It’s been a while since we’ve done a regular episode but when I recently got the chance to speak with New Music West‘s own Jory Groberman about the upcoming festival, I thought what better way to capture it than on RadioZoom.

New Music West is… “The largest and most influential new music event in Western North America… The only annual public new music showcase in Western Canada… Operating since 1990… Showcases over 200 bands to the public and industry… Takes place in 30 venues across Vancouver… $30 “All You Can Hear” wristbands… Conference, networking events and educational workshops.” [New Music West]

Episode run time is 13:36, listen online, subscribe or grab the audio file.

My moment with Trev in 2006

Yesterday the CBC contacted Gary because he’s responsible for an online petition to get a street renamed after Trevor Linden. Unfortunately Gary wasn’t available to go into the CBC ‘bunker’ this morning so I was his stand-in. I was basically asked, “why name a street after Linden?” and after I initially froze after the first question (cause I get nervous like that) I think the rest of the interview with Rick Cluff went okay. You can listen online sometime today or tomorrow on the Early Edition’s website.

When trying to find the Facebook group dedicated to the same street-naming cause, I came across over 130 other groups all in support of Linden. Here are a few examples:

… just to name a few.

It’s no surprise that this city is crazy about him. Like many have echoed, he personifies the Canucks in this hockey-crazy town that hasn’t even won a Stanley Cup since the beginning of last century. He’s represented Canada on the world stage at the Olympics, and in the World tournament, he’s been an All Star, a record-breaker, award-winner, and is also currently up for the Masterton Trophy for 2008.

We’ve got Joe Sakic Way in Burnaby and Griffiths Way downtown, both represent a tradition of hockey in this region and I think that a similar dedication to Linden is definitely in order – especially with his commitment off-ice to various charitable organizations for sick children.

Sign the petition, join the Facebook group, and let me know your thoughts below in this week’s Miss604 Poll.

poll closed

Trevor Linden will be in the Early Edition studios tomorrow morning, check back to get his thoughts on the season, and maybe even this campaign (the CBC is 690 on your am dial).

Update: I was also quoted in The Province.

Although we no longer have the “$1.49 day – Woodwards” theme chiming through our radios there are still many traditions in local retail shopping that have lived on to the point of being legendary. Growing up in Surrey, it was always A&B Sound on Boxing Day, and in other cities it’s been the annual Army & Navy shoe sale.

More than 100,000 pairs will be arriving for the sale, including designer labels such as Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Richard Tyler and Ann Taylor.

Prices range from $9.99 to $39.99 with savings up to 80 per cent off regular retail. Doors open at 8 a.m. sharp at Army & Navy locations in downtown Vancouver, New Westminster and Langley Mall. [The Vancouver Sun]

A recent post on WCW by Barbara reminded me of this tradition, and if you think it’s “just another sale” check out this 24 Hours video podcast that captures some of the madness:

This year’s sale will take place on April 16th and you might just happen to find Keira-Anne and I camped out with hot coffees in hand in the wee hours of the morning, feel free to join us… just as long as we don’t share the same shoe size.

Update: SUCCESS! Read this post for the photos.

It’s been a while since the first ever Third Tuesday over at the Soho Billiards in Yaletown but the events have really come together for communications professionals and the social media savvy (and newbies) in Vancouver.

This month I’ve decided to sign on as the media sponsor for Third Tuesday on April 15th (thanks to Tanya for enabling this). I’ll be providing a liveblog of the event which will feature the very capable Monica Hamburg speaking about crowdsourcing.

Social media often blurs the lines of consumer and producer, and “Crowdsourcing” is a perfect example of this phenomenon. It is changing the way many businesses are interacting with the public and has produced innovative ideas, solutions and modules. Monican Hamburg discusses this exciting, burgeoning concept — what it is, how companies are using it, some pitfalls, and some tips. [ThirdTuesday]

Where: This month’s Third Tuesday is also made possible by the venue sponsor, The Network Hub (3rd floor – 422 Richards Street)
When: Tuesday April 15th @ 7:00pm

If all of this wasn’t enough to make you want to come on by, I’ll also be giving away a prize at the end of the live blog – all those who attend will be entered. Be sure to sign up and RSVP on the Third Tuesday meetup account.

Two years ago Vancouver was overrun with Spirit Bears on almost ever street corner.

Photo credit: RightAntler on Flickr

Batman, Darth Vader, and Brent Butt were some of the themes for these posed monuments that, once auctioned off at the end of the campaign, helped raise over half a million dollars for the BC Lions Society Easter Seals.

They were removed from their stations throughout the city and then placed wherever the highest bidder deemed worthy – in front of an office building or even GM Place. Before there were bears we had the orcas… that sort of looked more like dolphins.

baseballart on Flickr

Coming next year from April 2009 until April 2010 the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Price George will have Eagles in the City.

Local artists, in partnership with sponsoring individuals or organizations, will create a unique design and apply it to the surface of a 7.5 foot custom formed fibreglass Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle becomes the artist’s canvas. Once the work is complete, the Bald Eagle will be displayed in prominent public spaces around the participating cities. A ‘Bald Eagle Flight Path Map’ will be created and distributed throughout participating communities showing the location, sponsor and artist of every bald eagle. [Eagles in the City]

Despite the fact that many people became annoyed with the orcas and moreso the bears, the money raised does go to a good cause. Eagles in the city will benefit the BC Lions Society Easter Seals as well at the Canucks for Kids Fund. You can also check out a list of artists who will be painting and decorating the eagle, on the Eagles in the City website.