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Sculpture by Ren Jun sits in Vanier Park, Vancouver BC. It has been surrounded by fencing for months supposedly for restoration work. There are many better shots of it including one by Harris Hui. Check his out! The sculpture was installed for the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale.
Ren Jun made his North American debut with this elegant, amorphic stainless steel sculpture Freezing Water #7 at the Vancouver Biennale 2009-2011. The sculpture is located in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park. Cast in stainless steel, the artist reveals his mastery of material, volume and engineering to create a monumental public installation as fluid as a bird in flight. This sculpture captures the artist’s inspiration of spilt water as it puddles and morphs into mercury-like shapes.
Media: Stainless Steel
Ren Jun graduated from the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts, Shaanxi Province, China. Jun represents the energy and opportunity of a young generation of artists working in a ‘New China’, with a shifting focus away from the urban metropolis. His early works embody a spirit of heroism that reflects the political, cultural and economic characteristics of a transient Chinese society shaped by historic contradictions. His recent body of work takes a dramatic departure in form and inspiration. He draws inspiration from nature and uses it as a springboard for an exploration of the human spirit. Jun’s sculptures are a visual challenge of pure form, a conversion of his philosophical reflection into a visual symbol.
His monumental sculptures have been exhibited across China, including many of the newly emerging industrial cities
A day trip north from Vancouver to Squamish and Brakendale BC to check out the Bald Eagle viewing included at short drive north of Brakendale on Squamish Valley Road about 10 km to a bridge crossing the Cheaakamus River. It is another area where Bald Eagles can be spotted feasting on dead or dying spawning salmon December to January. No eagles spotted but a river raft from Sunwolf Resort was coming down the rapids in his approach to landing at Fergies Restaurant near the bridge.
From the Sunwolf web site:
Sunwolf - Rafting, Riverside Cabins & Eagle Viewing:
Whether you’re looking for BC’s best whitewater rafting, fishing or just a relaxing night in one of our riverside cabins, our year round resort just 45 minutes from Downtown Vancouver & 30 minutes from Whistler is the perfect place to go!
Sunwolf offers whitewater rafting for the thrill seekers and the family from June 15 to September 15 and Bald Eagle Viewing floats from December 1 to February 15! We’ve also got 10 cozy riverside cabins and our popular ‘Logger’s Shack’ that are ideal for any weekend getaway, event or family gathering!
The ms Zaandam is passing Brockton Point in Stanley park Vancouver BC.
While the east and north of Burrard Inlet is characterized by industrial port use, the south and west is the playground of Vancouverites and their visitors.
STANLEY PARK:
Stanley Park is the largest city park in Canada (404 hectares - 1,000 acres). Described by one local writer as a 'thousand-acre therapeutic couch', it began as a military reserve in the mid-1800s to guard the entrance to Vancouver harbour. The Vancouver Parks Board supervises it - and just about every resident in the city has an opinion if anybody has plans to make any changes other than cutting the grass. Much of Stanley Park’s design was based on the planning principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer behind New York’s Central Park.
Dr. Yat-Sen Classic Chinese Garden displayed many red lanterns for the 2014 Chinese New Year festivities (31 January 2014 - Year of the Horse).
Chinese Lantern History:
From: www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/lanterns.htm
Chinese red lanterns have a long history, and they have become a well-known symbol of China Towns worldwide. They started out as a practicality and evolved into elaborate status symbols, literally riddled with mystery.
The most common Chinese lanterns are red, oval shape, and decorated with red or golden tassels, but they come in many forms; another usual style is a square lantern.
The materials for making a lantern vary: bamboo, wood, rattan, or steel wire for the frame; paper or silk for the shade; and for decoration Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper cutting, and embroidery.
History
Developed in Ancient China
Red lanterns were used to protect the flame from windy weather.
The Chinese lantern originated as an improvement for the open flame. The shade not only protects the flame inside from being extinguished in windy weather, but also provides a more diffuse form of lighting.
It was inevitable that the lantern shade would become the object of artistic expression, given the Chinese penchant for embellishment. It also underwent extensive design experimentation: lamp-shade artisans competed amongst themselves to produce lamp shades of exquisite beauty, functionality, design, and artistic decoration.
Just as in the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, where contestants compete each year to create the most impressive costume, participants in the ancient Lantern Festivals competed each year in producing the most impressive lantern.
