Well it's true! I do not ever recall the leaves ever being this vibrant. It is truely magical that these leaves will fall and new ones will come back next spring.

Everyone seeks peace and harmony

Everyone seeks peace and harmony, because this is what we lack in our lives. From time to time we all experience agitation, irritation, dishar mony. And when we suffer from these miseries, we don't keep them to ourselves; we often distribute them to others as well. Unhappiness permeates the atmosphere around someone who is miserable, and those who come in contact with such a person also become affected. Certainly this is not a skillful way to live.

We ought to live at peace with ourselves, and at peace with others. After all, human beings are social beings, having to live in society and deal with each other. But how are we to live peacefully? How are we to remain harmonious within, and maintain peace and harmony around us, so that others can also live peacefully and harmoniously?

In order to be relieved of our misery, we have to know the basic reason for it, the cause of the suffering. If we investigate the problem, it becomes clear that whenever we start generating any negativity or impurity in the mind, we are bound to become unhappy. A negativity in the mind, a mental defilement or impurity, cannot coexist with peace and harmony.

How do we start generating negativity? Again, by investigation, it becomes clear. We become unhappy when we find someone behaving in a way that we don't like, or when we find something happening which we don't like. Unwanted things happen and we create tension within. Wanted things do not happen, some obstacle comes in the way, and again we create tension within; we start tying knots within. And throughout life, unwanted things keep on happening, wanted things may or may not happen, and this process of reaction, of tying knots—Gordian knots—makes the entire mental and physical structure so tense, so full of negativity, that life becomes miserable.

Now, one way to solve this problem is to arrange that nothing unwanted happens in life, that everything keeps on happening exactly as we desire. Either we must develop the power, or somebody else who will come to our aid must have the power, to see that unwanted things do not happen and that everything we want happens. But this is impossible. There is no one in the world whose desires are always fulfilled, in whose life everything happens according to his or her wishes, without anything unwanted happening. Things constantly occur that are contrary to our desires and wishes. So the question arises: how can we stop reacting blindly when confronted with things that we don't like? How can we stop creating tension and remain peaceful and harmonious?

In India, as well as in other countries, wise saintly persons of the past studied this problem—the problem of human suffering—and found a solution: if something unwanted happens and you start to react by generating anger, fear or any negativity, then, as soon as possible, you should divert your attention to something else. For example, get up, take a glass of water, start drinking—your anger won't multiply; on the other hand, it'll begin to subside. Or start counting: one, two, three, four. Or start repeating a word, or a phrase, or some mantra, perhaps the name of a god or saintly person towards whom you have devotion; the mind is diverted, and to some extent you'll be free of the negativity, free of the anger.

This solution was helpful; it worked. It still works. Responding like this, the mind feels free from agitation. However, the solution works only at the conscious level. In fact, by diverting the attention you push the negativity deep into the unconscious, and there you continue to generate and multiply the same defilement. On the surface there is a layer of peace and harmony, but in the depths of the mind there is a sleeping volcano of suppressed negativity which sooner or later may erupt in a violent explosion.

Other explorers of inner truth went still further in their search and, by experiencing the reality of mind and matter within themselves, recognized that diverting the attention is only running away from the problem. Escape is no solution; you have to face the problem. Whenever negativity arises in the mind, just observe it, face it. As soon as you start to observe a mental impurity, it begins to lose its strength and slowly withers away.

A good solution; it avoids both extremes—suppression and expression. Burying the negativity in the unconscious will not eradicate it, and allowing it to manifest as unwholesome physical or vocal actions will only create more problems. But if you just observe, then the defilement passes away and you are free of it.

This sounds wonderful, but is it really practical? It's not easy to face one's own impurities. When anger arises, it so quickly overwhelms us that we don't even notice. Then, overpowered by anger, we perform physical or vocal actions which harm ourselves and others. Later, when the anger has passed, we start crying and repenting, begging pardon from this or that person or from God: “Oh, I made a mistake, please excuse me!” But the next time we are in a similar situation, we again react in the same way. This continual repenting doesn't help at all.

The difficulty is that we are not aware when negativity starts. It begins deep in the unconscious mind, and by the time it reaches the conscious level it has gained so much strength that it overwhelms us, and we cannot observe it.

