Green-minded Bloggers Celebrate Earth Day with EPIC Coverage

Kicking off Earth Day 2008, a group of eco-minded social media makers produced over 50 pieces of social media at the EPIC Sustainable Living Expo in Vancouver, BC April 18-20. The multi-media coverage including audio podcasts, video clips, blog articles, and a vast collection of photos. In all, the crowd-sourced campaign featured over 70 eco-conscious businesses and sustainability-minded organizations, plus numerous noteworthy presenters and even a “green” episode of CBC’s the Dragon’s Den.

The media dispatches were published using many “web 2.0″ technologies including posting on the happyfrog.ca “Frog blog” and at the new EPIC Expo blog, as well as the writer’s personal blogs and various eco-community sites. The rich-media content was distributed via multiple channels including photos at the happyfrog Flickr pool, “Pondcasts” in iTunes, Frogwalking videos on Blip.tv and You Tube, and even micro-blogging on Twitter.

A comprehensive guide to the happyfrog.ca coverage of EPIC is included in “Get Social with EPIC 08 Coverage” or subscribe to the EPIC Expo 2008 RSS Feed.

Frog Squadders at EPIC

Brought together by BC green web community site, happyfrog.ca, the social media makers comprised a diverse assortment of personalities, interests, and demographics which resulted in a variety of topics and points of view.

Rewarded with a bamboo/organic cotton t-shirt and an “honorarium”, the “Frog Squad” showed their commitment to spreading practical ecological information to effectuate positive change with this multi-day blog marathon. The citizen journalists explored every facet of the show from sampling organic beer, vodka and coffee, to checking out presenters like Mike Holmes, Adria Vasil and Simon Jackson.

Frog bloggers Miss604 and hummingbird post with Adria Vasil at EP

Working from a “blogger’s lounge” (a coffee table, a few chairs, and a borrowed Salt Spring coffee airpot) next to the happyfrog booth in the concourse, the volunteer team of experts provided almost real-time coverage by publishing continually throughout the day. The stream of content allowed interested people from out of town to experience the expo - as well as building excitement during the run of the 3-day event.

Mike Holmes at EPIC photo by John Bollwitt

The resultant grassroots footage is dubbed “social media” since it is meant to be shared. Site visitors are encouraged to add favorite posts to their social networks and shared bookmark services, send to a friend or post a comment on the blog. Further, with Creative Commons licensing, the interviewees may re-use the content on their blogs to help magnify their message.

Highlights:

• Simon Jackson, fervent protector of the Spirit Bear, garnered a report from the floor by Raul (AKA hummingbird 604), background info by Jonathon Narvey (jnarvey), plus a podcast of his stirring presentation.
• Super-contractor Mike Holmes’ candid presentation was live blogged by Rebecca Bollwitt (AKA Miss 604) and Raul interviewed with Adira Vasil, author of Ecoholic.
• More audio “Pondcasts” (produced by johnbollwitt of Radio Zoom) included happyfrog Community Manager Dave O’s (daveo) conversations with the Reddot Campaign against junk mail, local news source The Tyee, a tech-activist offering solar power web hosting, Simple hemp shoes, and stylish and efficient Vespas.
• Videos interviews with LevelGround Trading, Industrial Artifacts, Hank&Cheef, and many more vignettes from the floor with hosts Christy and Cliff.
• Reports from the journey by two Salt Spring coffee roasters who biked their way to EPIC to tell about the company’s carbon cool initiatives and green tax on disposable cups.
• Handmade body care crafter Naked was featured in a podcast interview and a post by eco-enthusiast Alexa Booth (xabooth).
• Vancouver designer coverage with a Devil May Wear podcast, blog post about Dahlia Drive, and an eco t-shirt comparison including RioRain, HTNaturals and Me to We.
• Sustainable travel tips with a podcast and blog post about Parks Canada and a post on Adventure Travel by Colleen Coplick (colleenc) who also points about the problem with plastics and the benefits of the EPIC Sigg bottles.
• Greg Andrews (GregEh) also noticed the Sigg bottles along with Frogfile sustainable office products - ditto by Karen Fung (countablyinfinite) who also reported on the fancy solar lounge table and the design panel hosted by Shared Vision.

See all EPIC coverage at: happyfrog.ca EPIC Expo 2008 coverage.

