Friday, December 30, 2005

from the "list" dept.

So, another year -- this one 2005 -- is coming to a close. And, at the end of a year, one tends to look back and contemplate whether it was a good one or a bad one.

Of course, that conclusion depends on many things. Are we talking the planet or my life?

For the planet, I don't think it was a very good year. The Tsunami. Starvation. Iraq. Violence. Hate. The list goes on.

But is it really that much different from any other year?

I think it all kind of evens out in the end. The good and the bad each make up 50% of the global experience. Sure, it may swing one way or the other, depending on the year, but at the end of the day the two probably cancel each other out.

That said, it's time for me to look back at 2005 and pass judgement.

How could I say it was anything but excellent? Self-employed, healthy, and free. What more is there?

Right: travel. And 2005 was a good one. Winnipeg. Belize. Former-Yugoslavia. Northern California. Calgary. Nova Scotia. Scandanavia. The British Isles. Seattle. Nearly 4 months on the road.

A good year.

There isn't much more to say than that.

Cheers! And Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

from the "here comes the night" dept.

Just a few days before NYE and like most of my pals, I have no concrete plans. Typical.

I am working, however, so that will preclude any craziness. I'm off at 6:30pm NYE but have to be in and fresh at 9:30am NYD. The reward? Scads of overtime!

The week has been a long one. I've been saddled with a cold, and I am working 10 days straight. Hard to write sparkly news copy when you feel like you head is going to explode. Or worse.

But by next week, it will all be in the history books and a big fat cheque will be on its way. And that means that another adventure is not far off.

Right now, the favourite is Belize in late March, early April. Flights are cheap like rice & beans -- just a hair over $500 Canadian out of Seattle. And its a decent time of year to be in the tropics. It'll be my 5th visit.

New photos are on on FLICKR ... be sure to check it out regularly!

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Deep Cove Xmas Morning


Deep Cove Xmas Morning
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

I think all Santa brought to Deep Cove overnight was a few inches of rain. Very dull and wet day. However, it IS +11C. The bright things are rain drops reflecting the flash.

Friday, December 23, 2005

from the "crib" dept.

Here's a little festive video featuring S-Claz on MTV's Cribs.

CLICK THIS.

Cheers!

Yugoslavia falls


Yugoslavia falls
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

More than three years after the Great Eastern European Border Expedition, I am finally getting the images up on my Flickr site. Finally an easy way to upload, share and store. Sounds like what Stock Photos Online was supposed to be.

Nothing like being ahead of the curve.

Anyway, click on any of my images here, or the Flickr box to the right, and you'll be transported to my images.

The main view is by date added, but using the TAGS feature, you can type in years, descriptions, etc... and the images will appear.

Long day at work today. Looking forward to two off AND sleeping in tomorrow.

The forecast is for frightful weather, so I don't think I'll have many images to post. Tried to capture Christmas in Vancouver today at lunch, but I was foiled by the rain.

Cheers!

from the "not a creature was stirring" dept.

Ok, well it is the newsroom. But at 1:45pm on the day before the day before Christmas, it's pretty damn quiet. Odd vibe in here too. Looking forward to being on my couch tonight -- and then tucking into some big time eating this weekend.

Very little to report (ah! it IS a newsroom ) so I will wander off for a stroll along Robson, camera in hand.

Cheers!

Thursday, December 22, 2005

from the "almost here" dept.

Only a few days remain until the big weekend. I realized the one thing I haven't done is hit the booze store and load up on wine for Christmas Day. Nothing like booze store crowds during the holidays.

The weather has turned here: it went from beautiful blue skies and frigid temperatures to record-tying warm (12C) and rain.

I don't mind the rain... except on days like today when I am taking the bus to work. It's a safety precaution as I will be meeting up with my favourite Cheryl for some holiday pints at Caffe Barney. And a cab will provide the safe ride home, providing I can get one in this taxi-limited city.

Two more days of work remain. Yesterday was certainly a jump into the fire. It was crazy and exhausting. I need to win the lottery.


