tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82146396373206570372024-03-01T17:07:42.392-08:00 The Murray Chronicles Coffee. Culture. Politics. Because everything is.Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.comBlogger500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-51036479882209559552018-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:002018-03-12T12:59:35.100-07:00What's the deal with Niagara Falls?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNqVH5j9tv8k10B9VDSh1YfLmuYbQzorjM86sJZJGWtjIaamXVyhW6dYxzbsMO8ZOcYg1is1Eggg3Jj7OuMVZhOk1z43vVuyIOdYyK0-xong4eByuWOowW8q6PSU1hY8PdzxDZThhuAHd/s1600/falls-at-night-seen-from.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNqVH5j9tv8k10B9VDSh1YfLmuYbQzorjM86sJZJGWtjIaamXVyhW6dYxzbsMO8ZOcYg1is1Eggg3Jj7OuMVZhOk1z43vVuyIOdYyK0-xong4eByuWOowW8q6PSU1hY8PdzxDZThhuAHd/s320/falls-at-night-seen-from.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Niagara Falls. In February. "Kind of cold don't ya think?" said G.G. Blynn as they refused to leave the hotel room for the group's nightly walkabout. "It's minus twenty-five out there!" as they wheeled themselves away from the window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTNVapVbVQeLOiLtXLBtqrfDNolSKIKiWS5cD3MJ_KA0Ri2hLHUpfzpIs0lWpJxcVWUX3rynNmxlyj6UvnJzrGVtU00UYPBCFNqbbPWJseoAJ5RbXV7i2o-AbjqEUZSbrqaxJ3Ka2lAh7/s1600/Fallsview-casino-resort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="455" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTNVapVbVQeLOiLtXLBtqrfDNolSKIKiWS5cD3MJ_KA0Ri2hLHUpfzpIs0lWpJxcVWUX3rynNmxlyj6UvnJzrGVtU00UYPBCFNqbbPWJseoAJ5RbXV7i2o-AbjqEUZSbrqaxJ3Ka2lAh7/s320/Fallsview-casino-resort.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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In the daytime, things are only moderately warmer. The wind feels like <i>Portage and Main</i>, and it's damn hard to find a good coffee shop. Oh, there is a Starbucks in every hotel lobby along the tourist cluster that has attached itself to the actual falls, but that hardly a good cup of coffee.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP1FjMtuAiOhQNvoDOrZTe-BeWSd7dgLSTXNDgCpsQZSvny4MOqkldnfxmb3q3MKA6DcfrLmilSd3TGAYLcpZpX51VHaalOTgb4BBAsqbivxxeA4pc52S4tRjJUk7bcjFf0ifE1fDKOST/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP1FjMtuAiOhQNvoDOrZTe-BeWSd7dgLSTXNDgCpsQZSvny4MOqkldnfxmb3q3MKA6DcfrLmilSd3TGAYLcpZpX51VHaalOTgb4BBAsqbivxxeA4pc52S4tRjJUk7bcjFf0ifE1fDKOST/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Niagara Falls, the city, was incorporated in 1903, about 35 years after the work on the falls began. It's known as the "honeymoon capital of the world" though it's much too cold for any of that in February.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5In_KgbLlkdyQR7tatA6mqDBrMgnomK7TNuZQQ3KyscSrFbhAOxot2B87d-FYKm0d7iSifQJI-JsWo4zWliE2KROj1MX5dHhPvxP06FS6_uB2jnKhEKYBLObXAT3mmyuU9LaXV7slVUH/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5In_KgbLlkdyQR7tatA6mqDBrMgnomK7TNuZQQ3KyscSrFbhAOxot2B87d-FYKm0d7iSifQJI-JsWo4zWliE2KROj1MX5dHhPvxP06FS6_uB2jnKhEKYBLObXAT3mmyuU9LaXV7slVUH/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We stayed in the tourist district, near the falls, but a world away from it's natural beauty. Neon billboards, high-rise hotels, casinos, museums of dubious intent, souvenir shops of the <i>everything-seems-to-be-made-in-a-prison-in-China </i>sort, and <i>all-the-steak-you-can-eat </i>kind of restaurants are everywhere in this small stretch of high-rises and parking lots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5rC9Z4n-4nr7r0o6zYsjEQprtmqABtwJ8_PrJZqNpfWQRoFIWtOfxmibwm67jStmudinkSr6kWG7o_Z_ejfdjxv9U6ame4Z3KYXfg0Y45r5YlseWEmbcj81-73ggyybvvrIZBWl8V1tw/s1600/IMG_3628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5rC9Z4n-4nr7r0o6zYsjEQprtmqABtwJ8_PrJZqNpfWQRoFIWtOfxmibwm67jStmudinkSr6kWG7o_Z_ejfdjxv9U6ame4Z3KYXfg0Y45r5YlseWEmbcj81-73ggyybvvrIZBWl8V1tw/s320/IMG_3628.JPG" width="232" /></a><br />
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Like all great cities, Niagara Falls has a lock bridge too, a small unattractive thing, with locks being available for sale from the nearby hotel. Or was it The Keg?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mzouhUwPThAqJV_MDayPp2uHDGQAa9KIyerjxhM9TV1EWz4XrTOfO6EKryrpjg4_Cmx5AooDyUsYckx9P_gmNZZ7r_xOWmgq0CKTfpbtRYBg_zguGFCpXHpP7cbcY8XxWm2n3WVCeJMQ/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mzouhUwPThAqJV_MDayPp2uHDGQAa9KIyerjxhM9TV1EWz4XrTOfO6EKryrpjg4_Cmx5AooDyUsYckx9P_gmNZZ7r_xOWmgq0CKTfpbtRYBg_zguGFCpXHpP7cbcY8XxWm2n3WVCeJMQ/s200/IMG_3626.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi97kFvnXLpoCqEdLR-H4dxb0Mbr1Arxr-ZvX0ELaoeILdQICQelpfDxAmrMS88-h-hGmZfNX1AQ6IxK-jtoJuODtpvcejdrVgQyb_5fgbja1E7A4zebgYBwE9JZ73XShSUZmM6PWs_2qD/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi97kFvnXLpoCqEdLR-H4dxb0Mbr1Arxr-ZvX0ELaoeILdQICQelpfDxAmrMS88-h-hGmZfNX1AQ6IxK-jtoJuODtpvcejdrVgQyb_5fgbja1E7A4zebgYBwE9JZ73XShSUZmM6PWs_2qD/s320/IMG_3592.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Niagara Falls is actually the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the border between Canada and the Excited States. Horseshoe Falls is claimed by both nations, while American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, fall on the American side of things, though the view if always much better from Canada.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J8GRTPSLEqTop6kiyEIHAQ4wcW8Prglyisj_z-L_kQHKch7kOvjHE6GiCeTS1znpHnVsqdns16nog67f3146YdnlqgwRTluVspQeNbiHzseFS2vvzHo7vQk1XoIXWsG3oPWTZkfS6cbc/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J8GRTPSLEqTop6kiyEIHAQ4wcW8Prglyisj_z-L_kQHKch7kOvjHE6GiCeTS1znpHnVsqdns16nog67f3146YdnlqgwRTluVspQeNbiHzseFS2vvzHo7vQk1XoIXWsG3oPWTZkfS6cbc/s320/IMG_3590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Constructed at the same time as the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the falls are an engineering marvel. The vertical drop is more than 50 metres and the flow rate, during peak daytime hours is about 168,000 cubic metres per minute, generating hydro power for both nations since the latter part of the 19th century.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fRm_3LhSn7lsN4HV13dnbjM9qcBYXeKMihPqBVStpkI8AG_2gFrpDuJzOq1EMn_SNtHmlNwI3JeOKdcpt-DgO4u-T6jXYLZ2SP67Qc8vOY9-6-NZKxIEac1Ymfe1EhRabl9gWbgwqSR9/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fRm_3LhSn7lsN4HV13dnbjM9qcBYXeKMihPqBVStpkI8AG_2gFrpDuJzOq1EMn_SNtHmlNwI3JeOKdcpt-DgO4u-T6jXYLZ2SP67Qc8vOY9-6-NZKxIEac1Ymfe1EhRabl9gWbgwqSR9/s320/IMG_3605.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Interestingly, the water flow is controlled by a bilateral commission and there's more water going over the falls in the peak tourist times, and far less during the night and the winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkesYOL6CCNwqmYnLsztk471933HYzY5SujwG79P4ewjDfg6u-Y5WfumNH7UYv76m-xP3aRHl6NqrizUOXD_Y-lrT_wuofjnRS4mzIPaw-Ti35Xi3DDIte9S3Wc4wSAp9A2NowrmvrMh6/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkesYOL6CCNwqmYnLsztk471933HYzY5SujwG79P4ewjDfg6u-Y5WfumNH7UYv76m-xP3aRHl6NqrizUOXD_Y-lrT_wuofjnRS4mzIPaw-Ti35Xi3DDIte9S3Wc4wSAp9A2NowrmvrMh6/s320/IMG_3602.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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And all in all, the whole thing is underwhelming. Maybe February isn't the right time of year to visit Niagara Falls, and if we hadn't been here for the Blynn's wheelchair conference thing....<br />
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"What's the deal with Niagara Falls anyway?" wheezed B.T. Mendlebaum as she opened the hotel room window to blow out the smoke from her cigarette. <a href="http://www.murraychronicles.com/2013/02/iguazu-falls.html"><span style="color: #990000;">"It was a hell of a lot warmer when we went to Iguazu."</span></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2018 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
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<br />Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-2206769837733480342018-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:002018-03-05T06:00:00.808-08:00Jeem plows snow at VanDusen Garden<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYEdTIp4qlBgX_7IUw1FH2249VeRsrbrfr3eB1p5jeMAa0GEPbyzcdWKq7R21uoTMUuEkwHg1AXljdrHvsgl7bDYfARPDycV_tug4KtXmUFe0vHrTVozjg39QIyXutsRE42SBtd20_JWX/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYEdTIp4qlBgX_7IUw1FH2249VeRsrbrfr3eB1p5jeMAa0GEPbyzcdWKq7R21uoTMUuEkwHg1AXljdrHvsgl7bDYfARPDycV_tug4KtXmUFe0vHrTVozjg39QIyXutsRE42SBtd20_JWX/s320/IMG_3674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly cleaned walkway - by Jeem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In a cost-saving move the Park Board, and VanDusen Garden, decided to let volunteers help with snow removal during the recent winter storm. Typically volunteers are somewhat qualified, though limited training was provided.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4yFQlYJwfv3japQFJxcoUQndHOE8GdyCMrvxTqULTCF4dIEVFQ57F9czHaoipM0yiMI2yIhc9icXjNDiUEmKp9GBDJSh2PsZu6oRKsjlDMt9uReliytPCpip0AvhxqPSXVSapZNjxb5j/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4yFQlYJwfv3japQFJxcoUQndHOE8GdyCMrvxTqULTCF4dIEVFQ57F9czHaoipM0yiMI2yIhc9icXjNDiUEmKp9GBDJSh2PsZu6oRKsjlDMt9uReliytPCpip0AvhxqPSXVSapZNjxb5j/s320/IMG_3676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes Jeem now!</td></tr>
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In Jeem's case, and against the better judgment of his lawyer B.T. Mendlebaum (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">disbarred</span>), this was a great opportunity: to operate moderately heavy machinery at a high rate of speed, in a slightly reckless fashion, and ... to have fun while doing a great service to the community.<br />
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However.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExJnGNB9RQxFxSJZUGx3VGU_HgPJRUCv6BKcdXEkJnlEsq5iw7Zr1ZcIhd58VIerZ0yD5XF2FC5FKHJwchkje_PMoh-aYdElnQSw4DLtpiTYOnwxKOp9EpNKiiMXfuIeV41rAf6veARg/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExJnGNB9RQxFxSJZUGx3VGU_HgPJRUCv6BKcdXEkJnlEsq5iw7Zr1ZcIhd58VIerZ0yD5XF2FC5FKHJwchkje_PMoh-aYdElnQSw4DLtpiTYOnwxKOp9EpNKiiMXfuIeV41rAf6veARg/s320/IMG_3680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great work Jeem!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Racing around clearing snow off the walkways was easy enough, and Jeem was cheered on by an adoring VanDusen staff. Plowing through flower beds, and creating an entirely new path through the fern garden, was greeted by a chorus of "No Jeem!"<br />
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For reasons unclear, Jeem persisted his folly.<br />
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In the end, after some confusion and an incident involving the new "bird garden", the police were called. A few days later Jeem appeared before a judge. Thanks to fine representation from his lawyer and friend, B.T. Mendlebaum (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">disbarred</span>), Jeem was given a sentence of twenty-one hours of community service, which, if the stars align, might even include snow removal for the Park Board!<br />
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<i>This post is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Valerie who passed away last summer. Valerie always believed in Jeem, no matter the problems he created for himself. For that, and so much more, we miss her.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem, except for "Here comes Jeem now!" by Sherry MacDonald. Copyright 2018 by Jim Murray.</span></i>Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-61083350398929542018-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:002018-03-04T06:00:13.726-08:00The Winter Storm of 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKTXzRD82kJ5nN88LjFfWrPD9U07d13zDD_uFk9t109iVsvPsKYO8wM6BkfdienRl0MZ5aYHdC2l05NEThYaVddPW1gsMq9caHM4vyCfYnuWbs2ZkNq6HAldUONPze3Wi8jyro-y35c0Q/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKTXzRD82kJ5nN88LjFfWrPD9U07d13zDD_uFk9t109iVsvPsKYO8wM6BkfdienRl0MZ5aYHdC2l05NEThYaVddPW1gsMq9caHM4vyCfYnuWbs2ZkNq6HAldUONPze3Wi8jyro-y35c0Q/s320/IMG_3664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It came one day in late February: a west coast winter storm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaI6Im6VaoXCPDXLeLf4WVP3acSrbUJSWlkpeZs9Jlbk_uOQHpK2hb1uTkB0ez4fZyq7Up0KnExDJd5wKd8JXxn3buAA_uIyhSKd5deXR-N93Z2imxnDwS7qs-ATxsUujYcJ_RxN9D81S/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1391" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaI6Im6VaoXCPDXLeLf4WVP3acSrbUJSWlkpeZs9Jlbk_uOQHpK2hb1uTkB0ez4fZyq7Up0KnExDJd5wKd8JXxn3buAA_uIyhSKd5deXR-N93Z2imxnDwS7qs-ATxsUujYcJ_RxN9D81S/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" width="278" /></a><br />
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Transit was stuck, commutes were snarled, and the city awoke the next day to 25 centimetres of fresh, clean snow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJPEqCqHyB1yvlhkRD9QaGDwuwhm_z8TKNz5AJTfUhHx8y40BisFFWSGrepjx1oGn6XCw6cDuOvehYo3_uVXp302tCaegD0CwW31x3EBS59wWfYkcU-q5ynUHo1Oy-Tdb0ce94Cdn70g_/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJPEqCqHyB1yvlhkRD9QaGDwuwhm_z8TKNz5AJTfUhHx8y40BisFFWSGrepjx1oGn6XCw6cDuOvehYo3_uVXp302tCaegD0CwW31x3EBS59wWfYkcU-q5ynUHo1Oy-Tdb0ce94Cdn70g_/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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The storm came so quickly this great blue heron was frozen into this small patch of water, waiting for the ice to thaw.<br />
