Sadly John Levine passed away Tuesday April 17th. Rest in peace John, you will be missed.
John Levine July 30, 1938 - April 17, 2012
MyVancouver4u focuses on Everything Vancouver and it's suburbs. I'll give my personal perspective on Vancouver including all the Good, the Bad and the In-between. Check back often for updates and current information. Enjoy!
Monday, April 30, 2012
John Levine
John Levine made a lasting impact on the restaurant scene in Vancouver. Back in 1960 John opened the first "fresh" pizza joint in Vancouver called Jon's Pizzarama. His love for good wine drove him to found the Playhouse International Wine festival. John loved wine and John's personal wine cellar was something you'd imagine from a castle in France. John was on the forefront of educating Vancouverites about appreciating great wines.
Sadly John Levine passed away Tuesday April 17th. Rest in peace John, you will be missed.
John Levine July 30, 1938 - April 17, 2012
Photo from the Province
Sadly John Levine passed away Tuesday April 17th. Rest in peace John, you will be missed.
John Levine July 30, 1938 - April 17, 2012
Solitude in Vancouver
Vancouver is a very busy city. But there are times when one can find solitude. This photo is taken at Spanish Banks beach.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Famous Gastown Steam Clock
Vancouver's Gastown is home to the Gastown Steam clock. This clock is one of the few steam clocks to exist in the world, a rarity indeed. It is powered by steam and electricity which is supplied by the city. This clock was installed back in 1977. Come and watch this clock "toot" every 15 minutes and have your picture taken.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Lions Gate Bridge
A nice view of Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver at sundown.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Home Sweet Home 1
This Mansion located in old Shaughnessy is over 100 years old. The glass covered swimming pool was a 1980's addition. The renovation back in the 1980's was overseen by the late Arthur Erickson who was a famous Vancouver architect.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium has been rated as one of the top aquariums in North America.
Besides all the great marine exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is in the forefront of marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Injured marine mammals from the westcoast are often are sent to the Vancouver Aquarium for rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild.
Vancouver Aquarium focuses on displaying marine life as it is in the wild rather than having elaborate staged performances.
Marine life encounters are worth booking to get up close to nature. The 4D theatre takes education and entertainment to another level.
If you're visiting this is a must see attraction. Vancouver Aquarium is located in scenic Stanley Park.
Besides all the great marine exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is in the forefront of marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Injured marine mammals from the westcoast are often are sent to the Vancouver Aquarium for rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild.
Vancouver Aquarium focuses on displaying marine life as it is in the wild rather than having elaborate staged performances.
Marine life encounters are worth booking to get up close to nature. The 4D theatre takes education and entertainment to another level.
If you're visiting this is a must see attraction. Vancouver Aquarium is located in scenic Stanley Park.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Vancouver Homes 1
Vancouver has got some beautiful exclusive properties and homes. This home is located in "old Shaughnessy" just off of Granville and 16th avenue. Notice the glassed in swimming pool, tennis court and the large treehouse.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Rainy Days of Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its rainy days. If you're a camera buff these rainy days give lots of opportunities to take great pics. This picture was taken on my property in Vancouver.
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Photo courtesy of Harry Tischer
Monday, April 23, 2012
EPIC EXPO VANCOUVER - Sustainable Living
Today's generation wants to live in a "green" and "sustainable way". EPIC EXPO Vancouver focuses on sustainable living.
EPIC EXPO show cases products and services from over 300 exhibitors. This is the 6th year in presenting earth friendly ideas.
Come with an open mind and be impressed with the options we have to live "green".
EPIC EXPO runs from May 11 - 13 in the new convention centre in Vancouver.
www.vancouver.epicexpo.com
EPIC EXPO show cases products and services from over 300 exhibitors. This is the 6th year in presenting earth friendly ideas.
Come with an open mind and be impressed with the options we have to live "green".
EPIC EXPO runs from May 11 - 13 in the new convention centre in Vancouver.
www.vancouver.epicexpo.com
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Vancouver International Children's Festival
Each year Vancouver is host to many top festivals including the Vancouver International Children's Festival.
This year the Vancouver International Children's Festival will celebrate 35 years of theatre, dance, music, circus stuff and much more. The festival is catered to children of all cultures and is lots of fun. This is a "must see and do" event.