Well, if I am taking the bus to work this morning, I better get in gear. It takes about an hour in total to get to Robson & Burrard from E54th and Knight. But the freedom! Oh! The freedom!

Be prepared for pictures from the Engineers Xmas party this afternoon (which I hope to attend for at least a few minutes -- damn having to remain sober to write!).

Cheers!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

no entry


no entry
Originally uploaded by Thom.

How much fun would it be to be in NYC right now? Found this image on Flickr.

from the "Nano Classic II" dept.

It's off to work in a real building with real people today. Certainly a change from the last week.

Discovered a funny little video spoof of the iPod commercials: click here.

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

No Posting


No Posting
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

I've been having a dandy time pulling photos from my collection of, oh 20,000 digital images, and posting them on Flickr.

With just days to go before Christmas, the only thing standing in the way of the fun is three more days of work.

Not that work is bad, in fact, I'll be appreciating it in the new year when I head off somewhere.

Anyway... more soon.

Cheers!

"And then, when Stalin was in power..."


"And then, when Stalin was in power..."
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

End of the world


End of the world
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

CBC Roof


CBC Roof
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Blossoms: Dec 18, 2005


Blossoms: Dec 18, 2005
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

3 days before the first day of winter, the blossoms are out.

Are you all American?


Are you all American?
Originally uploaded by Phils Room.

Too funny... found on Flickr... my latest time waster.

Morning moon


Moon
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Sinking


Sinking
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Slip sliding away.

Chip Burn


Chip Burn
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Boxes


Boxes
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Steamy


Steamy
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Sunday morning, and the stack still belches into the sky. Pretty!

Swing Bridge


Swing Bridge
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

A railway swing bridge across the Fraser in Richmond. Taken from River Road.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Lorne


Lorne
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Saturday night at Caffe Barney on Granville St., Vancouver. Contemplating life and Russell Cream Ale (on special C$3.75 a pint, no less).

Here comes spring


Here comes spring
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Proof that the buds are on the trees -- BEFORE the first day of winter.

Frosty Thing


Frosty Thing
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

I was wandering around Commercial Drive (Vancouver) drinking coffee, eating treats, buying screws and snapping photos of frost covered things.

Drive Xmas


Drive Xmas
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

It's beginning to look a lot like Festivus. For this to be a Drive tree, there should be needles hanging from it.

Hook


Hook
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

I was looking around the house for things to take pictures of. I found a hook waiting to hang something.

Knobs


Knobs
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Found these knobs in my kitchen. Time for an upgrade?

Deep Cove


Deep Cove
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

I've been here a million times. I've taken the same touristy shot a million times. But still... Deep Cove always impresses me. And yes, this was taken December 17th, 2005. Winter??

Woody


Woody
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Someone, for some reason, had stacked a bunch of pallets in the middle of Panorama Park in Deep Cove. It made for a nice picture.

from the "improved and new" dept.

I've been using my very basic HTML skills to add a couple of new goodies to this site. Up front, you'll notice a live picture of Vancouver. However, if it's dark in Vancouver, then the image is not live. The KatKam only operates during daylight hours. Wondering if it's daylight in Vancouver? Sunrise and sunset times are provided by Environment Canada, along with the weather.

Below that is a fairly live image of the Christmas tree in the main square of Narva, Estonia. To the right of the image, and across a bridge, lies Mother Russia. Narva is located in the extreme northeast corner of the Baltic nation. I was there in 2003. Sigh.

And to the right of the frame, beside the big, ugly ads that allow me the ability to have this blog for no cost, is a link to my Flickr site. It's where I host my images for the blog and, now what I have a pro (read: pay) site, I can post tons of images from my extensive archives. If you click on it, it should take you directly there. Cool, eh?

Another tip: if you do a TAG search on Flickr with the keyword "borderfilms" all my images will appear. Thanx and a pint of fine ale to Mr. P. for that tip.

Enjoy. Cheers!

from the "the final week" dept.

