I spoke with one of the Earthdance Vancouver organizers, Sobey, about what makes this year’s Earthdance different than in previous years. This year to from morning to night with three different events. During the day, Earthdance will be taking place at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, then people will be riding bikes for Earthdance around the city, then culminating with events at W2 Storyeum in Gastown. The evening will include a dinner, conference and discussion time, and ending with DJ’s and Musicians from around the world playing until the late hours.
Beautiful, sexy, creative – amazing Burlesque all weekend at the 5th annual Vancouver Int’l Burlesque Festival at the newly renovated Rickshaw Theatre. This year the VIBF features four jam-packed nights with 14 unique productions and 2 performer showcases by entertainers from Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, New York City, and Portland !
Another amazing night at the Vogue Theatre. Over 1050 people sold out the venue for Pecha Kucha 10. Pecha Kucha is a global event that’s grown to over 299 cities around the world since it started in Japan in 2003. The format is simple, each presenter speaks on a topic they are passionate about and is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up.
The Twitter/Art+Social Media show on Thursday at the Diane Farris Gallery was an event waiting to happen. People in Vancouver were ready for a show that looked at how artists are creating, sharing, and promoting their work in this ‘social media’ age. Over 300 art-lover and social media types packed the gallery to view 80-100 art pieces by 43 Artists from artists from Canada, USA, Europe, and Asia.
I’ll be at the event tonight interviewing some of the Presenters, so check back again with audio clips, photographs, and more.
I went to Pecha Kucha 10 and had an amazing time, which you can read about in this VancouverObserver.com article. If you’ve never been to the event, it’s highly worth attending because you hear a range of inspiring stories by talented and creative people from diverse backgrounds.
Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.
I spoke with one of the Earthdance Vancouver organizers, Sobey, about what makes this year’s Earthdance different than in previous years. This year to from morning to night with three different events. During the day, Earthdance will be taking place at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, then people will be riding bikes for Earthdance around the city, then culminating with events at W2 Storyeum in Gastown. The evening will include a dinner, conference and discussion time, and ending with DJ’s and Musicians from around the world playing until the late hours.
I interviewed Sobey about Earthdance Vancouver and his involvement with the Festival over the past 7 years. It’s clear from our conversation that Earthdance requires a lot of organization and passion to make everything come together on the day of the event.
The web plays a big part in making Earthdance connected together through online communities and streaming videos of Earthdance events around the world.
Listen to Earthdance organizer Sobey’s interview:
What are you going to do for Earthdance today? Going to Stanley Park, or going to the Dinner & Dance at W2Storyeum, or watch global Earthdance events online? Please share your Earthdance experience or photos!, and maybe I’ll share them with our readers! Write to: jonathan @ thevancouveroberserver (dot) com
Photos from Earthdance celebrations in Stanley Park by Luke Szczepanski.
Photos from Earthdance Night at W2Storyeum
Tune in online to Earthdance TV all day Saturday for various live feeds from around the world. Vancouver goes on from 8pm-10:30pm for our Conference then on till late at http://earthdance.ca/earthdancetv
More information on the global event that takes place Saturday Sept 18th.
Perception, Tribal Harmonix and Stereoshift combine forces to bring you Earthdance!
The Earthdance is a Global Dance Festival for Peace, which has grown to become the world’s largest simultaneous music and dance event.
Earthdance events have occurred since 1996 in over 360 cities in over 60 countries, with locations ranging from the club-lands of New York to the rainforests of Brazil.
…
The aim of the event is to bring together global communities to create a synchronized global festival and a dance event to help fund humanitarian causes and develop an environment of peace and communion throughout the global aware communities.
The highlight of the Earthdance is a simultaneous link up, when every event across the world plays the 4 minute Prayer for Peace track. Synchronized at the same time, morning in the Australian rainforest, midnight in London and sunrise over the Himalayas, the Prayer for Peace is a profound and powerful moment that unifies our intentions for world peace and the healing of the our planet.
2010’s focus is Embracing All Traditions – recognizing and honoring the diversity of faiths and cultures that make up our human family.
This years chosen charities are Pivot Foundation and W2
Check these web-links for more info on these two great organizations both working to benefit marginalized people.
