I was the event photographer at the Edmonds City Fair again this year. I took over 2,000 shots and have winnowed those down to just over 200 in this Flickr album.
Category Archives: Society
Canada Day Weekend Depletes Canadian Stock of Kindness, Politeness
It’s back to work, grumpy people!
I wanted to buy some hiking socks. At the first sporting goods store I went to I was quietly regarding the racks, when a staff member came by, snorted, and said:
“Why would you want to buy those socks? These are the ones you should be looking at,” pointing to ones costing three times more per pair.
I said I’d been happy with a certain combo of layered liner and thick socks for over 40 years of hiking. That didn’t deter his disdain, or his prattle, so I walked out.
The next store I went to, it was clear sailing until the end. Nobody approached me, I had quiet time to myself to peruse the labels, checking the proportions of poly to wool to whatever. . . Bliss.
Then — accosted at the checkout. “Sir, if you sign up for Partner Credit Card today, I can give you 20% off your entire purchase.”
“I don’t want any more credit cards, and anyway, I have this 10% discount coupon which will do me just fine.”
“But sir, I can issue a paper credit card right now, which you can use to get 20% off. . .”
“What’s a paper credit card? How do I pay it off?”
“We’ll send you a bill in the mail, or you can go straight over to Partner Store, and pay it today.”
Right, sucked further into Database Nation. No thanks.
“But sir!”
“I said, no thanks.” Poor kid slumps away, and checkout clerk glares at me.
After these wee contretemps, I’m feeling hungry, and notice a Subway nearby. I walk in, and say “I’d like a footlong turkey on Italian.”
“What kind of bread?” Italian. “How large?” Footlong. “Was that turkey?” Yes. [Silently to myself — Earth to counter person??]
Another fellow walks in.
“Hi!” says the cashier cheerfully.
He says, “I’d like a. . .”
“Sorry, sir, you have to start your order from the other end of the counter.”
“So why did you say hi to me at this end?”
Oy. . .
Have You Voted? BC Election Today!
Mom’s Tenth
Funny how the stars align now and then. Today is the 10th anniversary of my Mom’s passing. She spent over 30 years in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, retiring as Assistant Dean, Student Affairs.
And just now in my email box I see an invitation to a “Millions of Memories” College of Education Alumni Event (I did a B. Ed. there way back when).
Mom would advise me to “do” rather than “stew”, so despite the gray, rainy day, I’m going to go for a long walk before dinner.
A link to an old blog post with Mom’s obit. (Hm, some wonky characters have popped up in there…)
Good to See Some of my ‘Elders’ Out on the Creek Trails
Happy to see a couple of Byrne Creek Ravine Park trailwalking “elders” out and about now that the snow and ice are gone.
Ran into Dave on the creek trail today, and it was good to chat. He’s 87, and always has a good tale to tell about what it was like growing up in the area. If I recall, he was a boxer in his youth, and he keeps telling me to keep moving! 
Saw Ron the other day, too. Ron’s a retired stonemason also pushing 90, if not there already, who had a hand in some of the magnificent greystone work at the University of Saskatchewan where I did a couple of degrees. He speaks with a hint of a lovely Scottish burr, and also has tales to tell.
Good to see you, gentlemen, and hope I’m still walking the ravine 30 years from now!
Celebrating Burnaby Enviro Strategy Steering Committee
Dinner and certificates tonight for folks who served on the City of Burnaby’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Steering Committee. It was a great team!
Great Food, Fun Times at Nikkei Matsuri in Burnaby
We walked up the hill to the Nikkei Matsuri at the Japanese cultural centre on Kingsway in Burnaby. It was fun, and great food.
Nice bun(s)! : -)
“So I was hoping someone would drop a burger, when this cutie walks by…”
Yumi has the cutest Japanese sandals
Setting Limits on Volunteer Photography
Just a heads up to folks looking for free, er, “volunteer” photography. I’m full up for free photography.
For years I have volunteered for, or provided a much-reduced token rate for, several annual events, including local community organizations, the Editors’ Association of Canada, the DFO Salmonid Enhancement Program, the MS Society, etc. I’ve also provided volunteer coverage for large, less-regular events like the BC Seniors’ Games.
I love photography. I enjoy event photography, and if I may say so, I’m good at it.
But I’ve reached my limit.
In fairness to myself, and to working photographers, I will not take on any more new unpaid assignments. I may continue with the volunteer events I’ve shot in the past, while nudging them toward at least token payment, but nothing new that doesn’t pay.
As I pull out of some of these gigs, if you’re an up-and-coming young documentary photog who is looking for some portfolio material, let me know. I may be able to hook you up, and give you a few tips on equipment, vision, attitude, performance, delivery, etc.
Some of these groups simply can’t afford to pay a pro, or even a semi-pro, but you should limit your donations of time and expertise to a year or two. Or choose one org or event, and commit to them.
After all, you won’t get a plumber to your house at 7 pm on a weekend (common working hours for a photog) for a promise of “credit” or “exposure.”
If ‘CRA’ Calls and Yells at You, Hang Up
Lots of folks have been getting the CRA SCAM phone call. I reported it to the Burnaby RCMP crime prevention folks, and here’s their response:
Thank for the information. The Canada Revenue Agency Tax Scam is quite prevalent during this time of year. You did the right thing and it is awesome that you have informed others about it. Please share this link to a useful video. CRA VIDEO - http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html You can also report this information to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) as they collect data for investigations. CAFC - http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm TAX SCAMS - http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/fraud-escroquerie/types/tax-contribuable/index-eng.htm Please let us know if you have any other concerns.
US Charging Ahead on Enviro Issues, Canada Stuck in the 50s
I’ve been attending the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference, and as at previous ones, I am yet again in awe of coordinated volunteer – municipal – tribal (in Canada First Nations) – state – federal conservation efforts in the US.
Yes, we like to slag our southern neighbours for many things, but they are way ahead of us on many others.
Canada? We’re doing good here and there, but we suck at coordinated action. And in Canada, for the last decade at least, the burden has increasingly fallen on volunteers, with federal and provincial governments abdicating their responsibilities, and slashing enviro-related staff and funding.
A major hurt is that Canada is still so 20th century. To see the ruling-party hydroelectric dam platform in BC is to read something from the 1950s.
The US is demolishing dams, setting rivers, wildlife and salmon free, unleashing renewable, long-term natural and economic potential along the way.
Here in Canada, our governments still want to pour concrete in pristine rivers and flood massive areas of our most productive farmland and traditional First Nations hunting and fishing territories.
Shame.
Green/Blue initiatives will provide jobs.