DIME Chronicle

04 September 2010

Hastings Park

No. 9463 - 14 Aug 2010 - 15:06:07

Gastown, Vancouver

During a recent and first-time visit to Hastings Park Racecourse I was more bedazzled by the running of the mascots than of the thoroughbreds. Why is it funny when a mascot falls over? Perhaps because the whole exercise is so silly and the dehumanization is cushioned by a bulky costume that both disguises and protects. We are more worried that the amusingly employed individual is overheating on a hot summer day.

The two week-long Pacific National Exhibition,which is held in Hastings Park, is over at weekend's end when the racing schedule goes into autumnal denouement.

29 August 2010

Natural Selection

No. 2942 - 25 Aug 2010 -16:37:13 * No. 2956 - 25 Aug 2010 - 16:37:53

Gastown, Vancouver

Out of five Glaucous-winged Gull nests, I have watched and recorded since mating season began this spring, only two have thrived. The downtown nests are on the Brandeis Hotel, Pantages Theatre, Carnegie Centre, and the Royal Bank at Main and Hastings, high above the hoi polloi of Homo sapiens . One nest failed to hatch, two nests with one chick each failed to manage successful flight and were lost, leaving the two nests of pairs with one successful flyer left in each; two birds out of seven, so far (the Carnegie nest hatched two chicks but days later, when they were taken out for the long walk, only one came back). I have practiced watching without sentiment while observing and documenting the inexplicable course of nature. Life is hard but genetic survival appears to be a biological and logical imperative, of the highest order, for all living things.

This little creature was photographed at Lost Lagoon and appears to be on track to maturity.

Inspired Contrast

No. 0056(3) - 15 Aug 2010 - 11:35:38

28 August 2010

25 August 2010

22 August 2010

Anonymous

No. 1732 - 21 Aug 2010 - 14:15:57 * No. 1737 - 21 Aug 2010 - 14:18:00

Gastown, Vancouver

A small but spirited event takes place on the pavement in front of the Scientology Centre on West Hastings. The custom is to don Guy Fawkes masks while drawing attention to the cult practices of the L. Ron Hubbard church of tax-free business. I love a demo and could not resist a detour to engage in conversation and picture taking. Google Anonymous vs Scientology for more information.