10:30AM UNITY YOGA & MEDITATION FOR PEACE WITH SUSAN HORNING
11:50AM OPENING CEREMONY with MICHAEL MARS RIEL & JEANETTE KOTOWICH doing Metis DanceNoon-1PM BRIDEN
1PM-2PM BOMBUS
2PM-3PM TIMOTHY WISDOM
3PM YASMINA DANCE COMPANY
3:05PM-4PM LADY RA
4PM PRAYER FOR PEACE/SPIRAL DANCE
Dj ASH
5:30PM PIVOT FOUNDATION SPEAKER/ PHIL LANE JR
JAY MICHAEL
6:40PM CEREMONIAL FAN DANCE WITH BABETTE SANTOS & MUTYA MACATUMPAG, CHOREOGRAPHY by PATRICIA KIM
6:45PM DAYTIME CLOSING CEREMONY
6:50PM MOBILE SOUNDSYSTEM BIKE PARADE TO W2 STORYEUM!!!
ALSO DAYTIME WORKSHOPS:
1PM Vedic Teachings with Raghunatha das
Learn about the ancient Vedic scriptures and the spiritual culture that surrounds them. From Yoga, Ayuvedic medicine and the laws of Karma, to elaborate information about the structure of the universe and descriptions of the inhabitants of other planetary systems. These texts have guided sages and seekers of the truth for thousands of years. Learn how the Vedic “varnashram” system is a practical and workable guideline for global peace and unified spiritual practice. Share in the experience of chanting ancient Vedic mantra’s (including Om) and understand their meaning and purpose. Why does the word “Yoga” mean “linking” or “union”?. Learn how to make your food karma-free. Plus more!
2PM Mayan Calendar Synergy Astrology with AlejandraUnifying ancient traditions with contemporary visions
Alejandra will guide participants through the Mayan Calendar, aiding them in understanding both the Calendar with its archetypes, and their own Mayan sign. Individuals learn to understand the wisdom of the Mayan Calendar and its correlation with the wisdom contained with various ancient myths and religions of the world. In addition to this, students create their own Mayan Synergy chart and are then guided through its interpretation. The intent of this workshop is to provide a broader perspective for understanding the role of the Mayan Calendar as an invaluable tool for self development in today’s world.
Join Laura for a fun afternoon of hula hooping. This workshop is designed for hoopers (and hoopers to be) of all levels. Participants will learn groovy hoop dance moves ranging from beginner to intermediate. Expand your hoop repertoire and learn to hoop all over the body including basic waist, chest/shoulders, hands, knees, and maybe even feet! Tosses, turns, tricks and partner work included. Principles of contact points, momentum, flow and dance will also be covered. Bring your favorite hoop, or borrow one from us!
No experience necessary. Hoops provided. All ages welcome!
The growth of post-rave dance culture is a maturation happening on a global scale. With it are growing pains and areas that demand intention coupled with attention. Join us for an hour of investigation into the highs and lows that are experienced in this social experiment found in cities and festivals around the world.
9PM Earthdance Theme 2010: Embracing All Traditions
Vancouver, is a rich cultural landscape that contains traditions from around the world.Joining together presenters representing a range of cultures and traditions we will examine how the world can move from division to embracing diversity drawing from the wisdom of each. Special guest Phil Lane Jr of Four Worlds International & more.
10PM Evolver Spore September Theme: Spirit in Action
In a world beset by destructive corporatism, political tyranny, and meaningless war, spiritual activism strives to alchemize and transform oppression into compassion while making
positive change on our planet. Special guest Velcrow Ripper,director of Fierce Light.
The Grow Conference took place Aug 19-21 at the Vancouver Convention center. I didn’t attend any of the Conference sessions, as I spent all day interviewing over 22 Grow Speakers, Organizers, and other Business people attending Grow.
The interview list includes featured Speakers such as; Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos.com, Leonard Brody, President of Clarity Digital Group, Wesley Chan, Investment Partner at Google Ventures, Robert Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Zynga, Jeff Clavier, Managing Partner at SoftTechVC, and Tom Conrad, Chief Technical Officer, Pandora Internet radio. I interviewed several event sponsors such as Jason Brandon, Director of Rogers Ventures, and Robin Axon and Duncan Hill, General Partners, Mantella Ventures. I also sat down and spoke with Dealmakermedia.com CEO and Grow Conference organizer Debbie Landa. These audio interviews will be published over the next week or two.
