The first time I heard of St Paul’s Hospital was when I was talking to my friend (and neighbour) about where we were born. We were about 9 or 10 years old and she told me she was born at St. Paul’s in Vancouver, which seemed strange to me since my brother, sister and I were all born at Surrey Memorial. I didn’t know that I would grow up and soon live within blocks of the historic building or that its future serving our major metropolitan area would be in jeopardy.
St Paul’s Hospital timeline (source, if not otherwise stated, is VancouverHistory.ca)
1892 – The Sisters of Providence arrived from Portland upon recommendation by Bishop Paul Durieu as Vancouver’s population was growing and in need of health care. They bought seven lots on the outskirts of Vancouver for $9,000 and a 25-bed hospital was completed in 1894. [source: Providence Health Care]
November 22, 1894 – Bishop Paul Durieu blessed it the building (side note: the hospital is not named after St. Paul, but actually for Bishop Paul Durieu himself. [source: VancouverHistory]
1904 – 50 more beds added.
September 1, 1907 – Official opening of a School of Nursing at St. Paul’s Hospital.
1912 – Construction began to expand St. Paul’s into a 120-bed hospital.
1921 – The staff at St. Paul’s Hospital devised a machine that controlled ether administration in the operating room.
September 1, 1922 – Margaret Yvonne Middleton (Yvonne De Carlo) was born at St. Paul’s.
1959 – Dr Harold Rice at St Paul’s Hospital built Canada’s first heart-lung machine.
1960 – St. Paul’s Hospital opened BC’s first biomedical engineering department.
1966 – St Paul’s Hospital opened its intensive-care unit.
1983 – AIDS Vancouver was founded, the same year that St. Paul’s admitted its first AIDS patient.
In recent years, and with a growing population yet again, the hospital is running out of room. The PHC (Providence Health Care) and they are proposing an upgrade called the “Legacy Project”. As such, a group emerged a few years ago leading an initiative to Save St. Paul’s.
The Legacy Project includes two options. The first is construction and redevelopment on the current site that will take an estimated 15 years. The second (and I assume the less popular) is to build a new facility in South East False Creek on 18.5 acres, which would take 5-7 years.
What are your thoughts? Should Vancouver expand and preserve it’s only downtown hospital or would it be better off in another location with more room to breathe?
Last March Google launched its cities in 3D program and as of this month, Vancouver is on now the list.
If your local government is like many around the world, you’ve invested in developing a 3D model representing buildings in your city’s downtown–perhaps your entire jurisdiction. Or, maybe you haven’t yet produced a 3D model, but you’ve collected the geospatial data necessary for producing a model. With Google’s Cities in 3D Program, your local government, community group, or educational institution can share this 3D data with the public by adding a model of your city or community to Google Earth. [Google Cities in 3D]
Mock ups and colourful 3D representations have been added before through Google’s Sketchup or the 3D Warehouse but life-like designs of over 1,400 Vancouver buildings are now officially available through Google Earth.
This got me thinking about our city’s architecture; from brick and stone to teal and glass, fires, fairs and economies have shaped the landscape. So, which exactly is your favourite building downtown?
This evening I will be joined by other wonderful bloggers to experience Carmen as guests of the Vancouver Opera. We’ll be setup in the lobby to take photos, jot down thoughts, notes, and any interesting tidbits we have to share. Between acts, we’ll have updates and early reviews as well. If you are attending the opera tonight, please feel free to stop by and say hello, and if you’re at home, check back here around 6:30pm for some pre-opera blogging.
Update: I arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and joined up with the other bloggers, Ami, Tanya, and Kimli. Moments later Terry Harper, the Director of Production was kind enough to sweep us away for a private tour backstage.
It was great to see the sets going up, meet some of the people who make the production happen, and see how everyone gets prepared for the big evening.
I have to say that the Vancouver Opera has been great so far, giving us tickets, as well as putting up a sign near our table stating each of our names and full URLs — the first time of all my 30-some liveblogs that a host has done so (from tech events to hockey games).
At some point I know I’m going to feel like a caged animal (and the “please do not feed the bloggers” note at the bottom of our sign doesn’t help — but it’s cute) however everyone passing by is in great spirits and are asking us some wonderful questions.