Located on Granville Island the festival takes place from May 29 to June 3. For more information check www.childrensfestival.ca or call 604-708-5655.
This year the Vancouver International Children's Festival will celebrate 35 years of theatre, dance, music, circus stuff and much more. The festival is catered to children of all cultures and is lots of fun. This is a "must see and do" event.
Located on Granville Island the festival takes place from May 29 to June 3. For more information check www.childrensfestival.ca or call 604-708-5655.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Vancouver a brief history
The city of Vancouver was first incorporated in 1886 and unfortunately, a fire burned it down that same year. Before 1886 the settlement was known as Granville.
Back in 1867 "Gassy" Jack Deighton was the first to settle on the site from which Vancouver was to evolve. He built a tavern at the foot of Gore street by Stamps Landing and called it the Globe Saloon.
In 1914 a Japanese Steamship, Komagata Maru was not allowed to disembark it's passengers on Vancouver soil. It was Canadian and US policy to not accept immigrants of Asian descent. The Komagata Maru had over 350 passengers of which were Hindus, Sikhs and Punjabi. Even though they were British subjects they were turned away.
Back then no one knew just how big Vancouver would become and how important it would be as the gateway to all the Asian Pacific Rim countries. The prejudice that was shown to the passengers of the Komagata Maru was an embarrassment and black mark on Vancouver . In the meanwhile Vancouver has indeed become an international, multicultural city encompassing all people groups.
In 1986 as Vancouver celebrated it's centennial it also hosted Expo '86.
The theme of this exposition was Transportation and Communication. Vancouver invited the world and the world came. Over 22 million people visited the Expo '86 site over a 6 month period. The success of this exposition put Vancouver on the map and has drawn international interest and investors ever since.
Back in 1867 "Gassy" Jack Deighton was the first to settle on the site from which Vancouver was to evolve. He built a tavern at the foot of Gore street by Stamps Landing and called it the Globe Saloon.
In 1914 a Japanese Steamship, Komagata Maru was not allowed to disembark it's passengers on Vancouver soil. It was Canadian and US policy to not accept immigrants of Asian descent. The Komagata Maru had over 350 passengers of which were Hindus, Sikhs and Punjabi. Even though they were British subjects they were turned away.
Back then no one knew just how big Vancouver would become and how important it would be as the gateway to all the Asian Pacific Rim countries. The prejudice that was shown to the passengers of the Komagata Maru was an embarrassment and black mark on Vancouver . In the meanwhile Vancouver has indeed become an international, multicultural city encompassing all people groups.
In 1986 as Vancouver celebrated it's centennial it also hosted Expo '86.
The theme of this exposition was Transportation and Communication. Vancouver invited the world and the world came. Over 22 million people visited the Expo '86 site over a 6 month period. The success of this exposition put Vancouver on the map and has drawn international interest and investors ever since.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Cafe Calabria
The Cafe Calabria on The Drive has been there years and is a Vancouver bastion.
The coffee tastes different from the franchise coffee shops on The Drive, for me that's a bonus. The thick syrupy coffee gives a distinctive flavor you can only find there.
The Italian decor and the service are great. If you're looking for a quiet place to do your homework then find another coffee shop. Customers at Cafe Calabria are boisterous and happy.
The brothers who run this cafe have good customer service but don't put up with crap. So if you think that you can diss the Barista and get away with it you've got another thing coming.
I give this cafe a 9 out of 10.
The coffee tastes different from the franchise coffee shops on The Drive, for me that's a bonus. The thick syrupy coffee gives a distinctive flavor you can only find there.
The Italian decor and the service are great. If you're looking for a quiet place to do your homework then find another coffee shop. Customers at Cafe Calabria are boisterous and happy.
The brothers who run this cafe have good customer service but don't put up with crap. So if you think that you can diss the Barista and get away with it you've got another thing coming.
I give this cafe a 9 out of 10.
Pickton Inquiry: What Else Can Go Wrong?
This article is reblogged from LawDiva.
The long, sordid story of serial killer Robert “Willy” Pickton did not end after he was convicted of viciously murdering six vulnerable women from Vancouver’s downtown eastside, said to be the poorest postal code in Canada.
