If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The latest numpty move by the Kensington business association (BRZ) calls into question why these member-driven organizations still exist. They are there to serve their members, not the best interest of the neighbourhood or public at large. The Kensington BRZ is demonstrating this beautifully. First it banned food trucks from Hillhurst and now it has stopped Market Collective from holding its Christmas fair for three weekends in December, at a time when demand is high for locally made gifts, rather than those made in China, which proliferate Kensington gift shops.
Increasingly, the planet's population is becoming urbanized and cities are where the action is. Cities with the ability to attract human capital will prosper. Hence, more and more, the role of municipal governments will be to do more than simply ensure that the garbage is picked up and that roads are paved.
From a progressive's point-of-view 1 Calgary Centre is ambitious, commendable, daring, timely and incredibly brilliant. From a conservative perspective, it is a nightmare. But will it work?
Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a time-honoured Indian cultural festival. It is a tradition that conveys a universal message of hope and peace that transcends all borders and faiths. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring community together and to celebrate our diversity. It's one example of the many cultural celebrations available to Calgarians throughout the year and I am always thrilled when I participate, because I come away with such a feeling of pride and hope for our future.
This is not "Pie in the Sky", "what if" thinking. The policy is there, today and real. Agreements with corporations may be already on the works or even in place? Currently there is no mechanism for these agreements to be made public until the Corporation and the Calgary Board of Education administration decide it is time for us to know. Our publicly funded, taxpayer owned schools, branded to influence minors, right here in Calgary.
To Warren Sarauer putting a solar electric system on his roof was a no-brainer but when some innovative electricity retailers in Alberta decided to offer almost double the going rate for his exported solar energy he was ecstatic. Sarauer is a big solar energy supporter - through his company Evergreen and Gold Renewable Energy he puts renewable energy systems into people's homes. But last year he tackled a project that would set an example for his clients, he built a net-zero office.
I was one of the lucky few who was invited to attend a rare opportunity to have a roundtable discussion with former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who was in Toronto for an exclusive speaking engagement as part of an ongoing speakers series. Annan answered our questions which covered various hot button topics including the ways towards a successful society, Iran, Romney and China. Here is what he said.
Today, on the UN's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I am reminded of how education was the key to eradication of poverty in my own life. As the greatest city in the world, we in Calgary have such a wonderful opportunity to model what it looks like when a city does whatever it takes to maximize the educational opportunities for its children.
Fortunately for anyone who's developed a crush while being touched by their propulsive tunes and charismatic onstage persona, the Quin twin players continue to be a constant show of force 13 years after their first Austin appearance.
Calgary-based DIRTT Environmental Solutions will share their insights on how you can turn "good" business practices into a competitive advantage. DIRTT has been lauded as a "Rockstar of the New Economy" by Fast Co. for its ability to achieve high growth and high social and environmental impact.
Startup Calgary is all about community building with their main goal to bring the IT based startup community in Calgary closer together.
With word of the NHL lockout reaching the public ear last week, a lot has been said. We hear from both sides. We hear from the commentators, the pundits, the "experts", and the fans who suffer the most from this needless squabble. But what do we hear from the people who work behind the rink? You see, I'm gainfully employed by the Calgary Flames - specifically, I wash dishes for the all the fine diners lucky (and rich) enough to enjoy the fine foods served up at the 'Dome.
I cannot tell you in words how heartbreaking it was to see the dozens of disappointed looks I received when I had to say "I'm sorry, we don't have any more razors." The Seed relies on items like this to be donated, and for 3 weeks were out of razors. Two thoughts crossed my mind. The first was "man, it's so unfair that these people are being denied such a basic thing" and the second was, "How on earth, in a city of over a MILLION people, has nobody donated razors?"
I captured a picture of these two beautiful creatures during a casual visit to the Calgary Zoo this summer. It caught my eye that they are almost forming a heart together.
I first met Wakefield last year during the first People's Poetry Festival. He struck me as a larger than life character with a magnetic energy which compelled people to listen to every word he spoke. In discussions with him he revealed that he had come from Toronto, firstly for love, and secondly for the opportunity to connect with a new audience. He is like a pioneer of sorts in the world of spoken word and has been largely welcomed into its circles in Calgary.
In February I asked my Twitter followers to tweet about things in Calgary that either no longer exist or have been around for a long time under the hashtag #CalgaryRetro. With over 600 tweets, I seem to have hit a nerve. From the Calgary Tower, to some very special local TV shows, native Albertans hold old Calgary near and dear to their hearts.