More:

If you are interested to learn more about how and why we took on this campaign, please contact Dave Olson, Community Manager, dave (at) happyfrog (dot) ca

Tags: EPIC08, EPIC08, epicexpo, epic 08, epic 08, sustainable living expo, vancouver, canada place, sustainability, happyfrog.ca, happyfrog, citizen journalism

Democrats Abroad Caucus this Saturday in Vancouver

Transmit the message, to the receiver
hope for an answer some day
I got three passports, couple of visas
don’t even know my real name
- Talking Head, Life During Wartime

I am a dual-citizen (CAN-USA) and try to vote in every election i can in both countries but it can be tricky making sure the ballot arrives in time for you to vote and mail it back so your votes counts. For USA-eligible voters in Canada (and there are aplenty), here is some info about making sure your are registered to vote in the USA general election using a ballot mailed to you in Canada in time to make it matter. Here’s what “Mike from Detroit’s” post on Obama Community Blogs - Vancouver World Convention!!! has to say and offers the proper advice, ergo:

Voter Registration

The latest census figures show that US citizens are flocking to Vancouver like never before. Since 2001 over 8000 Americans have moved to British Columbia, and 4610 of them chose to live in Vancouver.

In 2008 one of our primary goals will be to help these newcomers (and those who have been here for a long time before) to register and vote in the next presidential election.

A first step is to direct people to the Democrats Abroad online voter registration page (www.VoteFromAbroad.org). If you or someone you know has not yet registered to vote in the upcoming election, please direct them to this site.

I’ve updated my voter registration to an “American living indefinitely overseas” and encourage you to as well. You generally are attached to the area of your last US address - not that that makes any sense but at least you can start the process online and then print, sign, mail and hope to get your ballot 30 days before the election

Also for those who want to get more involved in party politics (generally not me but i do enjoy having the opportunity to party), here’s some bonus info about the Democrats Abroad Global Convention for the lesser-evil party this weekend in downtown Vancouver. The Republicans do not give delegates to ex-pats but the Demos do (i knew there was a difference!). For USA-ers living in the hallowed northland, the contact info the Democrats Abroad in Canada is available for your questions and concerns, alas the Vancouver chapter provides scant info {see below (i’ve emailed and asked for specific details for the weekends gig - who, where, what to expect, beers?).)

Whatever your political leanings, this is a chance to participate in a historic election in a unique way - just be sure to vote.

BTW geeknote: the Democrats Abroad is yet another Drupal site.

Convention basics follow from “Mike from Detroit’s” post on Obama Community Blogs - Vancouver World Convention!!!.

Global Caucus

Every four years members of Democrats Abroad from around the world are invited to a Global Caucus. The 2008 caucus takes place in Vancouver from April 11th to 13th.

Democrats Abroad is a global organization, with members from countries around the world. The organization has the status of a state party, and sends 22 delegates to the national Democratic Convention where the party’s presidential candidate is nominated.

This year DA members from around the world will come to Vancouver to select delegates for the nominating convention, and to take care of other organization activities. There will be plenty of opportunities to help with on-sight activities in preparation for the event. This is a great chance to get more involved with the party.

Now you may know that Obama already “won” the international primary but the way it breaks down is a bit confusing (kinda like when i was voting in Guam) so i will defer to the post by Darryl Wolk from Newmarket Ontario Obama wins Democrats Abroad global primary for the dealio on how they slice and dice the delegates - he seems absurdly engaged in a breadth of political views which is necessary to negotiate the murky matters of divvying up delegates - did my guy Bill Richardson get any?

UPDATE: Sean of the Vancouver chapter chimes in with the logistics

For the Convention, there are two Regional Caucuses on Friday and the Global Caucus on Saturday. The caucuses primarily select delegates to go to the national convention, elect DNC members, and discuss platform issues. A pretty good summary of the delegate selection processes can be found here:

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/DA-D.phtml

As US citizens we can all join DA and be observers of the meetings. Participation is in part limited to specific electors who hold an office in DA. It is equivalent to the State level conventions that are taking place now after primaries and before the national convention.

More info-nuggets:

Expat Democrats to convene in Vancouver - Vancouver Sun

Democrats race to Vancouver in metro by Jeff Hodson

Democrats abroad in WIkipedia

Get Registered at VoteFromAbroad.org

Tags: obama, clinton, democrats, politics, usa, canadian, ex-pat, voting, election, president, caucus, convention, public policy

Taxi Flashbacks Towards Gatwick - Ephemeral Feasthouse Podcast

In a collection of transitory remincencies, Dave O rolls on from rainy North Van by taxi down venerable Granville St. down the spine of to YVR with indigenous dioramas. Then travels by plane to Gatwick Airport, continuing via train to Victoria Station, then by another taxi to Piccadilly Circus passing notable London sites along the way. And recapping visits to New York neighbourhoods, San Jose developments, importance of stimulating road literature, podcast faves, outstanding Vancouver activities, worthy podcasts, street music, thoughts on going with the flow, healthy breakfasts and provocative TV in London.

