Comments for The Dependent Magazine | Vancouver

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: January 31st by Rich Williams

Rich Williams — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:53:50 +0000

Also of note, the crowd was throwing beer bottles at the band throughout the show and Joe Strummer was heard to remark “If anyone had any fucking balls, they’d be throwing wine bottles!”

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: January 20th by DB

DB — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:59:49 +0000

Shortly afterwards, the Straight decided to focus on vapid features about whatever American music or film star happened to be in town, combined with ludicrous amounts of advertising for hair removal, tanning, and real estate. Money was never again a problem!

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: January 20th by Lani Russwurm

Lani Russwurm — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:15:55 +0000

The Georgia Grape didn’t just die after 2 weeks. It became simply The Grape and then changed again into the Western Voice. Staff members also went on to start Terminal City Express, Open Road, and other underground rags. Lots more of this genealogy over at Rick McGrath’s website: http://www.rickmcgrath.com/georgia_straight/staffers.html

Comment on Liam’s List – Week Three by Joe Blow

Joe Blow — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:50:47 +0000

Wow looks like only hipsters are in fashion?!

Comment on Girl Talk by Vikram

Vikram — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:41:52 +0000

Where did you get these numbers? According to Metro Vancouver’s stats (second table) the population in Vancouver in 2006 was 578,000, and that’s in all of Vancouver, not just the downtown core.
http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/publications/Publications/Census2006_PopandDwel_Bulletin_1.pdf

And a 70% increase since then?! That seems extreme.

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by Blair Petrie

Blair Petrie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:45:48 +0000

Of note, in the 1950s, ’60s and early ’70s there were thousands of people living in the downtown penninsula. They weren’t living in condos or nice apartments, they were living in lodging houses like those in Mole Hill. As in the West End, the rest of the downtown had housing transformed from one type of housing to another. I don’t have the figures for the rest of the peninsula with me but I know in the West End the population hasn’t changed much over the decades, just the form of housing (it has also become more expensive).

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by Steve

Steve — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:47:49 +0000

How can you possibly not mention Vancouver’s epic real estate run-up and bust in the early 1980s? The 1913-1915 period was certainly not “the first (and possibly only) time” our market deflated dramatically. In inflation-adjusted terms, it took the market until something like 2001 to recover to where it was at the peak in 1981.

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by Dan McLeod

Dan McLeod — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:14:08 +0000

Low residential density seems to have been a goal of the City of Vancouver from the very beginning, and it has probably been as important as speculation in keeping Vancouver’s property prices high. In the book “Collected Memories: A guide to the Community Markers of South East Vancouver” Clive Justice (as recorded by Betty Cheng) seems to think that the pre-1966 property laws were in place to prevent the terraced housing common in the U.K. at the time, and generally regarded as inferior to the North American ideal of the detached home. This was long before the post-war slum clearances, and the early city fathers were familiar with the often grim conditions of the crowded blocks, or they may have been simply betraying anti-working class biases. The result made Vancouver more beautiful, with green lawns, and trees,and a lack of uniformity in house types, but it also contributed to the density problems we’re experiencing now.
I look forward to seeing if the Dependent’s sleuthing can find any information to explicitly back this view, or if this was just old Vancouver gossip.

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by MJ

MJ — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:17:57 +0000

So many of us wish we had bought Vancouver real estate back in the 1970′s!!!

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by Neil

Neil — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:11:09 +0000

So what you’re saying is, you’ve always had to be a lucky miner to own here.

Could you share a graph of inflation adjusted prices and median incomes over the years? I’m sure I remember seeing a bit of a recent uptick, but maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m just another grumpy underpaid local.

Comment on Land Of Destiny: A History of Vancouver Real Estate by The Cycle of History – and Vancouver real estate « Price Tags

The Cycle of History – and Vancouver real estate « Price Tags — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:22:35 +0000

[...] Donaldson captures the spirit of Vancouver, in this piece in The Dependent: There’s no debating that Vancouver is the most expensive city in the country. And, it’s [...]

