Fresh Fuzz

The “earth” without “art” is just “eh.”

by Angelo October 24th, 2011 - No Comments »

I’ve always had an appreciation for visual art. Over the years I’ve dabbled a little myself, more as a creative outlet than any other reason. I just needed an avenue for my creativity to be expressed. I don’t know why I just need to create. I’ve gone through a number of phases during my life, painting, writing, photography, acting, web design and sales, I suppose, to a lesser extent. I find one of the most interesting points in the creative process is when a child goes from simply playing with paint or clay to having their work praised and displayed. As soon as the first piece makes it to the fridge door, the child’s attitude toward art is forever changed. It no longer becomes “art for art’s sake” it becomes a measurable … it becomes “fridge worthy”.

A point of discovery for me was when I differentiated between the child as an artist and the parent who appreciated it, hanging it with care on the refrigerator door. As a parent, I too hung masterpieces on the front of the fridge, and to me they were masterpieces. Why? Because in my mind there was no separation between art and artist. Iloved the artist and therefore I loved the art.

When I first moved to British Columbia I had an interesting experience at a house party. The gentleman that was hosting the party was a painter and painted “white paintings”. That’s right, just white paint and canvas. When I first saw the paintings I thought to myself, “This guy is a bit of a nutbar.” I ended up speaking with him about his paintings and in about forty minutes, I had developed an appreciation for his art, mostly because I had an appreciation for him as an artist.

I am excited about creating an exhibition space in our Vancouver store because not only will it be visually stimulating, but it gives me the opportunity to meet with the artists and find out what is important to them, why they paint what they paint, and what their history is.

I hope that you take time out to join us here in Kitsilano and have a look at what some of Vancouver’s local artists are up to, and learn a little of their story.

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Seven days of planet friendly action in Canada

by Angelo October 3rd, 2011 - No Comments »

Monday, October 3rd to Wednesday, October 5 – Vancouver, B.C.
International Conference on Walking and Liveable Communities
Learn about transforming an automobile centric community to one that focuses on good old fashioned, up-hill, both ways, walking.

Tuesday, October 4 – Kitchener, Ontario
Workshop: Heat In, Squirrels Out! (Insulation and air sealing)
Having grown up in Ontario, I know that it can get pretty cold and breezy. You might want to check out this talk by Joern Roehl with cost-effective tips about insulation, ecoENERGY grants and more! 7 PM, 20 Mill Street, Kitchener

Wednesday, October 5 – Toronto, Ontario
The Virtual Activist: A Cyber Revolution
A free workshop in “Hacktivsm”. Learn about social media like Twitter and facebook. Learn how to cyber protest and of communities for collaboration. Learn podcasting, blogging and alternative radio.

Thursday, October 6 – Online, On demand
GHG (Carbon) Measurement & Reporting
Everything you wanted to know about Greenhouse gas but were afraid to ask.

Friday, October 07 – Guelph, Ontario
Advanced Mushroom Workshop
Be a fun guy and learn about fungi. Primo season in the fall to collect and classify. Run by U of G … so that’s a no on the Psilocybins.

Saturday, October 08 – Belwood, Ontario
Farm Wander and Pond Bonfire
Get connected to nature and wander 300 acres of rolling countryside with a scavenger hunt and bonfire to boot!

Sunday, October 09 – Toronto, Ontario
High Park Stewards: Seed Collecting/Nursery Cleanup
A special treat to visit High Park Greenhouse Native Plant Nursery … yup, check it out since it’s not open to the public !

 

Check out Planet Friendly Calendar to add your event.

 

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Should Canada Ban Shark Fin Soup?

by Matt September 24th, 2011 - No Comments »

You maybe haven’t hear yet, but Sharks are becoming endangered.  That is not good news. Not for our oceans. Not for the planet. Not  for our us.

If we eliminated one of the biggest predators out of our oceans, then obviously the marine world will fall into imbalance and that won’t bode well for other species.

Canada can make a difference and choose not to eat, nor purchase shark products, especially shark fin soup.  Yes, you can purchase Shark Fin Soup at 16  restaurants right here in in Vancouver.

Seventy- three million sharks killed annually, primarily for their fins. Why aren’t some people thinking twice about ordering the dish?  Just google shark fin soup and look at the google images. We are massacring these large predators for their fins, and most times their live bodies are just being thrown back into the ocean, left to sink and starve.

Shark Fin soup is a popular delicacy in Chinese cuisine, and is one of the leading reasons for the declining shark population.   Can’t we go without this soup?

Yes, it is served as a delicacy at a wedding, but can’t other delicacies be served? Especially if it means saving a species.  We can make these responsible choices, and save our oceans. Can’t we?

What do you think?  Should Canadian authorities ban the purchasing and distribution of shark fins?  Everything is wasted except the fins, a horrible sign that society can be frivolous.  A society that holds convenience and disposability in such a high regard that it insults our future generations.

I wonder, will  grand-children be told how wonderful the soup was when they have questions.  They will, in time, learn … if this disregard for life continues. Perhaps they will be told nothing, leaving shame hidden beneath a veil of silence.