The General Director of the opera, James W. Wright, just walked past and shook each of our hands, “now what are you people doing here?” he said in jest as he took time to “speak with his bloggers.” They just keep making us feel more and more special, this is pretty great.
Update: We are now heading in for Act I, we’ll be back soon (my photos are also going up on Flickr).
Update: We’re in the middle of a 20 minute intermission. I’m currently battling a cold and although I spent most of the first act wondering if my nose was whistling or trying to control my laboured breathing I still enjoyed the show. Being that I know French it’s actually a lot easier to follow than Eugine Onegin (which was in Russian) so I didn’t have to look up as often to follow the sur-titles. The set looks fabulous, from this side of the stage, the story is captivating thus far, and boy that Carmen sure is one troublemaker (in her beautiful red corset).
VO Carmen – Rinat Shaham as Carmen – Photo by Tim Matheson
I’m moreso fascinated by the folks in the lobby who stop the speak with us while we’re blogging. Tanya is getting asked about her HP Netbook (since it’s about half the size of my MacBook) and we’re fielding questions from “what is a blog”, “who will read that,” to “is this going on Facebook?”, and “do you get to see the show”? Everyone is very friendly and Ling (whom I met with to first discuss a blogger night at the opera) just brought us over some food after she read on Kimli’s site that she had missed dinner. Things sure are happening fast and in real-time.
We have three more acts to go, so I’ll check back in with more thoughts on Carmen in just a few minutes…
Update: I think I’m going to have to get more in-depth about the actual opera when I get home this evening as I only have about 10 more minutes to give an update. The first act featured an introduction to Carmen and her devilishly seductive ways, literally having a man (Don Jose) take the fall for her. In the second act he returns and must make a choice between his country and his lust erm… love for Carmen, a decision that pretty much ends up being made for him. However, we were also introduced to quite the self-assured toreador, Escamillo and while I am avoiding the synopsis I’m certain he will make a return. Again, very speedy commentary as the 5 minute warning to return to our seats it about to sound. Apologies to the couple at the end of our row as we all file out at every break. And now for Act III…
Update: It’s all over and we’re heading our seperate ways. I’ll have more coverage later but would sincerely like to thank the Vancouver Opera for being amazing hosts this evening (especially Selina and Ling), and I continue to be amazed by their fine productions and unlimited talents, both on and off the stage.
Update: “Who knows why we fall in love,” said a woman sitting behind me at the theatre. The word love was tossed around a lot tonight but I think it means many things… lust, perseverance, passion, and not just for a companion — freedom was also chanted, bellowed, and mourned.
While women in gowns take the arms of gentlemen in tuxedos as they glide through the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth theatre everyone is in good spirits. They pass to say hello to a crew sitting at a table with their heads tilted downward while feverishly typing away, documenting their experiences, then take their seats to discuss Carmen and her motives. “She likes him because she can control him,” said another woman about Don Jose, “but that’s probably also why she loses interest,” mentions another.
The opera is a welcoming atmosphere, for those who may think otherwise, even for someone like me who admits they recognized most of the rhythms from old Bugs Bunny cartoons (or more recently that episode of Family Guy where Brian hears Pearl sing Habanera… but I digress).
Rinat Shaham‘s delivery is captivating and you end up routing for the troubled yet headstrong vixen, while the orchestra, chorus, and cast were each mesmerizing. To say Carmen is a classic is a severe understatement; it’s humorous, playful, melodramatic, and tragic, yet splashed with so much colour even among the drab nomadic settings of a gypsy camp.
You can catch Carmen January 29th and 31st as well as February 3rd and 5th and tickets start at $23 (which is pretty much what you would pay for a movie ticket and a popcorn combo). It’s an opportunity I encourage every Vancouverite to experience — dress up, head out on the town, and get lost in the soothing yet tempestuous melodies of the opera.
I recently interviewed the Owner of the Chop Shop on Granville for my weekly E!Online post. The following is an abbreviated version of the post:
Paperny Films
A new docu-soap featuring Vancouver’s Chop Shop will share the rock and roll “anti hair salon” lifestyle this February on Slice Network.
Owner and Chop Shop star, Daniel Hudon probably couldn’t fathom being a part of a television series when he started up his own salon 4 years ago but it was always a part of his plan to bring people together. “We’ve been packed since day one — it’s just a great place for the average person to go and feel comfortable.”