Featured interview: with Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos.com, whose company has grown to 1 billion dollars in yearly gross revenue from online sales. He wrote a book on his Entrepreneurial experiences and his company’s pursuit of “Delivering Happiness”.
Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com and Author of "Delivering Happiness". Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center. Sonia Ryan from Bootup Labs, and Tarlan Seyedfarshi from Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Listen to Tony Hsieh interview:
Transcription of the audio interview
Jonathan Hanley: Can you tell me your name and a bit about your company?
Tony Hsieh: My name is Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. Zappos – we’ve been around for a little over 11 years now. We started out selling shoes online but we actually sell alot more than shoes here, we sell clothing, and beauty products, handbags, and so on. The vast majority of our business is in the U.S., and really our goal is to build the Zappos brand, to be about the best customer service and customer experience. We’ve grown from basically no sales in 1999 to we’re now doing over a billion dollars in gross merchandise sales every year. The number one driver of that growth is through repeat customers and word of mouth. ( online sales ).
Prior to Zappos, I had started a company with a college roommate called Link Exchange. We specialized in online advertising. This was in 1996. We grew that to 100 or so employees, and ended up selling the company to Microsoft in 1998.
Jonathan Hanley: What was the reason for starting Zappos?
Tony Hsieh: After selling Link Exchange, then this guy Alfred, he and I got together and started an investement fund. We invested in 20 or so different internet companies. Zappos just happened to be one of them. But over the course of a year, I realised after a year that for me investing was pretty boring. I really missed being part of building something. It felt like I was always sitting on the sidelines. I ended up joining Zappos fulltime within a year.
Jonathan Hanley: What keeps you motivated to stay at Zappos?
Tony Hsieh: I think it’s that things are always changing. The sky’s the limit, since we’re building our brand about customer service. As I talked about in the interview at the Conference, there could one day be a Zappos Airlines. That’s just about the very best in customer service. I think if the business was just about selling shoes, I’d just get bored.
Jonathan Hanley: Maybe elaborate on your talk today. You spoke today at the Grow Conference, is that right?
Tony Hsieh: I was interviewed by Kara Swisher. I just talked a little bit about Zappos and the book that just came out called “Delivering Happiness” and the subtitle of the book is “A path to profits, passion, and purpose”. Part of the reason for writing the book is that Zappos may seem like an overnight success, but the truth is we made a lot of mistakes along the way. During the interview we talked, for example, hiring mistakes that cost us over a 100$ million dollars. We learned a lot of lessons along the way. Prior to Zappos, I learned a lot of lessons as well. So part of the goal is to share those stories with other Entrepreneurs and Business people and hopefully help them make fewer mistakes.
Jonathan Hanley: What was the reasoning behind the title of the book?
Tony Hsieh: Well, we started out in 2003, we decided let’s build the brand to be about the very best customer service and customer experience. That’s all about making customer’s happy, and then we decided to make culture the number one priority with the thought that if we get the culture right then delivering great service or building a long term enduring brand will just happen naturally on it’s own. The culture is all about making employees happy. So we decided, let’s just expand for the brand about delivering happiness, not only to our own employees and our own customers, but we now have a program called Zapposinsights.com which is about helping other companies build their own strong cultures and deliver great service to their own customers.
Jonathan Hanley: Was there anything that came out of writing the book that you took you in a different direction than you had expected?
Tony Hsieh: It’s been great hearing stories from people who read the book and decided to change their lives and follow their passion, or focus on company culture and customer service, then hearing them come back that their business profits and growth are up.
Jonathan Hanley: How have these stories translate into how you’re running Zappos. Has it affected Zappos in any way?
Tony Hsieh: Yeah, because for Zappos Insights we hold two day seminars at Zappos. In some ways, it forces us to make sure we never get too comfortable. We need to always think about how to grow and improve our culture, especially now if it’s own business we are selling to other companies.
