Carole James – Pot calling the Kettle Black March 7, 2009
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Ponderings.add a comment
I just discoverd this article posted on the Provincial NDP web site (February 26, 2009) regarding the project to replace the roof of BC Place Stadium. After reading it, the first question that pops into my head is, “ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND?”
For your reference, here’s the link to what the NDP calls “the truth” and the following are my thoughts.
- Apparently, a warning that the roof will last another 15-20 years is cause for immediate action and when the roof tore (or according the the NDP, collapsed – a bit of a hyperbole you think?), the Liberals should have known, because they were warned?
- Upon realizing the roof wouldn’t last the 15-20 years the government was told it would, they were somehow supposed to miraculously have a plan in place IMMEDIATELY. Time to investigate and consult with architects and structural engineers, time to get evaluative reports done properly, is apparently what the NDP considers stalling by the Liberals.
- The crazy building boom we had in Vancouver in the past 5 years, is somehow something the government should have had a contingency plan for. Because they were told the roof would need replacing in 15-20 years, the Liberals should have known to replace it now. Not only that, there’s a construction boom, so before the costs rise further, the Liberals should rush into a decision and get it done now. Getting it done faster is more important than getting it done right. Right?
Yeah, it would have been nice to get a new roof for BC Place in time for the Olympics. But considering what we knew at the time, that wasn’t a necessary cost. By the time a new roof was determined to be needed more urgently than originally thought, replacing for the Olympics wasn’t feasible. Seriously, what would the NDP have done? I shutter to think about the possibilities.
If the NDP is going to blame the Liberals for “stalling” until construction costs skyrocketed, now that the boom has gone bust, are they going to give the Liberals credit for “waiting” until costs started to go down? I mean, if you’re going to blame them for not planning for an economic situation they had no control over, then give them credit for the same when the tides turn in their favour.
As far as going for a more expensive replacement project, a retractible roof not only is a better plan when looking at the big picture but also increases the functionality and usefulness of the stadium. So as much as a “more affordable” design might be sufficient, an argument can also be made for a more costly design that has greater overall benefits and aesthetics. I mean, we are talking about a long term solution, right? And a decision needs to be made now, despite what the economic situation may be.
Let me say it again. Carole James, ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND? The Liberals are by no means perfect but really? Are you running out of actual things to bitch about and are now resorting to twisting the facts and making stuff up?
But then again, there’s a provincial election coming up and we should consider letting the NDP make the decisions. Remember how well it worked out with their fast ferries?
…One Year Later June 16, 2008
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Me.1 comment so far
Well it has been a year now and how things have changed. The Traveling Canuck isn’t doing much traveling these days. Where do I start?
A year ago, I was on what was to be my last trip with the “dreaded company”. Not that I didn’t like what I was doing. It’s just the company itself was lacking, …in respect for its photographers, …in honesty, …in, well, pretty much all the things that would make it a great place to work. Also, as much fun as I had traveling, I came to realize that it wasn’t much fun doing it alone or doing it in places that many would consider “the middle of nowhere”. And who had time to truly experience these places (other than the insides of the hotels I was shooting)? Enough was enough and it was time to make a change.
So the last trip had me shooting casinos (again) in the midwestern United States. I was fortunate enough to be able to end my trip in San Francisco though. Didn’t spend a ton of time there (maybe a week?) but I love that city and it was a good way to conclude my full-time employment with “the dreaded company”. I continued on a part-time basis for about 5 months but in the end, it just wasn’t worth it.
So, what have I been doing since? Well, I started my own architectural and interior photography company: ARC – Architectural Photography. The name of course, speaks for itself and mostly targets high-end hotel brands, construction and real estate.
So far, I’ve gotten a few very interesting clients and interesting potential clients. For now, it’s a matter of getting the word out there. I’m very confident that I’m finally doing what I should have been doing all along.
I’ve also finally completely repainted my condo. As some of you know, when I bought my place, it had been a rental unit for about 9 years. It was also a “leaky condo” and about to be repaired (most of which took place while I was on the road). Soon after I stopped traveling full-time, the project to rebuild the entire building envelop was completed and it was time to start work on the interior.
