Just finished watching Wild At Heart (1990) and Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984)...

Just finished watching Eraserhead (1977) and Are You In The House Alone? (1978)...

Now listening to Famous Blue Raincoat by Jennifer Warnes and Mission To Mars by Ennio Morricone...

In Davie Village in Downtown Vancouver. Summer of 2018.

Davie Village (also known as Davie District or simply Davie Street) is a neighbourhood in the West End of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the home of the city’s gay subculture, and, as such, is often considered a gay village, or gaybourhood. Davie Village is centred on Davie Street and roughly includes the area between Burrard and Jervis streets. Davie Street—and, by extension, the Village—is named in honour of A.E.B. Davie, eighth Premier of British Columbia from 1887 to 1889; A.E.B’s brother Theodore was also Premier, from 1892 to 1895.

Along Davie Street are a variety of shops, restaurants, services, and hotels catering to a variety of customers, in addition to private residences. The business with the most notoriety is Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium (“Little Sister’s”), a gay and lesbian bookstore, because of its ongoing legal battles with Canada Customs that have received extensive national media coverage. Many businesses and residents along Davie Street and in the West End generally also fly rainbow flags as a symbol of gay pride, and many of the covered bus stop benches and garbage cans along Davie Street are painted bright pink.

The Village hosts a variety of events during the year, including the Davie Street Pride Festival which runs in conjunction with Vancouver’s annual Gay Pride Parade, during which sections of the street are closed to motor traffic.

Davie Day is also held each year in early September, to celebrate local businesses and the community itself. This Day is designed to build awareness and promote the surrounding businesses, and is focused around Jervis to Burrard Street.

The Davie Street Business Association coined the name “Davie Village” in 1999 and also commissioned banners from local artist Joe Average, which fly from lampposts in the district. The two-sided banners depict a rainbow flag on one side and a sun design by Average on the other.

Davie Village is also home to the offices of Xtra! West, a biweekly LGBT newspaper, Qmunity (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Centre) which provides a variety of services for the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents, and the Vancouver Pride Society, which puts on the annual Pride Parade and Festival.

 

Now reading Monuments Of Civilization: Ancient Cambodia by Donatella Mazzeo & Chiara Silvi Antonini...

#Equityisworthwhile: Why are autistic adults living in poverty?

A lot of people in BC are having a hard financial time right now, but autistic people face disproportionate amounts of income inequality. It’s an issue that affects our ability to care for ourselves, live a life we’re excited about, and build meaningful careers. Those are just a few of the impacts. But why are autistic adults in poverty? 🤔

This article will dive into some of the causes, and in the next blog, we’ll talk about possible paths toward poverty reduction. Read more here:  https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autistic-adults/poverty-autistic-adults/

We believe #equityisworthwhile at AutismBC. Are you an autistic person struggling with money? What kinds of professional opportunities do you find helpful? If you’re a caregiver or loved one of an autistic person with helpful tips, insights, or comments, we’d also love to hear from you in the comments. 💬

Now listening to Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Unlawful Entry by James Horner...

On Robson Street in Downtown Vancouver. Summer of 2018.

Robson Street is a major southeast-northwest thoroughfare in downtown and West End of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its core commercial blocks from Burrard Street to Jervis were also known as Robsonstrasse. Its name honours John Robson, a major figure in British Columbia's entry into the Canadian Confederation, and Premier of the province from 1889 to 1892. Robson Street starts at BC Place Stadium near the north shore of False Creek, then runs northwest past Vancouver Library Square, Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, coming to an end at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. 

As of 2006, the city of Vancouver overall had the fifth most expensive retail rental rates in the world, averaging US$135 per square foot per year, citywide. Robson Street tops Vancouver with its most expensive locations renting for up to US$200 per square foot per year. In 2006, both Robson Street and the Mink Mile on Bloor Street in Toronto were the 22nd most expensive streets in the world, with rents of $208 per square feet. In 2007, the Mink Mile and Robson slipped to 25th in the world with an average of $198 per square feet. The price of each continues to grow with Vancouver being Burberry's first Canadian location and Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood (which is bounded on the south side by Bloor) now commanding rents of $300 per square foot. 

In 1895, train tracks were laid down the street, supporting a concentration of shops and restaurants. From the early to middle-late 20th century, and especially after significant immigration from postwar Germany, the northwest end of Robson Street was known as a centre of German culture and commerce in Vancouver, earning the nickname Robsonstrasse, even among non-Germans (this name lives on in the Robsonstrasse Hotel on the street). At one time, the city had placed streetsigns reading "Robsonstrasse" though these were placed after the German presence in the area had largely vanished. 

Robson Street was featured on an old edition of the Canadian Monopoly board as one of the two most expensive properties.

 

Just finished watching Blue Velvet (1986) and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)...

Just finished watching A Cure For Wellness (2016) and Mulholland Drive (2001)...

A Young Woman Playing An Aulos (1900) and A Morning Swim (1902) by Charles-Amable Lenoir.

DO NOT BUY THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2 | Bearman3600

I love being angry about meaningless topics. This is less about me wanting better baby games, and more of me hating corporations and watching them make billions off the bare minimum while their sheep fans cheer them on. It's disgusting. If you aren't able to open your eyes to the awful company that Nintendo has become, then maybe your wallet will. You can like modern Nintendo games, but you will never convince me that they are made with the same passion as they used to be.

