You hear a lot about construction starts, but when exactly does the construction stop? 2015 seems to be International Year of the Refresh and the Rebuild. One interesting thing about all of those nailed-in sheets of plywood is the street artists they attract. Some of these illustrators, painters and collage-builders take good

Designer Cheralyn Chok is busy as ever. Between her business school classes, she is madly sewing ties. The Etsy Canada market is coming to town and Chok wants to make sure that she is not caught short. “I have no idea what to expect as I’ve never been before. But

As the sun inches into its fall retreat, there is still good time for a weekend trip to the Okanagan. For a well-rounded Interior experience, park your car by Okanagan Lake Beach on Penticton’s Lakeshore Drive. At this time of year, as you walk along the seawall, you won’t see a

As you wander around Granville Island, you never know which artists you will find showing their wares around the next corner. Some are set up in booths in the food market, some are performing outside and some are housed in the studios nestled between Arts Umbrella and Emily Carr University of

Sometimes they are a reminder of how many talented performers live quietly after-hours, playing only for friends, small gatherings or perhaps no one but themselves. They will linger by those pianos plonked down in the middle of the sidewalk, then – bolstered by friends or a sudden surge of confidence –

In a long trip to or away from home, airports make a difference. Will this airport be hectic, overwhelming and disorganized? Or will you be lucky enough to take off or land in a place that surprises you with its efficiency, atmosphere or art? YVR has come a long way

The scarcity principle works. Last week, I got word from a stealth source that maybe, just maybe, pumpkin chai tea would be available soon at David’s Tea. Since this, my newish favourite tea, is only available in Fall, every year I vow to stockpile. But, the piles are never high enough

First came the ‘No Fun City’ label. Then, The Economist had to pile on. In an article entitled Torporville, no less, Vancouver was thrown into the sludge with Vienna and Geneva as ‘pleasant cities, yes, but mind-numbingly boring. What right-minded person would rank Vienna a better city than Rio, or Vancouver preferable

After months of serious concern, the BC film industry has been picking up. With our ever-talented crew base and the hobbling Canadian dollar, Vancouver is luring back Hollywood. Once Upon A Time, The X Files, Minority Report, The Flash, Supernatural, multiple Movies of the Week. The UBCP site lists the

Is Jon Snow dead dead? Or is he coming back next season? As the Game of Thrones/Kit Harington spies hunt for clues, there is one Vancouverite who no doubt has some answers. Michelle MacLaren is a  TV influencer whose work as a Director has included multiple episodes of Game of Thrones: The