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Green Drinks Gatherings~Vancouver, Very Cool!!!!

by Crystal June 16th, 2011 - No Comments »

Have you had a great green idea or would like to discuss environmental topics with like minded people? Or, maybe you are in a green business and want to network?

Just like people were able to go to the Philosopher’s Cafe to philosophize back in the day, now there is an opportunity once a month to meet with like minded people who are impassioned about living green and being green minded in Vancouver!

Unfortunately, I missed this month’s Green Drinks social event, but I would definitely like to look into going one of these coming months. What a great educational and fun concept, not to mention meeting amazing people!

Notably, the BC Sustainable Energy Association published details about the event for June, and I’m hoping they will do the same for this July.

If this sounds like your cup of “green” tea or beer, then I think you should check it out!

A socially green time you shouldn’t miss!

Here is a link to the BC Sustainable Energy Association. I think in the next couple of weeks there should be a new location for the gathering posted.

Check out the video below!  Here’s a neat Green Drinks Gathering that took place on a large boat in NYC!!!!!

I would love to pose this question that the camera lady asks in this video (see below) to Vancouverites!!!!

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Hockey goes green in Vancouver

by Angelo June 10th, 2011 - No Comments »

The green men of Vancouver are a big part of this year’s final round for the Stanley Cup as Roberto Luongo and the Sedin twins. Force and Sully the “names” of the green men, have rocketed to stardom during the regular season by taunting opponents during Canuck games. It’s doing their bit for the home team.

Go Canucks.

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Canuck Fever is hitting the streets of Vancouver!!!!

by Crystal May 31st, 2011 - No Comments »

It’s not even Wednesday yet, a.k.a. game night, and people are honking their horns, and yelling out load!

Woooohooos can be heard up and down West 4th Avenue and I’m sure on the other major streets in Vancouver!!!!!

It’s so exciting.

We are all prepared for these finals, and we’ve had some time to prepare for the Stanley Cup Finals, haven’t we.  How many years has it been, kidding.

Not only have we had time to prepare for these final playoff games, but life now seems to circulate around these hockey games.  I’m not the only one, and try to get a taxi during game night, impossible!

Looking back a little while ago, during the start of the playoffs, I wasn’t always sure where I would be watching a Canucks’ game, but now I have plans atleast a couple of days ahead for the game night.

This coming game, I know that i’ll be eating a lot of Nachos, a going tradition at a friends house!

Not to get sentimental, but looking back into my past, I recall watching the final Canucks Stanley Cup Game on Vancouver Island at Fairwinds Golf Course in Nanoose Bay, oh back when I was in my early teens. I still remember that moment when we were not victorious, I don’t want another one of those memories!

I also recall all of the years we have tried to get to another Stanley Cup Playoff.

Now here we are!!!!!!

Here’s to the Canucks and to all of the amazing fans.  I hope, we win this time, I really, really do.  Let’s make amazing memories Canucks’!

As for the Boston Bruins, good luck, you’ll need it, that’s all I can say!

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Fanny Pack Fever!!!!

by Crystal May 28th, 2011 - No Comments »

I bought a fanny pack about half a year ago and have loved it ever since!  Why, you ask?  Don’t you feel like you are out of the 1980′s when wearing it?

Nope, not at all.  It’s all about how you wear it!

Also, it doesn’t hurt my shoulders like a purse used too, and it can’t take numerous objects in it, so I’m not stuck worrying about what to do with it.

A lot of my girlfriends have these big beautiful purses, but they have to lug them around. Yes, they may have a first aid kit, make up for all occasions, a pair of heels and an umbrella kicking around in their big purses. Yet, why bother?

The only thing with a fanny pack that I have noticed which is a bit weird is how after you take it off, it still feels like it is on your hips.

If you get the odd couple of looks due to your fanny pack, don’t take it personal. Give that person a couple of months and they may just have purchased a fanny pack themselves.

One of my best friends said some of the designer exercise stores are carrying these 1980′s fanny packs and soon, I’m sure people will be sporting the pack like I am.  I know my friends want to get a pack!

A word of caution:

It’s all about how you wear it!

If you wear it high up on your waste, a.k.a. in the narrowest part of your waste, this fashion trend may not last that long.

The new way should be lower on the hips and with a slight slant.  It’s more like a hipster pack, but call it what you like.

You can also carry it on your shoulder too, just sling it over. It’s up to you, but for the summer time, fanny packs are soooo much more convenient.

If you aren’t wanting to get the full on 1980′s pack, there are other more modern options out there.  Packs you can put on your belt, square packs, and the list goes on.

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Bed Bugs- Carriers of the “Super Bug” Vancouver?

by Crystal May 12th, 2011 - No Comments »

Good Night

Sleep Tight

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs

BITE


As many of you know who live in Vancouver, we have had our fair share of issues with stubborn bed bugs and dust mites.

It has definitely not been uncommon to receive the occasional phone call here at our Vancouver Essentia Store about bed bugs, and other such things like dust mites.

Yes, our Essentia mattresses are dust mite deterrent, and bed bugs would have a heck of a hard time getting into our mattresses too!  It’s just with bed bugs, they can be anywhere… That is, they can hang out behind curtains, in your electrical outlets, in your walls, your clothes, and endless other places.