Suppose that I employ a private secretary, so that whenever anger arises he says to me, “Look, anger is starting!” Since I cannot know when this anger will start, I'll need to hire three private secretaries for three shifts, around the clock! Let's say I can afford it, and anger begins to arise. At once my secretary tells me, “Oh look—anger has started!” The first thing I'll do is rebuke him: “You fool! You think you're paid to teach me?” I'm so overpowered by anger that good advice won't help.

Suppose wisdom does prevail and I don't scold him. Instead, I say, “Thank you very much. Now I must sit down and observe my anger.” Yet, is it possible? As soon as I close my eyes and try to observe anger, the object of the anger immediately comes into my mind—the person or incident which initiated the anger. Then I'm not observing the anger itself; I'm merely observing the external stimulus of that emotion. This will only serve to multiply the anger, and is therefore no solution. It is very difficult to observe any abstract negativity, abstract emotion, divorced from the external object which originally caused it to arise.

However, someone who reached the ultimate truth found a real solution. He discovered that whenever any impurity arises in the mind, physically two things start happening simultaneously. One is that the breath loses its normal rhythm. We start breathing harder whenever negativity comes into the mind. This is easy to observe. At a subtler level, a biochemical reaction starts in the body, resulting in some sensation. Every impurity will generate some sensation or the other within the body.

This presents a practical solution. An ordinary person cannot observe abstract defilements of the mind—abstract fear, anger or passion. But with proper training and practice it is very easy to observe respiration and body sensations, both of which are directly related to mental defilements.

Respiration and sensations will help in two ways. First, they will be like private secretaries. As soon as a negativity arises in the mind, the breath will lose its normality; it will start shouting, “Look, something has gone wrong!” And we cannot scold the breath; we have to accept the warning. Similarly, the sensations will tell us that something has gone wrong. Then, having been warned, we can start observing the respiration, start observing the sensations, and very quickly we find that the negativity passes away.

This mental-physical phenomenon is like a coin with two sides. On one side are the thoughts and emotions arising in the mind, on the other side are the respiration and sensations in the body. Any thoughts or emotions, any mental impurities that arise manifest themselves in the breath and the sensations of that moment. Thus, by observing the respiration or the sensations, we are in fact observing mental impurities. Instead of running away from the problem, we are facing reality as it is. As a result, we discover that these impurities lose their strength; they no longer overpower us as they did in the past. If we persist, they eventually disappear altogether and we begin to live a peaceful and happy life, a life increasingly free of negativities.

In this way the technique of self-observation shows us reality in its two aspects, inner and outer. Previously we only looked outward, missing the inner truth. We always looked outside for the cause of our unhappiness; we always blamed and tried to change the reality outside. Being ignorant of the inner reality, we never understood that the cause of suffering lies within, in our own blind reactions toward pleasant and unpleasant sensations.

Now, with training, we can see the other side of the coin. We can be aware of our breathing and also of what is happening inside. Whatever it is, breath or sensation, we learn just to observe it without losing our mental balance. We stop reacting and multiplying our misery. Instead, we allow the defilements to manifest and pass away.

The more one practices this technique, the more quickly negativities will dissolve. Gradually the mind becomes free of defilements, becomes pure. A pure mind is always full of love—selfless love for all others, full of compassion for the failings and sufferings of others, full of joy at their success and happiness, full of equanimity in the face of any situation.

When one reaches this stage, the entire pattern of one's life changes. It is no longer possible to do anything vocally or physically which will disturb the peace and happiness of others. Instead, a balanced mind not only becomes peaceful, but the surrounding atmosphere also becomes permeated with peace and harmony, and this will start affecting others, helping others too.

By learning to remain balanced in the face of everything experienced inside, one develops detachment towards all that one encounters in external situations as well. However, this detachment is not escapism or indifference to the problems of the world. Those who regularly practice Vipassana become more sensitive to the sufferings of others, and do their utmost to relieve suffering in whatever way they can—not with any agitation, but with a mind full of love, compassion and equanimity. They learn holy indifference—how to be fully committed, fully involved in helping others, while at the same time maintaining balance of mind. In this way they remain peaceful and happy, while working for the peace and happiness of others.

