With aggressive pricing for both, the practice is not illegal, but extortionate...with exception that Stub hub is apparently contributing to charity.
http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/the-tragically-hip-vancouver-ticket-prices-stubhub
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
I Can't Get No Satisfaction: Our Fearless Leader, The Justin, is "Dissatisfied"
The next time you find yourself chewed out by a foreign politician or diplomat on Canadian soil, don't expect this government to stand up for you. Nevernind internationally
"I Can't Get No...Satisfaction" - Rolling Stones
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Uh oh....Now What is Justin Doing
Rooted in the days of not only losing to a Conservative majority, but also grasping at such desperate measures as forming a "coalition" with the NDP, similar to a pouty, spoiled child that does not achieve the results he/she merely wants, he/she runs to the parent or teacher to change the rules. I thought this issue was dead after winning a recent majority government. But noooooooooo, Justin is out to pursue even more damage in his 7.5 months in turning Canada into a banana republic.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Liberals and their spending habits: amazing what a month can do
Amazing what one month of spending can do (I certainly felt it on my Visa after my Dublin trip). Here's to "sunny ways"...
Saturday, May 28, 2016
The Full Irish: Dublin's Music, comedic tour guides, Phil Lynott and the Guinness
Dublin, where the Guinness flows and all the tours and attractions are €16. It was a brisk cool entry into Dublin with a calming flyover some golf courses on Aer Lingus connecting through London. To connect to downtown, a taxi will cost approximately €25 or the bus will cost €6 leaving every 20 minutes or so (throw in a 3 day hop-on hop-off tour bus for €33 and this offer starts to sound reasonable).
If arriving early or on a red eye flight and waiting to check into your hotel, might as well go straight for what is intimidatingly known as the "Full Irish". A solid breakfast of fried eggs, various sausages and bacon that may also contain fries/chips. It will run you about €10 and may last you for the whole day! Bobo's on Dame Street provides good fare with pictures of Irish celebrities on each of its tables. Conveniently my full Irish was with Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy fame. If putting it off to later in your stay, then O'Brien's is a good and lighter sandwich option if continuing to stretch the legs and you don't want to restaurant all day. Or even a quick trip into the Tesco grocery stores that typically have an assortment of pastries/breads if you are already missing Tim Horton.
For other eating options, the Elephant and Castle with reasonably priced gourmet burgers and Boxty for Irish boxty breakfasts are solid choices. Also centrally located (and next to the Temple Bar Hotel) is the Hard Rock Cafe if that tickles your fancy or just for a trip to review the Orange guitar amps (the brand name and colour) on display in the window.
If still waiting for a hotel room, among some other "tick off the list" items: a ride on the double decker bus (inexpensive way to see the city), wander the shops of Grafton Street, take a quick turn and visit the Phil Lynott statue on Harry Street next to Bruxelles Pub (a decent place off the path that has a good Shepherds pie), or visit the Irish Rock n Roll hall of Fame (€16...again). There are bike share programs to further explore the city; however with all the new Tram construction currently it is difficult to attempt unless you are an adventurous local student with more than a familiar knowledge of the windy streets.
Areas in downtown around the river Liffy (Dublin Castle, Brazen Head, Cathedral) are walkable with a few bridges to cross from the north and south sides. However, the city is not very "running friendly ", unless you're up early and spared yourself the Guinness the night before. But who does that.
Be mindful that when out and about in Dublin the weather can change instantly and several times a day. Having entered an establishment for a peek don't be surprised to find the conditions outside when you exit to have only reversed. Or, if you looked out the hotel and expected to leave your jacket for the day, you'll probably need it before the elevator hits the ground floor.
Among some of the many Dublin attractions are Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the Jameson Whisky tour. The tour guides are often attractions themselves injecting very witty humour and delivery into the historical facts and descriptions of mechanical processes they are explaining. At Trinity College, Ireland's proud hall of education, founded in1592 by Royal Charter at a time when during the 1590s England had two long-established and expanding universities, and Scotland four. Its 50 acre site is deceiving when looking at it from the main entrance (white edifice). Degrees here are recognized at Oxford and Cambridge when transferring as was explained by our self claimed "professional student" yet entertaining tour guide.
The main attractions at Trinity are the stunning Old Library where volumes and books are not categorized by subject, author or a decimal based system....but by size, and the famous Book of Kells (how was this significant document missed during my Catholic school upbringing?). Created in a monestary circa 800 A.D., the history of this collection of four ornate Gospel works and western calligraphy has a mysterious, tragic and intriguing past having first thought to have been written in Iona (Scotland) then coinciding with Viking raids was moved to Ireland in the Abbey of Kells (County Meath). It now resides in Trinity College as a national treasure where particular pages of text and art are on display.