It looms. But, as I've said, I am done. Nothing to do for Christmas now, other than enjoy it. Five days of work still separates me from the big weekend. Two of those are in the online bureau in the basement. Three downtown, surrounded by real people at that private broadcaster I also work with.

It's been a good winter here in V-town. Cold, but lots of sun and blue skies. Speaking of blue, that's an apt description of ski hill owners. A lack of snow is killing business. Hemlock, a smaller hill, actually filed for bankruptcy and shut down.

I see Bush has admitted that the NSA is spying on it's own citizenry. Now, at the end of the day, I can see why they NEED to do this. If those mysterious terrorists (FEAE!!) are hiding within the country -- then it's fare game to spy on them. But be honest about it.

He's still a dork.

Back to reality: cold and bright and early it is. Nothing on the agenda so far. We'll see if there is a breakfast to be had at Bert's or an afternoon pint at Barney's.

Last night was Deep Cove Christmas party night. I attended the annual Honey's soiree and filled up on all sorts of tasty finger food. Then headed to the Arms Reach Bistro for some laughs.

One drink was my max for the night, so I woke this morning devoid of a hangover and with a relatively full wallet.

I've been feeling motivated to shoot more photos. Don P. and I dropped into the Exposure Gallery which features local photographers. We were totally underwhelmed. Many of the subjects are similar to my own, yet the images were dull and lifeless. And this from several different photographers.

It certainly is good motivation to continue to shoot and ask the question: "Why am I not doing this professionally?"

The short answer: time.

And speaking of time... it's now a hair after 9am, and I feel the need to hit Commercial Drive for a coffee, the paper, and perhaps to snap away. Or Mitchell Island.

Cheers!

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Decay


Decay
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Old buildings that will soon be torn down to make way for new condos in North Vancouver.

Van from N Van


Van from N Van
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

The Vancouver skyline from Lonsdale Quay.

Don


Don
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

An illuminated Don doing Don stuff.

BC Place


BC Place
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

It just looked neat. Like a big ass. Or the Michelin man after a bad fall. Or a big marshmallow pie.

El Pulpo


El Pulpo
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Poster snatched from a pole in San Ignacio, Belize in March 2005 -- just as El Pulpo himself passed in his PulpoMobile. Months later, on December 16, 2005, I finally framed it -- and display the mighty, mighty one for all the world to see.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Tanna


Tanna
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Queensland Beach


Queensland Beach
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Burnaby Mountain Sunset


Burnaby Mountain Sunset
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Lots of room


Lots of room
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Aw, nuts!


Aw, nuts!
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

NY Post


NY Post
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Whytecliffe Park


Whytecliffe Park
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Tree


Tree
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Fun on Burnaby Mountain!

from the "2 in 1" dept.

Two in one? Yes! Two springs in one year.

I thought it weird yesterday to see buds on several trees in Deep Cove. But now, looking out my window -- beyond the green leaved shubbery and green grass are trees sporting buds.

Spring actually arrives here before the winter solstice.

Now go shop!

Cheers!

from the "done like dinner" dept.

I am finished.

No more presents to buy or wrap.

No more cards to write or send.

No more crowds to fight and hate.

My holiday season now turns to merriment. And there are still 12 days to go... excellent (insert evil laugh here).

Today was an odd day. I am writing content for www.cbc.ca/PEI which meant I had to rise and shine at 3am. Not too difficult, as I was able to close my eyes around 10pm last night. But now, at 12:24 my time, 4:24pm work time -- I am rather beat.

I stumbled on some cool pictures from Turkey, and will attempt to post them soon. They're in my PC laptop and I have no way of shrinking them down to a small size.

On my Mac, it's easy. I have several programs that make it simple.

There's no news on the Jewish "treasure" documentary to report. And there is little else happening, other than the standard stuff.

With that, I think I'll head upstairs to relax. The workday is done.

Cheers!

Saturday, December 10, 2005

from the "what is Nog, anyway?" dept.