This is what the Buddha taught: an art of living. He never established or taught any religion, any “ism”. He never instructed those who came to him to practice any rites or rituals, any empty formalities. Instead, he taught them just to observe nature as it is, by observing the reality inside. Out of ignorance we keep reacting in ways which harm ourselves and others. But when wisdom arises—the wisdom of observing reality as it is—this habit of reacting falls away. When we cease to react blindly, then we are capable of real action—action proceeding from a balanced mind, a mind which sees and understands the truth. Such action can only be positive, creative, helpful to ourselves and to others.

What is necessary, then, is to “know thyself”—advice which every wise person has given. We must know ourselves, not just intellectually in the realm of ideas and theories, and not just emotionally or devotionally, simply accepting blindly what we have heard or read. Such knowledge is not enough. Rather, we must know reality experientially. We must experience directly the reality of this mental-physical phenomenon. This alone is what will help us be free of our suffering.

This direct experience of our own inner reality, this technique of self-observation, is what is called Vipassana meditation. In the language of India in the time of the Buddha, passana meant seeing in the ordinary way, with one's eyes open; but vipassana is observing things as they actually are, not just as they appear to be. Apparent truth has to be penetrated, until we reach the ultimate truth of the entire psycho-physical structure. When we experience this truth, then we learn to stop reacting blindly, to stop creating negativities—and naturally the old ones are gradually eradicated. We become liberated from misery and experience true happiness.

There are three steps to the training given in a meditation course. First, one must abstain from any action, physical or vocal, which disturbs the peace and harmony of others. One cannot work to liberate oneself from impurities of the mind while at the same time continuing to perform deeds of body and speech which only multiply them. Therefore, a code of morality is the essential first step of the practice. One undertakes not to kill, not to steal, not to commit sexual misconduct, not to tell lies, and not to use intoxicants. By abstaining from such actions, one allows the mind to quiet down sufficiently in order to proceed further.

The next step is to develop some mastery over this wild mind by training it to remain fixed on a single object, the breath. One tries to keep one's attention on the respiration for as long as possible. This is not a breathing exercise; one does not regulate the breath. Instead, one observes natural respiration as it is, as it comes in, as it goes out. In this way one further calms the mind so that it is no longer overpowered by intense negativities. At the same time, one is concentrating the mind, making it sharp and penetrating, capable of the work of insight.

These first two steps, living a moral life, and controlling the mind, are very necessary and beneficial in themselves, but they will lead to suppression of negativities unless one takes the third step: purifying the mind of defilements by developing insight into one's own nature. This is Vipassana: experiencing one's own reality by the systematic and dispassionate observation within oneself of the ever-changing mind-matter phenomenon manifesting itself as sensations. This is the culmination of the teaching of the Buddha: self-purification by self-observation.

It can be practiced by one and all. Everyone faces the problem of suffering. It is a universal malady which requires a universal remedy, not a sectarian one. When one suffers from anger, it's not Buddhist anger, Hindu anger, or Christian anger. Anger is anger. When one becomes agitated as a result of this anger, this agitation is not Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim. The malady is universal. The remedy must also be universal.

Vipassana is such a remedy. No one will object to a code of living which respects the peace and harmony of others. No one will object to developing control over the mind. No one will object to developing insight into one's own nature, by which it is possible to free the mind of negativities. Vipassana is a universal path.

Observing reality as it is by observing the truth inside—this is knowing oneself directly and experientially. As one practices, one keeps freeing oneself from the misery of mental impurities. From the gross, external, apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that, and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, beyond the conditioned field of relativity: the truth of total liberation from all defilements, all impurities, all suffering. Whatever name one gives this ultimate truth is irrelevant; it is the final goal of everyone.

May you all experience this ultimate truth. May all people be free from misery. May they enjoy real peace, real harmony, real happiness.

MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY

The above text is based upon a talk given by Mr. S.N. Goenka in Berne, Switzerland.

Sunday morning

Sunday morning, originally uploaded by Hel Des.

I LOVE lazy sunday morning

Dissolve

day 103/365 Dissolve, originally uploaded by Georgia Wiggs.