At Dublin castle, a very historically important building in the history of Ireland in particular leading up to and after the Easter rising of 1916, another of the humorous tour guides took us through the structural, historical and cultural foundations of this grand structure. Mostly known for one of its unfortunate guests, the tour illustrated the story of James Connolly, an important figure leading to Ireland's independence. Under military escort, Connolly was carried to the castle's makeshift hospital facilities as set up by the Red Cross, where hours later he signed Pearse`s surrender order on behalf of the Irish Citizen Army. He was court-martialled there, while propped up in his bed, and later hauled off to Kilmainham Gaol then executed by firing squad, not strong enough to stand but tied to a chair.
On a lighter note, the Old Jameson Distillery tour (€16) is at the old site where it has since been moved to Cork in order to be closer to the grain farmers (as the Irish are extremely keen about their ingredients). The tour explains the back breaking work of workers past during the unmechanized days of hauling bags of grain up several stories to dry out, now replaced with mechanical processes streamlining the processes and inventory control as explained by our enthusiastic French Canadian tour guide. To our surprise the tour finished with a twist on the tasting - Jameson versus Johnnie Walker and Jack Daniels. Afterwards, as a reward, you can have the choice of a whiskey or the memorable Jameson ginger and lime. Take the latter! Later, you can bottle your own whiskey complete with your own name on it, for....€100. The Guinness tour was a highlight of the trip not just for its known sampling at the end but for the certificate of "official pouring class" and best views of the city of Dublin. Like all tours around the world they terminate in the gift shop, so be sure to have an expandable suitcase for all the "unique" chocolates, t-shirts, golf attire, coffee mugs, etc.
If taking in unique sports is of interest a visit to Croke Park in the city's northeast end to watch a Hurling match will more than satisfy. With elements of soccer, lacrosse, Aussie Rules Football and hockey, this 3,000 year old sport will be memorable even if only just an early season league game. No drinks allowed in the stands but at the break, fans showing their true colours of support for their teams gather on the ground floor for the €5 Guinness and such offerings as curry fries.
No stay to Dublin is complete without a trip to the Temple Bar area where on the weekends (less so during the week) the music goes all day and night and there is no shortage of 20- and 30-somethings paraded around in cow costumes or baby outfits (that should be at least one size bigger). Curiously, there was no sign of police presence for such a concentrated, alcohol fuelled area. If you're a guitarist/singer looking for an acoustic gig, then Temple Bar is a Mecca with lots of work available (even this author managed a couple of quick renditions from a generous busker at the Bedford Row corner...around 3:30am). And all seem to be required to play a common set of 10 songs no matter where you go (when did Oasis' "Wonderwall" become the Irish anthem?). Quays is a popular pub centrally located on the main strip of Fleet Street which will be noticed as hundreds can be heard singing the latest cover songs. Upstairs at Quays is a decent restaurant serving Irish fare complete with witty servers. Later it becomes more boisterous as the guitar playing singers perform similar songs (no doubt "Whiskey in the Jar" will be heard at least once a day). The Auld Dubliner appeared to be the "starter" place as it seemed busier earlier in the day. The Temple Bar was also a popular favourite among many complete with a garden area (which you would only know or think of looking up during the day).
No matter where you go, all places will have live music, friendly people and no lines or queues to negotiate. Once inside, you'll be getting your craíc on, talking to your neighbours and making new friends. Come to Dublin for the charm, the music, the tour guides, the food and my goodness...the Guinness !
PS...don't take horse carriage rides!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
San Francisco: I Left The BART, in San Franciscoooooo....
"...The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gray
The glory that was Rome is of another day
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I'm going home to my city by the Bay..."
A more successful trip to San Francisco than my previous two brief ventures leaving me thinking San Francisco was "just a Seattle with palm trees". Challenging terain in some areas (hence the cable cars) so not stroller friendly, high heels friendly or running friendly (neither of which impacted me). The outer edges by the water are much more forgiving. Everything seemed to be the same prices; however, in US$ (versus our Trudeau Trinkettes) with exception of the nearby Nordstrom Rack. Drivers are aggressive and do not cross the street if you see anything less than "5" on the pedestrian countdown. Shuttle services are great and only $15 per person to or from airport.
One of the popular attractions, Market St., shall satisfy most with its collection of brand name stores and Starbucks at every corner (hence my mistaking for a warmer Seattle); however, the main attractions are the assortment of colourful old streetcars from years gone by (I even saw one from Toronto, a gleaming "Red Rocket" that looked better than any piece of transit equipment the TTC has ever owned, and a smoother ride too!). If staying in or near union Square, these street cars will take you straight to the piers by the waterfront for an enjoyable US $2.25 (or less than a C$ TTC fare).