Yes indeedee... it's Nog season. One half Flor de Cana 5 year old rum and one half lite Nog, a sprinkle of cinnamon and it's the holidaze! 15 days remain until the fat guy in the red suit offers up the bounty.

My Christmas tasks are pretty much done. The presents are bought and just have to be posted. The cards are bought and just have to be signed. I had planned a custom card this year, but I have been stymied in trying to find a good Vancouver image that screams "it's CHRISTMAS!!!" or Kwanza or Channuka or Festivus or Solstice. Like we weren't aware.

Anyway, there is probably not enough time to get said custom cards done, signed, posted, and delivered. So I acquiesced and bought the mass market version. Well, not quite. I did hit Commercial Drive in a victorious attempt to find something local.

And I also hit the liqour store for some above mentioned rum, some foreign beer, and rum balls. Sweet, delicious rum balls.

Diet? Ha!

It was/is a capital day as well. Sunny, warm, wonderful. Hard to belive it's winter. But the rains are due.

My schedule since returning home has been very... calm. Three days of work at CTV last week. This weekend OFF!!! And then 3 days at CBC next week. And all three are work-at-home days. Two of them require a 3am start. Ugh.

I've somehow got the next two weekends off as well, with lots of mid-week employ. A good thing, as the visa bill is bound to be a biggie in the new year.

And then there is the spectre of more travel. California and Florida are a given. But I am also thinking of a spell in Belize (perhaps to work on some film projects) and/or the 18 hour flight to Australia. Why? Why not?!

Or North Korea.

Heh. I need help.

Anyway, that's the up to the minute entry.

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

from the "why did I leave the Maritimes?" dept.

The fine folks at CBC.ca just hooked me up with 2 days of online work next week. Very nice, 'cept it's the PEI site, meaning I got to start posting at 3am local time. Joy!

Cheers!

Monday, December 05, 2005

from the "2 days on, 4 days off" dept.

The first weekend home is over, and two days of work are now history. And 4 days off await. Nice life, eh?

With Christmas bearing down, there are a billion things to do: cards, presents, rum and egg nog. Sweet!

I had a meeting today with the Night of Artist folks... I'm back in for 2006... and I will have another article in the NOA magazine. I know this will demand lots of my time, but I think it is a good marketing opportunity.

Winter is in full force here in Vancouver. White stuff everywhere, cold, and even homeless people dying. Definitely strange. And it's been wintery for some time -- but I was basking on the warm east coast for most of it.

That's it for now. More interesting stuff to come soon. Pictures too.

Cheers!

Doug

Saturday, December 03, 2005

from the "so this is work" dept.

It's lunch break on my first day back to work. Writing the local stuff for CTV this weekend.

Bit of a disappointment when I went to start my car -- a flat battery. And the battery is only a month or two old.

I didn't have time to use CAA, so I had to take the 40 minute bus ride in. And I get to take it home with all the drunks tonight.

Tomorrow morning I will get a boost and hope for the best. I have a Night of Artists meeting in Richmond, so I need wheels for that -- or else I can't go.

And then back to work...

More later!

from the "I just flew in from Halifax and boy, are my arms tired" dept.

It is 6am Atlantic, but the clock on the wall says 2am. That's because I am home in Vancouver. Another trip has concluded.

The final day was busy: lunch with Wade Keller at CTV/Maritimes, zipping around with Mark Hammond, followed by dinner at his house with Heather.

Then it was off to the airport. My flight was originally scheduled for a 8:20pm Atlantic departure. It left at 8:50, and threatened to arrive too late to make my connection in Toronto. I was stuck in a middle seat, but it wasn't too bad. I zoned out with a book and tunes.

The flight arrived in time to get the connection, and I was only subjected to YYZ Terminal 1 for 40 minutes or so.

The second leg I was blessed with an aisle seat and a open seat between me and the guy sitting in the window seat. I watched the first movie "Cinderella Man" (which was pretty good) and slept through Ocean's 12.

Air Canada sure is cheap these days: no food, no pillows, no blankets. What a crock.