Hudon had been working in the salon industry in Vancouver for years, from the city’s trendy Yaletown to the shopping district on Robson Street although he wanted to create a space that was different. “I was tired of working in other shops.. …There was high end, low end, and nothing in the middle.”
Chop Shop trailer
The Chop Shop hosts 13 stylists (Daniel, Proctor, Amber, Mishelle, Paymon, Hannah B., John, Nikki, Jeff, Carly Tre, Tobi, Harmonie, and Ramona) who share their work days, personal lives, and professional aspirations, while doing something they’re all extremely passionate about.
The docu-soap (a more specific genre of reality series) filmed for several months at their shop on Granville Street, in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district. While the shop itself employs those who love the rock and roll lifestyle, it’s situated in a part of town that is slowly being taken over by trendy clubs and chandeliered lounges, while the piercing studios, record stores, and tattoo parlours are being pushed out. However, Hudon isn’t too concerned about any of that cramping their style, “it takes the individual to break out of the mold — there’s a lot of cool stuff going on and you just have to keep in touch with it.”
Going forward, the Chop Shop is looking to expand operations, having recently opened up another location in Langley, while Hudon is looking at various other cities across Canada; “This can work anywhere, from Toronto to Montreal and Calgary.”
You can stop by the now-famous shop if you’re looking for a hair cut or style in a welcoming atmosphere or as Hudon recommends, if you simply need “a great place to just come chill out.”
Chop Shop airs February 4th at 8:00pm ET, 9:00pm PT on Slice with its first episode, “Help Wanted.” Read more on E!Online.
When you think of baseball you think hotdogs, warm summer afternoons, caps, cheers, and more often than not, America. However one of the most cherished baseball films of all time was actually based on a book written by a Canadian, who spent time bouncing between the Lower Mainland, and Iowa.
I began writing this post while snuggled up on my in-laws’ couch in Iowa and I figured now was as good a time as any to publish it.
The snow has started to cascade lightly to the ice-covered ground as we spend our last few days in the state known for its “Fields of Opportunities”.
One of our first days here was spent traveling to a neighbouring town because John’s mom heard they had a new Mexican grocery store. Along the way, we saw a sign for Dyersville, which I knew immediately as being home to the actual Field of Dreams (from what John had told me years ago).
For baseball lovers and movie-goers alike, Field of Dreams is a classic American tale, even though it was based on a book written by a Canadian.
W.P. (William Patrick) Kinsella was born in Edmonton, Alberta and attended the University of Victoria before making his way to Iowa for their legendary (and world-famous) Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He was based in White Rock, then Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and now the Fraser Canyon.
Kinsella’s works go far beyond the field, with dozens of books published along with hundreds of short stories, he was awarded the Order of Canada in 1994 as well as the Order of British Columbia.
However, it was his tale of Shoeless Joe that touched most, across many borders. The book was adapted for screen and became Field of Dreams as we know it, coining classic movie lines such as, “Is this heaven?…. No, it’s Iowa.” While also being known to make “95% of men who watch it, cry.” It’s also a Fourth of July classic for John’s family.
The actual setting of the film is a real farm, with a real baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. It’s open to the public from April to November, and is free to visit and play.
Great efforts are taken not to over-commercialize the Movie Site and to make it accessible to tourists. As a result, we cannot reserve, or rent out the Field for any organized activities, individuals, or events. We feel the property is best served in its original and pristine condition. Our aim in having these policies is to present the property as it was so well-depicted in the movie. We hope you can “go the distance” and enjoy the Field of Dreams. [Field of Dreams Movie Site]
The next time we head back to John’s home turf, which will hopefully be during the warmer months, I’m looking forward to stopping by and playing some catch because even though I was raised on frozen pond shinny, there’s nothing like a round of catch in the lazy summer sun among the sweet corn.
January 3, 2010: I made it to Dyersville, Iowa today and saw the Field of Dreams.
Hopefully I’ll be able to come back in the summertime and be able to play baseball without the need of boots, mittens, and seven layers of clothing to protect from the cold.
Update 2020: I have been back many,many times in the summer since this post was originally published. It’s such a lovely place! I also got to meet WP Kinsella in 2011.