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: November 22nd by Glenn Sonnier

Glenn Sonnier — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:17:55 +0000

I cannot thank you enough for the article. Will read on…

Comment on “Great” Moments in Racism by Ronnie B.

Ronnie B. — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:17:09 +0000

Yeah, maybe. Then again, maybe you’re just an asshole.

Comment on “Great” Moments in Racism by Dylen

Dylen — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:54:33 +0000

That’s ok, soon there will be so few whites left in Vancouver.

Maybe the KKK realized something before the rest of us did?

Comment on No Screws Loose – Jeff Martin’s Joinery by furniture: jeff martin joinery : www.woodindesign.com

furniture: jeff martin joinery : www.woodindesign.com — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:09:40 +0000

[...] More on Jeff from the Dependent Magazine [...]

Comment on “Great” Moments in Racism by Al

Al — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:33:38 +0000

Just discovered your site. Great stuff! Love the look. Which WordPress theme is it? Or customized perhaps?

Comment on MIGHT AGAINST RIGHT by James Johnstone

James Johnstone — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:30:08 +0000

Very interesting article on Vancouver’s first election. It is unfortunate though that you have labelled Alderman Thomas Dunn an asshole in the picture above since he had nothing to do with your story at all. Thomas Dunn was a hardware merchant and, along with Jonathan Miller built the Dunn-Miller Block at 36 West Cordova Street in 1889, now part of the Army & Navy Store. Thomas Dunn’s house, at the corner of East Cordova and Dunlevy is reputed to be the oldest standing house left in Vancouver.

http://househistorian.blogspot.com/2011/04/oldest-house-standing-in-vancouver.html

Mayor MacLean, if he was the person you were intending to label an asshole, is the man sitting at the table with the document in front of him.

Comment on Liam’s List – Week Two by @Worst

@Worst — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:49:25 +0000

u mad, bro?

Comment on Liam’s List – Week Two by Worst

Worst — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:12:46 +0000

Apparently the secret to getting on Liam’s list is to buy clothes two sizes too small. That first one is awful. Someone also needs to tell him to shave off that beard, at least until he’s actually old enough to grow a pair of mutton chops.

He looks like a reject from a Monkeys video who shrunk his clothes in the wash. Don’t get me started on pairing the Ray Bans (80s chique) with the rest of the outfit.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Kay

Kay — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:17:20 +0000

A factor that is important to some riders is whether they will be riding in darkness vs. daylight. Given that hours of daylight are likely correlated with temperature, this might be another element that contributes to the temperature relationship.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Chris Gallop

Chris Gallop — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:27:17 +0000

We did a study using the full hourly data set and found that temperature better reflects seasonal variation in bicycle traffic whereas rain better reflects hour-to-hour day-to-day fluctuation. We also did a survey and found that about 58% of cyclists consider weather a factor when deciding to bike, 41% of which check the weather just before they leave. Our work is online in my portfolio at:
http://chrisgallop.me/gallopforever.com/Examples_of_Work/Entries/2011/11/17_Planning_for_Expansion__Weather_%26_Cycling.html

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Sean Nelson

Sean Nelson — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:15:22 +0000

Another secret to reading the weather forecasts is to understand the difference between “showers” and “rain”.

“Rain” is widespread precipitation that falls over the whole region – if “rain” is in the forecast with a high percentage of probability you likely won’t be able to avoid it.

“Showers”, on the other hand, refers localized rain that typically lasts 30-60 minutes. A forecast of “showers” with a high probability is something that you are more likely able to avoid by changing your time or route.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Tim

Tim — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:43:26 +0000

Interesting to see a slight rise in riders on days that are -4 but not surprising as the coldest days are typically the driest days.

If you want to know what the intensity of rain could be look for the P.O.P. or probability of precipitation. It is listed on the Weather Office website or the Weather Network or other sites like Vancouver.Weatherpage.ca If the POP is 40%-60% likely only a few mm may fall but if it is 70% you might see 5-15mm if 90%-100% expect a lot of rain to fall likely over 15mm.