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Hearing the crunch of the snow underfoot is a wonderfully Canadian feeling, and one we don't often get here on the left coast. Childhood memories of hot chocolate and cinnamon toast, of skating and tobogganing...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U3h1d-KuThcVBRU7540wSPmaz4IjnWtcWdLFcPurw9sgOsxSqaW_iv7woxsuzvtyl_WUpqC87rOga1hZnggKvSlyl5VTh92Q_-Jo-W2cH-lf3ms-jyTtDCKN22UCLcWtkXzWMzdA8dfP/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U3h1d-KuThcVBRU7540wSPmaz4IjnWtcWdLFcPurw9sgOsxSqaW_iv7woxsuzvtyl_WUpqC87rOga1hZnggKvSlyl5VTh92Q_-Jo-W2cH-lf3ms-jyTtDCKN22UCLcWtkXzWMzdA8dfP/s320/IMG_3682.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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All too quickly the snow disappeared. Spring is coming.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Jeem. Copyright 2018 by Jim Murray.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-33330121389002749162017-12-03T17:22:00.001-08:002017-12-03T17:22:58.807-08:00Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd5JgTb8k_5xw-hjDFDNKw-P2SnvTiDWmVVZf1p_YlhDadE8SOSB4QLAiCUAUbMqcCJOMkTtfIFZ1EPCS4FiT74urpZ6I0RnEmgEJ2RuiSYWDU1Ihpk3DvArvGwYDeR-HdzUz4GiefA2M/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd5JgTb8k_5xw-hjDFDNKw-P2SnvTiDWmVVZf1p_YlhDadE8SOSB4QLAiCUAUbMqcCJOMkTtfIFZ1EPCS4FiT74urpZ6I0RnEmgEJ2RuiSYWDU1Ihpk3DvArvGwYDeR-HdzUz4GiefA2M/s320/IMG_3514.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Another year has gone and again we find ourselves the day before the official opening of the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden.<br />
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The light show really begins on December 1st but we come just before closing on November 30th to see the lights come on for a "dress rehearsal."<br />
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After a record setting month of rain, our time was spent under only a gentle mist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBFLwsiqFHnPMrHychDSjtpOKQwybi5SqYOEFHcDkCBAgm7YYb8z92GM1ZVUGHqASuVdu9WQJdU1mz3PRHGjoI4BvPHiI_08c4DBGgpIeo8MvAG-lOQm8WaAuNhWhmjrFakOdnPbAJcEv/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBFLwsiqFHnPMrHychDSjtpOKQwybi5SqYOEFHcDkCBAgm7YYb8z92GM1ZVUGHqASuVdu9WQJdU1mz3PRHGjoI4BvPHiI_08c4DBGgpIeo8MvAG-lOQm8WaAuNhWhmjrFakOdnPbAJcEv/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERvXhpkeY-xTaXzqApHH7t12lfnY4mMflZtELOhAIo3sfJrGjVezsA1jHn2TukfLXYE20V_rYTnF7_WuO-Sij73VIOlWFsxMyUYOhn12W66v4Ep1pNaORRwSQB5fZxTpNZXk1Gja6lU1g/s1600/IMG_3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1600" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERvXhpkeY-xTaXzqApHH7t12lfnY4mMflZtELOhAIo3sfJrGjVezsA1jHn2TukfLXYE20V_rYTnF7_WuO-Sij73VIOlWFsxMyUYOhn12W66v4Ep1pNaORRwSQB5fZxTpNZXk1Gja6lU1g/s200/IMG_3477.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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At one time pink was for boys, and water bottles were just that.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
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<br />Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-20059262019934839352017-11-08T17:40:00.002-08:002017-11-10T18:39:17.424-08:00Earle Peach receives Mayor's Arts Award<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUreA9bo5B5R7eIDVmBcf6p1JrOY2lyUpuI-edkNzX8ImYxXdQNAef6L8vk_DsnFb9Hkagcdu0C2973E8VJ21v-idXT1wZULoHj625OzK1ZIS73UdNSl69Ru3y6C7UuvswrVx6UYxLLIAq/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUreA9bo5B5R7eIDVmBcf6p1JrOY2lyUpuI-edkNzX8ImYxXdQNAef6L8vk_DsnFb9Hkagcdu0C2973E8VJ21v-idXT1wZULoHj625OzK1ZIS73UdNSl69Ru3y6C7UuvswrVx6UYxLLIAq/s200/IMG_3411.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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It was a gala October evening to celebrate Vancouver's artists who enrich the city's culture through creativity and dialogue. It was the annual Mayor's Arts Awards, and a highlight was celebrating Sherry's friend and colleague, and new honouree, Earle Peach.<br />
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Earle received the award in the Community Engaged Art category. He leads four choirs: the <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://solidaritynotes.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Solidarity Notes Labour Choir</span></a>;</span> the <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://highsandlowschoir.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Highs and Lows Choir</span></a>;</span> the Gathering Place choir; and <a href="http://www.villagevancouver.ca/events/inchoiring-minds"><span style="color: #990000;">InChoiring Minds</span></a>. Earle also heads the delightful <i><a href="http://www.illiteratty.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Illiteratty</span></a></i>, and he is one half of <i>Songtree</i> with Barbara Jackson.</div>
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When the mayor and Earle were posing for the official photograph, the photographer asked the two men to turn into each other. Earle looked at the Mayor and said, "Frankly, I'd rather you turn into me."<br />
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<a href="https://digitalstories.ca/video/earle-peach-and-ariel-martz-oberlander-at-the-2017-vancouver-mayors-arts-awards/"><span style="color: #990000;">Earle's acceptance speech</span></a> was gentle and without ego. It spoke to the need to repair the world, to reconcile, to be accountable, and to raise up voices rarely heard, like those in the Highs and Lows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExmdHHDqL3TBDiDeSTd3IVEJk775Q7B4uRA0MZJAuyyVRjhPcmclDbpaZYhgKIReyIgl16FmnS0mWrn-84Pue3PlDXNmylYHAGvHQ1Rwi-jKNiw4Ij_UZv62v6UtQNj-aGVJkKRkxO3xI/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExmdHHDqL3TBDiDeSTd3IVEJk775Q7B4uRA0MZJAuyyVRjhPcmclDbpaZYhgKIReyIgl16FmnS0mWrn-84Pue3PlDXNmylYHAGvHQ1Rwi-jKNiw4Ij_UZv62v6UtQNj-aGVJkKRkxO3xI/s200/IMG_3403.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Among a number of other projects, Earle is currently working with playwright Sherry MacDonald on a <a href="http://www.murraychronicles.com/2017/06/battle-of-ballantyne-pier-pitch-at-in.html"><span style="color: #990000;">musical about the Battle of Ballantyne Pier</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLgn6upz2IQcintL_hQmdwPQjR2AYf_SMGtFdi3LxLaNMDJyzj21PSq_bqfM5n9JyfDYKmd52I-FYz41HmuH8kwT5YfmH_-sIRV1H3gXsrKDHZTCRNuw4GynCYMMZ1eV2C0TFrUL3p6Nr/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLgn6upz2IQcintL_hQmdwPQjR2AYf_SMGtFdi3LxLaNMDJyzj21PSq_bqfM5n9JyfDYKmd52I-FYz41HmuH8kwT5YfmH_-sIRV1H3gXsrKDHZTCRNuw4GynCYMMZ1eV2C0TFrUL3p6Nr/s320/IMG_3412.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Earle Peach is a gifted composer and songwriter, a dedicated political activist, and highly deserving of a Mayor's Art Award in 2017.<br />
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Now, if only our mayor could turn into someone more like Earle.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
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Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-17305855096983998722017-11-03T22:55:00.001-07:002017-11-06T18:57:32.801-08:00Bread & Honey Food Company ~ Parksville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RQBixuSU2plJ4vTs6S1TYRDQeGJaLOA4VhYk04fjCGPJJI7a5fL0xqxhjNgKrXMsiqnevWeet-z0AXc3QSmm31u9NjMFzgq-OccznssDlTEtUxUQLiJ3yPCvbhZVG0tEBxCHkxNdDF90/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RQBixuSU2plJ4vTs6S1TYRDQeGJaLOA4VhYk04fjCGPJJI7a5fL0xqxhjNgKrXMsiqnevWeet-z0AXc3QSmm31u9NjMFzgq-OccznssDlTEtUxUQLiJ3yPCvbhZVG0tEBxCHkxNdDF90/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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What started as a simple get-together brunch after the-wedding-the-night-before, turned into a discovery of an amazing breakfast and lunch place. In Parksville.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis66bRew3W_4HTha2bkOfrbUHBcB7pNjmGNWjP-CzBaVw9lIiRYbQCiqAX1EWaoxyu1fbyEQOUbvpmrD8EAjkDDwM0ZsLlteCp2LnKOA0oFGJ6tuvYwWczqs0dcHBrjGxCHGqii3kvX-qe/s1600/IMG_3262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis66bRew3W_4HTha2bkOfrbUHBcB7pNjmGNWjP-CzBaVw9lIiRYbQCiqAX1EWaoxyu1fbyEQOUbvpmrD8EAjkDDwM0ZsLlteCp2LnKOA0oFGJ6tuvYwWczqs0dcHBrjGxCHGqii3kvX-qe/s320/IMG_3262.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://breadandhoneyfoodco.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Bread and Honey Food Company</span></a> is small. It's located in a strip mall in Parksville. It actually doesn't look like much, but don't let any of that deceive you. In many ways, Bread and Honey reminds us of the original Locals in Courtenay, which also started in a strip mall. It's unfortunate, but once Locals expanded to a bigger and better location a few blocks away, it lost some of its special magic. Bread and Honey is all magic.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/parksville-bc/bread-and-honey-food-company-parksville-parksville" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Bread and Honey Food Company, Parksville and other Restaurants in Parksville, British Columbia"><img alt="Bread and Honey Food Company Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16670692/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGXSTSlWgntdYPuQHt1cdNMacLLsP-NAQYT7tbb6FqJmrwmnKEJqol7Irxvbdelnqm_WHXCjuZ6C7awlXDQG5lh13lmJ6dybLd98kYk_VbGEstlUcKMzlD8IXq6eeqixBOnQB766-3U44/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGXSTSlWgntdYPuQHt1cdNMacLLsP-NAQYT7tbb6FqJmrwmnKEJqol7Irxvbdelnqm_WHXCjuZ6C7awlXDQG5lh13lmJ6dybLd98kYk_VbGEstlUcKMzlD8IXq6eeqixBOnQB766-3U44/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The food is excellent in so many ways. It's not complicated, and not necessarily fancy but flavourful far beyond regular restaurant fare, because the ingredients are obviously chosen with care and attention to detail. Then, what Chef Michael does with these ingredients, is nothing short of incredible. Service is warm, inviting and exemplary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LpEIPrP7QSSU8Fm462HDa6_-QUdn8CD9HoR1e8UxwXud9tS9tOJtVXzr33B_DgKYEgV14EXJRetq3htvm1hVWGCGiyoHW6MRGqsGBdfqrHhz7UCCI1fNkpzyk6DeugJQFLebxTx2eJat/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1600" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LpEIPrP7QSSU8Fm462HDa6_-QUdn8CD9HoR1e8UxwXud9tS9tOJtVXzr33B_DgKYEgV14EXJRetq3htvm1hVWGCGiyoHW6MRGqsGBdfqrHhz7UCCI1fNkpzyk6DeugJQFLebxTx2eJat/s200/IMG_3264.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Bread and Honey existed before, and apparently was good in that incarnation too. This version, same location, opened in late June with new owners, Angela Sproul and her husband, Chef Michael Sproul. Open Wednesdays through Sundays for breakfast and lunch, and brunch on weekends. From our brief encounter, reservations are highly recommended.<br />
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Wonderful. Magical. When in Parksville, come and be amazed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</i></span></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-68340062724395631452017-11-03T16:36:00.000-07:002017-11-03T16:36:31.965-07:00Milano Coffee in Comox<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJGrqS3IqYhczwPQ5Ag3-etVYFYrvo0eppZ-f6CaCzANNNCUlD3R84mhGfn05VDwM3Ylw6uiLfkfqT3naaNUOia7xnw-2Y2dGQJ9FHsXVV561hygAcNF4gNfgMUQPrFEniWGsuuRI7j42/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJGrqS3IqYhczwPQ5Ag3-etVYFYrvo0eppZ-f6CaCzANNNCUlD3R84mhGfn05VDwM3Ylw6uiLfkfqT3naaNUOia7xnw-2Y2dGQJ9FHsXVV561hygAcNF4gNfgMUQPrFEniWGsuuRI7j42/s320/IMG_2804.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
While on Vancouver Island this autumn we noticed a relatively new coffee shop on Comox Avenue, in Comox of all places.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAKJSNIilsghe8WPK3h2WdBH1k-ZCNS1JvlABSYtF_y69M-kQxEFIFw0mJlRSZ4yUpzvAJaZvdOGhzr1Xy467GJKyUR8_6_mC1Rm0tR7-OW4V4ntxO_pFyQL36ocnl-VsFcq3iWgc9n1N/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAKJSNIilsghe8WPK3h2WdBH1k-ZCNS1JvlABSYtF_y69M-kQxEFIFw0mJlRSZ4yUpzvAJaZvdOGhzr1Xy467GJKyUR8_6_mC1Rm0tR7-OW4V4ntxO_pFyQL36ocnl-VsFcq3iWgc9n1N/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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It's Vancouver's own <a href="http://www.milanocoffee.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Milano Coffee</span></a> and this one opened about a year ago. It's Milano's fifth café, with three others in the home town, and one in Toronto. Of all places.<br />