Jonathan Hanley: In terms of a American-Canadian connection is there something, or was it more just coming up because of your Entrepreneur stories?
Tony Hsieh: Yeah, I always love Entrepreneur Conferences. Just the Entrepreneurial spirit in general. That combination of creativity and optimization is pretty infectious.
Jonathan Hanley: What are you going to take away from this Conference
Tony Hsieh: I don’t know. The first thing I did when I got here I got on stage, so I haven’t had a chance to see stuff.
Jonathan Hanley: Ahh..I just caught you in the beginning. Well I hopefully you have a good time and enjoy your time in Vancouver.
Entrepreneurs, Investors, Thinkers, and Influencers attending the Grow Conference at Vancouver Convention Center.
The Grow Conference took place Aug 19-21 at the Vancouver Convention. I didn’t attend any of the Conference sessions, as.I spent all day interviewing Grow Speakers, Organizers, and other Business people attending Grow. I interviewed ten of the events’ featured Speakers, several event sponsors, and organizer Debbie Landa.
Text here. 1
Debbie Landa, Organizer and Host of the Grow Conference at Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Debbie Landa interview:
Text here.2
Leonard Brody, President, Clarity Digital Group. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Leonard Brody
interview
Text here.3
Jeremy Toeman, Founder of Stage Two. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Jeremy Toeman
interview:
Text here.4
Ariel Poler, CEO of Textmarks Inc. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Robin Axon and Duncan Hill, General Partners, Mantella Ventures. Sponsor of Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Robin Axon interview:
Text here.6
Jason Brandon, Director, Rogers Ventures. Sponsor of Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Jason Brandon interview:
Text here.7
Wesley Chan, Investment Partner at Google Ventures. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Wesley Chan interview:
Text here.8
Joel Flynn. Lecturer at TechOne. MA at SFU, Segal Graduate School of Business. Grow Conference in Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Joel Flynn interview:
Text here.9
Farhan Thawar, VP of Engineering, Extreme Venture Partners. Sponsor of Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Farhan Thawar interview:
Text here.10
Tom Conrad, Chief Technical Officer, Pandora Internet radio. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Tom Conrad interview:
Text here.11
Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com and Author of “Delivering Happiness“. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Sonia Ryan and Terian Seyedfarshi of Bootup Labs.
Listen to Tony Hsieh interview:
Text here.12
Alan Juristovski, CEO and Co-founder of Metroleap Media. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Alan Juristovski interview:
Text here.13
Rob Hayes, Managing Partner at First Round Capital. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Rob Hayes interview:
Text here.14
Jeff Clavier, Managing Partner at SoftTechVC. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Jeff Clavier interview:
Text here.15
Jason Bailey, GM of Virtual Currencies at Adknowledge ( aquired his company Super Rewards ). Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Jason Bailey interview:
Text here.16
Robert Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Zynga. Speaker at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Robert Goldberg interview:
Text here.17
Ian Bell, CEO of AppSocial Media. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Ian Bell interview:
Text here.18
Anthony Nicalo, CEO of Foodtree. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Anthony Nicalo interview:
Text here.19
Minh Le, Relationship Manager at Silicon Valley Bank. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Minh Le interview:
Text here.20
Robert Lewis, President and Editor, Techvibes. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Robert Lewis interview:
Text here.21
Boris Mann, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bootup Labs. Sponsor at Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to Boris Mann interview:
Text here.22
David Gratton, CEO and Founder of DEQQ. Grow Conference in the Vancouver Convention Center.
Listen to David Gratton interview:
Grow Conference related links:
Conference site: http://growconf.com
Organizers: http://dealmakermedia.com/team
A Grow Conference photo slide show. Hosted on flickr.com
keywords: techvibes, robert lewis, foodtree, anthony nicalo, silicon valley bank, minh le, super rewards, jason bailey, leonard brody, clarity digital group, ariel poler, textmarks, joel flynn, sfu, techone, mantella venture partners, robin axon, rogers ventures, jonas brandon, google ventures, wesley chan, metroleap media, alan juristovski, extreme venture partners, farhan thawar, pandora internet radio, tom conrad, bootup, sonia ryan, tony hsieh, zappos, softtech VC, jeff clavier, aydin senkut, Felicis Venture
Seemed like Halloween came early this year, as thousands of zombies filled the streets and stumbled their way from the Vancouver Art Gallery to Second Beach in Stanley Park.
