My weekly E! article has now been posted and it features Edison & Leo, Canada’s first stop-motion animated film, which was created right here in the Lower Mainland.
It’s a unique film with a darker sense of humour which matches its slick yet grimey steampunk look. There’s a clip available on YouTube but just as a warning, it’s of an adult nature:
Sets were created at St. Mary’s school in Mission, BC which was transformed into the entire studio and the world of George T. Edison and his son, Leo. (Check out Derek’s post about the location, and his behind-the-scenes photos)
“We had to build every single thing at 1/6th scale, it’s a lot of work. Luckily we can find stuff and adapt it, you know, parts and garbage and junk, because we’re not quite something with as big a budget as a big American production, so we’ve had to kind of improvise. For a while it was complicated, but you find your groove and your crew and you rely on people to make smart decisions and stuff happens.” Erik Whittaker – Production Designer
I’ve had my share of grief with the pink mini I purchased 4 years ago and just like the ‘area man’ in this Onion Radio News report, I didn’t want to give up on my iPod when its battery life fizzled to a mere 30 seconds.
Coming back from Osoyoos yesterday, I plugged my iPod (2nd gen) mini into the Energizer Energi to Go portable charger (as seen in this video) and held it there for about 2 hours of the journey. I found this to be a great solution to my battery woes, although inevitably the Energi to Go will need two new AA batteries so it’s definitely not a long-term answer.
I’ve had the lightning bolt symbol, the disk mode screen, and even the “I’m b0rked” message with the frowning iPod saying I better go to Apple Support. Through it all, it has never been more than a few simple reboots couldn’t fix, which is pretty fortunate I would imagine.
We’re unsure if it’s still on a United Airlines flight from Kansas City or if it was scooped from our bag at the beach. Regardless, we’re out of luck now when it comes to portable podcast recording equipment and I’m feeling like the hooped iPod in the photo above right about now since I also have two band podcast interviews coming up this month. I was wondering what other podcasters do for cheap, quick, and easy product for mobile recording – if you have any tools or tips to share please let me know in the comments.
I admit, I have a love/hate relationship with the Fraser River. When I have to cross it on the Pattullo, I hate it. When I watch it mix and mingle with the waters of the Thompson River at the top end of the canyon in Lytton, I love it.
Recently my sister reminded me that this year is the 200th anniversary of Simon Fraser’s Expedition. Fraser was one of the first to chart most of British Columbia, he setup the first trading posts, and explored a mighty river that cuts through the province that would later bear his name.
Since the expedition that lead to the mouth of the Fraser took place in 1808 there have been recreations, celebrations and workshops all over BC this year to commemorate this journey.
On August 5th, 2008: “Hope is where the Fort Langley Canoe Club voyageurs once again set to embark on their re-enactment canoe trip, to end at the Maritime Museum at Vanier Park. They were given a handshake send-off by the Mayor of Hope, Wilfried Vicktor, and the voyageurs were on their way to paddle another 175 kms.
You can read more about the trek of the present-day voyageurs on the BC Local News blog, which went far better than Fraser’s original adventure.
“… but Fraser encountered a hostile reception by the Musqueam people as he approached the lower reaches of the river at present day Vancouver. Their hostile pursuit of Fraser and his men meant that Fraser was not able to get more than a glimpse of the Strait of Georgia on July 2, 1808. A dispute with the neighbouring Kwantlen people led to a pursuit of Fraser and his men that was only broken off near present day Hope. The journey culminated in further disappointment as Fraser discovered from his readings that the river he had just navigated was not, in fact, the Columbia. The descent had taken Fraser and his crew thirty-six days.” [wiki]
After being invited back by the owners, Bruno and Stella, my sister and I left Osoyoos city limits this afternoon to pay them a visit.
I enjoy the Riesling and the Pinot Blanc, however after my first taste of the Viognier its hints of apricot and other summery fruit made it my number one choice to take home with me on this sizzling yet blustery day.
Although I have to admit, the unoaked Merlot is still a personal fave.
Once again it was great to chat with Stella, get information about their wines, and learn a bit more about the business of vineyards and tastings. I highly encourage those making a trek through the Okanagan wine country to stop by Golden Beaver. Not only do they know their stuff, you can sit on their patio, support local business, learn a lot about the process, and most importantly – try some of their tasty wine.
We had to get out of town this weekend, despite contemplating the staycation, so enjoying a little R&R along with my sister’s family.
We’ll be back in a few days but I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made my DreamBank dream come true. Thanks to all those who contributed – and those who have been reading this blog over the years – I will be attending the world’s largest blogging conference September 19-21. After raising almost $10,000 for the Union Gospel Mission during Blogathon you were still able to give me a hand and I’m truly touched. I can say with all my heart that I have the best readers on the planet.