Music:
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
00:01 : Gerudo Valley - The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
02:43 : Puzzle Swap - Streetpass Mii Plaza
05:28 : Beachside Dream - Mario & Luigi Bowser’s Inside Story
07:43 : Tallon Overworld Theme - Metroid Prime Remastered
10:09 : Stickerbrush Symphony - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 
14:14 : An Adventurer (Pirate Dream) - Mario Party 5
16:10 : Select Theme - Star Fox 64
17:43 : Dance with Babies - Mario & Luigi Partners in Time
19:18 : Staff Roll (Credits) - Super Paper Mario

Just finished watching Deadly Messages (1985) and He Said, She Said (1991)...

Just finished watching These Three (1936) and Vampire Hunter D (1985)...

Stephen Fry Tells All On Voicing The Harry Potter Series | Audible

Join Stephen Fry on a magic journey through the iconic Harry Potter stories! Revisiting his days of voicing the series, Fry delves into the evolution of character portrayals, scene building, and personal growth throughout the narration of each book. From the release of the first book to the final installment, Fry shares a complete retrospective on the Harry Potter series, the fandom's passion, and his own journey over the years.

Audible is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible content includes more than 700,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers.

RPGamer | Feature | RPGs of the Decade - 2000 to 2009 - #2 Final Fantasy X

https://web.archive.org/web/20141110111828/http://www.rpgamer.com/features/decade/decade-2.html

Released early in the PlayStation 2's life, Final Fantasy X marked Square Enix's RPG jump into a new console generation. While some of the additions this game offered may be common stock these days, this title helped pioneer one of the most dominate RPG consoles of not just the decade, but all time.

As laughable (pun intended) as some of the voice acted scenes in Final Fantasy X might seem these days, it was one of the first top tier RPGs to offer it, and made for a great experience at the time. The game boasts a solid turn-based battle system, the unique sphere grid leveling system, and the ability to swap characters around during the middle of combat. Despite being very linear, the game's focus on story offered a memorable and emotional experience highlighted by a top notch presentation. The stunning visuals were a major step up from the release of Final Fantasy IX merely a year before. The soundtrack not only featured classical RPG music from series veteran Nobuo Uematsu as well as Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano, but Uematsu also brought us the shockingly modern, hardrock song "Otherworld." Final Fantasy X showed that even as a traditional RPG, it was fresh and appealing.

The first game in the Final Fantasy series hit in 1990 with Final Fantasy VII bringing RPGs into the mainstream in 1997, but Final Fantasy X was the next game to take the series to the next level. Voice acting, an amazing cast (yes, Auron rocks), a grand soundtrack, and a nice twist on the standard turn-based setup all help Final Fantasy X obtain its place as one of the most memorable RPGs of the decade.

Now listening to Piano Sonata No. 32 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Quadrophenia by The Who...

On Nelson Street in Downtown Vancouver. Summer of 2018.

Nelson Street in Downtown Vancouver is a key east-west thoroughfare that runs through the heart of the city, known for its blend of residential, commercial, and cultural elements. Nelson Street stretches across Downtown Vancouver, roughly from the West End near Stanley Park to the eastern edge of downtown near Yaletown and False Creek. It intersects with major streets like Burrard, Granville, and Howe, making it a central artery for both locals and visitors. The street is part of the grid that defines Vancouver’s urban core, with a mix of high-rise condos, retail spaces, and proximity to key landmarks.

Nelson Square (808 Nelson Street) is a luxury condo building in the heart of downtown, offering 32 spacious units with 24-hour security and premium amenities like a gym, steam room, sauna, and meeting rooms. It’s ideally located for those wanting to experience Vancouver’s culture, entertainment, and convenience, with restaurants, shopping, cafes, and nightlife nearby. It’s also close to St. Paul’s Hospital, the Vancouver Public Library, and Vancouver Community College, with easy access to the SkyTrain.

Nelson Street is near significant cultural spots. For instance, the Vancouver Art Gallery’s outdoor installation space, often featuring thought-provoking exhibits, is located next to the Shangri-La Hotel, which is just a block or two away on West Georgia Street. The area around Nelson also benefits from being close to the Orpheum Theatre and other entertainment venues on Granville Street. Located in the West End (near the intersection of Nelson and Bute Streets), Nelson Park is a beloved community space, especially for dog-walkers. It’s also home to the West End Farmers Market during the summer, adding a vibrant, local flavor to the area.

Downtown Vancouver, including areas around Nelson Street, has undergone significant transformation over the decades. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region saw architectural contributions from figures like Francis Rattenbury, who designed chateau-style civic buildings in the city, such as the Vancouver Provincial Courthouse. While Nelson Street itself isn’t directly tied to these specific buildings, the broader downtown area reflects this historical evolution, with modern high-rises now dominating the skyline alongside preserved heritage elements.

The revitalization of downtown Vancouver in the 1980s—particularly along streets like Baker Street in nearby Nelson, BC—offers a parallel to how Vancouver has balanced modernity with heritage. While Nelson Street in Vancouver hasn’t been highlighted for the same kind of historical restoration, it benefits from the city’s broader push to maintain a vibrant urban core, with areas like the West End and Yaletown evolving into cultural and residential hubs.

Nelson Street’s central location makes it highly walkable and transit-friendly. The SkyTrain’s Burrard or Granville stations are just a few blocks away, connecting you to greater Vancouver. The street also intersects with bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas, aligning with Vancouver’s emphasis on sustainable urban living. The area around Nelson Street, especially near Nelson Park, has a community-oriented feel. The farmers market at Nelson Park (June to October) brings locals together, while the street’s proximity to Davie Village adds a vibrant, inclusive energy with its array of LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and events. Nelson Street exemplifies Downtown Vancouver’s evolution from a resource-based economy to a hub for arts, tourism, and modern living. Its proximity to cultural landmarks, parks, and transit makes it a microcosm of what makes Vancouver appealing—a mix of urban density, natural beauty, and community spirit.