Wet pavement riding ups the maintenance required for your bike. I wipe off my chain daily on wet days and then add lubricant to prevent rusting of the chain.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by zungg

zungg — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:34:41 +0000

I don’t think it’s surprising data. Even a small amount of rain gets you quite wet on a bike (or necessitates the right gear). Practically, riding for more than 5 minutes, there isn’t much difference between light rainfall and a downpour. So if you’re set up and willing to ride in the rain, you’ll ride in any rain; if you’re not you won’t ride in the rain at all.

Temperature is different; everyone has their own tolerance.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Paul Clapham

Paul Clapham — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:32:05 +0000

It’s much easier to just ride every day, weather be damned. For one thing, if I decide not to ride, then I have to leave half an hour earlier for Translink to get me to the job on time.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Annals of Cycling – 37 « Price Tags

Annals of Cycling – 37 « Price Tags — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:17:44 +0000

[...] what do you think happens as the temperature goes down? You’ll have to go to The Dependent to find [...]

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Brad

Brad — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:07:53 +0000

I have a theory about this: when I look up the weather online, it gives me the temperature and the chance of rain. However, it does not give the severity or amount of rainfall expected. So, I can make a well educated guess based on temperature, but my guess on rainfall is binary: will it rain or not?

This explains why there is a difference between no rain and rain, and almost random data for all days it rains. I think the data would trend for the amount of rainfall if that information was provided to us.

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Matt Chambers

Matt Chambers — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:36:06 +0000

@Jordan – closest they get is the Dunsmuir viaduct…

The full set of City bike data can be found here:

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/dunsmuir_results.htm

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by Jordan

Jordan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:16:52 +0000

Does the city have the data for the adanac corridor as well?

Comment on Vancouver Cyclists vs. Vancouver Weather by MTA2512

MTA2512 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:14:45 +0000

If it isn’t raining in the morning when I set out to work, then I hop on my bike. It can then pour for the rest of the day 55mm+ but I’ll still probably ride home in it and count as having ridden that day.

Interesting graphs though. Thanks for publishing it.

Comment on “Great” Moments in Racism by TEA & TWO SLICES: On Cops Dressing Up, Redneck History, And Living In A Shit Show : Scout Magazine

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:08:19 +0000

[...] team charges 2 B.C. men allegedly involved with white-supremacy group, which leads us to great moments in local racism.We all want affordable housing – somewhere else. “You want to promote Vancouver as a [...]

Comment on About by MJ

MJ — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:57:45 +0000

What I like about “The Dependent” is that the content is not dictated by money: e.g. talking heads, government, media. Keep up the good writing! Reminds me of the original days of “The Georgia Straight”!!

Comment on Vancouver Headlines: December 6th by Sean Orr

Sean Orr — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:37:28 +0000

I figured it out. You forgot the ‘a’. It’s taiyangbao.ca

Comment on Vancouver Headlines: December 6th by Sean Orr

Sean Orr — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:33:04 +0000

Taiyangbo.ca? Can’t find it.

Comment on A Part of Our Heritage by Wendy K

Wendy K — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:36:38 +0000

That’s interesting. I wonder how this compares to Calgary, Toronto etc, also how many registered heritage buildings existed in Vancouver 20 years ago? And whether they’ve been knocked down, or ‘unlisted’ since then…

Comment on My Vegan Summer: Part II by sandy

sandy — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:56:53 +0000

Hunter, gatherer, eater

Comment on My Vegan Summer: Part II by Jack

Jack — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:47:49 +0000

Would you rather be a human suffering in captivity or in your natural environment? Get cancer with your family and friends or in a steel pen that only allows you live maybe a third of your life? You cannot compare natural selection to, for example, the gassing of millions of male chicks every day because they aren’t profitable. ‘Wild animals suffer too’ is a ridiculous argument. Whats the point of conservation then? Just stick them all in zoos.

And remember animals require a ridiculous amount of corn and soy to grow to a size fit for slaughter. Had the plants not been fed to a huge artificial animal population but instead to the third world we would solve world hunger and make a massive dent on greenhouse gases, not to mention save millions of acres of forest.

Alexandra Reid clearly has no idea what shes talking about.