When you work hard .. i can't wait to dissolve and recharge. My cell phone battery isn't holding a charge, my car battery died and needed to be replaced, and i think now my brain is ready for the same.

NOW Magazine // News // Are you getting a raw deal with your sushi?

What everyone should know about sushi.

NOW Magazine // News // Are you getting a raw deal with your sushi?

Shared via AddThis

Gratitude

123/365, originally uploaded by rob orchard.

i give thanks to you.

My ex , his music

OCEAN WISE

If your from Vancouver and you like to eat out you will have noticed the

Ocean Wise

seal of approved sustainable seafood stamp. Something that i have recently started researching is how they know it's Sustainable. I came upon Seachoice a organization that is stamped by my favorite enviromental activist David Suzuki and his foundation. Sea Choice does active scientific testing to determine what seafood is safe to eat and scale of Red (avoid, almost extinct), Yellow (moderate, try to avoid), Green (eat your heart out). Click here to check it out. Based on this list i have ventured to some restaurants around town and begun to ask questions.
What i found shocking that the restaurants with the Ocean Wise stamp don't provide there employees or customers with direct information on where there seafood is coming from, or how it is caught which ultimately determines if it is safe and sustainable to eat. Ocean Wise has also been stamping items that are clearly not sustainable (due to SeaChoices findings) and restaurants and the public have been so trusting that we haven't been questioning this.
I don't really understand what Ocean Wise has to gain from providing false information to the public, or where they have come off being the enviromental backers of what is sustainable when they do very little research. In all fairness some of the food is great to eat, but when the stamp there symbol they should know where and how it's caught, or else you might as well be eating a baby panda.

Brasilia

Brasilia, originally uploaded by veggy.

I am missing Brazil more then ever right now. I can't really explain it. Maybe because it's been exactly a year since i was there.. or maybe it's the culture, the amazingly nice people, the music.. i am definitely not missing the food.. well maybe Acai but that's it!

fun theory

Selfridges in Birmingham - curves and cirles

Selfridges in Birmingham - curves and cirles, originally uploaded by Katie-Rose.

i love the ocean

Perfect Harmony

Perfect Harmony, originally uploaded by Espen Lodden.

I picked up the Bhagavad Gita today as i am doing a lot of reading to deepen my Yoga practice. It's amazing to think that i tried to read it 10 years ago when i was in India and really didn't get it. Now the words resonate within me..it only took 10 years but i am grateful for these texts.

Fluevog Shoes - Item detail: Osprey

I WANT THESE SHOES.. but instead i will pay my speeding ticket i got trying to get to yoga class in time. Lesson to self.. never speed to yoga class.. you could buy Fluevogs instead.
Fluevog Shoes - Item detail: Osprey

Shared via AddThis

A goal

Start to listen to what you say. If you hear yourself using negative or limiting words, change them.

This is something i have set as a goal for myself. After spending 2 years in Calgary living in a city that i felt was empty i moved back to Vancouver. Vancouver is a place where on any given day i can see live music, live improv, unlimited and abundant art, family, friends... etc etc.
One thing that i realize that is so incredibly uncontrollable is the weather. We live in the North so we are living within a climate that is not going to change yet we all complain about it.
Well I have decided not to. I choose to live here in this amazing city, and i love it. If you don't love it, move.. or go somewhere else for a bit before you will ultimately be pulled back to Vancouver.. everyone always comes back.
We need the rain to nourish the earth and keep our city green and full of oxygen.
You just need some essentials like an umbrella, water proof shoes, and a rain jacket and everything is alright!

DAILY FLICKR PICKR - DAY 25

My Photo featured on one of my most favorite blogs.