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The Comox café is actually a licensed operation, but it's all in the family as Robin and Vickie Henry of Comox, are related to the Milano owners, Brian and Linda Turko. (Linda established the much-loved <a href="http://turkscoffeebar.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Turk's Coffee Bar</span></a> on Commercial Drive in Vancouver in the latter part of the last century.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yNbpSe5qvQ4Agxo4J3v3ILxviK8JqgB_te-ORhc8EY_9N5qkdf1ykCpc7umldf3PHAe6czAs9pSu5JDeTPBV2-DA9BkM-twv4voX7RdMHNy5l60zmoVANaAtee1TiZIM18n3MD6aMP1T/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yNbpSe5qvQ4Agxo4J3v3ILxviK8JqgB_te-ORhc8EY_9N5qkdf1ykCpc7umldf3PHAe6czAs9pSu5JDeTPBV2-DA9BkM-twv4voX7RdMHNy5l60zmoVANaAtee1TiZIM18n3MD6aMP1T/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The café in Comox has a simple, Winnipeg-style about it. Casual and spartan. Comfortable environment, but hard chairs. The espresso is simply excellent, and very much in the Milano tradition. Probably too much milk and foam in the macchiato, but these things happen. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf96gDeGWun4votyasLXV9p4Rj0ExTfHpi1FSeRhLsaBN-Cj7xuePUINp1e7hQnWZ0RpawFqeKJ7CkJfpuoz7Gj0KjUa9AEDhM1Mzi0u0TOdVl9ukg1iMhLVJYV4yR8i4SnPWAlA1XTs-8/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf96gDeGWun4votyasLXV9p4Rj0ExTfHpi1FSeRhLsaBN-Cj7xuePUINp1e7hQnWZ0RpawFqeKJ7CkJfpuoz7Gj0KjUa9AEDhM1Mzi0u0TOdVl9ukg1iMhLVJYV4yR8i4SnPWAlA1XTs-8/s200/IMG_2800.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i>Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-36535785325144757192017-10-10T15:56:00.002-07:002017-10-10T15:56:37.656-07:00St. Michael's Residential School in Alert BayAfter visiting the <a href="http://www.murraychronicles.com/2017/09/umista-cultural-centre-in-alert-bay.html"><span style="color: #990000;">U'Mista Cultural Centre</span></a> in Alert Bay, a moving tribute to the Kwakwak'wakw people and the Potlatch, we stepped out into the sunlight and viewed a vacant lot adjacent to the<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjURaazc-LBIMcdfhvPfYAaJAKKuWM4eM0E0eMj7MV7rKi2va77OwFC8gpdp-cuW_MVi8tb6SS96f2u2nCQGka7hKdhOQyuh9riqOrUcAfcDBz3yhE4Bee93dvHlR7Czc4K1HOuD4-H_w/s1600/st+mike+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="684" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjURaazc-LBIMcdfhvPfYAaJAKKuWM4eM0E0eMj7MV7rKi2va77OwFC8gpdp-cuW_MVi8tb6SS96f2u2nCQGka7hKdhOQyuh9riqOrUcAfcDBz3yhE4Bee93dvHlR7Czc4K1HOuD4-H_w/s320/st+mike+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT59VfhpIqxHNEFgNWg0SX3kr0wozYLzpmdgAfFT1-wCXNjn2AHIsP5AvENaE9DZmgaL8ktgczhN4dHDei_xtZQYVcHAWj_QJXj0HFIBGzTkhHVfYKdn_mO8RkYjCh8N1uxEwkavR3aC65/s1600/st+mike+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="576" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT59VfhpIqxHNEFgNWg0SX3kr0wozYLzpmdgAfFT1-wCXNjn2AHIsP5AvENaE9DZmgaL8ktgczhN4dHDei_xtZQYVcHAWj_QJXj0HFIBGzTkhHVfYKdn_mO8RkYjCh8N1uxEwkavR3aC65/s320/st+mike+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>This was the site of St. Michael's Indian Residential School, sometimes referred to as the Alert Bay Residential School, and often as "St. Mike's." It was built in 1929 as a regional school for Aboriginal children from North Vancouver Island and the province's north coast, including children from Bella Bella, Bella Coola, the Nisga’a territories and Haida Gwaii.<br />
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In fact, these children were forcibly taken from their parents, prohibited from speaking their own languages, kept away from their families for years and inculcated with Anglo-European beliefs. That the school was largely self-sufficient with its own farm, cattle, water and electric plant, was largely due to the free labour pool at its disposal.<br />
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"Almighty God for what has been accomplished: for a race of people brought in the shortest period of time known in history from the most debasing savagery to citizenship both in the Kingdom of our God and in his God-blessed Dominion of Canada."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Published in 1934 </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by the Indian Residential School Commission </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>of the Missionary Society of the Church of English, in thanks and appreciation for St. Michael's in Alert Bay</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w2puJUWQMXJliB8aCW0dK6J5rnoOmQxhcAjJ9Qns19295VQs6y163cY85HbAaxl5BrAcjzDIQgBwKO2XkkXMz08eGBPYRIvWA6dxLp8Agc-Rxw0euStpjAs1F9r1KC55AY4xgXWiqx-6/s1600/st+mike+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w2puJUWQMXJliB8aCW0dK6J5rnoOmQxhcAjJ9Qns19295VQs6y163cY85HbAaxl5BrAcjzDIQgBwKO2XkkXMz08eGBPYRIvWA6dxLp8Agc-Rxw0euStpjAs1F9r1KC55AY4xgXWiqx-6/s320/st+mike+4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Thankfully, St. Michael's closed in 1975. The 'Namgis First Nation was given control of the building and it was used for several purposes. In February of 2015, First Nations, church leaders, former students and politicians attended a healing ceremony hosted by the 'Namgis First Nation to mark the demolition of the building. In May of the same year, 'Namgis had a blessing of the Land ceremony.<br />
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There's something strange about standing here, to think about fifty years and more of an "education" system designed to destroy a people. It was such a large building, with classrooms, offices and quarters for 200 students. It was a structure that dominated the town itself, again perhaps part of the design to eliminate an entire culture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAxXW_vXCFk__CFo3C2pSkhqqQBxO4W7u-Rr3rgedvoS2BA7PgJc4OTtvwbm6dBLSPYPEChKzDoU01UJjSYEJ2pT3oGuWDEpOJfKBNmXqpl7MA08d588WA_L1Qnnu6ge4Y7MUjcWZpuKt/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAxXW_vXCFk__CFo3C2pSkhqqQBxO4W7u-Rr3rgedvoS2BA7PgJc4OTtvwbm6dBLSPYPEChKzDoU01UJjSYEJ2pT3oGuWDEpOJfKBNmXqpl7MA08d588WA_L1Qnnu6ge4Y7MUjcWZpuKt/s400/IMG_2744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This empty lot isn't empty at all; it's full of stories of pain, fear and anger, that continues to cross generations to this day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: right;">Empty lot photo by Jeem (others: archival photos). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; text-align: right;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span>Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-87481640848973042462017-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-26T06:00:08.146-07:00U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUw5hi3Aw5sy8w8nqZKd-lNWEwwUQUMGUd5eWzJTrFqwoPfx3wvhnYpodMJzqmk63bHwwBC8PaPrgx-6ZYOnkuOGKypX2lP6OJeRx-eIcT9_UDAclG2SIhRrITBLhuVac8hyePm3Enbxc/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUw5hi3Aw5sy8w8nqZKd-lNWEwwUQUMGUd5eWzJTrFqwoPfx3wvhnYpodMJzqmk63bHwwBC8PaPrgx-6ZYOnkuOGKypX2lP6OJeRx-eIcT9_UDAclG2SIhRrITBLhuVac8hyePm3Enbxc/s320/IMG_2731.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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U'mista Cultural Centre is one of the longest-operating and most successful First Nations cultural facilities in BC. It was established in 1980 as a project to house potlatch artifacts which had been stolen by government during an earlier period of cultural repression. Canada banned the potlatch from 1884 to 1951.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFB2B-nZiUhSdwTiHpNUL9uSN8DE9AePRcSoLiC48egaq9HIFGx0ODrmG74ohTuIuRpt4jWGztCJ05ir5inVmpiSEhhvOwX7G_Btywola4FZx-1aAsQi3gi7P06x0Z0WOsr2ismuRQ8t4/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFB2B-nZiUhSdwTiHpNUL9uSN8DE9AePRcSoLiC48egaq9HIFGx0ODrmG74ohTuIuRpt4jWGztCJ05ir5inVmpiSEhhvOwX7G_Btywola4FZx-1aAsQi3gi7P06x0Z0WOsr2ismuRQ8t4/s320/IMG_2733.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The return of the potlatch artifacts not only provided U'mista's name (<i>the return of something important</i>), it initiated a trend toward repatriation of First Nations' cultural artifacts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo0xoKxGuAJUDfufLfWC0N2JQQyTmld2vfL6httskQFcrr4won0p2NEKVG746eBH_suLP-Edcf_vfFH4wasDlQVm_c2kcx0rTh1h2xZKG0yCv7oC8UAqxquWwd2dEUln2aPyvKhjnZRki/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo0xoKxGuAJUDfufLfWC0N2JQQyTmld2vfL6httskQFcrr4won0p2NEKVG746eBH_suLP-Edcf_vfFH4wasDlQVm_c2kcx0rTh1h2xZKG0yCv7oC8UAqxquWwd2dEUln2aPyvKhjnZRki/s320/IMG_2734.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.umista.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">U'mista</span></a> now operates a modern museum and cultural education facility in Alert Bay. Operations include the museum, an art gallery and gift shop, group tours, and various presentations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPqfYtSEt8nA8ZtiD2RFxEVH2LdO1nATtnMmXeM0-fFtkBjnvhVRRO_bxg7p4YPy31PC7EHxQPPQ1qED9pQ55O1sFB6MVk7YCRfj7EyygdWZO6fRjNyn4XM21nCuPx1vBoTc3cudQNAe5/s1600/IMG_2735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPqfYtSEt8nA8ZtiD2RFxEVH2LdO1nATtnMmXeM0-fFtkBjnvhVRRO_bxg7p4YPy31PC7EHxQPPQ1qED9pQ55O1sFB6MVk7YCRfj7EyygdWZO6fRjNyn4XM21nCuPx1vBoTc3cudQNAe5/s320/IMG_2735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The potlatch maintained community solidarity and hierarchical relations within, and between, individual bands and nations. It was always a celebration for the entire community and a sharing of food and goods for a special occasion: a birth, marriage or death. Perhaps subversively in the eyes of the government, the potlatch was also a means of economic redistribution of wealth within the community. The celebratory family was expected to share its good fortune widely and freely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDGKut1X8ltiHpYhWsqvWV5j7PnAkCwzI2Tdu8xng3KFf_47LU5rAY81YZFuMCTCSJRKsOQu_V9xnHDDWw9CLRKvwAmOVBnEbaNq49usnPPTAsfgoUR3Owrr0uRzbBLycfkON36owzfMd/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDGKut1X8ltiHpYhWsqvWV5j7PnAkCwzI2Tdu8xng3KFf_47LU5rAY81YZFuMCTCSJRKsOQu_V9xnHDDWw9CLRKvwAmOVBnEbaNq49usnPPTAsfgoUR3Owrr0uRzbBLycfkON36owzfMd/s320/IMG_2739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last major potlatch in Canada, and it was illegal at the time, was held in 1921 in Alert Bay. All the goods were confiscated by agents of the <i>Indian Department</i> and charges were laid. The artifacts, including ceremonial regalia, coppers, masks and more, were distributed to museums and private collections throughout Canada and the US.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4743SND2oKXh-6KwZe5Bj4zlTKRtggZtLDOwtvcauF3fx4gpNyHf2ujD_pV3GVnkAFV1CR2JgsPf67xJ_hYQ0m57arodWSHYwIMvhecqKEqV_vhP0ObGOB57J3V2PDy0ZoXUeGEk1tsS/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4743SND2oKXh-6KwZe5Bj4zlTKRtggZtLDOwtvcauF3fx4gpNyHf2ujD_pV3GVnkAFV1CR2JgsPf67xJ_hYQ0m57arodWSHYwIMvhecqKEqV_vhP0ObGOB57J3V2PDy0ZoXUeGEk1tsS/s320/IMG_2741.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3JjVqzLRzH_19ctKDhd34ZEqxprya4esGR-vb2hS3k_OhOR4E_EOX0U27dOKLNJj5aVZBFRO05DnZmBYMbrHzVFsht2j8mTkgaXXcNIQzI8g5zGL23N_vRPRyJQXegujuTyozsTrTBFl/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3JjVqzLRzH_19ctKDhd34ZEqxprya4esGR-vb2hS3k_OhOR4E_EOX0U27dOKLNJj5aVZBFRO05DnZmBYMbrHzVFsht2j8mTkgaXXcNIQzI8g5zGL23N_vRPRyJQXegujuTyozsTrTBFl/s320/IMG_2742.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An impressive gift shop</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeekJDdawmY5EEwEuRcXRCBGVFsaWYRIG1DVdcgnh8yhw4JHFLrvz0IwD27Dj4jy8EvwEiLhJbtIeTP24MOdZiWrulbe4SaobOk_MG9Qfff9vaL6vbPRSG1SbYgCZhZvKCx47BQOK08-yN/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeekJDdawmY5EEwEuRcXRCBGVFsaWYRIG1DVdcgnh8yhw4JHFLrvz0IwD27Dj4jy8EvwEiLhJbtIeTP24MOdZiWrulbe4SaobOk_MG9Qfff9vaL6vbPRSG1SbYgCZhZvKCx47BQOK08-yN/s200/IMG_2736.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few areas where one can actually touch and feel...</td></tr>
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U'mista Cultural Centre has seen considerable success in its efforts to repatriate artifacts that rightly belong to the people, and many of those artifacts are here in Alert Bay. The work continues.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAKsXMyi0QWvIpwBGFHAm-P4dG-zZN_GRBQwlNS8tMrGnx3UQeBei8OaDmWdnPfvfIDKzZP7SLaAPqaX-U-mpt6C_Y4k48p8zcXlogACIbTjt9cU5uSqV9Jrsxj7OlFrL634vyGpmBCU-/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1245" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAKsXMyi0QWvIpwBGFHAm-P4dG-zZN_GRBQwlNS8tMrGnx3UQeBei8OaDmWdnPfvfIDKzZP7SLaAPqaX-U-mpt6C_Y4k48p8zcXlogACIbTjt9cU5uSqV9Jrsxj7OlFrL634vyGpmBCU-/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... the children's interpretive room.</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-25277184897407730082017-09-25T21:50:00.000-07:002017-09-25T21:50:01.550-07:00More than taking the knee ~ 50 years ago Taking the knee wasn't an option fifty years ago and it took great courage to stand up to racism, militarism and capitalism in America.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqzICw6v-4I1k4oYFIC4aE7NVuIHo43x2IOMJkNXx-fFcCkDEKEX2kEz5JLrdE074DAhenUVTKkCKc9P85twxkAuNUHH_F0whe6ss9lIyu57QEXzFNxDHeAnfpAbhzh39Pr3bQr5-wNl/s1600/ali+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="750" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqzICw6v-4I1k4oYFIC4aE7NVuIHo43x2IOMJkNXx-fFcCkDEKEX2kEz5JLrdE074DAhenUVTKkCKc9P85twxkAuNUHH_F0whe6ss9lIyu57QEXzFNxDHeAnfpAbhzh39Pr3bQr5-wNl/s400/ali+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"My conscience won’t let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in the mud for big powerful America.... and shoot them for what? They never called me nigger, they never lynched me, they didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father. … Shoot them for what? How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail."<br />
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Fifty years ago at a US Armed Forces station in Houston, Texas, a twenty-five year old stood beside twenty-five other young men called to the draft. When his <i>slave name</i> of Cassius Clay was called out, he refused to respond. He said no to the American War in Vietnam, was sentenced to five years in prison and deprived of his livelihood. He was Muhammad Ali.<br />