Come along for Taxi Flashbacks Towards Gatwick - Ephemeral Feasthouse Podcast (.mp3, 58:08, 47MB)

Topical Recap:

Literature for the road - James Joyce’s “The Dubliners,” Haruki Murakami, Samurai William

Podcasts with goodness - Dick n’ Jane’s, Radio Zoom, CBC Dispatches, Dopefiend, BBC In our Time

Vancouver Conundrums:

Canada RAV line/ Cambie St.

Civil City ordinances in Vancouver - ‘Progress’ report about the Civil City

From theTyee.ca

Mayor Sam Sullivan called former provincial attorney general Geoff Plant’s report “very impressive” and his fellow NPA councillors joined in the praise. The minority Vison/COPE faction continued to worry the project could criminalize poverty and called Plant’s work a waste of time and money.

The Civil City project passed last year calls for the elimination of homelessness, the open drug market and aggressive panhandling, starting with 50 per cent reductions in all three by 2010.

BC Province buys Vancouver SRO hotels

Vancouver Activities:

Pitch and putt courses

Lynn Valley Suspension bridge

Miss 604’s Cheap and Fun Vancouver Activities

Vancouver fireworks

Commercial drive Car-free fest

More New York, San Jose and London podcasts:

Greenwich Village Rooftop NYC Diesel Smokedown - Choogle on #40

NYC Speakeasy Stroll with Bubble Bands and Falafel Bars - Choogle on #45

Stoney Streets of San Jose (with California Medicine) - Choogle on #41

Interrogating a Russian over Drinks - Choogle on #50

Hemp for Victory with Author Kenyon Gibson - Choogle on #52

London Town Wander Night - Choogle on #46

Anarchy and Fungi in the UK - Choogle on #42

Joints on Brighton Beach with Dopefiend and Freakout - Choogle on #38

Meandering Past Monuments of Remembrance - Postcards #49

The only evidence of Dave and Trauben as youthful lads in London, circa 1992

Music:

Clayton the Seabus Busker

+ other unidentified buskers and Larry Harper

Robbie Burns Dinner in Vancouver by Maple Ridge Pipe Band

I’ll be attending this Robbie Burns Dinner and am noting it here so i remember to rent my kilt.

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2008

Location: The Scottish Cultural Centre

Address: 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Time:: Cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner served at 7 p.m.

Cost: $45 per person including dinner, entertainment and door prizes

This particular feast to the great Scottish bard (and noted ne’er do well and carouser) Robert Burns is put on by the Maple Ridge Pipe Band who are apparently the cream of the scene so i look forward to some excellent piping and drumming.

Bonus:

Robert Burns on Remembrance Day - Postcard #17 - With a head full of cold medicine, Dave reads a haibun poem for Remembrance day and then enjoys John Cairney reading from Robert Burns’ exploits and indiscretions in Edinburgh in a mighty brogue.

To a Mouse Cosmo reads Robert Burns’ classic poem “To a Mouse” in honor of the 248th anniversary of the Poet’s Birthday.

Aural Wanderings at the Parade of Lost Souls on Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Wandering around enjoying community entertainment along Commercial Drive during the Parade of Lost Souls festival during the pagan Halloween in Vancouver, BC, Oct. 2007. Features drums, fireworks, mariachis and conversation snippets.

Follow along on Aural Wanderings at the Parade of Lost Souls (.mp3, 30MB, 37:35)

Photo by Ianiv & Arieanna

Oh Canada! Whalley Style

As such at the 2006 Canadian Little League Championships in Whalley, Surrey, BC

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Seeking Orcas from the BC Ferry en route to Pender Island

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Sugar Bolt Tunnel in Mt. Seymour Conservation District

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Mars Martian Flying Boat Flies o’er Burrard Inlet Vancouver

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

Floatplane Passes over Sechelt Inlet, Sunshine Coast

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

Burrard Inlet Transportation Orgy with Ferries, Flying Boat and Seabus

Along with SillyGwallio, Uncle Weed watches the giant new BC Ferry choogle into the cruise ship dock on Canada Place. Along the way, passing the Mars Martian flying boat (with the ability to load up water to carry and dump elsewhere) while the Seabus goes about its business passing the heliport and the West Coast Express waits patiently in Gastown railyards.

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), Flash Video (.flv), MP3 Audio (.mp3), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Tags: vancouver, transportation, translink, bcferries, ferry, flying boat, burrard inlet, gastown

Exploring the Vancouver Polar Bear Swin at English Bay

Each year, folks plunge into the frigid salty brine at English Bay, some lingering for seconds while others hunker down in a quest to outlast eveyone. Follow along as Dave walks towards the spectacle and meanders through the crowd and observes a nut-shrinking showdown between a drunken Romanian viking with a horn and a couple of other goofballs.

Formats available: Quicktime (.mov), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

Tags: vancouver, polarbear, english bay, polar bear swin, new years day, newyears, festival, out n about