No, his convictions merely heralded the agonizing aftermath of determining how and why the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Vancouver Police Department bungled an investigation that could have and should have ended much sooner.
But even before those questions could be answered, the public shook their heads in disgust as they grappled with the outcome: How could a serial murderer only be convicted of second degree murder? What could have possibly led a jury to conclude that the murders were not planned and deliberate?
Of course, the Crown was correct that a first degree murder conviction would not increase his sentence, but it was the ultimate slap-in-the-face to a grief-stricken community, just recovering from the senseless cruelty.
With 49 victims according to Pickton; he travelled from his Port Coquitlam pig farm, intent on plucking the easy-pickings: down-on-their luck working girls whose daily grind of selling sex and buying drugs turned them into defeated and exhausted risk-takers.
Their suffering families, who were used to broken promises, took another blow when the British Columbia government decided not to proceed with the trials of twenty additional women whose DNA was discovered on the farm. Unfortunately, the victims’ families were still in the dark when the announcement was made, another blunder in a case that had become a public relations nightmare.
But there was more to come, much more. In August 2010 informant Bill Hiscox received a portion of the $100,000 reward money for information he provided to the Vancouver Police and RCMP in 1998, yet it took another four years and 14 more missing women, to arrest Pickton, while he continued his unspeakably barbaric activities, only a few miles from the Port Coquitlam RCMP headquarters.
With his arrest in 2002, a trial in 2006, and the last appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada completed in July 2010, it took another 15 months to get the Pickton Inquiry off the ground, but not before the government’s choice of Commissioner was mercilessly attacked.
Former judge and Attorney-General Wally Oppal, had become a sacrificial lamb in the 2009 provincial election, leaving his safe seat in Vancouver for a riskier one in Tsawwassan, an opening that saw ex-VPD and former West Vancouver Police Chief Kash Heed crash and burn after he was elected.
The Liberal government apparently did not foresee the fall-out from their pay-back to cabinet minister Mr. Oppal and despite the outcry, he carried on. But it hasn’t been easy.
The Inquiry has been plagued with controversy. From the outset the Inquiry’s terms of reference, focusing on the role of the police, rather than the social causes of the victims’ vulnerabilities, was criticized.
While a plethora of much-needed community groups were given status to participate in the Inquiry, they quickly realized they could not afford to fund or match the legal talent hired by the battery of senior police officers whose alleged inaction or worse, indifference, became the focus of the exercise.
To his credit, Mr. Oppal made personal overtures to the Liberal government to obtain funding for lawyers to represent the disenfranchised stakeholders. Their answer was “no”. His appointment of two of British Columbia’s leading litigators as pro bono counsel was a boost to the beleaguered Commissioner.
When lawyer Robyn Gervais, appointed to represent aboriginal interests, handed in her resignation in March 2012, the now-frail Inquiry sustained another gut-punch. This one was serious enough to shut down the proceedings until new counsel could be selected, a delay of three weeks.
Mr. Oppal’s request to Attorney-General Shirley Bond to consider extending the June 30, 2012 deadline for the Inquiry to complete its work, was also denied, Ms. Bond citing the $4 million price tag of the Inquiry to date.
The latest scandal to hit Mr. Oppal’s faltering ship is the allegation that the Inquiry environment is a sexist, “old boy’s club”, a club that Commission counsel Art Vertlieb denies, but identifies its only possible members as Mr. Oppal, executive director John Boddie, a former VPD police officer, who is now, rather mysteriously, on leave from the Inquiry, and himself.
Can the Pickton Inquiry claim any legitimacy in light of these devastating events? I believe it still can, but only if the Commissioner exposes the unsavory circumstances of a flawed investigation, seeped in internal politics, that screams to be seen in the light of day.
Pickton Inquiry Blog
The long, sordid story of serial killer Robert “Willy” Pickton did not end after he was convicted of viciously murdering six vulnerable women from Vancouver’s downtown eastside, said to be the poorest postal code in Canada.
No, his convictions merely heralded the agonizing aftermath of determining how and why the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Vancouver Police Department bungled an investigation that could have and should have ended much sooner.