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At the time, all those years ago, he had few friends indeed. Ridiculed and vilified by people in power, in the media and in the government, Ali went on to speak out against war, racism, poverty and injustice. In plain language and without regard for the consequence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq4CsuMpNwl27VAuD4o6w0NAObQ4-LTUtfqQFFTlf9KTLZlQRVElv-iBSvulhFf0bXRxdWKkFswuaJLitSuebG7fEwpv5hAC_pdhl6vr-o-npoLpXbe2JYDa_X_vdWC4eXF2NivqVENkU/s1600/ali+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq4CsuMpNwl27VAuD4o6w0NAObQ4-LTUtfqQFFTlf9KTLZlQRVElv-iBSvulhFf0bXRxdWKkFswuaJLitSuebG7fEwpv5hAC_pdhl6vr-o-npoLpXbe2JYDa_X_vdWC4eXF2NivqVENkU/s400/ali+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
"Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs? . . . If I thought the war was going to bring freedom and equality to twenty-two million of my people, they wouldn't have to draft me. I'd join tomorrow. But I either have to obey the laws of the land or the laws of Allah. I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. We've been in jail for four hundred years."<br />
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Fifty years later and not much has changed in the US. Take the knee. Take to the streets. Remember the courage of Muhammad Ali. And when the time comes, and in the Excited States that time <i>will</i> come: "Just take me to jail."<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i>Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-9019474949758343612017-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-25T06:00:00.272-07:00Duchess' Bannock & Desserts in Alert Bay ~ fantastic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IqZyplkWuH9iEn4ELlb5Z56OXVOJrG6hTLJULVVHXg80TX2iIx-nzJoW1D5Pl7c1n-vzZ4ghSJbD5QsdW-og_RcfCJRLE9vDw0MrsbhL38qngeIapl05CBJkEGBdLYAXcavbGlKwEIbE/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IqZyplkWuH9iEn4ELlb5Z56OXVOJrG6hTLJULVVHXg80TX2iIx-nzJoW1D5Pl7c1n-vzZ4ghSJbD5QsdW-og_RcfCJRLE9vDw0MrsbhL38qngeIapl05CBJkEGBdLYAXcavbGlKwEIbE/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along the main drag, down from the ferry terminal, is a little spot that can't be missed on any trip to Alert Bay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qG9HHm_7326nypImZNsghhbin0ie8cMwYy6DVCcaFWXEzywih1vLyOJpY_D6VLyzNzG-4hH4sTDbzRhXcxajLTiKTMeBURRlyTU-cf5SQPpUj1hNCKMoG7R1EzpQjWQ-b5XomEKHHkcV/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qG9HHm_7326nypImZNsghhbin0ie8cMwYy6DVCcaFWXEzywih1vLyOJpY_D6VLyzNzG-4hH4sTDbzRhXcxajLTiKTMeBURRlyTU-cf5SQPpUj1hNCKMoG7R1EzpQjWQ-b5XomEKHHkcV/s320/IMG_2700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's the Duchess' Bannock & Desserts place and it is amazing.<br />
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The Duchess is a real person and that's her name. Warm and friendly and creator of some of the finest bannock we've ever tasted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREptrLcuY0Rhjobb40lND7LAxhUfS4IhVpCHd2TtLAjeA0y710Dpss_D05hj3jD43urQ6z0Rel8H9NmJ9caxH6oEVJO_xFh2NpgW-L1PnFAOEt32uV4WOaYtYa9JIgfLJQXi7dPz7vGbA/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREptrLcuY0Rhjobb40lND7LAxhUfS4IhVpCHd2TtLAjeA0y710Dpss_D05hj3jD43urQ6z0Rel8H9NmJ9caxH6oEVJO_xFh2NpgW-L1PnFAOEt32uV4WOaYtYa9JIgfLJQXi7dPz7vGbA/s320/IMG_2704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Open everyday, except when Duchess decides to close of course, which happens in Alert Bay from time to time.<br />
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This place is a delight: homemade soups, amazing bannock dishes and .... a hot dog, with the necessary toppings, cooked within the bannock. While we didn't get to try this wonderful creation, all reports from the locals, would suggest this is something not to be missed. We did get to try the bannock and berries!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i><br />
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<br />Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-31279069497183431522017-09-24T16:49:00.000-07:002017-09-26T07:50:15.475-07:00Totem Poles of Alert Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7xxT1hvmUjJOXXJ3_4uCv8PKspDUWi0a1VYuZsfnZ7_tTED0em7cBBlPhUFk9OKmsDCEil-vlYkHmx4kcaJs8Tc9WQywosHals-qkaUao8lKhJ7pyJUR4ujZGEQPcC0bdWmS9sz0TKkx/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7xxT1hvmUjJOXXJ3_4uCv8PKspDUWi0a1VYuZsfnZ7_tTED0em7cBBlPhUFk9OKmsDCEil-vlYkHmx4kcaJs8Tc9WQywosHals-qkaUao8lKhJ7pyJUR4ujZGEQPcC0bdWmS9sz0TKkx/s320/IMG_2694.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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During our brief stay in Alert Bay we walked through the town, and around Cormorant Island. It's an easy walk and highly enjoyable. People are friendly and happy to share their stories and the stories of their community, and one of those stories is that of the totem poles of Alert Bay.<br />
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Totem poles are visual representations about the people who erect them, their ceremonial privileges and identity. The erection of a totem pole is usually celebrated with a potlatch.<br />
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In Alert Bay some totem poles are fairly new and others are very old. The Kwakwaka'wakw people believe that nothing lasts forever. When a totem pole is damaged, or falls to earth, it has served its purpose and it is time to let it go. Totem poles are not maintained nor re-painted. Often, recorded information about the totem pole is scant and only the pole's owner, and its carver, can truly describe the significance of the symbols.<br />
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The totem pole located near the traditional Big House is considered the world's tallest. Carved during the 1960s, it was raised in 1973. At the time it was an impressive 53 metres in height, but in November of 2007 the top of the totem pole fell to the ground during a Nimpkish wind. Apart from its height, it is unique in that unlike most totem poles, which are specific to a particular family, its figures represent some of of the tribes of the Kwakwaka'wakw.<br />
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The traditional burial grounds, and the current 'Namgis burial grounds, where many of the totem poles are located, are not open for tromping about. There's nothing to prevent people from wandering in, but respectfully, we are all asked to honour both the totem poles and the land. The totem poles are easily viewed from the roadside at both locations.<br />
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In the village cemetery, the combination of Christian and Indigenous symbols is, at first, confusing, and then... captivating. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-35351350942735767552017-09-10T22:04:00.000-07:002017-09-10T22:04:18.208-07:00The NDP Federal Leadership Debate in Vancouver<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n0kO6YimGguVAke9GAP_WC8rqTRjGeLaK8UqCOCbTedS-VTIHV7Sxc_TU8K88Nl525iyRQNax3hm8p4dyRZRkijWLC38LMxI375E5_0dwIse9eycvqNwQJ_yBJXHE3P-cPCJPMDk7O4X/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n0kO6YimGguVAke9GAP_WC8rqTRjGeLaK8UqCOCbTedS-VTIHV7Sxc_TU8K88Nl525iyRQNax3hm8p4dyRZRkijWLC38LMxI375E5_0dwIse9eycvqNwQJ_yBJXHE3P-cPCJPMDk7O4X/s200/IMG_3066.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Early this Sunday morning, we attended the Vancouver meeting of the NDP Socialist Caucus. It was a first for your faithful scribe. It proved to be an interesting meeting of fellow travellers, though G. G. Blynn, our publicist and crisis management consultant, expressed disappointment that we didn't address each other as comrades.<br />
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At the close of the meeting we marched down to the York Theatre on Commercial Drive for the final Leadership Debate for the national New Democratic Party. Well, it wasn't quite a march. Blynn wheeled themselves of course, and for the rest of us, if not a march, it was most decidedly: a brisk walk.<br />
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A few years ago The York was rescued from demolition and fully restored. Now this 100 year-old artifact from history is part of the The Cultch's group of venues. The York seats 370 and every seat was taken, and the nearby Wise Hall was commissioned and took another 250! The NDP isn't about to become an artifact from history.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An over-flow crowd of over 600.</td></tr>
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Leadership hopeful Charlie Angus arrived early to do some hobnobbing with the crowd, though we didn't see him as he had advanced further down the line, a queue that went down the block and around the corner.<br />
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We did <i>meet and greet</i> Guy Caron and managed to impress him in both official languages.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy Caron & Libby Davies</td></tr>
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Finally we entered the grand hall, and the show began.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nikiashton2017.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Niki Ashton</span></a>, your correspondent's first choice for leader, attended in a digital kind of fashion, on a screen. Niki is pregnant, expecting twins, and unable to travel by air,and the millisecond delay in the satellite transmission caused, to Jeem, an eerie <i>Max Headroom</i> kind of flashback.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrnfuiAHCev2ZpnT_J8M78yy5FpaD6b9HMcU98PxuwVzjFDoam8WDhj9gPMSh__YjiuyJ5qzj-yZvoOln08fluhGuSPlLBxDC6-dRhk-4oH-8ZeV2kfrNv4rOluwaRgkSGyWa3hKgSsVr/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrnfuiAHCev2ZpnT_J8M78yy5FpaD6b9HMcU98PxuwVzjFDoam8WDhj9gPMSh__YjiuyJ5qzj-yZvoOln08fluhGuSPlLBxDC6-dRhk-4oH-8ZeV2kfrNv4rOluwaRgkSGyWa3hKgSsVr/s200/IMG_3096.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
In the lead-up to the actual debate, <a href="http://www.charlieangusndp.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Charlie Angus</span></a> entertained the assembled with several songs and a personable kind of humour that he wears extremely well, and while <a href="http://www.jagmeetsingh.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Jagmeet Singh</span></a>, the most fashionably attired politician in Canada, might be funny, he was all-seriousness today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KawJ0AmAvksOY38k5WvCoFdoT7AQDkuJRvM1ob7pgCuC4yZxFUMWuvwjQtX74KfoUpPQ8rYnwjgDg4-m_1OzTW0dEqw59VR5si6FqVXyNzH3fWMONIWrD7oOFKiNXPx_jyd1DP8Jm7Mm/s1600/IMG_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KawJ0AmAvksOY38k5WvCoFdoT7AQDkuJRvM1ob7pgCuC4yZxFUMWuvwjQtX74KfoUpPQ8rYnwjgDg4-m_1OzTW0dEqw59VR5si6FqVXyNzH3fWMONIWrD7oOFKiNXPx_jyd1DP8Jm7Mm/s320/IMG_3085.JPG" width="295" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://en.guycaron.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Guy Caron</span></a> was calm, comfortable and looking every bit the Quebecer he is, unlike Justin Trudeau who only <i>pretends-to-be</i> when it suits him.<br />
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In his closing remarks he said that when he began his leadership campaign <i>the common remark was "Who is that guy?" but now it's more likely to be, "I like that Guy." </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04H80O7SQPzcEzZOmMvMTJ7QDtBut_r8W5T6zRx-r-v4o4LBHUr4zjy-ancGCw6wJyXX0l6GVfy-VMDNrvSPopUVfaDuOMos2Vf3bluUnzzBc2JvnRiPUvxufXfTxjYZf5bw57rr6Mt9b/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04H80O7SQPzcEzZOmMvMTJ7QDtBut_r8W5T6zRx-r-v4o4LBHUr4zjy-ancGCw6wJyXX0l6GVfy-VMDNrvSPopUVfaDuOMos2Vf3bluUnzzBc2JvnRiPUvxufXfTxjYZf5bw57rr6Mt9b/s400/IMG_3075.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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After 90 minutes, the debate ended. Not boring. No, not boring. Last one left on-stage was Niki Ashton, which coincides with your reporter's unchanged ranking preference: Niki,then Guy.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. </span></i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-10547919395238373732017-09-07T05:30:00.000-07:002017-09-07T05:30:15.891-07:00Alert Bay, BC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOiOWYggI8q-e-wmhlZnSZI-0w8TQVqvSAas1c4QspOd1NbbncnPYmyXBLnktAkW4YxPgh5Z2cqLRd4Tep38cjOfWlgDfp1fJVmttfB6hKBi-ZsTgK_7T41rIqq4wNIiNcL9DZu9S5zm1/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOiOWYggI8q-e-wmhlZnSZI-0w8TQVqvSAas1c4QspOd1NbbncnPYmyXBLnktAkW4YxPgh5Z2cqLRd4Tep38cjOfWlgDfp1fJVmttfB6hKBi-ZsTgK_7T41rIqq4wNIiNcL9DZu9S5zm1/s400/IMG_2701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alert Bay is on Cormorant Island, which is 4.9 km in length, and 800 metres at its narrowest point. It's an easy walk-about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMPlCV3Gh5A_V7GG8rSuG010JCEYdpiwFicv_Lu3ZGzHEL41LoOOqNpDTsxFhVXK1xXfgZNv1-sl5V7O35kp3euEIQYfkh9LEtu8V8nNenBAQUv4Wy4b4T7BVrKayFeEmlA1amXbM_oNS/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMPlCV3Gh5A_V7GG8rSuG010JCEYdpiwFicv_Lu3ZGzHEL41LoOOqNpDTsxFhVXK1xXfgZNv1-sl5V7O35kp3euEIQYfkh9LEtu8V8nNenBAQUv4Wy4b4T7BVrKayFeEmlA1amXbM_oNS/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The <a href="http://www.namgis.bc.ca/namgis-culture-history/"><span style="color: #990000;">'Namgis First Nation </span></a>has the largest population on the island, with 750 people. The Village of Alert Bay has a population of 440 people, and the remainder of the island's population, approximately 250, are of the Whe-la-la-u Area Council representing seven Kwakwaka'wakw Tribes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgVZzEjn7MQINa0yVYV5AtiCb7RsmolYasnwVEpsErG2SEP7nDUrovHkHKsoGB134-UkKFzSaEvQ1qJlFaE1Y0B0VYzOJoywh4eOZgpeQiCuu7x3jCvS4Z-MvxehCtv6yMaNnGfIRXeqd/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgVZzEjn7MQINa0yVYV5AtiCb7RsmolYasnwVEpsErG2SEP7nDUrovHkHKsoGB134-UkKFzSaEvQ1qJlFaE1Y0B0VYzOJoywh4eOZgpeQiCuu7x3jCvS4Z-MvxehCtv6yMaNnGfIRXeqd/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, there is harmony on the island. The citizens who share Cormorant Island's compact area have developed a philosophy of neighbourliness, and in our brief time here we were impressed by the friendly and outgoing hospitality of the people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVFnoLwUC696aZvQYtHYuQ2aMQz8U3J_IpWxaAuMFybubkj9J-eq-fCPmzL-kPg-TWw86bSNf3SvDjWDtuJe-fbkek8FNmFmcA5es8_3jNtNm9peXSOi6fDZvZm-g6y97J1Kawg9MojuU/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVFnoLwUC696aZvQYtHYuQ2aMQz8U3J_IpWxaAuMFybubkj9J-eq-fCPmzL-kPg-TWw86bSNf3SvDjWDtuJe-fbkek8FNmFmcA5es8_3jNtNm9peXSOi6fDZvZm-g6y97J1Kawg9MojuU/s320/IMG_2715.JPG" width="264" /></a><br />
