TransLink has launched a “Transit Pet Peeves” campaign with illustrations depicting some of our greatest annoyances when taking the bus or SkyTrain. They have pitted eight characters against each other in an ultimate pet peeve showdown on their Facebook page.

Disco Dog. Read the Buzzer Blog’s interview with illustrator Ed Spence

Many have a pet peeve when they take public transit. Using seats for bags instead of for people to sit, and eating on transit are just a couple. TransLink has put together eight of the most popular complaints people have posted and tweeted on TransLink’s social media channels, particularly Facebook. The Transit Pet Peeve Battle starts today and will match up characters or “petsonas” every weekday until November 28, 2011. When you vote, you are also entered to win some great prizes from Translink including an iPhone 4S, monthly fare cards and more.

To promote the Transit Pet Peeve Battle, TransLink has also exclusively offered two prizes to my readers. You can enter to win a 3-zone monthly fare card (for December, 2011 or January, 2012 – your choice) as well as a prize pack with a $40 Blenz card, travel mug, travel kit, umbrella, and bike light. Here’s how you can enter to win one my prizes:

• Leave a comment here naming one of the 8 “petsonas” (full list here) – (1 entry)
• Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

This is all in good fun and I know we all hope for a pleasant transit experience. I will draw two winners (one for the fare card, one for the prize pack) at 10:00am on November 28, 2011. The winner of the Transit Pet Peeve Battle will be announced by Translink at 3:00pm that same day.

Update The winners are @778Yvonne (fare card) and Farhan (prize pack).

This week’s theme is a not-so-subtle reminder that there is a civic election happening this Saturday, November 19, 2011. The City of Vancouver has had 39 individual mayors in its 125 years, here are just a few of them in action over the last century.

1886 – VPL Accession Number: 508.
The first council meeting with Mayor M.A. McLean after the fire.

1907 – VPL Accession Number: 6765. Photographer: Philip Timms.
A baseball game at recreation park (Smithe & Homer) with Mayor Alexander Bethune about to pitch.

1919 – VPL Accession Number: 3897. Photographer: Leonard Frank.
The Prince of Wales with Mayor R.H. Gale (on the left, in the top hat).

1923 – VPL Accession Number: 21697. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor Owen broadcasting at CJCE, a radio station owned by the Vancouver Sun.

1929 or 1930 – VPL Accession Number: 30269. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor W.H. Malkin (on the right)

1928 – VPL Accession Number: 22738. Photographer: Dominion Photo Co.
Mayor L.D. Taylor and Captain of U.S. ship Pennsylvania

1936 – VPL Accession Number: 4691. Photographer: Leonard Frank.
Vancouver City Hall cornerstone laying ceremonies with Mayor G.G. McGeer officiating.

1950 – VPL Accession Number: 81429. Photographer: Artray.
Mayor Thompson turns first sod for Capilano Stadium on Little Mountain (which is now Nat Bailey).

1951 – VPL Accession Number: 42588. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Fred Hume (on the right, with the pipe) with council members.

1951 – VPL Accession Number: 47940. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Fred Hume (centre) with Brig Megill, R.C.A.F Gordon along Georgia Street.

1958 – VPL Accession Number: 42535. Photographer: Province Newspaper.
Mayor Tom Alsbury and his wife at election.

Please remember to get out and vote on Saturday if you haven’t done so already. You will be selecting one Mayor, 10 Councillors, 7 Park Commissioners and 9 School Trustees. Fill out your ballot and remember to flip it over as there are some questions on the other side of the form. Polls are open in your community from 8:00pm until 8:00pm.

NOTE: This post was published in 2011. Click here for 2014 information.

Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in Abbotsford this week (November 18 – 20) and Vancouver the week after (November 23 – 27). However, they’re making a stop in Surrey in between. Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and the gang will be at Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey to collect toys for the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

Photo © Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3

Toys are Back in Town Holiday Toy Drive
When Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where Surrey Central City Shopping Centre, 2153-10153 King George Blvd. Bring donations to the rotunda near Tim Horton’s and The Brick.

All those who bring a new toy for the Surrey Christmas Bureau will be able to meet the characters and get a photo with them. They will also be entered into a draw to win a four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in Vancouver.

The Surrey Christmas Bureau also operates an Adopt-a-Family program and they’re in need of sponsors and volunteers this season.

The Strachan Hartley Legacy Foundation (“SHLF”) is hosting a 2011 Grey Cup party on Sunday, November 27th. They will be raising funds for their education and sport programs for at-risk youth in Vancouver.

When: Sunday, November 27, 2011
12:00pm (3:30pm is the Grey Cup kick-off)
Where: AuBar at 674 Seymour in Vancouver
Where: *New Venue* The Manchester Public Eatery (1941 W Broadway, Vancouver)
Tickets: Available online for $20.
Your ticket includes a burger and a beer.

All proceeds will go directly to SHLF’s programming which includes partnerships with Streetfront Alternative School and the Take a Hike Foundation. SHLF is run by volunteers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Must be 19 years of age to attend the Grey Cup party. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home.

United Way of the Lower Mainland (“UWLM”) has launched their Imagine online gift catalogue that allows you to purchase gifts that have a lasting impact in your community.

The “gift catalogue” campaign has been used before by global organizations and I had the chance to speak with UWLM’s President and CEO, Michael McKnight, about how it works for them. “People want to give meaningful things these days,” Michael said. “We thought we would take that same concept and see if there were people locally that were interested in the issues around them and wanted to support those programs and service that they, or their neighbours, use.” He added that it’s also a great way to find something to give the person who has everything.

You can browse gifts by price-point, ranging from under $25 to over $500. The online catalogue includes everything from a square meal for $6 for a child or family (you can purchase multiple amounts) , sports equipment (soccer balls, basketball hoops) for $39, to cooking classes and housing for seniors (up to $1200). This is the second year of Imagine and they hope to raise $150,000 surpassing last year’s inaugural fundraising total of $90,000.

There are three specific age ranges or communities that the UWLM supports, from Pemberton to Langley. Kids 0-6 years of age, making sure they are ready to start school. Kids 6-12 years old, supporting them after school hours. And, supporting the aging population through seniors programs, housing, transportation and social activities.

When you give from the catalogue you’ll also receive a card that you can print and hand to the recipient of your gift. Select an e-card option if you do not wish to print.

As a side note, I asked Michael about the power of social media as he sees it since I first learned about this campaign through the @UWLM Twitter account. “There’s a growing recognition of the importance of social media,” he told me adding that many wonder if it drives donations or simply keeps causes font of mind. “The real impact of social media is keeping donors connected to the kinds of work that charities do.”

You can definitely find out more about United Way of the Lower Mainland online, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

United Way has helped people in the Lower Mainland for nearly 80 years and works to meet emerging challenges and improve social conditions.