CANstruction display 2009 – from soup to aliens (and a real train)
For the first time, I finally made it out to the CANstruction sculpture display on its final day at the new Vancouver convention centre. Teams create whimsical constructions out of donated cans (and other packages) of food. The results ranged from head-scratchingly obscure to remarkably inventive and fun. Read more »
A topic a day about BC-STV, part 2: STV around the world
Continuing my daily series analyzing specific arguments for and against BC-STV, the proportional voting system we can put into place in BC on May 12. Today: STV around the world. Some form of proportional representation or “PR” is the norm in most other countries. Only Canada, the US, Britain and India use our current “First … Continue reading A topic a day about BC-STV, part 2: STV around the world Read more »
A topic a day about BC-STV, #1: Too complicated?
It’s true that there is more math required to calculate the winners under BC-STV. But any system that goes beyond a simple “most X’s wins” will by necessity require somewhat more complex math. The formula may be challenging for the math-phobic but, speaking as someone who is a bit of a plodder at equations, the … Continue reading A topic a day about BC-STV, #1: Too complicated? Read more »
Jane’s Walk explores riots, homelessness and baseball
On Sunday May 3, I attended my first “Jane’s Walk” – local urban tours that dig into Vancouver’s history and urban issues (named for writer and urban-development activist Jane Jacobs). This one, winding through the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown, was called “Riots, Homelessness and Baseball” – and all three have been seen in the DTES over the years. (The baseball took place inside the Beatty Street Armoury.) Our host was author Michael Barnholden and it was an eye-opening and entertaining two hours. Read more »
Vote Yes on STV – our last chance to make every vote count
It seems that the most profound choice you have to make on May 12 is the one that has gotten the least publicity. While you may have strong opinions on which leader to send to Victoria, it’s the STV, or Single Transferable Vote, that will really make a difference in the long-term – by transforming … Continue reading Vote Yes on STV – our last chance to make every vote count Read more »