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In 1999, and renewed in 2012, the <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5436b7bae4b0d50b0eede18b/t/5499b6e4e4b01fe317f137f1/1419359972201/Alert+Bay+Accord.pdf"><span style="color: #990000;">Alert Bay Accord</span></a>, between the Village and the 'Namgis First Nation, was the first agreement of its kind between a municipality and First Nations Band in Canada. It describes common goals and pledges mutual support in civic and cultural matters affecting both jurisdictions. <br />
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That mutually beneficial relationship has not always existed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEz0P8C1f8UqYjwaMwuZqf2LDQ76amQZ8bQhS8Nayo4pixif1J0d_ykbHW4S3wrCjY3YGBAx43rMOjyk0sY7CRoetJIwYNkHwNvhbro6_jSsuUEWnV4lMeXnqrT26fMN7PkACnTGNK-zw/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEz0P8C1f8UqYjwaMwuZqf2LDQ76amQZ8bQhS8Nayo4pixif1J0d_ykbHW4S3wrCjY3YGBAx43rMOjyk0sY7CRoetJIwYNkHwNvhbro6_jSsuUEWnV4lMeXnqrT26fMN7PkACnTGNK-zw/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" width="226" /></a><br />
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For thousands of years Cormorant Island, or Yalis, was populated by a great nation of seagoing people who called themselves the <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/brc/virtual_village/Kwakwaka_wakw.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Kwakwaka’wakw</span></a>. One of their most influential sub-groups lived along the rich valley of the river on Vancouver Island and these were the ‘Namgis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kq5VHFxpvw7Iv9D__LFlr1Cp0v2Lkra2QRqFppBoREtLWbT7v1VNDq1cvWfDT_brEqnoDtxW6lPi9Gmunlrdf751adRgGQMinmMOkafqgLZuUPMiJKCgqVBBg7ZL5TSDNIcZWLOkbKKe/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kq5VHFxpvw7Iv9D__LFlr1Cp0v2Lkra2QRqFppBoREtLWbT7v1VNDq1cvWfDT_brEqnoDtxW6lPi9Gmunlrdf751adRgGQMinmMOkafqgLZuUPMiJKCgqVBBg7ZL5TSDNIcZWLOkbKKe/s320/IMG_2719.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7JYfHk7wSZhWikT83bX2UggdnN1LE97EmmyN-EQCNFKN-govNHcITrJ_zVDkkO1nE3LcX4ZzFw1Ymj_a7LONXJ_NFIsupsu0jCLs3K7BrDxCQnKxxKHdqC5wLy-QAV5YxhVCjPnCSvcU/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1600" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7JYfHk7wSZhWikT83bX2UggdnN1LE97EmmyN-EQCNFKN-govNHcITrJ_zVDkkO1nE3LcX4ZzFw1Ymj_a7LONXJ_NFIsupsu0jCLs3K7BrDxCQnKxxKHdqC5wLy-QAV5YxhVCjPnCSvcU/s320/IMG_2726.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Local history tells the story of strange looking men arriving in 1792 CE. The ship was Discovery and the captain's name was Vancouver. Everything changed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz4jXEEMuFKM2xR09BqhLPBd2iH9NM6gnClR1T2xxRilLDgJFIXhOilu4WvVJTt974cc8C4HvCkAimy-CwkbRe-fkwUcX2XnLMH4OsvhfytGRtsGpz8umtFioVp-Zuz4LwgWtPSC1om37/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz4jXEEMuFKM2xR09BqhLPBd2iH9NM6gnClR1T2xxRilLDgJFIXhOilu4WvVJTt974cc8C4HvCkAimy-CwkbRe-fkwUcX2XnLMH4OsvhfytGRtsGpz8umtFioVp-Zuz4LwgWtPSC1om37/s320/IMG_2725.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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This island, and the entire region, was rich in furs, salmon, coal, timber, gold and more. There was seemingly an unlimited abundance. The newcomers, took and took and took, and what seemed an inexhaustible resource was depleted.<br />
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This is a beautiful place. The people are wonderful. There is still fishing, and trapping, and much more. Though not in the same way as before the invasion.<br />
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During one of our walk-abouts, Jeem was invited to go fishing with a First Nations group and had to decline as we were leaving the same day. The invitation stands. And we hope to return.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-58896387384679953232017-09-06T05:30:00.001-07:002017-09-06T05:30:39.723-07:00Arriving in Alert Bay & Pass'n Thyme<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyi3iVpgZPAISjVF1YY7Wm5u81JzEUYLScFrXYdq6pa0v4KwYmetn_6VxBVZRfX1n99q1D2verZ0nFC6mPIyV9TOd2WJ2yEFbEdGQ4PFyWRV7sI9SLyspFwO9OXlKDIIPo1hmSF0Cn25d/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyi3iVpgZPAISjVF1YY7Wm5u81JzEUYLScFrXYdq6pa0v4KwYmetn_6VxBVZRfX1n99q1D2verZ0nFC6mPIyV9TOd2WJ2yEFbEdGQ4PFyWRV7sI9SLyspFwO9OXlKDIIPo1hmSF0Cn25d/s320/IMG_2717.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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It was a generous two hour drive from Campbell River to Port McNeill. None of us had been north of Courtenay so after a slightly forgettable night in Campbell River, we drove up island and boarded a ferry to Alert Bay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNWTfhRrJUtH8Bo8NgjgsPcD2Q79TGpM6FnRH3Yy_cvEqnvBaG3jPTr5wugpL_9ytgSy9Ly78z1xbjsGJyxSfZJg0vcSMyU4b7489e66hZKRibA8wZqT4IWZHUCsSpWBGgcRmFCk7GfM-/s1600/IMG_2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNWTfhRrJUtH8Bo8NgjgsPcD2Q79TGpM6FnRH3Yy_cvEqnvBaG3jPTr5wugpL_9ytgSy9Ly78z1xbjsGJyxSfZJg0vcSMyU4b7489e66hZKRibA8wZqT4IWZHUCsSpWBGgcRmFCk7GfM-/s200/IMG_2672.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Our lawyer friend and colleague, BT Mendlebaum joined us, and our public relations and crisis management consultant, G. G. Blynn, came too.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsX9BMzNVaGyIbGUarSYj2M7l7EZDTgp9yHWcAOm-d6cEAAu0d2Ba1V5Ge6AHxn7oLgSRuSw3Xxc43WohyFr62Tf155KH72_FXPWbIeZ9QRCN5Q6GebmX1hqPnZqfMzte1gRH5qMG-P7x/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsX9BMzNVaGyIbGUarSYj2M7l7EZDTgp9yHWcAOm-d6cEAAu0d2Ba1V5Ge6AHxn7oLgSRuSw3Xxc43WohyFr62Tf155KH72_FXPWbIeZ9QRCN5Q6GebmX1hqPnZqfMzte1gRH5qMG-P7x/s320/IMG_2674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently "peeking" is forbidden on the ferry to Alert Bay</td></tr>
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We were <i>walk-on</i> passengers as Cormorant Island is easily walked, or wheeled in the case of our friend Blynn.<br />
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Of course Jeem "peeked" and had to explain himself to the Chief Steward. And then our lawyer <span style="font-size: x-small;">(disbarred)</span>, BT Mendelbaum, intervened and things went from bad to worse.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4dzcdfLLc-M6fwKYHwUQUrefAJwR-Srs4Lr3zwEtySWsctmuPXmriQz2_ERq5WK2LhLfmxHW0GwBAivoNjLAGX0mYFkl2twuFd8NiyEJLSK4pdcqy2h6RsM1rWt2HxQyLMINJAEV2_0t/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4dzcdfLLc-M6fwKYHwUQUrefAJwR-Srs4Lr3zwEtySWsctmuPXmriQz2_ERq5WK2LhLfmxHW0GwBAivoNjLAGX0mYFkl2twuFd8NiyEJLSK4pdcqy2h6RsM1rWt2HxQyLMINJAEV2_0t/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Drag with BC Ferries on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Alert Bay is the main settlement and a population of about 1500. More than half the population are First Nations peoples, and this is traditional Kwakwaka'wakw territory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWnCNNqf3No9dOjlTNnZRSzBzAkCpJWJlLZJrcurnQ9PPsBbQ_f-wa5wW6IJZGd5cHMECdjFQIYv2NVaA32a1uHXd0nbjRGnpBQj530jwuA8Vx19DQfyjeq9fOHHTyjz4wgbGphVQH5_X/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWnCNNqf3No9dOjlTNnZRSzBzAkCpJWJlLZJrcurnQ9PPsBbQ_f-wa5wW6IJZGd5cHMECdjFQIYv2NVaA32a1uHXd0nbjRGnpBQj530jwuA8Vx19DQfyjeq9fOHHTyjz4wgbGphVQH5_X/s320/IMG_2706.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Alert Bay reminded us of Dawson City, where we spent three winter months several years ago. The buildings, the colours, the rustic charm, remind us of a time long ago, yet very much of today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjnAZLVCXljO9ZvqU3pEQfO-wqJU7Xhxk3M-o_lBil86Gxw8SrLsvt0FTZyONYNFxbD7ymwra0NOoq3YUpb1Jv4QCTLZ31fIfiaE-MIDLu7hgL3ZzZZK69O9LHfGzPMtelZFyfNcz03cv/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjnAZLVCXljO9ZvqU3pEQfO-wqJU7Xhxk3M-o_lBil86Gxw8SrLsvt0FTZyONYNFxbD7ymwra0NOoq3YUpb1Jv4QCTLZ31fIfiaE-MIDLu7hgL3ZzZZK69O9LHfGzPMtelZFyfNcz03cv/s400/IMG_2680.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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We checked into the lovely Pass'n Thyme Inn, which is a brief walk from the ferry terminal, but then again, everything is a brief walk from the ferry terminal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5KVxAosLyXs5JUigRynqU-ETLMre6sMl7VgAtDeEWL0lUfhM0LerDyeNvbym0i9iZvqBGe68ZEtoeWe82qmdOs37BStxBBQIILZ99vTgGPcfp0AqXL2mNsUFNExW8ocaAUwwbh2B6WZR/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5KVxAosLyXs5JUigRynqU-ETLMre6sMl7VgAtDeEWL0lUfhM0LerDyeNvbym0i9iZvqBGe68ZEtoeWe82qmdOs37BStxBBQIILZ99vTgGPcfp0AqXL2mNsUFNExW8ocaAUwwbh2B6WZR/s320/IMG_2730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.passnthyme.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Pass'n Thyme Inn</span></a>, as does most of the village, overlooks Broughton Strait and stunning views of Vancouver Island's beautiful mountain ranges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YNhxdPKXLG6l3wxpGixnIWQLypL1OBSKgZuFMhZZnN0o34XiHR1liWnZWRiCN_8ck56b2yQ5FMHUOJg00D0USUf8GbeAg7_IrkhqEgYHfJATWYK_3CLHV62kBf6w6cCWuZ9_1eDUw5jG/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1169" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YNhxdPKXLG6l3wxpGixnIWQLypL1OBSKgZuFMhZZnN0o34XiHR1liWnZWRiCN_8ck56b2yQ5FMHUOJg00D0USUf8GbeAg7_IrkhqEgYHfJATWYK_3CLHV62kBf6w6cCWuZ9_1eDUw5jG/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" width="233" /></a><br />
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Our room was around the back and up some stairs and not entirely accessible for Blynn who stayed in a room on the street level. With Mendlebaum. Our room was better than the website photos would suggest.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/port-mcneill-bc/passn-thyme-inn-restaurant-alert-bay" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Pass'n Thyme Inn & Restaurant, Port McNeill and other Restaurants in Port McNeill"><img alt="Pass'n Thyme Inn & Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16671248/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0YThG_2j8J5zGO3U6LyfXu74iPBsorRWWeeORnT_cFZSzJRlJV8vuh38g1uqVZYtjyYhIFZkhKgV8QaPyognbckSzTKG9lE2T_UcnL8NIu1OmKOSl5dqQSKTi86RxudEjO1JfqnI1UpD/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0YThG_2j8J5zGO3U6LyfXu74iPBsorRWWeeORnT_cFZSzJRlJV8vuh38g1uqVZYtjyYhIFZkhKgV8QaPyognbckSzTKG9lE2T_UcnL8NIu1OmKOSl5dqQSKTi86RxudEjO1JfqnI1UpD/s320/IMG_2711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.passnthyme.com/Resturant.and.Lounge.Alert.Bay.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Pass'n Thyme</span></a> boasts a wonderful restaurant and at night it's especially busy with townsfolk and outsiders too. The cuisine is what one might expect, served with a dash of adventure. Come for the people; warm, friendly, inviting. Conversations abound. If someone is celebrating a birthday, you might even get a piece of cake.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-36375567402884594982017-09-05T05:30:00.002-07:002017-09-05T05:30:21.190-07:00Signs from the Counter-Protest of August 19th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over 4000 people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OhGxtO7s6I5BpHC4G5o7p-A_mhgZu7utb7E44qfrRKjziONg7au3OzuiRdef9OqgYy5bWBSa2hkaUN0DvXDZG1k01CcSHjVooiNpaha-AxRuOil3BbfEOdvDUeA_sG5OqcqV_ouctaah/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1421" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OhGxtO7s6I5BpHC4G5o7p-A_mhgZu7utb7E44qfrRKjziONg7au3OzuiRdef9OqgYy5bWBSa2hkaUN0DvXDZG1k01CcSHjVooiNpaha-AxRuOil3BbfEOdvDUeA_sG5OqcqV_ouctaah/s200/IMG_2954.JPG" width="177" /></a><br />
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Flags, signs, costumes and more.<br />
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Some seriousness. Some silliness.<br />