But even before those questions could be answered, the public shook their heads in disgust as they grappled with the outcome: How could a serial murderer only be convicted of second degree murder? What could have possibly led a jury to conclude that the murders were not planned and deliberate?
Of course, the Crown was correct that a first degree murder conviction would not increase his sentence, but it was the ultimate slap-in-the-face to a grief-stricken community, just recovering from the senseless cruelty.
With 49 victims according to Pickton; he travelled from his Port Coquitlam pig farm, intent on plucking the easy-pickings: down-on-their luck working girls whose daily grind of selling sex and buying drugs turned them into defeated and exhausted risk-takers.
Their suffering families, who were used to broken promises, took another blow when the British Columbia government decided not to proceed with the trials of twenty additional women whose DNA was discovered on the farm. Unfortunately, the victims’ families were still in the dark when the announcement was made, another blunder in a case that had become a public relations nightmare.
But there was more to come, much more. In August 2010 informant Bill Hiscox received a portion of the $100,000 reward money for information he provided to the Vancouver Police and RCMP in 1998, yet it took another four years and 14 more missing women, to arrest Pickton, while he continued his unspeakably barbaric activities, only a few miles from the Port Coquitlam RCMP headquarters.
With his arrest in 2002, a trial in 2006, and the last appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada completed in July 2010, it took another 15 months to get the Pickton Inquiry off the ground, but not before the government’s choice of Commissioner was mercilessly attacked.
Former judge and Attorney-General Wally Oppal, had become a sacrificial lamb in the 2009 provincial election, leaving his safe seat in Vancouver for a riskier one in Tsawwassan, an opening that saw ex-VPD and former West Vancouver Police Chief Kash Heed crash and burn after he was elected.
The Liberal government apparently did not foresee the fall-out from their pay-back to cabinet minister Mr. Oppal and despite the outcry, he carried on. But it hasn’t been easy.
The Inquiry has been plagued with controversy. From the outset the Inquiry’s terms of reference, focusing on the role of the police, rather than the social causes of the victims’ vulnerabilities, was criticized.
While a plethora of much-needed community groups were given status to participate in the Inquiry, they quickly realized they could not afford to fund or match the legal talent hired by the battery of senior police officers whose alleged inaction or worse, indifference, became the focus of the exercise.
To his credit, Mr. Oppal made personal overtures to the Liberal government to obtain funding for lawyers to represent the disenfranchised stakeholders. Their answer was “no”. His appointment of two of British Columbia’s leading litigators as pro bono counsel was a boost to the beleaguered Commissioner.
When lawyer Robyn Gervais, appointed to represent aboriginal interests, handed in her resignation in March 2012, the now-frail Inquiry sustained another gut-punch. This one was serious enough to shut down the proceedings until new counsel could be selected, a delay of three weeks.
Mr. Oppal’s request to Attorney-General Shirley Bond to consider extending the June 30, 2012 deadline for the Inquiry to complete its work, was also denied, Ms. Bond citing the $4 million price tag of the Inquiry to date.
The latest scandal to hit Mr. Oppal’s faltering ship is the allegation that the Inquiry environment is a sexist, “old boy’s club”, a club that Commission counsel Art Vertlieb denies, but identifies its only possible members as Mr. Oppal, executive director John Boddie, a former VPD police officer, who is now, rather mysteriously, on leave from the Inquiry, and himself.
Can the Pickton Inquiry claim any legitimacy in light of these devastating events? I believe it still can, but only if the Commissioner exposes the unsavory circumstances of a flawed investigation, seeped in internal politics, that screams to be seen in the light of day.
Pickton Inquiry Blog
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Pan Pacific Hotel
The Pan Pacific Hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver with magnificent views of the mountains, Stanley Park, False Creek and the downtown core. This is a five star hotel with all the luxury amenities you can think of.
During the summer months cruise ships berth right beside the hotel. Upscale shopping and tourist facilities are just steps away. Your stay here will be one to remember!
This hotel rates a 9 out of 10
Visit Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver
During the summer months cruise ships berth right beside the hotel. Upscale shopping and tourist facilities are just steps away. Your stay here will be one to remember!