I’d never been to the Zombie walk, but I was amazed to see so many people come out this year. When the walk was well underway, I looked both ways on Robson and saw nothing but endless zombies stumbling and screaming and scaring passersby.
Some photos by Philip Tong, a very talented Vancouver photographer. His photos are always colorful and vibrant.
Some photos by Susan Gittins.
Some photos by Teresa Marie. Check out her Zombie walk article: http://partydoll.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/vancouver-zombie-walk-aug-21-2010/
Some photos by Chris Gehlan. We met during the Zombie walk.
Kris Krug knows how to fill the house. I had to look for an extra seat when I arrived, because the room was filled for Kris’ presentation on the BP oilspill as part of FreshMedia’s first monthly REMIXOLOGY event. The event was moderated by the Vancouver Sun’s Dig Life columnist Gillian Shaw, on the topic “Toward Cooperative Media Making: How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?”
Kris Krug watching his slides from the TED x OilSpill Expedition, at the W2 Storyeum.
I’ve seen Kris speak many times before and he is an engaging speaker. It was clear from the passionate tone in Kris’ voice during the presentation, that he was moved by his expedition to cover the BP Oilspill. The audience was given real ‘in the street’ journalism stories about meeting fishermen, local residents, and hearing how their environment, their livelihood and most importantly their Cajun culture was being threatened.
Everyone in the room was touched by the enormity of the Oilspill through the vision of Kris Krug’s photographs from the streets of small towns, and flying above the ocean. One thing I’ve always noticed in Kris’ photos is his ability to bring a common humanity to everyone he photographs, in simple terms you feel you know the person and place he is photographing.
I was at once disgusted by the oil covered ocean waters, yet awed by the beauty of the oilslick. I had to remind myself this wasn’t some big abstract painting, but a real event in a real place. Hearing Kris talk in layman’s terms about his real experience meant more to me than watching the many TV reports or talks from Scientists.
Kris Krug’s full flickr slideshow from the TED x OilSpill Expedition.
Gillian Shaw moderated the Remixology event. She was kept on her toes by Kris and the audience when the Questions & Answers or Discussion time took place. Hands were up everywhere in the room. Some questions were about the oilspill, the US Govt, and BP’s involvement in the clean up process, but many questions were about how Kris made a living travelling around the world covering events. I had to remind myself that the main topic of the event was “Toward Cooperative Media Making: How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?”
Gillian spoke with me about supporting Freshmedia’s Remixology event. She appreciates that Freshmedia is asking important questions on how citizenship journalism and traditional media who the two can co-exist and provide better content by working together.
I interviewed Kat Braybrooke, who was a co-producer for Freshmedia.me of Remixology. It was clear from the full house that the event was successful, so we talked about the purpose of Remixology as an ongoing monthly event.
Kat Braybrooke: Beyond Robson editor, and Fresh media ( freshmedia.me ) co-producer of the monthly event, at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum.
For the final part of the evening, audience members were asked to stand up and speak for 30 seconds if they wanted to network or speak about their own social media projects. There was surprising number of people that quickly raised their hands to speak about their own work.
The following are photos and interviews with just a few of the many creative people representing amazing projects going on in Vancouver.
John Ornoy spoke about being interested in the line between traditional media and social media and how citizen journalists fit into the picture. He is producing a documentary called “With glowing hearts” that looks at the questions of how traditional and citizen journalists cover events in the context of the downtown eastside with the backdrop of the Vancouver Olympic Games.
John Ornoy- Documentary producer of “with glowing hearts” , at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum
Gala Milne who is the co-coordinator of Media Democracy Day this year, spoke to me about the project which takes place on November 6th at the Vancouver Public Library from 12PM-5PM. One of the key focus’ of the event is having discussion about bringing together local and independent media producers. The event is co-produced by the School for Communication at Simon Fraser University, coordinating partner OpenMedia.ca and co-sponsor Vancouver Public Library (VPL). Since 2001, Media Democracy Day has provided a place for citizens, activists, media artists, innovators, policy makers, students, academics to come together and engage in a dynamic dialogue on the importance of creating a participatory, democratic media system that works in the interest of people, not just corporate bottom lines.