And now, it may be these blood sucking bed bugs could be carrying the “Super Bug“*… And as such, it would be a good idea to get rid of any bed bug issue you may have quickly.

It really doesn’t come as such a surprise though, as fleas and mosquitos have long since been suspected of carrying ugly viruses, and now we can questionably add bed bugs.

One last thought, if you are moving to a new apartment or house, as it’s that time of year! Ask your land lord, or your real estate agent if there has ever been a problem before with bed bugs.  While you are at it, you should probably ask about carpenter ants, rodents, and mold too. Good luck everyone.

*Alarming combo: Bedbugs with ‘superbug’ germ found, , May 31, 2011, “Web”

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Stay Healthy, Drink Tap Water Canucks’

by Crystal May 4th, 2011 - No Comments »

Here we are in Vancouver, with some of the cleanest water in the
world, yet we still drink large amounts of water from plastic
bottles. These plastic bottles filled with water come from all over
the world. Who is to say their water is better than ours?

It is funny how we will buy a bottle of water instead of asking for
water when we are out exploring our city. Yet, when we are in our
homes, we will drink from our taps. Sure, maybe we have a filter, but
the water from the tap is typically just fine the way it is. Why must we
think the water coming from our own taps at home is any different than
that at restaurants, coffee houses, or fast food places?

What is wrong with our tap water? Do we need to have a campaign
promoting drinking water from all of our taps in Vancouver?

Sure, at home we can use a filtration system, but a lot of coffee
houses will have this hooked up to the water that they use to make
coffee and other drinks as well. Yet, people will still buy a bottle
of water instead of having water from a tap.

Just try to ask for water at a local fast food restaurant, in a
mall, or even a coffee shop, for that matter. At times, the
conversation will probably go something like this:

“Could I please have a glass of water?”

“We have Evian, Dasani, or I think there is probably Aquafina bottles
in the cooler as well, just over there.”

“No, I’m sorry, I meant, could I please have a glass of water.”

The cashier will then give you a quizzical look of, “Are you sure…”

He or she will then say, “You do know it is out of the tap, right?”

Then you reply “yes”, and finally you have a glass of water.

How hard was that?

Save a couple of dollars when you are out and pack a reusable cup or
water bottle, or ask for a glass of water.

Plastic bottles filled with water are temperature sensitive and if
cooled or heated can release harmful chemicals and plastics into the
water.

Here’s to some of the best water in the world! Save the earth, and
when you have an urge to go for the bottled water, take a breath and
tell yourself that tap water is just as good, and most likely way
better, for you!

It may take courage to ask for some tap water, but nobody learned to
walk without taking the first step!  It also takes courage to win the Stanley Cup!

Go Canucks Go!!!!!

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The Sex Was Fantastic – If Memory Serves Me Right

by Angelo April 30th, 2011 - No Comments »

I was recently talking to some friends here in Vancouver who had just attended the The Taboo Naughty But Nice Show. This show is held on an annual basis in Calgary, Edmonton, Fraser Valley, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Vancouver and Winnipeg.  They knew that I sold natural memory foam mattresses, and braved to ask a question that few dare to.

“So, what’s it like ? You know, having sex?”

The following is basically what I told them, modified slightly for the blog:

Pressure points are a major concern when choosing a mattress, and memory foam is certainly rises above all others in that regard. Essentia’s natural memory foam mattresses wrapped in organic cotton allow you to maintain a number of positions without being afraid that one of your limbs will get numb. Because memory foam shapes to your body, there aren’t any uncomfortable positions caused by pressure points keeping you from getting imaginative in the bedroom.

Another concern may be noise. It’s not hard to conceive, sorry, it’s not hard to imagine how difficult it would be to keep things on the down-low with squeaking bed springs, rattling frames and banging headboards. There’s nothing like tear filled eyes at mommy and daddy’s bedroom door to ensure that little Charlie Tucker remains an only child.

The one thing innerspring beds do, is bounce back. This helps with both rhythm and speed. But it can also waste a lot of energy and effort: the mattress pushes back when you push down, preventing you from get closer to your partner.

This brings us to the energy efficiency of memory foam mattresses. Since there is virtually no bounce, all your energy and effort is pleasurably rewarded. The gripping nature of memory foam contours to your partner’s body so that they won’t be shoved around with every move. It’s almost like an extremely mild form of BDSM. This of course means that certain techniques work much better and you won’t need to hook your feet to the side rails or bang the headboard to enjoy your signature moves.

Obviously your body temperature increases during sex, so your Essentia natural memory foam mattress will help reduce that ‘hot’ feeling by dissipating the heat while still maintaining support. Traditional memory foam gets much softer in warmer climates and can lead to a mushy feeling that can kill that lovin’ feeling. Because of the natural ingredients in Essentia’s memory foam, the integrity is maintained to a higher degree, maintaining continued support.

Admittedly memory foam doesn’t aid mobility, so if you are a wild, energetic couple who likes a little more action in bed, perhaps you may consider adding to your adventures elsewhere!

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