Mossom Creek fish hatchery rises from the ashes

A few weeks ago I mentioned that we were producing a video about the remarkable resurrection of the volunteer-run Mossom Creek fish hatchery after a devastating fire. Thanks to Lafarge, other supporters and numerous volunteers, the hatchery is now back and better than ever.

How to build a podium (and a community)

Yesterday I documented the re-opening of the Mossom Creek Fish Hatchery in Port Moody, BC.

I get to attend a lot of events where people are speaking at a podium. The people are usually remarkable, but the podium itself is forgettable. (That's hatchery co-founder Ruth Foster in the photo; she qualifies as remarkable).

Also qualifying as remarkable is Rod MacVicar, another co-founder of the volunteer-run hatchery. Rod designed and built the podium using sustainable materials. Very fitting!

For the backstory on how the community came together and literally made this facility rise from the ashes, visit their website at www.mossomcreek.org

Also, check back here in a few weeks. I'll link to Lafarge's YouTube channel so you can view the video we're producing about Mossom Creek. Lafarge was a major sponsor in the rebuilding of the fish hatchery.

Wheels with solar panels can power a bicycle

These people in Denmark are working on a solar powered electric bike where the solar panels are actually embedded into the wheels. The wheels charge the battery when parked, which in turn powers the bike when in motion. But don't expect this invention to directly power the wheels without charging the battery first. At least not yet.

Microsoft HoloLens concept combines reality with virtual reality.

Interested in what the future might bring with respect to combining reality with virtual reality? Check out this concept from Microsoft.

Large scale public art is a show-stopper

This mural on W. Georgia Street in Vancouver is inlaid into the brickwork.

Architecture meets literary arts

Here's a clever bit of architecture at the Fairmont Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver. Those words on the window sills are actually a poem visible from the street.

Vancouver crosswalk stands out

Here's an excellent example of art and practicality. Will this tactic on Davie Street in Vancouver help prevent pedestrian collisions by drawing better attention to the crosswalks? 

Neon Sign Museum unique in Canada

Here's a video we produced for the City of Edmonton about their neon sign outdoor museum (the only one in Canada). This is a great way to preserve what many people believe is an important 20th century art form.

Clever toilet humour

Toilet humour normally isn't very creative, but I'm sure parents of infants and toddlers can appreciate this.

Radio in a mason jar

For those of you who appreciate clever design (and only like one radio station), this product could be for you.

Pinkyotto mannequin stands out in a crowd

I've said it a million times: You can't stand out in a crowd by being like everyone else in the crowd. This pinkyotto store mannequin stands out in the endless window displays along Prince Street in NYC.

National payroll week yet another creative ripoff?

It's already getting a little tired. Keep calm and (fill in the blank here). Will this slogan become as overused as (fill in the blank) Busters and Got (fill in the blank)? Probably.

But at least this ad takes a bizarre, obscure, boring-but-self-proclaimed-important topic and makes it fun / noticeable.

Cool door on Greene Street

The SOHO area of NYC is a cool mix of grunge and upscale style. This door to a residential loft along Greene Street illustrates the point. I suspect the security is pretty good too.

Abortion by mail

I suspect nobody missed this recent New York Times Magazine cover. It's brilliant and provocative!

Alessi orange dispenser is a new take on the tired old fruit bowl

Some ideas can solve problems you didn't even know you had. In this case, boredom. When was the last time you thought that a fruit bowl was cool? This fine example is at the Alessi store in the SOHO neighbourhood of Manhattan.