During the Federal Election, the CBC had a few Twitter streams going and even shared some Tweets from some of this followers on air (through OrmistonOnline). They are now continuing their Twitter coverage throughout the Civic Elections in the Greater Vancouver area.
In case I just lost you with “Tweets” and “Twitter” references he’s a quick rundown of the popular micro-blogging service:
– What is Twitter? Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
– What does it mean to follow someone on Twitter? Following someone simply means receiving their Twitter updates. How you receive the updates (on your phone, IM, or just on the web) is up to you. [Twitter Support
The CBC “Civic Vote 2008” page is up and running including instructions on how to sign up for Twitter. They do not supply an account to follow (ie. OrmistonOnline) however they do mention that you can track their conversations such as the upcoming Vancouver Mayoral Debate. You’ll be able to catch everyone’s updates about and throughout this event by following #cbcmayorsdebate.
Note, a hash mark # denotes a conversation, and an at sign @ is for replying to a Twitter user. Here’s how to follow a conversation as opposed to one user’s updates:
Head to Summize.com or Search.Twitter.com and enter the conversation or term you’d like to follow, in this case #cbcmayorsdebate, then click search.
You do not need to be a Twitter user or have a Twitter account to follow conversations like this, however to reply or add your thoughts, an account would be required.
To start adding your thoughts to this discussion, simply publish your own updates and be sure to include “#cbcmayorsdebate” in order for it to show up in this stream. You can also follow the user @CBCNewsBC to receive their updates (or Tweets) any day of the week.
The Vancouver mayoral candidates debate will take place November 12th from 7:30pm – 9:00pm.
Photo credit:
david on Flickr
Last year I included a note about the great poppy debate in a blog post. I first heard about white poppies through a BBC article in 2006, and also from DaveO, who does an amazing White Poppies series on his podcast year-round.
Both red and white are the colour of the poppy, and if you’ve read the poem In Flanders Fields, you know they grew, between the crosses row on row (however I would bet even the white ones were red during those WWI years).
Some say the this traditional red symbol that we pin to our lapel for the month of November glorifies war and sacrifice and we should change the colour to white – in support of peace.
The White Poppy symbolises the belief that there are better ways to resolve conflicts than killing strangers. Our work, primarily educational, draws attention to many of our social values and habits which make continuing violence a likely outcome. [White Poppies for Peace]
On the flip side, there are groups that are so outraged they would like to see the white poppy banned.
The Legion is claiming the white poppy campaign is illegal because it infringes on their trademark symbol. The veterans’ organization says it turns their symbol of sacrifice into a political position. [Edmonton – 2006]
With an overall general sentiment of remembrance, organizations argue that it should be entirely acceptable to wear alternate symbols and even have alternative ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (ie. placing wreaths of white poppies at cenotaphs across the nation).
“For many people the red poppy has become a symbol that is being used to justify and promote war,” explains Claire Hurtig, a local activist and union organizer in Montreal. “The white poppy is an alternative way to remember war, but also to protest war as an institution in our society, [especially] as the Conservative government is putting more and more money into the military and not into social programs, leading to hugely detrimental impacts on our society.” [Hour.ca]
I think everyone has their own way in which they commemorate historic, tragic, and heroic events.
[poll id=”19″]
This Monday, November 10th, you can check out Forever Faithful: A Canucks Movie; a documentary following fans and players of the last 38 years of the franchise through the course of a season.
The documented life of Canucks fans and their relationship with their team… and it’s not a horror movie. The film will be shown in theatres for just one day from the looks of it, then I think we can guess it’ll be on DVD just in time to slip under the Christmas tree. And will Canucks fans buy it? Good god, will we ever…
The film was commissioned by the Vancouver Canucks and was apparently another brainchild of the team’s scary-smart president, Chris Zimmerman. [Canucks and Beyond]
In the Greater Vancouver area the film will screen at 7:00pm in the following theatres: Strawberry Hill, Colossus Langley, Scotiabank Theatre, Silvercity Riverport, and Silvercity Coquitlam.
The DVD will be available for sale in late November at Save-On-Foods and Overwaitea Foods.
While we’re busy planning WordCamp Whistler (my official post about the event will be out next week) the village is bursting at the seams with libations and delicious treats this weekend with Cornucopia.
Cornucopia is Whistler’s premier wine and food extravaganza. The annual event is a unique opportunity to mingle, mix and learn from acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, vintners and restaurateurs’ visiting Whistler just for this special celebration… …Now celebrating its twelfth year as one of Whistler’s most popular signature events, Cornucopia returns for 2008 with another spectacular lineup of succulent culinary offerings and glamorous grape galas. [About]
The festival’s events are quickly selling out, like the now fully-booked “Chef’s Trip to the Farm, North Arm Farm”, and “Chef’s Table Luncheon with Rob Feenie, Cactus Club, Beringer”. Although, there’s still room to find out more about the green tea, red wine, and chocolate diet during Sunday’s sessions.
Tonight is the big Crush! Gala grand tasting and Miss604.com will be there; I have a contributing author that will be attending the event on behalf of the site (you may have read her work before) and she’ll be reporting back with photos and a tasty event recap. Cornucopia opened yesterday and will be packed full of events until November 10th.
Tonight friends, family, peers, fans, and industry types will be gathering for a fundraiser at The Caprice on Granville in honor of legendary actress Babz Chula.
Babz Chula is regarded as one of Canada’s most accomplished actors and a veritable life force in Vancouver’s independent film community. She is a generous mentor to young artists and a tireless volunteer to countless charity causes.
A cancer survivor for many years, Babz’s cancer has recurred. Once again, she’s fighting for her life, undergoing both traditional and naturopathic treatments, the latter of which is not covered by medical insurance. [Babz Chula Society]
The event (starting at 8:00pm) will feature live performances by The Wet Spots, Wyckham Porteous, Jim Byrnes & DJ Chris Kalhoon. Rachael Chatoor will be there as well (and she was also responsible for notifying me of this).
Tickets are through Club Vibes for $25 and will be available at the door as well for $30 – proceeds will go to the not-for-profit Babz Chula Society. Check out the Facebook event or Society’s site for more info.