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A famous flag, back by popular demand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSTHNzgcX3_rvtO5cooRvwAyync_f6cL0oBhrz-BJ2KM7eFVKXU6eCYdY-K-_5mv-_Uq3yJehmZUwJ9aoLEtgXUMLA-VnpOtRCSH6Lv1KnGNHq6ImCEXKnRmvEmMCiZ1jLuSUZSYCGqUo/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSTHNzgcX3_rvtO5cooRvwAyync_f6cL0oBhrz-BJ2KM7eFVKXU6eCYdY-K-_5mv-_Uq3yJehmZUwJ9aoLEtgXUMLA-VnpOtRCSH6Lv1KnGNHq6ImCEXKnRmvEmMCiZ1jLuSUZSYCGqUo/s320/IMG_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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"Hands up. Who wants to go to Dairy Queen?"<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-71430617779024522712017-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-04T06:00:00.228-07:00Labour Day, my union, and taking to the streets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTIcoS06XNwUQJtj-2dpp3EMx9T7LRFoHBM-lc6EZFxDwgv-QKzb6HD-LFt9hQ7iqQZwurxRHTxkl5KbW2gianNB4xvqNU-jmk9zly2QZ4_1NeuV9tYzWXnIjx-thZk1ZrBtJbdNwXz5Y/s1600/IMG_2944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1600" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTIcoS06XNwUQJtj-2dpp3EMx9T7LRFoHBM-lc6EZFxDwgv-QKzb6HD-LFt9hQ7iqQZwurxRHTxkl5KbW2gianNB4xvqNU-jmk9zly2QZ4_1NeuV9tYzWXnIjx-thZk1ZrBtJbdNwXz5Y/s400/IMG_2944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Labour Day, or Fête du Travail, has been celebrated in Canada on the first Monday in September since the 1880s. <a href="http://www.canadashistory.ca/Explore/Politics-Law/The-First-Labour-Day"><span style="color: #990000;">It originated with a long and bitter strike</span></a> in Toronto in 1872, and specifically with a march that started with 2000 union members heading towards City Hall. By the time they arrived they were 10,000 strong, catching the attention of their employers, the public and politicians alike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUtdHmhwEUx5jAzz6acI6xFtXOZZ-RVgh81wLKkowEHtSrEmT2ux0S3wH_nGXZow1VoKcohtkcd6xtn8cR1a__ErLg_3RKuDIj-Ja6IloHas6EfdUquMyk5K28Be1M9hhDa6pRSPl-kyI/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUtdHmhwEUx5jAzz6acI6xFtXOZZ-RVgh81wLKkowEHtSrEmT2ux0S3wH_nGXZow1VoKcohtkcd6xtn8cR1a__ErLg_3RKuDIj-Ja6IloHas6EfdUquMyk5K28Be1M9hhDa6pRSPl-kyI/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" width="320" /></a>Those workers did not obtain their immediate goals of a shorter work week (one of their demands was a 9 hour day). In fact, many still lost their jobs. They did however discover how to regain the power they lost in a rapidly industrializing economy. The parade held in support of those strikers carried over into an annual celebration of workers' rights and was adopted in cities and towns across Canada. In 1894, Labour Day was declared a national holiday.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv4g9VXJmyn1rkWv2AZr_sZ-OTY4wBXM1k5wCArA5rbJ96ILZhhazbqupSbBygQb4bWlEPD5oUWVeA0un-vg9rjr4upXw4a1ZvXiW82-kHVdBH79Ba3cg6Tf-_kVqB36e6ehL4naLV7Ws/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv4g9VXJmyn1rkWv2AZr_sZ-OTY4wBXM1k5wCArA5rbJ96ILZhhazbqupSbBygQb4bWlEPD5oUWVeA0un-vg9rjr4upXw4a1ZvXiW82-kHVdBH79Ba3cg6Tf-_kVqB36e6ehL4naLV7Ws/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Finch, Treasurer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On August 19th, my union, the BCGEU, took a leadership role in rallying members and citizens against fascism and racism in Vancouver. Hundreds of union members showed up on a beautiful Saturday to take a stand, to take to the streets.<br />
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Our group was addressed by Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer, and by Stephanie Smith, our President. After some milling about, we marched, led by Stephanie, to join a larger group of unionists and citizens united against fascism.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxjJmScGiUvyZGYxbfXBZ3DbwSu8PsY8e1mQwPVO3cgKXQWuc4om77ESot05srKPL3jR7ERUWLyJ4DQk1p7LxZIZ0bNzfvdSXJKxIfgT2TavelwWgo16IDD4E3OE7eT1mUlNE9xOHi_KB/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxjJmScGiUvyZGYxbfXBZ3DbwSu8PsY8e1mQwPVO3cgKXQWuc4om77ESot05srKPL3jR7ERUWLyJ4DQk1p7LxZIZ0bNzfvdSXJKxIfgT2TavelwWgo16IDD4E3OE7eT1mUlNE9xOHi_KB/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie Smith, President</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D8O1IDM470xd-1qV4vBRQONGTCuyqvV2MfIKfEgjSVqa9eiUvhyphenhyphenMOvhRc-eavt8c0MD8AIknMU4Ks9UGNyw3PcTNGPUEY-8UYVQfJy7pmD9cQOl7pxyi-zN5e8Xe89YhUmn8gpSnBdqy/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D8O1IDM470xd-1qV4vBRQONGTCuyqvV2MfIKfEgjSVqa9eiUvhyphenhyphenMOvhRc-eavt8c0MD8AIknMU4Ks9UGNyw3PcTNGPUEY-8UYVQfJy7pmD9cQOl7pxyi-zN5e8Xe89YhUmn8gpSnBdqy/s200/IMG_2938.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdkaQpcsdQXsfhmJAOCTNpC8JzDQd7dNbwpAs97BRecZAe1pljeGAy0N-JO7vspzwOz7_VizmCSfSUhm-h0Payjb4keByqq13HO42X6poMD6luKVh0yyvXUFP_uvRf2OnVxwtCco-CsKS/s1600/IMG_2936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdkaQpcsdQXsfhmJAOCTNpC8JzDQd7dNbwpAs97BRecZAe1pljeGAy0N-JO7vspzwOz7_VizmCSfSUhm-h0Payjb4keByqq13HO42X6poMD6luKVh0yyvXUFP_uvRf2OnVxwtCco-CsKS/s320/IMG_2936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VPD watching and reporting on the BCGEU</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Oddly, it seemed to me, our group was watched by members of the Vancouver Police Department. I'm not sure what they expected from a mainly middle-aged group of union members, but perhaps old habits.... Or was it for our own protection? "Hey, we're the good guys here," Jeem said to one. The officer frowned and took Jeem's picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2Wr95P0wxJivgaFLqmbjsheC1LfgRyLNVesIJdGCxJDQ97SCFTOxbu2BJT-jqHrh-65C4aIwDlX4hR-F0_lRhyphenhyphenlLYU0BKCIZdHrVayJwc1a17SduuCrfeUq5t-S7gWIITXyTxfz1aFZK/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2Wr95P0wxJivgaFLqmbjsheC1LfgRyLNVesIJdGCxJDQ97SCFTOxbu2BJT-jqHrh-65C4aIwDlX4hR-F0_lRhyphenhyphenlLYU0BKCIZdHrVayJwc1a17SduuCrfeUq5t-S7gWIITXyTxfz1aFZK/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Unions gave us the weekend, various holidays, higher wages, and standards for employment. They also have a long history of fighting for those marginalized within our society and against the forces of darkness, be they corporate or political.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmuG3UEivh6Drp6nJ2tp4euRET2fS55H1BFzsx4EJYuSBIHJLG1XWBSfRXm1ZIfy09WeIgDpY9EPA_YjPPu8dcvvqMdOUfE24MaVDNIj6qwixgaUgShXg_t2yPdcFWHP2Vnfd19XT68g4/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmuG3UEivh6Drp6nJ2tp4euRET2fS55H1BFzsx4EJYuSBIHJLG1XWBSfRXm1ZIfy09WeIgDpY9EPA_YjPPu8dcvvqMdOUfE24MaVDNIj6qwixgaUgShXg_t2yPdcFWHP2Vnfd19XT68g4/s400/IMG_2946.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BCGEU and BCTF flags and members intermingling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With over 4000 anti-racist/anti-fascist demonstrators gathering on August 19th, we showed that together we are stronger and better organised than the fascists can ever hope to be, and that ours is a movement for tolerance and inclusion. <br />
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Union members must be vigilant, and always willing to take to the streets.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-64070286258753849152017-09-03T15:14:00.000-07:002017-09-03T15:14:10.664-07:00The Purple Man and his sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO5Oiq7KEs7Ob2TmKXLRrqp98EZcCscCZ3eUZoaKu1JQVFTMWPm0DaC-xk9YjZWLeOKZQ1-NbIXFJCJDehI9KGGTlyONAFk1eGchq95TAczUg3Wf4k0LYw3xotSUsn0WyCNsUHz4TQYb-/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO5Oiq7KEs7Ob2TmKXLRrqp98EZcCscCZ3eUZoaKu1JQVFTMWPm0DaC-xk9YjZWLeOKZQ1-NbIXFJCJDehI9KGGTlyONAFk1eGchq95TAczUg3Wf4k0LYw3xotSUsn0WyCNsUHz4TQYb-/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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As crowds gathered for a large anti-racism/anti-fascism rally at Vancouver City Hall on August 19th, a young man walked around the block. Over and over again. He was the purple guy with a sign, and he continued to walk around the block until the crowd of 4000 made it almost impossible to continue his solitary march on the sidewalk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O28FMK1wHJw3pznDpLs7PvEioAYkwEMUlgMGsx5VNWKXSW7qjGZEuOSY4rX49UuS44AH0xvwBjrwx7mTIkCHHtVUqwxIP5AbRzuaGGeXNKhRtiHTGst1MtcPANlRwfmCfLFVx2QSDdYQ/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O28FMK1wHJw3pznDpLs7PvEioAYkwEMUlgMGsx5VNWKXSW7qjGZEuOSY4rX49UuS44AH0xvwBjrwx7mTIkCHHtVUqwxIP5AbRzuaGGeXNKhRtiHTGst1MtcPANlRwfmCfLFVx2QSDdYQ/s320/IMG_2915.JPG" width="319" /></a><br />
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He talked with no one that I could see. He walked quickly and seldom made eye contact. That in spite of the third eye on his forehead.<br />
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What was with the team shorts, and one sock black, the other white?<br />
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And what to make of the sign?<br />
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The answer, to the statement on the sign, is simply "no."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMnoETQ0Vb2LaKAQBa9jv_DCbRZ9_iqATSWXNMX5UnPvuKaDjAJXyiXzvqSU9lqM4GzRfhAj6GqW9nl-Xl-cvCqmExrUV0dL2DVEH6ZvuC_k2ezF-UiBiHFBe7ivN1d5ljPgFFU_A5bcO/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="942" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMnoETQ0Vb2LaKAQBa9jv_DCbRZ9_iqATSWXNMX5UnPvuKaDjAJXyiXzvqSU9lqM4GzRfhAj6GqW9nl-Xl-cvCqmExrUV0dL2DVEH6ZvuC_k2ezF-UiBiHFBe7ivN1d5ljPgFFU_A5bcO/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" width="188" /></a><br />
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When it comes to fascism, there isn't any discussion. There is no need for polite debate. A civil society need not agree to anything of the kind. Fascists must not march in our streets. They must not be allowed to spew their hate and lies in public spaces.<br />
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The purple man was not inciting anyone, nor was his lonely march offensive. He was entirely peaceful.<br />
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But no, if it comes to it, fascists must be met with the full force of the state and all that it provides. Failing that, fascism must be confronted by the people themselves.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray. </span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-25428887459934771142017-09-02T05:30:00.000-07:002017-09-02T05:30:27.589-07:00Broken Spoke Coffee in Courtenay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pZGQBiEDtsRo_1dOWSnPmyUM3G5VUtaQ-icj8aqvuvkFGNcsgZSrllYL0mRAkyy6_4y88xrb0iC5oxBVZSQDci4SHGf2qKTIgUAoN7cqZT04CVTf_dG7YwnVEUq581YdnUAOIfzI0IUq/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pZGQBiEDtsRo_1dOWSnPmyUM3G5VUtaQ-icj8aqvuvkFGNcsgZSrllYL0mRAkyy6_4y88xrb0iC5oxBVZSQDci4SHGf2qKTIgUAoN7cqZT04CVTf_dG7YwnVEUq581YdnUAOIfzI0IUq/s320/IMG_2770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Broken Spoke in Courtenay is actually a bike shop. They sell, rent and repair bicycles. All kinds of bikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1TSmCxobClKnp8F2y6sJjlgmGT6RLlHdKyFDx8IO4EQ7IUfuhUtbzSTXiUook9hM0BPvek0DPlVzyORU_Jvzq9aAj_SMkoPHVxhzUMB6mXZvEBF6BC63WaxEo78w4uV-MHtjFK7KwURj/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1TSmCxobClKnp8F2y6sJjlgmGT6RLlHdKyFDx8IO4EQ7IUfuhUtbzSTXiUook9hM0BPvek0DPlVzyORU_Jvzq9aAj_SMkoPHVxhzUMB6mXZvEBF6BC63WaxEo78w4uV-MHtjFK7KwURj/s200/IMG_2771.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBOtjSlpXql7kwUTjsDVFK_APct4MYQIDORrWkqOqkrO0X1xadvw3naD7spuUasEIXQ-QjLMb3QchcLLpnBWtDxxhE9MrGnfidj9OR1WE4QjS2DZXBubv091hRMWxKfg1_jPfDZogvLeb/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBOtjSlpXql7kwUTjsDVFK_APct4MYQIDORrWkqOqkrO0X1xadvw3naD7spuUasEIXQ-QjLMb3QchcLLpnBWtDxxhE9MrGnfidj9OR1WE4QjS2DZXBubv091hRMWxKfg1_jPfDZogvLeb/s320/IMG_2773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The place smells of rubber and grease and .... coffee, and <a href="http://www.thebrokenspoke.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">The Broken Spoke</span></a> is one of the best coffee shops we've encountered in quite some time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4IGKFcimBiWi4_uvrANeYOolfOHK2bBcn_5pMYUefM1uD8-MU8UfKdhzIRdgCE37W5lyDoUhgImrVKe545uEKEZIUREMNd2N8kBOm_kcJG6RPA04jA5RUhtx9yHNQX1x-A85l1X0BoXe/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4IGKFcimBiWi4_uvrANeYOolfOHK2bBcn_5pMYUefM1uD8-MU8UfKdhzIRdgCE37W5lyDoUhgImrVKe545uEKEZIUREMNd2N8kBOm_kcJG6RPA04jA5RUhtx9yHNQX1x-A85l1X0BoXe/s320/IMG_2774.JPG" width="234" /></a><br />
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After walking around the store, one senses an obvious attention to detail, a mindfulness about choices and the relationships founded here. It shows in the products they carry and the slow, meticulous way bikes are serviced. The coffee shop portion of the operation is no different.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWRx8ftxG6rQ5omqiouKOaUPWd0jwD6vWlB6Ajitbp9_JMSo0j7fhfdLexiWZLORGFE6-1CLnWrVfnNKsOJfXaichsfR3lw4aM8YCxkphG87gamrQQSXQcOfI7leB83qXRJYDazqULns/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERWRx8ftxG6rQ5omqiouKOaUPWd0jwD6vWlB6Ajitbp9_JMSo0j7fhfdLexiWZLORGFE6-1CLnWrVfnNKsOJfXaichsfR3lw4aM8YCxkphG87gamrQQSXQcOfI7leB83qXRJYDazqULns/s200/IMG_2775.JPG" width="146" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/courtenay-bc/the-broken-spoke-coffee-house-courtenay" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about The Broken Spoke Coffee House, Courtenay and other Restaurants in Courtenay"><img alt="The Broken Spoke Coffee House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16670249/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx9ZT-XVRIPLz4D8FeB-n2o7ShMRVGjFHHOpnzMByIB0M-AcS1tYJ8VHAs_jyfv87nC2IZsP4cE8_Y7q-0E8TWnvYbnxljGkxe6TfpOqUZKPC6kkkoixyfD-babSfEngRQuH1SymZLQf5/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx9ZT-XVRIPLz4D8FeB-n2o7ShMRVGjFHHOpnzMByIB0M-AcS1tYJ8VHAs_jyfv87nC2IZsP4cE8_Y7q-0E8TWnvYbnxljGkxe6TfpOqUZKPC6kkkoixyfD-babSfEngRQuH1SymZLQf5/s400/IMG_2776.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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The coffee comes from an excellent roaster-coffee shop in Victoria called <a href="https://discoverycoffee.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Discovery Coffee</span></a>. The beans are sourced from select farms around the world and roasted in small batches to create something quite wonderful.<br />