I touched down in a chilly Vancouver about 1:10am local time (5:10 atlantic). And there were patches of snow to be seen from the cabride home. Considering I've been up since 7am atlantic, it's time to stop blogging and start sleeping.

And I work in 12 hours. Fun. But it was a great trip. And I can't wait to do it again.

Cheers!

Friday, December 02, 2005

from the "hanging up the Sou'wester" dept.

I'm leaving. I'm coming home. After much debate, I've decided that 2 weeks is plenty, and I need to return to my real life.

It's been a blast here in the Merry-times. And it's not over. My flight isn't until late, and I have lunch and dinner plans lined up.

I spent last night taking snaps of the Burkes (see main image above). Today is a blustery rotten day -- perfect for rough flying, and just like it was when I arrived.

But I am tired. And I need to get back to work.

The next post will be from Vancouver -- just 5000 km west of here! (Thanks to Scooter for setting me straight on distance and direction).

Doug

Thursday, December 01, 2005

from the "almost over" dept.

Kind of a grey and dull day today. Which means few photos to post.

The agenda is loose. Waiting for BJ to come home so I have some wheels. And then I'll be lunching with someone, somewhere.

Then it's family picture time with the Burkes. And a beer with Hammond. And a visit with the Berrington's. Phew!

Tomorrow, the last day will be calm. A quick jaunt to the airport for an early check in, but not flying until 8pm. Arrive home Saturday morning at 1am. And back to work. For two days only.

The trip to Sacremento has been delayed. The main reason is that there is a lot we want to accomplish, and the people involved in the documentary project need to be on the same page as us. Otherwise, we won't get everything done.

So, it makes more sense to hold off until everyone is ready. We're still self-funding at this point, so it means we're being fiscally responsible.

This also means (and I think I've mentioned this before) that I am now looking at a period of free time from Dec 5 - 19. Not a bad thing, but coming on the heels of the NS trip and a two week period (generally) of free time, it means the pennies will be tight. Just in time for Christmas.

It's been a great adventure here... I can't believe all the things I've done and the people I've seen.

I thought when I came back that it would be nice... but I am finding myself conflicted about where I live. There is something about this place that Vancouver doesn't have. It's not just friends, it's more than that.

Does this mean I want to move back? I'm not sure. If I could make what I make in Vancouver, I'd have a sweet little life. Not to say that life in Vancouver isn't sweet.

See? Conflicted.

Cheers!

Doug

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

from the "more, more, more" dept.

Remember, faithful reader, that there is much more for you to see. I've been posting so mamy images that content winds up in the archives. So, look to the right side of your screen and scroll down... that's the archives... and there are tons of treats waiting for you!

Cheers!

from the "winding down" dept.

The adventure is coming to an end. Just today, Thursday and the lion's share of Friday remain.

The rental car went back today... but BJ is lending me his during the day. So I am hoping to fit in a lunch or two still.

Yesterday was an amazing day... as the photos below demonstrate. And the sun is out again. And unlike Vancouver, there is no snow, and the temperatures are in the 12C range. Nice!

Lots of things ahead: the late flight home Friday, work the weekend. Then, prepare to go to Sacramento the following Saturday. Yikes, talk about a hit on the old expenses. Combined with Christmas, it's going to be a fiscal rollercoaster.

That said, lots of work is on the horizon, so the lack of cash will be short lived.

I saw on the tube last night that the average salary in Fort McMurray, Alberta is $91,000. Jesus standing in a garden!! That's some major dinero. Life is so unfair!

Anyway, ATV (CTV Maritimes) awaits. And then, if the sun holds, I think I'll head out to the mighty south shore for a late afternoon coffee in Lunenburg. Or Chester. Or maybe, just maybe, head back to the Annapolis Valley for more fresh cider and apples from Henniger's. Awww.

Cheers!

Long and winding road (Duncan's Cove)


Long and winding road (Duncan's Cove)
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Mmmm... curvy!


Mmmm... curvy!
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.

Fog Horn


Fog Horn
Originally uploaded by borderfilms.com.