David Beers who founded web magazine thetyee.com spoke about their Tyee Fellowship. The web mag suggested to it’s readership that they donate to essentially hire a journalist to dedicate themselves to a specific journalistic project. Four journalists will be given 5,000 dollars each to write a series of articles for the magazine. The readers were able to submit their own story suggestions when donating money, which gave another twist on the term ‘citizen journalist’. Not everyone actually wants to write the story, so now people can have a say in what stories are covered by a magazine and help support quality in-depth journalism.
David Beers, Founder of thetyee.com web magazine. ( thetyee.com ), at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum
Background on the FreshMedia monthly “Remixology” event, from their freshmedia.me site.
THIS MONTH’S TOPIC //
Toward Cooperative Media Making: Featuring acclaimed photographer Kris Krug (TEDxOilSpill and National Geographic). How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?
WHY //
Because inquiring minds need to discuss! Because connecting and collaborating matters. Because Vancouver needs a launch pad for media innovation, and we want you to be a part of it.
FULL AGENDA //
Social technology expert Kris Krug will share photos and thoughts from his recent trip to capture the BP disaster through TEDxOilSpill.
Following this, we’ll open up to a broader dialogue that explores a big question: How can citizens, professional media makers, and everyone in-between collaborate to produce media for social change?
Finally, there will be an opportunity for participants to do a “collaborator’s callout” where you are invited to do a 30 second introduction to a project you’re working on that’s relevant to the group. The gathering will close with a social/networking session including a cash bar, light refreshments and music.
Kris Krug knows how to fill the house. I had to look for an extra seat when I arrived, because the room was filled for Kris’ presentation on the BP oilspill as part of FreshMedia’s first monthly REMIXOLOGY event. The event was moderated by the Vancouver Sun’s Dig Life columnist Gillian Shaw, on the topic “Toward Cooperative Media Making: How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?”
Kris Krug watching his slides from the TED x OilSpill Expedition, at the W2 Storyeum.
I’ve seen Kris speak many times before and he is an engaging speaker. It was clear from the passionate tone in Kris’ voice during the presentation, that he was moved by his expedition to cover the BP Oilspill. The audience was given real ‘in the street’ journalism stories about meeting Fishermen, local residents, and hearing how their environment, their livelyhood and most importantly their Cajun culture was being threatened.
Everyone in the room was touched by the enormity of the Oilspill through the vision of Kris Krug’s photographs from the streets of small towns, and flying above the ocean. One thing I’ve always noticed in Kris’ photos is his ability to bring a common humanity to everyone he photographs, in simple terms you feel you know the person and place he is photographing.
I was at once disgusted by the oil covered ocean waters, yet awed by the beauty of the oilslick. I had to remind myself this wasn’t some big abstract painting, but a real event in a real place. Hearing Kris talk in laymen’s terms about his real experience meant more to me than watching the many TV reports or talks from Scientists.
Kris Krug’s full flickr slideshow from the TED x OilSpill Expedition.
Gillian Shaw moderated the Remixology event. She was kept on her toes by Kris and the audience when the Questions & Answers or Discussion time took place. Hands were up everywhere in the room. Some questions were about the oilspill, the US Govt, and BP’s involvement in the clean up process, but many questions were about how Kris made a living travelling around the world covering events. I had to remind myself that the main topic of the event was “toward Cooperative Media Making: How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?”
Gillian spoke with me about supporting Freshmedia’s Remixology event. She appreciates that Freshmedia is asking important questions on how citizenship journalism and traditional media who the two can co-exist and provide better content by working together.
I interviewed Kat Braybrooke, who was a co-producer for Freshmedia.me of Remixology. It was clear from the full house that the event was successful, so we talked about the purpose of Remixology as an ongoing monthly event.