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We had coffee here on two different days and on both occasions it was superb. When in Courtenay... don't miss this coffee shop. Our friend and public relations consultant, G. G. Blynn, even had her wheel chair serviced, in a manner of speaking, while having a coffee. Great people!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i><br />
<br />Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-2590400617460400272017-08-22T06:02:00.002-07:002017-08-22T06:18:36.279-07:00Eclipse-shape shadows appear on ground....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ0xMdNzel8_pvxVWxJDqPUzZcQWwsHQPWyQlFMFjnj0SXCzAahNXCel7uXc2niy5MarNf1cXDXyKCScbfPjaz5W9iXZ_tEVc93yNXCLAO8s_0MJ2MxBJm4z5-i51b6dp1vjku334pxAT/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="822" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ0xMdNzel8_pvxVWxJDqPUzZcQWwsHQPWyQlFMFjnj0SXCzAahNXCel7uXc2niy5MarNf1cXDXyKCScbfPjaz5W9iXZ_tEVc93yNXCLAO8s_0MJ2MxBJm4z5-i51b6dp1vjku334pxAT/s400/IMG_3027.JPG" width="205" /></a><br />
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The recent partial solar eclipse provided an obvious darkening of the skies in MetroVancouver. Temperatures actually cooled ever so slightly during the moments of near totality.<br />
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It also created a rare, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, along the pathway at Langara Golf Course, but reportedly repeated throughout the region.<br />
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Looking at the shadows on the ground, at about twenty-five percent eclipse, one can see clearly: the crescent shapes of the moon and sun!<br />
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Eerie. Strange. And only lasting the brief minutes of the actual eclipse. Most people miss the celestial event on the ground, because they are all looking up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkEs_42whfmn9Z5JrSE502yC_wSySjH6Ix8uQ8QaEPX8nfFvQaaLHUt9y7I97RjAQaknq-XQCYt7OnenKs2xsemS7SxBINkWJxrzF6Fys_uvBF8lXzvCVaFWCHkGPtviXf8zjd6fBTGQL/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkEs_42whfmn9Z5JrSE502yC_wSySjH6Ix8uQ8QaEPX8nfFvQaaLHUt9y7I97RjAQaknq-XQCYt7OnenKs2xsemS7SxBINkWJxrzF6Fys_uvBF8lXzvCVaFWCHkGPtviXf8zjd6fBTGQL/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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This scientific phenomenon won't be seen again in this area, until the next solar eclipse to come our way in 2033.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">s by Jeem. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-46087438263420927272017-08-21T22:00:00.001-07:002017-08-21T22:10:01.932-07:00Total Eclipse of the Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN1ku5ZEBG_mED9MFGs2fgZoViv9Ps1oI27O91mezJ8XZiRuKOIEfmLa6ZQ7_p4J854n5kColBJ7KqLvukQ07JM-7p4Y1BwgtrKr7ymJmBrENJm43rvnqXO-a2YbajeMWuw_wTCIuypdM/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1228" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN1ku5ZEBG_mED9MFGs2fgZoViv9Ps1oI27O91mezJ8XZiRuKOIEfmLa6ZQ7_p4J854n5kColBJ7KqLvukQ07JM-7p4Y1BwgtrKr7ymJmBrENJm43rvnqXO-a2YbajeMWuw_wTCIuypdM/s200/IMG_3013.JPG" width="153" /></a>Sherry had been given an idea from Susan to view the eclipse using binoculars. Something about the big end and little end and focusing and....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXKT2KG0xwCb_6hG8pLMU07TPzjtjbDIsDHKWf3JJ7dRqAVMa8lv3HJs8LW1ATbiqrgSEOfrTNcxuV0PR74Z03ShoD3BJDe9LvNDKQmzvNYlWldouDU1Sgg76K1hPg8GVDkL3gaPGPYB4/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXKT2KG0xwCb_6hG8pLMU07TPzjtjbDIsDHKWf3JJ7dRqAVMa8lv3HJs8LW1ATbiqrgSEOfrTNcxuV0PR74Z03ShoD3BJDe9LvNDKQmzvNYlWldouDU1Sgg76K1hPg8GVDkL3gaPGPYB4/s200/IMG_3005.JPG" width="200" /></a>It sounded easier than it turned out to be.<br />
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Apparently it's not all that easy aligning the sun with the big end of the binoculars.<br />
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Oh wait a minute, something is appearing now... or not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRam435OUQJINZFWAoC0wYf3oM1X_jfk7ty76RRgsxkQc6-UwE5HKXjkyszaLhar_W-JzwN7s2IHahbL8Ky7FeeYhNj2axEJMQh5L43T4OiPNsQtOCWz73ZhApJ37yRL1TRkCPXN3lS5P/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRam435OUQJINZFWAoC0wYf3oM1X_jfk7ty76RRgsxkQc6-UwE5HKXjkyszaLhar_W-JzwN7s2IHahbL8Ky7FeeYhNj2axEJMQh5L43T4OiPNsQtOCWz73ZhApJ37yRL1TRkCPXN3lS5P/s200/IMG_3009.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfCI8WcCmfASEGhuplvCGcyT8wx2zmYdaw_XRWhEAlFvRXf9xy0SBEQBUvqILXX5gxrosHN0BqteVbpD7KZvM9Q2JkcKaub_XUttdyaaC3A1vQN-7-FbIWLhZvEHCdViOKh5RJgQvUBot/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfCI8WcCmfASEGhuplvCGcyT8wx2zmYdaw_XRWhEAlFvRXf9xy0SBEQBUvqILXX5gxrosHN0BqteVbpD7KZvM9Q2JkcKaub_XUttdyaaC3A1vQN-7-FbIWLhZvEHCdViOKh5RJgQvUBot/s320/IMG_3008.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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"Ya dragged me out here for this?" asked our lawyer friend, BT Mendlebaum (disbarred) to no one in particular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrQKyiNM3uPsZe5vbsKLQ5oS3SHEcwuZFY6umvMWHHM7ELymBVJ2KFJvF0KUo9SmRlJPB6o6GmdshARjJuKrV0OMmWg17vDm9GGNKU7ehss0ynKSiAoYqzIIwyQQQvgLzmd-DfxUp78rN/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrQKyiNM3uPsZe5vbsKLQ5oS3SHEcwuZFY6umvMWHHM7ELymBVJ2KFJvF0KUo9SmRlJPB6o6GmdshARjJuKrV0OMmWg17vDm9GGNKU7ehss0ynKSiAoYqzIIwyQQQvgLzmd-DfxUp78rN/s200/IMG_3022.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, our dedicated photo-journalist was <i>staring</i> at the sun using spectacles provided by BT Mendlebaum. Something about back-engineering. "It's a prototype," offered Mendlebaum. "I don't necessarily vouch for their authenticity. Still. What's the worst that can happen?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b62N0KjRhrfWqm41lN5LrMNqcXtL0szxWcQHJ6rH7OeqCDteen09TVNgs9W1GGGefkkFcAL1wadT-__wlyqptny2XFbGG7rE7GjEyJ_luU7Petd6EE4ri9Eygl8YwG7W7hx_KmA2jEQm/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b62N0KjRhrfWqm41lN5LrMNqcXtL0szxWcQHJ6rH7OeqCDteen09TVNgs9W1GGGefkkFcAL1wadT-__wlyqptny2XFbGG7rE7GjEyJ_luU7Petd6EE4ri9Eygl8YwG7W7hx_KmA2jEQm/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEZ0oNCAeeGcYuZduYHnWNLU5N1TLhpLyGmAXOQRmJho_otJSpzy5caat0VOyIMnH02VXYppTrBOVF-DvDCkdlFb9cf37NuO02fMxyiVOdOMsbP4aBhamcXjrE-wp1kjpi39VNVW5uxEP/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEZ0oNCAeeGcYuZduYHnWNLU5N1TLhpLyGmAXOQRmJho_otJSpzy5caat0VOyIMnH02VXYppTrBOVF-DvDCkdlFb9cf37NuO02fMxyiVOdOMsbP4aBhamcXjrE-wp1kjpi39VNVW5uxEP/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" width="272" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NJczaaAt5tzk8Gpep895uT-gi_zq2_RgBmp2huvhKsx7dVAJ-CPv-25NV_mqOTNEhzVY9tDExv3wTuklTPU0KItGqB572AaxvXeT0qiLY9sFtq4a9wagm6BTStwacvUex-Ww-LHiw-9v/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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"This can't be a good idea" said G.G. Blynn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4uAmqFcOLih-3tdCQiFspD6yOfgDi7F5n2RWgKEEx-iaPJ0SLad8ri889BEMzswKwIHXCLWbqBt4dV2s9BzynzL5873AQ7sTbku1dlUu9TOISNAkwiYEfrsxcLlEhkXcBtT3a85kz22r/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4uAmqFcOLih-3tdCQiFspD6yOfgDi7F5n2RWgKEEx-iaPJ0SLad8ri889BEMzswKwIHXCLWbqBt4dV2s9BzynzL5873AQ7sTbku1dlUu9TOISNAkwiYEfrsxcLlEhkXcBtT3a85kz22r/s320/IMG_3024.JPG" width="244" /></a>And still, in the interests of science, Jeem continued to view the eclipse, giving full commentary to a bunch of golfers who had stopped on their way to their next tee.<br />
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The landscape continued to darken as we approached eighty-three percent.<br />
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Shadows were softer. Birds sought shelter in the trees. And golfers were confused and started heading towards the club house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mz4aI_GY0vCzXm8Wi6gESeKL825UAQKDd55IM-rL67UtNPoWqqNkT29qgYuMvP28GKRcQDWcYNw0qraMnUjzW6gpJMleWgdYbFo5fnweWvxX0U_uLT7uibREZLojeLb-r21cVEZAUxXF/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mz4aI_GY0vCzXm8Wi6gESeKL825UAQKDd55IM-rL67UtNPoWqqNkT29qgYuMvP28GKRcQDWcYNw0qraMnUjzW6gpJMleWgdYbFo5fnweWvxX0U_uLT7uibREZLojeLb-r21cVEZAUxXF/s320/IMG_3018.JPG" width="319" /></a><br />
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At the full impact of the eighty-three percent eclipse, Jeem was done too.<br />
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He plans to volunteer at the CNIB just as soon as he gets his special cane. "It'll be a prototype," says Mendlebaum.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem and Sherry MacDonald.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-55311697937604050952017-08-13T09:06:00.000-07:002017-08-15T05:43:29.022-07:00Cornerstone Café in Victoria's Fernwood Neighbourhood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPAGc-MTJB8oBr238Mu0plcS_6df0UwB9nEVDjegna3pFPrPytsYMMdwCGsdpwbJxPP3VHXVGteAYnjD5qcS_x4b6L4PsoSlt_Efb30bzOydsN9AqFtOOXyoDU0pTRv0w4GooQsTM5A0T/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPAGc-MTJB8oBr238Mu0plcS_6df0UwB9nEVDjegna3pFPrPytsYMMdwCGsdpwbJxPP3VHXVGteAYnjD5qcS_x4b6L4PsoSlt_Efb30bzOydsN9AqFtOOXyoDU0pTRv0w4GooQsTM5A0T/s320/IMG_2582.JPG" width="203" /></a><br />
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Not so long ago we had reason to visit Victoria and we stayed in a neighbourhood called Fernwood. It's a wonderful part of the city that is outside the normal tourist hustle and bustle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo9-OeVaVMI-cKsans0FKRxj3JTe_nH6ypIy-OMsXWtlIygSM6Ia1pLJhlrgpafAl7qs4RlQKcTPMP-r1khcec9uqRYe2jdD0Fwvw88eBobArkCGD-rA_4wHKPZ4_UNJqu1uSmIsUSv_0/s1600/IMG_2583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo9-OeVaVMI-cKsans0FKRxj3JTe_nH6ypIy-OMsXWtlIygSM6Ia1pLJhlrgpafAl7qs4RlQKcTPMP-r1khcec9uqRYe2jdD0Fwvw88eBobArkCGD-rA_4wHKPZ4_UNJqu1uSmIsUSv_0/s320/IMG_2583.JPG" width="215" /></a><br />
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In advance, Sherry discovered the Cornerstone Café, across from the Belfry Theatre, and we all went one bright, sunny morning.<br />
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This is not a regular coffee shop, though one might not know without asking. Sure it's about coffee and reading and socializing... it looks like a coffee shop. It's story is something else.<br />
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Cornerstone Café is a social enterprise, which means its profits go to the <a href="http://fernwoodnrg.ca/fernwood-nrg-about-us/our-principles/"><span style="color: #990000;">Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group</span></a>, a non-profit society committed to creating a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable neighbourhood.<br />
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Prior to 2005 the building itself was a neglected eyesore, boarded up and unused. Local activists decided to revitalize the building and the area, and to provide space for a café, artists and locally owned and operated businesses. Within a year the <a href="http://fernwoodnrg.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Fernwood NRG</span></a> had purchased the Cornerstone Building and in another year the heritage building was renovated, including affordable family apartments on the second floor. The renovation addressed environmental sustainability by installing, among other things, a geothermal heat pump and that energy, from the ground below the building, provides 70 percent of the building's heat and hot water.<br />
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The Cornerstone Café is working towards creating <i>zero waste </i>in all that it does, and maintains proper recycling and composting. Customers are encouraged to bring their own mugs, or those dining-in are given proper mugs and cutlery. If someone wants a <i>to-go cup</i>, it will be one that is readily compostable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/victoria-bc/cornerstone-cafe-1-victoria" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Cornerstone Cafe, Victoria and other Restaurants in Victoria"><img alt="Cornerstone Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16669224/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
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And finally: the coffee is pretty good too, though the cappuccino was too milky for our traditional tastes.<br />
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This wonderful café is a place where you can relax, meet friends and neighbours, take in music and special events, and discover community.<br />
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We should do this kind of thing more often and in more places.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i>Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-78361232575533141012017-08-13T08:50:00.002-07:002017-08-13T08:50:55.612-07:00Butchart Gardens in the springtime<div style="background-color: white; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We were in Victoria during the tulip season and while that floral burst is long gone, BT Mendlebaum suggested this post, mainly because she didn't get to join the rest of the gang at Butchart Gardens. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Technically Butchart Gardens are in Brentwood Bay but over a million visitors each year seem to be able to find the place.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The gardens grew out of a quarry on Tod Inlet where the Butchart family had established a mining operation at the end of the 19th century. The limestone was exhausted in 1909 and the business of the gardens began. Slowly.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">To this day, ownership of Butchart Gardens remains with the family. Tulips were the focus during our visit, but the Gardens are a delight anytime of the year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos by Jeem. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</i></span></div>