Over the 9 years my condo was being rented out, some of the renters had casually and poorly slapped on paint on the walls and by the time I got the place, it was just a mess. Drips marks, hand prints, patch jobs that were not sanded down before they were painted on, and semi-gloss paint. It was just an ugly mess. I had been procrastinating over repainting because I knew the prep work would be a complete nightmare. It literally took me weeks to sand everything down, patch, resand, prime and repaint. There was a day I spent probably 10-12 hours straight, just sanding. To make things worse, it turns out that the paint store sold me the wrong primer and on parts of the wall, the new coat of paint was not adhering properly. When I put on the second or third coat, the underlying coat would start to blister, which meant I had to peel it off (it came off in sheets!) and start again! The paint store was kind enough to send in a regional rep to evaluate the situation. He then resupplied me with paint for free and even gave me extra paint for my bedroom, which I hadn’t started working on yet. I have to say, Cloverdale paint provided me with exceptional customer service and I would go back to them the next time I have a project.
Finally, my last big update. I’m a dad, sort of. A month ago, I purchased a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy. Not to be confused with an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), the Australian Shepherd is actually an American breed and is considered among the smartest dog breeds out there. They are herding dogs so really need something to do or learn. Very athletic and very loyal, I’m looking forward to playing frisbee or flyball with her.
Here’s the introduction. This is Tobi. She’s about 10 weeks old in the pic and in the last two weeks, have gone from 13.6 lbs to 17.6 lbs! My little girl is growing up!
As for this blog, I’m not quite sure what to do with it. Not being on the road all the time has changed the need to update it regularly. I actually get to spend time with my family and friends now and quite honestly, my adventures at home are nowhere near as interesting as my adventures on the road (at least to me). As I said, it’s been a year and I really wanted to at least write this update. I’m just not sure what I should do from this point on. If you have any ideas, suggestions or comment, feel free to share. I’d like to hear your input.
Home for the Holidays! December 5, 2006
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Yay! After 35 days on the road, I am happy to be back in Vancouver and back home, sleeping in my own bed! Although I had some wonderful experiences and met some great people (thanks Davey, for being a great friend… hope to see you in Vancouver sometime!), it was my last trip of the year and thus, one of the most difficult psychologically.
I’ve spent the past couple of days doing very little, although today, I finally managed to get some groceries and to hit the gym (man, do I need to get back in to shape!). It was nice to do something “normal” and I’m starting to recover from my month away from home in time to start preparing for the holiday season.
Due to my lack of motivation during the last couple of weeks of my trip, I did not post any blog entries. I did however, take several photos that I intended to use in my blog so tonight, I cheated by posting some entries and back-dating them to when I should have posted them. Please go and check them out. I’ve put up some pretty pictures for you to look at.
Feeling much better now! July 29, 2006
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Me.5 comments
Well that was fun. Really, it was.
I just finished a week, training some new photographers. Long days with little sleep but they were a fantastic bunch. So hard-working and dedicated. I have to admit, I tried my best to wear them out and yet they kept coming back for more. I think I wore myself out more than I did them. Just happy to finally get some rest.
Without further ado, introducing the rock stars…
Hamish. A soft-spoken Kiwi who recently finished photography school and is embarking on a new career. Very hard working with high standards, he leaves on his first trip (to Wisconsin) August 1st.
April. She’s friendly with a great attitude. With a diverse work background, she’s accustomed to hard work. Her trip to the Chicago area starts August 4th.
Grace. Unassuming and contemplative, she can be hard on herself. However, that seems to drive her to work even harder. Learns from her mistakes and always strives to do better. Headed to Indiana August 6th.
Good luck to the three of you. I’ve got every confidence that you’ll all do extremely well. I look forward to hearing about your trips!
Chillin’ in the Heat July 25, 2006
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I’ve been working in the office the past couple of weeks and haven’t had much to report. Wake up. Get ready. Eat breakfast. Go to work. Sit in front of computer for 8.5 hours. Go home. Blah blah blah. As a result, there hasn’t been much to report lately. With the hot weather we’ve had this past weekend, that’s all changed. My condo is a sauna. Here’s a picture to remember me by after I’ve melted into a pool of kensludge (with my beautiful hometown in the background of course).
