I spent a fun-filled morning with my family as guests of the Vancouver Aquarium where the kids enjoyed interactive displays and learning about marine life around the world.
When I was little we spent school field trips perched on the edges of our bleacher seats watching the majestic orcas perform stunts for handycam-toting crowds. Nowadays the orcas are gone, their large pool has been transformed into more of a learning and research zone and the home of four Pacific White-Sided Dolphins.
Next to them you’ll find the otters (who are totally internet-famous), sea lions, and the beluga habitat.
Since there was a baby beluga born June 10th they are limiting the amount of foot-traffic passing through the underwater viewing area so the line ups are long. They begin at 10:15 so it’s best to show up early if you’d like to catch a glimpse of the little one, however you can still view the tank from above water (and there’s also the beluga cam online).
Inside the aquarium there are several exhibits that showcase everything from exotic frogs to creatures and plant life of the Pacific Coast.
Known to my niece and nephews as, “the stinky area,” the rainforest portion is almost just as I remembered it from childhood, complete with things flying at your head that you hope are simply butterflies.
The gift shop seems to have branched downstairs as well as outside alongside the snack bar leaving stroller navigation to be a somewhat difficult task when the throngs of families, AquaCampers and school groups appear. But whatever the Aquarium lacks in space it makes up for in education.
There is a kids zone with interactive displays and live shows daily, computer screens to touch, puzzles to solve, wheels to crank, and portholes to look through. Each display is accompanied by a photo and a write up featuring information about the animal and its natural habitat.
The dolphin shows are also rather brief, which is nice to see, and they do not simply make them do tricks to entertain (although they do love to show off). In about 10 minutes we learned all about dolphin markings, habits, traits, and the Ocean Wise program for sustainable seafood choices.
A day at the Aquarium for the family may not be on my “cheap things to do” list however if you live in Metro Vancouver the annual family pass is definitely a cost-saver (two adults and three kids for $125/year).
Nothing will compare to the experience John and I had on Salt Spring Island when we spotted a Pacific Dolphin circling the water around us while we were perched on a rock at the opening of a bay. However, when it comes to education and ‘reaching the masses’ the Vancouver Aquarium is doing the best it can to heighten awareness and conservation with regards to our fragile oceans and ecosystems.
A while back I was invited to a Facebook event that would celebrate the (official) arrival of the iPhone in Canada on July 11th. Lately with all the news about plans and the fact that you can only get the iPhone at a Rogers or Fido outlet several people have had enough.
This afternoon on Twitter the iPhoneInCanada blog reminded us all that July 11th is also Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven stores across North America. Granted, the size of the free Slurpee cups are rather diminutive compared to a regular Big Gulp but still, free frozen sugar is always a treat. So here’s my poll for the week – what are you most excited about now on 7-11-08, the iPhone’s arrival at Rogers stores or Free Slurpee Day?
We’re just setting up now, waiting for the panelists and of course – the throngs of eager social media do-gooders that will be in attendance tonight.
Update: David Drucker is now here (arriving with John) and he and Dave are discussing David’s post about how the Hippies Saved Vancouver.
I just heard DaveO instruct John to write something down for the panel presentation, “it’ll be like one of those 1970’s game shows,” this is going to be fun.
Update: Things are underway, “so you’re thinking of podcasting eh? First of all let me tell you you’re INSANE,” states DaveO. “It’s one thing to produce content and it’s another to have it actually do something.” Dave starts by introducing the panelists and handing them each a special hat – no joke.
Dave’s first point is to note that the least important part is buying a bunch of expensive equipment and asks the panelists to express a few points about what people should think about when considering podcasting.
Rob: “I would ask myself – do I really care enough about this subject?”
John: “What will your level of commitment be? Are you going to be able to hear yourself and like what you’re saying?” “Are you going to be able to learn with each episode.” “Are you going to have passion?”
Roland: “Do it and don’t worry about how it goes – just try because you’ll find something. We’re all creative human beings.”
There’s a difference between making something for fun and making a big production out of something when it doesn’t need to be. “It’s not a bad idea to start on a hobby podcast before you get started on something other people are dependent on,” remarks Dave.
Update: We now get to the part where the panelists wrote key points on memo cards. John says the most important part is voice – and not necessarily the actual sounds but having your opinions and thoughts expressed. “With audio there’s very little distraction,” says Dave.
[Editor’s note: Roland is streaming this live on his Qik account]
Now what about getting to that first episode? Title, point of view (outsider/insider), the aesthetic etc. Dave notes that storytelling is paramount – it doesn’t need to be a 60 minute high-quality production, you can have your own narrative.
Dave points a few questions to John about soundseeing, which is basically walking around with a recorder and capturing sounds, and talking about what’s going on around you. “You’re going to forget stuff, you’re going to go off on tangents,” it’s okay to veer off your show notes or show plan as long as you tell that story. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
The last time I was at Metrotown it was to sit on Santa’s knee with Keira that also happened to be when first I noticed the little train carting young ones and their parents around the ground floor of the mall.
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that the train provides more than mid-mall amusement (and seated rest) for the retail-weary and pretzel-loaded kiddies.
Registered non-profit organizations can now apply for cash donations made possible by the Metropolis Express, a trackless train that runs through the corridors of Metropolis. The Metropolis Express is entirely funded by Metropolis at Metrotown and rides are offered by donation to charity.
The train has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and they’re looking to expand their donation portfolio, offering to find new places to which they can pass along these funds. Here’s what they’re looking for in a non-profit:
Must be Burnaby, New Westminster or East Vancouver based and demonstrate a significant and unique contribution to community life.
Must be “grassroots” i.e. the money would make a significant impact on their operations.
Must not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion and sexual orientation.
Must be a registered non-profit organization.
Must have defined goals and objectives.
If you know of a local charity that could benefit from additional funds from The Metropolis Express, you can find contact information on their website.
My episode of The Lab with Leo was one of the last ones produced before the show ceased to be but I was very lucky and proud to be a small part of it all.
I admit, I was probably the most nervous I have been in a really long time when we recorded this segment. I’ve done podcasting, blogging, radio, and TV interviews before but it was something about this show and at this time that made me as shakey as a monkey in the middle of January (you know, cause it would be cold n’ stuff).
It did help though to be in the green room with Derek Miller, who had been on the show many times.
Five minutes goes by REALLY fast when you’re trying to sound smart with HDTV cameras in your face and I hope I sound somewhat intelligent.
As a side note, I was also interviewed by Fundfindr at the VIDFEST opening gala party at the Vancouver Art Gallery. You can view the clip which is entitled, “Bloggin from the Noggin” (which is something I’m proud to be doing) on their website.
The last time I was at 