The difference is that the best lantern designs in China – except for those reserved for the Imperial Palace – became public property: they were copied by every lamp-shade artisan throughout the country.
The emperor himself had the best lamp-shade artisans in the empire work for him; such recognition was naturally the supreme honour.
While the earliest Chinese lanterns were created for practical use in the house and as entrance-way lighting, they eventually became highly ornamental, and a status symbol.
It was also quickly discovered the lantern made an excellent "flashlight", or portable light.
Some historical experts believe that the concept of street lighting in Europe stems from European contact with Imperial China, where "street lighting" had long existed in the form of the Chinese lanterns hanging on doors and gateways.
Typical for ancient Chinese society was its penchant for grand celebrations. One such celebration is the Lantern Festival, aka Little New Year, so named because it is the culmination of the Chinese New Year festival.
Ancient Chinese celebrations always contained an element of reference to other artistic genres, such as the fine art of calligraphy, or literature.
For example, a famous poet might compose a poem recognizing the artistic achievement of the artists/ artisans. Occasionally the fame of such a poem would eventually completely overshadow the fame of the subject of the poem.
Lantern Riddles are a unique folk custom of Lantern Festivals.
Guessing the meaning of lantern riddles has been a unique folk custom during the Lantern Festival since ancient times.
In ancient China, every family hung colorful lanterns at the gate. Some wrote riddles on pieces of paper, and attached them on the lanterns. The answer had to be guessed from a word, a poem, or a phrase.
Because the riddles are interesting and thought-provoking, and guessing lantern riddles makes the festival more interactive and lively, it has remained an essential activity during the Chinese Lantern Festival.
Although there is no longer a practical need for Chinese lanterns, they are still made, used, and enjoyed by the Chinese people. They continue to be a means of artistic expression, both in terms of functionality, design, and decoration.
The streets both in big cities and small towns are decorated with red lanterns during festivals, especially Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lantern Festival.
Best places to go are Beijing, Hongkong and Nanjing. In Beijing, temple fairs are held in various venues, and lanterns can be seen everywhere.
Vancouver
Fecha gregoriana: \viernes 10 de febrero de 2012
Cuenta larga: 12.19.19.2.3
Rueda calendárica: 12 akbal – 11 pax
If you are BC Hydro and you need a new 230 Kva transformer at the Murrin Sub-station at Main and Union Streets in Vancouver BC, what are you to do?
Call Apex Industrial Movers and have the 100 ton behemoth loaded on a BIG truck, barge it down to the east end of False Creek and then drive it for 3 blocks to the sub-station.
Sitting in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver BC enjoying the warm morning sun.
Pigeons in Vancouver BC have become an increasing problem for many residents. The city enacted a bylaw controlling their control and since it is difficult for pest companies to eradicate the pest and they have exploded in population.
Yes, many of us love pigeons because they are associated with love, peace, family, dedication, stability, faithfulness …but to be honest, mostly we would like to see them far away from our balconies, roofs and houses.
Most city pigeons are descended from cultivated pigeons that became wild. They breed frequently, multiplying at a rapid rate, and have become a substantial problem for the people they live beside. When they were in captivity and bred for profit, their fast reproduction was an advantage. But when they started to breed as free agents they became a nuisance.
Did You Know?
Pigeon fact: Droppings cause vegetation to decay, leading to order problems.
Pigeon fact: Pigeons are not migratory.
Pigeon fact: One pigeon can deposit over 11 kilograms of droppings per year.
Pigeon fact: Pigeon nests can cause fires on electrical signs.
Wherever there are people, there are pigeons. They are descended from rock doves, which were originally domesticated for food and pets. Released birds are the forebears of today’s pigeon infestations, which plague cities across the globe. And because they have no natural enemies, pigeons have become the number one avian pest by far. The following are some more pigeon facts for Vancouver homeowners:
Habitat
Everywhere people are found. Pigeons are especially numerous in urban areas and can be found in public parks as well as more industrialized, developed spaces. They nest in areas that protect them from the elements such as lofts, attics, and under architectural ornamentation.
Breeding
Pigeons are monogamous and will lay one to two eggs, which hatch in about 18 days. They reproduce year-round with the young leaving the nest after four to six weeks, during which time more eggs are laid.
Food and Feeding
They will eat just about anything!