Good thing is, yesterday, I started training some new photographers. That means I got to spend my Sunday in an air conditioned office for 13 hours. Really. I’m not complaining. Didn’t I mention it was AIR CONDITIONED?
The trainees seem really keen, cool and friendly. Perfect attitude for when you’re out on the road by yourself, completely isolated from all friends and family. We’ll see just how perky they are after their first road trip to Indiana in the middle of summer. At least they should come back with a nice tan. But seriously. They’ve been great and I’m really enjoying utilizing my teaching degree. Those six years of university weren’t a complete waste after all. Dad will be glad to hear. Tomorrow (later today?), we’re setting off to Aldergrove to photograph a property. They’re gonna be doing all the hard work. Hopefully, there’ll be an air conditioned room for me to chill out in while they photograph the exterior of the building. “Come get me when you’re done.” Just kidding.
Grass is Always Greener (when you water the lawn) July 14, 2006
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Me, Ponderings, Travel.4 comments
Well, for a relative short time, you could say my office looked something like the above photo. Tom and Nicole were there once (when they were still faking a marriage). I can’t image they would have wanted to spend any time in the office where I’ve been working in this past week. Not that I’m complaining about being home and instead of being on the road living out of a suitcase. In a real way, it’s been nice to have the opportunity to do an office job for a little while… the stability, the socialness of being surrounded people I know, going out for lunch with friends, and of course, simply being able to sleep in my own bed. Part of it is about being able to build relationships rather than getting a brief glimpse of what could be.
But being on the road can be really nice too… meeting and interacting with new people, seeing places I’d otherwise not have the opportunity to see, living cheap because someone else is paying or because the hotel is so grateful, they treat you to an amazingly wonderful meal, one that I’d otherwise not be able to afford.
And yet, Vancouver is home – and home is so very beautiful. Playing with my nephews and nieces, walking around English Bay on a beautiful sunny day, sitting on a patio with friends drinking bellinis. What could be better?
If only I could find a way to bring together the best of both worlds. Guess there’s still lots more work to do.
Lazy days of summer July 9, 2006
Posted by Ken in Family, Friends, Homelife, Me.1 comment so far
What a nice and lazy weekend. Started out with pizza and drinks at my buddy Rob’s on Friday night, more alcohol (martinis, margaritas) with friends… again at Rob’s on Saturday night, and finally, hanging out at my sisters’ house with my mom, niece, nephew and brother-in-law. It’s so nice when there’s nothing urgent to worry about and you can just enjoy the weekend. And now I have a fan for my condo… YIPPEE! (thanks mom!) It’s no air conditioner but now that it’s cooled off a bit, it’s perfect. Life is grand. Only thing I didn’t get to was the gym. Can’t let that continue! Gotta work off that Japanese hospitality.
So, it’s now been just over a week… July 6, 2006
Posted by Ken in Family, Friends, Homelife, Me, Ponderings, Travel.2 comments
I’ve been home for just over a week now, having just spent over a month in Japan. Two weeks in Tokyo, 5 days in Kyoto, 5 days in Osaka and 12 days in Fukuoka. This was my first trip back to Asia since I was 5 years old and my first long overseas trip. An experience of a lifetime, it was a trip filled with excitement, new experiences, stress, education, isolation, but best of all, new friends. A special thanks to the boys, Tom, Jeremy, Matt, Koh, Kris and Dwight… and the ladies, Miyuki, Yuriko, Karina, Maki, Rie, Minako, Asako, Makiko, Hiro and Mikako. I have memories and stories about all of you. Thanks for your hospitality and friendship. I hope to see you again one day.
Arrival in Vancouver was filled with anticipation as I went straight from the airport to see my new niece, Kalani Cox. My little buddy/nephew Aidan finally has the little sister he’s been asking for. I think he was hoping for one a bit bigger though… you know, one he could actively play with. Either way, it seems he loves it when she’s sleeping on his belly.
Ahhh. Vancouver! Home SWEET home!