Kat Braybrooke: Beyond Robson editor, and Fresh media ( freshmedia.me ) co-producer of the monthly event, at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum
For the final part of the evening, audience members were asked to stand up and speak for 30 seconds if they wanted to network or speak about their own social media projects. There was surprising number of people that quickly raised their hands to speak about their own work.
The following are photos and interviews with just a few of the many creative people representing amazing projects going on in Vancouver.
John Ornoy spoke about being interested in the line between traditional media and social media and how citizen journalists fit into the picture. He is producing a documentary called “With glowing hearts” that looks at the questions of how traditional and citizen journalists cover events in the context of the downtown eastside with the backdrop of the Vancouver Olympic Games.
John Ornoy- Documentary producer of “with glowing hearts” , at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum
Gala Milne who is the co-coordinator of Media Democracy Day this year, spoke to me about the project which takes place on November 6th at the Vancouver Public Library from 12PM-5PM. One of the key focus’ of the event is having discussion about bringing together local and independant media producers. The event is coproduced by the School for Communication at Simon Fraser University, coordinating partner OpenMedia.ca and co-sponsor Vancouver Public Library (VPL). Since 2001, Media Democracy Day has provided a place for citizens, activists, media artists, innovators, policy makers, students, academics to come together and engage in a dynamic dialogue on the importance of creating a participatory, democratic media system that works in the interest of people, not just corporate bottom lines.
David Beers who founded web magazine thetyee.com spoke about their Tyee Fellowship. The web mag suggested to it’s readership that they donate to essentially hire a journalist to dedicate themselves to a specific journalistic project. Four journalists will be given 5,000 dollars each to write a series of articles for the magazine. The readers were able to submit their own story suggestions when donating money, which gave another twist on the term ‘citizen journalist’. Not everyone actually wants to write the story, so now people can have a say in what stories are covered by a magazine and help support quality indepth journalism.
David Beers, Founder of thetyee.com web magazine. ( thetyee.com ), at Freshmedia night at w2 storyeum
Bankground on the FreshMedia monthly “Remixology” event, from their freshmedia.me site.
THIS MONTH’S TOPIC //
Toward Cooperative Media Making: Featuring acclaimed photographer Kris Krug (TEDxOilSpill and National Geographic). How can professional and citizen journalists collaborate?
WHY //
Because inquiring minds need to discuss! Because connecting and collaborating matters. Because Vancouver needs a launch pad for media innovation, and we want you to be a part of it.
FULL AGENDA //
Social technology expert Kris Krug will share photos and thoughts from his recent trip to capture the BP disaster through TEDxOilSpill.
Following this, we’ll open up to a broader dialogue that explores a big question: How can citizens, professional media makers, and everyone in-between collaborate to produce media for social change?
Finally, there will be an opportunity for participants to do a “collaborator’s callout” where you are invited to do a 30 second introduction to a project you’re working on that’s relevant to the group. The gathering will close with a social/networking session including a cash bar, light refreshments and music.
After 20 years UTV has decided to close this chapter of our history by making our 20th anniversary our final event. For two decades we have organized in solidarity with local and global social justice movements and have staunchly supported marginalized peoples struggles. We have survived and thrived and now it’s time to say goodbye. Come celebrate cultures of resistance, activism and community!
2010 HIGHLIGHTS:
* Naomi Klein and Arthur Manuel: Paying our Debts, At Home and Abroad: A Discussion with the award-winning journalist, syndicated columnist and author Klein and Secwepemc Nation activist Manuel, moderated by journalist & documentary film-maker Avi Lewis
* Olmeca: Xicano MC returns in support of new album “La Contra Cultura”
* Plus Joey Only Outlaw Band, Delhi2Dublin, Los Migrantes and lots more!
Plus:
Malcolm Lowry Stage, Dragonfly Kid’s Festival, Artisans Market, Community Info Fair, Workshop Tent, and more…..
Sunday August 8th, 2010
Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen) North Vancouver Gates Open @ 12noon.
ADMISSIONS: @ Gate Only (no advance tickets) BY-DONATION $10-$20
Low income admissions by-donation suggested $5 available @ Main Gate ONLY
After 20 years UTV has decided to close this chapter of our history by making our 20th anniversary our final event. For two decades we have organized in solidarity with local and global social justice movements and have staunchly supported marginalized peoples struggles. We have survived and thrived and now it’s time to say goodbye. Come celebrate cultures of resistance, activism and community!
