Quickie Post - “Day 25 Update” Hello everyone, just wanted to update live@yvr fans on what’s been happening here at YVR. I spent the most part last week gathering stories for a short 9/11 tribute which I plan to have complete by tomorrow evening. With that being said, I had to clamp down on some serious edits today! It’ll probably be an editing marathon tonight and tomorrow. As well, YVR will be receiving a commemorative plaque presented by US Consul-General, Anne Callaghan, tomorrow. This will pay tribute to YVR’s efforts in accommodating 34 diverted passenger jets and over 8000 passengers in the wake of 9/11. I will be on location capturing that ceremony. Something happened today that was very touching. I was introduced to an 86 year old woman who was waiting for her 91 year old World War II heart throb to walk through the International Arrival gates. After the war, the couple was forced to go their separate ways. Seventy years later they returned into each others’ lives and I was very fortunate to film their reunion. I will have more on this story in the future. Hope everyone is having a great weekend enjoying the last of the summer weather. If you’re looking for something to do, check out my blog post on “Sea Island Hot Spots”, it contains a list of all the beaches and plane spotting locations on Sea Island. Chat soon!
Quickie Vid - “The Mighty Fraser River” Before I started my 80 day stay at YVR, people used to ask me, “what are you going to miss the most?” I didn’t quite know what to say. It wasn’t until I found myself trying to soak up every last minute of summer, when I realized.. “I’m going to miss Port Alberni the most.” Port Alberni isn’t really known for its scenery. However, for three months of the year that completely changes. The clouds lift, the waters sparkle and the valley is flooded with tourists and young bucks like me, excited to relive the ‘Alberni’ summer. Exploring the countless rivers and lakes of the Alberni Valley is something I’ve done every summer for the last 29 years. It was definitely something that I’d miss this year. But, that all changed once I began to discover the abundance of hidden beaches, river banks, trails and back roads on Sea Island. Take last night for example. I had spent the entire day (8-6) interviewing travellers and YVR workers, gathering content for my upcoming 9/11 anniversary story. I was drained and needed some time away from the busy terminal. My journey took me to a hidden section of McDonald Beach, a 20 minute bike ride form YVR. The combination of friendly people, gorgeous scenery, river waters and a warm evening sun instantly brought me back to my childhood in Alberni Valley. I couldn’t resist the urge any longer. My tail started to wag, ears stood straight and I jumped into the mighty Fraser River. For 3 minutes, I was back home!
Doggie Watch - “A Living Hero” When Pat and Jackie rescued their Shiba inu pup from an abusive home in one of New Yorks slums, they didn’t know what they were in for. It wasn’t until they found Hiro bumping into doors and stumbling down steps that they realized, Hiro was suffering from some major eye damage. Hiro’s origins are somewhat mysterious, but both Pat and Jackie are certain he came from a very abusive home, possibly even a puppy mill. They took Hiro to a doggie eye specialist and had his eyes operated on. Although his vision is still not perfect, his nose is definitely not as sore. Despite Hiro’s rough beginnings, both Pat and Jackie say he’s an amazing friend. “Sure he gets into trouble from time to time, but he’s a very classy and mellow soul (which is why he loves classic Frank Sinatra tunes)” said Jackie. They named him Hiro for two reasons: 1). His name (Hiro) and breed (Shiba inu) are both native to Japan; and 2). His heroic spirit has helped him over come his dark past and become an awesome travel buddy & companion. Doggy: HIRO (pronounced Hero) Owners: Pat & Jackie Traveling to: JFK, New York (home) Fav Treats: Lamb Treats Fav Music Artist: Frank Sinatra Hiro will fly in the comforts of Cathay Pacific’s temperature controlled cargo hold, while Pat and Jackie will catch some much needed ZZZ in their reclining chairs. All the best you three, I look forward seeing you in Central Park sometime. Doggie Watch is a weekly segment dedicated to the K9 critters that pass through the Vancouver Airport.
Quickie Vid - “Franco the Barber” Franco the Barber is 73 years old and has worked in YVR for 43 years! Like Leonardo da Vinci and Luciano Pavarotti, he expresses himself through his art, barbering. His cut and clean shave include a 20+ step ritual, leaving the customer feeling like million dollars! The two difficulties shooting when shooting this video were: 1). not falling into a relaxed dream-state while I filmed and 2). conveying the exact feeling I felt as Franco worked his magic. To experience exactly what I was feeling, you’ll have to see Franco for yourself! It will be the nicest thing you’ve done for yourself in a longtime. I promise. Special thanks to Franco and Absolute Spa. To book an appointment with Franco contact Absolute Spa at: (604) 684-2772. Absolute Spa is located on the lower floor in YVR’s Main Terminal.