Morphology and Lifestyle
Length: 27 centimeters on average
Weight: 370 grams on average
Calls: Coos, moans and grunts
Lifespan: 3 – 4 years
High in the mountains of the West, gray-and-black Clark’s Nutcrackers swoop among wizened pine trees, flashing white in the tail and wing. They use their dagger-like bills to rip into pine cones and pull out large seeds, which they stash in a pouch under their tongue and then carry away to bury for the winter. Each birds buries tens of thousands of seeds each summer and remembers the locations of most of them. Seeds they don’t retrieve play a crucial role in growing new pine forests.
The Cavalia Big Top was set up on the south shore of East False Creek in Vancouver BC for their horsey show Odysseo which ran daily from 07 Dec 13 to 02 Feb 14.
About Cavalia from their web site: www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo/tickets-info/vancouver-bc-can/...
Odysseo by Cavalia is a theatrical experience, an ode to horse and man that marries the equestrian arts, awe inspiring acrobatics and high-tech theatrical effects. Set under a 38-meter tall White Big Top, audiences will be transported around the world as more than 60 horses and an international cast play and demonstrate their intimate bond. The 1,393 square meter stage features a real carousel and a magically appearing 302,000-litre lake in front of a stunning video backdrop the size of three IMAX screens. Odysseo is a two-hour dream that will move the heart and touch the soul. It is an evening that the audience will never forget.
About Cavalia from Wikipedia site: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalia
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Cavalia Inc. is an entertainment company that specializes in the creation, production and touring of shows for audiences of all ages. Founded by Normand Latourelle, the company has an expertise in equestrian and performing arts, and is known for making the most of cutting-edge technology, multimedia and special effects, which allows for the creation of magical, unique, never-before-seen theatrical experiences. that presents large-scale equestrian and performing arts productions. Its shows display equestrian and acrobatic techniques such as Trick Riding, Vaulting, Haute École, Pas De Deux, and unbridled displays. Cavalia has produced two shows up to now: Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse, and Odysseo.
I usually pay little attention to the underside (or topside) of the Cambie bridge but this morning the sun was at the right angle to reflect light off the waters of East False Creek onto the under- deck surface. It made interesting patterns that changed as a light breeze rippled the water.
From Wikipedia:
The Cambie Bridge is a six-lane symmetric, precast, varying-depth-post tension-box girder bridge spanning False Creek in Vancouver, British Columbia. The current bridge opened in 1985, but is the third bridge at the same location. Sometimes referred to as the Cambie Street Bridge, it connects Cambie Street on the south shore of False Creek to both Nelson and Smithe Streets in the downtown peninsula. It is the easternmost of False Creek's fixed crossings; the Burrard and Granville bridges are a little more than a kilometre to the west, and the new Canada Line SkyTrain tunnel under the creek is built just west of the Cambie Bridge.
History
The first Cambie Street Bridge, opened in 1891, was built as a simple piled-timber trestle with a trussed timber swing span near the middle. It cost $12,000.
The next bridge was a four-lane, medium level steel bridge, 1,247 metres (4,091 ft) long and carrying streetcar tracks. It was completed in 1911 for $740,000, opening to traffic on May 24, 1911. The following year, Canada’s Governor General, the Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, accompanied by the Duchess and their daughter, Princess Patricia, visited Vancouver to officiate at a ceremony renaming the new crossing as the "Connaught Bridge" on September 20, 1912. The name "Connaught" never caught on, and most people continued to call it simply the "Cambie Street Bridge", after the street that runs across it, Cambie Street, named for pioneer Vancouver resident Henry John Cambie.
The navigation span was a steel through-truss swing span which the city would open on four hours' notice. In 1953, it opened 79 times. Even in its later years, it was opened once or twice a week. The trusses of the swing span projected through the bridge deck, dividing the two outer lanes from the two inner lanes. This contributed to many motor vehicle collisions. In April 1915, the creosoted wood deck caught fire, with the collapse of a 24.4-metre (80 ft) steel side span.
The present bridge:
A new, higher, non-opening bridge was built in 1984–85 to replace the 1911 structure. The entire Cambie crossing was closed for nine months, starting November 1984, while the present, six-lane, concrete bridge was merged with the existing approaches. The new bridge cost $52.7 million and was opened on December 8, 1985, after being built to a tight time scale so as to be available for Vancouver's Expo 86 starting in May 1986. City engineer W.H. Curtis was assisted by E.A. West, Assistant City Engineer, Streets & Structures, who was closely involved in its construction.
