In Part One of our series on the economics of death in Vancouver, Chris Richards takes an in-depth look at the overlooked, but booming business of Obituaries.

“I’m told we’re in a war for a just and equal society. If we wish to win that war we will not win it by engaging in the tactics we most despise,” said David Eby, Executive Director of the B.C. Civil Liberties association.

The same evening David Eby was making this statement, a reporter was cornered by activists at the Olympic Tent Village and threatened while Olympic Resistance Network spokesperson Harsha Walia snatched his cell phone and deleted his audio recordings.

So, how about that new budget?
There’s been a lot of rhetoric coming from Jim Flaherty, and the PMO about this being the time for responsible spending, and belt-tightening, and all kinds of other important-sounding recession words. Our brave, noble MPs will have to suffer through three or four years without a raise, so that they’ll have [...]

Offer someone a beer. Go ahead, do it. Then, just before you begin pouring, say “it’s homebrew,” and watch your words have their effect. Everyone forms the same mental picture of home-brewed beer – a cloudy, brown liquid, served from a two-litre pop bottle, smelling of yeast and tasting slightly of vinegar.

A sampling of the local media’s reaction to the new provincial budget announced Tuesday, February 2nd by Liberal Finance Minister Colin Hansen.
We traverse the spectrum of quality and perspective:

The annual Speech from the Throne was made by Lieutenant-Governor Michelle Jean today in Ottawa. Jean, whose main purpose seems to be to deliver ceremonial speeches outlined several key policies that will effect Canadians inthe upcoming year.

One man’s heroic quest to overcome a lifetime of social anxiety, and transform himself from Loser to Ladies’ Man.
The next day, I met DJ StrangeLove on my lunch-hour, and the minute he walked into the coffee shop, heads started turning.
I couldn’t blame them.
He looked ridiculous; like he’d decided to beef up his outfit by dressing like a Gay Carnival.

Patriotism isn’t really my thing, but wow.

Wow.

Let’s not forget the days when strangers hugged openly in the streets, Canada flag capes were a part of the dress code, and people screamed and high-fived until their voices were hoarse and palms bursted blue.

Chris actually performs an act of journalism, interviewing revelers in the streets after Canada’s victory over the U.S.A. in Olympic men’s hockey.