DAILY FLICKR PICKR - DAY 25

Shared via AddThis

The most perfect white t shirt

Shopbop

Shared via AddThis

Yoga Journal - Yoga Holistic Healing - 7 Poses to Relieve Cold

Yoga Journal - Yoga Holistic Healing - 7 Poses to Relieve Cold & Flu Symptoms

Posted using ShareThis

Stuart Slind - artist

A great video done on my step father Stuart Slind. He did not start painting until he met my mother 19 years ago, and she pushed and supported him while he explored, and focused on painting. As he says in the video, he worked hard at it, and that is something i think anyone has to do in order to be successful at anything. Passion and love make up for the rest of it. I am very proud of Stuart and his commercial success, but it doesn't go to his head. He practices yoga and can hold a head stand longer then most people, and has shifted from Zen Buddhism to Vippassanna meditation over the years. Making there home on Bowen Island, sets for an idillic space to create and is often transferred into his works. Check out his website here, or his work at the Bau-xi gallery, his next show is January 2010.

My new job

I am officially going to be a Talent Coordinator for the 2010 Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies.. i think this is the kind of thing i will be helping with !!

Let go

Hold me tight and don't let go !, originally uploaded by | Syka |.

Always let go.. never hold on. Letting go is the cultivation of emptiness in our lives. Into this emptiness, grace will come.

Fall colours

Fall colours, originally uploaded by veggy.

Yes.. the first colours of red are enveloping our leaves. Soon they will fall as we shift downwards toward the shortest days of the year. Like everything in life, things die. We can hibernate, eat soups, and watch movies. But with death comes rebirth and everything comes back..

80's dating video

You go Girl!

Is this what we have to look forward to when the Olympics return to Canada?

Serious quality 80's good times.

TV ON THE RADIO - Love Dog

Lonely little love dog that
No one knows the name of
I know why you cry out
Desperate and devout

Timid little teether
Your eyes set on the ether
Your moon in a bella luna and
Howling hallelujah

Nameless you above me
Come lay me low and love me
This lonely little love dog
That no one knows the name of

Curse me out in free verse
Wrap me up and reverse this
Patience is a virtue
Until it's silence burns you

And something slow
Has started in me as
Shameless as an ocean
Mirrored in devotion

Something slow
Has sparked up in me
As dog cries for a master
Sparks are whirling faster

Lonely little love dog
That no one knows the ways of
Where the land is low is
Where the bones will show through

Lonely little love dog
That no one knows the days of
Where the land is low is
Where the water flows to
And holds you

Martin Creed Art Installation

Art collector and real estate marketing mogul Bob Rennie commissioned artist Martin Creed to install his artwork on the side of The Wing Sang Building in Chinatown (Chinatown’s oldest building), as part of it’s restoration project. “Everything is going to be alright” is Rennie’s philosophy for the 2010 Games and the Downtown Eastside.

Bikes, Beach and

Bikes, Beach and, originally uploaded by veggy.

Third Beach is a wonderful spot to stop if your riding a long the seawall in Vancouver. Running water, washrooms, and lots of logs to rest against to absorb the views or people watch. It has been an epic summer in Vancouver.. as we begin to shift gears into fall.

Brasstronaut/ Old World Lies

Mountain flying

Thank you Luke, originally uploaded by veggy.

I have to say i miss sitting in the front of an aircraft. It is truely on the best offices views i have had.. especially on a nice sunny day in the west coast mountains. I know one day when the economy improves i will fly again in some capacity, but until then i sit in the back, and that's ok for now. If you ever get a chance and are in Vancouver, hop on a float plane and do a city tour.

Explore

Explore, originally uploaded by veggy.

As the last days of summer come they seem to be hanging on. To every last moment. Things are shifting, things are changing. Not only in the seasons but with my life. I am moving back into to my home, i think i will have a job shortly, i am taking more photography classes. and i am still exploring. Within 24 hours i went from Mission to Victoria, to Whistler, and back to Vancouver. This what i love, the depths and beauty of where i live on days like this. I give gratitude to Luke for sharing a day in his life with me.

What local foods are available in Metro Vancouver for September?