The 1985 bridge is of a twin post-tensioned prestressed concrete type in a continuous span. The total structural length is 1,100 metres (3,600 ft); it carries 6 lanes of traffic and a 14-foot (4.3 m) pedestrian walkway. The colouring of the concrete was obtained through the addition of volcanic ash from Mount Lassen to the mix.
Vancouver
Fecha gregoriana: miércoles 7 de diciembre de 2011
Cuenta larga: 12.19.18.16.18
Rueda calendárica: 12 etz'nab – 6 mac
Well, most of my contacts probably don't remember who I am. I was once a dedicated Flickr member, uploading regularly and commenting on photos daily. However I have lost my way and photography has slowly slipped from my grasp. But I do say, I will make an effort to return! I miss photography, it was my stress-reliever, pass time and hobby.
This photo was taken up in Sun Peaks, British Colombia, Canada. I took a week long trip up there with my Aunt, her husband and my cousins. This particular chairlift was headed up to the top of the Crystal. Honest to God, the top of the peak looked like it had Whoville trees. I'll post some photos of them in the comments so you can see for yourselves. All-in-all, I had an amazing time up there, I recommend Sun Peaks to anyone who is looking to get away for a Ski trip next winter. None-the-less, it's good to be home!
+2 in comments
"And we could run away
Before the light of day
You know we always could
The mountains say, the mountains say
And we could run away
Before the light of day
You know we always could
The mountains say, the mountains say"
Message to bears
Vancouver
Fecha gregoriana: domingo 5 de febrero de 2012
Cuenta larga: 12.19.19.1.18
Rueda calendárica: 7 etz'nab – 6 pax
Vancouver
Fecha gregoriana: domingo 22 de enero de 2012
Cuenta larga: 12.19.19.1.4
Rueda calendárica: 6 kan – 12 muan
Decorative concrete balls dot the landscape in Andy Livingstone Park in Vancouver BC. The space beside this one made someone a temporary sleeping nook.
The Sunwolf raft rafter survived the Cheakamus River Rapids north of Brakendale BC and is pulling in for lunch at Fergies Restaurant. Sunwolf is a manufacturer of rafts based in Merlin Oregon.
Sunwolf is a river rafting company based in Brakendale BC. Website: www.sunwolf.net
From the Sotar website:
SOTAR, founded in 1980, is a whitewater equipment company based in Merlin, Oregon. We have a full retail store connected to our warehouse, which is where all SOTAR inflatables are manufactured. Our retail store carries a wide-range of products. In fact, we can outfit your entire next trip.
We started out as a small company with big dreams and have evolved through the years into a custom boat shop where we get to make customers dreams come true every day by designing the best boats available with your special color combination, size or options to fit your needs.
We are open year round and are able to Custom build 6-8 rafts, cats and kayaks per week.
Glenn Lewman co-founder of Sotar is still the owner today, and the company that he started in a garage is flourishing 30 years later. Customer satisfaction and custom built is what we live by here at SOTAR.
Sotar website: www.sotar.com
Mon 1er Bald Eagle, pris sur un îlot au large de Tofino.
My 1st Bald Eagle, shot on a small island off the Tofino coast.
The ms Zaandam is approaching the Lions Gate bridge and is passing the north shore Vancouver Wharves Terminal. The yellow piles are sulphur extracted from oil processing and will be used to make fertilizer.
VANCOUVER WHARVES:
Vancouver Wharves is a bulk marine terminal, located east of the Lions Gate Bridge on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in Greater Vancouver’s Port Metro Vancouver.
In operation since 1959, the 125-acre terminal handles over three million tonnes of inbound and outbound cargo products annually. The facility consists of five vessel berths capable of handling Panamax size vessels, with significant rail infrastructure, dry bulk and liquid storage, and material handling systems. It has a storage capacity of one million tonnes of bulk cargo and 250,000 barrels of petroleum products.
Vancouver Wharves handles wood pellets, mineral concentrates, sulphur, agricultural products and liquids.
Since 2007, Vancouver Wharves has been part of Kinder Morgan. Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals (KMCT) has a long term lease on the property and acquired the Vancouver Wharves assets from BC Rail Corporation.