2010 HIGHLIGHTS:
* Naomi Klein and Arthur Manuel: Paying our Debts, At Home and Abroad: A Discussion with the award-winning journalist, syndicated columnist and author Klein and Secwepemc Nation activist Manuel, moderated by journalist & documentary film-maker Avi Lewis
* Olmeca: Xicano MC returns in support of new album “La Contra Cultura”
* Plus Joey Only Outlaw Band, Delhi2Dublin, Los Migrantes and lots more!
Plus:
Malcolm Lowry Stage, Dragonfly Kid’s Festival, Artisans Market, Community Info Fair, Workshop Tent, and more…..
Sunday August 8th, 2010
Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen) North Vancouver Gates Open @ 12noon.
ADMISSIONS: @ Gate Only (no advance tickets) BY-DONATION $10-$20
Low income admissions by-donation suggested $5 available @ Main Gate ONLY
SPOKED! is a celebration that uses the bicycle as a catalyst for creativity. Inspired films, art and music. On Friday, August 6th there are two film programs at the Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street. 7pm “Where Are You Go” with extras, and 9pm an exciting selection of short films. $10 bucks each, or $15 for both! Tickets are available at the door. Check out the website for more info and trailers. Saturday, August 7th there will be an after party/ art show at Grace Gallery, 1898 main street. Three piece band & properly priced drinks. Dance party to follow. site: http://spoked.org/
Aug 6th, 2010 – Aug 7th, 2010
7pm Friday, 8pm Saturday
Vancity Theatre Friday, Grace gallery Saturday
Friday is movie night!
There will be a Q&A after the first screening with Benny Zenga & Christian Zenga from “Where are you go” film, and depending on the time, another with some of the directors from the short films. “Where are you go” trailer “Made in Queens” trailer
Aaron Isaiah Zenga. His bio from his zengafilm.com site:
“I’m a filmmaker, photographer, and bicycle builder. Tactile and personal is the way of the real world, although I may go bankrupt on celluliod film. In my blood I’ve got the Zenga family, Kolkata, Emily Carr University, and Orthodoxy. If you’d like to email me I’d love to hear from you! zengafilm(at)gmail.com”
Pecha Kucha Night Volume 13 ( view site at: http://www.pechakuchanightvancouver.com/ ) The Vogue Theatre Thursday, Sept. 30th Door: 6:30PM Start: 7:30PM Ticket: $15 Online Sale: https://tickets.voguetheatre.com/ or call (604) 569-1144 Box Office: Mon-Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12pm – 4pm Robert Calder – Owner of Secret Study/Boompa Records Amanda Gibbs – Director of Museum of Vancouver [...]
I spoke with one of the Earthdance Vancouver organizers, Sobey, about what makes this year’s Earthdance different than in previous years. This year to from morning to night with three different events. During the day, Earthdance will be taking place at Prospect Point in Stanley Park, then people will be riding bikes for Earthdance around the [...]
My name is Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. Zappos – we’ve been around for a little over 11 years now. We started out selling shoes online but we actually sell alot more than shoes here, we sell clothing, and beauty products, handbags, and so on. The vast majority of our business is in the U.S., and really our goal is to build the Zappos brand…
The Grow Conference took place Aug 19-21 at the Vancouver Convention. I didn’t attend any of the Conference sessions, as.I spent all day interviewing Grow Speakers, Organizers, and other Business people attending Grow. I interviewed ten of the events’ featured Speakers, several event sponsors, and organizer Debbie Landa.
Seemed like Halloween came early this year, as thousands of zombies filled the streets and stumbled their way from the Vancouver Art Gallery to Second Beach in Stanley Park. I’d never been to the Zombie walk, but I was amazed to see so many people come out this year. When the walk was well underway, [...]
I walked or rollerbladed with PFLAG. The group is dedicated to helping parents, friends and families come to terms with their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered loved ones. The following photos were taken by Autumn Lamondin, who roller bladed with me on her first Pride parade. Roller blading wearing a mini and taking photos in [...]
