If you ride Skytrain into downtown, between Main Street and Stadium station, you pass a huge, empty parking lot. Between Science World and GM Place, I look down and often see youngins on BMX bikes, popping wheelies and doing turns as graceful as a skater.

I once bought a bike to learn tricks, but never started. At my ripe old age (kidding), that dream seems a bit more distant, with my often-sore back and fear of sweating. But I still have the bike, and I get excited watching BMX DVDs.

I am quite excited that some "bicycle porn" will be coming to a big screen near me on June 28...

ac-tiv-ism
noun
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue

Note the words "direct vigorous action". How vigorous should activism be? One of the topics I'm passionate about is Vancouver's bus system. I am a more passive activist, in that I write email to Translink about being left behind by full buses on Commercial Drive, before finally flagging a cab. I rail, with words, against the fare increase in light of poor bus service. On the other hand, organizations like the Bus Riders Union (BRU) are what I define as vigorous activists. They are an entity that is not afraid to grab headlines by disrupting meetings and putting down Translink on-camera.

What works better? Residents potentially affected by Sumas II peacefully protested against the plant. On the other hand, the BRU have used stronger tactics to win on issues such as reinstating the Night Bus. Each activist group draws praise and criticism.

What changes do you want to see in Vancouver, and how will you work to make them happen?

During last year's World Cup finals, I headed to Commercial Drive, intending to celebrate in a pub. Unknowingly, I wandered into a cool street event called Car-Free Commercial Drive Day. There's nothing like being able to breeze up and down a four-lane street, with no fear of being run over. Just walking on the busy Drive on a normal day can be an unnerving experience.

On this particular sunny afternoon I checked out interesting business displays. Some patrons sat down and sampled services such as Indian head massage, shiatsu, and tarot readings. Lots of cool clothes were on sale as well. Stores opened their doors wide to swarms of people seeking creative wear and gifts. The ice cream shop had a lineup halfway down the block!

I discovered the party had much more to offer.

Summer: the season of weddings. Whether you're in love and pushing your partner for marriage, or single and hating all couples, this is the time to get ready to celebrate commitment!

As MC for an upcoming wedding, I get a sneak peek behind the scenes. When I see the planning involved, I realize how much it can cost. Not just financially, but environmentally. Guests fly in. Specialty catering means food shipped for the reception. Exotic flowers flown in causes emissions. Then there's the bridal dress: what do you do with it afterwards?

Since there are a tonne of ways to reduce your wedding's environmental footprint, it's best to start with one focus. An easy step is to hire a catering company that has sustainable practices. One such business is smartly named The Butler Did It.

Being environmental is so pervasive in our mainstream culture. Only a few years ago, I used to be looked upon as a bag-lady, tree-hugging hippie. Now, I'm one in a crowd. When I used to ride my bike everyday, friends were flabbergasted and inspired. Today more people than ever ride bikes to my workplace. I had to get a bike rack installed there.

I drive my car now. I used to only use it on weekends, because work is so close to home. But lately I've been seduced by the ease of going from one side of town to the other, with wind blowing, great music, and lots of personal space (unlike on transit).

Looks like the government wants me to do my penance. From June 3 to 9, they've declared it Canadian Environment Week. It's meant to spotlight how easy it can be to include environmental activities in our daily lives.

Floridians have sharks. Mexicans have snakes. B.C. residents have bears. Every part of the world has a predatory animal that strikes fear in the population's hearts. But perhaps we've been misled. This weekend, you can take part in a festival that is meant to assuage your fears.

April 23 to 29 has officially been declared "Bear Week" in North Vancouver. Activities throughout the week are designed to explore ways to co-exist with bears, while our population grows, encroaching upon their natural habitats. There will be talks, tours, family parties at the beach, and carnivals!

Bear experts Ben Kilham and Charlie Russell will give a talk on Friday, Apr. 27th. Kilham has been featured in the media, and is nicknamed "Mother Bear Man" for having raised bear cubs. In the past decade, Russell has rescued and released zoo cubs from Kamchatka, Russia.