On October 9th, 1996, a Canadian Pacific sulphur train snakes its way east through the sharp curves along the Thompson River near Basque, BC.
I think Victoria is western Canada's little Europe. Historical buildings, beautiful gardens and I must say splendid weather.
For someone living in a 6-month-winter-concrete-jungle, this is just 1 mile to heaven.
This is the Empress!. We weren't hotel guests (I wish) but we were just waiting for our hop-in-hop-out bus. A 15-ish boy came and started playing violin near us. I checked my wallet but didn't have any change (or anything for that matter). So me and my wife were just looking at people tipping him for his talent. Then a 10-ish asian (probably Chinese I think I heard some mandarin) kid approached him and dropped two 50 dollar bills. Then the young violinist packed his stuff and left.
Victoria is the capitol city of British Columbia, Canada and it is situated on the inner harbour diagonally from the Empress Hotel. Both buildings were designed by Francis Rattenbury. Due to age, the structure has some serious problems of which the green dome with the stature of Captain George Vancouver is top of list, so to speak!
The Inner Harbour is the main gathering place in Victoria for marine activity, sightseeing, entertainment, attractions and politics. There are always yachts, sailboats, sea planes, kayaks and passenger ferries moving to and from the docks and marina.
A two tier, level waterfront walk-way is the sidewalk of choice for visitors when exploring on the waterfront - often being entertained by artists and musicians. During the night the Parliament Buildings light up the sky with over 3,300 light bulbs casting a magical spell over the harbour.
Some of the nearby attractions include the gardens in Beacon Hill Park, the history of the BC Royal Museum and the shops, boutiques and artisans in the downtown core on Government Street.
The construction of the BC Legislature Buildings in 1893 was led by a 25 year old architect by the name of Francis Rattenbury. It was in 1897, during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, that the construction was deemed complete.
Francis Rattenbury and his crew made an effort to use local materials, resources and expertise when building the Parliament Buildings. Granite rock foundations were brought in from nearby Nelson Island, the site facades were locally imported from Haddington Island and much of the local brick, lime and Douglas Fir were from Vancouver Island. It was important to him and the Government to support local businesses during this very important time in British Columbia.
The Legislature Buildings of British Columbia, Canada were officially opened in February 1898. However details, refinishing, additions and upgrades were always on the go until 1915.
When work was completed the Province of British Columbia had an official residence for the B.C. Parliament to pass laws and a home for the Provincial Legislative Assembly to gather and discuss the direction of the province.
The BC Legislature Buildings provide guided tours year round. Tours are provided Monday to Friday. However... tours are extended to every day during the summer months between May long weekend and Labour Day long weekend. Tours are provided in both official languages of Canada - English and French - and can be arranged in other languages with notice and availability of staff.
BUILDING TROUBLES:
29 NOV 2013 - GLOBE & MAIL REPORT:
Restoration of the aging green dome atop B.C.’s iconic legislature buildings is expected to reveal a host of other problems that would significantly increase construction costs and duration, say members of a committee that will soon decide the best course of action.
The dome of the 115-year-old building in Victoria, on which a golden statue of Captain George Vancouver stands, has begun to twist and shift as the result of water seeping between the dome and the structure beneath it, said legislative clerk Craig James. Water damage can be seen on various parts of the building’s exterior.
Zeidler Partnership Architects, a firm that reviewed the buildings in 2006, has estimated the repair cost to be about $5.7-million today. However, that figure could grow significantly depending on what crews find once restoration begins – a point of frustration called “scope creep” that many who have renovated their homes are all too familiar with.
“One of the difficulties is that when you fix one part, it may be connected to some other part that requires fixing as well,” he said.
“The dome is on a series of columns that go all the way down to the basement. Once you deal with the dome, do you have to further examine the columns that it rests on? [If so], will that need repair?”
Mr. James said the damaged dome doesn’t pose a safety concern. “The thing isn’t going to fall off and the building isn’t going to crumble” – but it does need to be addressed.
The legislature is already known as one of the least earthquake-proof buildings in the province, and a 2011 report concluded it needs upgrades and maintenance worth $250-million to prevent a collapse. The hefty price tag means the buildings won’t likely have seismic upgrades.
Vue sur le Park Stanley et le quartier West End au fond à droite. A gauche North Vancouver et son port industriel
Panoramique de 4 photos