This hotel rates a 9 out of 10
Visit Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver
Peter Pan the Musical
If you haven't seen a production from Xtreme Theatre then you are certainly missing a great experience.
I've enjoyed productions at Theatre Under The Stars at Stanley Park and I must say that Xtreme Theatre's productions are of the same caliber, sometimes even better. Oh, did I tell you that the actors and singers in Xtreme Theatre are ages 5 to 18? Don't let their young ages fool you, this is a wonderful production. Under the skillful care of the directors this group puts on a top notch presentation.
To order tickets go to Order Tickets or you can call 604-476-2787.
Location: The Act! Maple Ridge
Date: May 17th - 19th, 2012
Ticket Prices: $12.00 (Seniors/Children/Students) | $15.00 (Adults)
I've enjoyed productions at Theatre Under The Stars at Stanley Park and I must say that Xtreme Theatre's productions are of the same caliber, sometimes even better. Oh, did I tell you that the actors and singers in Xtreme Theatre are ages 5 to 18? Don't let their young ages fool you, this is a wonderful production. Under the skillful care of the directors this group puts on a top notch presentation.
Location: The Act! Maple Ridge
Date: May 17th - 19th, 2012
Ticket Prices: $12.00 (Seniors/Children/Students) | $15.00 (Adults)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Phoscao Cafe
This great little cafe situated on Granville close to W.14th Avenue is awesome in my opinion. The front entry way does not do justice to the decor and ambiance it has inside.
The semi rustic European setting with the excellent coffees made by the owner, gives the customer a sense of calmness and well being. My last coffee at Phoscao cafe was an Americano which was the best I'd had in a very long time. The service from the owner was very good. I wish other establishments would take a lesson here.
This is one of my favourite cafe's in Vancouver.
I give Phoscao Cafe a 9 out of 10.
Visit Phoscao Cafe
The semi rustic European setting with the excellent coffees made by the owner, gives the customer a sense of calmness and well being. My last coffee at Phoscao cafe was an Americano which was the best I'd had in a very long time. The service from the owner was very good. I wish other establishments would take a lesson here.
This is one of my favourite cafe's in Vancouver.
Visit Phoscao Cafe
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is often referred to as the Peak of Vancouver. This excellent skiing destination is only a 15 minute drive away from Vancouver.
Beside skiing, Grouse offers the famous Grouse Grind which is an incredible walk up the mountain. The Ziplines can take you to 80km per hour! The mountain also houses the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
The Skyride gondolas can take up to 100 people at a time to the base of the ski hills. At this base you'll find excellent dining and bistros as well. Enjoy your visit.
Visit Grouse Mountain
Beside skiing, Grouse offers the famous Grouse Grind which is an incredible walk up the mountain. The Ziplines can take you to 80km per hour! The mountain also houses the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
The Skyride gondolas can take up to 100 people at a time to the base of the ski hills. At this base you'll find excellent dining and bistros as well. Enjoy your visit.
Visit Grouse Mountain
Science World
Telus World of Science or as we Vancouverites know it as Science World, lies at the end of beautiful False Creek in Vancouver.
Science World has forever changing exhibits which engage people of all ages. The OMNIMAX theater's screen is the second-largest in the world. In this theater you'll experience high-fidelity, six-channel, two-way sound with sub-bass coming at you from 28
speakers.The picture clarity is second to none. Any film you see here will take your breath away!
After visiting Science World take a stroll around the beautiful False Creek waterfront and take in the vistas of the city.
Visit Science World
After visiting Science World take a stroll around the beautiful False Creek waterfront and take in the vistas of the city.
Visit Science World
Queen Elizabeth Park
The Bloedel Conservatory is a triodetic dome filled with exotic tropical plants, free flying exotic birds and koi fish.
Throughout all 4 seasons this park offers a tranquille beautiful setting midst a busy city. The top of the park offers a 180 degree view of the north shore mountains and the city. During the summer months wedding pictures are taken here more than any where else in the city.
Go to Queen Elizabeth Park's website for more detailed information:
Visit Queen Elizabeth Park
Monday, April 2, 2012
Beautiful Metro Vancouver
These are just some photos of beautiful Metro Vancouver. With our current gloomy and grey days, it's nice to know that the Sun will soon reveal Vancouver's beauty.
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