Morning Brew: Ecoblivious?

Tolls dropped on the Coquihalla, reactions... positive! I say we keep 'em paying and secretly funnel that money towards all those bridges we need here in Van. Or maybe the development of alternative fuel sources? Or perhaps to lend a hand to some those who just might need it most? Or whatever, no more tolls! Woot! Road pops on our next Coquihalla road trip! Gordo rules!

However, Vancouver is about to become the first major Canadian city to allow electric cars. Finally. Is it more peaceful parallel parking a Zenn? For more, check out the VEVA.

Ladner jabbed for Insite stance. I was holding out for this story to be about a full blown assault at the hands of a raging nurse (just jokes, but c'mon). Oh, and Ladner responds on his blog.

Then there's Vision. "As a 'progressive' party backed heavily by developers and casino operators, what does it really stand for?" Isn't everyone who gains office anywhere backed by developers and casino operators? At least these guys will defend safe injection, juice with pulp, and support the all too necessary change in minimum wage.

Will Ladner's bicycle vote flatten his tires? Sure, "Only four per cent of Vancouver residents commute by bike," but only 30% of us turn up for civic elections - and you know every damn bike commuter does, so isn't that more like 15% of the vote? Time to get peddling...

Olympics tickets will have a surcharge for free transit to events minus the mountains. No word yet on how to fund the ancillary anger management courses for those bus drivers. Can I make that a new election point?

Canadian Architect on Vancouver's Quest for Ecodensity. "The development industry is salivating at EcoDensity because it basically gives them bonusing for putting in a green roof or putting in a flower garden."

Vancouverites--and indeed the nation--appear to be postponing and politicizing a decision that requires quick and meaningful action. Despite the obvious problems associated with urban sprawl and the negative effects of inaction, the City along with many Vancouverites seem unable to set aside historic divisions or self-serving views, blissfully ignoring the fact that Vancouver is using 300 times its own footprint ecologically and thus contributing heavily to the global problem. The truth, seldom noted in the success story that is Vancouver, is that suburban growth has far outpaced the seemingly endless pace of rising towers in the downtown core.

Is whey protein powder made with contaminated Chinese milk? It's cool to laugh until someone actually gets sick, right?

Have public schools lost their way? Some parents are upset: "Quality education in Vancouver (and other areas) is sacrificed for international student dollars." Meanwhile, there's a call for kids to be taught mandarin in kindergarten.

The web's 20 most visible individuals in Vancouver are announced and -- what, no Sean or Jon?? Not enough time building those personal brands? Should we combine our pessimistic power and form Sean Jon? Or how about adopting this as our logo to solidify the brand: penis is the new riot. But in all honesty: Sean, you're 30 now... it's time to have a kid and start uploading photos of you taking it to the PNE so we can get in the blliiinnnng. That or start bitching about Telus or Apple instead of the damn homeless and that end of western civilization bullshit. I want more free cupcakes. Oh well, democracy does still exist.

Matthew Good's webmaster also calls bullshit on the whole thing, albeit with a little less sarcasm. Whatever, ever since 'Hospital Music' I've been a way bigger fan of Ian Bell and Roland Taglano. So is 'Social Media' just an elaborate ruse for bespectacled thirtysomethings to sit behind their laptops and feel popular, or are they doing something socially productive that I'm missing? Enlighten me.

Robertson and Ladner will have their first 'quiet debate' on Wednesday, but last week some had their first chance to see the two together and talking about the issues. Some interesting thoughts on the way you can expect the two men to show up as publicity increases.

Michael Geist wants you to ask your MP to take the Copyright Pledge.

Scientists urge more studies into the cellphone-cancer connection. A few months ago, one of the top neurosurgeons in the world was urging the public that cellphone use was worse than cigarettes in terms of cancer risk. The world finally succeeds in self-regulating?

One thing that's definitely a bigger problem than cigarettes: our shitty diets and inactivity. But, ummm... BC's obesity rate is still the lowest nationally and declining. Still, you better watch out or you might end up in Fat Camp. Damn I hate the media.

Whatever, just stock up on these things, they're gonna be nuggets of post-apocalyptic gold: McDonalds burger looks identical after 12 years.

photo by nouseforadave in the br flickr group