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Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-57718752268537394392017-08-10T22:22:00.001-07:002017-08-11T06:19:53.758-07:00Koko Monk Chocolates in Vancouver<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tbmGK2Npvfmr7Qd6wws1gZzMcW9U8UYhLHERWF7CY59-1_YemQtE7ZIO-hptspllTjdJjztD8DTOLU6ZVhwAuHoBaZBsJcas-Ub3IbfMcWLs23LwXEx-XwWj8QmMPAn4ypgbVeIPBHxw/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tbmGK2Npvfmr7Qd6wws1gZzMcW9U8UYhLHERWF7CY59-1_YemQtE7ZIO-hptspllTjdJjztD8DTOLU6ZVhwAuHoBaZBsJcas-Ub3IbfMcWLs23LwXEx-XwWj8QmMPAn4ypgbVeIPBHxw/s200/IMG_2089.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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If one believes the promotion pieces, Koko Monk could be one of the best chocolate places on the planet. It's an amazing yet small operation with creative and artfully designed chocolate confections and drinks, and the best Turkish coffee in the city.<br />
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<a href="http://kokomonk.com/about/"><span style="color: #990000;">Koko Monk</span></a> opened in 2013 and since then has created a tremendous following and some major press.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1NmH6BIRhlnsDhYs3XYge11iATf829imPGkYKlqfv8kwyrVR0nhs0Pg3-v5SfBKCM1V_KfK4gclsSBubWnU44uhWAPJQ-eNRjLWMNX9EdM5D1t2DU_ywWlNNjuZg5WVdRcEnRlBaADK0/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1NmH6BIRhlnsDhYs3XYge11iATf829imPGkYKlqfv8kwyrVR0nhs0Pg3-v5SfBKCM1V_KfK4gclsSBubWnU44uhWAPJQ-eNRjLWMNX9EdM5D1t2DU_ywWlNNjuZg5WVdRcEnRlBaADK0/s320/IMG_2093.JPG" width="253" /></a><br />
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We've been here a couple of times. It can get crowded and though it's nice enough inside, it can be a problematic finding a seat. That shouldn't deter anyone from visiting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_vrXFT0pjpmF9U92Mih5VCMYC5AHV5Y6keu0Ex7Psdc0J-M_r5zdpheWHw4Fq63TJbApC-Vp9WtGGcfnUITREcvea-rP228DNu-JBkS69xpSWPbWRqe5IF9fVfSBdWX19ECf_gpuoa0P/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_vrXFT0pjpmF9U92Mih5VCMYC5AHV5Y6keu0Ex7Psdc0J-M_r5zdpheWHw4Fq63TJbApC-Vp9WtGGcfnUITREcvea-rP228DNu-JBkS69xpSWPbWRqe5IF9fVfSBdWX19ECf_gpuoa0P/s200/IMG_2090.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/vancouver/koko-monk-chocolates-kitsilano-vancouver" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Koko Monk Chocolates, Kitsilano and other Restaurants in Metro Vancouver"><img alt="Koko Monk Chocolates Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16627052/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> </div>
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Koko Monk uses raw chocolate, which is a whole, organic food with live enzymes. Natural sweeteners are used in all products, rather than the processed sweeteners found in most chocolates.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlEf1DmFcZSmtpwyCR82NFcf0RTTi06YRxgj8NExxCpGFHzi5xeGjJPZo67vfyYXlKiY_3enrivGfWy7_qA5OxhZieyIvb_bgBGts5swmmJHb6JjARL9YwvslNPsN6MwL-1lhWBOIkK55/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlEf1DmFcZSmtpwyCR82NFcf0RTTi06YRxgj8NExxCpGFHzi5xeGjJPZo67vfyYXlKiY_3enrivGfWy7_qA5OxhZieyIvb_bgBGts5swmmJHb6JjARL9YwvslNPsN6MwL-1lhWBOIkK55/s320/IMG_2094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Share a flight of hot chocolates!</td></tr>
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The benefits of raw, dark, organic chocolate are legend, including being a natural anti-depressant with a mood balancing chemical called Anandamine. Apparently it also unclogs arteries, detoxifies, aids in weight loss, increases UV resistance, slows the aging process and enhances your sex drive. BT Mendlebaum was impressed.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasTGc_7Pd48bkCVriPmxxeEpgHuXyAHPyIUtTvra_wibvUKFK83XnHIf1N3i4pWI_nee1USinf7gXsyCkTwNavs2p_hhpBNnZLTCTdNMd2ufpRhdDbPawI6fl5uZizTEphxDHbVjUN3A6/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasTGc_7Pd48bkCVriPmxxeEpgHuXyAHPyIUtTvra_wibvUKFK83XnHIf1N3i4pWI_nee1USinf7gXsyCkTwNavs2p_hhpBNnZLTCTdNMd2ufpRhdDbPawI6fl5uZizTEphxDHbVjUN3A6/s320/IMG_2192.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver's best Turkish coffee.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-fvojaPgfKAnPiLzgoM0oTlE-joGtVGphWApl5VVi3ixb27jyywS-gukMPP5FapnRi0PXc7wQ4f3dDAIg2vl-Rq8LMnIexUbaanaKL9UK7Z9_VhuATEmbhvCs91qMdqBz85pFQU992zf/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-fvojaPgfKAnPiLzgoM0oTlE-joGtVGphWApl5VVi3ixb27jyywS-gukMPP5FapnRi0PXc7wQ4f3dDAIg2vl-Rq8LMnIexUbaanaKL9UK7Z9_VhuATEmbhvCs91qMdqBz85pFQU992zf/s320/IMG_2193.JPG" width="261" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SHfaXPRVNfaBAUtZjXYqWAM9BkEB_oLAkLEh-vOfLPV8mULLBh6ooMCXlec6vk2CF9H67EdLxp1xA0hsQP8yqGK4DEZfl4v7VL1WadEmb8yx0KE_vcd9tPOA4moy3SlQo5CaEMQ0rBpA/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SHfaXPRVNfaBAUtZjXYqWAM9BkEB_oLAkLEh-vOfLPV8mULLBh6ooMCXlec6vk2CF9H67EdLxp1xA0hsQP8yqGK4DEZfl4v7VL1WadEmb8yx0KE_vcd9tPOA4moy3SlQo5CaEMQ0rBpA/s320/IMG_2194.JPG" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A signature hot chocolate.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://kokomonk.com/about/"><span style="color: #990000;">Koko Monk</span></a> has a large assortment of hot chocolates, made to order. Well worth the visit, and while there, talk to the owner Paul Dincer. He's passionate about chocolate and highly entertaining, informative and engaging.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ5PMGJLyYDnEaGoUVlVkZMD6Ds5DMYnq-13_32ujz7l5R-S8G3zohnqlPjHIdg8Hmh4wxoin-I362ympUsUjoLjkxd5FdUL3cd6HB2_K-Aw6B16HghBqh_B3huEhNIkpB4xyyUOSEt86/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ5PMGJLyYDnEaGoUVlVkZMD6Ds5DMYnq-13_32ujz7l5R-S8G3zohnqlPjHIdg8Hmh4wxoin-I362ympUsUjoLjkxd5FdUL3cd6HB2_K-Aw6B16HghBqh_B3huEhNIkpB4xyyUOSEt86/s200/IMG_2195.JPG" width="148" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2017 </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
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<br />Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8214639637320657037.post-77924392894039629062017-08-09T19:26:00.000-07:002017-08-10T19:29:57.743-07:00Vancouver's Pride Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dXNStbp79EQ_XZ_Uuwv7YvzAthpxrYSu9wG8vnr3G4GfUdOr5GZXIUXL-pYyBtza2w9KpjTYveo4shEafpCAjzzhqZ9VJsmcUAu1gwLSVYTSuUP495V3zUrkmJ2aKSYb62THf-aMDSzi/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dXNStbp79EQ_XZ_Uuwv7YvzAthpxrYSu9wG8vnr3G4GfUdOr5GZXIUXL-pYyBtza2w9KpjTYveo4shEafpCAjzzhqZ9VJsmcUAu1gwLSVYTSuUP495V3zUrkmJ2aKSYb62THf-aMDSzi/s320/IMG_2908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The whole gang went. Well almost the whole gang: BT Mendelbaum marched of course. G. G. Blynn wheeled along, and Jim and Jeem went too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYIikFQvkMG6W6dzfIN4bmVllMHZLhyphenhyphennUluwZOmSvQUWxJQB-7xVRWygqQmoEUjaZqsSGUUHp6T1TLuXVHlVWxyLRA4qOgeYhDsx7EdUmLmb8CQz1MPLxKyegO6Hxdf4Qr3SzrsFvv1cA/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYIikFQvkMG6W6dzfIN4bmVllMHZLhyphenhyphennUluwZOmSvQUWxJQB-7xVRWygqQmoEUjaZqsSGUUHp6T1TLuXVHlVWxyLRA4qOgeYhDsx7EdUmLmb8CQz1MPLxKyegO6Hxdf4Qr3SzrsFvv1cA/s200/IMG_2852.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selfie with Morgan Oger.</td></tr>
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The idea was to join our political leader, and the new premier, John Horgan, in the march. And we did, one way or the other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NUr0kjgxaqjipSzcCN5FhgTcyCZErrJG_0koeF9HSIQOSuPLBCifNTuk4iW7VSWpliOaPGmfuigyMTNnVVDG9wHeCshRPrkYM1j_he0CJJd62r12nXcJ7AwYskFSWw6geMkHk6j-fETK/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1600" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NUr0kjgxaqjipSzcCN5FhgTcyCZErrJG_0koeF9HSIQOSuPLBCifNTuk4iW7VSWpliOaPGmfuigyMTNnVVDG9wHeCshRPrkYM1j_he0CJJd62r12nXcJ7AwYskFSWw6geMkHk6j-fETK/s320/IMG_2906.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9pQaKtgiNPJSfqkIZm7C-zW3fLEBWsOnNL3NRgfWN3E5nI0SD70diX_k_Ntz6RUoboUOlkHfKLlUbNazUXWBlIjPzrpyL8-pCIUsuH4cqgvJ4SpLLpwZxCEP-IgJTKl42MqtZ9kYvPGr/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9pQaKtgiNPJSfqkIZm7C-zW3fLEBWsOnNL3NRgfWN3E5nI0SD70diX_k_Ntz6RUoboUOlkHfKLlUbNazUXWBlIjPzrpyL8-pCIUsuH4cqgvJ4SpLLpwZxCEP-IgJTKl42MqtZ9kYvPGr/s320/IMG_2875.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Getting there was difficult. The West End was crowded with tens of thousands on the sidewalks and in the streets, making it especially difficult for G. G. Blynn to navigate. "Would ya keep up already!" exclaimed BT Mendlebaum, always helpful.<br />
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We finally got to our designated group only after Jeem was questioned by police for jumping over a barricade. And then we waited.... and waited. Our "float" was to join the parade at 12:30, and most of us arrived before noon. We waited, or most party members waited, until 1:20 before they actually took a small step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcGe2nh1YN_hjHa5IHF__n7D1dvZPhyR6HmS0l1GWuv8ldf9Pi4XzWnOH2wB61TnaTYPiSheLBc0TWpOh3azl94OP_PVCEUpAfj0OE_LNnVoi3SZ3xl-kSnJZrCZGuch2lex_3XOpaJtz/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcGe2nh1YN_hjHa5IHF__n7D1dvZPhyR6HmS0l1GWuv8ldf9Pi4XzWnOH2wB61TnaTYPiSheLBc0TWpOh3azl94OP_PVCEUpAfj0OE_LNnVoi3SZ3xl-kSnJZrCZGuch2lex_3XOpaJtz/s320/IMG_2895.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Our gang, restless and fading in the heat, wandered off, to rejoin fellow New Democrats later, around the corner and down the street.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno8nMkgVd8pj6sQXqDvRWu8FvQ5x6hj4uHulv4R__zbiyw5AoN_ny3O-lOg65VgMYG-3IEC9ql_7tnV5173Pew7TY5RrTqfOOo5uFsZBLiJF9SBBo6RuqDfg6LynhV2CBMv1WKz5S7a0l/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno8nMkgVd8pj6sQXqDvRWu8FvQ5x6hj4uHulv4R__zbiyw5AoN_ny3O-lOg65VgMYG-3IEC9ql_7tnV5173Pew7TY5RrTqfOOo5uFsZBLiJF9SBBo6RuqDfg6LynhV2CBMv1WKz5S7a0l/s200/IMG_2907.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim's union.</td></tr>
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What can we say about the parade? "No bagpipes. That's a problem," according to Mendlebaum. "Marching bands and marching soldiers would be nice" suggested Blynn. "It's not that kind of parade," said Jeem, as he looked up to see some people on a roof top. "Now that's where we should be!" and G. G. Blynn wheeled off to find an elevator.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PvxvKOqe9BUWH6KGxY4E9lLOhTqh-prYIOeK04aIMyuApXhDgwK9whf9SssoT4AaadAmYm08wJhChuWnkJt7mvH5IJCUazkFtkwOIVN_GTbrnetDbd5xiNaW4rMGQEWFpYvEbOXUAdT/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PvxvKOqe9BUWH6KGxY4E9lLOhTqh-prYIOeK04aIMyuApXhDgwK9whf9SssoT4AaadAmYm08wJhChuWnkJt7mvH5IJCUazkFtkwOIVN_GTbrnetDbd5xiNaW4rMGQEWFpYvEbOXUAdT/s320/IMG_2903.JPG" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever cool and smiling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thousands of people marched, and several hundred thousands more watched, and our new premier received a fantastic response along the entire route.<br />
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Hedy Fry, a federal Liberal Party MP, was less well received though highly flamboyant. As usual.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI9MuFcwges8n2XSrA79gErCbWCxwm0537YhghFoHtGzJpdfOB-CeWhGy2eKMF1gOlL2guR4ZGrQ8ozoHnXlVVHChNTgppbuV3-gn8h7MTevA9b5dH0jfNIZY_DtwhdpaFnaUT5eWbIe-/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI9MuFcwges8n2XSrA79gErCbWCxwm0537YhghFoHtGzJpdfOB-CeWhGy2eKMF1gOlL2guR4ZGrQ8ozoHnXlVVHChNTgppbuV3-gn8h7MTevA9b5dH0jfNIZY_DtwhdpaFnaUT5eWbIe-/s320/IMG_2865.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedy Fry, MP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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G. G. Blynn never did find an elevator to a rooftop. BT Mendlebaum, our favourite lawyer (disbarred), handed out business cards. While taking photos Jeem backed harmlessly into a cyclist. That didn't go well, and there was more explaining to do with a nice constable from the VPD. Mendlebaum decided to represent her client and we all ended the day down at the station. For about four hours. "It's like going to Emergency," said Blynn.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiO4dv5YXec9HjBHJWezBlvv3R4z4DcYPMUe67DTylISLUYNKE1793yXHV4lU9QryG6-7r7kweDxd1xJkf-gdqvYDr2HLbsN7hUx0UhSap49XpS2zL7jeLLvYf-vx5wcp50SBbZubW_le/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiO4dv5YXec9HjBHJWezBlvv3R4z4DcYPMUe67DTylISLUYNKE1793yXHV4lU9QryG6-7r7kweDxd1xJkf-gdqvYDr2HLbsN7hUx0UhSap49XpS2zL7jeLLvYf-vx5wcp50SBbZubW_le/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="265" /></a><br />
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And almost hidden, and certainly nearly forgotten, the homeless were present too. A reminder of the kind of the world class city we've become.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2017 by Jim Murray.</span></i></div>
Jim Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953235912384977922noreply@blogger.com0