Comment on Bad Fate by Road « Nuovofresco works and thoughts

Road « Nuovofresco works and thoughts — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:34:22 +0000

[...] was talking to Katie. She’s in a band. She’s a musican, photographer, artist type. She’d just watched a documentary on the [...]

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: November 23rd by Lindsay

Lindsay — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:15:12 +0000

Thought you might enjoy this shot of a Vancouver Sun story in which bow-tied UBC professor Walter Hardwick is ejected from that meeting:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ouno/5572684795/
While fighting the downtown mega-casino this year we often thought of the freeway fight and of that 1967 meeting in particular. It’s always useful to know someone has gone before you (and won).

Comment on THIS DAY IN VANCOUVER: November 21st by MJ

MJ — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:45:34 +0000

Got a Foncie photo of my Mom walking downtown when she worked there. I wonder how many other people still have one.

Comment on MIGHT AGAINST RIGHT by MJ

MJ — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:34:13 +0000

intelligent article! Enjoyable to read,

Comment on Getting Elected is Easy Part Three: Tracking the Campaign of Jason Lamarche by TEA & TWO SLICES: On How To Write Like A Champion, Riot Properly, And Get Elected… : Scout Magazine

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:40:31 +0000

[...] Are you guys insinuating that you’re going to take it by force?Where the Buffalo Roam: Getting Elected is Easy Part Three.At this point, following the Lamarche campaign and writing an inspirational story about municipal [...]

Comment on Getting Elected is Easy Part Three: Tracking the Campaign of Jason Lamarche by Sean Orr

Sean Orr — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:09:00 +0000

It’s like, you know how in Lord of the Rings you sort of feel sorry for Gollum? It’s like that. Poor Smeagol.

Comment on Getting Elected is Easy – Part One by Municipal Matters – Sean Shaw » Vancouver Civic Election – Candidate Gives All-Access Pass

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:50:10 +0000

[...] gets a Council candidate to give him carte blanche access to his day-to-day campaigning. Part I is here and Part II is [...]

Comment on Occupy to Move Indoors? by Jay Currie

Jay Currie — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:32:29 +0000

Great story about a wonderfully complex subject.

Move these people indoors, give them offices, a few grants and make sure there is a televised General Assembly every week. Make sure to do the “mic check” and ensure that every twinkle is recorded.

Most importantly, make sure that the occupiers are interviewed by major media – and the dependent – on the major issues of the day. That is the most important part. Lots of interviews. Not just sound bites, really dig in. Find out what the occupiers really think.

Let’s keep this alive pretty much forever. When will the first occupier baby be born on site? When will the first MSM reporter embed with a tent?

Occupy is the gift which keeps giving.

Comment on Thanks a Latte! by TEA & TWO SLICES: On The Globe And Fail And Over-Extending Ourselves At Christmas : Scout Magazine

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:33:50 +0000

[...] children of hippies have ruined everything, and now instead of Robsonstrasse, there are, like, six Starbucks. But then, on the other hand, it’s like, he was too romantic about Manhattan, as he was [...]

Comment on Occupy to Move Indoors? by Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:44:39 +0000

This guy has not be on site since the first day. He’s a zeitgeister with a leadership complex.

Comment on #Occupy: How do you move a movement? by raincoaster

raincoaster — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:40 +0000

Of course, it’s a tactic which enables the City to pretend to be concerned for people’s well-being while simply moving the movement to a site where it will be invisible.

I suggest the giant HMV store at Burrard and Robson.

Comment on Occupy to Move Indoors? by Shiraz D

Shiraz D — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:34:11 +0000

jack
fell flat

attempted wit
came off like a dick

Comment on Occupy to Move Indoors? by ReneeC

ReneeC — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:05:02 +0000

@Jack – A classic response that really personifies why this movement needs to exist. The fact that you can say that you will sit back and laugh as those who are struggling in the cold shiver, really shows what kind of person you are: not a man, but a cowardly mouse who has likely not had to struggle and therefore feels superior. Perhaps you might like to consider that the true worth of a man is in his ability to help those who need it. What have you done for your anyone but yourself lately? Will anyone have anything compassionate to say about you when you leave this life? Judging from your statements I really doubt it.