The piers offer many options for dining, patios and drinking a sunny afternoon away. One restaurant to go to in the early evening for a sunset is Tarantino's, although a drink and an appetizer is about all you need as this place is stuck in the 80s, but the location must have been strategically chosen by ancient Mayans. The staff are friendly, the local Anchor Steam is a decent beer and the appetizers are of a healthy size. Next you want to go to Boudin, famous for its sourdough bread and the bread bowl chowder (carb loading Heaven). Although more famous, the seals are available to watch as they crowd some nearby docks and make their low octave growls while most are just sleeping. Do not feed them.
Another well known instituition of San Francisco is Lori's, a cheap and cheerful diner establishment, it was a welcomed destination after a 6am arrival into San Francisco from Kauai. Three locations are in town and there is no award for conquering all three. As I found out.
San Francisco is a happy hour friendly city and with Napa and Sonoma close by, good thing it is! Many are offered along Hyde Street which is also a cable car street with many stops. However, if walking Hyde Street just remember it is a cable car steet for a reaon so just make sure your have planned the right route....that is, downhill!
A bike ride around town is one way to appreciate the city (and its hills!). There are a few bike rental companies in town, all offering a similar deal: US$8 to 9 per hour or US$ 32 to 36 per day. Included usually are free ferry tickets to return once you've crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and Tiburon. I'm not sure if this typical but can be a windy ride as some of the route is along the ocean front (that included sand and a free exfoliation). Before that is a good portion of the route stretching through Golden Gate Park, a cruising cyclist's paradise. Nevertheless, plan at least half a day (likely the better part of a full day) to explore and take in all the sights with restaurant options in Sausalito and Tiburon as a destination before returning on the ferry. Most of the bike rental companies have a few locations so you can drop at a different area if your plans change....for US $10 extra. Another option is the local bike share. Or for a more attention grabbing transportation method try "GOCar", a two seater, yellow monster driven almost like a motor bike. Helmets provided and looks guaranteed. En (recommended) route to the Golden Gate Bridge while on the bike, you will pass the "Painted Ladies" near Alamo Square, a row of familiar Victorian homes from several movies and television programs. View from the park across the street along with other tourists was more "tree-ish" than my memory.
While in San Francisco a trip to Alcatraz (US $33) and the Cable Car Museum (free!) is necessary. Even if you think silly cable cars are for boys and that the history of crime should not intrigue anyone, you will regret not investigating both. Due to the luck of a sunny yet cool, breezy day, the 15 minute ferry ride was very pleasant and provided fantastic camera angles for photos of "The Rock" (cue up Sean Connery accent). The first room visited is the main shower room where inmates received their new clothing While there, everyone is handed an audio set with which to tour around the various cells, blocks, rooms, offices, quarters, etc. This audio tour highlights the cells where the men were staying that escaped and were never found, another yet botched incident where a guard was overpowered, locked in a cell then later shot and another event during a riot where the Marines were called in and the markings of grenades dropped through the roof are still evident in the floor. You can shuffle along from place to place as per the audio instructions of the audio guide (this includes voices from previous guards, inmates and even children of families that lived and worked on the island). An interesting talk was given that afternoon on Al Capone right in the dining hall where inmates were given only 20 minutes to eat their meals.
After a visit to the Cable Car Museum a whole new appreciation for the transit system and the technology of the time will be instilled within you. Despite the name, a eureka moment was had after discovering the cables run under the street, around corners, both up and down hill covering the entire routes of the two remaining lines. It is well worth the visit (free).
For views of the city, San Francisco is host to several hotels with top level restaurants, lounges and bars. After a few attempts at the Westin, Hilton , Fairmont unfortunately the anticipated views were met with views of private parties and weddings (mid April must be a popular time in San Francisco). If unsuccessful the lobby of the Hilton is a good place to have a drink. However, one excellent find was "The Top of the Mark" in the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins hotel. An old style lounge/bar with a fantastic band that played the right mix of 70s with the latest top 40 overlooking various angles of the city. I've never seen a dance floor so populated within the first few notes from the band. For something out of the ordinary visit the Tonga tiki bar surprisingly located in the Fairmont. As luck would have it there was a private event...after having tried the two previous evenings! A for effort.
After all of that, sadly no run in with Tony Bennett ("I left my heart....in San Franciscoooooooooo"), but a trip back would definitely be worth it
Friday, April 22, 2016
Demographic Myths busted for Vancouver Millennials Leaving Town, Yet no Clarity on Foreign Real Estate Buyer Demographics?
Interesting that this level of detail and specific demographic has been identified, studied and the conclusion is this clear and with precision. Yet the range of estimates related to the demographics of foreign real estate purchasers in Toronto and Vancouver you could drive a bus through. This has resulted in warring conclusions from i) Canadians looking to buy real estate versus ii) Asian purchasers/families looking to be Permanent Residents, Immigrant Investors or residents for tax purposes, and iii) the real estate agents in the middle, holding all the facts and information but not looking to spill the beans to either side.
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