Vegetables: Artichokes, beans (fresh & dried), beets, broccoli, cabbage (green, savoy & red), carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard (swiss), corn, cucumbers, fennel (bulb), garlic (dried & fresh), kale, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, onions (red & yellow), parsnips, peppers, pumpkins, potatoes (red, russet, yellow, white), radishes, rutabagas, salad greens, shallots, spinach, squash (winter), tomatoes, turnips (white), zuchinni
Fruit: Apples, crab apples, cranberries, grapes, melons, pears, plums, prunes, strawberries
Meat & Dairy: Dairy Products, eggs, beef, buffalo, chicken, duck, goat, lamb,ostrich, pork, rabbit, turkey
Seafood: Clams, cod (Pacific), crab, Dungeness crab, flounder/sole (Pacific), halibut (Pacific), mussles, oysters (Pacific), prawns (jumbo), sablefish (black cod), salmon (Chinook/King/Spring/Pink/Chum/Coho), sardines (Pacific), scallops, shrimp (side stripe, west coast), Spring dogfish, Tuna (Albacore)
Herbs: Basil, bay leaves, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill leaf, dill seed, epazote, fennel leaf, fennel seed, garlic chives, lemon grass, lemon verbena, sweet marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory (summer & winter), shiso, sorrel, tarragon, thyme
Etc: Grains, honey, Mushrooms, Nuts

The Rule Of Thirds

The Rule Of Thirds, originally uploaded by thegreatlandoni.

110 x ... The rule of thirds appears as early as 1797 as a rule for proportioning scenic paintings. It has carried over into photography.

I created this diagram to illustrate it and call it to the attention of my flickr friends. I think we were taught this in high school art class in my home town of Marshalltown Iowa circa 1962. But I forget to follow this rule as much or more than anybody, so do as I say, not as I do.

From en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds :

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in visual arts such as painting, photography and design. The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.[citation needed]

The horizon [should sit] at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the photo from the upper two-thirds. The [subject should sit] at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a power point. Points of interest in the photo don't have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule.

The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. Using any compositional guidelines inflexibly is generally discouraged, as there are many situations in which they are best ignored; the main reason for observing the rule of thirds being to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon "dividing the picture in half".

When photographing or filming people, it is common to line the body up with a vertical line, and having the person's eyes in line with a horizontal one. If filming a moving subject, the same pattern is often followed, with the majority of the extra room being in front of the person (the way they are moving).

For more info see: digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

New Photos up!

I am venturing into Intermediate photo, and going back into the dark room! So exciting as i have not been in the dark room since i was 17 and miss it. I was fearful initially of spending money to do this but we are surrounded by images and i love taking photos, so why not learn all i can.. you only live once.

Wheel of Grace and Energy

Wheel of Grace and Energy, originally uploaded by yogi_johann.

I decided to take Mara's Power yoga class at Flow Yoga today. I had taken her class a couple years ago and loved it, even though the level 2 class at the time was a little beyond my level of experience.
I have been doing Bridge pose for over 6 months now and started venturing into wheel pose but could only get to the crown of my head. I thought i had to push through my arms to get into the wheel and thought i would never have the strength to push my body weight upwards but Mara today told us to push up through the legs and came and helped me. I realized it was almost all in my legs and i experienced one of the biggest heart openers i had probably ever experienced. It filled me with such joy.. i felt like crying.. and i didn't get a chance to thank Mara for it.
I realize now a good teacher is one that knows when you need a push or help in your practice.. and Mara is one of those teachers. Check out her classes or any of the others at YYOGA centres.

Check out this google map to see all the Vancouver Biennale Art Installations!

http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/vancouver_biennale/

Shared via AddThis

Vancouver Film fest is coming...

Its one thing we can look forward to as summer fades away and our autumn season kicks in: the VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL which runs from OCT. 1 - 16 (is this is a bit of a later start than norm?). On TUES, SEP. 8, a Sneak Preview Guide will be made available and then on SAT, SEP. 12 the complete program will be revealed. Our film fest, like our city cuisine, has super deep selection of Asian film (said to be one of the widest for fests aside Asia) and I completely agree with the festival website quote in that its really an “an unspoiled celebration of world cinema.” And as the site also states, “VIFF presents approximately 575 screenings of 350+ films from over 70 countries.”

the dangerous bandits

the dangerous bandits, originally uploaded by EllenJo.

I am trying to find what you may think is the BEST mexican or latin food in Vancouver. I have tried the few ones that people return to frequently.. but is there one that just hits the spot?

CREATE

Who needs LSD?

BIRDY NAM NAM - THE PARACHUTE ENDING from Steve Scott on Vimeo.