Quickie Vid - “Hanging with Paul Brandt” Wed, Aug 31, 2011 - Paul Brandt stopped by the Live@YVR set on his way back home to Calgary. He was a little worried his shirt wasn’t colorful enough. Luckily I had an extra Hawaiian Lei for him. Chatting with Paul was like hanging with an old friend. His laugh instantly warmed up the conversation. We covered a ton of ground in our 20 minute interview. Unfortunately, I could only fit so much in a 2 min video. However, if you would like to see more of Paul, he will be featured on CMT (Country Music Television) on Sept 17th, as he launches a new TV series, “Build It Forward”. He will also be launching a new CD and collectors box-set. For more info visit: www.paulbrandt.com
Quickie Post - “Hot Spots on Sea Island” I had no clue that Sea Island had so much history, wildlife, community and culture. Like most Vancouver-ites, I used to think it was over taken by runways, hangers, loud noises and confusing signs. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to explore the island, I’ve learned that there is so much more! The next few days are supposed to be gorgeous here in Vancouver. I’ve created a map (see photo) detailing all the local ‘hot spots’ (BBQ spots, parks, plane spotting locations and more). All the spots listed are accessible by car (or) bike. Myself, I would leave the car at home, take the SkyTrain and either walk or bike to the destination. All of these ‘hot spots’ are family friendly as well. Just remember, this island is beautiful for a reason. If you do visit, please respect the wildlife and locals by being considerate of noise and cleaning up after yourselves. :) Enjoy!
Quickie Vid - “Quick Update” Hey everyone, just heading to bed and wanted to leave you with a little update. The last few days have been long, but completely amazing. Interview with Country Musician, Paul Brandt, Wedding and Aquarium feeding.. all in one day. I had over 5 hours of footage! But it’s now down to 3.5 hours, as I just finished the Vancouver Aquarium Video tonight! It will be posted soon. Today (Friday) I’ll be job shadowing Elise from YVR Air Side Safety, she will be teaching me how YVR maintains a safe runway. Afterward I will finally meet with Richard from CATSA, where I will discover what happens to those confiscated items at the departure security gates. Gotta get my rest, off to bed. Take care everyone. Chat soon :)
Quickie Post - “Bucket List” I can officially check three items off my bucket list: 1). Feed a wolf eel, 2). Wed two lovers in holy matrimony and 3). sing songs with a famous country musician. The best part is, I did it all in one day! That’s right, only at YVR. Morning: While the male was very shy to show his grumpy old Wolf Eel face, I watched in amazement as the Vancouver Aquarium diver fed and patted the 4ft long, pregnant female as if she were a pet. Astonishing how a such a wild animal could adapt so quickly to a newly contained environment. However.. I guess living in YVR’s ‘swanky’, 114,000 litre, saltwater, Vancouver Aquarium managed tank is almost comparable to living at the Fairmont. Such a beautiful creature! Afternoon: Lisa and Alex, a UK couple, have taken a two year vacation to travel the entire world and get married in each major city. They caught wind of the Live@YVR story, and made a special trip to YVR, so I (YVR Storyteller) could conduct their vows. For the first time in my life I was the Minister! The wedding was seamless. We rounded up around 100 random guests, assigned them bride (or) groom seating and had them cheering for what side was better. Rings were exchanged, but more importantly each received an honorary Hawaiian Lei. (2people1life.com) Evening: He has the voice of a angel, speaks with the charisma of a hometown friend, AND.. Paul Brandt sends his own tweets! ”Paul, I think it’s time for a tweet” said Tammy (his dedicated assistant). She hands him a cellphone and with in 5 seconds he had taken a picture of him and I, and fired the message off on two different twitter accounts. That takes talent! We chatted about all the essentials: trucks, horses, love, time management, trucks and growing up country. I was also able to catch a glimpse of of his upcoming CD and his new TV series on CMT, Build It Forward, which premieres Sept 17th, 2011. (www.paulbrandt.com) Thank-you to the Vancouver Aquarium for the ‘Fishy’ tour, Lisa & Alex for allowing me to be a part of their special day, and Paul Brandt for that Grand Ol Oprey interview.
Quickie Vid - “Bikes on a Plane” I was shocked to see two people, directly in-front of their international check-in gates, struggling to construct two giant makeshift boxes. What was in these boxes? Despite the fact that they looked like they were in a rush, I had to find out.
Personal Diary Vid - “Sing Tao & Hanging with Friends” My goal is to make each of the Personal Diary Videos under a minute. So far they’re always a bit over a minute.. I’ll master the one minute clip some day. Have you ever professionally partied in New York? I met up with my friend Alicja at the Plaza Premium Lounge. When I asked her what she was going to do in NY, she pulled a massive plastic binder from her carry-on bag. Inside it was a detailed party itinerary, containing an insiders list of hundreds of parties, after parties, and after after parties. I can’t wait to hear the stories. Good luck Alicja! I’d also like to give a special mention to my buds, Phil and Shaun for sending me a text message, “We’re coming over!” I’ve been so focused on this job, that I haven’t spent anytime with my guy friends. So thank-you for inviting yourselves over! It was great to see their huge grins when they arrived at my hotel room door in Hawaiian shirts. Have a great night / morning everyone!