Where in the Vancouver area is this?

Gas Refinery 4, originally uploaded by thesavath.

There is only one refinery in Burnaby, and i think this is it.. anyone?

Women at Work

Operating a hand drill at Vultee-Nashville, woman is working on a "Vengeance" dive bomber, Tennessee (LOC), originally uploaded by The Library of Congress.

She is operating a hand drill at Vultee-Nashville, and is working on a "Vengeance" dive bomber, Tennessee (LOC)- 1943.

Coexistence

Coexistence, originally uploaded by RyAwesome.

Exist, co exist.,. smile.
I love this self portrait.

Heartbeats - Jose Gonzales

I got to meet Jose at Sled Island two years ago and he was so gentle, and kind. His music carries the same energy.

I

Be

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

-- Christian D. Larsen

FAIRBANK GREY VEGAN HANDBAG | MATT & NAT

FAIRBANK GREY VEGAN HANDBAG | MATT & NAT

Shared via AddThis
If i really needed another hand bag, this would be it. I love Matt and Nat, and it's made from 17 recycled bottles. Love it.

Budgies Burritos

Write, originally uploaded by connormcguire.

YUM YUM YUM. I experienced this little hole in the wall over 3 years ago and thought it was highly over rated. I decided to give it another try since it was on my way and i was hungry.. and was i glad. I tried the "Henry" again, and they have seemed to add some sort of garlicy sauce that makes oh so good. Check the website here,

I think this may become my new weekly haunted food

Summer Enchantment

Summer Enchantment, originally uploaded by ireena 1.

Fresh air, deep forrests, green lush life. I love summer. Fall is around the corner, i don't want it to come yet.

Neverland

Neverland #1, originally uploaded by * Loomax *.

Beginning to ask questions about life is a sign that your are having a major break through.

Pink Mountaintops

Way to bring out the women in this video and song.. a bit of a change from the older songs..

Santigold.. still love this chick

give a man a fish he'll eat it and fall asleep. teach a man to fish he'll endanger entire species. -jerm IX

give a man a fish he'll eat it and fall asleep. teach a man to fish he'll endanger entire species. -jerm IX, originally uploaded by jerm IX.

amen

harbor bokeh

harbor bokeh, originally uploaded by MEGA meesh.

Fall is near and the light is changing...

Reflecting

, originally uploaded by iloki.

on the past, on the future, and only in the now.

Lying around in bed

Day 186 - Why is it the smallest things that tear us down, originally uploaded by the cheshire smile.

seems to be the sport of the season when it's so warm out

Not photo shoped

_IGP2348.jpg, originally uploaded by Jotachispas.

I was in Penticton the night the sky decided to turn apocolyptic for the fireworks. Amazing colours!

Fireworks

Well the city has managed to pull off the Fireworks after sponsors pulling out because the great economic down fall. I haven't been able to catch any of it yet, mainly because i don't feel like fight crowds but everyone says they have been great.

Deerhunter

Deerhunter, originally uploaded by veggy.

I saw this band live at Sled Island in Calgary last year and fell in love with them. The mind blowing whole body experience of this band made me the only one that was standing up and enjoying the full capacity of what they are. It the kind of music you can stand in the middle of the floor and clothes your eyes and just feel. I got to see them again last Thursday at the Commodore in Vancouver to a very different crowd... a crowd that was very interested in moshing and surfing the crowd.. one guy even did a back flip off the stage which isn't what you would expect at all from this music. The Black LIps followed this act which was a little weird because it was way more high energy but just as good.. but Deerhunter definitely blasted me away.

Feathers

Feathers, originally uploaded by Patiblue.

This picture makes me want to touch them..

the yogathon

the yogathon, originally uploaded by Simone Hudson.

Camp Moomba Yogathon is upon us, and this year because i am actually in Vancouver i am going to to partake in this event. Please give what you can here.

Can't Stop Feeling

Rice Chips

Rice Chips, originally uploaded by The Mooncake Box.

These are so addictive and SO good!!! I love all the flavours:)

Monday Morning

Critical Mass on the Burrard St. Bridge

Critical Mass on the Burrard St. Bridge, originally uploaded by Sockeyed.

the future of our city.